l*2nu D"mni22Y 
 
 #3SO 
 
Houston, Texas, Nov. 20th, 1864, 
 
 To the Senators and Representative* in Congress, 
 
 from the State of Texas: 
 
 1 deem it my duty to lay before you a brief statement of the origin and 
 •operations of the late Texas Cotton Office, established by the orders of Gen- 
 vral Smith, for the military service in this Department There are now 
 outstanding obligations of that Office depending for their redemption upon 
 the action of Congress, and it devolves appropriately upon me to make the 
 explanations necessary to a correct understanding of their claim on your 
 consideration. To accomplish this satisfactorily, it will be necessary to 
 review the condition and circumstance^ which led to its organization. 
 
 The commencement of the war found Texas in possession only of the 
 arms and munitions then in the hands of the C S. troops, or deposited in 
 the arsenals, and without manufacturing establishments to produce them, or 
 in fact any <u the supplies for a lone war. The arms were issued to the 
 troops first organized, and were carried to Arkansas, Missouri and beyond 
 the Mississippi river. No reserve of arms was left in the State Very few 
 have been received from the other side of the Mississippi, doubtless because 
 of the difficulty of transfer to this side, and the pressing necessities else- 
 where. It became apparent at an early day in the war that this Depart* 
 inent must, from the force of circumstances, be self-sustaining. Contracts 
 were made at Richmond for supplies of foreign production for this Depart- 
 ment at such high prices, payable in Cotton at low figures, as induced the 
 belief that the large margin of pro!it to the contractors would secure their 
 introduction. Contracts were also madeby the Chiefs of the Military Supply 
 department here on terms most favorable to the contractor. It is enough to 
 say of these contracts that not live per centum of their aggregate has ever 
 reached this country. The officers who made these contracts endeavored to 
 provide for the fulfilment of the Government obligations by authorizing the 
 purchase of Cotton with Confederate currency, then not greatly depreciated. 
 
 It is not possible to speak with entire accuracy, but it was commonly sup- 
 posed that the Agents appointed for the -purpose, purchased Cotton in large 
 amounts in the early stage of their operations, and at low prices, but event- 
 ually their competition with private traders, and with each other, resulted in an 
 increased value for Cotton ; — speculation became rife, it soon became appar- 
 ent that of the large amount of Cotton bought, the Government owned 
 very little. To confine the operations to one officer, Major Hart was 
 appointed purchasing Quartermaster and sent to Texas with instructions to 
 buy Cotton and exchange it for supplies. It was doubtless the design of 
 the Government to charge Major Hart with this duty exclusively, and to 
 prevent competition with him by its own officers. This was not done,, and 
 without enquiring further, is sufficient to explain the failure by him to fulfill 
 
the designs contemplated in his appointment, and the consequent increase of 
 the contusion and difficulty. 
 
 Iu the meantime, our cont'giity to Mexico, whose circulation has always 
 been iu specie ; the facility with which our people could take their Cotton to 
 the border where the foreign trader stood laden with hard money and 
 luxuries inviting an exchange ; the strong outside pressure for Cotton, 
 bring. rig the purchaser almost t>> our doors, when contrasted with the 
 gradual but constant depreciation of the currency of the country, with 
 which alone Government purchases could be made, presented temptations 
 too strong to be resisted, and the roads leading to Mexico were thronged 
 with cotton wago-is. 
 
 The consequent depletion of the country of the resources through which 
 alone it could hope to procure the supplies so much needed, at length 
 induced the prohibition, by the military authorities, of the exportation of 
 Cotton, except under certain restrictions. Impressments were threatened 
 and iu some instances enforced agiinst parties attempting to violate these 
 instructions, aggravating the abuse, however, in that, while some suffered 
 impressment, otiiers were always exempt. Rvery pretext was devised for 
 evading the regulations, and in many instances with success, while some, 
 aimed with military orders, procured permits to export Cotton, obtained- 
 details of conscript teamsters, loudly proclaimed their connection with the 
 Government, until the Cotton arrived at a market, when it would appear 
 that the Cotton exported ostensibly on Government account, was and always 
 had been private property. The indignation of the people was great; not be- 
 ing able to discriminate between faithful and dishonest agents, they charac- 
 terized the entire operations of the Government in Cotton as dishonest, re- 
 fused to sell their Cotton, and withdrew their support from all schemes of 
 supply. 
 
 in this crisis the arrival of ships at the Rio Grande with supplies, nude 
 it necessary to provide Cotton for their payment?. The Government had 
 no Cotton at the point where it was needed, and its deposits in the inferior 
 were too remote to be made available. The alternative of impressment pre- 
 sented itself, and an order was issued directing the seizure of 20 per cent. 
 of all the Cotton arriving, or to arrive on the Kio Grande. This order was 
 enforced to some extent, and the parties who suffered impressment then still 
 hold their claims unsatisfied. Some modiiications were attempted without, 
 however, providing the means of payment for supplies arriving and expected. 
 
 The changing policy created distrust and dissatisfaction. The uncer- 
 tainty atteuditig the transportation of Cotton prevented foreigners from 
 introducing supplies. Contederate currency had no value outside our limits 
 and barely an appreciable value within. It could only be made available to 
 the extent of its possible inve t.neat in Cotton as a mj lium of exch nge, and 
 until the exportation of Cotton could be secured to its holder the Cotton as 
 well as the uiouey became absolutely valueless. Cotton at this time could 
 have been purchased freely at about three cents per pound in specie. It 
 became evident that the growing wants of the army would soon reach actual 
 destitution uuless a remedy could be applied. The necessity for supplies 
 being immediate and pressing, Gen. Smith issued an order for the impress- 
 ment of one-half the Cotton in the Department. The order was promul- 
 gated by Maj. Gen. Magruder in the District of Texas, and Capt. Udolpho- 
 Wolfe designated to supervise the acquisition and disposition of the (Jot- 
 
ton. Planters and merchants alike protested strongly against this order, 
 and expressed their willingness to respond to the call of the Department 
 Commander to such an extent as was actually necessary, but required that 
 the Cotton procured for use of the Government should be placed in the 
 hands of those in whom the c untry repo ed coutidence. 
 
 After much discussion as to plans, the result was the organizition of the 
 Texas Cotton Office, and my appointment as Chief, with Messrs. George 
 Ball and James S<uiey, pr minent merchants of Galveston, 13. A. Shepherd 
 of this city, and W. J. Kyle, a planter of Fort Bend county, as associates. 
 It was thought that these gentlemen, who were long residents of Texas, 
 who combined a long and familiar acquaintance with the people, with a 
 knowledge et the wants of tin; Department, and the means by which these 
 wants might be supplied, would afford sufficient guarantee as to the faithful 
 and judicious application of all Cotloo required under the plan. I submit 
 herewith General Order, No. 198, (A,) organizing that Office, and the 
 address of the Board to the planters of Texas, (B,) to which I respectfully 
 invite your attention. 
 
 Upon the organization of the Office, the main question was the means of 
 acquiring Cotton. The expenditure of Confederate money for Cotton could 
 only result in Hooding the country w.th a currency already greatly depre- 
 ciated During the spring of 1864, Cotton commanded $2 00 per pound in 
 Confederate money, and it was useless to think of acquiring an adequate supply 
 of Cotton w.th this means. Besides it is to be stated that there were no funds 
 in the Department for the purchase of Cotton, and none were furnished to the 
 Office. Its plan, therefore, was to propose to receive one-half of the Cotton 
 of each holder, giving to the vendor in payment a certificate of the specie 
 Yalue of the Cotton (C) redeemable as Congress might provide. The other 
 half of the Cotton, of equal quality with that surrendered to the Office, t) 
 be exempt from military impressment) its exportation secured, and its 
 transportation protected by a certificate (I) ) guaranteeing its safety from 
 molest ation. 1 do not discuss the question of the right of impressment 
 when applied to Cotton. That right, however, was claimed and exercised 
 by the L.eutenant General Commanding the Department, and all Cotton 
 held practically subject to it, and I desire to convey clearly the importance 
 of the guarantee against impressment to all parties who sold their Cotton to 
 the Office by virtue of General Order, No. 19S, which expressly declared 
 that such Cott n should not be molested, and which all military officers were 
 bound to observe. My cei t.ficate of exemption became thus a substantial pro- 
 tection, and gave an immediate increase of value to the Cotton so protected. 
 The plan was generally approved. Cotton in a few weeks rose from 3 cents 
 to t> cents on plantations. An active canvass of the counties bv energetic 
 agents resulted in contracts forUrg; ana mnts of baled and nnbaled Cjtton. 
 The baled Cotton nearest the Railroads came in rapidly, but the scarcity of 
 bagg.ng and ropeprevented an imm jdiate aecamul itiOn for delivery of the bulk 
 of die < otton contracted for. Measures were taken to provide this material, 
 and it was hoped, from the prospect, that the future supply of the Army was 
 secured beyond a contingency. But unfortunately for this object, the Gov- 
 ernor of Texas, at this time, interposed a State plan for the acquisition of 
 Cotton to be exported for State purposes. His negotiations involved the 
 purchase of 40,000 bales, and he adopted the plau of the Cotton Office, in 
 part, by the exemption for exportation of a like quantity. You are doubt- 
 
)fm familiar with the plan of the State, as it was practically enforced, upon; 
 which I oifer no comment, beyond the facts affecting the Cotton Office. The 
 payment in specie interest bearing bonds, proffered by the State, offered such 
 superior attractions to the people, above the certificates of indebtedness 
 issued by the Cotton Office, that the Confederate States soon lost control. of 
 most of the Cotton previously contracted to the office. Active State agents 
 filled the counties where Cotton was most available. Under the superior 
 advantages they offered in giving details, most of the transportation was 
 monopolized, and the Cotton was placed en route, a large portion of it being 
 the identical Cotton previously promised to Government through this Office. 
 Under such adverse circumstances, the Cotton Office acquired in the six months 
 of its existence only 15,000 bales, an amount totally inadequate tof pay 
 the indebtedness incurred by the Office, for army supplies, on the faith of its 
 ability to obtain the Cotton. Penal enactments of the late Legislature of 
 the State, understood to be aimed at the Cotton Office, induced my asso- 
 ciates to withdraw from the Office. I was also relieved, at my request, and 
 General Smith deeming it necessary to continue efforts for the supply of the 
 army, issued orders No. 34 and 35, (E,) directing the impressment or pur- 
 chase of one-half the Cotton in the Department, and Lt. Col. W. A. Broad- 
 well and Capt. C. G. Wells were charged with the acquirement of Cotton 
 as indicated in the orders, and my functions confined to the purchase of army 
 supplies to be paid for by theai. Under their efficient management, the 
 Governor having withdrawn the State plan, most gratifying results have 
 followed — a large amount of army supplies has been obtained. The army 
 is better supplied than ever previously. It is to be hoped that the quantity 
 of Cotton necessary to entire payment for them will be realized. A general 
 synopsis of the supplies furnished to our army by the Cotton Office and Cot- 
 ton Bureau is appended hereto, (F). 
 
 I feel it to be proper to state in this connection that the operations of the 
 Cotton Office increased the value of Cotton over 100 per cent., and made it 
 immediately available at any time it was put en route for a market, pro- 
 tecting its movement and guaranteeing its egress ; Cotton obtained — what 
 it never had before — a certain value. They also advanced the credit of the 
 Government in a greater ratio. Importers had such faith that promises 
 would not be made by the Office which it would not perform, aud of the cer- 
 tainty of the application of all Cotton acquired to payment for supplies, that 
 the supplies were offered, and could have been purchased to an unlimited 
 extent. I claim that but for the establishment of the Cotton Office, not 
 one-tenth of the articles named in the list, would have found their way to 
 this country. It has sustained the credit of the Governmeut at a time 
 when no payments the Government could promise to make, were considered 
 by the importers, and to a great extent by the people of the country, as 
 any equivalent for the supplies they held for sale, and which were needed to 
 relieve the destitution of the army. 
 
 The transfer of the Government Cotton business to the Treasury Depart- 
 ment will soon relieve me from duties most reluctantly assumed, but which 
 I have endeavored to fulfill solely with a view to the interests of the army, 
 but without oppression to the rights and interests of the people of this 
 State, according to my best judgment. 
 
 Having endeavored to place before you the true position: occupied by the 
 Cotton Office, I desire to urge upon you. the necessity, for providing in some 
 
adequate manner for its outstanding certificates. They should be redeemed 
 in the most desirable class of Government credits. Their amount is incon- 
 siderable when compared with the value of their proceeds to this Depart- 
 ment and the country. They were given for Cotton at an average of 12£ 
 cents per pound, considered then its fair specie value, unaffected bv militarv 
 or other interference. There should be no depreciation of their* value bv 
 paying them in anything less than the best bonds the Government has to 
 offer. If they are to be measured or valued by the results obtained bv the 
 Cotton Office they cannot be too hig :ed. 
 
 At the time the Cotton Office was organized, the enemy, over :?0,00o 
 strong, were on our coast, and of General Magruder*s unequal force to 
 encounter them, 4.000 men were without guns other than such as some of 
 them had brought from their homes. There was not powder enough in the 
 magazines at Galveston to have returned a serious bombardment. Under 
 these circumstances, I devoted my most strenuous efforts for the first three 
 or four months, to the procurement of arms and ammunition, to the negleoi 
 of clothing and other stores. large per centage of the outstanding 
 
 certificates of indebtedness were given for Cotton used in payment of these 
 arms and ordnance stores. Mar. runs and most of the powder which 
 
 gained the victories at Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, and won the campaigns 
 in Louisiana and Arkansas, were procured by the Cotton Office. Our 
 now well armed. The medical, ordnance and quartermaster's 
 stores heretofor ve relieved urgent necessities and 
 
 immediate ap] i i the way, I trust, for the supply of 
 
 the military bh .. to the best advantage. 
 
 The force with which ■ kept the eneiv Rio Grande in 
 
 check — the ex; I ti&ville, and the pres- 
 
 ent force which now holds the K . have been mainly supplied and 
 
 supported through the instrument the Cotton Office ami Cotton Bu- 
 
 reau, which su< welve months | utir'e supply of the 
 
 army in this Department with articles from abroad, has been through their 
 agency,* and many supplies purchi organization of the 
 
 Texas Cotton Office have been paid for, almost totally without- expenditure 
 of money by the Government — trie price paid by ( tdwell being, in 
 
 fact, merely nominal. Over 17,000 bales of Cotton have been furnished to 
 these objects by him, in addition to the 15,000 bale-) refi Fred to above, fur- 
 nished 'by the Cotton Office. 
 
 1 deem it my duty to state that the original plan of organization and 
 operations of the Cotton Office was known to several of our members of 
 Congress, and I supposed fully approved by them, and that they would take 
 steps to procure a provision, by Congress, to meet its certificates of indebt- 
 edness, and give it an expressly recognized basis. This expectation, in 
 fact, mainly influenced my associates and myself in undertaking its duties, 
 as its disappointment was our principal reason for not continuing them 
 longer. We were not of the army, but of the mass of citizens. Whilst we 
 recognized the supreme necessity for the support of the army, all our senti- 
 ments led us to desire measures for that object least oppressive to the people, 
 and most conducive to their interests consistently with those necessities. 
 Subsequent reflection and experience have confirmed me, and have confirmed 
 my associates in the conviction, that the Cotton Office plan contained the 
 best principles on which the service of the military can be provided for, and 
 
 i i— i ,^ n 
 
the interests of the producing classes guarded and fostered in this State. It 
 was aside from my design, however, to volunteer this opinion. What I 
 desire to do is to urge upon you the justice, the good faith, the imperative 
 honor, in the redemption of the certificates of Government indebtedness, 
 issued by the Cotton Office, a list of which is annexed hereto, (G.) 
 
 This indebtedness is due to parties who rendered a patriotic and prompt 
 response to the call of the chief officer of the army in this department, 
 made through the Cotton Office. It woufd be difficult to conceive a debt of 
 higher obligation. 
 
 I leave the matter in your hands, trusting that it only needs to be under- 
 stood to induce Congress, through your representations, to provide promptly 
 for the fair and liberal redemption of those certificates in the best class of 
 the Stock funds of the Government. 
 
 For a more complete exposition of the necessity of the organization of 
 the Cotton Office, and of the powc conferred upon me by General Smith. 
 acting under the impressment act, I beg to refer you to an address published 
 by me, on the 23d May last, in the Houston papers, herewith appended, 
 marked (H.) w JL HUTCHINS. 
 
 Late-Ch'f Texas Cotton Office 
 APPENDIX. 
 [A] 
 HEAD QUARTERS, DEPARTMENT TRANS-MISSISSIPPI, I 
 Shreveport. La.. Nov. 22, 1883. \ 
 
 Special Orders. No. 198. 
 
 I. The necessity of the military service, and the preservation of the Government, 
 render the creation of an office to take charge of cotton in tha District of Texas. New- 
 Mexico and Arizona indispensable, and the same is established as follows : 
 
 W. J. Hutc&ins is assigned to duty in the Quartermaster^ Department with the rank 
 and pay of Lieut. Colon*!, to take' charge of cotton for the Government in the Dis- 
 trict of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, and will be allowed each associates as may 
 be necessary, not exceeding four in number. 
 
 He will obtain from the planters, by sale or agreement, all cotton that the Govern- 
 ment may require for the purchase of army stores of all k:iMs, and to meet exist- 
 ing liabilities heretofore accrued. 
 
 All goverhment officers, agents and contractors, engaged in the purchase or removal 
 of cotton, in or through Texas, will, without delay, report to Lt, Col. W. J. Hutchins. 
 at Houston, Texas, the contract or authority under which they act, the amount of cot- 
 ton purchased by them, and from whom, the disposition made of it, and the amount 
 of cotton and transportation in their possession and under their control ; and all par- 
 ties having control of cotton, or cotton transportation belonging to the Government, 
 will be governed by his instructions. 
 
 t In future, all applications for the making of contracts based on cotton, or for exemp- 
 tions from impressment in the District of Texas, &c, will, in every instance, be first- 
 presented to Lieut, Col. Hutchins for his approval. And all military officers in the 
 District of Texas, &c. are prohibited from making such contracts or granting such 
 exemptions, except upon application to Lieut. Col. Hutchins and his approval. All 
 cotton now or hereafter in transit, not exempted as above directed, will be liable at 
 any time to be impressed under the directions of Lieut. Col. Hufahins, to meet and 
 relieve the immediate military necessities of this Department, ^nd the District Com- 
 manders will issue all the necf;Ssa^ v Orders, and render all the military assistance 
 required to carry such orders into prompt execution. 
 
 Lieut. Col. Hutchins will control the disposition of all cotton acquired by him for the 
 Government in meeting the existing liabilities of the Government, and in the purchas" of 
 army supplies through an agent or agents designated by him, and approved by Lieut. 
 Gen. Smith. 
 
 Lieut. Col. Hutchins will make his reports through Lieut. Col. Broadwell, to Depart 
 ment Headquarters. 
 
 Br Command of LIEUT. GEN. E. KTRBY SMITH. 
 
 Guy M. Brvax. Major & A. A G 
 
HBAD QUARTER, DIST. OF IfEXAS. NEW MEXICO £ ARIZONA, | 
 
 Houston-, Texas, Dec. 1. 1S6: J >. ( 
 
 Special Orders. No. 327. 
 
 VI. In conformity to the above, Lt. Col. W. J. Hntchins Is assigned to duty as Chief 
 of the Texas Cotton Bureau. 
 
 All officers and agents engaged in the purchase, or removal of cotton, in this Dis- 
 trict, will report to Lieut Col. Hutching, and be governed by instructions from him 
 
 Those win. have contracts, based muni the exportation of cotton, will present them for 
 revision, and those who In, Id permits to eraort cotton will submit them for ratifica- 
 tion, or cancelment. as this Cotton Bureau may determine. 
 
 Lieut Col. Hntchins will exercise his discretion in executing any order noon the 
 subject of cotton previously issued from these Headquarters, 
 
 All transportation employed by the Cotton Bureau is exempted from impressment 
 and will not be molested by officers of this District. 
 
 Bt Command of * MAT SEN. J. BAXKHEAD MAGRUDER. 
 
 W. A. Alston, ('apt. & A. A. G. 
 
 HEAD QUARTERS. TEXAS COTTON OFFICE, i 
 Houston. Dec. 1st. 1863. i" 
 
 In coin, imiiy with Special Orders, No. 19J, from Department Headquarters, and the 
 aboye Order from the Headquarters of the District Commander, 1 hereby assume con- 
 irol of the Texas Cotton office. [ have associated witji me Mr. James Sorley B K 
 Shepherd, Geo. Ball and W. J. Kyle. 
 
 W. .J. HCTCHIXS. 
 Lient. Col. and Chief of Texas Cotton Office. 
 
 [ «] 
 
 TO THE COTTON PLANTERS OK TEXAS. 
 
 The cotton of the toumtry, as a ba hange lor the various army supplies 
 
 whwh have been imported into the country, and for which payment pooldaol be made 
 in C. S. treasury notes, has been relied upon as more than sufficient to meet all require- 
 ments. Its use has been practiced in various channels, and in a variety of modes 
 winch were designed to procure and apply sufficient in quantity to meet all the 
 demands of the Government. Some of thesamodes have been successful, others have 
 proved failures, and the result is that the expectations of the Government have not 
 l>eeh realized. This has not been the fault of the planters, who have ever shown 
 themselves willing to contribute their cotton, if satisfied it would be faithfully and judi- 
 ciously used for the benefit of the Government. We do not propose to lay censure 
 upon any one. but refer -mly to the fact that the chief cause ei failure has been the 
 uncertainty attending all cotton operations, in consequence of the various and con- 
 flicting orders that have from jtime to time' seemed necessary, and the existence of 
 numberless Government agents engaged in the acquirement and removal of cotton 
 who have, by competition with each other, and with private contractors, caused the 
 rate of sale and transportation to advance to such exorbitant rates as to defeat their 
 own efficiency. I nder these circumstances, in order to procure the amount of cotton 
 required by the Government for the fulfillment of contracts already existing and the 
 procuring of army supplies still needed, it will be apparent to every one. that some 
 plan must be adopted that will secure uniformity, efficiency, and permanency; that the 
 faith of the Government may be maintained, supplies of arms, clothing, medicine, &c. 
 tor our army in the field may be procured, and other private citizens engaged in legiti- 
 mate trade may have an equitable and permament basis on which to operate. 
 
 Lt. Gen. E. Kirby Smith, who is charged with the militarv defences of this Depart- 
 ment, has. under the authority of the Impressment Act. declared the use of the cotton* 
 ot the country, to meet the wants of the Government, a militarv necessity; and in order 
 to secure it in such manner as will best supply these wants, and at the same time be 
 liberal and just to the citizen, has. with the approval of the Secretary of War. placed 
 the duty of procuring cotton and regulating its transportation, in the hands of a special 
 office. The undersigned have been selected to discharge the duties of this office. We 
 are old citizens of the State- our every interest of family and property identified with 
 it. and the cotton trade has engaged our attention for many years, We have accepted ttria 
 trust, not as a matter of choice, but from a setae of duty hoping to accomplish to 
 
*onie considerable extent, the work expected of us, and relying on the frank co-opera- 
 tion of the planters, many of whom are personally acquainted with us. We have the 
 assurance of Lt. Gen. Smith and of Maj. Gen. Magruder, of their assistance and confi- 
 dence. The policy we propose will be liberal and just to the planter, and will, we 
 hope, secure their aid in meeting the wants of the army. 
 
 Our plan is to purchase one-half of the cotton of the planter, or holder, and on its 
 delivery at a Government depot or other place agreed upon, to give exemption against 
 military impressment for a like quantity. Under this exemption cotton can be held or 
 exported at, the pleasure of the owner, and teams engaged in its transportation will 
 also be free from impressment. For the cotton sold to us, we will give certificates for 
 its specie value, to be paid for in cotton bonds, or such other equivalent as Congress 
 may provide. We had several interviews with Senator Oldham and several of our 
 Representatives in Congress, before they left for Richmond, who assured us that they 
 would secure such legislation as would meet our views in this particular. To pay for 
 cotton in Confederate money would only increase the amount in circulation, and still 
 further depreciate its value. These certificates, we believe, will be eagerly sought for 
 investment. The exemption and security of cotton from impressment, which remains 
 in the hands of the planters, cannot fail very greatly to enhance its value. We also 
 desire to avail ourselves of all the transportation in the country owned by planters' 
 and others, which can be made available, in delivering cotton at"the different depots', 
 none of which will be further west than San Antonio, and t'o do so, we propose a rate 
 of freight, payable in cotton, that will make it an inducement. 
 
 The wants of the army must be supplied at the earliest date. The interest of every 
 man in the Department is involved in this, and for a limited time, individual wants 
 must wait. For this reason the one-half of any crop sold to us must be delivered at 
 the Government depot, before the other half can be removed. 
 
 The right of impressment, provided by law, belongs to the Chief of this Office. If 
 will not be used, except in the case of those who are so unpatriotic as to sacrifice the 
 interests of the country to private gain. Towards them it will be used with a just, 
 impartial and firm hand. The necessities of the military service leave no other alter- 
 native. # All cotton attempted to be moved without the protection of an exemption 
 from this pffice, will be liable to impressment for Government purposes, and any inter- 
 ference with Government transportation by the holder of an exemption or any of his 
 agents, either by attempting to forestall the hiring of teams, or by offering or giving 
 a. higher rate of freight than the liberal terms proposed by this office, will cancel said 
 exemption. 
 
 Agents will be appointed in the various districts or counties, and at the Government 
 depots. These will be selected with care, to secure competent men, entitled to con- 
 fidence. Any delinquency on the part of any of these agents, either known or reason- 
 ably suspected, we hope will be at once reported to this Office. We also request that 
 all persons knowing of any cotton, bought as Government cotton, left on plantations 
 or elsewhere, not under the care of some unquestionable and responsible Government 
 agent, will immediately report the same to this Office. 
 
 Books will be kept, exhibiting the entire transactions of the office, which may at all 
 reasonable times be examined by any person, desirous in good faith to understand its 
 operations. W. P. Ballinger, Esq., will act as our legal adviser, in order that we may 
 avoid error ourselves, and hold all who deal with us to a strict accountability. 
 
 Planters of Texas, the plans of this Office are. well matured, its policy will be per- 
 manent, its course consistent, impartial and firm. If proper confidence and assistance 
 are extended to us by you, we feel confident of the best results, towards thoroughly 
 equipping our armies for our defence, restoring and increasing Government credit, 
 checking unlawful speculation, appreciating the value of the cotton in the hands of the 
 people, enabling them to procure their needed supplies. Your cotton is contraband 
 to the enemy, every bale falling into his hands is seized for his Government. We appeal 
 to you; shall there not be united, harmonious, active, efficient co-operation, by devoting 
 a portion of your cotton to the great duties of the crisis, the successful defence of 
 Texas from enslavement and devastation ? 
 
 WM. J. HUTCHINS, Lt. Col. & Chief. 
 JAMES SORLEY, ' 1 
 W. J. KYLE, A • f 
 
 B. A. SHEPHERD, f. AssociaW3 - 
 GEO. BALL, I 
 
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 »a^lt ftien ss^fopno j«dosd dt$ ai no 9^*era \}}a\ 
 
 ;dr:T;; ^oaigQ Pin? jo 
 
 c a^0C q Sir] 
 
 J- 
 
II 
 
 IB 
 
 HEAD QUARTERS TSANS-MIS3ISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, I 
 
 Siireveport, La... June 1st, 1 f 
 
 TO THE CITIZENS OE THE TRAN3-MI33I83IPPI DEPARTMENT. 
 I "have deemed it my duty a General Order, directing the purchase, and. if 
 
 necessary, the impressment of one-half the cotton in this Department, to supply tin 
 pressing wants of our armies in the field. 
 
 Youi for the defence of the country from invasion and 
 
 desolal furnished you a signal instance of their willir 
 
 tl munitions of war, clothing and mel. 
 'hey cannot he kept in the field. These articles can be obtained only by importation. 
 Cotton is the sole means of purchase. In the same lofty spirit of patriotism v 
 'eads lives for your protection, will you not sell 
 
 to the made effective a| 
 
 the publi ■ y r 
 
 Th* 1 impressment of I be avoided if possible. But supplies for the armv 
 
 mustbehad. It is left with yon to <:■ whether, for the preservation of your 
 
 homes, jr<iu will force the government to resort to impressment! 
 
 E. KIRBY SMITH. 
 
 General Commanding. 
 
 EPARTME&T, j 
 
 Shrevepoilt, La.. June 1st, 1864. [ 
 
 Gejter 
 
 The pressing necessity of the armies in the field make it absolutely necessary thai 
 the Govern one-half the cotton in this Department, for the purchase of 
 
 naval and mi':. required for the defence of the country. 
 
 Disi roper bonded and con I officers have been selected, who will 
 
 the amount required. 
 If it can:, i be obtained by purchase, they are authorized to impress it, in strict 
 ccordance with the terms of the Impressment Act and General iued on thai 
 
 tobject. 
 
 Let Commanders will furnish them such assistance as may be needed in execu- 
 ting this order. 
 
 Any attempt at illegal impressment will be promptly punished on being rep 
 with satisfactory proof, to District or Department Head Quarters. 
 The following i • charged v. ecution of this Order 
 
 Major A. S. Cabell, 
 Major W. P. Baughk, 
 Capt. F. J. Lynch, 
 All cotton procured by them in Texas, will be placed under the control of Lieu' 
 Col. W. J. Hutchins, who will use it solely in procuring army supplies. 
 
 By C Gkn. E. KIRBY SMITH. 
 
 S. 8. Anderson, A. A. G. 
 
 Capt. B. Shropshire, 
 
 Capt. W. W. Bat 
 Capt. N A. Birge. 
 
 HEAD QUARTERS TRANS MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, I 
 Shreveport, La , June 4th. 1864. | 
 
 General Orders, No. 35. 
 
 I. The following regulations of the overland trade to Mexico are published for the 
 information of all concerned : 
 
 Sec. 1st. All cotton, tobacco, military or naval stores, sugar, molasses or rice, 
 intended for exportation overland to Mexico, must be entered and registered with the. 
 Collector of Customs at one of the established ports of entry, and receive a permit 
 from him after payment of export duties. 
 
 2d. Such permit shall only be granted by the Collector upon the certificate issued 
 by a bonded and commissioned officer of the Government, to be hereafter designated, 
 and stationed at San Antonio, Texas. Such certificate shall be issued upon an affidavit 
 of the party applying for it, accompanied with a sworn list of the articles to be 
 exported stating the point of exportation, to the effect that the articles so to be 
 
12 
 
 exported are the aole and exclusive property of the Confederate States Government 
 or of some State of the Confederacy, and are to be exported on the sole account of 
 said Government or State, and that no third party has any pecuniary interest therein 
 except for freight Wages, the amount of which shall be stated in said affidavit which 
 said affidavit and list shall be filed and preserved among the records of such office 
 and a duplicate of said certificate and list is to be forwarded to the Collector of the 
 point of exportation, for his information. 
 3d. Any person violating the above, will be liable to the penalties declared bylaw. 
 -1th. All persons introducing machinery and mechanical and agricultural implements 
 m the Confederate States, upon making proof to the officer at San Antonio', by the 
 certificate of the Collector, of the introduction of the machinery. &c, into the Confed- 
 erate States, or its arrival at the port of entry, that officer will allow a sufficient quan- 
 tity cf cotton to pay for the same to go forward to the port of entrv. 
 
 5th. All persons to whom the Government has furnished any of "the articles named 
 in the first 
 ered, or 
 any cf 
 
 furnished by the Government, in exchange for army supplies, or to export a like 
 amount of the article so delivered to the Government. The permit of the" Collector 
 to be based upon the certificate to that effect of the bonded and commissioned officer 
 at San Antonio, which said certificate shall be based upon the receipt in the first 
 instance of a bonded and commissioned officer, that the army supplies were actuallv 
 deiivered to him for the Government, and in the other, that a like amount of the 
 article to be exported had actually been delivered u> him, also for the Government. 
 II. '1 he commanding officers of districts will furnish, on the application of the officer 
 at San Antonio, and Collectors of the different ports of entry, such mounted force as 
 may be necessary to ensure a compliance with these regulations. 
 
 • I P'i! rhe Chief ° f the Cotton Bur eau for the Trans-Mississippi Department is charged 
 with the exportation of all cotton belonging to the Confederate Government, and the 
 introduction of supplies for the use of the Department. 
 
 IV. Major Asa H. Willie, C. S., P. A. C. S., will be stationed at San Antonio, Texas. 
 and charged witn the duties prescribed in the above regulations; 
 
 By Command of Gen. e. KIBBY SMITH. 
 
 S. S. Anderson, A. A. G. 
 
 HEAD QUARTERS TRANgj MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, j 
 Houston, June 20'h, 1864. f 
 
 Generai^-I have instructed the Chief of the Cotton Bureau, who is charged with 
 the procurement of cotton for military purposes, to propose liberal terms to the 
 holders of cotton, and endeavor, if possible, to avoid any resort to harsh measures. 
 
 Should any decline to accept the terms proposed, which will be uniform, and ten- 
 dered alike to all, their names will be forwarded to your Head Quarters, and you will 
 instruct your Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. J. E. Slaughter, to cause the impressment of 
 the cotton of such parties, sending discreet bonded and commissioned officers, care- 
 fully instructed to observe the impressment law, and the provisions of General Order. 
 &o. 34, from Department Head Quarters on this subject. 
 
 Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 „, %t . „ fc E.'KIRBY SMITH, General Commanding. 
 
 To Maj. Gen. J. B. Magp.uder, 
 
 Com'dg Pist, of Texas. Arizona and New Mexico, Houston. 
 
13 
 
 [B 1 ] 
 
 Army Supplies purchased by the Texas Cotton Office, for the use of the C. S. Army. 7V/;>*. 
 Mississippi Department, delivered and in course of delivery. 
 
 STATIONERY. 
 935 Renins Foolscap Paper. 
 £,718 Reams Letter Paper. 
 643 Reams Note Paper. 
 M Letter Envelopes. 
 27 M Official Envelopes. 
 1,095 Quires Blank Books. 
 715 Clink Books assorted. 
 21 Dozen Mem'd Books. 
 35 Letter Bonks. 
 35 Certificate Books. 
 647 M Print.'. 1 Blanks. 
 31 Reams Blanks. 
 363 Bottles Ink. 
 18 Boxes Ink. 
 649 Cross Steel Pens. 
 65 Crus Lead Pencils. 
 $3,500 Cost of articles not enumerated. 
 
 CLOTHINQ AND MATERIALS. 
 2,472 Pairs Cottonade and Mixed Pants. 
 44(> Cotton and Woolen Drawers. 
 458 Flannel Blonsea and Jackets. 
 10.^80 Cotton and Flannel under and over 
 Shirts. 
 252 Hospital Skirts. 
 85,456 Yards Cotton Goods. 
 71,253 Yards Cottonados, Ihmims and Drills. 
 10,024 Yards Linen and Mixed Linen and 
 
 Cotton Goods. 
 10,670 Yards Mixed Cotton and Woolen 
 
 Goods. 
 71,432 Yards Satinets and Woolen Goods. 
 57,341 Yards Grey Army Cloth. 
 21,885 Varus assorted Flannels, 
 and 1 case, 7 bales assorted Flannels. 
 21,359 Pairs assorted Cotton and Woolen 
 
 Socks. 
 9,749 Pairs Blankets. 
 1,157 Wool Hats. 
 16,&8l Yards Mosquito Netting. 
 1 Case 
 
 1 Bale 
 
 1.740 Libs. Linen Thread. 
 714 Dozen Spool Thread. 
 
 2 Cases •• " 
 2,000 Gross Military Buttons. 
 
 44,099 Pairs Shoes and Boots. 
 163 M Needles. 
 
 HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL STORES. 
 4,481 Ounces Quinine, and 
 $80,000 of various Invoices. 
 
 COMMISSARY STORES. 
 10,730 Lbs. Coffee. 
 64,976 Lbs. Salt. 
 14,000 Lbs. Salt Pork. 
 7,300 Lbs. Rice. 
 400 Lbs. Tea, &c, &c. 
 
 SADDLERS' AND SHOEMAKERS' 
 STORES, cvc. 
 13-,300 Lbs. assorted Leather. 
 421 Calf Skins. 
 41 h Dozen Kip Skins. 
 297 Lbs. " " 
 
 14a Sets Harness. 
 50 Saddles. 
 10,000 Lbs. Log and Harness Chains. 
 
 50 Doz. Halter Chains. 
 41,855 Lbs. Trace Chains. 
 
 649 Pairs " 
 
 7 Casks " " 
 2,213 Curry Combs. 
 
 306 Horse Brushes. 
 
 51 Doz. Pair Harries. 
 14 Doz. Bridle Bits. 
 
 8 Casks Saddlers' Hardware. 
 3 Cases 
 
 $8,000 Cost Saddlers' & Shoemakers' Tools, 
 not enumerated, ftc., <vc. 
 
 QUARTERMASTERS' STORES. 
 2,116 Axes. 
 421 Pick and Foot Adzes. 
 371 Doz. Shovels and Spades. 
 62 Doz. Hoes, 
 112 Boxes Tin. 
 95 l>oz. Sauce. Frying & Camp Kettles. 
 130 Tons Bar, Sheet and Hoop Iron. 
 1,500 Lbs. Iron Wire and Nail Rod. 
 11,897 Lbs. Bar and Cast Steel. 
 32,000 Lbs. Horse and Mule Shoes. 
 1,433 Lbs. Horse Shoe Nails. 
 911 Kegs Nails. 
 85 Kegs Nail Spike3. 
 737 Lbs. Iron Rivets. 
 6.4">4 Lbs. Castings, Axles & Wagon Boxes. 
 2,040 Lbs. Horse Shoe Iron. 
 3:? Anvils. 
 Forges. 
 12 Vices. 
 2,135 Lbs. Vices. 
 .",0 Wheelbarrows. 
 12 Corn Shellers. 
 12 Smith Bellows. 
 G86 Gross Screws, &0«, A'C. 
 
 ORDNANCE STORES. 
 Rides and Muskets. 
 Revolving Pistols. 
 6-Lb. Guns and Carriages. 
 Bay one! s. 
 Swords. 
 Belts. 
 
 Lbs. Powder. 
 M Percussion Caps. 
 Lbs. Lead. 
 Sacks Buckshot. 
 Sheets Copper. 
 Lbs. Copper. 
 Reams Cartridge Paper. 
 Yds. Cartridge Flannel. 
 Lbs. Sulphur. 
 Lbs. Alum. 
 Lbs. Copperas. 
 
 MISCELL A NEOUS STORES. 
 720 Doz. Assorted Files. 
 245,692 Lbs. Baling Rope. 
 201,694 Yds. Bagging. 
 2,420 Pieces Mexican Bagging. 
 4,008 Lbs. Twine. 
 
14 
 
 2,500 Lbs. Oakum. 
 1 Hawser. 
 827 Lbs. Cable Rope. 
 4 Marine Compasses. 
 3 Sextants. 
 3,073 Lbs. Paint. 
 
 16 Kegs " 
 1,000 Galls. Linseed Oil. 
 
 80 Galls. Varnish. 
 2,386 Papers Tacks. 
 2,237 Lbs. Grind Stones. 
 
 120 Doz. Knives and Forks. 
 2,763 Sacks. 
 1,067 Yds. Sacking. 
 
 1 Slide Lathe, complete. 
 Force Pump, Hand Trucks, <fcc, kc, 
 
 N. B. The foregoing abstract embraces only the leading articles purchased. In ad- 
 dition there are several large invoices of supplies purchased, in Matamoros, the par- 
 ticulars of which have not been received. Part are now on the way to Louisiana and 
 Arkansas, through San Antonio and Waco. 
 
 Additional List of Supplies advised as being purchased and shipped, 
 the foregoing was made up. 
 
 -List received since 
 
 6,890 Yards Gray Army Cloth. 
 
 2,902 Yards Satinet. 
 
 2,995 Yards Doeskins. 
 
 6,949 Yards Flannel. 
 20,000 Yards Drilling. 
 52,800 Yards Shirting and Sheeting. 
 22,500 Woolen and Merino Shirts. 
 
 1,296 Pairs Drawers. 
 
 360 Pairs Pants, 
 8,325 Pairs Blankets. 
 18,100 Pairs Shoes. 
 2,976 Lbs. Sewing Thread. 
 45,000 Lbs. Leather. 
 10,500 Lbs. Sheet Iron. 
 
 44 Cases Stationery. 
 1,900 Yards Tent Duck. 
 
 Abstract of Certificates of Value issued at Houston, Texas, by Lt. Col. W. J. Hutchiks, 
 Chief of the Texas Cotton Office, in payment of Cotton purchased and disbursed for 
 supplies for the C. S. Army in the Trans-Mississippi Department 
 
 DATE. 
 
 To "Whom Issued. 
 
 No. of 
 Bales. 
 
 Amount of 
 Certificates. 
 
 DATE. 
 
 To Whom Issued. 
 
 No. of Amount of 
 Bales. Certificates. 
 
 1863. 
 
 Dec. 21 
 
 24 
 
 25 
 
 29 
 
 29 
 
 29 
 
 1864. 
 
 Jan. 4 
 
 B K Butts 
 
 W Freidlander 
 
 Jas L Pool 
 
 J Q Yarborough . . 
 
 J Cross Jones 
 
 RR Fletcher...... 
 
 Jack Moore 
 
 do 
 
 Harbut & Whitfield 
 
 SE Loeb 
 
 R Baer 
 
 John Haynie 
 
 WM Sledge 
 
 J W Simmons 
 
 Saunders & Cohen. 
 
 J P Shafer 
 
 EP Whitfield 
 
 W W Lang 
 
 R Jones 
 
 John Ashford 
 
 R&DG Mills.... 
 
 JWClaton 
 
 SI) Foot 
 
 A REasley 
 
 R Caldwell 
 
 Posner & Collet . . 
 
 R&DG Mills 
 
 do 
 
 J LPool 
 
 J L Cuny 
 
 J W Rout 
 
 TWCompton 
 
 H Doran 
 
 R A Shepherd 
 
 25 
 
 21 
 
 71 
 
 5 
 
 35 
 48 
 
 35 
 
 6 
 37 
 37 
 16 
 14 
 45 
 
 5 
 11 
 
 7 
 150 
 66 
 36 
 26 
 89 
 12 
 52 
 
 6 
 16 
 20 
 114 
 13 
 39 
 12 
 
 5 
 
 12 
 22 
 24 
 
 $1,460 29 
 
 1,250 97 
 
 4,377 00 
 
 265 50 
 
 2,662 58 
 2,502 18 
 
 1,800 00 
 
 301 73 
 
 2,350 82 
 
 2,330 44 
 
 868 71 
 
 1,016 56 
 
 2,712 30 
 
 375 33 
 
 554 14 
 
 244 34 
 
 9,095 10 
 
 2,763 52 
 
 2,292 77 
 
 1,185 63 
 
 5,008 15 
 
 646 02 
 
 2,548 29 
 
 436 15 
 
 949 53 
 
 1,089 81 
 
 6,113 91 
 
 873 08 
 
 2,053 00 
 
 650 47 
 
 370 97 
 
 872 97 
 
 1,156 36 
 
 1,155 02 
 
 18G4. 
 
 Jan. 30 
 
 30 
 
 30 
 
 Feb. 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 Marueheau Bro... . 
 S L Hohenthal... 
 
 WKillebrew 
 
 M A Brown 
 
 Whitfield & Harbut 
 Howard & Burk- 
 
 hardt 
 
 J A Arbuckle 
 
 LH Wood & Co... 
 
 J V Dartique 
 
 J A Haynje 
 
 J C Smith 
 
 T W House 
 
 Sam Maas 
 
 JR Brooks 
 
 A G Compton 
 
 J W White 
 
 Darling & Meriman 
 
 C Caldwell 
 
 Levi Sterne 
 
 J W Simmons 
 
 A C Baker 
 
 N Matthews 
 
 Levi Sterne 
 
 Joseh H White.... 
 do 
 
 J TMcNair. 
 
 Jas Sorley 
 
 E L Salmon 
 
 W B Young 
 
 M Patterson 
 
 ML Stith 
 
 V Ackorman 
 
 R&DG Mills 
 
 LH Wood & Co... 
 
 14 
 
 24 
 21 
 
 5 
 54 
 
 10 
 4i 
 15 
 49 
 
 6 
 12 
 30 
 25 
 
 5 
 27 
 26 
 31 
 
 4 
 30 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 200 
 
 24 
 
 84 
 
 16 
 
 9 
 
 8 
 84 
 17 
 
 4 
 82 
 
 6 
 85 
 40 
 
 & 72G 53 
 1,155 02 
 1,245 94 
 334 81 
 3,677 94 
 
 630 80 
 2,129 06 
 699 53 
 2,928 32 
 343 00 
 736 94 
 ,808 87 
 143 52 
 242 67 
 ,519 58 
 ,605 37 
 ,858 68 
 147 71 
 ,664 13 
 329 13 
 320 13 
 495 07 
 460 24 
 634 69 
 797 65 
 418 31 
 499 29 
 ,060 38 
 693 27 
 234 47 
 ,837 72 
 365 56 
 415 07 
 ,752 59 
 
15 
 
 DATE. I To Whom bSCSQ. 
 
 No. of 
 Bales. 
 
 Amount of 
 Certificates 
 
 1864. ; 
 
 Feb. 10 CWhited 
 
 lfi'J R McDowell... 
 16 do 
 
 16JJ J Scott 
 
 10 'Lewis Evans 
 
 16 C Caldwell 
 
 20 A A Foster, 
 
 SO C Ennis&Co.... 
 
 "20; do 
 
 20 L H Wood A Co. 
 20 H 1) Rhodes 
 
 22 W I Hutchins. .. 
 
 23 RM Jones 
 
 23|J N Harvey 
 
 23 Jas A Harvey.. . 
 23R&BG Mills... 
 
 24 Sam Maas 
 
 24' do 
 
 24 P Bellinger 
 
 25 EP Whitfield ... 
 25 S L Hohcnthal....' 
 25|Geo W White 
 
 25 J R Brooks ! 
 
 26 EG DeLisle j 
 
 26iGeo Turner 
 
 28 T W House 
 
 89 W Kellcbrew... 
 2SHW Q Austin.... 
 
 28 .1 G Hunt 
 
 :. .! McKinney 
 
 29 John Wolston... 
 Mar. 4 T W House 
 
 5 Myers & Jacobs 
 5R&DG Mills... 
 5 P J Willis k Bro 
 
 5P P McRae 
 
 8 W J Hutchins... 
 
 8 do 
 
 9 J M Mitchell... 
 
 9 W GCounc-il 
 
 9 .! A Haynie 
 
 1 A lxwds 
 
 9 T A Jamison... . 
 
 9 X Matthews 
 
 10 8 Heidenhamer.. . ! 
 
 10 A S Tibbs j 
 
 l!) .i S Smith 
 
 10 A C Baker 
 
 10. L Battle 
 
 11 R & I) G Mills 
 
 11 Myers & Jacobs.. . 
 
 14 SD Foot 
 
 14 1 J L Farquhar 
 
 14 ! K.l Redgate 
 
 14JB Coopwood 
 
 lew W Claton 
 
 16 S<; lilies 
 
 16 do 
 
 16 S Cayce 
 
 16 Harbuts& whitfifeld I 
 
 as McLeod 
 
 C Baldwin & Co ' 
 171 J S Lewellyn.... 
 IT! do ... 
 
 18} J B Napier 
 
 Compton 
 
 31 T G Banks 
 
 8 
 65 
 36 
 
 8 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 54 
 
 6 
 10 
 63 
 66 
 46 
 
 8 
 
 16 
 
 116 
 
 16 
 
 13 
 
 8 
 
 8 
 
 57 
 
 12 
 
 10 
 
 100 
 
 4 
 32 
 16 
 
 6 
 20 
 10 
 
 1: 
 6 
 24.'. 
 87 
 15 
 25 
 45 
 29' 
 
 27 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 3 i 
 
 33 
 
 5! 
 
 5 
 
 63 
 
 20 
 111 
 :;.' 
 15 
 150 1 
 
 20 
 
 1 
 
 49 
 
 35 
 
 91 
 
 8 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 29 
 
 8 
 
 51 
 
 23 
 
 PATE. 
 
 $ 331 81 
 
 3,188 80 
 1,912 83 
 519 21 
 292 60 
 128 80 
 347 06 
 3.324 94 
 
 356 G3 
 609 15m 
 
 3,722 98 
 
 4,297 4^ 
 
 1,904 03 
 393 56 
 893 27 
 
 0,033 00| 
 851 01 
 705 79 
 595 2s 
 451 61 
 
 2,893 66 
 602 86 
 510 67, 
 
 4,482 79 
 135 92 
 
 2,008 00 
 829 82 
 
 357 60 
 1,236 21 
 
 616 84 
 
 035 TO 
 
 1,0.55 05 
 
 519 50 
 
 14,001 IS 
 
 4,883 37 
 
 800 87 
 
 1426 20 
 
 3.171 10 
 
 1.317 00 
 
 1,716 05 
 
 752 89 
 
 3:52 84 
 
 203 12 
 
 1,96.9 84| 
 
 352 79 
 
 805 13 
 
 53 25! 
 
 280 90 
 
 314 05 
 
 3.429 35 
 
 1.104 59 
 
 079 74 
 
 1.527 59 
 
 1,004 43 
 
 7,429 35 
 
 319 20 
 
 969 51 
 
 53 50 
 
 2,750 26 
 
 1,468 57 
 
 4,548 72 
 
 510 25 
 
 257 76 
 
 138 05 
 
 1.509 29 
 
 305 67 
 
 2,500 00 
 
 776 53 
 
 18fi4. 
 
 Mar. 21 
 21 
 22 
 26 
 26 
 30 
 30 
 91 
 31 
 31 
 31 
 .'il 
 31 
 31 
 31 
 SI 
 31 
 31 
 
 To Whom Issueu. 
 
 Xo. of Amount of 
 
 RllCS. I CERTIFICATE*. 
 
 Apr'l 
 
 May 
 
 B Frede 
 
 W J Hutchins 
 
 TM Bugby 
 
 C Caldwell 
 
 S Heidenhamer... 
 
 J C Smith 
 
 do 
 
 M South worth &Co 
 
 G W Moore 
 
 J A Williamson... . 
 WP Matthews.... 
 M South worth & Co 
 C Caldwell. ... 
 
 J LPool 
 
 R & D Ct Mills 
 
 do 
 
 W Harbut 
 
 N Brown 
 
 Jas Coleman 
 
 J W Simmons 
 
 John Wolston 
 
 Ben Stones 
 
 Williams & Camp- 
 bell 
 
 J LPool 
 
 S Sterne & Co 
 
 J & T Simonton... 
 
 J F Irwin 
 
 S Heidenhamer.. . 
 
 J W Dancy 
 
 W B Crimes j 
 
 J L Farquhar j 
 
 J G Hunt ; 
 
 T JLvnch 
 
 LHWoodt Co... 
 
 Hugh Lewb | 
 
 3D Foot j 
 
 E Spencer , 
 
 .1 M Nations I 
 
 R Brothers j 
 
 W-GhappelL 
 
 A C Baker ! 
 
 J THolman ! 
 
 E Spencer | 
 
 Jack Baker 
 
 Carried & Mitchell 
 
 C Wliited 
 
 J L Williams 
 
 do 
 
 D Rantdon 
 
 B Grimes 
 
 J V Dartiques 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 Frank Haynes. . . . 
 
 A B Easley 
 
 C Ennis & Co 
 
 E George 
 
 Geo Quinan 
 
 Sarah Robinson.. . 
 
 8 D Foote 
 
 SM Frost 
 
 W A Montgomery 
 
 W H Hardy 
 
 H Doran 
 
 D Burns 
 
 A A Hammond. . . 
 V Ackerman 
 
 7 
 
 20 
 20 
 
 20 
 15 
 101 
 6 
 14 
 
 1 
 
 50 : 
 
 6 ! 
 
 3 
 
 19 
 
 139 
 
 180 
 
 •17 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 32 
 10 
 10 
 
 $ 445 85 
 
 1,166 74 
 
 1,218 62 
 
 941 63 
 
 948 02 
 
 438 92 
 
 391 01 
 
 880 27 
 
 292 52 
 
 342 60 
 
 3,500 59 
 
 277 55 
 
 205 39 
 
 758 85 
 
 8,353 75 
 
 10,800 00 
 
 963 35 
 
 381 49 
 
 55 30 
 
 684 8? 
 
 031 28 
 
 599 S2 
 
 p 
 
 4,582 37 
 
 31 
 
 829 79 
 
 22 
 
 1,224 05 
 
 40 
 
 2,146 70 
 
 8 
 
 378 47 
 
 1 
 
 43 04 
 
 10 
 
 724 39 
 
 27 
 
 1,653 42 
 
 15 
 
 942 95 
 
 21 
 
 877 40 
 
 10 
 
 581 91 
 
 5 
 
 210 39 
 
 16 
 
 993 14 
 
 20 
 
 1,037 63 
 
 2 
 
 108 12 
 
 2 
 
 95 2* 
 
 1 
 
 58 38 
 
 - 
 
 421 44 
 
 i; 
 
 .339 70 
 
 6 
 
 320 65 
 
 3 
 
 122 18 
 
 24 
 
 841 61 
 
 1 
 
 54 75 
 
 20 
 
 738 13 
 
 141 
 
 8,800 02 
 
 18 
 
 1,077 50 
 
 8 
 
 362 66 
 
 11 
 
 668 65 
 
 51 
 
 3,111 25 
 
 49 
 
 2,817 38 
 
 100 
 
 0,442 80 
 
 19 
 
 780 74 
 
 6 
 
 331 11 
 
 14 
 
 713 17 
 
 is 
 
 879 17 
 
 8 
 
 483 53 
 
 1 
 
 43 22 
 
 65 
 
 2,850 57 
 
 28 
 
 1,056 65 
 
 8 
 
 511 29 
 
 | 
 
 31 08 
 
 
 
 106 > ;r . 
 
 4 
 
 136 00 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 473 00 
 
lb' 
 
 DATE. 
 
 To Whom Issued. 
 
 Xu. of 
 Bales. 
 
 Amount of 
 Certificates. 
 
 DATE. 
 
 1864, 
 
 
 
 
 1804. 
 
 May 5 
 5 
 
 T CCliett 
 
 16 
 
 $ 772 92 
 
 May 25 
 
 25 
 
 do ... 
 
 16 
 
 799 74 
 
 7 
 
 BBPeck &Co ... 
 
 21 
 
 1,415 73 
 
 27 
 
 7 
 
 David White 
 
 18 
 
 689 70 
 
 27 
 
 7 
 
 C Ennis & Co 
 
 6 
 
 350 03 
 
 27 
 
 7 
 
 John Sam on. a 
 
 3 
 
 100 72 
 
 27 
 
 7 
 
 C Caldwell 
 
 4 
 
 155 32 
 
 27 
 
 8 
 
 Jonas Johnson — 
 
 33 
 
 1,133 97 
 
 27 
 
 9 
 
 H Carroway 
 
 1 
 
 101 25 
 
 27 
 
 10 
 
 R&DGMills 
 
 43 
 
 2,687 50 
 
 27 
 
 14 
 
 J D Waters 
 
 100 
 
 3,665 90 
 
 27 
 
 14 
 
 J as Nowlan. 
 
 10 
 
 859 15 
 
 27 
 
 14 
 
 RRourk 
 
 7 
 
 377 84 
 
 27 
 
 14 
 
 WS Rogers 
 
 8 
 
 450 42 
 
 27 
 
 14 
 
 Geo Quinan 
 
 9 
 
 583 99 
 
 27 
 
 14 
 
 J C Smith 
 
 14 
 
 577 17 
 
 28 
 
 14 
 
 do 
 
 9 
 
 447 84 
 
 28 
 
 14 
 
 Marucheau Bros. . 
 
 12 
 
 ' 455 85 
 
 ; 2-8 
 
 15 
 
 R&DGMHls 
 
 35 
 
 1,821 60 
 
 28 
 
 18 
 
 WHCook 
 
 8 
 
 494 39 
 
 28 
 
 IS 
 
 R A Reid 
 
 16 
 4 
 
 812 45 
 264 60 
 
 31 
 31 
 
 •* 18 
 
 R U Blossman 
 
 18 
 
 do 
 
 4 
 
 300 80 
 
 31 
 
 " 18 
 
 do 
 
 * 
 
 344 85 
 
 31 
 
 " 18 
 
 C Villenenve 
 
 6 
 
 359 37 
 
 31 
 
 18 
 
 Estate R R Harvey 
 
 37 
 
 2,490 99 
 
 31 
 
 • 18 
 
 H Cromwell 
 
 
 
 281 40 
 
 31 
 
 18 
 
 do 
 
 11 
 
 101 75 
 
 3] 
 
 19 
 
 M Miller 
 
 9 
 25 
 
 589 07 
 1,061 53 
 
 31 
 31 
 
 19 
 
 J L Stevens 
 
 20 
 
 J C Womack 
 
 3 
 
 129 60 
 
 31 
 
 20 
 
 Labat, Tarrant &Co 
 
 80 
 
 4,754 10 
 
 31 
 
 21 
 
 J Rosenfield & Son 
 
 157 
 
 9,428 39 
 
 ; 31 
 
 21 
 
 MS Stith 
 
 167 
 
 7,207 12 
 
 June 8 
 
 21 
 
 H Garcia 
 
 55 
 
 2,853 55 
 
 21 
 
 21 
 
 G de la Gaza . . . 
 
 69 
 
 3,643 20 
 
 ; 24 
 
 2) 
 
 Gerson, Cramer & 
 
 
 
 : 24 
 
 
 Wolfe 
 
 75 
 
 4,553 25 
 
 30 
 
 21 
 
 Posner & Collat. . . 
 
 16 
 
 796 3'/ 
 
 30 
 
 21 
 
 W P Matthews.... 
 
 9 
 
 631 82 
 
 July 5 
 
 22 
 
 P J Willis & Bro. . 
 
 98 
 
 6,253 83 
 
 Aug H 
 
 22 
 
 W J Hutching 
 
 48 
 
 2,858 27 
 
 Sep 10 
 
 •)9 
 
 I) WHodse 
 
 3 
 
 207 57 
 
 lo 
 
 22 
 
 R&D G Mills 
 
 15 
 
 847 11 
 
 16 
 
 22 
 
 do 
 
 11 
 
 671 50 
 
 16 
 
 22 
 
 do 
 
 41 
 
 2,476 75 
 
 16 
 
 23 
 
 PS Stockdale.... 
 
 25 
 
 1,597 07 
 
 26 
 
 25 
 
 JE Martin 
 
 6 
 
 401 25 
 
 26 
 
 25 
 
 WHHBaldridge.. 
 
 g 
 
 290 50 
 
 
 25 
 
 11 K White 
 
 7 
 
 414 54 
 
 
 To Whom Issued. 
 
 B T Plewellen.... 
 
 B W Robinson.... 
 
 J C Baldwin & Co. 
 
 J J Caroth&rs 
 
 A G Patton 
 
 C Coleman 
 
 TGCnlpeper 
 
 J H Harris 
 
 S D Harper 
 
 W Franks 
 
 FS Stockdale 
 
 R A Reid 
 
 HK White 
 
 J A Van Alstyne. . 
 
 1 M Camp 
 
 Posner & Collat.. . 
 do do . . . 
 
 A G Compton 
 
 O M Wheeler 
 
 Flum & Bros 
 
 Darling & Meriman 
 
 R&DG Mills 
 
 WD Mitchell 
 
 J WD death 
 
 Westley Ross 
 
 J H McGowan... . 
 
 RT Flewellen.... 
 
 J Baldridge 
 
 \V Vinson j 
 
 W S Rogers 
 
 M Miller 
 
 Darling & Meriman 
 
 Geo Quinan 
 
 W J Hutchins 
 
 C C Hearne 
 
 L H Wood 
 
 It & 1> G Mills . . . 
 
 W B Anderson 
 
 J J Hodge 
 
 C Hearne. 
 
 Chiton & Miller... 
 
 A Wettcrmark... . 
 
 Claton& Miller... 
 
 do do 
 
 do do 
 
 J D Adams 
 
 P B Bailey 
 
 do 
 
 Xo. of 
 Bales 
 
 16 
 
 2 
 
 11 
 
 25 
 
 5 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 4 
 
 15 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 34 
 
 9 
 
 14 
 
 6 
 
 18 
 
 15 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 140 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 17 
 
 16 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 23 
 
 10 
 
 25 
 
 26 
 
 33 
 
 50 
 
 40 
 
 19 
 
 15 
 
 34 
 
 15 
 
 17 
 
 101 
 
 25 
 
 4S0 
 
 Amount <f 
 Certificated. 
 
 $ 689 54 
 
 92 57 
 
 680 15 
 
 1,750 00 
 341 12. 
 50 40 
 493 73 
 283 84 
 841 06 
 171 50 
 570 82 
 308 23 
 414 34 
 
 1,920 28 
 370 34 
 807 57 
 244 24 
 
 1,000 CO 
 
 826 22 
 
 188 55 
 
 58 85 
 
 8,350 00 
 325 no 
 323 97 
 341 99 
 231 17 
 785 SI 
 
 '852 2'! 
 327 90 
 436 27 
 486 91 
 
 1,034 74 
 532 22 
 
 1,750 00 
 981 78 
 
 1,585 50 
 
 2,990 00 
 
 2.391 30 
 
 1,23.1 40 
 916 58 
 
 2,085 24 
 875 30 
 882 00 
 
 7,747 82. 
 
 1,450 4S 
 
 26,358 It 
 
 121 71 
 
 145 70 
 
 8,521 [$473,766 2C 
 
17 
 
 Ceiiificates of Value issued at San Antonio. 
 
 DATE. 
 
 To Whom Issued. 
 
 Xo. of 
 
 Bal ■.-. 
 
 amount of 
 Certificates. 
 
 DATE. 
 
 To Whom Issued. 
 
 N"o. of 
 Bales. 
 
 Amount o* 
 
 CkRTJFICATBs 
 
 18&4. 
 
 
 
 
 1864. 
 
 
 
 
 Jan. !» 
 
 H II Holland 
 
 a 
 
 $ J38 33 
 
 Mar. 10 
 
 LG Dean 
 
 2 
 
 $ 158 20 
 
 10 
 
 White & Bullington 
 
 A 
 
 285 00 
 
 14 
 
 Maruchcau Brs 
 
 
 
 331 80 
 
 H 
 
 P Vevay 
 
 4 
 
 27:. 13 
 
 14 
 
 Tolsen & Sanborn 
 
 < 
 
 496 58 
 
 1 
 
 M B Smith 
 
 3 
 
 250 Si 
 
 30 
 
 G W White 
 
 3 
 
 123 00 
 
 19 
 
 Sanders & Colin 
 
 15 
 
 986 .v 
 
 April 6 
 
 [sham H Tennell 
 
 19 
 
 1.7-2 36 
 
 1" 
 
 I) M Peres 
 
 3 
 
 L51 37 
 
 29 
 
 J R Jefferson 
 
 18 
 
 •7- (i ' 
 
 20 
 
 H D Reeves 
 
 1 
 
 94 01 
 
 Mav 4 
 
 do 
 
 29 
 
 1.. 7 70 7 
 
 25 
 
 A H Eck & Co. 
 
 17 
 
 1,044 18 
 
 11 
 
 Redmond. Vance & 
 
 
 
 29 
 
 Bethel &Ooopwood 
 
 «) 
 
 si; 03 
 
 
 Brother 
 
 7 
 
 465 i ••> 
 
 Feb. 1 
 
 Lippman&Kopper] 
 
 1 
 
 7."> 00 
 
 11 
 
 Vance & Bro 
 
 32 
 
 2,384 40 
 
 1 
 
 A II Eck a- Co. 
 
 3 
 
 2 2 2 B< 
 
 11 
 
 do 
 
 32 
 
 2,249 57 
 
 1 
 
 do 
 
 1 
 
 n 90 
 
 12 
 
 Phil M Curry 
 
 22 
 
 1,175 4a 
 
 1 
 
 J Doran 
 
 22 
 
 1,893 63 
 
 17 
 
 ClatottA Miller 
 
 23 
 
 1.2 18 43 
 
 2 
 
 James H Trendle 
 
 1 
 
 82 11 
 
 21 
 
 James L Lege 
 
 4 
 
 243 23 
 
 2 
 
 E P Palm 
 
 2 
 
 133 2 7 
 
 24 
 
 X Mivblum 
 
 4 
 
 1 47 90 
 
 9 
 
 Rayless Barle 
 
 1 
 
 61 20 
 
 June 17 
 
 CO Ilearne 
 
 24 
 
 1,503 56 
 
 1 
 
 I) McKennon 
 
 1 
 
 72 00 
 
 2D 
 
 •J L Poole 
 
 29 
 
 1 ,548 44 
 
 Mar. 8 
 
 Frank & Kirsch 
 
 68 
 
 4,296 00 
 
 21 
 
 C C Hearne 
 
 8 
 
 
 10 
 
 E Leonart 
 
 :,1 
 
 - 2£2 
 
 
 
 400 
 
 $29,705 65 
 
 March 31... 
 
 April 14.... 
 
 '■ 21 . .. 
 
 Certificates of 
 
 ..„BL Hohenthal 
 
 . E P C\ec< T 
 
 Value 
 Certific 
 
 Canceled* 
 
 ate 170. .. 
 
 173 
 
 179 ... 
 188 
 
 BALES. 
 
 ... 67 
 
 ... 133 
 
 ... 189 
 
 ... 18 
 
 AX0T3T. 
 
 .$ 3,2 
 
 8,086 62 
 
 
 . 11,854 37 
 
 >i 23 
 
 . . . B B Simma 
 
 Justin McCarthy 
 
 . . . das Arluickle..' 
 
 . . . ,J W Jockusch.. 
 
 J 1) Men dies..; 
 
 Lippman & Kopperl 
 
 ....J Turner & Co 
 
 . . . Posner & Coll at 
 
 .1 \v Jockusch 
 
 . 1,128 00 
 
 " 
 
 " 30 ... 
 
 May •". 
 
 " B 
 " 21.'/ 
 " 27.... 
 '• 27... 
 " 27 
 
 205 . . 
 206.... 
 211.... 
 214.... 
 238.,.. 
 
 239 
 
 240.... 
 253,. . . 
 265.... 
 269 
 
 . . . 150 
 
 ... 11 
 
 ... 50 
 
 ... 140 
 
 9 
 . . . 550 
 
 ... 50 
 
 ... 152 
 
 13 
 
 9,360 00 
 
 700 70 
 3,r.lo 25 
 
 -.377 77> 
 
 540 00 
 
 . 33,000 00 
 
 2.22s 7.7 
 3.019 75 
 
 June 
 
 ...PA- D G Mills 
 
 . . . .Lippman & Kopperl 
 
 . ...T W House.. 
 
 Total 
 
 ,192 75 
 
 8 7 25 
 
 " 21.... 
 
 286 
 
 ... 2SG 
 
 .. 1855 
 
 9,700 62 
 $104,355 "1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Abstract of Gotten Received by Lt. Col. W. J. Hirrcmxs, Chief of Texas Cotton Office, 
 from all sources, to be used in the purchase of Supplies for the C. & Amu/. Tra\ s- 
 Mississippi Department. 
 
 mOM WHAT SOURCE RECEIVED. * r - OV "*' r! ~- 
 
 Certificates of Value issued at Houston for the purchase of Cotton 8,521 
 
 do do do San Antonio do do 
 
 Receipts issued at the agencies on the Rio Grande. Ac., for Cotton pur- 
 chased, and for which Certificates of Value mil be issued on pre- 
 sentation of the Receipts, about 
 
 Cotton purchased, for which the Certificates of Value have been can- 
 celed by this Office 
 
 Received from Government officers, a large part being in very bad or- 
 der and damaged 
 
 460 
 
 1 ,855 
 
 3.4S9 
 
 Tot;.! Pahs. 
 
 15.160 
 
 U. B.— Complete returns have not beer, received from the Rio Grande', and therefor* 
 
 the figures in the above abstract may have to be slightly altere 
 5 
 
18 
 
 [EC] 
 
 OPERATIONS OF THE COTTON BUREAU. 
 
 Ep. News— I have been aware for some time that much misconception has existed in 
 the public mind upon the subject of the Texas Cotton Office, its origin, plans and ope- 
 rations; and observing that action is proposed in the State Legislature against it. I 
 consider it due to the people, as well as to myself and associates, to recite, as briefly as 
 possible, the facts in the case. 
 
 Nearly a year ago, owing to the increasing price of cotton, and the limit fixed by 
 the Commissioners on the price to be paid by Government buyers, it became almost 
 impossible to purchase cotton to meet the pressing necessities;^ the army, to furnish 
 supplies of arms, ammunition, cloth ing, medicines. &c. ; no other means was 
 available to procure foreign supplies, and, in July last Gen Magruder received orders 
 from Shreveport declaring the cotton of the country necessary to meet the wants of 
 the Government, and instructing him to impress it, ' On August 14th, Gen. Magruder 
 assigned Capt. Wolfe. A Q. M., to duty as Chief of the Cotton Bureau, with full 
 power io impress cotton, teams, wagons, 'negro teamsters, &c, to meet the existing Ob- 
 ligations of the Government, and to procure future supplies. The publication of (his 
 order caused a good deal of anxiety with many of the people, and various gentlemen, 
 both planters and merchants, waited on Gen. Magruder, and on learning from him the 
 urgent requirements of the service, assured him that, to acquire from the planters and 
 others who owned cotton, as much as the Government required, it was only necessary 
 to inform them of the necessity and call on them to furnish it. especially if the control 
 of the cotton, when acquired, 'was placed in the hands of gentlemen known to the peo- 
 ple, and having their confidence, no other objection being made to Captain Wolfe than 
 his being a stranger in the State. Gen. Magruder expressed his decided preference 
 for this plan if practicable, being reluctant to resort to impressment, except as a last 
 resort. On Sept 1st, he released Capt, Wolfe from duty as Chief of the Cotton Bureau, 
 and at once commenced the organization of a Bureau on the plan suggested. He cor- 
 responded with Gen. Smith, and Gen. Smith with the Secretary of War, on the subject, 
 and that officer approving. Gen Smith published Order No. 198, on Nov. 22d, and Gen. 
 Magruder published Orders No. 327 on Dec. 1st, assigning me to duty in the Quarter- 
 Masters Department, with Hie rank of Lt. Colonel, to take entire charge of the duty 
 of procuring cotton by sale or agreement, and if necessary, by impressment, ordering 
 all oilier government officers, agents, or contractors, engaged in the purchase or re- 
 moval of cotton in Texas, to report to mo for orders, and giving me the exclusive au- 
 thority to make contracts based on cottom to exempt from impressment, Arc. with the 
 right to select my own associates, to aid me in the management and discharge of my 
 duties. On the 4th of Dee. t published an address to the cotton planters, signed by 
 oryseli" and associates, Messrs. Sorley. Kyle. Shepherd and Ball, in which Ave stated 
 plainly the urgent need of cotton for the government, and whilst selling forth tin- au- 
 thority given me to impress cotton under the sanction of the Impressment Act, express- 
 ed the wish to avoid its exercise if possible, and appealed to planters and others to sell 
 to the Government one-half their cotton, promising not only not to impress the remain- 
 ing half, but to give a certificate of exemption which would protect it from impressment 
 by '*nv other military officer. 
 
 ' For the cotton sold to the Bureau, instead of paying in Confederate money, which 
 was already depreciated owing to the great quantity in circulation, and thus depreciat- 
 ing it still further, I proposed to give a certificate of its specie value, to be liquidated 
 as Congress might hereafter provide. 
 
 This programme, when published, met the general approbation of the planters, and 
 the agents of the Bureau found the people in their respective districts perfectly willing 
 to respond to it, and to deliver one-half of their cotton on the terms proposed, whene- 
 ver they could be furnished with the bagging and rope to pack it. 
 
 But there was another portion of the people who regarded this organization with 
 disfavor, the army of speculators military and civil, and who began at once a furious 
 onslaught, sending runners through the country, denouncing the whole scheme as an 
 unauthorized and- arbitrary measure, telling all sorts of stories, and poisoning the 
 minds of planters against it, They are still persevering, notwithstanding the Bureau 
 has never yet impressed a bale of" cotton, except on the Rio Grande, where parties 
 were taking themselves and their cotton out of the country. The regular traders, who. 
 were pursuing a legitimate business, saw in the plans of the office a security against 
 frequent and arbitrary changes, and have sustained the office, and furnished the great- 
 er portion of the cotton used by it 
 
19 
 
 From these efforts in part and other causes, such as the want of baffeine and rono 
 the severe weather during the winter, but mainly from the intervention 7,7- ♦? £ V l 
 plan to procure cotton for the State, the Sareau has not SSSSwtWtaJ *Uk5flS 
 amount of cotton needed, and it depends upon the planters to \ ete n in7 w&or thi £ 
 will furnish cotton to sustain the Bureau, and prevent iniim-m.nt o u l 1 1 ' 
 
 force the Commanding General to resort to the only re?oW?e 1dm , Ton ! X 
 army supplies .mperatively reqnired for the successful military defence of tl " I 
 
 [ have had noTeason to suppose that the operations of the Cotton Office worn th* 
 deemed by the State authorities, an undue usurpation of power or injur io to < ! 
 - ttizens of the State. In February last when Gov Uurrah was , T , tr . ll,f - -?od 
 the State plan, which he was then inaugurating. toSS^^fSfSSSl oE?BS 
 frequent interviews with him. and believing that his oronosed id-m / ; i ?! 
 
 would seriously impair their usefulness, thfy expressed ^1 , w i ' ufKSW 
 *• military supp!i,s. most urgently need,,! ft? the aefensf o Ks2£°2d which 
 could only be procured with cotton and that the Cotton Office would Se its Jem 
 tions. But the Governor expressed bis conviction of the good service they were I 
 andhjs < : > T > thai they should continue. In a letter fddreS to tKvernor on 
 U» 3d ol the present month 1 said, -i understood you to expres von ow ; p ov-d 
 of Hie Utton Office, as the best the military could do, and both yourself and Genera 
 Nichols (State Agent,) were urgent thai the office should continue its efforte to ™, r 
 «otton for the military, -to whi, h his excellency, under date of the loth of May £ 
 plied, •• Yon are right in stating that I expressed a desire thai tho CnH n * ■; , i 
 contin ™< ^d when 1 heard Iron, rumor, thai expresSons wer Tindul^d h " '^ 
 sons purchasing cotton for the State, displagtog to yoaTo^^ukedTfnS 
 most direct terms, though my information! as 1 say. was .,,„,;, *>{*** 
 
 positive instructions that no war should be made upon the Mure-. ,,' , ,' V",, g 
 -nt should ever be made the object of which wouW ne to^Tw^ftnelteteX 
 fetter for the vendor than yo urs. 1 w.sh.,1 the State plan simply explained and 
 parties left to judge of its propriety. Even in conversing with planters falwavs di 
 couraged unfavorable impressions, as to the bureau, and pointed to thee in, , t b '- ■ een 
 • he system given by yon to the military control over 'cotton, and he • f. is on i 
 ""lore prevailed. , on can see from this whether or not I had any dispostttoTto make 
 war upon the Cotton Office. I may be allowed to assure you, that I Eecute v 
 
 than bynupressment. Ite members undertook the office when it was ur',,1 upon ,'n 
 
 I ommanding General, feeling much personal reluctance ... so thankless IkbT 
 
 oua a ponton, bn impelled by a stern sense of public duty. La?g > quantities ofootton 
 
 >ded to equip efficiently our armies, and if the efforte of the (' i M , ^ ' 
 
 t, are defeated, either by penal enactments of the Stnte nnthorifaTthfSiSC: 
 
 JJf of the planters, whose all is at stake in this contest, to sustain us wshaUvefv 
 
 ^eerfully retire iron, our onerous position, and let cotton he procured as 'otoei suppUes 
 
 are. by the military arm under the impressment Act supples 
 
 Of the Cotton ^acquired about one fourth has been paid on account of debts due h v 
 
 W. J. HUTCIIIXS. Li Col., 
 Horaxox, May 22, 1864 Chi " f TeXaS C,>llou Ufficc - 
 
 '' News " 2->'- ' 
 

 
 
 
Hollinger Corp. 
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