| Headquarters District of Texas, &c. |
| McNeel's Plantation, December 13, 1863 |
| |
| Col. James Duff, Commanding Troops of the
West |
| |
| Colonel, |
| I
am instructed by Major General Magruder to direct that you take
command of all the troops left in your section of the country from
Texana toward the west, and of all that country. |
| Orders have been given
Colonel Darden to use his force to destroy utterly the railroad from
Lavaca to Victoria {the San Antonio &
Mexican Gulf RR}. The engine alone has been excepted, or such
parts of the same as can be transported to Columbus. |
| If the twelve wagons forming
a commissary train which arrived at Texana have not been turned over
to Colonel Hobby, you will use some of these wagons to transport
such parts of the engine as may be most valuable to Columbus. The
rest of the engine will be destroyed. It is reported you have more
transportation than your allowance. Some of your wagons can be used
for this purpose if you have not the commissary train with you. |
| Should Colonel Darden be
unable to execute the orders about the destruction of the railroad,
you are directed to execute the orders and destroy it with your
force. |
| The district court has
issued an injunction against the destruction of the railroad and its
appurtenances. This injunction Colonel Darden has been directed to
disregard, but to act in the least offensive manner possible. |
| If necessary, as you have
been placed in command of that section, you will attend to this
matter, and execute all orders given him. |
| ***** |
| Colonel Darden has been
directed to report by letter to you as soon as he has destroyed the
railroad. |
| ***** |
| I am, &c., |
|
Edmund P. Turner |
| Assistant Adjutant-General |