Robert Parks' 1st Cherokee Regiment Day Book

Nov 11th to Nov 30th, 1862 entries

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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.

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 ____ 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 ___ to intercept them.

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. Dan Ross was not admitted from his list and all such effects as can well be turned to our use ____ and Freeman was ordered to head a party to ______ 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. [Several illegible lines here.] 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 kind.

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.
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 ____ passes or furloughs and keep these in his Camp on duty.
R C Parks Lt Col
Commanding 1st Cher Reg
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 commanding
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.

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 (?).
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 you rlast order. 25 of Major Livingstons men reported themselves here for duty by your Order and was assigned for the ______ 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 ___ Duns (?) farm met half mile from the falls. Received very [correct] information from the ____. About one Company were __ by a woman in the evening near the Ulimars 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 ____ find and the picker at a pond (?) 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 leadnig 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

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

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

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.
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.

Sunday 30th
Genl I sent down under ________ 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.
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

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

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.

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