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