My questions about two 1859 letters in THE BOURLAND PAPERS are outlined on my web page.
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http://www.bourlandcivilwar.com/1858-1859WichitaMountains.htm
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Question 1) Who is W.H. Murray?
Question 2) Who was Capt Caldwell?
Question 3) Who was Payne?
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Alfalfa Bill Murray. Notice that I have Alfalfa Bill Murray's father, "Uriah Dow Murray," listed in the Confederate Brush Battalion. He may be closely related to the Murray who wrote the Jan 14, 1864 letter.
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After the Sep 30, 1858 Battle of Washita Village, near now Rush Springs OK, the Comanches were hopping mad at seemingly every one who was not a Comanche.

1) the Wichita Indians (all bands) for double-crossing them
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2) the Reserve Indians of the Brazos Reserve in Young Co TX.
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3) The Texas Rangers and TST Capt. J.S. "Rip" Ford's who led his Rangers ILLEGALLY across the Indian Territory boundary in an unprovoked attack on the Comanches in now Ellis Co OK.
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4) and especially, Capt. Earl Van Dorn and his 2nd U.S. Cavalry who ILLEGALLY orchestrated one of the “most brutal and senseless engagements ever undertaken against southern Plains Indians by an American military force.” .. Sadly, afterwards he was held in high esteem by most.
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In the October 27th, 1859 DALLAS HERALD article, Major W.H. Bourland led 400 men into and beyond the Wichita Mountains in search of Comanches who had attacked settlers in Montague Co TX. He, Col. James Bourland's brother, was a major in the Mexican War and was supposed to have spent most of his time in Indian Territory. He died Apr 1860.
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Any help in identifying these men would be appreciated?
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http://www.bourlandcivilwar.com/1858-1859WichitaMountains.htm
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Patti, prochette@Juno.com
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