CHAPTER X.
OPERATIONS IN MISSOURI, ARKANSAS, KANSAS, AND THE INDIAN TERRITORY.*
May 10-November 19, 1861.
(Wilson’s Creek, Lexington, Belmont)
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CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE.

{p.572}

LITTLE ROCK, May 11, 1861.

Hon. R. W. JOHNSON:

DEAR JOHNSON: It is absolute certainty that the enemy’s Government will not permit the Indian country west of us to belong to the Confederate States without a severe struggle. I foresaw some time ago that the regular troops would be withdrawn, as too much needed elsewhere to be left there inactive, and that they would be replaced by volunteers, under men actuated by personal hatred of the South. I do not think that more than five or six thousand men will be sent there for a time, but those, I am satisfied, will be there soon.

To occupy that country with safety we ought to have at least an equal force, if we first occupy it, and shall need a much larger one if they establish themselves in it during an inaction. It will hardly be sate to count upon putting in the field more than 3,500 Indians; maybe we may get 5,000. To procure any, or at least any respectable number we must guarantee them their lands, annuities, and other rights under treaties, furnish them arms, (rifles and revolvers, if the latter can be had), advance them some $25 a head in cash, and send a respectable force there, as evidence that they will be efficiently seconded by us.

I wrote Mr. Toombs that we ought to have three regiments from Arkansas, or Arkansas and Texas, and must have two or three batteries of artillery. Now I am entirely convinced that we ought to have at least five regiments, two of cavalry and three of infantry. When a little while in service we could not calculate on each regiment affording for duty more than 60 men to a company, or 600 to the regiment. Volunteers {p.573} are more weakened by sickness than regulars, owing to their inexperience and want of seasoning.

We ought to have four batteries of 6-pounders, six guns each, for field service. We can be furnished two of these batteries, perhaps, or twelve guns, here. The Confederate Government should forward us two batteries more, and we shall need also some heavier guns, 18-pounders, say, on carriages, and ammunition, for the posts to be established, and half a dozen howitzers for casting shells. In addition, we shall have to create a reserve, to be stationed in the State, near the northwestern frontier, of three regiments more, to be called into service by the Confederate Government at a moment’s warning.

I am informed by Lieutenant Pearce that all the force needed can be procured in the march West when it reaches the line. Commissary stores to supply them for a limited time would have to be forwarded to this point. You know our condition. We can get from the State, for the purpose of putting the force in the field, a hundred thousand dollars. I think and believe all the rest, except that and the men, must be furnished. We have almost literally no arms. If possible, our regiments ought to be well armed. I fear that, the supply of revolvers being limited, it may not be in the power of the Government to supply them to all the cavalry. If they cannot be furnished, there had better be but one regiment of cavalry.

The arms for the Indians should be forwarded as soon as possible, to be placed in depot on the frontier, and there distributed to organized bodies. Of course ammunition must come with the arms. The river is in tolerable stage now, and if speed is made we may use it to convey everything to the frontier, at Fort Smith or Ozark, and there obtain wagons and mules for transportation.

My plan, if I were put in command, would be to proceed instantly to raise the regiments, rendezvousing them at this point and in Washington or Benton Counties. I should, with as little delay as possible, proceed to the frontier and get the troops in hand, and as soon as we were in sufficient force occupy old Fort Wayne, or a point near it, and also a proper point near the junction of the Arkansas and Grand Rivers where the great Missouri and Texas road crosses the former. At these points field works ought to be thrown up, so that a part of our force could neutralize or be equal to double their number of any enemy. With our Western frontier for our base of operations, open communications south of the Arkansas with Fort Smith, those communications being properly guarded, I with the power to operate from Fort Wayne on the flank of any force marching south between our frontier and the Neosho River, and to cut its line of communication, we ought not to lose the country. Of course we would need a competent engineer officer and a competent artillery officer. For the latter I hope the Secretary of War will select Capt. James Totten, lately stationed here, and who desires to serve the Confederate States. If he is placed in command of our artillery force, with the rank of major, we shall soon see it efficient. We must also have several regular officers to command the bodies of Indians enlisted. Among these I hope Captain McIntosh, late of the U. S. Army and now in Georgia, will be included. He desires to go into the service in the Indian country, and I should, if I were to command here, much desire to have him.

I have no right to anticipate that the Confederate Government will confer so important a trust on me as the command of the department to be formed of the Indian country. I should not think of seeking it or any other appointment, and have already written Mr. Toombs that I {p.574} should prefer the selection of a regular officer of experience and rank. All I can say is, that if it should please the Government to employ me, I will do all and the best I can. If I am employed, I shall wish to indicate one gentleman, eminently qualified, for the appointment of surgeon. Please see to it, if the contingency occurs, that permission to do this be given me.

Arkansas can raise ten regiments. I can raise on shortest notice all that we will need on the frontier. I do not think the troops so raised or called for would be dissatisfied to be placed under my command; but of all this it is more fit you should speak than I. Above all, do not, out of regard for me, in any way embarrass President Davis or the Secretary of War, if other arrangements are thought of. I am nothing, and seek nothing to benefit myself.

Immediate action, speedy raising and arming and forwarding of troops to our frontier, is imperatively demanded. Not a day ought to be lost. I wish to Heaven we were there now. The moment you can say that I am or am not to be commissioned, telegraph me. Moments are worth lives now.

God bless you.

ALBERT PIKE.

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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. ARMY, Montgomery, May 13, 1861.

Major DOUGLAS H. COOPER, Choctaw Nation:

SIR: The desire of this Government is to cultivate the most friendly relations and the closest alliance with the Choctaw Nation and all the Indian tribes west of Arkansas and south of Kansas. Appreciating your sympathies with these tribes, and their reciprocal regard for you, we have thought it advisable to enlist your services in the line of this desire. From information in possession of the Government it is deemed expedient to take measures to secure the protection of these tribes in their present country from the agrarian rapacity of the North, that, unless opposed must soon drive them from their homes and supplant them in their possessions, as, indeed, would have been the case with the entire South but for our present efforts at resistance. It is well known that with these unjust designs against the Indian country the Northern movement for several years has had its emissaries scheming among the tribes for their ultimate destruction. Their destiny has thus become our own, and common with that of all the Southern States entering this Confederation.

Entertaining these views and feelings, and with these objects before us, we have commissioned General Ben. McCulloch, with three regiments under his command, from the States of Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana, to take charge of the military district embracing the Indian country, and I now empower you to raise among the Choctaws and Chickasaws a mounted regiment, to be commanded by yourself, in cooperation with General McCulloch. It is designed also to raise two other similar regiments among the Creeks, Cherokees, Seminoles, and other friendly tribes for the same purpose. This combined force of six regiments will be ample to secure the frontiers upon Kansas and the interests of the Indians, while to the south of the Red River three regiments from Texas, under different command have been already assigned to the Rio Grande and western border.

It will thus appear, I trust, that the resources of this Government are adequate to its ends, and assured to the friendly Indians. We have {p.575} our agents actively engaged in the manufacture of ammunition and in the purchase of arms, and when your regiment has been reported organized in ten companies, ranging from 64 to 100 men each, and enrolled for twelve months, if possible, it will be received into the Confederate service, and supplied with arms and ammunition. Such will be the course pursued also in relation to the two other regiments I have indicated.

The arms we are purchasing for the Indians are rifles, and they will be forwarded to Fort Smith.

Respectfully,

L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War.

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ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL’S OFFICE, Montgomery, May 13, 1861.

Brigadier-General MCCULLOCH, Commanding, Montgomery, Ala.:

SIR: The following instructions are communicated by direction of the Secretary of War:

Having been appointed a brigadier-general of volunteers in the service of the Confederate States, you are assigned to the command of the district embracing the Indian Territory lying west of Arkansas and south of Kansas. Your field of operations will be to guard that Territory against invasion from Kansas or elsewhere. For this purpose there will be placed at your disposal three regiments of volunteers, viz: one regiment of mounted men from Texas, to serve for a term of eighteen months; one of mounted men from Arkansas, to serve for during the war, and one regiment of foot from Louisiana, to serve for twelve mouths. These several regiments will be organized in conformity to the law relating to volunteer forces, and will rendezvous-that from Texas at Dallas, in that State, and the two others at Fort Smith, Ark.

Independently of this force, it is desirable to engage, if possible, the service of any of the Indian tribes occupying the Territory referred to in numbers equal to two regiments. This force, should you be able to obtain it, you are authorized to receive and organize as a part of your command, for such service as your judgment may determine.

Such supplies of the ordnance, quartermaster’s and commissary departments in Texas and Arkansas as are under the control of the War Department, and to such extent as may be needed for your operations, will be subject to your orders.

Besides the duties above referred to, there are others which are deemed highly important, and which demand your earliest attention. It has been represented to the Department that there is at this time a large garrison of U. S. troops at Fort Washita. This force, consisting of six companies of cavalry and five companies of infantry, in all about 800 men, with a battery of field artillery, has been concentrated at Washita, preparatory to a movement thence in a northern direction through the Indian country into Kansas. It is desirable that these troops should be captured with the least practicable delay. You will therefore, in proceeding to Texas, take Arkansas in your route, and after satisfying yourself there of the position and numbers of these troops, organize such force as may be necessary in your opinion to take Fort Washita and capture its garrison, or should the troops have left there, to intercept them on their march. Captain McIntosh, of cavalry, has {p.576} been ordered to report to you at Little Rock for such duties as you may assign to him, and such other officers of the C. S. Army as can be spared from their present duties will be ordered to report to you for similar service. The sum of $25,000 will be placed in your hands for disbursement in the service of your command, and for which you will account to the proper accounting officers of the Treasury Department.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

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LITTLE ROCK, ARK., May 13, 1861.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS:

I have the honor to inform you that the convention of Arkansas has created me brigadier-general of Arkansas, to command the Western frontier. I most, respectfully request that you inform me of your views, in order that I may carry them out as far as possible in placing that part of the State in the best practicable state of defense. My headquarters for the present will be in Benton County, at Osage Mills post-office, but will be wherever I think my presence most necessary.

We have no tactics in this State. Can you send us 500 copies of “Hardee’s Tactics”? The Convention will probably order some printed, but we need them at once.

Any suggestions that you may be pleased to give me in relation to our frontier will be very acceptable. Capt. A. Pike and myself are anxious that some steps be taken at once to secure the co-operation of the Indians in the West, and especially to prevent any emissaries of the Republicans from poisoning the minds of the full-bloods. Many of the Cherokees are already abolitionists, but the half-breeds and enlightened part of the nation are true to the South in their sympathies.

I have the honor to remain, your most obedient servant,

N. BART. PEARCE, Brigadier-General, Arkansas.

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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Montgomery, May 14, 1861.

Hon. DAVID HUBBARD, Superintendent of Indian Affairs:

SIR: As superintendent of Indian affairs on behalf of this Government, originally appointed because of your well known sympathy for the Indian tribes and the deep concern you have ever manifested in their welfare, you are now specially charged to proceed to the Creek Nation, and make known to them, as well as to the rest of the tribes west of Arkansas and south of Kansas, of all of whom you are constituted the superintendent, and whose interests and feelings you will respect as if they were your children, the earnest desire of the Confederate States to defend and protect them against the rapacious and avaricious designs of their and our enemies at the North yet holding the Government at Washington. You will, in an especial manner, impress upon the Creek Nation and surrounding Indian tribes the imperious fact they will doubtless recognize, that the real design of the north and the Government at Washington in regard to them has been and still is the same entertained and sought to be enforced against ourselves, and if suffered {p.577} to be consummated, will terminate in the emancipation of their slaves and the robbery of their lands. To these nefarious ends all the schemes of the North have tended for many years past, as the Indian nations and tribes well know from the character and conduct of those emissaries who have been in their midst, preaching up abolition sentiments under the disguise of the holy religion of Christ, and denouncing slaveholders as abandoned by God and unfit associates for humanity on earth.

You will be diligent to explain to them, under these circumstances, how their cause has become our cause, and themselves and ourselves stand inseparably associated in respect to national existence and property interests; and in view of this identification of cause and interests between them and ourselves, entailing a common destiny, give to them profound assurances that the Government of the Confederate States of America, now powerfully constituted through an immense league of sovereign political societies, great forces in the field, and abundant resources, will assume all the expense and responsibility of protecting them against all adversaries, if they will manifest a disposition to co-operate with us in the general struggle occupying the people at the North and those at the South. To do this effectively they must call out their warriors and form them into military organizations, to be received into the service of this Government in the same manner that our present volunteer troops are received, and to be armed and paid accordingly.

Give them to understand, in this connection, that a brigadier-general of character and experience has been assigned to the military district embracing the Indian Territories south of Kansas, with three regiments under his command, while in Texas another military district has been formed under another distinguished and able commander, with three other regiments sub to his orders. With these six regiments from the States of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas it is desired that three mounted regiments of Indian warriors, in the service and pay of this Government, shall co-operate, thus constituting an irresistible force, capable of guaranteeing the safety of the Indian nations and tribes and the security of their property. Let them know that our agents are now actively employed in procuring rifles and providing ammunition to be immediately forwarded to Fort Smith, for the purpose of supplying these three regiments as soon as they shall have been organized, one of which will be raised among the Choctaws and Chickasaws, another among the Cherokees, and the third from among the Creeks, Seminoles, and other friendly tribes entertaining the proposition.

In addition to these things, regarded of primary importance, you will, without committing the Government to any especial conduct, express our serious anxiety to establish and enforce the debts and annuities due to them from the Government at Washington, which otherwise they will never obtain, as that Government would, undoubtedly, sooner rob them of their lands, emancipate their slaves, and utterly exterminate them, than render to them justice. Finally, communicate to them the abiding solicitude of the Confederate States of America to advance their condition in the direction of a proud political society, with a distinctive civilization, and holding lands in severalty under well-defined laws, by forming them into a Territorial government; but you will give no assurance of State organization and independence, as they still require the strong arm of protecting power, and may probably always need our fostering care; and, so far as the agents of the late Government of the United States may be concerned, you will converse with {p.578} them, and such of them as are willing to act with you in the policy herein set forth you are authorized to substantiate in the employment of this Government at their present compensation.

All of which is confided to your wisdom, prudence, and judgment.

Respectfully,

L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War.

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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Montgomery, May 17, 1861.

Hon. T. C. HINDMAN, &c.:

SIR: In relation to the arming of the regiment tendered by you to this Department and conditionally accepted, it is important the arms should be supplied by the State of Arkansas, not only because it is important to have these troops in the field at the earliest practicable moment for local purposes associated with Arkansas, but because of the heavy demand made upon the Confederate Government for arms by the border States and our very greatly extended lines of operation in every direction. It is apparent the War Department is called upon by the highest public considerations, and in view of the probabilities of a prolonged war, to dispense the arms in its possession only when it becomes absolutely necessary in connection with the most weighty movements.

Respectfully,

L. P. WALKER.

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MARYSYILLE, KANS., May 20, 1861.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of Confederate States of America:

SIR: I addressed you on the 16th instant a brief communication in reference to the propriety and importance of taking possession of the forts and property of the United States Government in the Northwest, and now avail myself of an opportunity of going more fully into detail on the subject. I refer to all that portion of country west of the Mississippi River to the summit of the Rocky Mountains and south of the Platte River, in Nebraska, and northern line of Missouri to the northern line of Arkansas and Texas, almost all of which is rich in agricultural and mineral resources.

The population of Colorado Territory is about 40,000 persons, of whom 30,000 are capable of bearing arms. They are now much displeased and dissatisfied with the course of the Federal Government in removing the U. S. troops from the Western frontier, whereby great dangers are apprehended from Indians and the serious interruption of their trade and commercial intercourse. One-third of the population sympathizes with your Government, independent of those who may be controlled by other influences, and one-fourth of them would take up arms in its behalf as soon as an opportunity is presented. There are some eight military posts within the district of country referred to, which, in consequence of the withdrawal of U. S. troops, have not more than a skeleton company in each. A large number of the soldiers would immediately enlist in the services of the Confederate States, and the officers are daily resigning to join the Southern Army. These posts are all well supplied with a large amount of commissary stores and munitions of war. The Cherokee and other Indian tribes on the southern border of Kansas are intelligent {p.579} and quite civilized races, and owning, as they do, considerable slave property themselves, their interests and feelings are wholly with the South.

Within the boundaries of this great country are the States of Missouri and Kansas. The former, being surrounded on three sides by free States, although identified in sympathy and interest with the Southern Confederacy, scarcely dare make a move toward secession in the present state of affairs. Kansas is controlled by a majority of poor, worthless, starving abolitionists, who receive their support from donations of provisions from the Northern States, which are transported through Missouri and delivered to them on the banks of the Missouri River. There is still in Kansas a strong pro-slavery element, kept in subjection to this dominant party, that will gladly unite with any movement made by the Confederate States to throw off the yoke, and will fly to arms at a moment’s warning. The question now presents itself whether all this valuable territory shall go with the North or the South. The answer depends upon the prompt action of your Government. Missouri cannot be secured to the South unless the country west of it is taken possession of and held by the Confederate States. With six regiments of cavalry from Arkansas and Texas and the forces that can be obtained from the Indian Territory, I can seize and hold Forts Laramie and Wise, and Fort Union, if necessary, and take possession of all military stores and munitions of war at the other forts in Kansas and Colorado, and will destroy what will be of no utility, establish headquarters near the Cheyenne Pass, and with the possession of Forts Laramie and Wise, cut off all communication between the Northern States and the Pacific coast; and at the same time, acting in conjunction with Missouri, can seize Forts Leavenworth and Riley, and expel from Kansas the horde of Northern vandals that now infests it, opposed to your Government, and declare Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado a part of the Confederate States of America. Also seize the daily overland express mail to California, and appropriate it to the transportation of mail and express matter to and from the Southern States only. A majority of the owners of the capital stock of this company entertain warm Southern views, and would willingly acquiesce therein.

Hoping these suggestions will meet with your approbation, I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant,

F. J. MARSHALL.

I have carefully read the foregoing, and heartily indorse the suggestions therein politically and in a military point of view.

H. H. WEIGHTMAN, Col., Comdg. Camp Holloway, Missouri State Guard.

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LITTLE ROCK, ARK., May 20, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.:

SIR: I have the honor to make the following statement in reference to military matters in this State for your information:

Since my arrival here I have ascertained that although a large amount of arms and munitions of war was secured by the capture of the arsenal at this place, there is now but a small amount left. At the present time there are only 2,260 flint-lock muskets (new), 60 percussion muskets, and 160 Hall’s rifles. The ammunition for small-arms consists of 250,000 {p.580} musket ball-cartridges, 40,000 Colt’s pistol cartridges, 2,000 Sharp’s carbine cartridges, and 520,000 percussion caps, also 86 barrels of musket and 30 barrels of rifle powder. All the other arms and munitions of war seized here have been scattered over the State in every direction, without any method or accountability, and it is impossible to tell what has become of them. Very few arms suitable for cavalry service were found in the arsenal, and the regiment of mounted men you have authorized me to take from the State will be very destitute of arms suitable for the service. I would therefore respectfully call your attention to the necessity of at once forwarding to Fort Smith a sufficient supply of rifles or carbines, pistols and sabers, to equip a regiment of cavalry. Of course the necessary ammunition would be required at the same time.

As the river is now in fine navigable order, I would suggest the propriety of at once sending to Fort Smith a sufficient supply of rations for six months for the use of my brigade, deducting the amount I may be able to get here, and of which I will inform you by telegraph as soon as the Convention determines to turn it over to me. The navigation of the river is so uncertain, that an opportunity of sending supplies may not again occur for months. Flour can be purchased in the country and supplied by my own quartermaster. I would also call your attention to the fact that I have neither officers of the quartermaster’s nor commissary department, and as it is absolutely necessary for a successful campaign here to secure officers familiar with these duties, I would respectfully urge upon you the necessity of sending them at once. The officer of the subsistence department you determine to send should go directly to New Orleans, purchase supplies for my command, and bring them with him.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

BEN. MCCULLOCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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LITTLE ROCK, ARK., May 20, 1861.

Hon. ROBERT TOOMBS:

SIR: I shall go by steamboat to Fort Smith on the day after to-morrow, and thence immediately to the Cherokee country, where there is more danger of division and disaffection than anywhere else.

It is much to be regretted that arms to the number of 2,000 rifles are not here now on their way to our frontier. Permit me respectfully, but very urgently, to say that it is of vital importance they, or half the number at least, should be forwarded instantly, and the residue as soon as possible. They ought to be on the frontier now for distribution It is also indispensable (and I use the word with the full knowledge of its meaning)-it is indispensable to have at least $25 in money for each Indian we enlist. That for 2,400 will be only $60,000, which ought to be sent out instantly. It would be better it should be $100,000.

Provisions, commissary stores of all kinds, except flour, will have to be sent on here, and medicines. There is but a limited supply of provisions here of those seized by the State, and it is very doubtful whether the State will not want all these for her own troops now on and going to the frontier. At all events, there will be none for the Indians. The river is falling and will soon be low. Then we will have to haul in by wagons at least 200 miles, and much of the provisions 300. You can {p.581} plainly see that there is no time to be lost. Delay is denial in this case, and denial is to insure disaster.

In addition to the regiments of Indians, I earnestly advise the organization of a battalion of about 350 Delawares, Shawnees, and Kickapoos. I can raise them, and they will be invaluable. One of them will be at least worth any two other Indians. General McCulloch coincides with me in regard to this battalion, and agrees with me that its value can hardly be overestimated. There are no braver and better soldiers in the world, and for outposts and scouts no men are more than their equals.

I very much regret that I have not received distinct authority to give the Indians guarantees of all their legal and just rights under treaties. It cannot be expected they will join us without them, and it would be very ungenerous, as well as unwise and useless, in me to ask them to do it. Why should they, if we will not bind ourselves to give them what they hazard in giving us their rights under treaties?

As you have told me to act at my discretion, and as I am not directed not to give the guarantees, I shall give them, formal, full, and ample, by treaty, if the Indians will accept them and make treaties. General McCulloch will join me in this, and so, I hope and suppose, will Mr. Hubbard, and when we shall have done so we shall, I am sure, not look in vain to you, at least, to affirm these guarantees and insist they shall be carried out in good faith.

Once more I earnestly urge the immediate transmission of arms, money, and provisions.

It will be better for you to write to me at Fort Smith. I shall probably be in the Indian country two months, with not very frequent chances to receive letters.

Very respectfully and truly, yours,

ALBERT PIKE.

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LITTLE ROCK, May 20, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER:

Colonel Churchill informs me that it will cause great delay to bring his regiment into service for the war. The captains find difficulty in enlisting men for so indefinite a period, but the companies are ready to enlist for twelve months, and can march at once. The companies composing it are the only ones suitably armed, and have the only arms in the State for mounted service. Please authorize me to accept them at once for twelve months. Great want of arms for mounted service; want carbines and pistols, with the necessary ammunition; also sabers. It is necessary to put the regiment into the field at once.

BEN. MCCULLOCH, Brigadier-General; Commanding.

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MONTGOMERY, ALA., May 20, 1861.

General BEN. MCCULLOCH or Colonel CHURCHILL, Little Rock, Ark.:

If the companies are armed the regiment will be accepted for twelve months. Answer.

L. P. WALKER.

{p.582}

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LITTLE ROCK May 21, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER:

The companies, of Churchill’s regiment are only partially armed. There are not sufficient arms in the State suitable for a mounted regiment. I will want an immediate supply of them. I prefer rifles. Will the regiment be accepted for twelve months I Answer.

BEN. McCULLOCH, Brigadier-General.

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Know all men by these presents:

That whereas the State of Arkansas, by her Convention duly assembled, by ordinance passed the 11th day of May, A. D. 1861, authorized and empowered Robert W. Johnson, Albert Rust, Hugh F. Thomason, William W. Watkins, and Augustus H. Garland, her delegates to the Provisional Congress assembled at Montgomery, in the State of Alabama, for the Government of the Confederate States of America, to cede to said Confederate States, among other property, the arsenal at Little Rock, in the State of Arkansas, and Fort Smith, at the city of Fort Smith, in said State of Arkansas, together with the land, improvements, appurtenances, and buildings to each belonging and attached– and whereas the Provisional Congress aforesaid did, by act of the 21st day of May, 1861, accept such cession as provided for in said ordinance, and authorized the Secretary of War to accept from said delegates of the State of Arkansas a deed of cession for such property: Now, therefore, we, the delegates aforesaid, do hereby grant, convey, and cede to the Confederate States of America the arsenal at Little Rock and the fort aforesaid at the city of Fort Smith, in said State, and all the land, improvements, buildings, and appurtenances thereto attached and belonging; and we do hereby convey unto said Confederate States all the right, title, and interest of the State of Arkansas in and to all the property aforesaid.

Witness our hands and seals this 21st day of May, A. D. 1861.

R. W. JOHNSON. A. RUST. H. F. THOMASON. W. W. WATKINS. A. H. GARLAND.

THE STATE OF ALABAMA, Montgomery County:

I, John Gill Shorter, judge of the circuit court in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Robert W. Johnson, A. Rust, H. F. Thomason, W. W. Watkins, and A. H. Garland, who are severally personally known to me, appeared before me on this day, and severally acknowledged that, being informed of the contents of the foregoing conveyance, they severally and voluntarily signed, sealed, and delivered the same, as grantors and delegates duly authorized by the State of Arkansas, to the grantee, the Confederate States of America, on the day and year therein stated, and for the purposes therein specified.

Given under my hand the 21st day of May, 1861.

JOHN GILL SHORTER, Circuit Judge.

{p.583}

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MONTGOMERY, May 22, 1861.

General BEN. MCCULLOCH or Governor RECTOR, Little Rock, Ark.:

Colonel Churchill telegraphs that four companies are armed. If so, direct Captain McIntosh to muster them into service, and order them to proceed to Fort Smith, and as other companies are armed they will be mustered into service with like orders. We have no rifles.

L. P. WALKER.

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LITTLE ROCK, ARK., May 23, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.:

SIR: I have the honor to state that from the most reliable source I have ascertained that Colonel Emory marched with all the Federal forces in the Indian Nation to Fort Leavenworth. He started near the end of last month, and must have reached his destination before this. I was informed a day or two since that he had been heard of within two on three days’ march of Leavenworth. I have learned that the notorious General Lane is rapidly organizing a force in Kansas to march into the Territory. Montgomery is no doubt hovering near the border. I shall proceed direct to Fort Smith, and organize my force as rapidly as possible and put them at once in the field. I must again call your attention to the condition of arms in this State. The regiment of mounted men from this State will be of very little service unless arms suitable for them are at once sent. There are no arms suitable for the regiments of Indians that I am authorized to muster into the service. Some of them will present themselves with their rifles, but the greater part will be entirely without arms, and it will be necessary to scud an immediate supply for their use. Without the Indian regiments I will be able to oppose but an insignificant force to the numbers sent against me. I telegraphed yesterday about a supply of tents. I hope you will be able to send me a supply. There are no tents of any description in the State. The regiment will be entirely without them. The Convention has passed an ordinance sending all the subsistence stores mow in the arsenal to Fort Smith, where they will be turned over to General Pearce, of the State forces, at the same time authorizing me to draw upon General Pearce for such supplies as I may want, with the understanding that they will be returned by the Confederate States. These subsistence stores, which were seized in going up the river to the Federal troops, would have been sufficient for my whole command for two months, but as I have no certain control of them, and as there is a large force of State troops to draw upon them at the same time, I think it necessary to have supplies sent at once. We may not have another opportunity of getting them for six or eight months, on account of the uncertainty of the river. I will also be much in need of quartermaster’s stores. A brigade quartermaster and commissary should be at once appointed and sent to me, with ample means.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

BEN. MCCULLOCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

{p.584}

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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Montgomery, May 25, 1861.

His Excellency C. F. JACKSON, Governor of Missouri, at Jefferson City.

SIR: In answer to your letter of the 5th of May,* it gives me very great pleasure to be enabled to say to your excellency that this department fully appreciates the sentiments of your heart, the embarrassments of your position, and the judgment displayed in view of all the obstacles opposing your policy. That the popular and momentarily suppressed feeling and sympathy of Missouri are with the cause of the Confederate States is not questioned by this Government, but at the same time we are forced to acknowledge the critical nature of her condition environed as she is on three sides by the enemy. Four years ago I felt satisfied when the present issue came she would be thus circumstanced, and in the administration of this department, recognizing your situation, I have only regretted I have not, for the want of Confederate authority within your limits, been able to extend towards you that measure of relief called for by your necessities. I have, nevertheless, set forward movements which I flatter myself will before very long contribute largely to disrupt the fetters that now shackle the freedom of your own and the popular action. Your excellency may feel assured we have forces in the field and have made preparations for defense sufficient to retard the advance across our lines of the most formidable power, at least until additional supplies of men and arms can be brought not only to the rescue, but to drive back the invaders of our soil, and even to carry the war into the enemy’s country. Our people to the last man have already definitely made up their minds to the final result of a desperate and bloody issue, and there resides with them and our cause a sustaining spirit which can never animate our enemies, and with which the history of the world demonstrates victory invariably reposes.

In this connection, it is to be deeply regretted that two prominent officers, late prisoners of war to our forces, and liberated in the most generous manner, are now to be found with arms in their hands-the one in Missouri and the other in Kentucky-seeking with the sword to requite our humanity: I mean General Harney and Major Anderson. Such conduct can only serve to exasperate our soldiers on the battlefield to spare this Government all occasion for the display of magnanimity by urging them to yield no quarter to prisoners.

If I do not write more fully and in detail, it is for the reasons expressed by your excellency in regard to the probabilities of interception.

But, with renewed expressions of high regard, personally and politically, I remain, your friend and servant,

L. P. WALKER.

* Not found.

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CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, WAR DEP’T, Montgomery, May 25, 1861.

To the Military Commission of Arkansas, at Little Rock, R. W. JOHNSON, A. RUST, H. F. THOMASON, W. W. WATKINS, A. H. GARLAND:

GENTLEMEN: It is understood by this Department that Arkansas has now two regiments organized, armed, and equipped, under her authority. If this fact be so, and the State of Arkansas desires to be {p.585} relieved from the expense of their maintenance, this Department will receive them into the Confederate service and assign them to duty on the Indian frontier.

Respectfully,

L. P. WALKER. Secretary of War.

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Resolutions of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Chickasaw Legislature assembled.

MAY 25, 1861.

Whereas the Government of the United States has been broken up by the secession of a large number of States composing the Federal Union-that the dissolution has been followed by war between the parties; and whereas the destruction of the Union as it existed by the Federal Constitution is irreparable, and consequently the Government of the United States as it was when the Chickasaw and other Indian nations formed alliances and treaties with it no longer exists; and whereas the Lincoln Government pretending to represent said Union, has shown by its course towards us, in withdrawing from our country the protection of the Federal troops, and withholding, unjustly and unlawfully, our money placed in the hands of the Government of the United States as trustee, to be applied for our benefit, a total disregard of treaty obligations toward us; and whereas our geographical position, our social and domestic institutions, our feelings and sympathies, all attach us to our Southern friends, against whom is about to be waged a war of subjugation or extermination, of conquest and confiscation-a war which, if we can judge from the declarations of the political partisans of the Lincoln Government, will surpass the French revolution in scenes of blood and that of San Domingo in atrocious horrors; and whereas it is impossible that the Chickasaws, deprived of their money and destitute of all means of separate self-protection, can maintain neutrality or escape the storm which is about to burst upon the South, but, on the contrary, would be suspected, oppressed, and plundered alternately by armed bands from the North, South, East, and West; and whereas we have an abiding confidence that all our rights-tribal and individual-secured to us under treaties with the United States, will be fully recognized, guaranteed, and protected by our friends of the Confederate States; and whereas as a Southern people we consider their cause our own: Therefore,

Be it resolved by the Chickasaw Legislature assembled, 1st. That the dissolution of the Federal Union, under which the Government of the United States existed, has absolved the Chickasaws from allegiance to any foreign government whatever; that the current of the events of the last few-months has left the Chickasaw Nation independent, the people thereof free to form such alliances, and take such steps to secure their own safety, happiness, and future welfare as may to them seem best.

2d. Resolved, That our neighboring Indian nations-Choctaws, Cherokees, Creeks, Seminoles, Osages, Senecas, Quapaws, Comanches, Kiowas, together with the fragmentary bands of Delawares, Kickapoos, Caddoes, Wichitas, and others within the Choctaw and Chickasaw country who are similarly situated with ourselves, be invited to co-operate, in order to secure the independence of the Indian nations and the defense of the territory they inhabit from northern invasion by the Lincoln hordes and Kansas robbers, who have plundered and oppressed our red brethren among them, and who doubtless would extend towards {p.586} us the protection which the wolf gives to the lamb should they succeed in overrunning our country; that the Chickasaws pledge themselves to resist by all means and to the death any such invasion of the lands occupied by themselves or by any of the Indian nations; anal that their country shall not be occupied or passed through by the Lincoln forces for the purpose of invading our neighbors, the States of Arkansas and Texas, but, on the contrary, any attempt to do so will be regarded as an act of war against ourselves, and should be resisted by all the Indian nations as insulting to themselves and tending to endanger their Territorial rights.

3d. Resolved, That it is expedient, at the very earliest day possible, that commissioners from other Indian nations for the purpose of forming a league or confederation among them for mutual safety and protection, and also to the Confederate States in order to enter into such alliance and to conclude such treaties as may be necessary to secure the rights, interests, and welfare of the Indian tribes, and that the co-operation of all the Indian nations west of the State of Arkansas and south of Kansas be invited for the attainment of these objects.

4th. Resolved, That the Chickasaws look with confidence especially to the Choctaws (whose interests are so closely interwoven with their own, and who were the first through their national council to declare their sympathy for, and their determination, in case of a permanent dissolution of the Federal Union, to adhere to the Southern States), and hope they will speedily unite with us in such measures as may be necessary for the defense of our common country and a union with our natural allies, the Confederate States of America.

5th. Resolved, That while the Chickasaw people entertain the most sincere friendship for the people of the neighboring States of Texas and Arkansas, and are deeply grateful for the prompt offer from them of assistance in all measures of defense necessary for the protection of our country against hostile invasion, we are desirous to hold undisputed possession of our lands and all forts and other places lately occupied by the Federal troops and other offices and persons acting under the authority of the United States, and that the governor of the Chickasaw Nation be, and he is hereby, instructed to take immediate steps to obtain possession of all such forts and places within the Choctaw and Chickasaw country, and have the same garrisoned, if possible, by Chickasaw troops, or else by troops acting expressly under and by virtue of the authority of the Chickasaw or Choctaw nations, until such time as said forts, Indian agencies, etc., may be transferred by treaty to the Confederate States.

6th. Resolved, That the governor of the Chickasaw Nation be and he is hereby, instructed to issue his proclamation to the Chickasaw Nation, declaring their independence, and calling upon the Chickasaw warriors to form themselves into volunteer companies of such strength and with such officers (to be chosen by themselves) as the governor may prescribe, to report themselves by filing their company rolls at the Chickasaw Agency, and to hold themselves, with the best arms and ammunition, together with a reasonable supply of provisions, in readiness at a minute’s warning to turn out, under the orders of the commanding general of the Chickasaws, for the defense of their country or to aid the civil authorities in the enforcement of the laws.

7th. Resolved, That we have full faith and confidence in the justice of the cause in which we are embarked, and that we appeal to the Chickasaw people to be prepared to meet the conflict which will surely, and perhaps speedily, take place, and hereby call upon every man capable {p.587} of bearing arms to be ready to defend his home and family, his country and his property, and to render prompt obedience to all orders from the officers set over them.

9th. Resolved, That the governor cause these resolutions to be published in the National Register, at Boggy Depot, and copies thereof sent to the several Indian nations, to the governors of the adjacent States, to the President of the Confederate States, and to Abraham Lincoln, President of the Black Republican party.

Passed the House of Representatives May 25, 1865.

A. ALEXANAN, Speaker House Representatives.

Attest:

C. CARTER, Clerk House Representatives.

Passed the Senate.

JOHN B. ANDERSON, President of Senate.

Attest:

JAMES N. MCLISH, Clerk of Senate.

Approved, Tishomingo, May 25, 1861.

C. HARRIS, Governor.

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MONTGOMERY, May 25, 1861.

Col. T. C. HINDMAN, Helena, Ark.:

If ten companies are raised, they are hereby ordered to Fort Smith, for General McCulloch’s command. Camp equipage will be provided as soon as possible. The companies will be mustered into service as they arrive there, and subsisted at Government expense. You must obtain flint-lock muskets from your State.

L. P. WALKER.

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FORT SMITH, ARK., May 28, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:

SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I arrived here on the 25th instant. Since my arrival I have endeavored to get all the information I could in reference to the sentiments of the Indian tribes in the Territory. It appears from the best information that the Choctaws and Chickasaws are all anxious to join the Southern Confederacy, and I think that Colonel Cooper will have no difficulty in organizing his regiment. The Creek Nation will also come in, and there will be no difficulty in raising a regiment in the tribe. It appears that there are two parties in the Cherokee Nation-one very much in favor of joining the Southern Confederacy; the other hesitates, and favors the idea of remaining neutral. These two parties are kept apart by bitter feuds of long standing, and it is possible that feelings of animosity may tempt one party to join the North, should their forces march into the Indian Territory. It is therefore necessary to see the chief of the tribe (John Ross), and by enlisting him on our side to get a force into the nation that will prevent any force from the North getting a foothold and enlisting the sympathies of any portion with their party. Captain Pike, commissioner, accompanies me to-day on my mission to the chief.

{p.588}

There are very few arms in the Indian Territory, and I am continually applied to for a supply. I hope a supply will be sent at once. It is absolutely necessary for the success of my mission to have an ample supply to arm the Indian regiments, particularly the Cherokees.

The control of this post is necessary, and if it has been turned over by the State to the Government of the Confederate States, I hope you will at once authorize me to take possession of it and all public property in it.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

BEN. MCCULLOCH, Brigadier-General Commanding.

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HELENA, ARK., May 29, 1861.

L. P. WALKER:

Ten companies ready on June 1 for McCulloch’s command. Five are lost if ordered elsewhere. Will dismiss them and fill up before June 15 if immediately provided here with money to buy subsistence, and authorized to muster companies in as they arrive, and send them to Virginia with promise of rifles there. I prefer Virginia. If ordered to Fort Smith, must have subsistence and transportation from here. Have no money. Can get it here. If ordered there can’t you send blankets for men, blue jeans for their shirts and pants, and swords for officers, and stop pay to cover costs? All much needed. Can’t get them in the Southwest. State authorities refuse arms of any kind, retaining them for militia. Answer.

T. C. HINDMAN.

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NEW ORLEANS, May 31, 1861.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President Confederate States, Richmond, Va.:

DEAR SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of letter received this morning from Lieutenant-Colonel Hyams, of the Third Regiment Louisiana Volunteers, which left this place on the 20th instant for their destination, Fort Smith. I beg leave to call the attention of your excellency to the matters therein set forth. A deputation from the Creeks passed through this place on the 25th instant en route to Montgomery, and will, I presume, now continue their journey to Richmond.

I must also repeat what I have already telegraphed to the Secretary of War, that our Fourth Regiment has not received marching orders, and the Fifth and Sixth Regiments are and have been awaiting the action of Lieutenant Phifer to receive them into Confederate service, who is without orders for that purpose.

I must also, at the risk of being thought importunate and troublesome, call your excellency’s attention to the necessity of a more complete and extended system of defenses for the coast of this State than has yet been made or commenced.

General Twiggs assumed command of this district this morning, with whom I shall be most happy to co-operate in any measures which the public exigencies may require.

I am, very respectfully, your excellency’s obedient servant,

THO. O. MOORE, Governor.

{p.589}

[Inclosure.]

LITTLE ROCK, May 28, 1861.

THO. O. MOORE, Governor of Louisiana, New Orleans:

DEAR Sum: The regiment arrived here last night and this morning, in good health. We debarked here for two reasons: The water has so much fallen in the Arkansas, as we were informed, that we could proceed no farther by the steamers we were on, and because the governor of this State and the military board had received certain information that Lane, with a large body of troops, is within the northern boundary of this State at a place called Pocahontas. On this information, authoritatively received, I at once determined to debark and make requisition for ammunition, of which we have received none until the governor of Arkansas gave me an order for its receipt from the State arsenal.

The agent of the Indians called on me this morning, and states that the nations on the borders of this State are anxious and desirous to be armed; that they can and will muster into the service 25,000 men; that they have immense supplies of beeves, sufficient to supply the meat for the whole Confederate service. All they ask is arms and enrollment. If within your power to forward their views with the President, it would be a great step in the right direction, and erect a more effectual barrier against the Kansas marauders than any force that could be sent against them, and thereby protect the northern boundary of both Arkansas and Louisiana. The reasons why every effort should be made to arm these people (now heart and soul with us) to defend themselves and us are so palpable, that I do not attempt to urge them on you, but do solicit your attention, so far as is compatible with your high position, to this matter, to impress its importance on the President, and use your well-known influence to effect this much desirable result. Our colonel is not yet with us. I received a dispatch at Napoleon from Hon. Judge Moise, for which I return my thanks. Please say to my brother that we are all well and preparing for duty.

With highest regard, believe me, sir, your friend sincerely,

S. M. HYAMS, Lieut. Col., Third Regt. La. Vols.

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LITTLE ROCK, ARK., June 2, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER:

DEAR SIR: I have been detained by pneumonia, an attack from which kept me ten days in bed. Then low water and the sinking of a steamboat kept me until yesterday. I am not able to report upon the condition of timings among the Indians, but hear they are favorable. General McCulloch is about the frontier of Arkansas, northwest of Fort Smith, as I hear. I do not think these matters worth talking about, but my sense of duty requires me to report that with about 25,000 able-bodied brave men Arkansas has less the appearance of a military organization than any people I ever yet knew. The people are nearly all under arms, and daily rumors of invasions calling them from home, and I never yet saw people who appeared to know so little about commanders, or who seemed so utterly devoid of confidence in any one faction or leader of a faction in the State. My belief and conviction is that but little can be done among these factions, and that a military leader from without the State is needed, who when he gets here shall have command of all the {p.590} forces not under McCulloch, and that the bold and brave men can rally under such without disturbance from leaders of any faction whatever, and that without this Arkansas with her brave and hardy hunters cannot be made available in any other way, unless it will be by waiting for a new man to grow up.

These are my thoughts, freely given. If able, I go up the river to Fort Smith to-morrow.

I have the honor to be, truly, &c., yours,

DAVID HUBBARD.

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HELENA, ARK., June 3, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER:

Will certainly lose five companies if not ordered to McCulloch’s command immediately. Will have more trouble than I supposed in filling up if they leave. Hope you will order me to Fort Smith immediately. Afterward can send me where you please. Have permission from State authorities to stop in arsenal till tents reach here. Must be ordered somewhere at once. Expense is ruinous. Men have no shelter. Defer staff appointments till letter reaches you.

T. C. HINDMAN.

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ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL’S OFFICE, Richmond, June 11, 1861.

Col. T. C. HINDMAN, Arkansas Volunteers, Helena, Ark.:

SIR: In reply to yours of May 23, 1861, the Secretary of War directs that you will take post as proposed, after organization of the regiment, in the northeastern part of the State of Arkansas, for the defense of that section of country. So soon as prepared for mustering in, you will advise Capt. W. S. Walker, C. S. Army, now at Memphis, Tenn., who has been directed to muster in your regiment. You will make requisitions upon the quartermaster’s and subsistence departments for such stores pertaining to each as may be required by your regiment, this being your authority therefor. Governor Rector will furnish the arms and munitions required for the armament. Respecting staff appointments, send in the names of those whom you wish to be appointed as surgeons, assistant surgeon, assistant quartermaster, and assistant commissary of subsistence, and their commissions will be made out and forwarded to you.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. H. CHILTON, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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HEADQUARTERS MCCULLOCH’S BRIGADE, Fort Smith, Ark., June 12, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:

SIR: I have the honor to state that I left this post on the 30th of May, with the view of having an interview with the chief of the Cherokees, and to select some military position in the Indian Territory for my command. I found no point suitable for such a position, except in the Cherokee country, and I had determined to take the first opportunity of moving my command to it; but in my interview with John Ross, the chief of the Cherokees, objection was made to my entering his country, {p.591} at the same time stating that he wished to maintain a neutral position, and would endeavor to keep his country from being occupied by either party.

There are two parties in the Cherokee Nation-one in favor of immediate secession, the other represented by John Ross, and wishing to be neutral. This party is in the majority, and consists of all the full-bloods and a part of the half breeds. To give offense to this party now by marching into their country would injure our cause, and might unite the whole nation against us.

This chief has assured me that in the event of an invasion from the North he will put himself at the head of his people and march to repel it, and he has also assured Captain Pike (commissioner) that he will call his executive council together this month, for the purpose of conferring with them on the subject. Under these circumstances I have deemed it advisable to respect his wishes, and have addressed him a letter, a copy of which is herewith inclosed.

The command at my disposal would not warrant me in advancing at present, especially as most of the supplies are still behind. The Louisiana regiment has arrived, and seven companies of Churchill’s regiment, but the latter are entirely without tents or camp equipage of any kind. The Texas regiment and the expected transportation from that quarter will not be here in less than three weeks. There are a number of State troops (nearly 2,000) in and around this post belonging to the western division of the State. I think it very essential for the success of a command on this frontier that this military division and the Confederate troops here be put under our control. I therefore apply, respectfully, for authority to command it. The State is divided into two military divisions, the eastern and western. This western division should be put under my command, as under the above circumstances I may be obliged to act in the northwestern corner of the State to repel an attack from the North.

From the best authority I can gain I believe all the other Indians in the Territory are with us. They only want arms to be of immediate service to us.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

BEN. MCCULLOCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS MCCULLOCH’S BRIGADE, Fort Smith, Ark., June 12, 1861.

His Excellency JOHN ROSS, Chief of the Cherokee Nation:

SIR: Having been sent by my Government (the Confederate States of America) to take command of the district embracing the Indian Territory, and to guard it from invasion by the people of the North, I take the first opportunity of assuring you of the friendship of my Government, and the desire that the Cherokees and other tribes in the Territory unite their fortunes with the Confederacy. I hope that you, as chief of the Cherokees, will meet me with the same feelings of friendship that actuate me in coming among you, and that I may have your hearty co-operation in one common cause against a people who are endeavoring to deprive us of our rights. It is not my desire to give offense, or interfere with any of your rights or wishes, and shall not do {p.592} so unless circumstances compel me. The neutral position you wish to maintain will not be molested without good cause. In the mean time those of your people who are in favor of joining the Confederacy must be allowed to organize into military companies as Home Guards, for the purpose of defending themselves in case of invasion from the North. This of course will be in accordance with the views you expressed to me, that in case of an invasion from the North you would lead your men yourself to repel it. Should a body of men march into your Territory from the North, or if I have an intimation that a body is in hue of march for the Territory from that quarter, I must assure you that I will at once advance into your country, if I deem it advisable.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

BEN. MCCULLOCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL’S OFFICE, Richmond, June 12, 1861.

His Excellency Gov. H. M. RECTOR, Little Rock, Ark.:

SIR: Colonel Hindman, Arkansas Volunteers, has been ordered, so soon as his regiment is organized, armed, and equipped, to proceed to Northeastern Arkansas, in the vicinity of Clark’s Bluffs, there to adopt defensive measures for protection of the State. It is desired that you will furnish him with arms, ammunition, &c., as he remains within the State and has been advised that his armament would be furnished by you.

It has been reported that provisions captured at Helena and Napoleon were placed under your control. It is requested that you will place them subject to the order of Colonel Hindman, regiment Arkansas volunteers, to be used and accounted for as stores belonging to the Confederate States service.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 11.}

HDQRS. MISSOURI STATE GUARD, Jefferson City, Mo., June 12, 1861.

I. The commanders of the military districts of the Missouri State Guard will immediately assemble all the available troops in their respective districts for actual service.

II. The forces of the third district will, as they assemble, march by regiments, battalions, or companies, without delay, to Booneville, Cooper County, which will be the rendezvous. On their arrival at this place the commanders of such regiments, battalions, and companies will report to the senior officer present, who will report each arrival to these headquarters and to the commanders of the Sixth Military District.

III. The forces of the first, second, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth will assemble in camp, the place to be designated by the respective district commanders, who will repair in person to said camp and superintend the organization and equipment of their commands. They will from time to time report to these headquarters the number and condition of their command.

{p.471}

IV. The district quartermasters and commissaries will use all the means at their command in their respective districts to furnish supplies for this movement, and will make requisitions on the Quartermaster-General and Commissary-General for funds.

By command Maj. Gen. S. Price:

HENRY LITTLE, Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 14.}

You are hereby ordered to immediately cause to be destroyed all railroad bridges and telegraph wires in your vicinity.

By command Maj. Gen. S. Price:

HENRY LITTLE, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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Proclamation by the Principal Chief of the Choctaw Nation.

JUNE 14, 1861.

Whereas the general council of the Choctaw Nation, on the 10th day of June, 1861, by resolution declared that in consequence of the dissolution of the United States, by the withdrawal of eleven States formerly comprising a part of said Government, and their formation into a separate government, and the existing war consequent thereon between the States, and the refusal on the part of that portion of the States claiming to be, and exercising the functions of the Government of, the United States to comply with solemn treaty stipulations between the Government of the United States and the Choctaw Nation, said nation was absolved from all obligations under said treaties, and thereby was left independent, and free to enter into alliance with other governments, and to take such other steps as may be necessary to secure the safety and welfare of the nation.

And whereas the general council of the Choctaw Nation did further resolve that the interest and safety of the Choctaw people require that an alliance be made with the Southern Confederacy, and did appoint commissioners to negotiate a treaty of alliance and amity; and whereas the defense of the nation against invasion, and the preservation of order and the due execution of the laws of the nation, which have been extended over all persons within the limits thereof, require the organization of an efficient military corps, and all of which it is proper should be made known to the Choctaw people and to the world:

Now, therefore, I, George Hudson, principal chief of the Choctaw Nation, do hereby publish and proclaim that the Choctaw Nation is, and of right ought to be, free and independent; that all citizens and residents of said nation between the ages of 18 and 45 years, subject to military duty, are required to enroll, either in the volunteer or the reserve militia, according to law, and to hold themselves in readiness to turn out for the defense of the nation at a minute’s warning, for the preservation of order and the protection of life and property, or in aid of the civil authorities in the general execution of the laws, and (in accordance with a law passed by the general council) that Apuckshanubbee district shall furnish three volunteer companies, consisting of not less than 64 privates, 4 commissioned officers, 5 non-commissioned {p.594} officers, and 1 bugler, nor more than 100 to each company; two companies of like strength from Pushmataha district, and two from Mosholatubbee district; making in all 700 men, as near as possible, will be enrolled, elect their officers, and report themselves ready for immediate service in the mounted regiment of Choctaw and Chickasaw riflemen called for by the Confederate States of America, to be commanded by Col. D. H. Cooper, of C. S. Army; and, further, I require that all free male persons not subject to military duty under the laws of the nation shall forthwith form themselves into squads of patrol, under a headman to be chosen by themselves, in each neighborhood, as “Home Guards,” for the protection of the country and preservation of order, whenever the volunteer and reserve militia of the nation shall have been called into active service. The sheriffs of each county are required by law to enroll and report a list of all those capable of military service, either in the volunteer or reserve militia, to the adjutant-general of the Choctaw Nation. I hereby appeal to all persons in the nation to render prompt obedience to all civil and military officers, and enjoin all civil and military officers to be prompt in the discharge of their duty. Our position now requires that every effort be used to defend the country and repress all disorderly and unlawful acts.

Given under my hand and seal, as principal chief of the Choctaw Nation, at the executive office, in the town of Doaksville, on the 14th day of June, A. D. 1861.

[L. S.]

GEORGE HUDSON, Principal Chief Choctaw Nation.

By the principal chief:

L. P. PITCHLYNN, National Secretary.

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HEADQUARTERS MCCULLOCH’S BRIGADE Fort Smith, Ark., June 14, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:

SIR: The bearer of this communication (Captain Green) has been sent by the governor of the State of Missouri to urge upon me the necessity of advancing a force into the State to give countenance to the secessionists in their attempt to free themselves from the yoke which has been placed upon them. The governor is ready for the crisis, and he only wants the aid of a force from this quarter to put his forces in action. Captain Green will give you all the necessary information in regard to the views and secret movements of the governor of his State.

I think the proposition made by the governor is one of great importance to the Confederate Government, and I hope may meet with your favorable consideration. I will briefly lay before you a plan of operations. As I have before communicated to you, the chief of the Cherokees is not willing to have a force marched into his country, and he desires to remain neutral. The only way to force his country into the Confederacy is to throw a force into the northeastern portion of this State, take possession of Fort Scott on the Missouri line and subjugate that portion of Kansas. I am satisfied that Lane has no force yet of any importance, and the occupation of Fort Scott would not only place Kansas in my power, but would give heart and countenance to our friends in Missouri, and accomplish the very object for which I was sent here, preventing a force from the North invading the Indian Territory. All the border counties on the western line of Missouri are {p.595} with us. We would therefore be able to draw our supplies from them. After strengthening myself at Fort Scott I could, by co-operating with Missouri, take such a position on the Kansas River as I might desire.

In order to carry out this plan I would again respectfully apply to have the Western Military Division of Arkansas put under my orders, with authority to muster the troops now in it (about 1,600) into the provisional forces, and to accept such other regiments and battalions until my force is at least 7,000 strong. The Indians are much opposed to marching out of their country. They are willing to organize for its defense, but want to remain in it. From what I have seen of them, I do not think it would be prudent to march them into Kansas, for they would be difficult to restrain, and I should much fear the censures that would be heaped on our Government by employing them. If the State of Arkansas is supplied with sufficient arms, I will have no difficulty in getting the requisite force, but as this matter is of the utmost importance, I think if a well-drilled regiment is available it should be at once sent to report to me.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

BEN. McCULLOCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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LITTLE ROCK, ARK., June 21, 1861.

L. P. WALKER:

We have a large armed force in the field, say 8,000 men. Missouri calls for our aid, which cannot be effectively furnished under State authority. We will turn over this force by their consent to the Confederate Government, including arms, with the provision that the arms are to be so used as to secure ample protection and security to Arkansas in future. In contemplation of this proposition we have called no general officer into the field; making prompt and speedy answer highly important. It is suggested that an active campaign in Missouri would aid Virginia. Please reply promptly.

H. M. RECTOR, Governor, and President Military Board.

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HEADQUARTERS MCCULLOCH’S BRIGADE, Fort Smith, Ark., June 22, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:

SIR: I have the honor to transmit the inclosed copy of a communication from John Ross, the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Under all the circumstances of the case I do not think it advisable to march into the Cherokee country at this time unless there is some urgent necessity for it. If the views expressed in my communication to you of the 14th instant are carried out, it will, I am satisfied, force the conviction on the Cherokees that they have but one course to pursue– that is, to join the Confederacy. The Choctaw and Chickasaw regiment will be kept on the south of them; Arkansas will be to the east; and with my force on the western border of Missouri no force will be able to march into the Cherokee Nation, and surrounded as they will be by Southern troops, they will have but one alternative at all events. From my position to the north of them, in any event, I will have a controlling {p.596} power over them. I am satisfied from my interview with John Ross and from his communication that he is only waiting for some favorable opportunity to put himself with the North. His neutrality is only a pretext to await the issue of events.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

BEN. McCULLOCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure.]

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, C. N., Park Hill, June 17, 1861.

Brig. Gen. BEN. MCCULLOCH, Commanding Troops of Confederate States, Fort Smith, Ark.:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge by the first return mail the receipt of your communication, dated at Fort Smith, Ark., the 12th instant, informing me that you have been sent by the Government of the Confederate States of America to take command of the district embracing the Indian Territory, and to guard it from invasion by the people of the North. For the expression of your friendship be pleased to accept my heartfelt thank, and the assurance that I cherish none other than a similar sentiment for yourself and people. I am also gratified to be informed that you will not interfere with any of our rights and wishes unless circumstances compel you to do so, nor violate or molest our neutrality without good cause. In regard to the pending conflict between the United States and Confederate States, I have already signified my purpose to take no part in it whatever, and have admonished the Cherokee people to pursue the same course. The determination to adopt that course was the result of considerations of law and policy, and seeing no reasons to doubt its propriety, I shall adhere to it in good faith, and hope that the Cherokee people will not fail to follow my example. I have not been able to see any reason why the Cherokee Nation should take any other course, for it seems to me to be dictated by their treaties and sanctioned by wisdom and humanity. It ought not to give ground for complaint to either side, and should cause our rights to be respected by both. Our country and institutions are our own. However small the one and humble the others, they are as sacred and valuable to us as are those of your own populous and wealthy State to yourself and people. We have done nothing to bring about the conflict in which you are engaged with your own people, and I am unwilling that my people shall become its victims, and I am determined to do no act that shall furnish any pretext to either of the contending parties to overrun our country and destroy our rights. If we are destined to be overwhelmed, it shall not be through any agency of mine. The United States are pledged not to disturb us in our rights, nor can we for a moment suppose that your Government will do it, as the avowed principles upon which it is struggling for an acknowledged existence are the rights of the States and freedom from outside interference. The Cherokee people and Government have given every assurance in their power of their sympathy and friendship for the people of Arkansas and of other Confederate States, unless it be in voluntarily assuming an attitude of hostility towards the Government of the United States, with whom their treaties exist and from whom they are not experiencing any new burdens or exactions. That I cannot advise them to do, and hope that their good faith in adhering to the requirements of their treaties and {p.597} of their friendship for all the whites will be manifested by strict observance of the neutrality enjoined.

Your demand that those people of the nation who are in favor of joining the Confederacy be allowed to organize into military companies as Home Guards, for the purpose of defending themselves in case of invasion from the North, is most respectfully declined. I cannot give my consent to any such organization for very obvious reasons: First, it would be a palpable violation of my position as a neutral; second, it would place in our midst organized companies not authorized by our laws but in violation of treaty, and who would soon become efficient instruments in stirring up domestic strife and creating internal difficulties among the Cherokee people. As in this connection you have misapprehended a remark made in conversation at our interview some eight or ten days ago, I hope you will allow me to repeat what I did say. I informed you that I had taken a neutral position, and would maintain it honestly, but that in case of a foreign invasion, old as I am, I would assist in repelling it. I have not signified any purpose as to an invasion of our soil and an interference with our rights from the United or Confederate States, because I have apprehended none, and cannot give my consent to any.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

JNO. ROSS, Principal Chief Cherokee Nation.

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RICHMOND, June 22, 1861.

Gov. H. M. RECTOR, Little Rock, Ark.:

The Arkansas troops we will receive with the regiment organized according to the law of Congress, and Arkansas, as every other State will receive watchful care of the Government.

L. P. WALKER.

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HEADQUARTERS MCCULLOCH’S BRIGADE, Fort Smith, Ark., June 23, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:

SIR: I have the honor to inform you that in the organization of a Creek regiment there will be some difficulty, as there are two parties, known as the Upper and Lower Creeks. I would therefore respectfully recommend that instead of receiving a regiment, two battalions be received, one from the Upper Creeks and another from the Lower Creeks, allowing them to elect their own officers.

I have heard that Colonel Garrett, formerly the Creek agent, has been recommended to you to command the regiment. I hope the appointment will not be made, for Colonel Garrett is in no way qualified for the position, and from what I know of his habits, I am satisfied that a worse appointment could not be made.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

BEN. MCCULLOCH, Brigadier-General Commanding.

{p.598}

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ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL’S OFFICE, Richmond, June 25, 1861.

Brig. Gen. WM. J. HARDEE, Memphis, Tenn.:

SIR: Herewith you will receive the appointment of brigadier-general of provisional forces in the service of the Confederate States. Your command will embrace that portion of Arkansas lying west of the White and Black Rivers and north of the Arkansas River to the Missouri line. The general purpose of this assignment is to watch over and protect the country within the limits referred to, and also that part of the State of Missouri contiguous thereto. Besides the regiment from Arkansas under the command of Colonel Hindman, recently ordered there, it is the purpose of the Department to send an additional force of about 3,000 men in that direction. You will establish your headquarters at such point within the district referred to as will best subserve the purpose of your command.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

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PINE BLUFF, June 25, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER:

Before leaving I understood of you that the incumbents of the Indian agencies west of Arkansas would be continued. I believed it wise. I beg of you earnestly to send them their appointments promptly.

The movement of our Indians into our Confederacy will be natural and easy if under the lead of the officers and agents they are accustomed to be led and advised by; but strike them out, put in new men, and then propose to change their allegiance, with war before them, and with doubts as to their annuities and the debts due them, and the nature of their own governments hereafter, and a new and necessarily untrained and ignorant set of agents to explain, to control, or to advise them, and it will all be unfortunate-very, very unfortunate.

My old friend the Hon. D. Hubbard is sick, and stays at Dr. Griffith’s, at Fort Smith. With his good heart it is to be expected he will be desirous to support Dr. Griffith’s wishes, and Dr. Griffith wants to be appointed superintendent in place of E. Rector. Do not allow this to be done. Hold everything as it is until peace and unity are attained, and then make all the changes you think proper; but not now-not now, by all manner of means.

I do earnestly beg you to keep your agencies as they were. They are good and true men, and popular and qualified with the tribes and their business. Restore and commission Elias Rector, superintendent; John Crawford, Cherokee agent; William Quesenbury, Creek agent; Samuel M. Rutherford, Seminole agent; and Matthew Leeper, Wichita agent; and if Cooper has resigned (which I fear is the case), appoint Richard P. Pulliam (who is the next best living man on earth for the place, I believe) as agent of the Choctaws. With this programme you will have peace and success; without it, no one can tell your troubles or our misfortunes on this frontier.

If you raise an Indian regiment, I commend to you J. W. Washburne for quartermaster. He is a favorite with them (particularly with the Creeks), and is a man of talent and capacity.

In conclusion, it is proper, as I am so much of a stranger to you, that {p.599} I should apologize for any seeming abruptness of expression in my letter, for in none of it is there aught but the haste of a letter written in the pain and weakness of a sick bed, and dictated by a sentiment of that sincere respect of which it is begged you will be assured by your obedient servant,

R. W. JOHNSON.

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RICHMOND, VA., June 25, 1861.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of the Confederate States:

SIR: Permit me respectfully to suggest to you that in the event that the Confederate States forces find it necessary to advance into Missouri, they might find it advantageous to have among both their men and their officers as many Missourians as possible. To that end, if the Hon. E. Carrington Cabell could be attached in some suitable position, as aide-de-camp or otherwise, to the staff of the commanding officer of those forces, and should Mr. Cabell be willing to accept the position, I decidedly advise its being done. His high standing in Missouri, as also elsewhere, his sound judgment, practical common sense, and thorough acquaintance with the condition of affairs in Missouri, would enable him to be of essential service. As an officer of militia cavalry he acquired sufficient knowledge of military affairs to justify such an appointment.

I remain, Mr. President, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. C. REYNOLDS.

[Indorsement.]

Hon. B. C. CABELL:

Please read the within, and give me your views and wishes thereon.

Your friend,

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

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ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL’S OFFICE, Richmond, June 26, 1861.

Brig. Gen. BEN. MCCULLOCH, Commanding, &c., Fort Smith, Ark.:

GENERAL: In reply to your communication of the 14th instant, addressed to the Secretary of War, I am instructed to say that you are authorized, should you think proper, to take position at Fort Scott, and that you may give such assistance to Missouri as will subserve the main purpose of your command. If an invasion of Kansas is rendered necessary for that purpose, it will be a question for you to determine, after fully considering the consequences as affecting the neutrality of the Cherokees, which should not be disregarded if it is possible by diplomacy to prevent it; the great object of your command being not only to conciliate the Indian nations, but to obtain their active co-operation with us in prosecuting the war. You will perceive that by exciting the hostility of the Cherokee Nation the prospect of a successful termination of your command will be greatly diminished.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

{p.600}

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HEADQUARTERS MCCULLOCH’S BRIGADE, Fort Smith, Ark., June 29, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

SIR: I have the honor to state to you that I will leave here to-morrow morning with the regiments of Arkansas and Louisiana volunteers to march to Maysville, on the northwestern frontier of Arkansas. General Pearce is already there with 900 men. Missouri has been crushed, and all of her forces are falling back from the Federal troops in the State. I have authentic information that a force of nearly 3,000 Federal troops are now in Springfield, Mo., and that General Lyon, with 9,000 men, will soon be with them. From reliable information it is the intention to enter this State and the Indian Territory. Under these circumstances I have deemed it necessary to issue a proclamation, calling all the men of Western Arkansas to arms for the emergency, and to rally upon Fayetteville, twenty miles from Maysville. I hope soon to have such a force at my disposal on the northern frontier to drive this force back; at all events to keep them from entering the State. The Texas regiment has orders to join me as soon as possible. It has not yet reported here. My embarrassment here has been very great. Sent here without a force, without transportation, and without arms, I have found myself very much crippled; but by taking the necessary responsibility I have organized a train, the necessary staff department, called for an additional force, and am determined to march against this force to hold it in check, and, if an opportunity occurs, to strike them a blow in Missouri. I hope that I will be sustained in all the steps that I have deemed it necessary to take.

We are much in need of arms and ammunition. Is it not possible to send me a supply?

From the last accounts such of the State troops of Missouri as are still under the command of the governor and General Rains are falling back from the Federal forces toward the southwestern corner of the State. I have sent reliable men to them, with advice to fall back and form a junction with me.

I have the honor to be, sir,

BEN. MCCULLOCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding,

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RICHMOND, July 2, 1861.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS:

MY DEAR SIR: As Governor Reynolds was about leaving Richmond he told me he would make the suggestion which he has made in his letter of the 25th of June, which you inclose to me to-day.

The proposition was new and unexpected, and at first presentation, I told Governor Reynolds that the position alluded to would not suit me. But further consideration has brought my mind to the conclusion that I have no right to decline a position which may enable me to render important service to our country. My heart and soul are in this cause, and I have long since resolved to devote myself as far as practicable to its success.

To insure the accession of Missouri to the Confederate States has been the object of my labors for several months past. This great result may, and I feel confident will, be attained. But it is secondary to the cause of Southern independence, and should it fail, which God forbid, {p.601} and which I do not apprehend, I shall be none the less devoted to that cause; for I shall never reside, and I would rather bury my children than have them live in, any State which, willingly or unwillingly, remains under the rule of the men of the Northern portion of the late United States.

The suggestion of Governor Reynolds is certainly a good one, that there would be great advantage in the presence of Missourians with such forces of the Confederate States as may be required to advance into Missouri; and it is probable that in this connection I may be of more benefit to our cause than in any other. If so, and I now incline to that opinion, I would prefer the appointment suggested; but I shall be most happy to render service in army position which may be assigned me; only let me go where it is deemed I can be most useful.

I am sincerely obliged to you, my dear sir, for your kind indorsement on the letter of Governor Reynolds, which I return.

With great respect, I am, yours, most cordially,

B. C. CABELL.

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POCAHONTAS, ARK., July 2, 1861.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of the Confederate States, Richmond, Va.:

SIR: I notified you several days ago that a rendezvous had been appointed for the exiled Missourians at this place, and as I am here to organize them, I will notify you of the rumors which the men bring from the different portions of the State, as some of them may occasionally be of importance, and not reach you through the ordinary channels of communication.

Governor Jackson has undoubtedly gone into the southwest corner of the State, probably directly to McCulloch’s camp. A portion of his cabinet are with him. I also hear from tolerably reliably authority that Lieutenant-Governor Reynolds is with him, although I know that he started to Richmond, Va., from Nashville, only about ten days ago. As General Price has been sick, and if now in the field at all his headquarters are unknown to any one in this portion of the country, therefore there is no system or plan of campaign for the people to go by, and the organizations which are now going on may either be broken up or rendered entirely inefficient for want of a leader. The funds of the State of Missouri are locked up in the banks, and every town in the State in which there is a bank is now in the possession of Federal troops. Every railroad, telegraph, and mail is also in their hands, and the only way the fifty to one hundred thousand gallant young soldiers can be made available and the rich prize of this great State secured is by a powerful demonstration from this portion of the country, which will attract the attention of friends and foes alike, giving confidence to one and striking terror to the other.

Missouri has no great leader in whom the people have confidence. Price and Doniphan are neither equal to the occasion, and besides these two there are none with a sufficient reputation to inspire that confidence which is necessary to bring out the people, surrounded as they are by so many enemies. There are men in Missouri who are competent, or rather capable, but they are unknown to the people; therefore please send us a leader and a few arms, and Missouri’s sons can rid her soil of the pollution which now infests her, and rush into line with her Southern sisters in double-quick time.

{p.602}

If Lieutenant-Governor Reynolds has been to see you these remarks are superfluous, but I mention them for fear he may have returned to Missouri without having seen you.

I herewith send you a small map of Missouri, on which I have marked the military districts and the brigadier-generals commanding each district, which may be of use to the War Department; and I would here remark that I am personally acquainted with all the leading men in the State, and probably know the military resources better than any one, and at any time that I can be of service to the cause of the Southern Confederacy, either individually or officially, I am at your command.

I suppose by this time Colonel Bowen’s regiment is full, but if you will receive another Missouri regiment I can have one at your service at any time in a week.

Any communication you may have to send to any one in Missouri by mail this is the most accessible point, as the people here and beyond the line are in constant intercourse.

Excuse the length of this letter, as my interest in the cause is great. I would respectfully refer you, if you should have forgotten my previous letters, to Andrew Hunter, of Jefferson; Daniel DeJarnett, of Caroline; or H. P. Poindexter, of Richmond.

Yours, most respectfully,

M. JEFF. THOMPSON, Of Saint Joseph, Mo.

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MEMPHIS, TENN., July 3, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

DEAR SIR: Inclosed you will please find copy of a telegram sent you on the 21st ultimo from Little Rock, Ark * I have never received an answer. I know you are worried to death with letters, importunities, &c., but the fact is, General McCulloch’s command is in a very bad fix as regards arms. His cavalry regiment, commanded by Colonel Churchill, are armed with old muskets, flint-and-steel locks, and bayonets; no cartridge-boxes, bayonet scabbards, or belts, and he is in great want of ammunition. Be pleased to answer the dispatch. I am here in Memphis, having the cartridge-boxes, bayonet scabbards, and belts made. General Hardee is here. He has requested me to say to you that he wishes Mr. John Pope, of Little Rock, Ark., appointed quartermaster for his division. Mr. Pope is the grandson of John Pope, who was formerly governor of Kentucky. He is a gentleman, and is well suited for the position, and would give universal satisfaction to all; can give a bond for any amount, and can give you any recommendation you might wish. General Hardee is very anxious to secure his services, and has written you on this subject. Should you appoint him, be pleased to let him know it as soon as possible. I succeeded in getting fresh quartermaster provisions to him without any loss, and took a receipt for it in good order. General McCulloch is on his way to the Missouri frontier. I am busy getting subscriptions of cotton and produce for the Confederate States. I write this letter in a great hurry, as the bearer is about to leave.

Very truly, your friend, &c.,

JOHN A. JORDAN.

* Not found.

{p.603}

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, July 4, 1861.

Brig. Gen. BEN. MCCULLOCH, Fort Smith, Ark.:

GENERAL: Your communication of the 22d June has been received. Your policy in regard to Ross, the principal chief of the Cherokees, has my approbation. It is well to pursue a conciliatory course with this chief, so long as it not only involves no detriment to the cause, but embraces a prospect of immediate advantage.

Keeping steadily in view the great object of your command, you will avail yourself of any fitting opportunity of co-operation with Missouri; that is, when it is quite clear that co-operation will be likely to avail, as suggested in previous communications.

The position of Missouri as a Southern State still in the Union requires, as you will readily perceive, much prudence and circumspection, and it should only be when necessity and propriety unite that active and direct assistance should be afforded by crossing the boundary and entering the State before communicating with this Department.

In the progress of events it might be possible that the most effective co-operation would be for you to penetrate Kansas, whether through the Indian nation or Missouri to be determined by the special facts that may arise or the circumstances which may exist, of which, from the remoteness of the position, it would be impossible for this Department to receive information in time to give you specific and definite instructions.

Very respectfully,

L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War.

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RICHMOND, VA., July 6, 1861.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of Confederate States of America:

SIR: If not inconsistent with your views of constitutional powers, and if you have the troops at your command, I respectfully recommend that at least 10,000 well-appointed troops be concentrated on the northern border of Arkansas at the earliest practicable moment, within the military district of Brigadier-General Hardee, and a like number, if possible, within the department of Major-General Polk, and that both of these officers be distinctly authorized to enter the State of Missouri, to drive back and to pursue the enemy now threatening the invasion of Arkansas and a descent on Tennessee, as far into Missouri as they deem prudent and advisable. I would also respectfully ask that more specific instructions be given to General McCulloch, authorizing him to enter the State of Missouri with the same object and for the same purpose. None but the enemies of the Confederate States and of Missouri will protest against this-none others will object; but all whose wishes you would respect invite and will cordially welcome your troops in the State. I make this request because I have reason to know that the instructions to these officers are of so guarded a character as to produce doubt as to their authority and embarrassment as to their movements.

I also respectfully recommend that, if practicable, the troops destined to operate in North Arkansas and Missouri be armed with muskets with bayonets, and that an extra amount of field artillery be sent with them. Any army you may send will be immediately re-enforced to any extent you may desire by Missourians, armed with the ordinary guns and rifles of the country, and volunteers from that State will be on the spot to {p.604} serve all the field pieces your army may have. There will also be at hand as many cavalry as you may want, but not regularly equipped. The Missourians will furnish promptly men and horses enough to drive every man of the enemy’s forces far from Arkansas and back into Illinois. They want arms and organization, especially muskets with bayonets, and field artillery. Under command of the accomplished generals you have sent to Arkansas organization will soon be effected, and the deficiency of small-arms, which you cannot furnish, will be partially, and perhaps effectively, supplied by the private arms of the Missouri volunteers. In this way, I confidently believe, the enemy may be driven out of Missouri, and thus the safety of Arkansas and Tennessee and of the whole valley of the Mississippi be effectually secured; for the troops of Mr. Lincoln will never venture to descend the river with an enemy in their rear so powerful as the State of Missouri in arms against them and threatening Illinois and Iowa. Thus may the military operations be transferred from Arkansas and Tennessee to Missouri, and the battles of those States be fought on Missouri soil, to which the people of Missouri cordially invite you.

The danger of the invasion of Arkansas and the difficulty of driving back the enemy’s forces threatening that State have been greatly increased by the delay, for the most part unavoidable, in sending troops to North Arkansas. Three weeks ago half the number would have accomplished the object, and every day’s delay adds to the difficulties to be overcome. In view of the importance of prompt action, and of the magnitude of the object to be effected, I trust you will pardon me for suggesting that a portion of the troops now organized and ready for the field in North Carolina, or some other of the Confederate States, be dispatched to General Hardee’s command, and that General Polk be instructed to inquire if a portion of his command now in Tennessee could not with advantage to the service be ordered to Northeast Arkansas.

On the approach of any force you may order to the Missouri frontier, the citizens of Missouri will, as I have intimated, flock to your standard. They, as well as the executive of the State, desire that the chief military operations in the State shall be under the direction of your commanding officers when they enter Missouri. I would therefore suggest that provision be made for a much larger force than you may send to Arkansas. There are thousands of Missourians willing and anxious to volunteer in the service of the Confederate States, with the expectation of being employed in repelling the threatened invasion of Arkansas, which they know can best, and indeed alone, be effected by driving back the enemy’s forces now in Missouri and approaching the borders of Arkansas. Please inform me if you will receive volunteers from Missouri in companies or regiments, and how many and on what conditions. Their organization may be effected in Missouri, but if that is deemed unadvisable, they may organize in Arkansas. More troops will certainly be wanted in that quarter, and I suggest that Missouri volunteers be organized and received, whether they can be armed at present or not. We hope that arms may be had soon, and when they come these troops will be on the spot, ready for action. Missouri can supply brave and loyal and men, if organized and armed not only to drive out the invaders of her soil, but enough to furnish 30,000 good soldiers to fight the battles of the Confederate States elsewhere. Colonel Bowen’s regiment at Memphis is by this time full and with but few arms. It seems to me that there can be no more urgent demand for {p.605} arms than to complete the arming of this regiment, which I recommend to be sent to General Hardee.

I have felt authorized to make these suggestions and recommendations in consequence of your invitation to do so at our last personal interview. Your consideration of them, and as early a reply as convenient, will greatly oblige me. I hoped before this to have received an answer to my communication of the 22d of June.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. C. CABELL.

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[PRIVATE.]

RICHMOND, July 6, 1861.

President JEFFERSON DAVIS:

MY DEAR SIR: A few days ago you inclosed to me a note from Governor Reynolds, of Missouri, in which he suggested that I be appointed an aide-de-camp to one of your general officers, who might be required to enter Missouri to repel the threatened invasion of Arkansas. Your indorsement on the letter, asking my “views and wishes” on the subject, I presume contemplated my appointment to such position if I desired it. In reply I stated that I would accept that or any other place which might be assigned me in which I could benefit my State or serve the cause of Southern independence. It is proper now that I should state to you that on reflection I am unwilling to leave Richmond for the present, and that I feel it my duty to remain here till some definite arrangement can be made with your Government as advantageous as may be to the unfortunate citizens and endangered sovereignty of Missouri. The Congress of the Confederate States, which will meet in two weeks, may, and I trust will, authorize you to do what you do not now consider within the scope of your constitutional powers, notwithstanding your great sympathy for the people of Missouri in their unequal struggle for liberty.

I thought I was justified in assuring my friends in Missouri that the result of my mission would be very different from what it has proved to be, and have not the heart to go back to them and witness their sore disappointment at my failure to accomplish what was so confidently expected. When I shall have exhausted every effort to serve the people of Missouri here, whether successful or not, I shall be ready and am resolved to go into any field and to perform any service in which I can best advance the interest of the common cause of our common country.

Believe me, my dear sir, to be, most cordially, your sincere friend and obedient servant,

E. C. CABELL.

P. S.-Let me ask your early attention to an official communication from me to-day.

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RICHMOND, VA., July 8, 1861.

Hon. E. C. CABELL:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge your several letters of June -, 1861,* of July 6, 1861, and another of same date, marked private; also a printed copy of the proclamation of the governor of Missouri, bearing date June 12, 1861, which was inclosed in the first-named communication. {p.606} The last paragraph of the proclamation does not quite accord with the general proposition submitted by you. Accept my thanks for the information furnished by you. Your recommendations, requests, and suggestions have been noted, and your letters referred to the Secretary of War for file and future reference. You have been heretofore advised of the sympathy I feel for the cause of Missouri so graphically and feelingly described. Constant occupation leaves me little time for correspondence; but were it otherwise, you surely would not expect me to reply to your requisitions by stating the force and stores of the Confederate States to show that your large wants could not now be supplied, or by discussing with you questions of the constitutional power of the Executive.

Very respectfully, yours,

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

* Not found.

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HEADQUARTERS MCCULLOCH’S BRIGADE, Camp Jackson, Ark., July 9, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

SIR: I have the honor to state that I returned to this camp to-day. It is 2 miles from Maysville, Ark., and 7 miles from the northern boundary of the State. I started from this position on the 4th instant with Churchill’s regiment of mounted riflemen and 1,200 men of General Pearce’s brigade, under the command of the general. General Price, of Missouri, had reached a position in the northwestern corner of his State with 1,700 men. The general offered to march with me to the aid of the governor of his State, and joined my command as we passed his camp on the first day’s march.

From authentic information I had learned that the governor of Missouri had formed a junction with General Rains and was endeavoring to make his way to General Price’s camp, and also that every effort was being made by the Northern troops to cut him off. A force of 2,400 well-drilled troops were marching north towards Carthage against him; a force of 3,600 were marching south, rapidly gaining upon him. Rumors were also afloat that a force was marching from the northeast, under General Lyon, and still another was marching against him from Kansas. Under these circumstances I knew there was no time to be lost, and if the forces marching against the governor could concentrate upon him, his force of disorganized, undisciplined men would probably be cut to pieces, and Missouri fall entirely under the control of the North. I at once saw Generals Pearce and Price, and concerted a plan of operations.

I had a few days previous issued a proclamation to the people of Western Arkansas calling them to arms, as their State was threatened. The effect of the proclamation had gathered a force of several hundred men at Fayetteville, Ark. I ordered Colonel McRae, of Arkansas, to take command of this force and make a demonstration on Springfield with it. I found out afterwards, through intercepted orders, that the effect of the demonstration was to call back portions of the force which was marching against the governor.

On the 5th instant I found from authentic information that if the governor was to be rescued by my command, it was necessary to move with more celerity than the infantry and artillery could march. I therefore moved on with about 3,000 cavalry, leaving the infantry and {p.607} artillery in camp 28 miles north of this camp. Upon arriving within 12 miles of Neosho I ascertained that the force had already left that place and marched north against the governor, leaving a detachment in Neosho between 100 and 300 men. I immediately sent two columns of cavalry on different roads to capture the detachment-one column of six companies, under Colonel Churchill, and another, under Captain McIntosh, of five companies. The movement was entirely successful, and 137 prisoners fell into my hands, with 150 stand of arms, 1 color, 7 wagons (loaded with subsistence stores), and an ambulance. In the hurry of reporting this affair I made the amount of property and prisoners captured less than it actually was. During the night, having heard that a heavy cannonading had been heard during the day towards the north, and knowing that the governor was fighting his way towards me, I immediately mounted my command, and reached Neosho before morning. After a short rest I started with the entire command, and after a rapid march of 20 miles I formed a junction with the governor, who was at the head of about 7,000 men. He had met about 10 miles north of Carthage the force of Federal troops, 2,000 strong, and had fought them nearly the whole of the preceding day, the Federal troops slowly falling back before him. They had evidently heard of our approach, and as soon as an opportunity occurred they had made a rapid retreat towards Springfield. The Missourians lost about 12 killed and 60 wounded. They think the loss of the enemy was fully equal to theirs.

Having made the movement without authority, and having accomplished my mission, I determined to fall back to this position, and organize a force with a view of future operations.*

The governor has determined to take position about 12 miles from me with his entire force, and effect an entire reorganization of it. He seems confident that if he had the necessary arms he could bring a force at once of 50,000 men into the field. The force that was marching upon the governor’s rear will no doubt move on to Springfield, and I think there will be an urgent necessity in the course of a few days to make an attack upon that place, or we will receive an attack from their concentrated forces. Should I receive no instructions in the mean time, I think that I will, together with Generals Pearce and Price, make an advance upon it as soon as the different forces are sufficiently organized to take the field.

I would here beg leave to call the attention of the Department to the conduct of the men of my command during a rapid march of several days and nights, and some of the time without any other provision than beef and salt; but, notwithstanding everything, they bore themselves like men, and their only regret seemed to be that they could not prove their strength against their Northern foes. I would take this occasion to call the attention of the Department to the conduct of Captain McIntosh since his appointment on my staff. His services in the camp and in the field have been invaluable, and I hope that other officers of military experience may be sent to my command for duty with it.

I would again beg leave to call your attention to the fact that neither arms nor ammunition have been furnished me, and that the Texas regiment will soon be with me. They only received 1,600 single-barreled pistols and a few sabers from the arsenal at San Antonio. I am also {p.608} much crippled for the want of the necessary funds. I hope you will see proper to have my requisitions filled at once.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

BEN. MCCULLOCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

* See Walker to McCulloch, July 26, and McCulloch to Benjamin, December 22, post.

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BENTONVILLE, ARK., July 15, 1861.

Major-General PRICE, Commanding Missouri Troops:

GENERAL: I find it impossible to occupy any point near the State line, owing to the scarcity of water and supplies; consequently, I will remain in this neighborhood until I learn more of the movements of the enemy. If I could be informed, at short notice, of the advance of the enemy from Neosho towards you, we could reach you in time to support you, in the event of your checking him on Buffalo Creek. A day or two will develop his plans, and I may return to my former camp or one still nigher to you. If there were supplies to be had, I would at once occupy Pineville. As soon as I hear from you and the enemy, I intend making an examination of the road as far as Cassville in person, so as to be able, if necessary, to take a position near that point.

Please keep me well informed of the movements of the enemy, and oblige your obedient servant,

BEN. MCCULLOCH. Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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[JULY 15, 1861.]

General Polk’s memorandum.

Adjutant-General Little’s estimate on the 15th July: McCulloch had 2,500, in three regiments, without the Texas regiment, which is understood to be, with extra companies, say, 1,500. Besides these there were going to McCulloch three companies;

In all, say	4,300
General Pearce, of Arkansas	2,500
Price’s returns were (and 4,500 arms, 8 pieces of artillery)	7,000
In Bradley’s command	1,500
	15,300
[Not explained]	16,000
Total	31,300

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HEADQUARTERS RIPLEY COUNTY BATTALION, Camp Burrows, July 16, 1861.

JOSEPH TUCKER, Esq., Editor of the State Journal, Saint Louis:

DEAR SIR: If there is any way to communicate with the governor through any person in Saint Louis, please let me know it. I am advancing, and General Yell will follow me in a few days with 5,000 men. He will take position between Rolla and Ironton, and act as circumstances {p.609} dictate. General Watkins will move up, sustained by General Pillow, and if proper energy is exercised, we can drive the enemy north of the Missouri and into Saint Louis in 30 days. You will please let me hear from you, verbally or not, through the person through whom this passes; and please send the Daily Journal for a short time to Doniphan, as it will be sent to me by my couriers.

Yours, respectfully,

M. JEFF. THOMPSON, Commanding Ripley County Battalion.

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LITTLE ROCK, ARK., July 17, 1861.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:

GENERAL: I have the honor herewith to inclose the articles of agreement entered into by the military board of Arkansas and myself, by which the troops, arms, and munitions now in the service of the State of Arkansas are to be transferred to the Confederate States.

I desire to call attention to the provision by which the State of Arkansas agrees to furnish the troops of the State of Arkansas in the service of the Confederate States with clothing equal in amount to that required by the regulations of the Confederate States (the same as that in the U. S. service), and for which the State of Arkansas is to receive from the Confederate States the commutation allowance allowed to soldiers for clothing in the Confederate service.*

I shall leave for Pocahontas today.

Respectfully,

W. J. HARDEE, Brigadier-General.

* See Walker to Rector and Hardee to Rector, August 8, pp. 635, 636.

[Inclosure.]

Articles of transfer of Arkansas Volunteers to the Confederate States.

JULY 15, 1861.

The military board of the State of Arkansas, upon the part of and in behalf of the State of Arkansas, and Brig. Gen. W. J. Hardee upon the part of the Government of the Confederate States of America, agree to the following stipulations and terms in reg