mounted either en barbette or casemate, and whatever guns are substituted in the place of those removed. These should be ready, so that the withdrawal of the guns may not be observed. We can ill afford to lose men with arms or cannon on wheels. You will, therefore, make arrangements to withdraw safely the guns from Saluria, should it become necessary. Lieutenant-Colonel Shea was of opinion that it can be easily done.

The two guns at Aransas Pass will be allowed to remain, inasmuch as they are necessary for the defense of that place, and there are not guns there which are not on wheels.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND P. TURNER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, &C.,

No. 211.
Piedmont, August 7, 1863.

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IV. Acting Brigadier General P. N. Luckett will at once proceed to the mouth of the Brazos, and assume command of the coast from that point to Saluria. He will promptly report his arrival to these headquarters.

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By command of Major-General Magruder:

EDMUND P. TURNER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

MOBILE, ALA., August 8, 1863.

General S. COOPER:

No indications of early attack here; therefore do not send me troops yet. Have sent Major [E. H.] Cummins to inform you fully about my resources and requirements.

DABNEY H. MAURY,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Mobile, Ala., August 8, 1863.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:

GENERAL: Since I last wrote, no development of the enemy's plans against this place has been made. Returned prisoners from Vicksburg, Fort Pickens, and other points occupied by the enemy report that the operations of the armies of Grant and Banks will not be extended in this direction before the fall. Meantime I am pushing rapidly the defensive preparations here. The necessary labor, which has been withheld until recently, is coming in freely. It is hoped that the supply of ammunition which I shall be able to provide will suffice for a siege, if necessary. Subsistence stores are coming in plentifully. It is my intention to hold here six month's supply for 10,000 men. The naval force here is very important, and, as a successful defense of this place will depend in great measure upon it, I think it appropriate for me to urge upon the Department the necessity of aiding the admiral of this