Here is a page from the O.R. showing where Cochran is leaving the commissary.
Inclosure Numbers 1.]
FORT ARBUCKLE, C. N., October 16, 1862.
General ALBERT PIKE:
SIR; Agreeably to the orders of Colonel Cooper, of date August 19, the Chickasaw battalion commenced reorganizing, and now have reorganized five companies, and, with the exception of a few, all members of the old battalion; but it is the fact, and I regret very much to say, that there is not one officer in all the companies that is capable to fulfill the duties of either quartermaster, commissary, or adjutant. Captain Cochran, whom you appointed commissary and assigned to duty for the battalion, says he considers himself no longer in the commissary department, and I have made a temporary appointment to act during the reorganization of the battalion. Captain Campbell still retains his office, and has told me that he will act until relieved. The battalion is in a bad condition - no shoes, hats, clothing, or tents; but I hope those things which they are in much need of will be furnished soon.
With that hope before them they sick together. If it is in your power to do so could you not appoint a commissary for us and continue Captain Campbell in the quartermaster's department, and also appoint an adjutant for the battalion? If a citizen can be appointed I should recommend Mr. Davisse, who has formerly acted as such in the old battalion a few months. There is also Mr. Rennie, who acted as adjutant up to the time the re-enlistment commenced, and he, considering himself out of service, went home. All the officers of the old battalion took a stampede as son as the day of re-enlistment arrived, and Governor Harris, who was authorized to re-enlist, being sick and not able to attend to it, assigned me the duty. I have succeeded so far as to get five companies reorganized, as I said before. There were very little provisions in the commissariat, and I have made requisition on the quartermaster at Fort Washita for provisions. This was my only chance to keep the men together, and made a temporary arrangement for beef. If I was wrong in so doing I hope I may be excused, because I saw no other chance. The lieutenant -colonel of the old battalion having told them that the old was disbanded, a great many of the men took if for granted that they were free to go when they pleased, and, sir, it required all my energy, by taking, explaining, persuading to remain, but a great many went home; but I hope to see you up here before long.
Yours, respectfully,
JAMES GAMBLE,
Captain, Commanding Chickasaw Battalion.