Standard [Clarksville, Tx], July 20, 1861
Fort Washita, C. N., }
July 7th, 1861. }
My Dear Major:
According to promise, I have concluded to write you, though at this time I am quite unwell–the effects of a severe attack of fever. But I hope, with prudence, I will soon be restored to health, and will be prepared for any kind of service.
I think, in my first letter, I informed you of the very hospitable attention our company received from the citizens of Paris. We could have expected nothing less from them, for in times of peace that town is noted for its plain and honest hospitality, and as war, with all of its calamities, will soon be upon us, the citizens of that town seem to have been determined that the soldiers should not leave without at least good dinners.
Our company drew the county guns, which I think will be very effective–most of them being carbines, the others being plain rifles and Colt’s six shooting guns. From the simplicity of the carbine, combined with the accuracy and effectiveness of its shooting, its use seems to be preferred by our men. Most of them like the carbine better than Colt’s improved gun. Some of the young men, in experimenting with Colt’s fire arms, have fired two barrels at the same time. That may be the result of carelessness, but for a campaign, I am satisfied that, for soldiers, the carbine is best adapted.
We have in our company a Cherokee Indian, a very fine looking man, and he is the proudest fellow you ever saw, of his carbine, and is anxious to come in contact with the abolitionists, who, he says, will soon invade his native land, and that their design is to make slaves of the Indians. Cherokee cannot stand that.
While in Paris, the Cherokee and his mess were invited by one very good gentleman to dinner. Everything that the taste of an epicurean might demand was spread upon the table, in the way of meats, &c. It seems that the meats and other eatables were moved from the table, and, as might be expected at good dinners, delicacies substituted. Sauce, as a matter of course, had to be used, and it happened that Mr. Cherokee was the first to whom the servant handed the cream pot; upon the reception of which, he very deliberately raised it to his mouth, and drank about half of its contents, and in the most dignified manner imaginable, returned the aforesaid cream pot to the waiter. His mess were confounded and mortified, and told him that was not the way to use it. But it was “no use talking;” he told them it was good enough his way, and that he did not want any more just then!”
In Bonham a most splendid dinner had been prepared for the companies from Titus and Red River. Everything passed agreeably to all the companies and the citizens, nothing disorderly having occurred to mar the pleasure of the occasion.
Our company left Ellett’s Springs on the 22d of June; but I did not overtake them until they had crossed Red River via Kemp’s Ferry, and were encamped two miles in the Chickisaw Nation, on the evening of the 27th of June. Thence we made a force march to McCarty’s Springs, where we had good water, which you must know was a treat to the boys. These springs are situated directly on the overland mail route, and take their name from McCarty, who keeps, or did keep a stagestand, when that grand political humbug, the overland mail route, was in operation.
While there, the Collin county company came in view, some distance off. As soon as we saw them, we raised our flag–of which the company are proud, for none that we have seen can compare with it. A short time elapsed, when the company reached the springs, and with joyous hearts and open hands we received our brother soldiers.
The 4th of July was celebrated at Fort Washita by a war dance, performed by two Indian companies that had arrived here the day previous; and which are a part of a regiment that Col. Cooper is now actively engaged in organizing, to be mustered into service at Scullyville. Two Indian companies, and the Panola county company, all mounted, left this morning for the aforesaid place, under the command, I think, of Col. Lee, of Fannin county, whose military qualification is beyond a doubt. Sever speeches were made on the 4th. Among the speakers were Capt. Burks, and Wolf Walker, Esq., of Red River; 1st Lieut. Stephens, and 2d Lieut. Fitzpatrick, of Titus county. Call after call was made for Campbell Jefferson and George Caile, Esqrs., and others. The first named gentlemen acquitted themselves in their usual very felicitous manner.
I wish I had time to describe to you minutely this much-talked-of Indian war dance; but I must venture to inform you that they formed a circle around the flag of the Confederate States, and from their action, I concluded that they considered themselves in the presence of high Heaven, pledging their fealty and eternal loyalty to our own beloved South.
I have been informed by prominent Indians of this Nation, that entire unanimity prevails with them, and that they are determined to fight over the graves of their ancestors.
Gen. Young is now in Cooke county. We do not yet know our destination. Gen. Cooper has ordered his men near Fort Smith, and perhaps when we see Gen. Young, we will follow. All of the men are anxious to go in that direction, as they believe that most of the excitement is there, or thereabouts–at least, for the present.
Thomas Wallis, of the Bowie county company, reached this place to-day, the 7th, and reports that his company is twenty miles from here–that some of the men are sick, and that the company will not get in until Tuesday.–The Collin county company has been ordered to Arbuckle, and will leave on Tuesday next. When the Bowie county company is mustered into service, Young’s regiment will be complete.
We had church service at the Fort to-day, and I am glad to inform you that, although the boys “fairly siz” on other days in the week, the most attentive respect was manifested by the volunteers to the delivery of the sermon; and all joined most sincerely and devoutly in singing the concluding hymn.
Some of the young men of our company have been very unwell, but I am glad to inform you, that all are now convalescent, and in a few days will be well. We are now in good quarters in the Fort–have a plenty of beef and pickled pork, though new flour is scarce. Rations are issued to 416 men. All is peace and quietness among the men.
Dr. Rainey leaves for Sherman in the morning, and I have written this for him to mail to you.
Ever thy friend,
Courtes B. Sutton.