This is an interesting letter from Elias C. Boudinot to Maj.Gen. T.C. Hindman. Boudinot was Watie's nephew and originally major in the 1st Cherokee Mtd Vols. He later became the Cherokee delegate to the Confederate Congress.
This letter was written when Pike was headquartered at Ft McCulloch and Watie and Drew's Regiments were unsupported in the Cherokee Nation. It is just prior to the Indian Expedition under Weer and the fiasco at Locust Grove, after which Drew's Regiment defected. I think Boudinot is saying Uncle Stand should be in command of all the Cherokee but Drew's Regiment would never serve under Watie, therefore Boudinot recommends Clarkson be put in command and I think he is hinting he wants an appointment under Clarkson.
There is a photo of Elias C. Boudinot at: http://www.old-picture.com/mathew-brady-studio/Boudinot-Colonel-Elias-C.htm
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Camp on Grand River
Head Quarters 1st Cherokee Regt.
Camp on Grand River, C. N.
June 16, 1862.
General,
I learn that Colonel Clarkson’s command is ordered to Fort Smith, and see by
your orders to Colonel Watie that he is directed to prevent marauding forces from overrunning
this portion of the country. Against marauding forces Colonel Watie’s command would be able
to continue but against a regular army of at least 4,000 men with six pieces of artillery it is useless
and (unnecessary) to continue.
Marauding bands accompanied the Federal force in its late Invasion into this country and
committed the grossest and most inhuman outrages. The regular forces is composed of Ohio,
Iowa, Wisconsin and Kansas troops under Colonel Doubleday. I have no hope of General Pike
coming in person to take command, but was in hopes that he would offer some one to command
here where it seems the fighting is to be done in this Department. Colonel Watie is the senior
officer, and by every principle of Justice and Military law should take command but there are
several hundred who tried to strike the first ebullition of Frontier feeling in the north who tried to
kill Colonel Watie because he favored [general course](?), who did their best by threat, numerous
jeers and taunts to prevent him from joining his regiment (and he believe but for your kind good
will they would have succeeded) who upon this very first occasion that was presented to show
their sincerity deserted to the enemy and fought against us and afterwards when defeated, bulling
themselves with favor by sending word they would return to the Southern Army if they should be
assured that no punishment would be inflicted - but if such assurances should be given they have
strength enough to cause much bloodshed: These men, General, would complain if Colonel Stan
Watie should exercise his right & command to them, and he is willing if you think best to
cheerfully serve under any person you may appoint.
There is another matter I would like to mention. The nation is fast filling up with the
worst gleanings of the Missouri State Guard, under Rains and Coffee - There are few gentlemen
among them but the worst part are a set of Thieves and robbers, young men who refused to go
into the Confederate service and expect to escape the conscript laws. Cannot some measures be
provided to bring them into camp with their horses. They demoralize the Indians. I feel like
recommending them to General Hardee for the service he would assign our regiment. Colonel
Clarkson is here. He has the reputation of a brave and good officer. I would be pleased to serve
under him. General, I am delighted that you are in charge of the Trans. Miss. Department.
Very Respectfully,
E. C. Boudinot
Maj. Genl. T. C. Hindman
Trans Miss Dept.