NP, HT 1/20A/1864

From the Houston Telegraph
 
January 20, 1864
 
Houston, Jan. 18, 1864
 
Ed. Telegraph,
   The statement signed by J O. Wheller of Victoria, require correction. General Magruder was addressed by Capt. Bradburry and Mr Glass, on the banks of the Bernard river, with a view of preventing the destruction of the San Antonio & Mexican Gulf Railroad. He did not "utterly refuse to listen to them," but heard their statement to the end, and answered with firmness that the road should be destroyed. He consulted an engineer as to what portions of the engines could be removed to Columbus, and ordered the same. That the destruction of the road was a military necessity, was apparent from the proximity of the enemy's troops; made still more so by their having marched with near 2000 men and taken possession of Lavaca, and finding the road destroyed they returned. This important fact was omitted in the statement of Mr. Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler had previously proposed to Major Kearney, and subsequently it is understood to General Bee, to bring the iron two or three hundred yards on each side of the road, and to take possession of and dismantle the rolling stock himself, keeping the passenger and box cars intact, which proposition was declined by General Magruder when he heard of it, preferring to work to be done by his own agents. General Magruder has no cotton at Victoria or any where else, and has taken proper steps to secure whatever cotton which may be, or may have been at Victoria. General Magruder is not insensible to the good opinion of the community, but cannot be induced by praise, or deterred by censure from a faithful performance of his duties to the best of his abilities. He feels as deep an interest in the people of the West as of the East.

Home