Samuel R. Curtis to William A. Phillips, February 17, 1863

Col. WILLIAM A. PHILLIPS, Camp John Koss, near Indian Territory : CoLONEL: Your letters concerning the Indians have been duly received, and after laying them before General Blunt, and giving him my views, which generally concur with yours, I have sent them to headquarters, Washington, with a request that they be laid before the In8 R R—VOL XXII, PT LI 114 M. O., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. (CHa?. XXXIV. dian Bureau, which ought to take care of the matter of food, seeds, &c. You must keep the hospitals at Fayetteville supplied and supported in preference to all other wants. We cannot occupy the immediate valley of the Arkansas until we get full possession of the navigation of the Arkansas River, which we ought to have this winter. You are in General Blunt’s command, and should report to him at Leavenworth, but at the same time also report to these headquarters, if the lines to this point are convenient. Colonel Harrison is also reporting to you and to me. I hope the Indian legislature will repent the ordinance of secession, but they must have their own way about the matter, and not be permitted to lay it upon any coercion of our troops. Yours is my extreme post command, and [ regard it as very important. Great diligence and prudence are necessary to your security and success. I approve of your course so far, and hope you will continue to keep watch and ward against a wily and unscrupulous foe. It is painful to hear of the suffering of the Indian inhabitants, who were so happy before the breaking out of this infernal rebellion. But we all have to suffer wherever the rebel flag is allowed to float. I am, colonel, very truly, yours,

SAML. R. CURTIS,