Tri-Weekly Telegraph, edition unknown, 1863
Headquarters, Dist. Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, Hawkins' Ferry, Dec, 7th 1863.
The Major General Commanding hereby calls upon the planters of Brazoria, Matagorda and Fort Bend counties, to place all of their able-bodied male slaves, except one for each proprietor at the disposal of the Government, to work upon fortifications. Those of Matagorda and Brazoria counties west of the San Bernard will send their slaves to Hawkins' Landing, on the Caney. Planters living in Fort Bend and Brazoria counties east of the San Bernard will send theirs to Brazoria. Negroes within ten miles of Rugeley's (?) being assigned to Mr. Dance, Assistant Military Engineer, and those furnished by planters with teams for hauling corn to Elliot's Ferry on the Colorado, are not included in this call. The government will take care of and be responsible for all negroes so employed, and will return them in time to put in the spring crops. Negroes will bring, as far as practicable, hoes, picks, axes, grubbing hoes, etc.
by order of Maj. Gen. J.B. Magruder.
Theodore Herrmann, Capt. Adjt. E. Dept. To the Planters of Brazoria, Matagorda and Fort Bend Counties.
Headquarters, Dist. Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, Hawkins' Ferry, Dec, 7th 1863.
The Major General Commanding hereby calls upon the planters of Brazoria, Matagorda and Fort Bend counties, to place all of their able-bodied male slaves, except one for each proprietor at the disposal of the Government, to work upon fortifications. Those of Matagorda and Brazoria counties west of the San Bernard will send their slaves to Hawkins' Landing, on the Caney. Planters living in Fort Bend and Brazoria counties east of the San Bernard will send theirs to Brazoria. Negroes within ten miles of Rugeley's (?) being assigned to Mr. Dance, Assistant Military Engineer, and those furnished by planters with teams for hauling corn to Elliot's Ferry on the Colorado, are not included in this call. The government will take care of and be responsible for all negroes so employed, and will return them in time to put in the spring crops. Negroes will bring, as far as practicable, hoes, picks, axes, grubbing hoes, etc.
by order of Maj. Gen. J.B. Magruder.
Theodore Herrmann, Capt. Adjt. E. Dept. To the Planters of Brazoria, Matagorda and Fort Bend Counties.
