In November 1862, many Southern families from the northern part of the Cherokee Nation were moved to the Canadian River in the vicinity of Webbers Falls. After the Battle of Honey Springs, July 1863, most of these families were moved into southern Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations and some to North Texas. Watie and Bell's families lived in North Texas as did the family of Lt Col R.C. Parks. A large number of Cherokee were along Blue River downstream of Ft McCulloch and near the Red River.

In mid-November, 1862, Watie returned from a scout to Webbers Falls with several families, including his own. Lt Col Parks, commanding the regiment's camp, was providing for and protecting the refugee families along the Canadian River.

Parks' Nov. 30th report from Webbers Falls states:

Enclosed please find our regular morning report. Company A as marked detached service were Colonel Watie's escort to Maysville [Arkansas]. Company D also as marked absent without leave, both failed to comply with the Colonel’s orders [to return], are yet in and near Maysville. Company C, F, & H as absent with leave were permitted to move their families to some place of safety by orders of Colonel Watie and have not yet returned. Parts of other companies are absent upon the [same] ground, but all are over going their time.