964 MO., ARK., KANS., AND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXV.

some 50 wagons, were some 50 to 100 kegs of powder that Clarkson had taken from Fort Smith. Had the loss been Clarkson, without that of the train and powder, I think that the Confederacy would have been the gainer. To think of his having such an amount of ammunition with him when his command did not exceed 400 men. It appears to have been the policy of every person out here to take all they can get, whether necessary or not. The Federals have paid two visits to Fayetteville, and have done a great deal of damage, both to property and people have pretty effectually, for the present, either broke up or put a stop to raising troops there. Frank [A.] Rector is now north of the river, en route to Fayetteville, with some 400 men mounted, and not well armed. There are some 350 to 500 infantry here and in the neighborhood, but almost entirely without arms. We have enough to arm some 250, I suppose, being repaired and put into serviceable condition. We are exceedingly destitute of caps and powder. The latter we certainly will have if the Federals ever give us time to complete arrangements here, which are still far from completion, for making.

I telegraphed you for authority for Stand Watie to use his discretion and follow the enemy out of the nation, if he found it necessary. This is certainly advisable, and I think it could not be conferred on a better man or one that will use it to better advantage. When the Federals first came to Fayetteville they found some 8,000 pounds or more lead. As soon as they left, the citizens sent it out in the country, and hid it, and I sent up after it and got part of it away. The next day the Federals were there after it.

There is an incredible amount of work to do here. All the unsettled business of the quartermaster's department for the last twelve months is coming in on me. I am tired to death every night. I have no time to be out of my quartermaster's office, either to go to the stables and wagon yard or visit my work-shops; but I have efficient men in charge of them, that keep them operating successfully. The subsistence department 1 have been compelled to mostly turn over to Mr. Cline, whom I wrote you about. He is an efficient commissary, being well posted, and I will take it as a favor if you will assign him to duty as assistant commissary. He is to do the duty at any rate, and should, I think, have the rank and pay. General Pike's commissary (Lanigan) reports no funds on hand, but gives me no news of the condition of his department.

I have not had a word from the quartermaster or ordnance officer, though I sent them copies of your order directing them to report fully to me. The, whole country is full of accounts, due bills, forage receipts, &c. I have written you officially for authority to take these up. I cannot do so as they now stand unless by order. Their being informal should not subject the innocent and ignorant to injury.

There is a matter which Major [Elias] Rector, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, informs me he has laid before the Indian Bureau that should be attended to, and, as the communication is cut off, I lay it before you. He says that General Pike turned over to Major Dorn, agent for the Osages, $17,000 in gold; that Dorn has not been at his agency for two years, and that, when he was at it, it was in Kansas; and more, that Dorn has not given any bonds, and that he (Rector) told Pike and Dorn, before the money was paid to Dorn, that he would oppose it, and report it, which he has done, to the Department at Richmond. This is what he says: "Act if you deem it advisable." To me it looks like something is wrong. You can call on Rector for a copy of his letter to the Indian Bureau.

I tell you, general, this dog-on Indian business is enough to break up