James G. Blunt to Samuel R. Curtis, March 10, 1863

Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri :

GENERAL: Colonel Phillips has doubtless kept you advised of the state of affairs in Western Arkansas and the Indian Territory. I have lately been receiving frequent and full reports from him, and have also received full and correct information from one of my spies (an intelligent and trusty man), who has just returned from a pilgrimage through the Indian country south of the Arkansas River. Forty miles this side of Fort Washita, Cooper has about 4,000 men, mostly deserters from Hindman’s army. They have no horses, or equivalent to none, and a very ineffective force. At Fort Washita there are 80 men; 50 miles south of Fort Gibson is Stand Watie, with about 700 men; at Fort Smith there is part of five regiments, numbering about 18 [sic] men, and some artillery—two pieces certainly, and possibly four pieces. They have no horses fit for service. Marmaduke is reported to be at Olarksville, but I do not know the strength of his force.

I consider it of the utmost importance to occupy the Indian country as far south as the Arkansas River at as early a day as possible, and have so instructed Colonel Phillips. A copy of my letter to him of yesterday’s date is herewith inclosed* for your information upon this subject. I would like you to inform me if these instructions meet with your approval. I think a sufficient force of white troops should be sent to garrison Fort Smith, in conjunction with the movement of Colonel Phillips’

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,