I have a friend (Doug Hall) who has been commissioned to do a very large painting of the first Battle of Newtonia (MO), one of the few, if not only battles where the major combatantants were Native American soldiers. He doesn't have a computer (artists often don't like to get entangled in technology & I enjoy it so...) The battle occurred on Sept. 30, 1862. I'm just starting, so haven't found a lot of useful information yet (I have found the OR reports & have started a spread sheet trying to organize in my own mind the various participants.) It was a large battle with thousands of men involved. Since it is a painting, visuals are important. I am having difficulty in understanding what a "crossed pin" looks like (Were they like today's straight pins? Safety pins? other?) Could I be directed to reference books or on-line photographs that I could print out for Doug's reference? Any suggestions would be welcome. In addition to the Pin Indians, other partcipants were Drew's Mounted Cherokee Rifles, Watie's Mounted Cherokee Rifles (evidently they both claimed the titie) The 1st Chickasaw/Choctaw Regiment, Jayhawkers, the MO State Guard, MO Cavalry, 31st Texas Cavalry etc. I'm still working on the list. Enjoyed reading the whole string on the Pin Indians. You all are very knowledgeable & it was helpful. Thanks in advance.
Marilyn Carnell