OR, Series 1, Vol. 26, Part 2, Page 446

Houston, Tex.
November 26, 1863
 
Col. W. R. Bradfute
Commanding Indianola, &c.
 
Sir,
   I have received your communication announcing the advance of the enemy upon Saluria.
   As soon as the commanding general heard of the arrival of the enemy on the Rio Grande, orders were sent to you for all the transportation to be accumulated in Matagorda Bay, and when he heard of their arrival at Aransas Bay he sent two regiments, Pyron's and Woods', to re-enforce you by way of Matagorda, sending Lieutenant [J. Adair] Murray ahead to provide transportation. These regiments were directed, in case no transportation could be had at Matagorda, to proceed by forced marches to Victoria, to which point Dashiell's battery has also been ordered.
   A supply of ammunition was sent by Colonel Pyron, and 20,000 caps by special courier via Texana and Lavaca. Should Saluria fall. Colonel Pyron will secure all the rolling-stock of the railroad at Victoria {San Antonio & Mexican Gulf RR}, and, proceeding down the road as far as it may be safe, even to Lavaca, if possible, will burn the cross-ties, and, putting the iron over the fire, bend it, and thus render it useless, reporting to General Bee if he be present, and falling back toward Columbus in observation of the enemy if pursued. The security of your retreat from Saluria depends upon your holding possession of the interior navigation from toward Corpus [Christi] or Matagorda Bay .
   Should you be threatened by the light-draught gunboats of the enemy from toward Corpus [Christi], you will assemble the light-draught steamers which you have, with artillery and companies of sharpshooters, and place them at the disposal of Commodore Leon Smith, to attack the enemy's similar light-draught boats. He is sent down for the purpose of commanding them and the [John F.] Carr. Major-General Magruder  trusts that you will afford him every facility that he may require.
   The commanding general directs me to inform you that Brigadier-General Bee with his forces has been ordered to Victoria . For fear he may not have received the orders, you will please send him an order from the general commanding to Larco Creek, west, and low down on the San Antonio River, to proceed to your support with the utmost rapidity.
   From the best information received at these headquarters, the enemy does not number more than 3,000 men, but should his forces be as large as you have reported, or should the fort become untenable for any other reason, you will withdraw your garrison, guns, and stores at the first opportunity, commencing at early dusk, spiking your heavy cannon, and destroying what you cannot move, and take post at Victoria, securing the rolling-stock and destroying the road, and informing General Bee, if not with you, of the result, requesting him at the same time to join you there.
   Should you be forced to fall back from Victoria , retreat toward Columbus, keeping in observation of the enemy. Report fully and frequently to these headquarters.
By order of Major-General Magruder
Edmund P. Turner
Assistant Adjutant-General

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