Number 77. Report of Colonel Tandy Walker, commanding Second Indian Brigade, of engagement at Poison Spring.
HDQRS. SECOND INDIAN Brigade, In the Field, April 19, 1864. CAPTAIN: The following report of the action of this brigade in the engagement at Poison Spring on the 18th is respectfully submitted…………………………………………
The enemy formed next at his wagon train, drawn up on the road which ran along the brow of a wooded hill, but was pressed so closely by this brigade that he soon fled across the road and in a direction up the road to the left, when the train fell into our hands, and soon a portion of his artillery, which my troops found concealed in a thicket near the train. I feared here that the train and its contents would prove a temptation too strong for these hungry, half-clothed Choctaws, but had no trouble in pressing them forward, for there was that in front and to the left more inviting to them than food or clothing-the blood of their despised enemy. They had met and routed the forces of General Thayer, the ravagers, of their country, the despoilers of their homes, and the murderers of their women and children; and on they went, driving immediately by a second charge the enemy from a strong position, which he had taken behind the buildings to the left and near by the wagon train. The enemy retreating to the left threw my brigade in front, and, being encouraged by the capture of the artillery, they pursued them madly.
TANDY WALKER,
Colonel, Commanding Second Indiana Brigade
Number 75. Report of Brigadier General Samuel B. Maxey, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Division, of engagement at Poison Spring.
HEADQUARTERS MAXEY'S CAVALRY DIVISION,
Camp on Middle Camden Road, Ark., April 23, 1864.
COLONEL: I respectfully submit the following report of the operations of the troops I had the honor to command in the battle of Poison Spring on the 18th instant
I beg leave to call special attention to the Choctaw brigade. These people came of their own volition. No law or treaty compelled them to do so. They were placed on the extreme left of the attacking division. Nobly, gallantly, gloriously they did their duty. They fought the very army (Thayer's, from Fort Smith) that had destroyed their once happy homes, insulted their women, and driven them with their children destitute upon the world, and many an avenging blow was struck; many yet will be.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. B. MAXEY,
Brigadier-General.