"I have hopes now that I may be able, substantially, to crush and end the rebellion in the Indian Nation. I am adopting stern measures. The rebels have hitherto only trifled with propositions of peace. When next made, I have no doubt they will embrace them heartily."

"I write you, not that I have any interest in appealing to you, neither because I admire your courage, which I recognize even among the disaster of your late defeat; nor do I refer to your humiliation in the late engagement to taunt you with what your personal bravery could not prevent. I write you because you are the recognized head of a part of the Seminole Nation, and in behalf of those who trust you I appeal to one whom I do not believe is dead to a just sentiment. I suppose you know the responsibility of power. I do not think you desire to see your people utterly ruined. I believe you do not wish the little remnant of their children to curse the day when you were their head. I think you and they know that neither you nor the rebels can  p135 overthrow the Government of the United States. I think you ought to know that so causeless a war to overthrow so good a Government is very wicked. I feel you have had no cause to rebel against the Government. Let me ask you, do you not see the end coming, and are you anxious to see your people destroyed in the ruins? Why let those demagogue rebels, who rose in arms against the Government deceive you? Do you wish to see the Seminoles perish to cover . . . and hide their crimes?

"The President of the United States has once more offered mercy, pardon, and peace. I strike hard, but not because the Government is cruel, but because everything must be destroyed that stands in the way of the glorious American Republic. For your people, then, I tell you to think of these things. The offer is honest; it is liberal, because the Republic is great enough to be generous. If you accept it soon, you may be preserved; if you do not, you and your people will be blotted out in blood. If you want peace, let me know. From your friend and the friend of the Seminoles."

"I have received and read with much interest your communication of the 24th of November, 1863 . . . your request, as well as your complaints, have received my earnest consideration  p136 . . . the policy of constituting the territory of the Six Nations a separate military department, outside of the control of the commanding general of the department west of the Mississippi, has been thoroughly considered and discussed by the Executive Department here with your delegates elect.

". . . I have caused the Indian territory to be designated as a separate military district, and the Indian troops to be placed under the immediate command of General Cooper — the officer of your choice. It was thought manifestly better for the interest of all concerned that your Territory should be constituted a separate military district rather than a department so that the commanding general of the Trans-Mississippi Department may be responsible for the defense and protection of your district . . . and will feel it his duty to aid and protect you with all the promptitude and efficiency that unity in the whole force will confer. This view has been presented to your delegates, and I hope, when fully explained, will meet with your approval.

". . . As there are not yet a sufficient number of Indian troops to constitute a division, a major-general cannot now be properly appointed; but as soon as there are three . . . brigades, I propose to appoint a major-general to command them . . . I earnestly urge upon you the policy of making the requisite number of Indian troops as rapidly as possible . . . Arrangements have been made with Major Le Flore to have a certain number of arms delivered to the west side of the Mississippi for the Indians and General Smith has been instructed to give every facility for their transportation.

"Your last resolution which instructs your delegates to assure the Confederate States of the unshaken loyalty of the Six Nations represented in the Grand Council . . . is highly creditable to them, is what I expected from them, and claims my grateful recognition. The soldiers and peoples of the Six Nations in treaty and amity with us are regarded by this Government with the same tender care and solitudeº as are the soldiers and people of all the Confederate States . . ."

"The Indians in this district are eminently faithful and zealous, and with good arms in their hands would be . . . able to protect themselves from all attack not more formidable than  p137 those which have hitherto assailed them . . . The necessity is immediate and imperative. Obtain arms for them, general, and their now gloomy face will grow bright, and their cheerful voices will again soon ring around their now deserted homes."

"I have the honor to report the condition of guns in the First Brigade, Indian Forces, commanded by Col. Stand Watie, and also a portion of arms of the Second Brigade, Indian Forces, commanded by Colonel Walker and Lieutenant Colonel Wells' battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Wells. In each of these commands the appearance of the arms was very discouraging. The arms of the First Brigade were rather better than those of the latter commands. A few Enfield rifles were seen, with a few, very few Mississippi rifles in the line; the remainder were composed of double-barrel guns, Texas rifles, sporting rifles, etc. This is a very fine body of troops . . . What valuable guns they have, have been taken from the enemy, but a great many men are without arms entirely and are nothing more than camp followers. The First Choctaw Regiment of the Second Brigade are armed with an assortment of guns, more of the Texas rifles than any other class of arms . . . and I would call your of attention especially to this arm. A regiment armed complete with these guns are armed but badly. These guns are nothing more than a cheat, badly put together and very unreliable, being liable, a great number, to burst. The remainder in the regiment were sporting rifles, which with a few exceptions, were badly wanting repair, double-barrel shotguns and a very few muskets. Lieutenant Colonel Wells' battalion were armed with Texas rifles, double-barrel guns, and a very few muskets with very few exceptions. Insect see a gun that was entirely serviceable."

 p138  "All supplies [for Watie] were drawn from Texas, from Bonham, about 140 miles, by ox and mule trains. Rations were short; about half in everything but beef, of which there were full rations. No supplies of importance are with the army . . . Stock is in poor condition. There has been no rain in Texas, except in the border counties, since winter, and there will be no corn or grain raised in Texas of any account south of the border counties. Corn and grain is very scarce throughout the State. His command [Watie's] is without discipline or order [a statement without foundation] and all the troops are clothed [false]. All are armed and seem to have plenty of ammunition [if that was true, and it wasn't, the main source would have been the Yankees]."

". . . The rebel troops in the Indian Territory are nearly all mounted. They appear to be in a very good state of discipline and are well armed [not by Union standards] with infantry muskets. They depend on subsistence upon fresh beef found in the country, with corn meal and flour. Their clothing is very poor and insufficient in quantity."

". . . Let me urge you, General, to stir up the clothing men on that question for this district . . . The command has been actively employed in the field ever since it started to Arkansas, 5th of April last, and is literally ragged and barefoot . . . I am uneasy about this thing . . . I think my arrangements for shoes will probably do . . . shirts, drawers, socks and pants are necessary for decency . . . Blankets are very scarce in this district. I hope provision will be made."

". . . We marched 300 miles last month, and none of us can see what this eternal movement is for. This is what is called strategy by some. We have evidently, a military genius in this Department. Old Kirby has a little too much on his hands, taking care of three states (even with the assistance of his immense staff) and at the same time watching over a bran new wife and going to pic-nics and blueberry and crawfish parties. General Taylor is a very quiet, unassuming little fellow, but noisy on retreats, with a tendency to cuss mules and wagons which stall in the road."

"Long will the accursed race remember the great river of Texas and Louisiana. The characteristic hue of his turbid waters has a darker tinge from the liberal admixture of Yankee blood . . .

"Like generous hounds with the game in view, you have known neither hunger nor fatigue, and the hoarse cannon and the ringing rifle have replaced in this stern chase the sonorous horn and joyous hallo. Whether charging on foot, shoulder to shoulder with our noble infantry, or hurling your squadrons on  p140 the masses of the foe, or hanging on his flying column with more than the tenacity of the Cossack, you have been admirable in all. Conquer your own vices and you can conquer the world . . .

"Soldiers! these are great and noble deeds, and they will live in chronicle and song as long as the Southern race exists to honor the earth . . ."

". . . In my opinion, no effort should be spared to hold this country. Its loss would work a more permanent injury than the loss of any State in the Confederacy.

"States can be recovered — the Indian Territory, once gone, never. Whites, when exiled by a cruel foe, find friends amongst their race. Indians have nowhere to go. Let the enemy once occupy the country to Red River and the Indians give way to despair. I doubt whether many of the highest officials in our Government have ever closely studied this subject. It is a great barrier to the empire State of the South from her foe, now and in peace. Let Federalism reach the Red River, the effects will  p141 not stop there. The doctrine of uti possidetis may yet play an important part.

"I believe, from what I heard, that Mr. Davis has a fair knowledge of the subject, and I think from conversations with General Smith that he has, but his whole time, being occupied with his immense department — and empire — I trust he will pardon me when I say that no effort of commissaries, quartermasters, or anybody else should be spared to hold this country, and I regret it has not fallen into abler hands than mine."

"He must quietly direct general operations from the centre, being himself almost unseen and unknown to the soldiers and citizens. Briareus-like he must from his position, reach forth a hundred arms in all directions, and strike with each. Hercules-like, he must fight a many-headed Hydra, one of those heads being lopped, two grow in its place . . . He must see at once the Rio Grande and the Missouri — the Indian Nation, and Balize — the Mississippi and the Coast, and (sometimes weakening himself at one point) act in all, as may best subserve, the interest of the whole . . ."

"The Congress of the Confederate States having appointed April 8 as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, military exercises will be suspended and a strict observance of the day is enjoined upon all troops serving in this deportment. On the eve of a campaign in which our resources will be taxed to the utmost, and upon which the destiny of our people will depend, we should humble ourselves before the Lord of Hosts, who giveth not the battle to the strong, but upholdeth the cause of the just. The lieutenant-general, commanding, therefore feels it his duty to invite the people of this department to join with the troops in invoking the blessings of peace and security upon our beloved country."

"Three thousand men, women, and children walked ahead and behind the wagons in a procession six miles long. Two thousand old people, mothers, and babies rode in the wagons with bedding, coops of chickens and ducks, and at least five hundred puppies. Around the wagons and running along with the footmen trotted some three thousand grown dogs . . . Behind the procession came a private ox-drawn train of three hundred more wagons with supplies for McDonald and Fuller, sutlers at Fort Gibson. From their perches on duffel in the wagons the travelers watched the sky line for guerrillas. . . . The prospect of danger upset the travelers' nerves. Stand Watie and Quantrill were said to be waiting for them just below the horizon."

"I have the honor herewith to enclose instructions from the chief quartermaster's office at Fort [Smith] to Lieutenant Huston, Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry in regard to the freight of the Williams dated 14th instant; also the same to Col. W. A. Phillips, U. S. Army, commanding at Fort Gibson . . . the above papers, with some few prisoners, including Lieutenant Huston, were also captured by Colonel Watie. I am glad that the Colonel has so early given evidence of the correctness of my recommendation to him for promotion."

"That night after we had all gone into camp, General Watie, who was small of stature, had wrapped himself in a long Union military coat, for the night was chilly. He was sitting near the edge of his tent in his customary attitude of deep meditation. The interior was in semi-darkness, and one of the soldiers passing by and peeking in saw the outline of the coat, but not the occupant. He hastily gripped the corner of the garment, thinking to make use of the same, when General Watie astonished him by saying, "Hold on. There is a MAN in this coat!"

"Whereas the final issue of the present struggle between the North and the South involves the destiny of the Indian Territory alike with that of the Confederate States; therefore,

"Resolved, that we the Cherokee Troops, C. S. A., do unanimously re-enlist as soldiers for the war, be it long or short."

"The earnest attention of the people of the Indian Territory is called to the action of the Cherokee troops in re-enlisting for the war.

"By the fortunes of war, the Cherokees are for the time being exiles. Their beauti­ful land is in the hands of a cruel and relentless foes. By a strange infatuation, and misguided by the treachery of their leaders, a portion of the people of this nation went over to the enemy. 'Watie and his men' have been from the very beginning as true as the needle to the North Star. Wherever opportunity offered, they have not failed to strike.

"In the midst of the unparalleled inclemency of the past winter they were battling with the foe.

"The enemy have felt ofttimes the blows of the Cherokees. They have made their names a household word. Now they come forward unanimously at the call of their country, and add fresh lustre to their renown by re-enlisting for the war. Men of the allied nations do likewise. By united and prompt action the whole Indian Territory will be redeemed and peace again smile within our borders."

"Under favor of Divine Providence, to whom is due our humble and grateful submission, you, the representatives of the Cherokee people, are enabled to meet in general council, to promote, as far as may lay in your power, their best interests. In undertaking the work before us it is proper that we implore that wisdom and guidance without which human efforts are powerless and human calculations vain.

"Since the organization of the present government our people have been subjected to changes of condition consequent upon  p146 the war in which the nation has been engaged. Soon after the general mass convention, held by that intelligent portion the Cherokee people who could not be infected with the deliberate treachery of their principal rulers, Confederate forces of this district made an advance northward, the enemy was expelled from our borders, and our prospect was fair for a continued possession of our country. The campaign upon the whole, however, proved disastrous to the common cause. All that portion of our country lying north of Arkansas River was wrested from us by overwhelming numbers, and our women and children forced to flee from the merciless traitors who had sworn with ourselves to protect them from the common enemy. The next spring saw the enemy strongly intrenched at Fort Gibson, and at the close of the following summer Fort Smith, the key of Western Arkansas and the Indian Territory, passed out of Southern possession. No efforts that could then be made by brave and zealous soldiers under truly able commanders could prevent or did prevent the whole navigable portion of Arkansas River with its contingent territory from falling into Federal hands. It was, we can suppose, the policy of our able commander-in‑chief at Shreveport not to exhaust or expose resources of the country by premature attempts to regain what had been lost, at all events the inhabitants of most of Arkansas on the Federal line of march were compelled to secure the rear of our retreating armies, and our own people, en masse with Creeks and the population of the Northern Choctaw counties, were driven to take temporary refuge on Red River and in Texas, where they at present abide.

"The destitute condition of the people had been represented to the authorities of the Confederate Government, and I am gratified to be able to state that measures had been taken to supply them with provisions, independent of the ordinance of convention to supply the destitute, passed May 30, 1863. The principal commissioner, Capt. J. L. Martin, who was appointed under that ordinance, was also appointed issuing agent under an order from General Steele, making provision for supplying the destitute with rations at the expense of the General Government. I have received no official report from the commissioner, and am only able to say in this connection that rations have been furnished him for distribution among needy Cherokee  p147 families, which have at short intervals of time been received and issued under his direction.

"During the last winter the Cherokee delegate to the Confederate Congress, Mr. E. C. Boudinot, succeeded in obtaining an appropriation or loan of $100,000 from the Confederate Government to supply the most pressing necessities of indigent Cherokees. Forty-five thousand dollars of this amount has been received by the commissioner on part of the nation who is now engaged in making purchases of such articles as their immediate wants require. It is expected that they will soon be at hand and ready for distribution. It lies within your province to take such action in this matter as your wisdom may judge best, for the uniform and best allotment of these articles amongst actually and literally destitute, to which state many of the people have been reduced.

"The act of the general convention, entitled an ordinance to increase the military force in the Indian Territory, placed, with certain exceptions, all Cherokee male citizens between the ages of eighteen and forty in the service of the Confederate States for the term of two and three years. It is not necessary to inform you that it is of the most urgent consequence for effecting the re-establishment of our national rights that the war should be prosecuted with the greatest vigor, and that the whole of the population capable of bearing arms should take part in the common struggle. I therefore recommend, for the purpose of increasing our effective military force to the utmost, that an act be passed putting all Cherokee male citizens between the ages of eighteen and forty-five fit for duty, and not already enlisted for the war, in the Confederate service for that period, with such further provisions for fully carrying into effect such a law as in your judgment may seem best.

"The ordinance of the general mass convention establishing this government, held at Tahlequah, August 21, 1862, reaffirmed and adopted the constitution and laws previously in operation, and it lies within your province to make any amendments or additions to the same in the proper mode as you may deem expedient. I am, however, aware that the interruptions to which your present situation is exposed, and the consequent necessity of dispatch, to which I respect­fully urge upon your notice, will not allow you perhaps to exercise the requisite deliberation, except  p148 upon the most material subjects of legislative action affecting the immediate welfare of your constituents.

"A general council, to which all the Indian tribes are invited, has been called to meet on the 20th this month at Chouteau's Trading House. Three delegates have been appointed to represent the Cherokee people, viz.,  Messrs. Tusy Guess, John Chambers and William Arnold. Copies of official letters will be furnished you for your information in regard to the object of this general council of all the tribes.

"Since the campaign opened last spring our prospects have been brightening. Confederate arms, so far as we have heard, have everywhere been victorious. In this department a vast and combined movement of the hostile armies toward Texas was signally checked and defeated early in the spring, a circumstance which should not be forgotten as explaining the seeming inertness for a time of our commander-in‑chief, and as illustrating his consummate prudence and skill as well as the courage and discipline of the army. This success may well justify a hope that with the blessing of Providence upon the valor of our troops, our people may ere long return to their country and homes in peace.

"East of the Mississippi the war, at last accounts, was raging with the convulsive fury of a final struggle. The numerical strength of the enemy in the field is enormous, their means ample, and this power, raised for our destruction, is not contemptibly wielded. Against this threatening prospect are opposed an army which has not in all the terrible conflicts of this war failed to show a bold and progressive front; a general who has not his equal on earth, surrounded and aided by subordinate commanders scarcely inferior in capacity; and, above all, a cause which we know to be sacred. Whatever intelligence, therefore, we may receive of military operations in that quarter, we may securely expect a final triumph; and to this glorious result it is our privilege to conduce by a faithful and determined discharge of duty here in council and in the field."