| Hd Qrs Dept. Trans. Miss |
| Shreveport La June 23rd 1863 |
| |
| Maj Gen J B. Magruder |
| Comdg Dist of Texas |
| |
| General, |
| I have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th inst, in regard to
the Military road from Nibletts Bluff to New Iberia, and in regard to
the continuation of the Telegraphic line to Shreveport. |
| Col. Gentry the President of the
Texas Railroad to Beaumont {Texas ^& New Orleans
RR} represented that the wagon road from Nibletts Bluff to New
Iberia could be constructed on the line of the proposed rail road to New
Iberia {New Orleans & Texas RR} at very
little expense. This being the case and the road being of the highest
importance both in offensive and defensive operations in lower
Louisiana, Col. Gentry was directed to begin its construction. |
| I should not think it proper
to extend the telegraphic line to New Iberia until more important lines
are first established. I hope Maj Bloomfield will exert his usual energy
in completing at the earliest period the telegraphic line to this place.
Any arrangement you may make with Capt Chote or others, for the purpose
of constructing lines of telegraph in your District, will meet my hearty
approval. |
| I have the honor to be General |
| Your obt servt. |
| E. Kirby Smith |
| Lt Gen Comdg |