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Chapter
10 Red River Campaign Prior to communications from the King Ranch in December, “Captain James A. Ware commanded the forces near Patricio and Major Mat Nolan was placed in charge of the troops near Banquet. Ford instructed Ware to take into custody any deserters or union sympathizers in the area. In late December, Ware and his men visited Corpus Christi and arrested a man described as a 'traitor’ and communicating with the Yankees. Major William G. Thompson, commander on Mustang Island promptly received news of Wares’ visit to Corpus.” (Ref. 1008) After receiving the letter James wrote on December 13th while visiting with the King family, General Magruder wrote a confidential letter to the conscript officer in Austin, Col. John S. (Rip) Ford on December 22, 1863. In the letter, “Col. Ford was ordered by General Magruder on a secret expedition to the Rio Grande, naming the troops to go with him. Ford was specifically picked for this duty in order to encourage the people in the region and gain their help in any way he could. He was especially fitted for this job because of his intimate association with this part of Texas. He began his command in San Antonio, where Col. Dickinson (chief of General Magruder’s staff) helped him in any way he could. The report of this expedition was published by Ford, himself, who was still alive in October 1897.” (Ref. Wikipedia)  Original letter to Col. Ford 127  The following copy of the official orders on file gives wonderful insight into the secrecy of this mission and the details of the assignment.
128
 129  (Ref. War of the Rebellion)
 Col. Rip Ford
Since this new regiment did not have an official name yet, Ford dubbed it the Cavalry of the West. He immediately “began preparations in San Antonio for the Confederate Rio Grande Expedition, ordering two companies of his newly formed Cavalry of the West to the Nueces River near Corpus Christi to protect that exposed region.” (Ref. 1008) Major Felix Blucher was the regiment’s Chief of Staff. He was a highly skilled surveyor
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and geographer who knew the area south of the Nueces River like the back of his hand. His regiment served in the Red River Campaign in the brigade of General Hamilton P. Bee. “Captain James A. Ware was officially placed in charge of all the troops at or near San Patricio intended for service in the expeditionary forces.” (Ref. 1006) While all these plans were being formed for the new troop movements, a shocking turn of events occurred at Santa Gertrudis where James had just been visiting. “At dawn on December 23rd, the Federal Cavalry attacked King’s house.” (Ref. 1008) During the time of the above raid, Henrietta King was seven months pregnant. The Union troops were commanded by Captain James Speed, and they had made their way north from the Valley, overrun the Confederate salt works at El Sal del Rey, and made it past the wild horse dessert before reaching the ranch. They were hoping to capture Captain King himself, but he was able to escape. His faithful Mexican retainer, Francisco Alvarado, was shot dead right at the feet of Henrietta, however, as he opened the door. The soldiers proceeded to loot and take livestock to feed their men. Thankfully, “their departure was hastened by the arrival of Confederate Cavalry on the night of December 24th.” (Ref. 1008)
Historic Marker Recording This Raid
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Col. Ford kept Magruder advised on all the preparations that were being undertaken to expedite the gathering of forces for the upcoming expedition. His ‘Cavalry of the West’ included volunteers who signed up in San Antonio, along with two ranger battalions from Blanco County. “Maj. Mat Nolan of the 2nd Texas Cavalry and Capt. James A. Ware of San Patricio would meet Ford as he moved southward. Once Ford reached the Rio Grande, soldiers under Capt. George H. Giddings at Eagle Pass and Col. Santos Benavides at Laredo would also join him.” (Ref. 1008) The officers serving under Col. Ford were working hard to gather as many troops as they could, despite the miserable weather that accompanied them on their travels. December 1863 was a “frigid winter on the coast.” (Ref. 1008) There had been an extended drought in south Texas and water holes had disappeared. Skeletons of animals littered the trail. “The winter of 1863-1864 proved to be one of the coldest and driest in memory and did, as expected, produce problems for the expedition.” (Ref. 3347) Despite that, Confederates from different companies diligently combed the region and “part of Company F, 1st Texas Cavalry was from Corpus Christi, Ware’s Tigers or Ware’s Partisan Rangers.” (Ref. 537) Finding men was not an easy task. “So desperate were the state and Confederate authorities for men that one “Tiger” Ware was sent to various ranchitos deep in the brush country south of the Nueces River in search of conscripts. At Aqua Poquita, a watering hole on the road from the Nueces to the Rio Grande, Ware and another enrolling officer named Trimmer actually contemplated lying around the water hole to ambush conscripts. Ware even jokingly considered drafting an elderly Tejano lady, the only resident of Agua Poquita.” (Ref. 3347) They accomplished their mission however and “as the end of 1863 approached, Union scouts reported that General Magruder had amassed a large force of Confederate and state troops on the prairie west of the Brazos to repel the expected Federal invasion of the Texas interior.” (Ref. 1008) Since one of the most important directives given to Ford in the December 22nd letter from Turner was “you will be very particular and will not let a soul know of your intended movements,” there are not too many records available for this time period. It was essential that plans be kept secret in order to facilitate success. With written documentation, there would have always been the
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danger of it falling into the wrong hands. The following message on progress being made was from Col. Ford to Capt. Turner on December 29, 1863.  133  Clearly the public knew that Col. Ford was gathering troops together, but there was great effort used to mislead them and not let the public know the real plans. Ford wrote “I shall use every effort to keep the object of the expedition entirely secret, and shall get the editor of the Herald to intimate that it is intended for Indianola.” The expedition “had to be built from the idea up. Not only troops had to be raised, but supplies of all character had to be located, bought, and assembled; and Colonel Ford was wholly without the funds or cotton which might be exchanged therefore.” (Ref. 3296) The local newspaper printed a story of support, but offered no details. Article in the local Corpus Christi newspaper, ‘The Ranchero’
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It was a huge undertaking, and while Col. Ford “set up headquarters in Houston and appealed to loyal ‘Texians’ to join his regiment,” (Ref. 3173) other efforts were being made to try and raise supplies for the soldiers. As Commander A. G. Dickinson wrote in Dec. 1863, “If 2,500 or 3,000 men are to be supplied with subsistences west of this point, the articles of subsistence (as well as the transportation) will have to come from the east. What can be accomplished I will certainly attempt, but the demand at present is twenty times greater than the supply.” (Ref. 2072) On December 29, 1863, headquarters received an equally desperate letter from General Magruder. He wrote: “I found my horses and men nearly starving because a great part of the means of transportation was being used for private purposes and supplies for the army neglected, and my quartermaster reported it to me and proved it.” “On the subject of arms, I must say that the safety of the country demands them at any sacrifice, and that no time is to be lost. I have thousands of men entirely unarmed. I have bought, and am distributing to the troops, 300 stand of arms, powder, etc. from Mr. House, and I have given an order on the cotton bureau for cotton with which to pay for these necessaries. I am facing the enemy, and the arms, etc., will be in the hands of the men tomorrow. Your operations at present ought, in my opinion, to be confined almost exclusively to the procurement of arms, without a loss of a moment. So great is the need, that all the cotton in Texas would speedily be sold tomorrow by the government for 30,000 stand of arms and their appropriate ammunition. We can exist without other things, but cannot without arms.” (Ref. 3309) The year 1864 found James and his men battling the continued bad climate conditions. "The weather had been cold enough to freeze men to death, harsh weather and disease decimated the ranks more than other causes." (Ref. 721) Jane, who was now in the early stages of pregnancy, probably saw little of her husband during this time because the “1st Texas was the only
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remaining mounted cavalry and they continued to patrol the coast and scout the beaches for enemy landing parties.” (Ref. 721) Again, because of the secrecy of the plans being made for the expedition, "fragmentary surviving records of the time reveal little about the unit except that, for a few brief interludes, Yager's Cavalry patrolled the Rio Grande up as far as Laredo and north along the coast toward Corpus Christi, a distance of almost three hundred straight-line miles." (Ref. 721) On January 6, 1864, James sent a letter to Col. Ford acknowledging the communication he had received concerning the mission of the Cavalry of the West.   Original letter
Camp Near San Patricio January 6, 1864 Colonel John S. Ford Commanding Cavalry of the West Colonel, I have the honor of acknowledging your communication addressed to Major Rogers or myself which came to hand a few moments since. The suggestions and instructions contained in it shall be carried out as far as the means at my disposal will permit. I shall gather up what animals in the county may be serviceable for the purposes of the expedition. In horses and mules, the county has been well drained by the retreating forces of General Bee. Your communication gave me no information about the number of troops to be provided for nor an approximation to the time they may be wanted. With regard however to beeves, I believe they can be easily supplied along the whole route as the troops march. The two
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companies of state troops now are but illy supplied with commissary stores, canteens, and etc., and but a few day’s supply of forage. Captain A. L. Doty - A. Q. M attached to this command has been sick for nine days in Refugio County but is expected in a few days and will make out an estimate and forward it for whatever may be needed. I will also communicate with Mr. Hood at Ft. Merrill upon this subject. Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, James A. Ware Captain, Commanding Forces on Lower Nueces On
January 11, 1864, Col. Ford gave James his official
orders.
(Bold lettering done by author for purposes of family history.)    Original letter from Ford to James Ware 137
Written to Captain J. A. Ware
San Patricio, TexasCommanding Forces on the Nueces Headquarters Expeditionary Forces San Antonio January 11, 1864 Captain, The receipt of your communication of January 6th is acknowledged. You will take command of all the forces at or near San Patricio which have been ordered to report to serve or which may be raised for my command, and remain in charge of them until you are relieved by a ranking officer or by my order. You will, as heretofore directed, muster companies into the service in pursuance of Major General Magruder’s orders or for the war should any such present themselves. You will designate suitable officers to act temporarily upon your staff. You will make a report of the kind of arms and the number of each in your command and make a requisition for the orders and ammunition necessary for them. You will also make a requisition for stake rope for your command - allowing thirty six feet to the command. You will endeavor the necessary transportation and, should you be unable to obtain it otherwise, you will impress it in pursuance of Maj. General Magruder’s instructions. You will explain to the people the great public necessity requiring them to aid their country in the arduous struggle for liberty, that should they withhold assistance and cause the expedition to fail they will but reserve their wagons and teams and other property for the countless invading who have come to rob and enslave us - that the man who refuses to lend his services or the use of his property to the South in this perilous crisis cannot be a friend to our cause. You will appeal to the patriotism, the generosity, and the gallantry of the people. I shall ask Maj. General Magruder for your company and that of Lieutenant Bass. 138
You will order Captain Rabb and Captain Dotey and other officers with their commands to report to you for duty. In short, I expect and authorize you to do all I could or would do if I were on the ground. Captain Cater’s company will make a forward movement during the present week - Captain Littleton’s also. Captain Giddings will follow within a few days. I shall leave for Fort Merrill at the earliest possible day. Lieutenant Colonel Dickinson will accompany me. He desires to be presented in the kindliest manner to yourself, Captain Richardson, and Captain King. Keep me advised of everything by couriers. Tell Richardson, King, Rabb, O’Callaghan, and all my old friends to put their shoulders to the wheel - to work with body, mind, and soul for their homes, their protection of their families against insult and outrage, and for the consecrated rights of free men, and for a cause that is holy. I am very truly Your obedient servant, John S. Ford Colonel Commanding Around the middle of January, “Major Rogers was ordered . . . to make a reconnaissance in force in the direction of the Rio Grande.” He dispatched Captain Ware on another scout with all available forces. Ware reported from Petronillo that "strange Mexicans have been seen prowling.” (Ref. 3296) The following letter written from James to Col. Ford mentions this.  
Original letter
139 Headquarters Detachment Expeditionary Forces Camp Doughty January 20, 1864 Colonel John S. Ford Commanding Expeditionary Forces Colonel, I have the honor to report the receipt of your orders in letter form of date 11th inst. In compliance with said orders, I have today assumed command of the troops designated in your orders. I have designated W. S. McCree, 23th Texas Cavalry, to act temporarily as Adjutant of this command. I herewith forward also estimate for ammunition for the companies with statement of arms (number, character, and caliber). Not knowing upon whom to make these estimates, not having been informed who fills the different appointments on your staff - I have left them blank. If the command could be uniformly armed it would be a great convenience though I question whether their efficiency would be increased. I have just returned from a scout with about fifty men down to the Sands - my object being to ascertain any movements of the enemy and the truth of a report that had reached me of a large force having been encamped near Barton’s Ranch. I went as far as La Para, throwing out scouts toward La Paesta and Santa Rosa. I found Manuel Ramirez of the Bovidos had just arrived at his ranch from Brownsville having been permitted by the enemy to pass through their lines with four carts - conveying water troughs. It had been my intention to remain there several days for the purpose of gathering the horses in that section and driving them in - expecting to meet Richardson’s company and to throw them out as scouts and pickets into the Sands while we gathered the horses in the Bovidos Ranch and adjoining ranches. I failed to fall in with Richardson but devoted my time to gathering information as far as practical from Brownsville. Two companies have sent their teams to this country for salt if there was any guarantee against impressment by the government, arrangements might be made with such persons to bring down a load
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of government corn and upon delivery at a point designated by the commanding officer here, be permitted to load with salt and receive a safeguard against impressment. Herewith you will also receive quartermaster’s estimate for funds, supplies, etc. I send them by W. B. Wrather, corporal, who can give you much information. I would suggest propriety of an appointed officer to take charge of the ordnance stores of this command. Lieutenant Tinney of Captain Maltby’s company of artillery captured on Mustang Island is with me and I shall assign him to that duty until your wishes are known on that subject and would suggest that if his assignment to that duty meets your approval, information of his being so placed on duty be forwarded to headquarters to save Lt. Tinney from inconvenience for having otherwise failed to report. My estimates for ammunition are made for the two companies of state troops and four companies of minutemen of 30 men each. Should the two companies of my regiment be ordered here also, they will need a similar supply. I include those two companies in the requisition made for the ropes. None of the minute companies have yet mustered in. Hoping, Colonel, to have the pleasure of meeting you soon. I remain Your Obedient Servant James A. Ware Captain Commanding Detachment Two days later, Col. Ford sent the following response back.  Original letter 141 Headquarters Expeditionary Forces San Antonio January 22, 1864 Captain J. A. Ware Commander of the Nueces Sir: Instructions have been forwarded to you and I hope you will be able to organize a respectable force. Information received here renders it highly probable the enemy intends moving into the interior. It is said Davis will lead the forces. It is believed this place or Eagle Pass will be point of attack. It is highly essential to have scouting parties well advanced in the direction of the enemy. Should you obtain reliable information concerning his movements, you will advise me by courier as quick as possible. I am endeavoring to complete the organization of the forces, to collect supplies, and to take the field without delay. I am your very obedient servant, John S. Ford Colonel Commanding Jan. 22, 1864 Things were getting ramped up by the end of January. The following is a letter to James Ware from Col. Ford. There was also correspondence between Ford and Magruder on the same date.    Original Letter 142 Headquarters Expeditionary Forces San Antonio January 29, 1864 Captain: The receipt of your report and some of the requisitions mentioned is acknowledged. I have made arrangements to forward ammunition in accordance with Sergeant Wrather’s report of the orders in your command. Twelve thousand rations of flour will leave for your command tomorrow. Captain Shive has been assigned to duty as A.C.S. and A. A. Gen. and furnished funds. He is on the Guadalupe and anticipates having a supply of cornmeal at Helena within ten days. He will, within a few days, thereafter, be on the Nueces. He has orders to establish depots in that section. The Sagasta will the first point of deposit beyond the Nueces. The next will be on the Bluios or at Agua Paquita. You will aid him in every possible way you can. I wish the men of Captain Maltby’s company for Christmas’ battery. You will endeavor to procure as many men for artillery service as you can. They can be detached from their companies and not permanently transferred unless by consent of parties. The wagons and teams on the line of the Nueces and adjacent thereto must be second for our use. It is said there is a considerable quantity of cotton secreted in various places on the Nueces and on this side. You will take possession of all government cotton you may find secreted and (when moving) found under circumstances justifying a reasonable belief that the carrier or person in charge of the same intends to sell it and defraud the government - you will seize it and then transfer at once. Cotton belonging to citizens and -- in a situation rendering it liable to be captured by the enemy or moving in such direction or under such circumstances as to give grounds to suspicion that there is an intention to sell to the Yankees must be seized, receipted for, and held subject to the orders of the major general commanding. Cotton coming into your possession under the above circumstances should be stored at safe points.
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You will prevent the - - of stock. Men who have been exempted on account of owning property of this kind must not be allowed to defeat the object of their exemption by placing their stock beyond the reach of the government, and distorting its’ policy to subscribe personal - -. The exemptions were to ensure to the benefit of the government and not individuals. I would enforce upon you the propriety of looking well to persons coming into and going out of the country. Suspicious characters must not be suffered to pass freely. Corporal Mather will accompany the flour train. Very respectfully your obedient servant, John S. Ford Colonel Commanding To: Captain J. A. Ware Commanding Forces on the Nueces San Patricio, Texas Headquarters Expeditionary Forces San Antonio, January 29, 1864 Captain, I have the honor to forward for information for the Major General commanding a copy of extract from instructions to Captain Ware commanding forces on the Nueces. I have the honor to be Your Very Obedient Servant, John S. Ford Colonel Commanding To: Captain E.P. Turner, A.A. Gen, C.S.A Major General Magruder’s Headquarters 144
The following service record for James appeared for January and February. One record stated: J. A. Ware – Capt. Of Company F, First Regiment of Texas Cavalry appears on a roster of First Regiment of Texas Cavalry, Buchel’s Brigade, Slaughter’s 2nd Division = absent without leave since Jan. 1, 1864, but that was because of the secrecy of the mission.  Absent – Detachment serving in West Texas by orders from District Headquarters On the 1st of February, Col. Ford, from San Antonio, sent word to General Magruder about the progress of the mission. San Antonio, February 1, 1864. Cap. E. P. TURNER, Asst. Adjt. General, Major-General Magruder's Hdqrs.: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to forward, for the information of the major-general commanding, copy of communication from Colonel Benavides. I have the honor to report that Colonel Baird has been instructed to move in the direction of Fort Merrill, via Helena. Captain Cater will be sent directly to Oakville. All the troops are being prepared to move to the front. Colonel Benavides and Captain Ware have ordered to make reconnaissances as near the lines of the enemy as prudence will permit. The news of the probable advance of the 145
Yankees will be forwarded to Fort Inge and Eagle Pass. Captain Giddings will be ordered to re-enforce Colonel Benavides from that point should it be necessary. I am not satisfied that the supposition of Colonel Benavides is correct. The lapse of time is against it, but there is enough to require vigilance and circumspection. I have the honor to be, your very obedient servant, JOHN S. FORD Colonel, Commanding. On the 4th of February, “Major Rogers reported that he had received a dispatch from Captain Ware.” He had “scouted as far as the Sand Desert and reported having seen nine Mexican thieves with a large caballardo.” (Ref. 3296) A day later, on February 5, 1864, Col. Ford wrote the following message to headquarters. In it, he expressed his confidence and belief in James. “Supplies of every kind have been forwarded to Captain Ware. I can't do without him. During next week I purpose making my headquarters on the Nueces. Major Dickinson will remain to complete the organization of the men, and to send them forward or lead them to any point required. Captain Fly has succeeded in raising several companies; he is sanguine of his ability to bring a regiment into the field. With a start of some seven companies, and the assistance influential men are giving him, I have no doubt of his ultimate success. I regret not having been able to take the field ere this. I have had serious obstacles to surmount. Exhausted resources, a population almost drained of men subject to military duty, opposition from rivalry, and the nameless disagreeable 146
retardation incident to an undertaking of this character, are all too well known to the major-general commanding not to be understood and appreciated. With the help of God, the kind officers of the major-general commanding, and persevering industry, I hope to render efficient service. I have the honor to be, your very obedient servant, JOHN S. FORD Colonel, Commanding. A letter Ford wrote on February 10, 1863, was addressed to Major Rogers, but his mention of James made it clear that he had great confidence in his leadership as well.  Original Headquarters Expeditionary Forces San Antonio February 10, 1864 Major: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of communication. I am pleased to see the troops upon the Nueces are receiving some activity. Much good can be affected by keeping scouts well to the front. I shall forward medicines to your command soon. I anticipate leaving here within a few days. Any order received by yourself or Captain Ware must be obeyed without regard to whom it may be directed. Enclosed herewith you will find copies of communications concerning deserters. You must endeavor to arrest any who come within your reach. There can be no apology for the man who deserts while in front of the enemy. I understand these men have
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been deterred into belief that I would accept them into my command. God forbid that I should ever encourage, in any way, conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline and calculated to do our cause incalculable injury. I reprobate their course and shall discountenance any proposition they may make to serve in my ranks. I desire you to give this all the publicity you conveniently can. Colonel Benavidas left here yesterday morning. Expecting to be with you soon, I shall defer further instructions until I reach your command. Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant John S. Ford, Colonel Commanding Major L. M. Rogers or Captain J. A. Ware Commands on the Nueces Ford’s confidence in James came through in an even more profound way when “Captain James A. Ware was officially placed in charge of all the troops at or near San Patricio intended for service in the expeditionary forces.” (Ref. 1006) On February 15th, Ford wrote to Major Rogers that he was directing James to take over command of all the troops from Major Rogers.  Original 148 Headquarters Expeditionary Forces San Antonio February 15, 1864 Major L. M. Rogers Comd. Battalion Major: In views of your bad health and contemplated retirement from service I have directed Captain Ware to assume command of all the troops on the line of the Nueces not included within your battalion. In the event of your absences he would, as ranking officer at the front, command that. Order #16 provides for the reorganization of the state troops. I shall endeavor to send you a copy. The trade between the Nueces and the lower Rio Grande, if as going as reported, must be stopped. Men who - - the Yankees are aiding and abetting the enemies of our country and are committing treason. Such men cannot claim to be our friends. Men remaining in camps on or near the Nueces will become restless and dissatisfied. They must be sent to the front to look out for the Yankees - - drive off raiders and gather up stock. I have the honor to be your obedient servant, John S. Ford Colonel Commanding On February 23rd, James wrote a letter to headquarters to keep them appraised of the situation. In it he was able to explain how his abilities to direct the men was hampered by his previous status as a volunteer. With his new position as commander, he would have much more control. You can tell his frustration at the professionalism of the men he was initially forced to work with and how much better he felt when he could start taking giving orders of his own.
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Original February 23, 1864 (Ref. 2085)
Capt. E. P. Turner A.A.G. Feb. 23, 1864 Captain, I had the honor in December last to address a communication to Headquarters with such information as I had been able to collect with regard to the strength and dispositions of the enemy on the Rio Grande, and also communicating a proposed surprise and capture of their advanced pickets and detailing what could be accomplished by a dash on the enemy’s lines if we were supported by the troops we had called upon, being Rabb’s Company of Militia and three minute companies, Richardson’s, King’s, and ?’s. Rabb’s company of 90 men contributed only 25 men who reached us the night after leaving Santa Gertrudis. Richardson’s Company was a nominal concern and he had no men. It was not a service to suit King’s and ?’s Companies which were organized to protect each mans ranches and stock within its own range and were not going out of it to hunt an enemy, so that our whole force on reaching La Para at nightfall on the night preceding the morning of our proposed attack was 79 men with no prospect of reinforcements. Here we received information from our spies (too vague in my estimation to justify an attack) that a force had passed in the direction of Santa Rosa and had watered at Los Aminos early in the preceding morning. As the country in the vicinity of Santa Rosa afforded opportunities of ambushing our advancing force, we moved immediately to Santa Rosa and threw out scouts in the direction of Los Aminos. Here we were joined by our spies who had, about midnight, fallen in with the Yankee force said to have passed Los Aminos but which had crossed to the lower road and
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encamped for the night at La Sanceda fifteen miles north of Carricitos and stampeded the whole force - consisting (as well as they could judge from the number of fires) as between fifty and sixty men. The men who were with me were unwilling to proceed on the expedition after this as we ascertained that the pickets had been recalled beyond the Arroyo Colorado - - and having no command but simply being a volunteer with the force, I had no authority over their action. I induced them, however, to remain for six days at Santa Rosa where we had some good beef grass and water but could induce them to remain there no longer. Two days after the withdrawal of these men, a detachment of fifty-five men commanded by Capt. James H. Speed, 1st Federal Texas Co., made their appearance at King’s ranch and plundered it of what horses were tied up (some fifteen) and of what provisions, blankets, ammunition - - anything they could carry away & retreated, marching sixty-five miles without halting, a longer march than has ever been made over the same road in either direction at the same time. This will explain to the General how it was that a mere handful of men armed King’s ranch when my letter had led him to expect that there would have been ? in their lines at Brownsville. I was in error. I was deceived in the character and the disposition of the troops that were with me. Everything I have seen, however, has convinced me of the entire practicability of everything I proposed to do in my letter. A short time afterwards, I received orders from Col. Ford to assume command of these troops. I ordered them immediately to the front and ordered the companies of Richardson, King and Russell to muster in or disband. Richardson accordingly mustered. King’s and Russell’s companies took refuge in the new State Frontier Bill - being both in Live Oak County - and I raised two other good companies which I will put in the field this week which are well organized and entirely reliable. I was relieved of the command of the troops on Nueces a few days after having reported Major Rogers, O Regiment, who countermanded my orders and withdrew his whole command from west of the Neuces to camp above San Patricio where they have since remained and my attention has been diverted organizing other companies for Col. Ford.
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There are with me a few men of my own company. With these men I have watched closely the movements of the enemy, particularly on Mustang Island. The militia (in their present organization) have been insufficient in the action in which I have served with them - though they might be rendered so if placed with other troops. They have been too comfortable in their camps. I, about two weeks since, interrupted a party below the Bovido with about three hundred head of stock horses, but from the indisposition of the militia to engage the enemy failed to capture any of the men – though I recaptured the horses. I have the honor to be Yr Obedient servant, James A. Ware 
March 5, 1864
Headquarters Expeditionary Forces in Nueces March 5, 1864 Report of a Board of Survey at Camp Lajata by virtue of the following order: Headquarters Detachment Expeditionary Forces Lajata, March 4, 1864 Special Orders #1 A board of survey comprised of Captain Henry Scott, Lieutenant Sample, and Lieutenant Reid are hereby ordered to assemble immediately for the purpose of ascertaining the
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exact character and quantities of ordnance stores - left at this post by the militia upon their curt disbanding and will report the results of these to headquarters as soon as ascertained. James A. Ware Captain of Post The Board met in pursuance of the above order and finds the ammunition in the magazine at this point to consist of: Eight boxes Navy six shooter cartridges containing each 800 6400 Five boxes Army size each 900 4500 Five boxes rifle cartridges 1000 5000 Three boxes musket or rifle 970 2,910 One box Sharps carbine 600 600 Three boxes shotguns 700 2,100 One box musket caps 4,600 Two sacks powder damaged One barrel powder Seventeen hundred small caps unserviceable Respectfully Submitted, Captain H. Scott Presiding To Lieutenant A. H. Sample Recorder   March 9, 1864 Headquarters Expeditionary Forces Line of the Nueces Banquete March 9, 1864 Special Orders #4 Extract Captain Ware, Taylor, or Cater are appointed to and will constitute a board of investigation, survey, and appraisement to examine into, investigate, appraise, and forthwith report upon the condition, quantity and value of a lot of Cotton,
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Provisions, Wagons, animals and Harness sized by Lt. John Walker of Captain Richardson’s Company, when as reported, moving on the road toward being in close proximity to or within the enemy lines. Their report will give the appearance and condition, marks, number, and aggregate weight of the Bale of Cotton, quantity and quality of Provisions, number, kind and condition of Wagons, kind, quantity and condition of Harness, number, kind and condition of animals with their brands and description, character, kind, and quantity of all other property or articles found with or pertaining to said seized train. The Board will also carefully and impartially investigate the circumstances connected with the movements and seizure of said property and forthwith report the result of their investigation to these headquarters. They will ascertain if and that from his own statement as to the time of the arrest of his - - by Lieutenant Walker. He was aware of the fact that he was - - - a military order and was doing so with the intention of evading impressment by Confederate officers and that there was nothing to sustain an interaction of a - - - of reasonable correspondence with the enemy. That there is some extenuation of his attempt to carry cotton and pass himself and teamsters beyond the line of the Nueces without the proper permit and passports in the representations made to him by officers in the Confederate service who ignored or disregarded orders from district headquarters. There is no - - - of his attempt to deliver his cotton at a point lower than the designated in general orders from district headquarters. Appended to this I have the honor to return an inventory of property seized from said Brown and also the sworn statement of Brown and others and the alleged authority under which he assumed to be traveling marked as designated in statement of Brown and made a part of his statements. James A. Ware Captain, CSA Presiding Board T. C. Cater, Captain, Commanding Company Colonel J. S. Ford, Commander 154
By this time in March, Colonel Ford “immersed himself in the concurrent tasks of supply procurement, staff organization, and operations of the units under his command already in the field,” but he could not be everywhere at once. (Ref. 95) “Operating in Ford’s absence, however, were two highly capable subordinates, Captains Mat Nolan and James Ware. Concern for the safety of their families in Corpus Christi had caused them to request transfer to Ford’s Army of the West. With Nolan’s base camp at Lagarto, later moved to Banquete, and Ware’s at San Patricio, they were the only confederate forces available to oppose Yankee raiders and their renegade collaborators. But, as Nolan reported to Colonel Ford, with so few men and so poorly equipped, he could only act on the defensive.” (Ref. 3004) 
Major Mat Nolan (Ref. 2145)
Courtesy of Brownsville Historical Association Both Nolan and Ware were often engaged in skirmishes which required the effort of both officers to combine their ranks and strengthen their forces. March 13, 1864 was one of those battles where the two men fought side by side. It was recorded that “62 Confederate troopers under Major Mat Nolan charged into about one hundred Union cavalry men, forcing Captain Cecilio to retreat after a desperate fight.” (Ref. 77) Nolan wrote that his force was composed of “detachments from Ware’s, Cater’s, Taylor”s, [Henry] Scott’s, [James] Richardson’s and [William] Tate’s companies.” (Ref. 1006) The following descriptive excerpt from Horse Flesh and Powder Smoke, written by Stanley S. McGowen, gives a wonderful account of the incident. (Bold lettering done by Judy C. Ware for genealogy purposes)
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"A heavy skirmish took place on March 13 near the city of San Patricio, in San Patricio County, involving Capt. James Ware’s company. The company bivouacked at Camp San Fernando near Corpus Christi and patrolled from there. Ware also maintained a series of pickets and lookouts on Live Oak Point near Corpus Christi. In addition to leading a cavalry company, Ware administrated the local cotton trade and secreted a large number of cotton bales for shipment south to exchange for military supplies available across the Rio Grande. The burden of managing the cotton, however, did not dissuade Ware from leading his troops in the field. On March 13, he led a detachment of his men as a component of a larger force commanded by Maj. Matthew Nolan. The combined units discovered a force of enemy cavalry camped in thick mesquite brush. After a sharply contested battle, about fifteen minutes in length, the Confederate Cavalry completely routed the enemy. Nolan estimated the enemy force at 125, ‘well armed with burn-side carbines, revolvers, and sabers.’ Nolan commanded only sixty-two men, most of whom were indifferently armed. ‘The enemy charged with about eighty men’ and ‘fought gallantly,’ being repulsed only ‘after a desperate fight and after a loss of much blood and property.’ According to Nolan, Ware and his men ‘acted with conspicuous gallantry’ and ‘behaved coolly and bravely.’ An indeterminate number of Ware’s men received wounds in the skirmish and were forced to remain in a camp in the brush until well enough to be transferred to a hospital in Corpus Christi." The following is the official report that Major Nolan sent to Colonel Ford. Banquete, March 15/16 1864 COLONEL: I have the honor to report that on Sunday last, 13th instant, at about 7.30 a.m., in, at or near a place known as Los Patricios, about 50 miles southwest from -- point, I succeeded in coming up with a body of the enemy’s cavalry posted in a dense
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mesquital, attacked them at once, and, after a well-contested fight of some fifteen minutes duration, dispersed and routed them completely. Owing to his position in the mesquital, the exact number of the enemy could not be ascertained, but from appearances I believe that there were at least 125 men, completely armed with Burnside carbines, revolvers, and sabers, while my force, composed of detachments from Wares, Caters, Taylors, Scotts, Richardsons, and T~tes companies, numbered only 62, many of whom were most indifferently armed. The enemy was commanded by Cecilio Balerio and his son Juan Balerio in person, who, at the head of 80 men, charged and fought us most gallantly, and could only be repulsed after a desperate fight and at the cost of much blood and property. The casualties are as follows: Captain Caters company, Third * Killed in action. ~Afterward killed at Jenkins Ferry Sergt. W. L. Patterson, killed; Captain Taylors company, Private Henry Tugle, killed, Private Michael McMahon, mortally wounded; Captain Scotts company, Private James Powers, slightly wounded; in Captain Taylors company 2 horses killed and 5 wounded; in Captain Tates company 1 horse killed. There was captured and taken from the enemy: 31 horses, 42 saddles and bridles, 25 sabers, 107 blankets, 6 Colt revolvers, 5 Burnside carbines, and some camp and garrison equipage. Among some papers found was a letter to Balerio, signed with initials only, dated Camargo, March 2, 1864, and informing him that his recruits have gone forward, and that the forces under Col. John L. Haynes have left the Rio Grande and are on the march to relieve and re-enforce the said Balerio. As a sufficient time had elapsed to enable said forces to have reached or be within striking distance of Balerio, considering the smallness of my force, the condition of my wounded (being without medical aid and without transportation), the impracticability of pursuit owing to the density and extent of the mesquital, and the distance from my support, I deemed it prudent and necessary to destroy such of said property as was not required and fit for use by the men on the spot, to replace either their lost, killed, or unserviceable horses, arms, or equipments, and thereupon returned to camp on the San Fernando. The loss of the enemy must have been severe. Five dead bodies were found in the mesquital, but
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from the trails seen, showing that men had been dragged off when wounded, and pools of blood discovered, it is almost certain that at least 12 or 15 were killed or wounded. A large number of their horses were left on the ground either killed or wounded. Captain Ware, of Colonel Buchels regiment, Captains Cater, Taylor, and Richardson commanded detachments from their respective companies, and acted with conspicuous gallantry. The men behaved coolly and bravely. As soon as the reports of the various commanders are received I will forward a full and detailed account. A report, apparently well authenticated, has just reached me that the Yankees from Mustang Island landed at the mouth of the Oso yesterday (Monday) evening, and were engaged in getting some 100 bales of cotton heretofore secreted in that vicinity. They had caught and again made prisoner of William S. Gregory. I go in a few moments with 70 picked men to find and, if possible, capture them and their booty. As soon as something definite occurs I will inform you by express. As I before wrote you, a section of a light battery with proper ammunition could render me most important service. I would urge upon you to hurry it forward; also, surgical instruments and medicines. As you will perceive by the intercepted letter, the Yankee land forces in this vicinity have been or will be increased, and I am too weak to attempt to accomplish much against such superior numbers. For this reason I must again urge you to send re-enforcements. I have the honor to be, Colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MAT. NOLAN, Major, Provisional Army, C. S., Commanding Col. JOHN S. FORD, Commndg. Expeditionary Forces, P. A., C. S., San Antonio In his report, Nolan mentioned that he was heading out with 70 men to find a prisoner named William S. Gregory, "and, if possible, capture [him] and [his] booty.” Nolan did, indeed, ride “to the home of William Gregory where he discovered a slave and two Texans
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loading wagons with bales that were to be delivered to Major Thompson’s forces on Mustang Island. One of the Texans informed Nolan that ninety-three U. S. soldiers arrested Gregory and took him, along with sixty-seven bales of cotton to Corpus Christi. Nolan sent a courier to Captain James Ware who commanded a company of men on San Fernando Creek to aid him in attacking the Yankees at Corpus Christi.” (Ref. 78) James received the message from Nolan’s courier, and the answer he was forced to give back provides a wonderful insight into the limited number of soldiers each officer had to work with and how living conditions hampered the ability for them to work at full potential. The lack of clothing, supplies, men, medicine, and weapons would continue to plague the Cavalry of the West in their remote areas of service.  Original note Brief note from James to Major Nolan explaining that (although he had immediately responded to Nolan’s request and sent out his courier to locate Capt. Scott who was leading his men on a scouting mission), the courier had not been able to find him yet. The following is the original letter written by Capt. James Ware to Major Nolan explaining further why he had no men he could send. 159
March 16, 1864 Camp Patterson on San Fernando Major Mat Nolan, Major: Your note of this morning was received about 9 a.m. I had started Capt. Scott this morning with a strong scouting party to go well in advance; and immediately dispatched couriers to him [Capt. Scott] with orders to return to camp immediately. They have returned without finding him. He has with him ten men, leaving me with thirty men in camp for duty and thirteen sick. Dr. Merriman has positively prohibited the remount of the wounded men of Capt. Taylor’s Company or I should have forwarded sick, wounded, and stores to Banquete, leaving a man to direct Scott on his return, and gone to your command with all of the men. But, judging from your orders that you esteem it of importance that this point should be guarded; our compliance with your order involving both the abandonment of this important section and of our wounded and having discovered unmistakable signs of our positions here, having been closely reconnoitered by spies of the enemy, I shall until I learn your wishes under the circumstances, be unable to detach any men. Expecting an attack, am unable to retire. I have made such preparations for the defense of this camp as my limited means and scout force will admit. Respectfully your servant, Capt. James A. Ware Capt. Commanding on San Fernando 160
OFFICIAL REPORT SENT TO COLONEL FORD FROM MAJOR NOLAN
HDQRS. EXPEDITIONARY FORCES, LINE OF THE NEUCES, Banquete, March 21, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 11th instant. I informed you in my communication of the 15th instant of my starting to find and, if possible, capture the Yankees reported landed at the Oso and collecting cotton. I now have to report that on Tuesday, 15th instant, I left this post for the Oso. Found the Yankees had been landed as represented to the number of 93; had already collected a lot of bales of cotton, and with it left for Corpus Christi on Wednesday, 16th instant, at 9 a. m. I found two wagons with mule teams loading with cotton at the house of W. S. Gregory. Thomas S. Parker, his son, Peter Parker, and a negro, the property of Mrs. Widow Johnson, were engaged at the cotton. I arrested these parties, and at once sent them to this post under guard with the wagons and teams and eleven bales of cotton. In the mean time, my scouts having learned the strength of the enemy, and that they had sent for and momentarily expected re-enforcements by boats from Mustang Island. I at once sent a courier to Captain Ware, commanding camp on San Fernando and ordered him to re-enforce me with 40 men. I then proceeded toward Corpus Christi in pursuit of the enemy. At 1 p. m. found his pickets and ascertained that the main body of his forces were posted at the landing and wharf in houses behind some ninety-five bales of cotton, brought in from the Oso and other points. At the same time discovered three sailing vessels beating in to their relief. I then awaited my re-enforcements. About dusk the enemy's vessels effected a landing, and disembarked about 75 men. About the same time my courier returned from Captain Ware, but without the required re-enforcements, as will be seen by the reply, a copy of which is herewith inclosed. Being thus unable to attack the enemy with any show of success with the force at my command, I invested the town closely all night with a view to prevent communication, and, if possible, pick up any small party that might be thrown out by the enemy. On Thursday following, the 17th instant 161
at about 11 a. m., having concealed my force in the chaparral, with a picked party of 2 officers and 7 men, in person, I successfully drove into town the enemy's pickets on the south side of the town, killing 1 and wounding 1 man and capturing 1 Enfield rifle. In this affair Private Lawrence Dunn, of Captain Ware's company, Colonel Buchel's regiment, was shot through the arm, but not dangerously wounded. The enemy rallying and now throwing out a heavy force, I retired before him to the line of chaparral, and thence kept him within the town. In the course of the day the cotton was taken on board the vessels at the wharf, and at 10 o'clock at night the whole force embarked and left, taking with them several families of renegades - women and children. Owing to the latter fact and that the town was full of helpless women and children, many of whom the families of soldiers serving in our army, and knowing that a fight in the town could not but expose these parties to great danger and risk of loss of life even, I did not deem it proper to enter the town upon the heels of the enemy and attempt to harass or annoy his embarkation. On Friday, the 18th instant, still keeping the town invested and my main force concealed, I entered the town with a party of 20 men. Found that the enemy had made close search for Capt. S. W. Fullerton, a private citizen, and for Alexander Stringer, assessor and collector, with a view to their arrest, but without success. They had searched the dwelling of Colonel Lovenskiold and the residence of my family, arrested Miss McMahon and kept her confined under guard, mistaking her for Mrs. Nolan, but on ascertaining their mistake released her; also Miss Savoy, mistaking her for a Miss Mullen, a sister of a soldier in our army. The families of J. M. Howell (a citizen prisoner in their hands), Lovenskiold, and Mrs. McMahon were kept closely within their own dwellings. On the house occupied by the family of Howell they raised the Union flag. Several male citizens were arrested, kept confined the day of my skirmish, but released on their departure. The renegades H. W. Berry, Christian Anderson, John Cody, Thomas Tinney, and several others, were seen with the enemy and under arms. After removing a lot of bales of bagging, on Friday evening I withdrew from the town, no appearance of an
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enemy in any direction, and returned with my force to this point. Find all quiet in front, and nothing new from the line of the San Fernando. Up to the present writing no re-enforcements or additional troops have arrived or reported to me, nor has any artillery been received. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MAT NOLAN, Major, Provisional Army, C. S., Commanding. Col. JOHN S. FORD, Comdg. Expeditionary Forces, P. A. C. S., San Antonio (Ref. 2066) Colonel Ford was forced to scatter his command over hundreds of miles because he had no regular source of supply and “the drought of 1863 had made the region a virtual wasteland with very little water or grass.” (Ref. 1008) With hundreds of horsemen under his command, it was rarely optimal to have them all gather in one place. As Richard King said, “the grass is as bad as it gets here. We Western people are, in fact, in a starving condition.” (Ref. 1008) Despite these obstacles and the burning, almost tropical heat of the lower Rio Grande, Ford’s cavalry accomplished amazing feats. They attacked Yankee garrisons with a series of daring, well-executed ambushes. With their advantage of mobility, his “Indian fighting captains darted in and out of the heavy chaparral along the river, cutting the Union line of supply and communications. By 21 June, the Cavalry of the West was only thirty miles from Brownsville. Through supreme effort, they had driven the Federals back almost 200 miles." (Ref. wiki) 163
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