That would suggest that they were NOT in Indian Territory to influence the Cherokee to treat with the South but were more likely near Benton County AR and perhaps near Watie. Watie had a house just west of Southwest City MO and the Southern Cherokee often camped at Fort Wayne (aka "Old" Fort Wayne) southwest of Maysville AR.

Prior to the Confederate Treaty, the 1st Ark MR would have been "invaders" in the Cherokee Nation but if they were located near Benton Cty AR or McDonald Cty MO, it would have been consistent with McCulloch's message to Chief John Ross that he would not hesitate to send forces into the "neutral" Cherokee Nation to oppose invasion of Arkansas from Kansas. Of course it was perfectly clear to Chief Ross that if the Cherokee government gave any appearance of being pro-Union, the Southern Cherokee and their Arkansas allies would over throw the government and install Watie as principal chief.