| HDQRS. Dist. of Texas, New Mexico, and
Arizona |
| Capt. John Rugeley's House, December 7,
1863 -- 4 a. m. |
| |
| Brigadier-General Bee |
| En route from Victoria to Columbia |
| |
| General, |
| ***** |
| You and your troops may
still be in time, if the march is conducted with rapidity. Direct
Colonel [S. H.] Darden to destroy the wharves, railroad, burning the
ties, burning and destroying the engines, flats, coaches, &c.,
from Lavaca to Victoria {the San Antonio &
Mexican Gulf RR}, and also the storehouses, and every house
excepting such as are actually occupied by the people at Indianola,
Powder Horn, and Lavaca, giving the people one day's notice to
leave, if possible. This will be done by the State troops under his
command, and a complete destruction of all these things will be
made. |
| ***** |
| I am, general, very respectfully, your
obedient servant, |
| Edmund P. Turner |
| Assistant Adjutant-General |
|