May. 12. 1894.

H. C. Corbin, Esq.

Asst. Adj't.Gen'^l.

Washington, D.C.,

 

            Dear Sir;

Referring to my letter of 30^th ultimo, & your reply of May 1^st, I learn from a correspondent at Donaldsonville, La., that Col. Joe Phillips, (C.S.A.), was killed in the attack on "Fort Butler" near Donaldsonville La. This leads me to inquire the size "Fort Butler" (area within Fort, & number of men in Garrison), the distance of "Fort Butler" from the Town of Donaldsonville, and whether there was a Federal report of the engagement, June-27-or 28-1863, or whether the records of the Fort have been preserved. Rumor says that Col. Phillips was leading the Confederates, (3^rd Texas Cavalry, dismounted), & was killed inside the Fort, and that his body was delivered to the Confederates under Flag of Truce next day. Can you verify this rumor, or correct it? Was the 1^st Texas Cavalry C.S.A. engaged in the attack, or were they in the neighborhood at the time? Can you give me the name of the Col. & Major of the 1^st Texas Cavalry at that date, June 1863.

 

Was there any fight at or near Plattesville, La., which is about 12 miles from Donaldsonville, La.

 

Please favor me with replies to the above, & oblige,

                                                                                   

Yours Very Truly

J.E.B.Stuart

 

[verso]

May 15 1894

War Department,

Adjutant General's Office,

May 14, 1894.                                    

Respectfully returned to Mr. J.E.B. Stuart;

 

            As this office informed you on May 3d, all reports—Union and Confederate, of the fight at Donaldsonville are published in Vol. 26, Part 1, War Records of the Rebellion, on file with the Southern Historical Society at Richmond.

 

            Fort Butler is mentioned in these reports. This office has no other knowledge of that fort.

 

            The 1^st Texas Cavalry were not known to have been in the neighborhood. A. Buchel was Colonel; R. A. Myer was Major.

 

            This office has no record of any fight at Plattsville, La.

 

            Please read what is published in volume 26, mentioned above.

                                                                                   

H. C. Corbin

Ass't Adj't General.

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