Corrected letter. ..Finally, this letter is correctly transcribed, and yes, it now makes sense. Thanks to the help of Ken Martin and my husband Gene. ..When we -- me and my three helpers -- were working on transcribing THE BOURLAND PAPERS, we developed a routine that resulted in transcriptions that made sense. ..Humbling indeed.
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I must have neglected to put this letter through the "routine," because it simply did not make sense. I thank Ken for his help and suggestions, and yes "Shuto" meant Chouteau. ..I doubt that Bourland ever saw the word Chouteau in print, because he read newspapers. ..Bourland was literate, even though he habitually dropped the tails of his handwritten "d, p, and g" letters.
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This handwritten letter and transcription can be seen on the following web page. ..Also look at the handwritten "pin" and "Feds".
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http://www.bourlandcivilwar.com/BarryJul211864.htm
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Ken Martin suggested that "kin" may be pin. And "Shuto" in lieu of Shilo. Thank you.
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Below is the completed letter.
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Gainesville, Texas
Jul 21, 1864
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Lt-Col. J.B. Barry, Comdg.
Fort Belknap
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COLONEL,
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I am in receipt of a communication from Gen. McCulloch. He directs me to keep scouts out, also
wishes me to give notice to you to keep scouts as far out as you can. I will send men out on __ (torn)
Wichataws [Wichita Mountains]. I have scouts __ (torn) Wichita Mountains. .... (“Arbuckle” crossed out, “Wichita” written above in a different hand.)
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The cause of those orders is that Lt. [J.J.] Diamond’s command, who is now at Fort Arbuckle with
two companies, sent in a dispatch stating that a Pin Council will meet at the Chouteau Trading Post on
[the] Canadian [River] on the 20th Inst. He had also received news that one Regt. of Feds was seen 30
miles S.W. of [Fort] Gibson.
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We have no fears of a heavy raid, this at the breaking up of the [Pin Indians’] Council that no doubt
will come in to steal horses. I want you to keep me posted as to all involvements in any antics, send your couriers to Buffalo Station [Clay County, Tex.] and Capt. [J.B.] Anderson will send them there.
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I will send [scouts] as soon as I get up transportation to move the Tonkaways to Spanish Fort Bend [of Red River].
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I am your obedient servant,
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Jas. Bourland, Col. Comdg., Border Regt.
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Believe it or not, H.E. McCulloch's and W.C. Young's letters were much harder to transcribe. At least this letter has contrast and definite letters instead of squiggles.
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It is high time that the history of the North and West Frontier be compiled and appreciated.
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Patti, prochette@Juno.com
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