Stephen and Robert,
Yes, a great source of info, most of the early news about Opothleyahola's exodus came from Van Buren and Ft. Smith newspapers. Check out Opothleyahola's account of Round Mtn, Chuto Talasah, Chustenahlah. in the "Lane's Interview with the Indians" article on Feb. 9, 1862 and an even more interesting "Letter From OPath-La-Yar-Hola" in the Jan. 14, 1862 describing the situation after Chusto Talasah which he calls (or perhaps the paper editors failed to transcribe corectly)But-wa-ska-wee. More later.

Gary