Head Quarters 13^th Corps

Brownsville, Dec 10^th 1863.

 

His Excellency, Don Jesus Serra

            Gov. of Tamaulipas.

                                    I was informed the day before yesterday that the British Schooner Nancy Dawson with an assorted supply of cargo of Military supplies, including 10,000 muskets, had anchored off the mouth of the Rio Grande and that she was consigned to the firm of Hale & Co. who are doing business in Matamoros. I have reason to know that these supplies are for the use of the enemies of the United States, the rebels and traitors who have for two years held high Carnival in the State of Texas. For this reason I sent a dispatch yesterday requesting any naval vessel near Brazos Santiago or the mouth of the river to seize the Nancy Dawson as a prize. I am now informed that the arms from the Nancy Dawson have been landed in Mexico, and are now on their way to Matamoros. Confidently relying on your feelings of friendship for my government, and on the intimate relations which are existing between our two nations, and in the knowledge that your Excellency is fully informed of the barbarities and enormities which have been and are being committed on loyal citizens and their families by the atrocious villains who are waiting for the safe delivery of these arms and other military supplies, I request that they may be immediately seized and turned over to me, unless your Excellency has reasons, after seizing them, to retain them as forfeited by their owners to your own use. Protesting to your Excellency the sincerity of my good feeling and my distinguished consideration, I have the honor to remain

 

Your most Obedient Servant

(signed)           N.J.T. Dana

Maj Gen

 

[overleaf]

 

Head Qrs 13^th Corps

            Brownsville, Dec 10^th 1863

To

Don Jesus de la Serra

            Gov. of Tamaulipas

SOURCES