Mobile  Oct 30 62
My dear Smith
                      I enquired
at the War Dept for yr
recommendations for the
appointment of Brig Genl
None could be found–Get
a strong one from Genl
Polk–go with it to Rich
-mond & urge yr claims
& say to Mr Randolph
that I want you with
me–I will write
him to day from
here–
               truly yrs
               JB Magruder
                  Majr Genl

I m assigned to duty in
Texas–Telegraph me
at Vicksburg—
to Maj Smith Bankhead
                on Gen Polks Staff Knox

[page 2]
ville Tennessee–to be sent
wherever he ma Genl Polk
may be—–

MSS 38-455