I'm looking for information on gunpowder imported from Mexico and, I believe, issued at San Antonio. As you know, gunpowder is not a fine "powder" but should be granular, thereby increasing surface area exposed to oxygen for a fast burn. It is my understanding that the grains of the Mexican gunpowder were too fine or tended to break into a fine powder. The Confederates in the Indian Territory sufferred with poor gunpowder which burned too slow, reducing velocity and range. In particular, at the Battle of Honey Springs, July 17, 1863, the weather was damp and rainy and their powder absorbed humidity and resulted in many misfires. This powder, per Cooper's reports, was acquired from Mexico. Does anyone know of records of these purchases, in particular for Steele's Indian Territory command? Any one know of sources on what was different about the ingredients or manufacturing process that made the Mexican gunpowder lower quality?

Ken