Head Quarters Brownsville, Dec 2^d 1863.

 

Brig Gen C. P. Stone

            Chief of Staff, New Orleans.

                        Col. Davis returned with his cavalry and artillery last night. The infantry on the Steamboat Mustang has not yet returned. The command went to Rio Grande City and a small detachment went to Roma. No enemy whatever was encountered, and none could be heard of except the small force of Benevides, which had left Rio Grande City a week before Davis' arrival. The country in the vicinity of Comango is even more bare of supplies than in this vicinity. What little corn was procured there was double the price it was here. Some 2500 bales of cotton had been crossed over the river with the last two weeks, but that trade is about stopped now this side of Laredo. About 30 bales were sent down by Davis. My accumulation now is about 300 bales. I must order some of it to be sold to settle the freight due on it, and to compensate the worthy men according to the instructions of the Maj Gen. Commanding. The Command here and at Point Isabel and Brazos will be out of rations and forage—three days, owing to the loads of subsistence stores having been carried back from Brazos. I shall be compelled to purchase supplies at Matamoros, should none arrive in that time. That can readily be done. Widel's command has been mustered in, armed and equipped to the number of 89 men, for one year. One of them was killed yesterday in a brawl, and I propose to make an example of the murderer. One hundred and fifteen recruits have been mustered into the 1^st Texas Cavalry, and 75 into the 2^d Col. Haynes has, at Roma and Rio Grande City about 200 for the latter. Thirty-three men have been mustered in for / the 26^th Corps D'Afrique. About 175 men are employed daily on the defensive works here, and they are progressing well. About 200 horses have been purchased from the Mexican side of the river, and we expect 100 more in a couple of days. If it is thought desirable to send any of the Mustang band to Louisiana or any other Department, I could procure 5000 easily in a month. The price here would be about $45 a head. Good mules will cost $60. Wild, unbroken ones about $40. A few of the refugees from Monterey sent by Mr. Braubeck have arrived. When he comes they expect to be mustered in for the campaign in Texas.

 

I have the honor to Remain

With great Respect

N.J.T. Dana

Maj Gen.

 

[overleaf]

 

Head Qrs Brownsville

            Dec 2d 1863

To

Brig. Gen. C. P. Stone

            Chief of Staff.

SOURCES