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came in and reports a skirmish with a force of some 150 pins and federals on Green Le__ some 12 miles of the Falls, Capt Brewes reports having under his command some 25 men and uupon meeting with a partie of six or eight Federal and Indians made a charge ukpon them chasing them in to their main forces who were in waiting some 3 or 4 miles off expecting to draw our boys out and then take them in Capt Brewes and company were compete to retreat and that in some confision with the loss of one or two either captured or killed Quote confusion in and around Webbers Falls an attack expected every hour.  Movers and remaining citizens were scattering in all directions though the darkness when we left the bottom, we had 4 wagons and a good Battallion of negros  woman, children & men, who were mosely on poneys.

Nov 10th
FWe had breakfast early and was soon on the more men under full speed past us from the Falls: reports Pins and Federal at that place and playing their cannon cross the river upon Capt M C Fyies company who had remained behind the train. whitch had left yesterday evening for Scullyville or some point down the river, Sharp shooter and long range rifles and muskets were also said to be freely used by the Feds - who were en_ined upon the rivers bank opposite the court house, Capt Fryes company retreated after xxx on xxxx skills that busted near them, they did not return many rounds; but xxx of in -


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[torn page]
Nov. 11, 1862
Myself and Richard Martin leave the train for Scullyville, we lodged with Wm More in a six foot room at 2.50 each Wm Holt, Grayson Morgan and some other escaped refugees from Webbers Falls past down in the direction of the Falls, past on down in the direction of the regiment at Scullyville.
Nov 12th
We left Wm Moore's well satisfied after considering the high price of lodging for so small amount of fair. Came up with Major Morgan and parted a mile or so below who were feasting highly upon a fat coon roasted without bread or salt. We rode hard and by noon or soon after we arrived at the Twin Bridge where we found Some of Genl D. H. Cooper' s Projects (?) 7 miles above Scullyville at the fork of the North fork and Webbers Falls roads. Stopped over night with Tom Rogers in Scullyville. Done our own cooking and lived fat and fine.
Nov. 13
Late in evening I called upon Col D. H. Cooper found him promoted to that of Brigadier General. He was very anxious I should return and take command of our Regiment. I promised him I would call and see him in the morning I rode out 1/2 mile to Jacob Alberty's for the night.


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Nov 14
Called down and saw Genl D. H. Cooper and promised him I would return and see again what I could do, we are to remain mounted and be used as his cavalry provided we do good service and keep a full camp. I awaited till late in the evening for Orders he had rote out for our command (?) after which I left for our regiment up the river. I fell in company with Ragsdole and others, we rode hard and late and had to encamp on The Falls Road. We had very good house, and killing a hog we done very well. Rained all night.
Nov 15
Left Camp before breakfast as our hog was so retched poor we could not persuad our selves to try any of it. Moments on the road a partie of Mosurians [met us], Quantrell, of 2.50 bound for Genl Hindman's Camp Traveled some eight miles, finds our regiment encampt on the river to right of the road. Found camp very muddy and rain still falling. Maj Joe Thompson had just got to camp before me and was there in command. Capt Moses Fry's Company was on a scout in the direction of Dwitt(?) Mission where Pins were reported.
Nov 16
We remained encampt here all the day. Being wet muddy and a rainy day caused it to be very disagreeable especially among those that had no tenting or other means of shelter. Capt Fry's Scouts came in late and report no Pins found and but little sign Since Col Phillips Command pusht up from the Falls. They have reports of several hundred being only a short distance bove Col Phillips and robbed ever southern family that could be found by there way and from Dwight they went direct to Evansville and kill several Straglers and robbed money. We learn that Phillips Command was on its way from Tahlequah to Webbers Falls where they got wind much of Capt Brown' s Company being up Green leaf. They sends a party from Illinois Court House over to intercept them.


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Nov 17
Rained hard all forenoon, a continual shower, We Saddled, harnessed and crost the Canadian River and could find no better encampment than we chose a half mile below the crossing, cleared up some in the afternoon. Orders were sent up for Capt Brewer and Capt Foreman to report with their full companies. We worked some upon a Condensed Regimental Report of our present Strength and conditions of our clothing and arms whitch has been called for by Maj Gen Hindman.
Nov 18
Col Watie reports in from Scout bring down Several familys among the rest his own wife who had been left about Maysville. He ran narrow escape and made a fortunate trip to git through with out being caught, Capt Brewer with his company reports and makes out his rolls of clothing, arms and Strength. Capt Freeman also reports but more of his men were absent. Capt Brewer was ordered with his Company to Gibson, There to gather all the negros and Suspicious persons that might be found in that direction and particular instructed not to leave destitute any families that might be left by their men to join the enemy. But to bring all Dan Gunter's, Carr's, Alan Thompson's Negros that can be found and bring to Camp leaving only such as necessary to serve the families so left and any cattle, Horses and wagons and teams were also to be seized upon and brought. Since their parties have deserted the Confederate Army and Sought protection from the Federal Army, Most particular, Dan Gunter and his Provost Guards who followed him to the enemy camp for Safety.


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Dan Ross was not admitted from his list and all such effects as can well be turned to our use Capt A Freeman was ordered to head a party to escort some wagons to Dwitt to mile and to mine out some family, from that view who are wanting to be moved cross the river for Safety.
Nov 19
River Canadian rises considerable past fording. Pins turned over report, found it difficult from the fact of its being the first made from the Command. General Marmadukes train and Cavalry past down upon opposite Side of the river this evening from Sent to Tahlequah and Webbers Falls.
Nov 20
Moved Camp to Col Coopers old encampment one mile above this on the south bank of Dirty Encampment low and muddy. Our express left for Head Quarters early this morning with our Report.
Nov 21
Having get a good pasture we remain over here. Had good news from Genl Cooper, reported battle in Virginia, Southern Victory of course. Dispatch received from Genl Cooper saying the necessity of our forwarding our Condensed Report whitch we had forwarded yesterday morning. Enclosed was a condensed blank report for all absent persons with explanation as to the cause and Kinds of duty if detailed. Also a regular report for the 15 and 22 which was arranged last night and forwarded early this morning by our Adjutant who accompanies the Col to Ft Smith.
Nov 22
Adjutant leaves with reports to H. Qtrs. Col Watie goes to Gen Hindman's H. Qtrs. Orders were issued stopping Hog killing, Rail burning and Genl Cooper's General Orders read refusing Furloughs. Duty of Officers and Provost Guards and we are grinding upon Steel Mills and living principally upon beef Salt ____, Sugar out, no wheat for coffee and a general security of provisions of all kinds.


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Nov 23 Monday
Lut. Knight ordered out upon a Scout with some 25 men. Had Commanders of Companies referred to Article XXX Paragraph 294 No 2 respecting Sundays inspection of Arms for future practice.
Capt J Thompson on(?) my money Loaned, $100.00.
Capt G. W. Lipe C money $100.00.
John Wilson Co D no payment for Services money received for 7 months pay & clothing 199.60
Patrick Murphey Dr.(?) paid J. Wilson money lost by Patrick when killed at Nerch(?) 20.00. Received of J W Wilson $50.00. paid Henry Thompson.
Capt Knight is directed to take charge of this detail of men and to cross the river at Webbers Falls or Foreman And to Scout out the country between that point and to the Illinois Court House and to ascertain all he possibly can in regards to the Pins and Feds. Examine carefully the road and trail for signs, if necessary he will Search Pins houses for men clothing being washed and other arrangements making for men. Have himself well guarded at all Suspicious Points in places, cause all kept of all cures, wheat or other Supplies found upon the route. See if any wheat can be found up stairs in Mackey's house below the lick on Illinois. Capture all men found upon your tour that you suppose to be suspicious and bring them to camp.
Capt Howland with a detail of men are to have all the corn gathered from the field of Col John Drew and cribbed, these to be placed under a guard. Capt Howland is instructed to gather all Provost Guards. All Straggling men that may be found about Webbers Fall and have them detailed and put to gathering Corn until the same be finished when they are to be brought to Regimental Camp.
Jesse Fallin arrested for not obeying orders Released upon grounds of neglect of duty by company officers in not giving instructions to detail for service and detatched duty.


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Capt Brewer Sends in a Negro from Gibson belonging to Dan Gunter who I put under guard for safe keeping. Capt Brewer reported to be in Camp on tomorrow morning with Sugar and wagons. Lt. Joshua Ross of Capt James Sanders 60 Provost Squad reported himself here for duty and received Orders to report to Capt Henry L. Smith of the refugee Cherokees Commission Department for the care and protection of Such Cherokees on Canadian River.
Wm Taylor, Confederate Note 5.00
Wm Reeker, Confederate Note 5.00
Capt H. F. Smith
Mr. Rofs of Capt Jas Sanders Company of Provost Guards will report to you and could you provide with his assistance to provide and protect those family s on the Canadian. I would be very glad. Should you have to employ some assistance Mr. Rofs would Suit very well and is well qualified to do good Service in our cause.
R C Parks LT Col commanding
Nov 24
Articles of War Art 9
Any Officer or Soldier who shall strike his Superior Officer or draw or lift up any weapon or offer any violence against him being in the execution of his office, on any pretence whatever or shall disobey any lawful Command of his Superior Officer Shall Suffer death or such other punishment & as Shall according to the nature of his offence be inflicted upon him by the sentence of a Court Martial.
Capt. D. O. Field, will detail five men as corn and field guards to go to and watch and protect the corn and other forage and provision left by us at the house of Old Man and Joseph Hildebrand and allow no corn to be use or hall off that may have been bought by our Q M and left there. He is further directed to arrest all Soldiers or Stragglers he may find not having riten passes or furloughs and keep these in his Camp on duty.
R C Parks Lt Col
Commanding 1st Cher Reg


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Capt Orle Prenes will find a suitable encampment for the Regiment ____ and handy to Col Drews straw field where we can have the use of his pasture and there encamp your Company and that of Capt Foreman Should it git in this morning. The regiment must be encamped together and all have the Same Service. No more corn is to be fed to horses, all destroying of property and other outrages must be stopped. We will move to your encampment in the morning Nov 24, 1862
Capt D C Patton of Co L is his officer in command will this day cause an election to be held in Said Company to fill the vacancy occasioned by the promotion of Lt R A Miller to the 1st Lieutenancy left vacant by the resignation of Lt Wm Brown. You will cause the vacancy in the 2nd Lieutenancy to be filled also for that of 3rd Lt. Lt occasioned by the resignation of Chad Nail AC and report the same to these Head Quarters Nov 24 1862
1st Cherokee Rgt R C Parks Lt. Col commanding
1st Cherokee Reg.
Cap Foreman reports from Mill had some Sixty bushel of grinding done and return Safe. Capt Brewer reports from Gibson, 2 Heads Sugar from Dan Gunter and Dan Ross were loan 2 yoke oxen from D Thompson and 2 yoke oxen and one 2 horse wagon from A Thornton. Received Dispatch from Genl D H Cooper by way North Fork and Creek Agency. No news. Ben M Roles and Letter from ____ ______
In consequence of high water in Canadian the Expressman was compelled to come by way of North Fork Town.
Capt Foremans Mill wagons gits in with some meal and bread flour. No Pins reported in the vicinity. Dan Evans Just up from Hd Qtrs no news as yet. Confederates crossing river in a north ward direction And some firing in the direction of Dripping Springs.


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Tuesday Nov 25
Genl
In relation to our pay rolls for last year I have only to Say that they were neglected and left in the Paymaster's office at Genl Cooper's Head Quarters at Ft Davis at the time of our Payment for seven months service by Capt Brown Taylor Sevier that time I saw them at Genl Cooper's Head Quarters Ft Gibson, where I had some occasions to examine them I think upon engaging Capt Heisten, Genl Cooper's Clerk that you can find them. I sent Lt Anderson of our Regiment to make enquiries and git them. I am very anxious that we shall not be over looked and neglected in our pay for services rendered & c..
Your Respectful Svnt
Genl D. H Cooper
Head Quarters Ind Brig

Genl
Your Expressman came in yesterday evening by way of North fork and Creek Agency. Canadian River was swollen and he went that route for the purpose of crossing that Stream.
I have had Capt Foreman out in the direction of Dwight Mission, had Some grinding down at the mill near the Mission . Saw no signs of any Pins or Feds - Capt Brewer has been in the direction and about Ft Gibson. Could learn nothing relative to any enemy. He bring by my order 2 ____ Sugar from Gunter and Ross' Store room, leaving eight there yet with plenty of iron. He also bring a Negro boy belonging to Capt Dan Gunter who we will hold Subject to your order. I have 2 yoke of oxen and one 2 horse wagon of Dick Thompson one of Gunter Provost Guards, also 2 yoke cattle from the place of A Thornton, deserter To bring down Sugar with. I understand Col McIntosh has arrested there cattle that were herded on Coody's Creek.
I have Lt Knight with a small scout now in the direction of Illinois Court House who is now expected to report. In all I can learn nothing of any importance. Reports have Several hundred Stationed in and about the mountains of Hut DC (?).


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We have nothing reliable Our Master Rolls will be made out the 13 September and forwarded by the next express. We are very slow in ______ up from the fact of our Command so badly sectioned. we will forward to you regular our report as requested by your last order. 25 of Major Livingstons men reported themselves here for duty by your Order and was assigned for the present to Capt Stewarts Company. Since our return has suggested to me as much as one of them showing signs of Small Pox. I ____ think they have it, but at any rate I shall Seperate them from our Regiment until we ascertain that fact.
Nov. 25 1862
You Respectful & ____Sevt. R C Parks
Ind Cherokee Reg

Leut Forrester Please Coppy the 2 above notes-
Cooper Expressman starts with Dispatches to Genl Cooper he gestures up and moves camp to the north end of Genl Jno Duns  farm one half mile from the falls. Received very correct information from the Pins. About one Company were __ by a woman in the evening near the Illinois Court House who told her they were going to Cross the river at the Falls. We moved down parts of 2 Companys to the South ford on foot under Leut le Watie, who was stationed at that ford and capt More Frys Company under Major Thompson were stationed at the Drum ford and the picket at a ford higher up the river Capt Forreman was placed in command of the ___ ___ at the falls - and Sends one man to D Thayes place to home Major Livingston watch and guard against any person who may attempt to Cross Candadian. Capt Brewer Company were in David Vans house and I had one ___ taken from his Company and found on road leading to Brewers place.
I had provisions sent to our old encampment on Canadian for Capt Livingstons men who show symptoms of Small Pox - Several of our boys are sick


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Nov 26
Nothing of importance occurred and we have lived to see the light of another morning.
H Q 1st Che Regt

Col D N E McIntosh
Sir
I am here with our Regiment and have no support or reserve to assist us thru Scullyville and can't say whether we could git any from there or not, Should we need any. I therefore express to you to See if we could come upon any team to assist and support one another in case of necessity.
I have no communication or understand with no command - only Genl Cooper. And I feel as if we should arrange our Scouting and _____ ground and assist each another in case one Should be attacked and the other left free. I will keep ______ and James as high as old man Hildebrands to guard the river and should any attempt be made to cross at any point below there they are instructed to send you immediately to the Creek Agency. And should your ______ make any demand you will let me know it. I had a report late yesterday evening of Pins being seen near the Illinois Court house and threatening this point through to the Creek Nation. Only one Company was report. No other discovery has been made I wish to send a Scout and to Ft Gibson tomorrow to remove some Sugar & iron and should it be seen you may know who it is. I shall remain here unless order away by Genl Cooper. Very Respectfully and truly
Your Friend & Obt Servant
R C Parks
1st Che Reg

Webbers Falls
Nov 26, 1862
Comdg 1st Che Reg
No news. Quartermaster issued 70 pair Shoes 7pr boot and 33 pr shoe pattern brought in by a Mr Gerhorn [shoes], 12 boots 28.00. shoe patterns 8.00.


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The guard Stationed at the house of Louis Rilleys guarding corn will arrest and send to Head Qtrs every person who may be caught digging potatoes, or otherwise destroying property or produce.
Coppied / By order R C Parks LtCol Command

Thursday 27th Nov 1862
Sergt Alert More Co C reported by Lt McClaire for using disrespectful language to him while in the discharge of his duty. Capt Frye will proceed in command of a detail of 70 men and officers with 3 [supply] wagon to Ft Gibson, and Should there be no enemy in that vicinity will load up one 2 horse grist mill belonging to Jas Mackey and make the remainder of his loading from Sugar and iron from the store room of Dan Gunter and Ross. He will proceed cautiously and be very watchful Sending Lt Boudenot with 30 men cross the river at Capt Brewers place or near that place, and Scout the right of the river by way of Greenleaf thence to Gibson, in advance or before the major would be supposed to git to that point. Capt Fry will travel up the west of the river as far as Frozen Rock or the Rabbet ford, Cross over, load up and return the wagons without any delay. All persons citizens or not must be protected in their property,[providence] and households. Therefore you are direct to carefully attend to the Same.
Everything that is actually necessary for our cause may be brought by your order and turned over at these Head Quarters.
Copied
Leut Steve Key is hereby ordered to bring into Camp this evening all men belonging to this Regiment, who may be at or between here and the Canadian River with the Refugee families.
By order of R C Parks Lt Col Comdg
H Forrester Lt
& Act Adj A


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After noon received dispatch from Col D H McIntosh of the 1st Creek Regiment. No news of any importance. Reports from below say our Piquets at Evansville have been _____ in and that Maj Genl Williams main force were crossing to the north side of the river.
Nov 28th
Received some news from Grand Saline all is quiet no Pins or Feds. Ephraim Van from Capt David Ross Provost guard called down to make inquire after clothing & c c Received Dispatch from Cooper Calling for wagons to be formed for Clothing and commissaries to Skullyville. Had one arrest today private Mostwell of Capt P Brewers Company for leaving post while detailed for Camp guard.
H Q 1st Che Regt
Webbers Falls
Nov 29 1862
Genl
We send down all the wagons we could spare for Clothing and Commissaries for our Command We are pleased to find that we are to have Clothing and other supplies Have Leut E Vann Just down from Grand Saline and do enclose to you a note from Capt David Ross, Leut Vann reports all quiet up in that vicinity and no Pins or Federal as heard from. Only reports that a large body came out upon the river.
I have Scouts now up the Greenleaf, Tahlequah and Gibson, who are to report tomorrow if no misfortune befall them. Some reports say Pins are still in the hills bove The Mission. I have learned nothing from them since the return of our wagons, who report no pins but will be in bad condition having been left [entirely] without corn in the hopper. We are now completely out of commissaries and have but little corn on hand either for our horses or for our own bread.


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The troops under Genl Marmaduke destroyed and laid waist to everything through this country as they went. We would have some grain yet had they have not destroyed fields, fencing & c. Several good Southern families were robbed by them and left destitute. I have had Several different individuals report the loss of Horses, Mules, Cattle and Household plunder. They even broke up and destroyed foundation and are now asking in what way they may receive compensation for such losses or recover their lost property. I refer the case to you and await your reply. We only have some 300 bushel of corn and that is about all to be had anyways near here.
I have enlisted Several of Capt Sanders Provost into the regiment. Capt Starr reported here for duty to Col Watie and is now collecting his men to join the regular Service.
In closing my letter I most respectfully refer again to Capt Ross note as to whether he and his men will be allowed to draw clothing & how we are to manage after using our forage Supplies here whitch will be done before we can hear from you upon this matter. Also what I can promise our citizens that was robbed and left destitute by Genl Marmaduke and who treated us all as enemeys.
Your Obt Servt
RC Parks Lt Col
1st Cherokee Regiment

We concluded not to start our wagons until morning as there is Some repairing yet to be done. Received Dispatch from Genl Cooper requesting the taking of Pin Cattle & c. We moved our encampment down near Cabin Smith in the bottom - having Smiths Stock field for pasturing. No news of importance all quiet far as we are able to learn.


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Sunday 30th
Genl
I send down under escort for wagons a Negro boy who had belonged to D. Gunter Since his leaving the Nation and going the Federal Army or his going to our enemy the boy was brought from his residence at Gibson by my order to Capt Perry Brewer and I now send him down to your Hd Qtrs. The right & title I am told cannot be disputed, being Dan Gunters own property Since writing the above our Scouts came in from Tahlequah. I wrote of my Sending Leut Knight out up Illinois a day or so since. Before returning he sends a small scout in and around Tahlequah, they proceeded in that neighborhood and give chase after as they report a Pin, and the man ever while endeavored by all means to make his escape. Several shots were fired after him. And as to what way he was disposed is not known. They report of having killed Lovely Cordrie after chasing him Some considerable distance.
I am decidedly opposed to the policy of killing of prisoners, even should they be Pins as for Cordries being one I am unable to say with Certainty and am for Justice Sake compelled to send down the boys - to bear examination by yourself. I confess being unable to decide upon Such cases to do all parties Justice, Allowing the accused to be innocent and as Some doubt has arisen as to Cordrie having been killed after he had given himself up. Still we have at present no such evidence.
Return Foreman, Johnson & were the three young men who acknowledge killing Cordrie, and I have no doubt but they were doing right and Serving their countries cause in killing Cordrie, but knowing as I do that such are a verse to your Course of war faring I can only refer the case to you and hope you will be as favorable and lenient as the case may allow You to be with the boys. Cordrie was of a low grade. Kept low associates and very likely had intimate friends who were Pins if he was not himself. Still I am sure that it did not give license to Tom , Dick and Harry to Say whether he should live or die.


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I send them for another reason whitch is to Show our command that this thing of every Sergt, Corporal or Private Killing everyone they may pass Sentence upon as being a Pin Fed or everything else must be stopped.
Genl
Therefore I have every hope of your using such measures as will be possible to assure the boys that Such proceedings must be stopped.
Truly and Respectfully
Your Obdt Servt
R C Parks Lt Col
1st Cherokee Regiment
Capt Fry gits in from Gibson bring in considerable Sugar iron & Molasses from Gunter & Ross. No news otherwise. Return Foreman reports killing Lovely Cordrie, near old man Fishes, out of Tahlequah a day or so back.
Sunday 30th
Leut Sweeney will be placed in command of a detail of 24 men 2 Sargt 4 Corpl as escort for train of wagon to Scullyville for clothing and Commissaries under order of Capt J Thompson. 2,000 CS.A Leut Sweeney will cause his men to observe Strict order and a good watch, Keep wagons well together and not allow his men to Scatter along the road or leave his command under no pretence whatsoever. In returning back a strict watch must be kept up and a continual guard over the wagons. He must see precisely how many boxes and bales are placed in the several wagons for the responsibility of the delivering will devolve upon him. He must not allow his men to enter houses or other places where the Small Pox might be contracted. Call upon the B_______ Commissary for Rations & supplies to bring him back.
RC Parks Lt Col commanding Cherokee Regt
Webbers Falls Cherokee Nation


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Capt
I have sent down to Genl Cooper Head Qtrs for Master Rolls for last years Service belonging to Col Stand Waties Regiment, and am informed that they are deposited in the care of Capt Davis of Ft Washitaw. We left them with Capt Brown Taylor at Ft. Davis. Sometime in July or August at the time we received Seven Month pay upon our years service and am now wanting them for the purpose of receiving the remainder of our money upon them. You will please assist me in getting them up and forwarding the Same by Leut Boone to these Hd Qtr
R C. Parks Lt Col Commanding 1st Che Regt
Capt Walsh Candy Post Ft Washitaw Chickasaw Nation
Hd Qtr 1st Che Regt

Hd Qtrs 1st Che Reg
Webbers Falls
Capt David Rue
I received your letter of enquire by Lt E. Vann, and being unable to answer it myself I have this day forwarded it to Genl D H Cooper Comdg Brigade. The clothing is in Fort Smith for us and we send Several wagons down to Scullyville this day for clothing.
We have no late news, Are expecting Some more forces here soon to be stationed at Gibson and Tahlequah for the winter. Our case is yet bright and _______. Success is ours in the end and we have no idea of having to leave the country only for a short while. Cheer up you men and work with faithful souls and willing hands for our army are only now armed and clothed well.
Lt Sweeney will take a Negro boy _____ and deliver him over to Genl Cooper at Scullyville. Also Return Foreman. Andy Johnson will be taken before Genl Cooper.
RC Parks Comdg Che Reg


[page 18]


Lt Sweeney & Capt J Thompson with 25 privates with a sufficiency of Officers with 13 wagons were started below for clothing & Supplies. Gunters Negro boy was sent down[.] slow Return Foreman and Andy Johnson for killing Lovely Coodrie who were sent below - Henry Lowry was out of Camp will be sent down tomorrow morning.
Adjt Tom Anderson return from Head Qtrs. No news. Several Order from Hd Qtrs. Orders issued for Regimental Court Marshal to continue on Dec. 1st Monday.
Report for transmission to Head Quarters for the Strength & condition of our Regmt on this day For duty 1 Leut Colonel 1 Major 1 Adjuduct 1 QM 1 Commissary 1 Surgeon 5 Captains 8 First Lut 19 2nd Leuts 40 Sergeants 20 Corporals 374 Privates Present
Sick 3 Officers 5NC Off 37 Privates In Arrest 1 Non C Off Total 428 Aggregate 527 Detached Duty Off 5 NC & Privates 92. Absent without leave 7 Privates without leave 153 Off without leave 9 - NC & Privates without leave 175 Grand total 909 Aggregate 964.
Co A Detached Service was Col Waties, sent to Maysville who failed to return Co C F & H have permission of Col Watie to move their families and [settle] them Some were. (Illegable lines here)
Foreman & Johnson were merely cited to Genl Coopers Hd Qtrs and Sent along with Lt Sweeney. Henry Lowry was not in Camp but will be sent down by tomorrow.
Cold & Cloudy Dispatches by Adjt Signify our probible release from Service during the winter from the inclemency of the bad weather.
Lt Boone carries express to Washitaw for our old Service Rolls for _____ due on last year pay. Capt Davis was put in possession of these by Capt Brown Taylor our former pay Master.


[page 19]


December 1862
Monday 1st Dec
Capt
Inclosed please find our regular morning report. Co A as marked Detached Service were Col Waties escort to Maysville Col also as marked absent without leave both failed to comply with the Cols order are yet in and near Maysville. Cos C F & H as absent with leave were permitted to move their families to some place of Safety by order of Col Watie and have not yet returned Part of other companies are absent upon the ground, but all are over going their time. I have had Charlie Holt to report a list of 77 men ready for Service and are to meet and come in to Camps on next Thursday. I have enrolled them and so soon as they organize and elect their officer I shall report the same to you.
RC Parks Lt Col comdg

Genl
In consequence of disobedience and disrespect of Order and regulation I am compelled to make application to you for an appointment of a General Court Martial for the trial of Several Officers charged in this Regiment with Non Compliance and refusal to obey written instruction and positive Orders and by the earliest day possible, will be most Suitable for disposing of such cases.
Very truly Your Obt Servt
R C Parks Lt Col Comdg Che Regt
Lt Brown will detail a small detachment of Capt Foremans Co E and proceed a cross the river and Scout the country below the mouth of the Illinois River, and report to this Hd Qtrs as early after as possible.
R C Parks Lt Col Comdg
Che Regt
Issued order for _________ and organizing of company reported by Charlie Holt being _______ on Canadian and else where for the Service under the 1st Cherokee Regt.


[page 20]


All Officers NC & Soldiers who are absent without written permission and all Officers & Soldiers who have already over stayed the time for whitch their permission were given are forthwith to be reported to these Hd Quarters with the date of each grant of permission opposite their respective names
And every Commander of Companies now present will proceed directly to make such report upon honor and Send the same in immediately.
By Order of RC Parks
Lt Col Comdr Che Regt
Tuesday Dec 2nd
Wm Marshall Sentenced to 4 days fatigue duty and a fine of Ten dollars are to be ________.
Special Order 10 - The Standing Committee appointed to try the right of property will proceed immediately to ascertain the rightful ownership to 2 yoke oxen and one 2 horse wagon taken by Capt Perry Brewer under Order from the house of Dick Thompson (Federal) and now claimed by Dick Thompsons wife under claim as held as separate Property The committee will report the result of this examination immediately after.
RC Parks Lt Col
Comdg Che Regt

Capt J Thompson A Q M 1 st Che Regt will cause immediately to have one 2 horse wagon and 2 yoke oxen delivered over to Mrs. Thompson having shown satisfactory proof this day of the afore said property as being her own and as such not Subject to confiscation from the desertion of Dick Thompson her husband as was supposed.
RC Parks Lt Col
Comdg Che Regt


[page 21]


Special Order,
All Officers and Soldiers in Confederate Service are hereby warned and prohibited the taking of the property effect and household of Mrs. E Thompson who has this day given satisfactory proof of her having and have always held her own and separate property from that of Dick Thompson her husband who has deserted the Southern Cause and joined our enemy.
By RC Parks Lt Col
Comdg Che Regt
The above Order were issued in consequence of a decision of a Court respecting the rights of property by Elizabeth Thompson, wife of Dick Thompson
by Capt M C Fry
John Kell Lt
Lut W H Mayes
Tom Anderson Clerk
Col S____Watie came in from below ____. Capt L_____, Inspection of Salt Note &c
Capt E J Howland President of the Court called Dec 2nd at Cabbin Smith house for the trial of Sergt Moore and other - where in Sergt Moore was accused of using disrespectful language to his Superior Officer while in the discharge of his official business & c. And it became the court to find him guilty, Therefore wherein he received Sentence of being reduced to rank & 4 days fatigue duty. I have examined the proceedings of afore said Court in the aforesaid case, and beg leave to refer the case again to your [Constitution] hoping it may please the Court to so modify the above sentence as will allow the prisoner to retain his Officers and only reduce him to such punishment as will early teach him with what respect to bestow upon his Officer.
R C Parks Lt Col
Comdg Che Reg
Webbers Falls
Dec 2nd
Capt E J Howland
President of Court Martial
Col Watie coming in, and having granted priviledge and ____ under the case of Sergt. More was submitted to him and was Order to be left as desided by the Court


[page 22]


Encampment one mile and a half above the Stores of McDaniel & Fondsworth and about 400 yards up the river from Cabin Smith house.
A large ravine or channel running down on the right of our camp and joining into the Sand bar some one hundred and fifty yards below our encampment, In going in from the west crossing the river you come upon a very high and complete wall of natural embankment running parallel with the channel and extending down to the bar on the right and Several hundred yards trip the bottom across the inner side is a fine Second bench or platform extending the full length and some 4 to 6 feet below the top of the embankment. Inside this and toward the river is our encampment Scattered promiscuous without center or regularity. The natural position of our encampment is one of the finest we have ever had from the embankment the Surface of the ground is very favorable running in parallel embankment but a few feet below the main outer embankment. Along our line of encampment next the river is another embankment much higher and parallel with the other whitch would be a work of considerable advantage should any attempt be made to attack our encampment. In Case such were attempted our full line could be drawn up in line of battle in one straight line covering the passage up the river And should it be necessary the [same] could be done covering the crossings of the channel, to the North is a vast [curve] break ending in the bend of the river some 3 miles bove where the mountains Set in down the river towards the Falls we have a fire embankment by the channel of the river guarding well the road leading to and from the Falls. I am strongly attatched to our encampment as a natural fortification considering all points it has never been but by no place that we have ever found.
Clothing we learn from our expressman were upon the road and our supplies were very limited only being sufficient to cause dissatisfaction in our [regiment]. We received Maj Gen Hindman Salt elevators who upon calling for rations were issued 3 years of corn to the [Man] - Received some encouragement from Hd Qtrs in the way of Genl Ander[y] All fair promises; All are to come after we are continually fed from Such Airs prescription and never are known to be supplied only in that ______ article.


[page 23]


Case of Foreman & Cordrie
Cherokee Regiment
Dec 3, 1862
I am very well aware that there are certain individuals now in our command who are ready and ever willing to pass sentence upon me for the course I presumed in taking and sending to Genl Cooper Head Qtrs the men who lately killed Lovely Cordrie Somewhere near or in the vicinity of Ft Gibson - And in Justice to myself and to Sustain the course that I saw proper to pursue in the case. I here set forth the particulars as well as is in my Judgment correct.
Return Foreman came to Qt M Camp where I was setting with many others [including] QM and others I asked him what news from the Pins - he reply none only he thought there was a few Settlers one in the vicinity of Tahlequah and that they have done the work for one of them (or one that goes with them) He stated that they heard of him passing or leaving some place below Park Hill and they went in persuit and he disarmed them and him upon whitch they made chase [running] upon him firing at him, and there they taken him prisoner and afterward killed him. States that himself and Andy Johnson and Henry Lawery were the 3 men who killed Cordrie, And that they were ready for trial. I Stated to him that it was my duty to send them below, not that they have killed a Pin, but for the special act of killing a prisoner. I consulted no person, only looking forward to Genl Orders and my duty in the position I accept in the Confederate Service.
Reports from other sources that satisfyed me in my being right in so doing was that the party killing Cordrie or a portion of it had threatened before and that Cordrie was caught near the place of Capt Lipe or Capt Fishs and was taken for several miles below near Gibson probibly before that place in the bottom where he was killed and left laying upon the ground. These reports as stated to me as fact that can be proven, and that Sertain individual taken the body and buried it I made no enquirie and have made no exception to ascertain fact or sent do comment upon the officers


[page 24]


1862 3 Dec Wednesday
General Orders.
All Company Commanders will [carry] immediate inspection of arms and equipment and have the same put in good order and ready for active duty and the OS of each company will report the Same to these Head Quarters.
Special Order
Leut Brown of Co E will report here immediately with his full command with arms inspected and ready for active duty with blankets & bedding & ce.

All ____________ footmen being to the Several Companies will report themselves Under arms at this Head Qtr by Sundown this [evening] for inspection.
_______ Col Stan L Watie
Comdg Che Regt

Orders came in by Express from Genl Cooper for our immediate march from here to Evansville, in consequence of having no clothing to distribute Sending only 300 Shirts Whitch is the upshot of all Genl Hindmans fine promises and [grand] Order for Clothing Reports exhibitions of our nakedness and fe c.
All preparations were made for a general move early in the morning. Order for equipment and extra bagage or Sugar & Iron and empty boxes were stored away at Webbers Fall and plenty beef [Order barbecued]

Commanders of Companies will pay strict attention to and see that such individual will supply himself with at least five days rations, cooked, and ready for a march by sunrise tomorrow morning by order Genl Stan L Watie Webbers Falls - Commanding 1st Che Regt

Ammunition will be issued to commanders of Companies ____ time this evening but none will be issued after. And every soldier is expected to have at least [ten ready]


[page 25]


All soldiers not having horses will be placed under Command of One 1st Leut and one 3rd Leutent and are to form a guard for Ammunition and ______ & 2nd Train & the officers having such Command are instructed to perform thire respective duties The same as if in their own Companies. And the Same order and discipline will be enforced upon the soldiers as if in there Several company comds Ammunition and train guards are to Keep well with the train always ready for any emergency and never allowed to Scatter there forces and lodge away time along road and by the ways -
Rode up with Capt John Vann and [remained] over knight and bye the bye was loser of one box sugar to be sent for to Ft Smith.
Tuesday Dec 4
Col Watie has his Scout ready for moving just before night, Clothing came in late yesterday evening and was over hauled by the [box tons] before any sleep could be had, and Such parts picked over as was wanted and the negros - and teamsters were clothed before the Soldiers could have [any showing] Such as was cooked for by our Staff mess were the first to draw clothing before our Soldiers. The Col carried off all that had horses many of whom returned before the could cross the river
And from the manner in whitch they went off many more will be back before git very far from Camp.
Sleeted and rain in the afternoon and was rather disagreeable Some indication of bad weather. Head Quarters / 1 st Che Regt

Capt J W Wells
I am given to understand that the men Sent down by my order while left in comd. to Genl Coopers Head Qtrs to answer to charges against them for the killing of Cordrie, has been set at liberty by Genl Coopers order, whitch is altogether satisfactory with me. And I am pleased to see that the boys were not punished for what was decidedly taken by them as a good policy, but by no means approved by me


[page 26]


and now in justification of the course that I saw proper to adopt in so doing, now compels me to make some more allusions to the case as I have had no Official information or instructions relative to it either by Genl Cooper or Col Watie Since Return Foreman reports the case to me himself States that he got information of Cordice leaving some house below Park Hill Just before he got to it and that himself Andy Johnson and Henry Lowery went in pursuit, and after riding some distance came in sight and made chase, and Cordrie running and tried to make his escape where upon he was fired upon and and after some further resistance Cordrie was captured and then taken prisoner and then the work was done for him. Other reports confirmed the fact of the captured as above stated and that Cordrie was brought some 12 or 14 miles to some place betwixt Gibson and Frozen Rock where he was killed by the parties and was buried near that place by some of the citizens This I report only as I got it. And as it was [revealed] Several months ago that Cordries life was threatened by parties of our Command and the accusion happening something after the stile as might have been expected I sent the boys down thinking it might learn them a lesson of some benefit Upon their return I am told they are or a part of them are boasting largely upon Genl Cooper Sending them back with particular instruction to kill every Pin they might find, which I feel confident is not exactly as is here stated to the young men of our Regiment but as I have had no Order upon the Subject am unable to say whether I have been taking undue austerity with our soldier or not, I rite you this for that information. And hope you will cause instruction give me only Such as will Set all minds at ease as to who shall have the right of Judging who shall live or who shall die.
Most truly your Obd Sevt
RC Parks Lt Col
Col Stand Watie Comdg
Cherokee Regt
Capt J W Wells
____________
Ind Brigade
Genl Cooper Cmdy


[page 27]

Capt J. W. Wells
Col Watie crost the river yesterday evening about 4 0' clock P. M. at Webbers Falls and taken up his line of march in an easterly direction with some 400 men under 27 Officers and 4 days rations. Several men will follow on this day. The remainder are incampt here Composed of foot men and men of no arms
We are looking for another company in today that was to organize yesterday on Canadian who will be with out arms The Col took no wagon with him, the weather being so bad at the time of his start that he was fearful that the necessary speed could not be made with them. Clothing was received and issued before he got off. No news of enemy.
Your Respectful & Obt Sevt
R C Parks LtCol
Cmdg Camp at Webbers Fall
Genl Cooper
Cmdg Ind Brigade
Scullyville

Charges preferred, Considerable 10th ____ Dec
Head Qr to Skullyville
Leut Ketchin Tehee Co H - for deserting Post and giving false alarm while on Piquet at Lynches [Tar]yard
Tom Anderson Adj
Leut John Childers, Co N leaving Post while in command piquet near _____ gap Horse Creek
Capt McFrye Co D
Capt Jas Butler Co G. for refusing to obey a written order for the Col commanding on Horse Creek
Sergt Maj J Morgan
Leut C V Rogers Co G for running horse against written order while on Horse Creek.
Sergt Maj Morgan
Leut James Benge Co N for running horse against written order Sergt Maj. J Morgan


[page 28]


Leut John Mclelance Co C for drunkenness and unbecoming conduct while on Special duty to Sherwood and Spring river battle ground.
Leut. Knight with Capt Butler Co G for illegally and unjustifiably arresting certain discharged Soldiers while going from place of discharge home, and detaining their [arms] from feeling of prejudice - Capt M C Frye

Capt Jas Butler for drunkenness and disorderly conduct while in command of Scout to Smith Mountain
Sergt Maj Morgan & Capt Frye
Capt charles Lowry Co C For absenting himself from the regiment without permission
Tom Anderson Adj
Leut John Mclelance for absenting himself from regiment without permission
Adjunct
Capt Bill Alberty absenting himself from duty and the regiment without permission.
Adj
Co D will see what amount of Labor is yet due from Wm Marshall being 4 days fatigue
David White Sentenced 6 days fatigue duty and fined seven dollars.
Dec 5 Friday
We moved a mile or so up the river near the head of the bottom. Our encampment was high and dry - being up on an elevated plain at the north end of a small field
Col ______ men continued to come in complaining of horses having been given out
Head Quarters
First Che Regt
A regimental Courtmartial is hereby appointed to meet at [Head Quarters] 6 day of Dec or as soon thereafter as practicable for the trial of such cases as are charged with being absent


[page 29]


from their respective companies as may be charged, and such other cases as may be brought before in Court. Detailed for Court
Capt jack Spears
Lt Robt Miller
Capt C Lawery
Capt Howland Judge Advocate
No other officer than those appointed shall be allowed to assemble.
By order of R C Parks
Leut Col Comdg Camp
Dec 5th 1862
Such men as are sentenced to fatigue duty will be required to attend and keep fires and do Service as they may think proper
By Order of R C Parks LtCol
Comdg Camp Webbers Fall
All person reported for being absent without leave or written permission are hereby requested to appear before the aforesaid Courtmartial convened this day for the trial of such cases as may be brought before it, at Head Qtr and answer such charges & fail not
R C Parks Lt Col
Comdg Camp
Capt J W Wells
Sir - Since the Order of Maj Genl Hindman for a general [miner] I find it impossible to sent down the accused Officer of our Regiment _______ of the few who are in camp we have several who are somewhere below that we do not know the whereabouts and such as are here and would be incomplete to attend are the Cols only dependence I therefore am compelled to ask of you to allow us such time as would allow us that allowance of leasure as would justify our attendence all at one court, You can best judge of such time as we would have that sifficiency


[page 30]


I hope we soon have such time as would allow our ___ to be S_____
Truly your Obdt Servt
RC Parks Lt Col
*I send you down the charges that are first to come before the court You will please place them on your docket and let us know at what other day after the 10th that would be more suitable Capt Vann

Dec 6th Saturday
Henry Thompson reports for duty in Capt Frye Co J
Charles Holt reports in Camp 17 men Drummed of [Service] Maj Thompson greatly dissatisfied and wanting to quit the Service Had all hands mastered on line at H Qtrs and Roll Call. Several recruits were proven and Capt C Holt and men was received and Sworn. Had only a few of his men, all did not come as the day was bad=day -
Our Salt men came down for a escort to go up to Judge McKeys lick
Capt J W Wells
I forward to you by bearer our regular report for the week early Monday 8th First, our rolls Stand very much as last reported, finding no marks upon the printed forms for sick absent, we have included them in the line of Absent with leave and making note of that fact up the _____. Such persons as is referred to as being absent without leave are those let off by Col Watie Several weeks back and are coming in very slow, they are laying of under the pretence of providing for their families. We are gaining a few recruits ever day or so. Capt C Holt reported his Company Organization, and excuses them for there non appearance by the inclemency of the weather You may find some other variations in our reports Organization [partley] from the present flustered State of the ______ regiment at this time, We have considerable some sickness lately, and it appears to be upon the increase.
Anderson Adjt
1st Cherokee Regiment


[page 31]


Dec. 7th 1862 Sunday
Capt J Wells
Sir I have hertofore had to my own knowledge, requisition drawn both for arms and ammunition and forwarded to Head Quarter where we have reason to believe and suppose they were promptly and duly noticed, and all proper attention paid them. We are absolutely in greate want of some direct assistance, and hope that though our [awkwardings]in, and _____ of, precise forms - and official Style would by no means be sufficient causes for any neglect, or [hindrance] to our supplies as is very _______ and requisite from the calls we have ventured to make. We are told here that [arises] and espionages are now plentiful down at or about Ft Smith and Van [Bureu], Since the troops in that vicinity their late outfits We have Signed Requisitions for a very Stout supply of _____ for our unarmed soldiers, and have been willing that we even git the arms of such Soldier who have been gitting better out fits, and would be glad to have received the old [shot] gives that has lately been giving way for the new arms, received, and anything like Cap & Cartridge boxes would do better, and more ____ of Ammunition than nothing. I have signed Requisition that with a little constructions would answer to a call of that nature, and as far as I can learn and from hung nothing from them after has been past by as worthless.
I have also signed requistion for Ammunition, giving the kind, quality, and dimention of our few guns and in turn receive a keg or so of Course Musket Powder at other times all lead, then Cannon Powder, and have on hands at least 3000 imitation of [Q D Caps] - one from every six will fire. And upon our last requisition for Caps we received 500 Musket Caps - that are generally used on holster Pistols, Muskets and all kinds of long range guns, and was sufficient to give to such man wanting such, for the p____t Scout about 3 caps to the [peice], at the same time we have nine kegs of Musket Powder of th every coursest class ---unless we can induce some on, by some means, to assist and [astance] our progressive State, You need not be surprised at goose quills. Clockwheels and red ribbon, hated,


[page 32]


Confederate drudges, and dead drags non ______ on to the [Confederate government] Our QuarterMaster has not, and cannot at present raise Confederate money anough to pay an expressmans nights lodging, and the continual cry is we have non on _____ - but next week come down and I will there try and furnish you some, to come or go down it cost money and a living to git anywhere. And so we have been partly [horsed] off and elbowed from Stern to Stearn, - pressing, Jayhawking - and issuing Certified assent until we have become a terror and dread to our own country and friend
Should your supply departments not be able to fill the above Requisitions - I shall, Capt, depend upon You to have it, Officially O______ and forwarded to Brigadier Genl Rome for the necessary supplies
Very Truly Your Obt Sevt
R C Parks Lt col
Cmdg Post Webbers Fall

Capt J W. Wells
Head Qrs 1st Brig
Ind Territory

Regimental Court Martial is hereby appointed to meet this day Dec 8th at these Head Quarters for the trial of Joseph Lynch & Walter Daniels Co L for absenting themselves from the regiment without written permission, and such other cases as may be brought before the court.
Detail for Court
Capt C Lowry Co C
Leut Robert Miller Co L
Leut Chas Woodall Co B
Capt G J Howland Judge Adt
No other Officer save those appointed shall be permitted to assemble.
by Order R C Parks
LtCol Comdg Camp
Webbers Falls


[page 33]


Capt Holt will take the men of his company and return to the Canadian or any other place that the remainder of his enlisted company can be found and there notify them of the necessity of their being soon in Camps. And all provost & guards who have not reported themselves to these Hd Qtrs in Compliance with Genl D. H. Coopers Orders are hereby notified to appear forth with and report for duty. All Confederate Soldiers of this comdg will also be brought in or otherwise be considered deserters.
Dec 7th 1862
By Order R C Parks Lt Col
Comdg Post Webbers Falls
All women and deserted families, whos husbands & fathers have deserted their homes, families and country, and joined the Pins and Feders are hereby offered the protection necessary to the safety and Security of their person, and such property as rightfully and by the existing law of Justice can be proven to be held seperate and exclusive of such Husband or man so deserting, And all person by such proof before Legalized authority Shall at all hazzard be secured and protect in such afore said property. And all Soldier in the Confederate Service are hereby forbidden, the taking or molesting of any afore mention property under the penalty of incurring an act deserving reverse punishment. And any person or person laying any claim or pretension to aforesaid property as can be proven as ever belonging to Such afore said deserters, And not sold by them for 6 month before the date of this Shall incur the penalty of the forfeiture of all property held by such claimant and subject to confiscation therefore
Dec 7th 1862
By Order R C Parks Lt Col
Comdg Post Webbers Falls


[page 34]


We have nothing to do today And received no News from our forces. I have been very anxious to have some good news. Dr Fisk and myself were trying to have some cows sent to vacinate for Small Pox matter Camps reduced to Beef Salt and Spicewood Tea our corn wagons did not git this [coming from Hildebrand Place or we would have had 3 ears of corn each [Illegable sentence] We send down our report for the 8th by the Salt man detailed hand to drive Cattle aways, being cattle confiscated being Gunters and Ross -

Monday 8th Dec
Harry Shaw, tried by CourtMartial for Leaving Regiment without permission, was acquitted, Nothing further than detail for cole and beef and other necessarys for camping duties, received note from Hed Quarter regarding Tents & c.

Hd Qtr 1 Che Regt
Capt J W Wells
Sir
The tenting of this regiment will be found apportioned as follows To _____
41 - A Tents open in front - to 945 men
23 men to each tent
2 Wall Tents for 52 men or 26 men to each tent
J Thompson Capt
Approved RC Parks Lt Col Comdg Webbers Falls
HeadQuarters 1st Che Regt
Genl
I hereby nominate for Regimental Ordinance Sergt - for this 1st Che Regt Charles E [Edwards] of Co K and have assigned him that Office until further orders R C Parks Lt Col
Comdg Post Falls

Capt J W Wells
Inclosed please find a true report of Tents now on hand in our command, and a ____ ___ of last morning report, and compaired the asme with Genl Orders - No 27
I do not think i tnecessary to enclose any Requisition, as it is but very seldom we are able to have one filled
Very Truly Your
Obt Sevt
Cmdg Post Webbers Falls
R C Parks LtCol


[page 35]
 

Tuesday 9th Dec
Col D W McIntosh
Dr Sir Complaints have been made here of Creek from your Comd or native who have fire and said to be yet killing hogs and cattle belonging to our Citizen in and about [Bayou] Salt Lick If such is the case, you will please use your endeavor to prevent the same I hope you will do so, as our folks are very anxious to get back to their own homes and kill their own property R C Parks Lt Col

All persons who may go, or come from any place knowingly where the Small Pox may be caught and come in to our Camp Shall be arrested and tride by CourtMartial for such offence, and [punished] as the Court may think proper
R C Parks LtCol
Leut Ketcher Teehee will take a detail of men and proceed down to the falls and there stop our wagons coming from Scullyville and stop all men who may be coming up from Scullyville and have the teamsters and other to stop in Bill Doubleheads houses and there await further orders. R C Parks
Che Regt
Dec 9th 1862
Comdg Post
Capt W Wells
The [board] of this is in pursuit of his nephew Jas W Martin, who was taken by Genl Marmadukes men while on Scout in the vicinity of Tahlequah. The Negro boy as is referred to you can best investigate their cases and decide upon their fates, as is necessary
I know nothing of the parties spoken of only can refer you to Capt Joseph Martin who is uncle to Jas W Martin.
Yours truly & Respectfully
RC Parks Lt Col
Comdg Post


[page 36]


Wed 10th
David Vann I inclose to you a blank form whitch I hope you will fill out each day in every _______ and return the same - Tuesday 16th in ______
Very Truly Your friend
RC Parks
Comdg Webber Falls

All persons both Citizen and Refugees noncombatants claiming to be peaceful citizens, who have so Subjected themselves as to claim partial favors and clemency of both Confederates and Federals, are hereby so Ordered, and not allowed to visit or come within The lines of our encampment without written express permission, under no pretence What ever. And any such aforesaid person who may be caught within the lines of our Camp Guards shall be charged as a spy and tried as such by CourtMartial.
[And all such communication with the Pins and all person who may be found within five miles of this camp are strictly forbidden, and any person who may be found chargeable with [cursing] on Such Shall be tried the same as is set forth in first case.]
And whoever [may] relieve the enemy with money ________ or ammunition or knowingly protect and harbor or hold correspondence with, give intelligence to any enemy shall suffer death or such other punishment as may be inflicted by a Court Martial.
R C Parks Lt Col Comdg Ft Webber Falls

Thursday 11th Dec
Leut Rogers Co [G] will Take a detail of men and proceed with [greate dispatches] in the direction of Evansville and if posable deliver a letter to Col Stand Watie, where ever found And should any discovery be made of any movement by the enemy he will dispatch to us by one of his party immediately, and should it be found imposable to git through to the Col we will not use too greate a risk of being taken By Order R C Parks Lt Col


[page 37]


Capt [Joe] Vann & Capt C Holt appears and have come in contack and Capt Joe Vann it appears is abov getting all of Capt Holts men. Capt Joe Vann having been duly appointed in times past to H______ of a company of Provost Guards And Capt C Holt finding a soft place in Capt Vanns slackness to bring his company in to the regular Service, Capt Holt seeing the handle, caught at the bate and went the rounds in pursuit of Staffing for such a company as would acknowledge his as its [pate.] Where up Capt Vann finding himself some beneath the age of non-combatance, and upon finding Holt about being Successful he turns out upon Nettles.

Moved Camps - After Sending Genl Cooper dispatches on to Col Watie and Col D N McIntosh - Also received letter from Genl Cooper, Our News is Camp _______ Just below the fall _____ hard on to the river and cain bottom. Dr Evans passes up to Creek Regiment where he has been assigned to duty Hd Qtrs
Genl
Yours of yesterday was received early this morning, And in compliance I forwarded to Col Stand Watie your letter by an officer and 8 men, we have heard nothing from the Col Since his departure from here, am looking every hour for Something from him Yours to D N McIntosh was forwarded immediately upon its receipt.
I am informed that his forces are considerably scattered and that the Col has only one or two Cmpanies now on duty I have our trains and men in as near a condition to move as I will ever considering our condition being dependant ____ cane and grass for forage but am at all times ready to try and comply with our Order Your Obdt Servt
R C Parks Comdg
Hd Qrtr 1 st Che Regt
Webbers Falls


[page 38]

Hd Qrtr 1 st Che Regt
Webbers Falls  Cn

Genl D H Cooper Superintendent Indian Affairs
Sir I have been necessarily compelled in Several instances to portion out small quantities of corn that we have bought for our regiment, to citizen and refugees who come petitioning for a sufficient quantity to [feed] women and children. And knowing as I do, the Scarcity of the article and the greater demand for such a substance among the remaining citizens here and above this point I could not refuse dividing in every case that I thought deserved it And as I have no wish to trespass, I would be glad you would give me some instruction in regard to it, and what disposition are to be made of such case. We have no one here who are interesting themselves in that relation.
Your Obt Servt
R C Parks
Comdg Post

Hd Qtrs 1 st Cherokee Regt
Dec 12th 1862
Genl
Friday 12th Dec
Upon the evening that Col Watie crossed the river here and was marching in the direction Of Evansville, a raid was made in the neighborhood of Tahlequah by a force of 2 companies numbering not over one hundred men under Capts White Ketcher and [Fish Fredesul], Cherokees who its said captured Mr Hawkins and Hitchcock together with some others whose names I can not now remember, at any rate are led to the belief of its being an easy Capture, excepting Mr Hawkins - who we are led to believe a good Southern man The extent of damage done we are unable to learn, though from the short time they remained they could not have done much as they came over and returned across Illinois the same day at or near the same time a small party made their appearance a short distance [near] Gibson. Robert A____ Irons and after other family carried of some horses Nothing farther
Your Obdt Servt
R C Parks
Comdg Post


[page 39]


Dec 13th 1862
Forward letters and dispatches to Genl Cooper Sends detail of eight men under officer with two wagon to Shell corn at Hildebrands place and to be sent to Mill at [Tuckabatch] base northfork. Received Story from return soldier from Col Watie Comdg, who states that dispatches were received at the camp near Dutch Mills from Col Watie and Capt Wells to the effect of a great battle coming of in the neighborhood of Cane Hill Battle ______ Sunday and was fought furiously until late at night was renewed early Monday morning and ceased some where about 11 O' clock. Federal are said to have given away and was pursued in the direction of Bentonville leaving behind some 6000 killed and wounded 200 wagons 15 pieces Cannon and all other [stores] Our loss was not known but reported considerable Same source state that Col Waties force killed some 10 or 14 Pins in passing through from here to Evansville One of Capt Spears men report Some of Choctaws as being very bad, having while in the vicinity of Flint that 4 Choctaw men did actually ketch and ravish a woman supposed to be a Pin.
Saturday 13th
Received late last night 1500 water proof Caps, Tenting & c. Appointment of C Edmonson to Ordinance Sergt.
Rained very steddy and deep clouds [very heavy] and constant showers set in. One case of the Small Pox made it appearance in our hospital yesterday. I visited the Hospital and finding in the Small Pox had Mr [Reliet] moved down to Mr Somebody - old stone house.

Capts Howland, Foreman and Alberty you are hereby appointed aboard of [Servay] to examine and take account _______ of the Clothing and Tents received by A. G. M. for our regiment and give in an exact report of the number and condition of the same to A. G. M.

Wagons came in rather early with a few more _____ [quilts] and ______ mutton _____.


[page 40]


Camp Guards shall have a Guard fire and Shall remain at all times there when not on Post. Every Camp Guard Shall Serve a Tour of 24 hours - whitch time will be divided in to as many reliefs as the Sergt Maj May think necessary
Sentinels shall stand or walk their post and are to hault and demand pass or permission of every person who may wish to pass. The Highest respect is due a Sentinel, and no person has either the right or privilege of Joking or Jesting with them, while doing duty on post.

Sunday 14
We were all day dividing a few Suits of clothing and dividing a few small dress coats betwixt the officer. Many more Suits were wanted and considerable grumbling Still continued in consequence Officers were situated all in line and the A.G.M. requested to issue the coats to them. Some got good Coats, but many a large man got such as would have hardly fit their youngest boys - Ark River, Canadian and Dirdy raised considerably.
Head Quarters 1 st Che Regt
Genl
Sir I cannot think, you are rightfully [appraised] of the way and manner in whitch our Salt Works are now being conducted here we have but the one Saline now being worked, and each set of [opperaters] claim to be making salt, under grants from Government or by military authority, we have the third time called afore them for a Supply for our Small Command and was at last able by waiting a few days to git four bushels - while we know Salt has been made and sold to near every one person am able to pay four dol per bushel I suppose they claim the right to one half for the making whitch they are selling at a very high price and the other half whitch is intended for the C.S.A.


[page 41]


at two dol per bushel, harldy ever turns out anything.
Wagon came from a distance and are supplied and Citizens and refugess having the confederate bill can git very r______. This morning the Saline changed hands again used the new opperators - have brought up several wagon from below, to be loaded immediately, and should they engage in the packing [Trade], and becoming business we can hardly git another supply this winter I taken it upon myself the other day to send to the operators a blank form, to have filled and returned to me, giving the amount made every 24 hours and sold CSA every 24 hour and the amount sold citizens in same Time and the price to each and quantity so dispersed the 6 days following. And from what I can learn I may look for no reply. Should we be entitled to any portion for CS army use we ought have it, and Should we be allowed to furnish our destitute families with that article I feel [inclined] to think it could be done at a more reasonable rate than four dol per bushel Very truly Your Obdt Servt
R C Parks Lt Col

Genl
I am strongly impressed with the idea, that above and aside from our regiment we can easily raise one good company of artillerymen, and by the advantage of this winters drill we could turn out next Spring with a force fully capable of rendering good service and far superior to any Indian force you have ever had.
I write directly hoping you may consider our case and let us know immediately whether, we could have a company of this kind carefully drilled at some suitable point this winter and give us little pieces of cannon next spring. I have strong confidence in what we might do provided we had the chance, and feel decidedly safe in saying that we will yet have considerable fighting to do for our Country and would be glad we could have every advantage that could be allowed.
You will please let us know your advise and whether we may trouble _____ in raising a company or not from our men. We would be pleased with having the first Indian Artillery company and would regret very much indeed at giving it now to our enemy. Your Obt Sevt
R C Parks


[page 42]


H Qtrs 1st Cher Regt
Dec 16 1862
Genl
We have now received a very good supply of tenting and when we git all up that has been granted us I dare say we will have plenty in clothing, we ______ are much better off. Yet we have several barefooted and other with a skant supply of winter dress. We are now in greater hopes of our being as well supplied as we could expect under the pressure of events. We are deficient in arms & ammunition now and find it a great drawback to our service. We have requistion in for both articles and am awaiting every day to hear of them being filled. Our Camp now are being filled entirely with a new set of Spirits Since shoes, clothing and Tent have been among us. Our rank are upon the increase and our hopes are brightening every hour and Just so soon as you are able to supply us with plenty of arms ammunition and a little to eat we will be found as merry as Killkussey cats. One case of Small Pox has shown itself among our men. One from the party of Livingstons men, that I suspected of having it in this company was the first to take it. I am very much afeard we will be troubled with it. We have a great deal of winter fever, our sick reports are gaining rather largely upon our returns, This weeks returns will show an increase from 53 to 91 whitch is too great for the increase you will find in our full total of men present One company of Major Bryants Battalion is here, and parts of the two companys just being raised of whitch we make no report yet though we are issuing rations to and [hours] on duty
R C Parks Lt Col

Held CourtMartial and one case of the rights of property Col Jno Drew came down. Head some [women] in with us. Capt B Alberty Leuts Watie & [Severny] were on CourtMartial. River high and upon ________ We had another time dividing clothing among the men, having only a few suits it became very tedious We had our paper all arranged for to send below Just so soon as the stage of the water will permit.


[page 43]


Dec 16 1862
Refugee Supplied Public
Dec 12th Received of Joe N Chandler five bushels corn for the use of my destitute family.
Aunah Ratliff
Dec 12th Received of Joe N Chandler five bushels corn for the use of my destitute family
Elzira Rogers
Dec 13th 1862 Received of Joe N Chandler five bushels corn of my destitute family.
Susannah Woodard
Dec 12th 1862
Received of Joe N Chandler five bushels corn for the use of my destitute family.
Sarah Fields
Dec 12th 1862
Received of Joe N Chandler five bushels corn for my destitute
Elizabeth Fields
Dec 16th 1862 Received of Joe N Chandler six bushels corn for the use of my destitute family
Capt B Wisner
Head Qtrs
1st Che Regt
Genl
Sir, I regret having so often to call your attention to matters of our conserns but from the interest felt for both the wellfair of our Soldier and Confederacy it becomes necessary for some persons to have you rightfully informed upon the present condition of Our soldiers and the different department of our regiment and to its possible results Provided some immediate remedy are not considered in proper time. Therefore what I intend alluding to and refer to your consideration are unmistakable fact whitch are sure, and may be expected. We have received and dispatched 500 suits (a Jacket & pr Pants) 500 pr Drawers 500 shirts 378 Hats & caps 78 Comforts and Oil blankets 52 drip coats 25 [over] shirts 300 pr shoes & boots 19 1/2 pr wool socks.


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These have don very well so far, and I have not the least doubt but we will yet receive a sufficiency.  We have disposed of them the best we could giving the most bar and needy first & so on
But what I wish to remind you of is our condition after having received and dividing these off. Now among all the suits and clothing issued there is not 20 person from the whole, who can show the Second Suit or change Such was our destitute condition at the time of our getting our Clothing, Such clothing as was worn before was not actually worth picking up again after once getting it off. This fact I call to your attention, not by no means that we expect you to attend to all department of your Division, but we do know that many persons employed whose duty it is to pay due attention to such are after apt to neglect Such to the last hour and that a very few words from yourself in that direction would be worth more than all the letters we could write them Our train too deserves immediate care and attention and should nothing better be done than grazing for these by Spring we will have no mules as well as horses we are grazing upon the best we can find and our stock has never all their [own] time. Still our mules are failing fast, and are not now able to draw half loading. Some have in the last few day died, and by the last of January I cannot Safely say we will be able to serve one team, our horses are becoming just as useless. And should no movement North be expected, Our trains had much better be taken South till Spring for public safety, We would ourselves prefer remaining upon our soil but can see but little help Such mules and horses would be for us, in this country. Can we only get our own subsistence we would be highly pleased & cc
Truly Your Obdt Servt
R C Parks Lt Col
Post Webbers Falls


[page 45]


Dec 17
Wanted for the 1st Cherokee Regiment a company of artillerymen, active, healthy, and able bodied. Single men are preferable as close application to drill will be required during the winter All preferring that Service will call in at our Head Quarter and have their names enrolled.

Starts dispatches down to Genl D H Cooper Received letters from him and Hindman relative to a move by a party of Pins in this direction from Cane Hill Call upon men for [registration] showing all the ammunition Serviceable hours.
Head Qurts 1st Che Regt
Dec 17
Webbers Fall
Dec 17th 1862
Genl
your Order was received late yesterday evening I immediately [cause] our Ordinance supplies to be carefully examined and find it impossible to furnish a very large Scout. All the Ammunition used by us in last tour above was spoiled by becoming dampened. Our men were for some time in a heavy rain and having no cartridge & Cap [bars] ______ very last
I will go out myself in command of about one hundred men and shall try and comply with your request. I leave Maj Thompson in command of our encampment and train. I Shall upon every necessary occasion report to you without delay.
Truly & Respectfully
RC Parks Lt Col

Blank forms of Inspection Report will be filled directly and forwarded to Head Qtrs, through Capt J W Wells - also a Requisition for Ammunition will be made out and forwarded from our Ordinance Sergt, approved by commander and directed to Division Department through Capt J. W. Wells
No passes will be granted for a longer [Term] then 3 days only then when actively _____ from sickness & other [cures] equally as requested
Camp Guards will by all means be ______ and kipt up night and day - allowing no one to pass - only such as abtain passes-


[page 46]


Capt Jm vanns - camping will be received and furnished [Lowe] Tenting and provision as worth of our Soldiers and enlisted upon our duty report
The arrangement of our next Camp must be more _____, like,
Our wagon might be sent up above gibson for some wheat and sugar [yit]in that [gather] All care and attention must be paid on ______ and when needed bread & _____ must be sent [from ou own Camp for them]
Head Qtrs - 1st Che Rgt

Col D W McIntosh
This morning I will go myself with a Scout Ordered out across the river I may be in the direction of Tahlequah & Grand River Should you send any Scout out you must advise them as my being [in the] country above some where. Our Flag is 2 red strip white bar on the middle, and nothing more -
Respectfully & Truly Yours
R C Parks Lt Col
Cmdg Post Webbers

Dec 18th
I gathered up a Scout of Something over one hundred men and crost over the river near our Camp. River deep. had to cross at several fords. Taken road leading to Mackeys Place and [Lick] past Mackeys place about sun down and got to Robin Lovetts where we camped for the night 20 miles We were only able to get a little fodder for our horses and a little meat for ourselves. We made fires of his yard fence and he was the loser of several B__ J____s 2 shovels and several chickens. As for how much else I am unable to say.
Dec 19th
We moved early up to Jack Cookstons where we had plenty corn & oats and hog meat as Jack Cookston was with the Pins we taken the liberty of foraging off him at his own expense. We keep a good guard over the houses at every place and allowed nothing disturbed only such as we needed and was compelled to eat. Our advance captured a Cherokee at home by the name of Bird, we taken him for a pin and carried him along with us.


[page 47]


After a late and very good breakfast we left by the Park Hill road Sending out Scouts in Several directions. Near Park Hill our advance saw some person disappear to our right through the woods. Also routed some Pins and negros found Jim Ross horse lot where they were pening horses. We got a musket they had dropped and one or two poney left in the lot, 12 miles
Tahlequah 5 miles We searched Dobson Races place for corn, found none worth taking, boys gits in to a [bea] _____ or so. Leut Wm Turner comes up on our right with old Capt Kerr a prisoner, caught near the mouth Barren Fork. Kerr had [darken] the woods and aimed surrounding our line Just after we past Park Hill and in doing so he took up a breast our right flankers The boys had exchanged horses with him before they got up to me, giving him and ordinary poney for a large Chestnut Sorrel mare. I had him to give his Great Coat to one of our Soldier and another of them gives him an old Pin hat for a neat black hat. I only remained in town a very short while Saw aunt Susan Taylor who had Just returned from Hildebrands Mill. Had no news of any importance. Lead out from Tahlequah upon the Maysville Road. Took the left and encamp at Judge Thorns, 8 miles. Bought stock fodder and pork.
Dec 20th
Up bright and early and upon the road leading to upper Spring Creek where we found corn and beef a plenty, at a Pins house where we expected to find a few Pins but was disappointed only finding a few women and a fine lot of children. This house was completely robed We found several articles Just brought down from the Federal Camp Alma Salt, new prints and many small hicks, here the boys Swapped horses again with these Pin women, in the evening we past on down the Creek and over to Joe Vanns place on Vanns Prairie, where we encamp for the night 25 miles Myself and Capt Blue Alberty roade up to Joe Rillys, 5 miles and back had plenty wheat, pork and eatables.


[page 46]


Dec 21st
We rolled out upon the road down the Grand River Way, past Several Pin houses but could not come up with any Pins We stopped late in the eavning and fed and ate at Hawks Place, where we find plenty corn and [stuffed] pork. We stopped for the night at Old Dan Colstins Place, where we got pork, had Corn with us we had brought down from Hawks where we lost Kerr, guard went sleep and allow him to walk off. Boys gits 2 [guard horses] here, both were tied up and fed near the house.

Dec 22nd
We left early passing 14 Mile Creek at Sam Walkingstick and fed and eats at a Creek house near Capt Lipes place, we stopped early at Lipes place and encampt for the night had plenty Sheaf wheat to feed upon
I taken 16 men and went in to Tahlequah by the Seminary. Ms Coral had just returned from the Federal Camp. Left them at Royes Mill, returned to Camp late at night

Dec 23rd
Sends Kerrs son home by Leut Rogers - raid we crossed the country to Patricks place below Park Hill. Sent Scouts in to Park Hill - could not hear of any Pins or Federals - Fed and ate plenty at Patricks. Left late and remained over night at Robin Lovetts
Dec 24th Wednesday
Left Robin Lovetts very early and past down Greenleaf, Crossing river at Joe Hildebrands place. Discharged our guns, git in to Camp late 2 O' clock. Dick Griffin Scouts gits from the Bayou. States that the Federal and Pins were seen marching in to Gibson about sunset.
25th Thursday
Col Sends out piquets to guard the fords on the river as high up as Joe Hildebrands. I roade up to Tom Starr on the Canadian. Had a deer hunt in the evening found no game.
26th Friday, went out again, hunted all day - found no gaim Gits 2 boxes sugar of Jack Walker - who had got in from Texas


[page 49]


Dec 27th Saturday
Myself Walker & Starr road over to Camps on Dirdy, Col was out up the river upon a Scout, Train was ready from [moved] camps Major had left with the command to look for a camping place. Wagons left not knowing where to go too. I followed after the train, men were scattered in all confusion, bout dark I found the train trying to cross Dirdy at Drews Lick. Only a few wagons were able to git over
Received note from D N McIntosh to Col Watie Stating he had captured a Creek, Capt of a Creek Company in the Federal Service, [Tulse Finney] and that he States to him that 200 Cherokees, 500 Creek 300 Feds were in Gibson and had come to turn the Creeks over to them or Commence hostility Captain [Tules Finney] was ______ to our camp and found to be an old neighbor of mine. I was unable to learn much from him as he would not talk english
We also learned from Capt Leuex that one hundred armed men, Feds had came in to the Agency and ______ _____ Col McIntosh and had a letter to deliver to him. They had nothing to say to others and would not see no one else would suit. Col McIntosh was not to be seen and then ______ about 3 hours and returned. The party was composed of Federal, Creek and Cherokees under a flag of truce, crossing the river up near that point I saw Capt Leuex, late after night and learned all he knew regarding the Creek and Feds when upon I concluded to have our Train moved South, had mules and trains soon upon the road for Canadian to cross the river and remain for further Orders
Dec 28th Sunday
Train on - We ate our beef and moved down to Derdy 6 miles where Col Watie came to us had no new from either McIntosh or the Federal We learn that our train was safe Cross the Canadian River, had nothing to eat but Park killed hogs and from the bottom I taken 5 men and returned to the piquet near Dick Croplins where we were guarding the ford above the falls I returned late in the night bought 50 [ears] corn at _____, for [300]


[page 50]


Webbers Falls
Dec 27th 1862
Genl
Inclosed you will find Col D N McIntosh letter to Col Watie and one to yourself - Col Watie is out somewhere up the river I send our train cross the Canadian river and there await further order
A Federal Capt with one hundred armed men crosst the river near the agency and show greater friendship to the Creeks.
I am fearful our Creeks will not do much fighting. I am afraid to trust to them. We would be glad you could send up a sufficient force to cope with the enemy mention by Col McIntosh Col Phillips is said to be in command of the Federal forces. A pretty strong force from below is all I think will save our Creeks
Yours & cc Truly
R C Parks
Brg Genl D H Cooper
Comdg Ind Ter
Monday 28th Dec
I was Ordered out by Col Watie to Scout in the direction of Gibson I called out 100 men, found 55 semiusable horses, left with the whole I could raise [rearing] piquets at Hildebrand Place. Went in by a trail [may] cross mountain by Starr deer in the water. Leut Bill Brewer with 6 or 8 men were my advance had rough road, and nothing to be found upon the way Our advance caught Starr due at home Setting at the [boards] near where his wife was washing he was dressed in Jeans Pants, Fed Jacket and a new shawl round his head. Brewer state that when he discovered them he attempted to run towards the house whereupon Return Foreman, headed him off from that direction and was [snapped] at by Foreman he then attempted to _____ the creek when he was fired up by Foreman and Jeff Bean. Foreman pistol ball catching his neck vein and Beans discharged from double barrele shot gun lodged a little below the shoulder, killing him dead upon his feet


[page 51]


Return Foreman, got his gun, Hat, belt and pistol Cartridge Box & c Crossed river at the Downing Ford. Saw Monty Cryer who had been a prisoner in the Federal Camp. He states the Federal forces at no more than 500 men.
We played off for Federal up Mrs Gage - her husband and 2 sons both serving in the Federal Services
We fed and had meat and honey from here, we encampt in the bottom at Bill Lowry Place on the byou Creek learned for sertain that the Federal had left and recrosst the line
Tuesday 30th
We marched by a trail way for the old Cherokee Agency where we fed our horses upon Sheaf wheat found at Wm West place he being with his sons in the Federal Service. Meets with Mr Starns on his way from the Federal line where they released him yesterday while on line of march he reports only 500 hundred He meets with stragglers all the road from Broad Town to Park Hill but none after leaving that point
He states that all the negros in the country had been taken off. We returned down by Gibson where we received dispatch from Col Watie. Stating that Genl Hindman had fallen back from Ft Smith and that the Federal had possession of Van Buren and Ft Smith and that Genl Cooper was falling back upon the Boggy Depot road and that Col Watie was ordered to fall back up Washitaw Riv Joe Cribbs place on Canadian and Perryville, we crossed river at Rabbit ford Killed a yearling and packed it to Cordys Creek where we encampt I sent up a dispatch to Col McIntosh to fall back upon Camp Johnson South of South Canadian 200 Creek had just left Gibson before we got in, they returned by way of Mouth Grand River to the Agency Here we learned that a partie of 300 Federal and Indians, the day after entering the Agency under a flag of truce returned by way of the Rabbit Ford reentering the Agency And upon thire return burnt up Ft Davis The Creek forces had been furloughed and was all at thire homes at the time and men fears were intertaind _____ they might turn over to the Federal.


[page 52]


Wednesday Dec 31st 1862
Very cold. We moved early down the road toward _____ Town. [Leave] Hildebrands we taken right hand road or trail and stick the Dirdy road near the Louis Keyes Place, ponies began giving out and men began to duck paddle it.
Encampt under the mountain, 6 miles, bove Tom Starrs, had very good beef and a warm night of it.
Jan 1863
Thursday Jan 1st 1863
Broke up Camp bright and early past Tom Starr and Joe Cribbs place, every cabin and home was [crowded] with men, begging bread from our Command. Meets with Capt Howland near Cribbs place and he reported our train Just behind him so we moved on to a prairie near by where we found very good country.
Friday Jan 2nd
Dispatch from Genl Cooper by Major J M Bryan. Place Genl Cooper on Cole Creek or Boggy Depot road and Col Watie to hold a position at some point in the Cherokee Nation and he will move on to _________ and have him plenty of supplies forwarded to Capt Johnson for the Creeks, Cherokees, Seminoles, ________ & c and placed them all under the command of Col Watie
Saturday 3rd
I returnd from Starrs found Col on a Scout to Webbers Falls and Major Thompson on furlough to Texas and great many of our men Scouted in every direction Some for 60 days and others for 90. I did not stop the giving of any passes or furlough that was given in accordance with Col Waties guard rule Bought a truck very old and worn, only a shell, for the small amount of 10.00 Dol


[page 53]


Camp Near Joe Cribbs
Jan. 4th 1863
Canadian Senetry
1st Cherokee Regiment
Col
Your note of this date has just been received, And in reply I have only to say that I shall hold myself and command in readyness and should your Scouts make any further discovery of Federal forces occupying a position in that Quarter you will dispatch to us immediately giving us the full particulars as to who they may be, and the probable strength of each force Col Watie at this time is upon a Scout up towards Webbers Falls. We are looking for him in Camps this eavning
We have nothing late from below and from the best information we can git there is no forces of any strength now in the Cherokee Nation
Your Obt Servt
R C Parks Lt Col
Comdg Camp on Canadian River

Col McIntosh
Comdg 2nd Creek Regiment, C V

We received dispatch from Col Chilly - McIntosh stating that reliable information had reached him of a force of Federal has been seen near John Seills Place on Deep Fork marching down in the direction of Shealy Store. He could learn nothing as to the strength of the forces. He sends forward an advance and designs following directly with his main force and proposes dispatching us in case anything of a threatening nature is discovered. His express man return and carries back the above reply - Gits five bushel corn whitch has been divided among the men at one ear to each man
We had no further news - from no Quarter remained in Camps without flour, meat, or any forage of any description, not even dry goods - Our stock appears failing fast. Mules so weak that they can hardly draw the empty wagon


[page 54]


Camp Near Joe Cribbs Place
Jan 5th 1863 Monday
Received commission from the Principal and Assistant Principal Chives of the Creek Nation Addresst to Col Stand Watie respecting our movements and that of Maj Gen Hindmans and that of Brig Gen D H Cooper. Col Watie not being present, I rote an answer as I thought suitable to the occasion No farther New from below a Col Watie

Tuesday Jan 6th 1863
Remained encampt our boys returned from Ft Washitaw where they had been sent to draw off pay rolls. No news of any importance Col Watie gits in from Scout Webbers Falls led his men up there or in the neighborhood of Gibson

Wednesday Jan 7th 1863
Col Watie was this morning besieged from all quarter for furloughs and that to all parts of the country Not even the Federal line is excepted He concludes to go below and see his family leaves Camp about 10 O' clock, We harnessed our poor stock and began moving our encampment Leut Walker Carry had a Camp Guard [Chase] bove on the river, we found it very [brushy] and upon low land, but fair superior to our present locality. We found cane and some [sudan] grass plenty of wood & water I forwarded by Col Watie [Arsen Bey] report of the killing of Brooks the Notorious Kansas Jayhawker, I trouble myself to have it written down new for my own satisfaction and to Settle every different opinions that might hereafter arise as to who kill Brooks


[page 55]


Thursday Jan 8th
We sends down our weekly report - we did not know where he was, we only sent it down the road towards Boggy Depot. I wrote down to Genl Cooper the following note
Genl D H Cooper
Dear Sir
I would be glad you could have something done for us in regard to defraying our express expenses I have used every dollar I had and all I could git for that purpose We have [never] yet received anything of the kind from the QM Department ours has made several application for such but as yet have received no notice Could you not have us furnished from the department I would be glad he could to me something upon my old service rendered and we will still continue to go it upon our own hook Very Truly Your
Obt Sevt
R C Parks Lt Col
Comdg Che Regt

Received dispatch for Capt J W Wells Genl Cooper No news - only his advance back toward Camp Johnson on Canadian and request us to fall back to same point on the Arkansas River

Col Chilly McIntosh
I have just come in possession of dispatches from Genl D H Cooper giving me to understand that a part of his forces are now on their way to Camp Johnson Depot where they will be posted probilly for the winter He has no official news from Genl Hindman
We have a man now in our Camps Just up from Ft Smith and Van Buren, leaving those points yesterday morning, he reports everything quite there Reports there are very current that the Federal forces left Cane Hill and remained in Fayetteville only 2 days and left there in the direction of Springfield, Mo. Another person Just up from Little Rock reports a later great victory gained by Genl Price over the Federal forces at Hollysprings near Vicksburg, where Price gained a desided victory killing and capturing


[page 56]


a great number of men, arms, and clothing, together with some 18 pieces cannon. Reports he states are current in that Quarter of Genl Joe Johnson defeating the Federal force at [Murphersboro] Tennessee, and that the Federal army are now receeding north generally east of the Mississippi River whitch if true would readily ____ for the Federal forces falling back upon Springfield We learn through the same channel that the Pin Indians with a few Federal are yet around and in the vicinity of Evansville Ark Col Stand Watie is now gon down to Genl Cooper and will be absent some 7 or 8 days -
Yours & Truly
R C Parks Lt Col
Comdg Che Regt

Friday 9th 1863
Man came in from Kansas - being from Pikes Peak and while on his way down the Arkansas river, he was taken prisoner and carried to Ft Wise, robbed and disarmed left without everything to carry him further. him and his m____ were compelled to work for some time. New Years day the two left Council Grove and made our Settlement a very few days ago on Grand River, near the Grand Salina Report no Indians near our [hill] Some Keeche eyes were said to be encampt near our Settle ment on Verdigris River. But few forces are said to be in Kansas, there immediately in and around Ft Scott. He thinks from what information he could gain from the Kansas people that they would be pleased with a peace and would willingly accede to the demands of the South I give them a [pass] for Ft Smith. One being a Georgian and the other from Yell County Ark and wishing to git in that direction. 3 men came in from the Neutral land or near the line, Kincade and 2 others bringing but little news - saw no person from the Neosho River to Gibson Report that the Keeche eyes having murdered the family of Wm Ricker sometime ago on Cabbin Creek, his wife and four children, The report the Keeche eyes still in that vicinity running up and down those creeks


[page 57]


Hd Quarter 1st Che Regt
Camp near Cribbs
Jan 11th 1863
Genl D H Cooper
Sir Three men of our Regt of Co O has just come in from Neutral land along the Kansas line. Some of them have been absent for some length of time and has been engaged for some time in the Bushwhack [business] - reports being near and saw Elk Mills burnt and knew of the Steam Mill in Buffalo as being burnt also - report the woods along South west Missouri as being deeply sprinkled with Bushwhackers who are doing remarkable good business for their opportunity The union families are moving from the border of the [Nation] and south Missouri
11th Jan
KinKades Report
I had been attending on a wounded man, A Gibson, who had been wound by the river men in missouri when the Federal came down upon Ft Wayne I run him South to Dutch Mills From there Maj Livingston sends me to Ft Smith with dispatches the ferryman refused to set me on the river that night. I left the dispatch there and returned by same rout to Maysville and on to where my family were living at the mouth of Shoal Creek on Springriver where I remained undisturbed about one month. No Federal ever visited that country as near all the citizens remaining there was Union men The Kee-che eyes and Delaware came in and killed several persons and robbed and mistreated many. Old man Hewett on Shoal Creek was killed and Scalped, strong Union, Widow-Nickels daughter was caught ravished by members and otherwise [mistreated] Several times stabbed about the breast and left for dead for two days she lay before being found, A scalp had been cut from her head. When I left she was doing very well and considered out of danger. On my way down I saw Isaac Scrimpshers widdow who tells Me that a party of Delawares and Keeche eyes had come down upon Cabin Creek in their Settlement and killed Isaac Scrimpsher a man by the name Jackson. William Ricker our chief Buglers wife and two children, one 5 years and the younger 18 months old Scalping and mangling their bodies and drove off all the property in that country.


[page 58]


I learned that the Pin Indian were now encampt near Neosho Mo - and were committing depredations of every [despicable] nature upon the citizens both Southern & Union
Capt Pearce attacked a party of Pins near that place and defeated them Was himself wounded by a shot in the shoulder and one of his men was shot in the back, both are doing well but have to keep themselves concealed in the bush. Many of our men are Bushwhaking them and doing considerable mischief to the savage force. The State Militia are supposed to be taking an active part in [settling] their hash in that way.
I learned also on my way down that a portion of Pins ventured by night into the neighborhood of Maysville, killing old man Ward and his son near that point.

10th Jan
Mr. Langes Report, I left Colorado,(Pikes Peak),in company with 3 others determined to make my way into the Southern States at all risk (being a Georgian) first attempt was through New Mexico failing in that we turned our course down the Arkansas River. Had no difficulty in getting down as far as Ft Wise below Bents old Fort where we were taken prisoner by the occupants of the Fort two of our party were kept being known as [main] friend to the Southern cause at Pikes Peak.
Myself and Mr Fultcher were robed of all we had in this world and released. We worked our way down the river and out to Council Grove where we were compelled to hire out and work for means to carry us further. While here we heard of James Vann and other Cherokees being in a small town some 60 miles distant Mr. Fulcher having some acquaintance with Vann we borrowed 2 horses and roade over to see him. found him drunk and still drinking, claiming to have went up there to save his property, but nevertheless was robed Karuth the Fed Indian Agent were there for whitch Karuth were Acting Agent. Saw a partie of Delaware drive in some 300 head of cattle whitch they said were taken from the Creek nation


[page 59]


Haruth received the cattle of the Delawares.  A Delaware Chief, whom I know but disremember his names now, came up with a partie of the Delawares from the South bring some seven or eight scalps and among the rest I saw one childs scalp.  I noticed in particular from the fact of it being of white hair, I believe some to have been from women, they danced over them.  I have here that the Cherokee families were at [Sevier Town] further north.  I saw no others that we knew.  Fulcher knew Vann, and we made the acquiantance through him of Karuth and wanting business we precured ___ for Mr. Vann.  Signed by Karuth for myself and M Fulcher to gather up Mr Vanns stock, January 1st we struck out upon that business South east.  Mr. Fulcher having some idea of the county.  We saw plenty of those wild Indians, we would show our paper and pass on, Struck the Virdigris a few miles above the Coody settlement here three Keeche eyes came to us, we showed our paper and told them we were hunging stock.  They told us they were campt near by and that there was a greater meny bad people just below pointing toward Gibson and the Creek nation.  rested on eday at Mrs. McNairs grand river, crost at Gibson.  Heard of Watis Regt on Canadian.  Made for it, the borrowed horses we sold to Dennis Fuller 3 miels below Watis Camp.  Nest day left for Zell county Ark where Mr. Fulcher has a brother living.
Sunday Jan 12, 1863
Genl D.  Hooper

Dear Sir
I have taken down the particulars of Mr. Kinkeads observations while out and in the vicinty of our border and returning to camp yesterday he is a member of Capt Acridges Co.  He also tells me of the buring of Elk Mils Senica Mills and Barlius small steam mill on Buffalo and of the killing of James Richardson Leut in Maj Livingstons and also of the two Mayfields - Near Granby or Neosho.  I inclose you this hoping by so doing to disclose to yourself and others who may feel any interest in the manner and state of the war for now


[page 60]


being carried upon our border, and the helpless condition of those whom the misfortune of war leave to the merciless brutality of savage interference in Civil warfare. Such beastly brutes as are now employed by the Federal Government to over come our western borders are plainly show to be destitute or ignorant of all respect and human feeling that should exist, even for their own party whitch is plainly shown in the first case referred to in Mr Kincades report Since coming in possession of this report I have felt it my duty to call upon Mr Long and Fulcher for the details conserning the Delaware Chief and the childrens scalps so as to enable us come by some _____ at the bloody hounds who murdered and Scalped the unprotected family of Mr Recker. Wm Longs report the day before yesterday corresponds precisely with what Mr Kinkade reports yesterday
And could any demand be made upon any Government for redress and Justification for outrages committed it should be done in our case, for the acts mention in the reports upon our own people and that of the poor deluded (so called minor citizens) remaining along our border As Indians we feel ourselves deeply mortifyed and horror struck, and such acts as is recognized by the Old Federal Government and hope they may be lead to reform their present adopted course. And wage war only against the Soldier of the South
The letter inclosed and Signed Jesse Russel was taken from the effect of a Federal
Soldier, killed while attempting to arrest him a few days ago by a part of my advance while on Scout by the name of Starr Deer in the water Starr was well known as a _____ member of the Pin society and is said to have been appointed Jude of Canadian District by that Society. Jesse Russel was Orderly Sergt of Capt Allan Finnemans Co of Confederate Troops. And the ink could not have more than dried upon his letter before he was overtaken by a partie of Pin Indians and killed, stripped and left before his letter reached the Head men as aluded to. He [died a vial traitor] by the hands of his own party Your Obt Sevt
R C P


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P.S - Instead of Leut Zane C Richardson as killed. Please ____ to Adjt & Z C Richardson as being taken in a house pushed out of doors and shot to pieces. ____ ______ wagon Master same _____ and Private B F Finney Co A both killed or report to have been.

I hereby certify to this as being the true statement made to me by the parties witnessing the same.
R C Parks Lt Col
Comdg 1st Che Regt

Adjt will place the above certificate to each report Officially
R C Parks

Special Order
Capt Alberty Co N will cause an election to be held in his company on the 14th for filling the vacancy occasioned by the promotion of David [Foster] from the 3rd Leutenancy to that of 2nd Leutenant from the promotion of Leut Jas M Bell from the 2nd Leutenancy to that of 1st caused by the death of 1st Leutenant James Benge who died on or about the 25 of December at the residence of Stonewads near Ft Smith Ark
By Order
R C Parks Lt Col
Comdg 1st Che Regt

Rev Chaplin Foreman preached to our regiment to day. Our Cherokees are becoming so good and religious as to have preaching and prayers every night Received dispatch from Col Chilly McIntosh He reports Federal indians advancing down Deep Fork has sent out Col Jumper with 3 company to oppose them And should they be ____ he himself will go out against them Reports no meal at the Tuck ____ Mill, but assures us of plenty to be had at Camp Johnson Depot.


[page 62]


It becomes necessary at times that we should stop our careless assend of unseen [pre-and] mishaps, in order to give ourselves time and opportunity, for duly considering and comparing our present relation with our former progress and prosperity. So, as to derive at some definite proposition calculated to bring our minds rightfully up on what might eventually be the results and final terminus of our established bases of opporations. Now we as Southern rights Cherokees and upholders of Southern institutions claimed from the first [shake] of Confederate independence to have been under the disadvantage of more than three fold weight _____ upon us. And that giving due allowance for Slim Chances and heavy prejudices balanced to our disadvantage, we have been by far more prosperous than the Confederate government itself
When the irresistible issue were known and felt by all parties and war desided upon us the only result betwixt the United States and the rebel state who first seceded and [arraided] themselves to oppose the farther Sway of the United States Government in these state, and up to the fall of Ft Sumter Our party in the Cherokee Nation would have been relatively speaking, no where, and in a militarily view we would not have been considered a Corporals guard. We had among us some very interesting individuals whose feeling were touched - by the numerous flaming editorial comments upon vast and grand [patreat] Southern Convention and War speeches by leading men of different Southern States calling upon one and all to come to arms, defy the Republican Devils, build up a new Confederacy elect King Cotton and live in Southern Splindor, Each District had more or less Strong and trusty citizens, who joined up. Some few had really discovered the contemptible design of the Black Republican Government, and went in opposition from good natives, and a desided will for the best and only safety for us - Others we had who came with us, hopeful of some change, and regardless of results provided their prospect for some office were good, and the inducement were sure greater for making a few [dimes]. With the high honor attached of Capt, So and So Leut so and so, Orderly, Sergt, Corpl, or something else equally great and strange to the peaceful citizens of the Cherokee Nation These are the first two classes as may well be imagined whose feelings first attracted them to join in the War


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Of the first and most respectable class of our rebels we will first speak and give some ___ as will be found to exist in each District and in different parts of the nation Such now as we speak of were of the first class and prompted to action by feelings of worth to Southern right and for Southern rights at all hazards - and to the bitter end. In noting these individuals as far as our memory serves us will commence with Delaware District the most Northern portion of our country living off our Neutral Lands and among the many eager personages who were figuring upon this occasions was Stand Watie, he lived upon Savinaw Creek on a tributary where he owned and ran a steam saw mill and at the same time held a place or farm upon the Grand River near, [set] opposite the mouth of Honey Creek He was then in every circumstances having Several Slaves and maintained his family at his residence at his mill, worked his river farm partly by his own hands and partly by hiring, His saw mill was mostly ran by hands hired, and was fast supplying all the country around with all qualities of lumber at a very low rate, He done some trading otherwise though and around his neighborhood, but was seldom or never known to cause or expose himself to much fatigue for the purpose of making money, had always plenty to make him a good living and as for everything further than his own wellfare and that of his families, never disturbed his mind. Having allways been considered a leader and permanent personage in future political division of the Nation, was one cause probelly of his utter indifference to all passing events
He is even a man of remarkable strange actions and to one acquainted with him would consider him a remarkable Strange man.
His domestic habits and home customs were very plain. Substantial and of easy access. He prided in being only upon a level with all around him and one and all were at ease and home in his house, and his gentle plain and unassuming course through life had gained him many friends and the desided confidence of both white men, and fullblood Indians in as much that the fullbloods come Settle new, and visit him constantly.


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Nov 11th 1863
My Friends in the Kee-too wah Society
I write to you. I greatly desire that you should you should come after me I am in a very bad condition I could tell you a great many - things whitch I have seen and observed, also the reasons whitch induced me to leave my home I was made an Officer in robbing expeditions, and if I failed in doing my duty I would have been killed - and if I attempted to go where you were. Scattered through the country as you were then, I would have been robed immediately, and if concluded to remain at home they would have served me like they did James Pritchett. I was not in the least afraid of you, though some one told my wife you would kill me at first sight, when I heard that I took alarm; at that time Pritchett was already killed. It was time I should do something one way or the other.
At that time even my wife did not know the relation existing between us. I only told her this, when I left home, that when ever any one man or woman visited her to treat them kindly. About my connection with the other side, you may think that I formed many close friendships, but it is not so Alexander Foreman is the only one that I made friends with, and that only on outside subjects but nothing compared to the close friendship between the Kee-too-wah society and myself. I noticed everything that [happened] around me, I remember it, they have not the remotest idea of what is kept secret in my heart. But I have great hopes that you will come or send for me If you conclude to come after me. I would like to see only one first, and after we all see one another, we will then have time to talk. Nothing more. This letter you must send to some one of the head men.
(Signed Jesse Russel)
{Hucalean Martin
Transaltion}



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Jan 13th 1863
Capt JW Wells
I sent again to your office for our old Muster Rolls and would be very glad you could have them closely watched for. I am confident Capt Houston can tell us something of their where bouts. I hawled them into your Office after you had left Camp Davis and was at Gibson and it appears we can not live very long without them and are told that there is nothing else keeping us from our last years pay, only our last years Muster Roll. We went to the expense of the raising of a hundred men in defraying expenses to Washitaw and back to draw not even 22 coppers of our pay roll left there by Capt Brown Taylor. Still the cry is that that is not the papers we were after, that the Muster Rolls are the one, And if we had them we could git our money the next day.
For gods sake make somebody look for it and send us every paper needed, Roll or
Muster Rolls, with Stand Waties name to it and we will then be ready for our pay.
Your Obt Servt
RC Parks LtCol
Comdg Che Regt

Genl Order
Jan 13th
It is earnestly recommended to all Officer and Soldier diligently to attend divine Service; and all Officers who shall behave indecently or irrevently at any place of divine worship shall if commissioned officers be brought before Genl CourtMartial - and any Non Commission officers or Soldiers, so offending shall forfeit a certain portion of his next pay, and every person be confined _____per hour.

Every Officer who shall be convicted before a genl CourtMartial of having signed a full certificate relating to the abuse either officer or soldier or _______ to his or their pay shall be cashiered


[page 66]


Every officer who shall knowingly make a false muster of men or horse and every officer or Commissary of Musters who shall willingly Sign direct or allow the signing of Muster Rolls - where in such false Muster is contained, Shall upon proof made by two witness before a [general] CourtMartial be cashiered and shall be thereby, entirely disabled to have or hold office or employment in the Service of the Confederate States
Jan 13th
Rev Stephen F_________ jr.
Sir by Military Regulations we are entitled to one Chaplin for the benefit of our Regt. Could you favor us by excepting that commission Please let us know immediately
RC Parks Lt Col
Comdg Che Regt

Jan 13th 1863
Order all Officers and Soldiers will be required to leave their Arms & accouterments in Camps only while on duty. And all soldiers who may be caught outside our line of encamp with fire arms without Special Permission will be arrested and punished for the same offence as if he was guilty of firing of his gun. R C Parks Lt Col

We had a lonesome day Warm, cloudy and some distant thunder in the eavning. Men moved about easily and silently. Rain orriginated from a heavy mist about dark and from the unparelled warmth of this winter we are unable to come to any conclusion as to what will be the result. Received short dispatch from Genl Cooper in ___________ for Camp Johnson Depot. Nothing further could become at regarding future movements Major Lipe up from Ft Smith or Skullyville. He confirms the former statements of very reliable reports and rumors from all parts and respecting every command and forces to east and west of the Mississippi River


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Jan 14th
[I would] all the fire ____ of the day, with a heavy Sprinkle at night. Yesterday [very] late our wagons came in from Johnson Depot Reports Genl Coopers forces as coming in there, we could only git parts of loads from the fact of his coming in to that point.
Head Quarters 1st Che Regt
Canadian
Jan 15th 1863
Genl
Sir, we are now encamped in the Canadian bottoms Our situation is very low, and in consequence of yesterdays heavy snow are placed in rather a bad predicament. Our mules have absolutely refused to draw any of our empty wagons. Some of them are well able yet to git around through the bottom and will live very well for some weeks yet. Others will hardly out live this cold spell. Yesterday and today the boys tell me they find nine of our poneys dead. This morning I withdrew our piquets from the thinness of our poneys. Col Watie ordered that oxen be used instid of our mules. We have succeeded in out fitting three of them whitch is not sufficient to draw our rations. We are looking for some 20 yoke in tomorrow - or next day, whitch will be enable us to move from this point
We sent out two teams to Johnson Depot, whitch brought us in some 2000 lbs flour and a hundred or two of Sugar they could just as easy have brought 1000 lbs sure. Today we have one half ration for the men whitch will be the last we have on hands.
Our sick and Doctors list is now by far the largest roll we have and from its continued increase it will soon become fearful. Have no medicine, no blankets and no diet suitable for our sick, roast beef does very well for coughs, but sick men cannot prosper upon it. Among the rest we have several cases of Small Pox, whitch by gods blessing alone are doing tolerablly well. We have no news respecting the Pins or Federal, cant learn where they are at present.
We have now a small scout out in the direction of Greenleaf, expect them to report to [return] or the next day, where we may be able to send out a longer Scout mounted upon fresh cattle. Your Obt Servt
R C Parks Lt Col


[page 68]


Jan 16th
Cold with piercing wind. The sun shown out brightly all day, the wind being sharp and piercing that its rays made no impression upon the Snow We were all very quiet in Camps. We had a detail to drive up some beavers and kill them in our camp yards
One hundred and thirty horses and mules reported as being dead.
Jan 17th
Genl
Since writing you yesterday I have reported to me one hundred and thirty horses and mules as having been discovered dead from our regiment up and down the bottoms near our incampment.
Since this cold spell I have been compelled to send off Several Soldier who were both sick and barefooted Our doctor in Camp has no medicines on hand and can do even sick men no good, And our Principal has been permitted to go South for medicines, whitch relives us of his assistance during the remainder of this Spring Our Col has not yet return to Camps. We are here awaiting his return before knowing what more is next to be made, And what will be done to save us.
Yours & c Truly
R C Parks Lt Col
Comdg Che Regt

Our Prisnor
Our prisnor in camps is a young Pin, caught up in [flinch] distrcit by Col Waties Scouts while up in that Quarter while Station there upon Maj Genl Hindmans left. Capt Moses Fry while upon Scout came upon him walking the main road in the same direction as himself, his men charged upon at full speade he saw they would over hold him after running out of his shoes and droping his gun, he fell upon his face, Several guns were discharged at him while running and a few after he fell Capt Fry himself fired up on him at a very close range Thinking he was killed went up, and wound him up and unhurt save a slight Scratch on one arm. He was known by a few as Tom Rattey. He pl_____ in all things was not a Pin and had never had been with the Federals. They could not learn anything from him. The boys put him up behind one of them and carried him to Camp barefooted & headed with any bedding and very thin clad and we have had him here ever since under guard, he has now a hat and nothing more through all this cold weather


[page 69]


now the snow is some 8 or 9 inches deep, wind cold and piercing So very cold that I with 2 blankets one quilt bed [tick] and and good sadle blanket can hardly stand to winter through one such night as last night was - and the [future prospect]
He stood around a cold sloppy guard fire, crowded and s___y barefooted. Dressed in thin pair pants, light hunting shirt and an old Pin hat. Snow 8 or 9 inches. Slop and mud round the fire cold and disagreeable, while the wind blows sharp and piercing from the North Many of our soldiers are found to be destitute of Bedding, Clothing and entirely barefooted and in Consequence of whitch we have considerable sickness. I have sent several to their homes, and advise them to remain until the weather breaks for the best.

Sunday 18th Jan 1863
Day sets in cold with rain. Mostly confined to our tents River reported full and still rising We have no word either from Col Watie or our Oxen that were being brought up from Webbers Falls- Mitchell our expressman to Genl Cooper returned having gotten no farther than near Gains Creek feeling somewhat indisposed, he forwards my dispatches by our teamster and returns himself, after getting quite half way We learn from Camp reports and rumor among our men that we are not to be paid off before May Should this supposition chance to be true it will unmistakable cause great dissatisfaction in Camps We still have 600 men in Camp all anxiously awaiting for Col return, when they are expecting he will cause Something to be done for us, Many are cursing and swearing they will only give him three day more to return in and better their condition
Beef, and beef alone has been our only living for 3 or 4 day and nothing better promised us for the future, We received information from Capt Willard Post J M Johnson Depot that Genl Cooper was looked for at that post and that no more flour could be issued us till further supplies could be received from Texas. We s_____ a wagon out day before yesterday, heard from it yesterday, had _____ one yoke oxen, and was very likely not to be able to make the trip as the oxen were growing very weak and the streams rising whitch [cook in our goose for the time]


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Monday 19th 1863
We lay all day quietly in Camps. Men very much confused, and disheartened from the Col prospected absence and, delay, at this most particular time; He can not at present furnish one team sufficient to draw in our beef and all being strictly dead out upon beef and salt, Waters all rising and snow, and slop all over Camps Soldier gitting down - with disease, and no medicines.
Tuesday 20th
Genl D H Cooper
Sir necessaty now compells me to send to you, and in doing so is absolutely requisite that I should hear from you by tomorrow nigth
Our condition is such, as renders it [imatidably] nessary to act, promptly and immediately in avor of our men, Greate dissatisfaction now prevails throughout our Camp, And almost disobedience to law and order are being avowed, by both men and officers, f____ the fact of our having no supplies and no prospect for gitting any, and the long delay in being paid any money. Reports having come among us to the effect, that we are to receive no pay for services untill May Our p___y are reduced to such a state that horses cannot be had to drive up beef from the prairie, and our team from the whole train sufficient, to draw an empty wagon
Without any further assistance beyond my own views, I can only suggest two courses to pressure in relieving our immediate wants That is to furlough the men until Spring, Or allow each Commanding Officer to take his own company and go their own way, and provide for themselves, either will answer very well as a last resort; Col Watie is not here, and all patience has been exhausted in looking and waiting for him I shall await your Order and hop you will allow no delay in letting me hear from you, I am fearful, we have some officers who are taking advantage of our [present] condition, to create disturbance and disorganizing. The Regt for p_____ [purposes]
Your Obt Sevt
R C Parks Lt Col
Comg Che Posts


[page 71]


[Mark] Linsey Expressman to Genl Cooper - with the above letter
Skinnerhorn Bell, 2nd Sergt Co. V Capt B Alberty died at o________ Pox Camp on the Creek at our last encampment. Capt A was directed to superintend the burning. Sun shown out brightly and the Snow was greatly reduced. No news, waters high, all anxious for the Col return, every man hoping when he git back to received some advantages by his return. Our horses are looking bad, and reduced now to bone and sinew, knawing trees and picking twigs and brush from the trees - choped down for firewood, Small trees and tender bushes are peeled from the ground up, several feet up, now and then a pony die and some very good horses now and then die.
Capt Lynch, in the issue of beef you will exclude from your issues to soldiers The Shank bone and necks leaving them for any one wishing to use the same, aside from his soldiers rations

Wednesday Jan 21st 1863
Quietness and Sun shine [ruled] pleasantly our encampment to day, And as the gentle sun beamed down upon the disappearing snow. The boys hunkered down around their several fires, resting with apparent Contentment, and with a settled disposition until Col Watie comes in. The great hum and beefs of confusion have almost subsided, and its very seldom we hear even the mention of our pay - furlough, Bread or starvation made, Could Col Watie accomplish anything while gon, and return with some desided and effective plans for immediate action we will, very easily ware our time away Till Spring We came very near finding ourselves destitute of beef this evening. We sent out some of our best teams out for beef, and while drawing one of our empty wagons through a mud slough one of the best mules mired down and drowned upon the spot. One or two other teams were found dead in the bottom


[page 72]


Thursday Jan 22nd 1863
Clouds dark and threatening, hover low over our - Camps and rain was expected every hour, 8 O clock clear spot opens, and the sun shown beautifully, warm and pleasantly for about ten minutes when all was over, and a misty darkness prevailed I ordered a general move of our encampment to a point back upon our road of higher land and purer water than what we have here at present Each company was intrusted with the removal of their camp and garrison equipage, as our mules are reduced beyond our assistance.
Each mess of some companies, bundled their own tricks and march in single file for the ridge One, would have tents another pots - skillets and pans, each and every one having his saddle, Bridle and blanket swung over his back, in addition to his Camp Equipage, away they would go in fine Spirits, Closing up and [obliging] off in fine Stile, our wagon Master succeeded in starting some three or four team, whitch was mostly occupied in hauling out, Q M and Commissary effect, and such of the stock as could not ride. The roads being extremely bad muddy, boggy, through sloshing mud and water, Sloughs & cc.
I left the companies filing off with their Cavalry Equipage upon their shoulder and went in search of my [lame] poney. Tenting considerably Thinned Carcasses of devoured beeves and stock cattle generally were left strewn in [litter] confusion. Dead pony and mules were shucked here and there, among the large trunks of back logs left scattering through our encampment, where the camp fires were still burning and the low ditch in the mud shaped the precise [slope] of the tents Just left, smoking and showing upon the river line Somewhat dryed spots than that exposed to the weather
Here and there a pony would be lying helpless upon his side, rest his nose on the ground either in front or one side of his body unable further to support his own frame
In one case where I past a poor pony over against our Camp near the river, Standing with all four feet squarely set to brace his body, while his nose stood firmly placed against the ground in


[page 73]


of his head. I have no idea how long he had been in this condition nor how long he would remain as I left him, without seeing a muscle moved in his frame, And I have no doubt he stood in that position until he fell dead. At another place a small sorrel _______ had been trailing his carcass along a plain beaten trail upon the slick ice, and upon some miss step he had slid down with my foot to the fur Quarter of the [Windy], where he had died without even making even a struggle with his teeth clenched, and placed fast against the ground where life left him powerless and useless. I wound round for miles through the bottom and as far as I went, Such poney could be seen standing upon their last feet, and dead ones - fell upon at all points
Returned by way of Camps - My Tent had been moved to dry land, Several other were left upon the ground, till Tomorrow followed on, over hawls old L___ at the mush, half bent, with 2 sticks crippling a long, I give him up my Horse and walked in his place to our New encampment only 2 miles, past the main Slough upon poles and chunks placed along through the water for that purpose. One wagon was fast, two mules by it fast. One that our Chief Bugler was riding was fast, just behind the wagon, I past on as if nothing was wrong. found Col Watie in Camp, or at our camping place, All hands surround him for some good news, either in furloughs, pay, or bread I could not get very near him and was unable to hear what he said, but from the way in whitch men turned off and left the circle with rather an ashy look and long face I could read no furloughs, no pay, no bread.


[page 74]


1863 Friday Jan 23
Report came in to Camp of Some of our men going to a Chacktaw House near our Camp and robed the place of Several Sacks of Coin, and some what abused the land lady
I had each Company lead out upon the prairie to hear the Old Col Speake while I had Co C and Several Officers to search each and every tent for corn. At some of the nearest Camps we found several parts of Sacks, After we brought up the men claiming the same, We soon found the persons who were suspected, and no sooner were they brought before they began Telling upon each other until the whole story was Told by the parties Conserned, Some two or three Sergt and a Corporal or so was discovered among the guilty. Several of Co A - Co D - K were brought up and placed under guard & Courtmartial appointed for their Cases on Tomorrow morning Col Watie went out and Spoke to his men and let them know what he had saw, and what they may expect, At one Oclock Officer were all called to gather in round Tent Sentinels placed all around it, to keep off Straglers, while Col Watie related his story of what he saw, and don while out on his tour to Hed Qr. And in the course of his narative made mention of the big men he went to see, and what the big men would say & c. He spoke at some length, of our distitute condition, and the helpless Situation of the Country Generally advising the Officers and men to adhere at all times to Order and discipline and never use language of insubordination, and keep down all tumults of disaffection, and stand Sted fast and firm to the cause for whitch we have Sworn to uphold. He suggested Sending off all our poneys to Texas and have them fed [To] Send Scouts in to the Nation, Flint, Tahlequah and other district [Move] out all the destitute Citizens hawl the grain to Webbers Falls. Have the Services of the refugee Cherokees taken and to send a [message] to Hindman & H____ts for the purpose of Seeing after our [present supports] and releaf for our own releaf. All and every thing was willing agreed to, and not one word was said in way of Objections And every proposition was expected with out one word in return


[page 75]


Saturday Jan 24th 1863
We were busy all day in round tent, Courtmartialing 12 men of our Regiment Charged with Stealing Corn and mistreating a Choctaw Evidence plain and positive. Sentence to one months pay and ten days hard labor, 50 dol to be paid to the Choctaw for damages Considerable Stir in Camps, Received our pay rolls - Muster, from Genl Coopers Hed Qtrs. River falling and almost now fordable, Reports came into Camp of some Pins being cross the Arkansas river wish to make peace. And are wanting to come in Reports from Gen Hindman, of no interest. Many are being furloughed and left Camp for different pretences, others are [refused] it. I received from Col Watie last evening the remainder of my services due 700 dol I am owing some 300 of That and the remainer 400 I have to spend. Soldiers pay does not come for some time yet probably not before Spring Horses ordered up to be carried off to Texas.

Sunday Jan 25
We had a very rainy day, rained stiddy day and night Could not posably git out of Camps yet I tried to git Cross river, but failed from high water. We started 2 wagon for Pennyville for flour where Col Watie says we have engaged some 3 thousand lbs Boys are getting off very fast all wanting furloughs and passes from Camp.
Monday 26 Jan 1863
Cloudy and Some rain We lay close in Camps - Worked some upon our Old Company papers. Received Dispatch from Genl D H Cooper, Giving us news from a great Victory gained by the Confederates over the Federal at Vicksburg Sinking 14 gunboats, killing eight thousand men - and repulsing them. Also Holms and Genl Hindman defeating ______ below the Rock particulars are not yet learned He says he has forwarded flour to us that would be here in a very few days.


[page 76]


Tuesday 27 Jan /63
Col Watie Absent all day. I lay in Camp mostly working on Old Company [Afe] placed them all upon Pay Rolls, We having now nothing like bread and are giting very Ordinary beef, our salt ______ is getting very scarce, Only an issue for 2 or 3 more days - Wagons not yet heard from I rote again to my wife So many of our men leaving for all parts, and giting off upon their own time
Wednesday 28th /63
Our rolls were mostly completed and, Wm P Adair carried them down to Head Quarters Col Watie also went down to see about our Money Affairs and will be absent some four or five days He gave Order to Several Capts before he left. He came in to my tent and asked if I had any letters I wished to send to HQ Having none he requested that I should move Camp as soon as the Ground dries off so that wagons can be moved
All anxious ______ to see the flour wagon. Men are yet doing without bread, Hay clean [warm] and fine, River yet full but falling.

Thursday 29th Jan
Camps were luled to complete quietness with the full hope of the early arrival of our flour wagons[We] were all the day anxiously looking for them Our boys beg hard for leave of Absence All are desirous of Leaving Camp, and all [murmer of protest]
Friday 30
Nothing unusiul, all day Cop wood, build fires and cook beef is all we have nows a day to do.

Saturday 31st
We commenced moving our Camp to a point opposite our Camp across the Prairie on the Cooper road Had only three or four wagons to do all our moving with, and we could not all git over. One of the Wm Taylors came to me with a beautiful Story and all most crying for a hundred dollar bill he had lost among the Spike boys at the Grand Mothers Trick
I ordered Capt [Stuard] to have it ristored.


[page 77]


Wagons were going most of the day - Rained a little in the after noon. I sends to my wife a bundle of my old letters and within one I enclosed a short note and two 100 dollar bills as my first birth day gift to my little boy Sterling Price No William Heale of Co D on Furlough to Collin Co Texas in Company of Wm Jackson Co O, I did [intend] sending out by old man Schrimpsher who is here and going down soon, but he has so many irons in the fire, that its no telling whether he will go before Spring I gave my consent today to [Moses] Buzzard and Hugh of Co B to go on Scout to Cowskin for the purpose of Seeing what has be come of old Capt Buzzard who was left sick at home when we skedadled from there last Spring. Capt Johnson Thompson, you will furnish Adjt Anderson money sufficient to pay his expenses to Head Qrs and back as expressman
Adgt Anderson carries down our money report and Rolls to Head Qrs -
Capt Foreman moved his Company down Canadian for the purpose of crossing the Arkansas River below its mouth and Scout upon the eastern side by Order of Col Watie.
Feb 1863
(Sunday) Hd Qtrs 1st Che Regt
Feb 1st 1863
Genl D H Cooper
Sir I have Just heard from Dr Evans, who has been up as far as Tahlequah for the purpose of seeing his family, and if posable to move them down from that vicinity I in close to you his report as [near] as could be reported to me. And could it be posable for you to meet them on their next trip, I would be very glad. Could you have an outfit of 300 men to meet them in case they should come again I do believe you can very easily thrash them out Our horses and men are both low


[page 78]


and lean but would most willingly do all we could to forward such an enterprise. If you can send up the above forces, please let me know, And I will use every exertion to learn all we can about their movements before hand Nothing would please me more than make one successful effort. I am firmly of the opinion that I [could] with a half show, give Col Downing a complite [grubbing] and would be very glad to have an opportunity for trying it. Your Obt Servt
R C Parks Lt Col
1st Che Regt

Dr Evans Report
Left Gibson in the evening and arrived in the neighborhood of Tahlequah about dark near the edge of Town, heard a body of men in [front], coming out from Tahlequah on the Park Hill, he left the road a short distance and dismounted, and a body of about 300 men past, could hear them talking very plain, after they had past, he took the bush and traveled in the direction of Town. He was a fraid to travel the road, thinking Stragglers might be coming up behind. Was very [curious], and by being Slye and easy, gits to his family, he learn from them that Lt Col Louis Downing had been in the neighborhood for several days. He had a force of about 300 Pins, and had brought down a train of teams freighted with flour for the poor and distrest Pin families in that vicinity Col Downing had his Commissary Quarters over about Park Hill, and was distributing out his flour to the needy. He sold none, many Southern families were permitted to draw flower. He assured the people that in ten day he would be back with a fresh supplire. Straggling Pins were said to be numerous, and were very confident that the Southerners were already whipped and would never come back to trouble them again Col Downing gave them great assurance that in no more robing would be don, that it was now death by Genl Order for any Pin to rob every house or family


[page 79]


Capt Johnson Thompson, you will furnish Anderson Reynolds money sufficient to pay his expenses to Hd Qrs - and back with dispatch R C Parks Lt Col We did git off from Camp [Stuart] and gits in to Camp on the Cooper Road our incampment were dreadfully scattered no one being present to have their Camp in any order. We gits in to our Quarters late in the evening. Capt Sh____ from Maj Bryan Battalion came in from Gaines Creek. Saw our flour wagons on the opposite side of Gaines Creek - and it was Just passible and can be looked for with Some Sertainty on Tomorrow. Leut Boon gits in brings me letter from my wife Dated Dec 25th 1862. I receive from Capt [Vore] for services, 700.00
Sends to Clara by Haile, 200.00
And Sent Ben Laudram 20.00
And lend Billy Ricker 5.00 - - - 225.00 . .475.00

Monday Feb 2nd 1862
Our beef ran short last night, Had men and wagons Sent out to kill beef and hawl it in to our Camps. As our horses are reported to be unfit for that purpose I had some 30 men detailed and Started with 2 wagons early out upon the Cooper road to where Watt Grace has a large number of fine cattle. They were all foot and had about 7 miles to walk and were instructed to bring in 12 beaves and to have none wounded and left on the range Richard Martin gits in from Genl Coopers bearing extracts from dispatches from Hd Qtrs Little Rock to Genl Cooper. Reports Grant as [all ready] to renew attack on Vicksburg - Ark Post evacuated by the Feds who were said to be in Strong force on White River. Van Dorn gains Victory destroying millions of property. Marmaduke successful in ___ Capture of Yankee fleet at Galveston harbor by Genl Magruder
Wagons returns with one beef, reports cant kill any, truth was did not try.


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Tuesday Feb 3 1863
We are still hearing from our flour but does not come. Now we hear of two wagons loaded with flour for us. Col Watie still on the road to Hd Qrs.
Order
All Commanding Officers of the Rigt will cause immediately all tents of each Company to be moved in to one line, and in tolerable close Order, with the Capt Tent upon the right, all facing the South Officers and men will obey promply
R C Parks Lt Col
Comdg Che Regt
Camp Hindman
Canadian
Feb 3rd/63
We had a cow pen build our wagons git from Hd Qrs Three wagons with 5300 weight 300 lbs Sugar Letter from Genl Cooper to Col Watie, two from my wife Loned Huceles Martin $20.00 to bring out his wife & family from the Bayou who the Pins have just robed clean of all they possessed in this world Several new recruits came in after hearing of the flour being here. After bed time snow began to fall very heavy and the weather moderated considerable

Wednesday 4th
Heavy Snow all day, ground covered to the depth of 8 or 10 inches. Lt McCall with eight men came in from the neighborhood of Maysville. Reports a few Federal and Pin in and around Maysville. He reports all our bushwhakers from that vicinity
I lay all day in my Camp. Capt Lynch Sends out two wagons out for Hd Qrs for Clothing & flour. Col Watie is due this day but for the inclemency of the weather he did not travel this day. Lt McCall had been taken and peroled by a Federal force Scouting out the country as far down as Vann Buren Where they remained from Saturday [eavning] until Monday morning.


[page 81]


Thursday Feb 5th
Col Watie gits in from Genl Coopers, Reports the new appointments for a new Cherokee Regt. William P Adair Col Joal M Bryan Lt Col, Jas M Bell Major, Joel Mayes A G M , R F Martin C.S.&ce
all cut and dried for Bell & Adair partie. Wm Penn a good clever lawyer and an excellent judge of good whiskey to whom the loss of our old trains were attributed. Joal M Bryan, a grand Speculator and a very [favorable] clerk to his own interest, and a man who has command of a battalion for the last eight months, during whitch time the last man from the Cherokee Nation made application for transfer from his Battalion Jas M Bell the Capt of one year pay and 3 weeks Service, one whose men never knew him, only by Character, now a private in Co G and has been in Texas for the last 3 months who ran for Lt Col of Waties Regt and was beaten by 200 votes he only giting 131, Parks 341-131 = 210 Brown 42, after employing all manner of low pitiful, lies and abuses that none but the very basest minds would indulge in, to effect a selfish nature. He governed well while out of Service for the purpose of accomplishing his election to office The Cherokee Regt so composed is to be S_____ the Second, and as the Col tells, subject to his command and kept with the old one
Friday 6th Feb 1863
Weather warm and bright Snow melted fast We lay in Camp paid J Thompson money borrowed $100.00
Brice Bean money borrowed 60.00
Jno Scrimpsher, 50.00
Jno Wilson 25.00, 235.00
Tom Rogers came in with his family his mother has Several Small Children one very small and sick of T___s. Col Watie gives me permission to go down and see my wife I promise him to be back in two week


[page 82]


Saturday Feb 7th
Myself and John Schimpshir got off very late as he had to make several horse trades on hand before he could git off. Followed the Cooper road leading to Perryville. Hills sides were peeping through the melting Snow. A greate part of the road was very rugh, mud, snow and ice, we rode stedy all day giting only about 25 miles. In the after noon it was very warm and pleasant. The farther south we got the less snow was visible. The warm after noon sun had melted it down very fast. We encamped upon a nice little elevation under the South side of a hill, over hanging a prairie running South. Jno and my self dismounts, unsaddles, packs wood and starts us a good fire, where we encampt for the night, hobbling our horses and feeding on a small quantity of Corn.
Sunday Feb 8th
Remained in Camps until we had put our breakfast off, and fed our horses some, gits to Gains Creek about [1 O clock] the slough looked muddy and sullen but from it being so very narrow, I had no idea it was over saddle seat deep. I rode in. The first step my pony was over his back and the next lick was something over waist deep to my self and but a very small portion of my ponys head sticking out. My papers were hung upon the horn of my saddle, the straps being pretty long I could by holding them swung up keep them dry. Jno came over after me, not until he had stripped off and had his clothing about his neck, Gains Creek, we found pretty full. I had no idea venturing in to it at the main ford. Went up the river some half mile found a new ford, that appeared to be shallow enough but run awful Swift We were upon a a stand for some length of time, and had near come to the conclusion of camping, when I braved up and determined to make one effort, It ran over my pony but did not swim. Jno stripped and came again, made the ripple in safety and We soon _____ched our clothe and was upon the road again. Capt Jno Martin & command was upon the bank, Stopped only a few [minutes] at Hd Qrs. I fought some F____s


[page 83]


and we lead out again Genl Cooper was not at home, had gone down to Ft Smith to see Genl Steele. We well in with some three others going on road, Sgt Martin of our Regt was along encampt 3 miles north of Perryville.
Monday 9th
Breakfast at Perryville, wind rise high, past gap bout 12 let footman have my horse to ride, rode late, got to McKinius making some 38 miles, here we git oats for feed.
Tuesday 10th
Paid our bill, 3 00 each, stopped short while in Boggy. Priced a few articles and left again, five combs were 5.00 and other small articles in proportion, After a good hard ride we gits to Jonathan Nails place on blue where we took lodging.
Wednesday 11th
Bill 4 00 each. I git to Riders moderately early finds all very well. Clara and Child were glad to see me. John and Martin remained till after dinner, before leaving for Bonham & Texas
Thursday 12th
Lodgers and travelers appear as plentiful here at 4 00 per night as in old times at 50 cts. I remained all day in and about the place.
Friday 13th Quite a number of wagons were passing. Major Vore & Johnson Vann were the only ones here save the family. Martin Scrimpsher & Cal Miller came in from camps
Saturday 14th Borrows Mr. Robinsons Carriage and starts with my family to Texas where I wish boarding Clara & her child during the Summer Called and remained over night with Mrs. Fowler. Mr. Fowler had gone over to Bonham.
Sunday 15th We made Bonham where we called upon our friends the [Sam Fish] family and remained over night


[page 84]


Monday 16th
Left Bonham for Parris, raining. Bodark bottom very bad, I stalled completely Three miles east of Bodark we were compelled to walk and lead out Clara carrying her child through the rain and mud ever shoe much deep, by leaving our carriage we made the next house being well about one half mile from where we left our carriage 4 miles out from Town. Here with Mr. Brotherly we took our dinner and remained The balance of the day it raining slightly all evening.
Tuesday 17th I left Clara and Price at Mr Brotherlies and rode my mule down to Henry Goose 16 miles to try for hand there Col Stevens father met with us at Brotherlies and advised me to do so. I roade over in a tolerable heavy shower of rain, Called on Mr Coldwell at the west end of Town. I remained all night with him, he git around taking my wife in, by living upon the road, but he Showed me very greate kindness in showing me around and trying at every place where [such] might have been had.
Wednesday 18th
Return by the same rout to Mr Brotherlies where I remains all night My little fellow were much glader to see me than I expect
Thursday 19th
Harnessed up and and we tried the road again Took main road to Henry Goose. Mud awful almost out of the question Hard dragging with much whipping to git to Henry Goose Mr Coldwell was not at home.
Friday 20th
Found road very bad heavy [drizzling], we took the naked Prairie after leaving Henry Gooses for several miles called at Mr. Wammacks for nights lodging, he had no forage, Sends us cross the lane a few hundred yards to Mr Burks where we found intertainment.


[page 85]


Saturday 21st
Neither Mr Burke or Mr Wammack would accommodate my wife to board for any money. Mr R S Pierce came in a very old Gentleman who lived a short distance of in the Country who greed I could leave my wife and child with him. After hearing I would be willing give 25.00$ per month for her board I concluded to drive bye and see how he was fixt at any rate before going further. Found very young lady (his wife) The old Gentleman was on his way to Parris when I saw him. He live in a very awkward flat long house only divided with a [pition] through the middle, 2 beds and a [loom] in the back room and one bed in the first room. Had only one fireplace complete, and the way for the second was marked, but closed by plank. Several nigros were standing about the place. It is situated in the Prairie, in timber near, Clara liked the place, as there was no children about and as it was a very private place, and no ways crowded She thought she would like the family well enough to remain, I unloaded her effects and went up to Parris 7 miles returned in the evening find Clara very well pleased with her new acquaintance.
Sunday 22nd
I took leave of all - Clara & Price for Camps again in Canadian I promised them that I would go by Dr. Webbers and send him over to see Price, respecting a bad breaking over the body, whitch appears growing rather serious, Dr Webber not being at home, I had no idea of leaving without it having attended to return again Mrs. Pierce assures me she would send to Parris if it were necessary for a Physician, so I left again


[page 86]


I drove, hard though on a very good road and gits back to Mr. Caldwells where I remain the night
Monday 23rd
Left Caldwells and aimed to go by [way] of mouth of [Iland Bayou] Bodark was up, was compelled to change direction and cross Muddy bridge near Bonham Called again on Mr Brotherlie for the night the little children came running out hollering here is the man who has the little boy Price.
Tuesday 24th
M___ Jno Scrimpshire & Col [Hanks] going to Parris for clothing I [said] they could get no clothing in Parris They turned back. Stopped only a very short time in Bonham, Crost river and stopped with Mr. Fowler again having bought corn for the night of Dr. Reed before crossing the river Meets Tim & Alex Rider at Fowlers Old man had come down to see Alex out with a load of corn from Dr. Reeds
Wednesday 25th
Rained very hard in the morning, after whitch we came up to carriage point very well found all wild and busy Creating noise
Thursday 26th
Feeling unwell I lay up had my mule shod & taken at night some medicines
Friday 27th
Leaves Carriage Point gits to [Boggy] Call on Lila Harlin for the night.
Saturday 28th
Passes through Boggy again, gits as far as my road back as Mr McKinneys where I called for the night
March 1863
Sunday 1st Day March
Left McKinneys and by hard riding makes it to Tom Johnsons Perryville


[page 87]


Monday 2nd March
Leave early by way Head Quarter, Called only a very short time, drew corn and left in the Skullyville road This days ride is very hard road late, gits to Chegee Kings making in the days ride 40 miles.
Tuesday March 3rd
Left early, mule considerably [faged] rode hard all day and till dark a gain giting [note] to Skullyville 40 Miles again Finds Major Vore in Col Walkers office working upon our pay rolls.
Wednesday 4th March
Gits down to Camp by 10 O clock 4 miles below Gaines place finds our Regt Scattered considerably
Capt Foreman, Holt, Spears and parts of many other Company were yet in the Vicinity of Webbers Fall and the Canadian Capt Frye was at Ft [Coffee] with many of our men. Col Wm Pen Adair was in command at the encampment Steele.
Thursday March 5th 1863
Col Adair returned to Hd Qtrs, I found we had a new Sergeant Major, Mr Blackstone from Sterling Price army Corp the Mississippi river He had our boys hard at work all the day cutting, loading and burning cane.

Friday March 6 1863
Our Camps were all moved from their Scattered mess into Close Order and in regular State. Major Vore and Capt Robertson came in from Skullyville to pay off our Rigt up to the 30th of Sept 1862.

Saturday 7th March
Payment begins Co A & B was paid off Considerable trouble exist from the men being so very badly Scattered Many not being at the proper place at the right time.


[page 88]


Sunday March 8th 1863
Payments were continued all the Sabath Men were playing cards all over Camp and Whisky came in abundance Considerable confusion was kept up all the afternoon.

Monday March 9
Was greate noise in Camps last night and a great deal drinking and curowsing over in the Col Adairs Camps. I was privately told by a Commissioned Officer that means could be taken by a little [pay] to ketch the men who were bring whiskey in to our encampment and that one of the party was a Citizen dead head, in our camps, and that the other was an Officer of rank and Standing. A fight was gotten up in our Camps and a gaim of cards by two of the Soldiers of the 2nd Cherokees where upon I ordered out the Camp Guards and had gambling Supprest with in our Camp
Tuesday March 10th
Charges were preferred against three or four diffirent Individuals for bring in and Selling whisky through our camps I did not think the charges sufficient force to convict them and let the matter lay one was a soldier in Capt Adairs Co (Dick Timberfly) 2nd Che Regt, and two were citizen refugees in our camps and one was a citizen refugee living in the country near by. I had men spying out for the parties, Capt P G Lynch A.C.D. informed me in the presence of Capt E J Howland, That Capt Richard Martin and one Bill Sanders were selling whisky in and around our camps, and that he Lynch saw them divide the proceeds of one mighty sale, at an hour near mid night, but he wanted I should not leave his name in the affair as he and Richard were great friends &c


[page 89]


Wednesday March 11th 1863
All men Subject to Military duties are hereby notified, that they must either be sworn in to Confederate Service or quit this Camp forth with Officers commanding companies will be held responcible and punished for disobedience if they suffer such persons to stay with their Companies, And under no circumstance whatever can ration or forage be issued to such men Captains or officers Commanding Companies will cause reports to the Adjutant this day at 12 O clock to what extent this order can become out within their companies and the AGM will do the same in regard to men, not in his supply.
Camp Steele March 11th by R C Parks Lt Col
1st Che Rigt
F T Anderson
Adj
Many soldiers were paid off to day and some half dozen were swore into the [several] companys, Such as chose other wise, crost the way and settled in Col Adairs Regt - for rations & forage while whisky selling to our soldiers.
Capt Johnson Thompson 1st Che Regt, You will proceede to distribute the clothing got prior to the formation of the 2nd Cherokee Regt according to the rules and orders governing such distributions
R C Parks Lt Col
Comdg 1st Che Regt
Camp Steele
Genl
D H Cooper Orders to Major Vore, AJM Ind Brg and to distribute to the most needy and such as had been longest in the Service with the less chance for receiving such


[page 90]


Thursday 12th March
Capt J Thompson A.G.M. Came to me for a written order in regard to the distribution of the clothing, That Capt Joel Mayes [acquired] 2nd was awaiting for the portion coming to the 5 Companys. Capt Thompson Shows me an order from Col Pen Adair direct to him, regardless of prior distribution and Genl Coopers orders respecting the distribution of such small lots of clothing
Capt Thompson then went and represented the case to Major Vore AGM Ind Brg, who ordered the clothing distributed according to Genl D H Coopers instructions to him The most needy among the old company should have them, and not to allow them divided by ___ 1/3 or 2/3 rule whitch was complied with by Capt Thompson.
Recieves Note from Col Wm P Adair informing me of Col Stand Waties having left him in Command and that he held it by Seniority and by appointment from him also. He did not wish to be contrary, but would like to be permitted to do his duty, as it may be required of him by legal authority. I would therefore like to know whether you consider yourself and the 1st Cherokee Regt subject to my orders.
Signed W P Adair Col
Comdg & ce

I looked and Studies for some place where I had disputed his superior command or violated his authority but could find none. Therefore I did not reply to him.
Capt J Thompson AGM came to me with a note from Col Wm P. Adair Stating to the Capt his appointment to the Command of the 1st & 2nd


[page 91]


Che Regt. and wanted to d_____y no so that Col Stand Watie might understand wheather he, Thompson considered himself subject to my orders issued by him or not Signed Wm Parks Col 2nd Che Regt
I hardly know what to say now and felt myself considerably [persuaded] to know what a Commanding Cols duty was and how low down in to regimental affairs a Commander of Rigiments might wish to [differ] I feel disposed in this case to try and see, Men came to me for passes - I refered them to Col Adair. They came back and showed me their passes, in this I thought I could stock the gaine on him
Friday Mar 13th
One or two men came to me before I had gotten up for passes I sends them over also. return with passes After breakfast they begin to crowd him he refuses passes and sends them back, with a short note, assure us that he give no passes and did not wish to interfere with my immediate Command
Signed Wm P Adair Col & ce
12 O clock P.M. Dispatch,
from Col Wm P Adair defining [material] lines. He has no right to interfere with my immediate Command of the 1st Cherokee Regt (and says) You have the right to govern your subordinate officers and men, and I can only give orders to you as Commanding 1st Che Regt He does not wish to be contrary and wishes to usurp no illegitimate power and has no desire to [anger] me, but will if I desire refer this matter to Genl Steele, and ask me to write asking Genl Steeles decision on this matter, he proposes cheerfully to sign it with me, and goes on telling me all a bout giving passes, Signing ____  


[page 92]


Ration Requisition & c In fact as if I had been doing here to fore in the 1st Che Regt and to please let him hear from me upon the subject, to distinctly under stand that he did not wish to interfere with the immediate Comdg of the 1st Che Regt
Signed Very respectfully
Your Obdt Servt
Wm P Adair Col 2nd
Che Regt & Comdg 1st & 2nd
Che Regts

Well! Refer the matter to Genl Steele What have I done to refer to Genl Steel What have I been doin outside the immediate Command of the 1st Che Regt that creates matter to refer to Genl Steele I must let him hear from me immediately upon the subject, What shall I say, Something he wishes to hear

Col Adair
Sir I wish to assure no further Command until Col Watie returns
Signed R C Parks Lt Col
1st Che Regt
Saturday Morning 14th March
Adjudant - gives me a pass - allowing me to pass & repass to Ft Smith
Signed J F Thompson
Major Comdg
1st Che Regt
Approved
Wm P Adair
Col 2nd Comdg
1st & 2nd Che Regt
Men all laugh at me and my pass - I have been easily check matted and the grasping desire to [rile] me was too plainly Shown and Approved of by the Col 2nd & Comdg 1st & 2nd Che Regt
Gits letter from Genl Steele after examining the Original notes, finding the [legalese] of Col Adairs Comdg of the 2nd Che Regt & 1st and 2nd Che Regt whitch no service had been disputing but him self. The letter was just as I expect and all I wished to do was to


[page 93]


Order. He may have issued orders to the men, Wagon Master & c I was aware of his issuing Orders to AGM 1st Che Regt, to do something contrary to Brg Genl D H Coopers orders - whitch I am told was not complied with
Col Wm P Adair will lay before you his complaints and let you know what the subject and matter is that he insist I shall bring before you
I enclosed his communications to you by Adjt Anderson so you might See that the Subject and Matter were all upon one side. I wish to assume no further Command, at the time for two reasons. One was to see how far Col Adair would go with me and the other I do not now wish to mention here.
Col Adair
Sir you will inclose to Genl Steele, all charges and complaints against me respecting your Comdg & my disobedience
Otherwise the rongs and injuries complained of are yet made justified.
Your Obt Sevt
R C Parks
1st Che Regt
Tuesday March 17th 1863
I enclosed the abov letter over to Genl Steele, and sent it over to Col Adair he returns a very nice reply, winding up though with every [brush] of an out break of fresh hostilities, he does not speak of exchanging hot lead but his meaning expresses as much
Major Joe Thompson, collect all the men with Serviceable horses and moves down near Ft Smith, to operate under Genl Steeles orders.
Adjt & Sergt Major both gon to Town Sends letter to Tom Rider inclosing 113, one hundred and thirteen dollars to AMK being due him on his services. Collected of J Bryant 20 dollars for AMK


[page 94]


Sends also by Dr. Fisk Thirty dollars to by Copper for me in Texas
Wednesday 18th
Adjt Anderson gits in from Fr. Smith, Dilivers verbal mesage from Genl Steele to Lt col R C Parks -
He thought Col Adair had acted towards Col Parks with the greatest of kindness, and it seams Lt Col Parks was trying to pick a quarrel with Col Adair, that he could not well understand, that it was the duty of Lt Col Parks to obey the orders of Col Adair
that Lt Col Parks letter Showed a Spirit of insubordination and that he wanted the matter, exceded and nothin gmore said about it
I, M C Frye, Capt Co I, 1st Che Regt heard that F anderson diliver to Lt Col Parks a verbal mesage from Genl Steele to Lt Col Parks
Signed M C Frye Capt
(Co I) 1st Che Regt
I Cirtify to my hearing about the same mesage given Adjt Anderson and I heard Adjt Anderson diliver the same to R C Parks
Signed Wm. L. Holt

Col Stand Watie
Dear Sir, I find it a matter of impossibility for me to continue my services in the Regt. I can live in no peace, while trying to fulfill the offices to whitch I was elected _____ with the rigt. I have no desire to _______ my life and time a way ____ing and working against or under r________ of [every ______ prejudice] men desirious of Officer and Officers seaking promotion I claim no higher motive than the well fair of our course, and the future event of power & greatness [among] the Southern the Southern Cherokees I can do fair more Towards That


[page 95]


end and my own happiness. I by taking up a musket and giving in to rank, where [everyone] seeks no advantage feeling so I hope you will favor me all you can to accomplish that end
Truly Your Obt Sevt
R C Parks
This makes the third day since our men has had one month full of beef or meat; Capt Lynch A C 1st Che Regt, having spent Two or Three days in Town drunk and now two days in Camps drunk or otherwise unable to attend business, yesterday and Today he has either confined him self to his own tent sick or that of the Doctors

Thursday March 19th
Prisoner reported brot in from Dutch Mills A partie of some 60 Confederates attacked what f___ State Militia & Pins at that point capturing 17[8] with all their effort
Some are said to be disirter from Col J___ Drews old Rigt Found T J Parks five hundred dollar, Taking his [receipt] for the same T J P gos out on [Ports] Sends me my Duplicates and some of his own
Capt Thompson brings Lt Boons watch from Shop. I had got it out of repair, with both hands. I had it repaired, was charged 30$ -

Friday March 20th
Drew of the proceedings of the eight-ninth-tenth eleventh and 12-13-14 from this book and sends it to Genl D H Cooper. Together with my insubordinate letter to Genl Steele and his replye, and a copy of my letter to Col Stand Watie
I written also to Genl Cooper respecting claims held against diserter & other who have deserted and went over to the Federals


[page 96]


Order
Officers Commanding Companies will cause no passes to be issued to their men until after morning drill The morning drill will commence at 8 O clock and close at 10 O clock. R C Parks Lt Col
Lt Snoddy Co. K. was sent out to watch three horses that Sergt Ebee had found tied out in the cane. Lt Snoddy and two others were laying by the horses under Arms. Soon after dark two men came riding up and was haulted. The parties turned to run when Lt Snoddy & co fired into them some four shots, The parties made good their escape after dropping a sack of clothing. Col Adair took possession of the horses and claimed that he would try and see who the men were
Capt Buford Alberty think that he pretty well knows the parties who stole the horses and had them hid out. He knew of men leaving the 2nd Che Rigt Just time anough to have got when the report of guns was heard in the direction of where the horses were
Hd Qrs 1sr Che Regt
Camp ____
Brig Genl D H Cooper
Dear Sir [Thos] J Parks is now here and raising a company for the Service and if I can be released here of my position here in Time I wish to go in That Company and would be glad to have it arranged so by your Order as not to be connected with nor be under their Cherokee Rigts but wish to be permitted to act and run [go] independent, and move upon the Emergencies of Circumstances, I can do far more execution with 50 men in the mountains of the Cherokee Nation than our Two Rigts will under their present arrangement I made application to Cols Watie and Adair before leaving Canadian for 2 Co from each Regt and such as could not mount themselves that I would assist in mount them and remaining in the neighborhood of Tahlequah and Spring Creek where we could forage and supply ourselves Now arrangement has been made with Genl Steele, and the serviceable horses have been put under Major Joe Thompson and have been Scouting out the County South of Ark river and the sugar loaf.


[page 97]


A Regimental Court Martial are hereby Ordered to Convene at the Round Tent Wednesday Morning 10 O clock for the Trial of sertain members of Co H. Charged with robbing the house of Widdow Fencer, Citizen Che Nation, and Carrying off the meat of two hogs - one beef, 2 gallons of soap & 2 gallons Lard, And such others as may be brought before the court
Detail
Jas Stuart Capt Co K
Dolphus Daniels Lt Co C
Leut Major Co G
Leut W H Turner Judge Advocate
No other Officers will be permitted to assemble R C Parks Lt Col
1st Che Regt
Major Joe Thompson gits in from Scout towards Sugar Loaf mountain Report charging upon one house where some three or persons were - who was supposed to be Union men, They were fired in to them, taking two prisoners, and shooting one very bad that is reported by the men. The Scouts finds a Camp one tent where some four or five persons Old woman give the [Mo] Indians the devil [Yells] You are nice Indians, nice camp bring down the [Choctaws] to kill and butcher up White men Send out Indians to [govern] & ________ Citizens of Ark.
Your patrols too are men who have left our boys a short while ago right on these hills They fell out with some our boys and left over by Camp and are now leading the Indians down upon us. Your father before you was a grand thief who stole horses and counterfited money, and has received one hundred lashes on his bare back.


[page 98]


Wednesday March 25th 1863
I felt very unwell continue with bad cough [Tommy] Denton of Capt Hugh Turners Co was the man shot yesterday down on Sugar Loaf mountain fight
Mrs Salome Speegles came up from toward Sugar Loaf Where some of our men had lately been Jayhawking and had got her mare and her son inlaws Clothing She described everything so well that there must be no mistake but the thing claimed was hers She promises being back this day week
Thursday 26th March 1863
My cough so very bad that I lay in Camp all the day. Jeff returns from up Port Several more prisoners were brought in from the direction of Sugar Loafe
Friday 27- March 1863
Thanks given day, we made no show of fasting in our Camps. No news of any importance 2 boats were moved to the bank for Webbers Falls loaded with Corn River up, best news all around.
(Private)
Mrs Speegles and her son inlaw are under the impression, That they would recognize the men who entered her house and robed her trunk on the night of the 19th [Inst] Mrs Speigal & H C Thomas will be in Ft Smith on Thursday eavning next 2nd April and should the Genl wish the matter, he could make no better begaining than [call] be fore her one Henry Hen_____, John Delaware and one Burke all of the 2nd Che Regt, and I am told of Capt Shannon Company R C Parks
______ ____
Saturday 28th March 1863
I was very sick all day Kept my bed, bad taste in mouth with Sick Stomach
Sunday 29th March 1863
Still Confined did not git up only as necessity compelled me to
Monday 30th March
Received letter from Clara also one from J W Wells, [a aged] Genl Cooper
Confined all day


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Tuesday 31st March
Feels better - up some and ate a small supply sufficient to cause me mutch better feelings
Jeff came in to see me.