Who are Captains Randolph and Martin and what are their units?
Head Quarters District of Arkansas
Little Rock, Arks., Sept. 20, 1862
Colonel:
The courier who bears this letter will also convey to you an order from Maj. Genl. Holmes, commanding the Department - directing you to move with all your force to Fort Arbuckle, Choctaw Nation.
You are expected to preserve order in the country and maintain good discipline over your men for which purpose they should be kept in camp at all times when not on duty.
Upon our arrival at Fort Arbuckle you will find there Capt.’s Randolph and Martin with their own and other companies, assume command of these troops and unless otherwise dismounted, order them to the Creek Agency to maintain order in that and the Seminole country, with instructions to report to you at least weekly. Report immediately upon your arrival at Fort Arbuckle and weekly afterwards.
From your reputation, Genl. Hindman feels assured that you will discharge well the duties devolved on you.
Very Respectfully,
R. C. Newton
A. A. Genl.
Col. W. P. Lane }
Comd’g Texas Regt. }
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Head Quarters District of Arkansas
Little Rock, Arks., Sept. 20, 1862
Captain:
Your letter of the 3rd inst. To Maj. Genl. Holmes is referred by him to Maj. Genl. Hindman, who directs that the troops now in the Choctaw nation be moved immediately to Fort Arbuckle under command of the senior officer among them, and that the commanding officers take the best measures practicable for protecting the Choctaw and Texas border, and for maintaining the Choctaw and Choctaw Country, reporting by courier each week to these Head Quarters - Special attention is called to this instruction.
It is presumed that you are the senior officer, but if not you will deliver this letter to him without delay, and he is directed to forward a copy to Col. D. H. Cooper, to show that previous orders are for the present suspended.
Respectfully,
R. C. Newton
A. A. Genl.
Capt. Randolph }
Comd’g Company }
Choctaw Nation }
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