The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 45, In Two Parts. Part 2, Correspondence, etc. Page: 637
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CaP. LVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST,
Montgomery, Ala., December 2, 1864.
General S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:
GENERAL: I have been informed that Maj. L. Mims, chief quarter-
master of the State of Mississippi, has been authorized by the honorable
Secretary of War to superintend the exchange of Government cotton
for army supplies. No official communication of such authority has
ever been received by me, nor has any information reached Major
Miems or myself as to the extent of his powers, nor any instructions
given as to the extent of his powers, nor any instructions given as to
the mode and manner of carrying out this power. The subject is a
delicate one and of grave importance. Our armies in this military
division are sadly in need of every description of military supplies-
horses and mules for artillery and other transportation, blankets, cloth-
ing, bacon, &c., are needed. This section has been drained of these
supplies. Any further drafts on its resources will materially impair,
if not destroy, the productive powers of its laboring population. Even
if the supplies were at hand, they cannot be obtained for want of funds.
Money is needed, not only for the purchase of quartermaster and com-
missary stores, but it is also required for the payment of the troops. A
portion of the Army of Tennessee has not been paid since the 31st of
December last, i. e., Stewart's corps; Cheatham's and Lee's corps, since
the 30th of April last; and the cavalry, since the 29th of February
last. Funds have beau recently sent to pay off these arrearages in part.
To meet the immediate and pressing wants of the army the subject of
cotton exchange becomes of serious import. Government cotton is here,
badly put up, exposed to weather, to depredation, and at times liable
to capture and destruction by the enemy. This, I believe, with proper
management and under proper regulation, can be used to procure from
the enemy's lines all needful army supplies. The interruption of com-
munication with the seat of Government precludes us of all hope at
present of looking to that quarter as a source of supply, and another
must be sought. The one above suggested presents itself as the most
feasible. .Lieutenant-General Taylor, who was authorized to act in this
matter, has, under instructions from the Government at Richmond,
ceased to exercise any further authority over this subject. It is, there-
fore, important that some one should be intrusted with this authority,
whose powers should be ample, and whose instructions should be full
and clear. As it is now probably our sole source of supply I respect-
fully request and urge the department to take such steps as will enable
us to exchange the cotton now lying useless here for such supplies and
material of war as we may need. I herewith inclose a communication
of Major Willis, my chief quartermaster, to the honorable Secretary of
the Treasury, in connection with this subject. It meets with my
approval. I have no desire myself to have any connection with the
supervision of contracts for exchange, but will cheerfully afford all
such facilities and aid in my power to the agent selected by the Gov-
ernment to effect this object. My present solicitude is that some one
shall be designated for that purpose, full and ample powers conferred
upon him, and such clear and definite instructions given me as will
best carry out the intentions of the Government, protect it against
fraud and peculation, and supply the great and pressing wants of our
army in the field.
I have the honor to be, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. T. BEAUREGARD,
General.637
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The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Additions and Corrections to Series 1, Volume 45. (Pamphlet)
Errata sheets for the Records of the War of the Rebellion include additions and corrections to the text and the index for Series 1, Volume 45.
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United States. War Department. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 45, In Two Parts. Part 2, Correspondence, etc., book, 1895; Washington D.C.. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth142229/m1/651/?q=thrall: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.