The State Rights Democrat
La Grange, Texas
May 16, 1861
From the Dallas Herald.
Dallas, May 5th, 1861.
[To] Dallas Herald:—I left the camp of the gallant little band of Texas troops, on Friday, 10 o’clock A. M. May 3d, which was two miles North of Red River, opposite Judge Thompson’s which place they reached on Thursday evening previous; and immediately sent a detachment of 25 men to Fort Washita. The detachment reached there that night, and the next morning a despatch from Lieut. Bass commanding the detachment, was received by Col. Young, which in substance, was as follows:
“We found Fort Washita in charge of Sergeant Carter, and worth seizing, which we have done, and have sent twenty men in the direction of Fort Arbuckle, to capture and bring back six wagons loaded with provisions for U. S. troops. Washita is now held by five of my troops. Please detail and send me 30 men more.”
The expressman informed us that the U. S. troops left Washita for Arbuckle on Wednesday morning 1st inst.; and that the six provision wagons were without guard. Also that the stores left at Washita consisted only of provisions and forage and would probably amount to 15 or 20 wagon loads.
When I left the camp there were about 300 Texans North of the River, and 300 more crossed that day, making in all 600. They were very certain of being reinforced by about 400 Arkansas troops, and perhaps 200 Indians.
The Texas troops were to take up the line of march about 12 o’clock the day I left, and would go in the direction of Arbuckle; and expect to intersect the Arkansas and Indian troops on the way.
There are about 450 U. S. troops in the Indian Territory, when altogether, and have 6 pieces of Light Artillery.
The Indian Nations are all right and sound on the slavery question. The flag of the Southern Confederacy has been raised at the Capital, and ere this, no doubt, they have sent delegates to Montgomery.
Gen. Wm. C. Young, was elected Colonel of the regiment, and Hon. J. W. Throckmorton, Lieut. Colonel. All parties in Grayson, Collin and adjoining counties, have firmly and determinedly united in defence of Southern rights and against coercion. Three-fourths of the expedition are men who have heretofore been strong and enthusiastic Union men.
Respectfully,
W. T. Patton.