28 Civil War Military Reports from Fort Brown
When the Confederate Army held Fort Brown, a U.S. Consul reported on the area from a short distance away in “neutral” Matamoros. This underscores the intrigue that defined this area during the Civil War.
Consulate of the United States of America,
Matamoras, September 16, 1862
Sir: Your letter of the 12th, by Señor Zambrano, was received on the 14th , and judging from what he said to you, and what he is doing here, it would seem that he is giving much aid to the rebels through the influence of his office. Before he came here, the rebels were obliged to pay heavy duties on everything carried across the river; for instance, the export duties here on flour going to Texas was $5 per barrel; it is now but $1.50, it being put down by the influence of said Zambrano.
As to the cotton, there is not one pound in fifty that ever belonged to a Mexican, neither is there one bale in ten that ever remained on Mexican soil, with the exception of a small amount that is on its way down to Monterey, but has not arrived yet.
It is true that cotton has been shipped from this port while our blockading ships were here, as it was decided that as the cotton paid an import and export duty to Mexico; it has become naturalized, and the only way to prevent it would be to prevent its crossing the frontier, which could only be done by occupying Fort Brown with a small force.
In my certificate I merely certify that they declare the cotton to be legally shipped from Matamoras. There is no doubt but that most of the trade with Matamoras is illegal.
I send down correspondence of Captain Hunter, in which you will see the course pursued by him to bring them terms, and which had the most satisfactory results.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. Pierce, Jr. U.S. Consul
United States. War Dept. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies Official records of the Union and Confederate armies. Govt. Print. Off. Washington. Series I, 1-53; Series II, 1-8; Series III, 1-5; Series IV, 1-4 (1880 – 1901)
Confederate and Union armies were not the only forces who had an interest in the lower Rio Grande. This dispatch from a Confederate officer at Fort Brown described the convergence of many interests in the region at the height of the Civil War.
HEADQUARTERS LOWER RIO GRANDE
Fort Brown, January 26, 1863
Maj. A. G. Dickinson, Assistant Adjutant-General (CSA), Houston Tex.:
MAJOR: Owing to the fact that Brigadier-general Bee is en route to this post, I think it proper to address the commanding general directly, that he may be informed of the state of the frontier up to the latest moment without unnecessary delay.
I have the honor to report that I arrived at this post on the 16th instant (this month), having a large amount of Government funds in charge, which have been turned over to the proper disbursing officers.
On the 17th I assumed command of the Lower Rio Grande, and immediately issued orders, and took the necessary steps to carry out as soon as practicable the orders of the commanding general, as expressed in his orders to Brig. Gen. H. P. Bee.
I have to report a great want of transportation on this line, also a remarkable scarcity of grass, of which indeed the country is literally almost bare. As to corn, none can be purchased at present. These difficulties, along with the extremely low stage of water on the Rio Grande, which prevents steamboat navigation, do not permit as rapid a movement of the troops as is to be desired.
I have consulted fully with Major Hart, quartermaster, and have given such orders to Capt F. J. Lynch, assistant quartermaster, as to secure a full supply of rations within sixty days for 5,000 men for six months. These supplies have generally to be ordered from the West Indies – more particularly corn. There is said to be a sufficient amount of flour at the mouth of the river, but the process of unloading vessels is very slow during the winter months. Last month, I understand, there were only two working days for the lighters.
I have had a special interview with the Governor of Tamaulipas, Mexico, also with several leading official of the city of Matamoras. They do not deny that there is a band of robbers and marauders in and about Mier, in their state, menacing our peaceful frontier relations, but owing to the absence of their military forces on service against the French at Tampico they are unable to lay hands on the outlaws.
There is no Mexican force at this time on the Lower Rio Grande. All their troops have been sent to Tampico, which place was evacuated by the French on the 14th instant and occupied the same day by Mexican forces.
The Governor and other authorities assure me of their determination to aid in every manner within their power to put a stop to all difficulties, tendering to me the authority to cross over on their soil to punish the outlaws.
I have not opened an official correspondence, preferring to await the arrival of Brigadier-General Bee, who is daily expected here.
The Mexican authorities, since the reported increase of our forces on this line, are evidently disposed to take more active steps to rid themselves of the (American Unionist) renegades who have infested Matamoras.
Major Hart, Quartermaster, who returned from the mouth of the river last night, informed me that on the 24th and 25th instant from 150 to 200 renegades were sent aboard the Abolition (Union) gunboat at the mouth of the river, and that the vessel was about to leave with them, destination supposed to be New Orleans. This departure will leave the mouth of the river and Brazos Sant Iago clear of Abolition war vessels.
I have the honor to report the departure of the Hon. L.Q.C. Lamar, minister of the Confederate States to the Court of Russia, on the 25th instant, by the French vessel Malabar, bound to Havana The Hon. A. Superville was to have left on the same vessel. There are two French war vessels and one English at the mouth of the river.
I respectfully call the commanding general’s attention to the fact of there being numerous Government agents on the frontier. As a general thing, they are men totally incompetent to transact most ordinary commercial business. They are constantly bidding one against another, causing the Government to pay excessive prices, and besides they throw a cloud of doubt over the transactions of useful and competent agents. Through them and others cotton permits are hawked about in Matamoras at the rate of a dollar a bale.
With the proper organization of a purchasing department the Government within the next six months can supply an army of 50,000 men with everything needed (except arms) though this port. But in order to accomplish this there must be but one agency, having at the same time entire control of cotton and transportation.
The Government need not, except in special instances, for a particular purpose of exigency, send abroad for supplies, but simply turn over the cotton upon delivery of goods at this place. I call the general’s attention to this subject for the reason that action upon this subject will be necessary to sustain the troops on the Lower Rio Grande.
Up to this date I have not heard of the arrival of any of the forces ordered to the Rio Grande. Willke’s battery at latest date had not moved from Corpus for want of horses. Four days ago I sent an express, directing the officers to press the necessary transportation and to move for this post as soon as possible.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
P. N. Luckett
Colonel Commanding Lower Rio Grande, Fort Brown
P.S. – We have a New York Herald of the 10th instant, which admits fully the repulse of the Abolition forces at Vicksburg.
United States. War Dept. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies Official records of the Union and Confederate armies. Govt. Print. Off. Washington. Series I, 1-53; Series II, 1-8; Series III, 1-5; Series IV, 1-4 (1880 – 1901)