I am particularly interested in David Rowe's father-in-law Avery Vann and brother-in-law David Vann. If I understand right, David Rowe lived in the former residence of Avery Vann and Rowe's Prairie was previously known as Vann's Prairie.
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November 28, 1862
Received some news from Grand Saline , all is quiet on Pins and Federals. Ephraim Vann from Captain David Rowe’s Provost Guard called down to make inquiry after clothing &c. Received dispatch from [Brig Gen D.H.] Cooper calling for wagons to be formed for clothing and commissary [supplies] to Scullyville. Had one arrest today, private Mostwell of Captain [Oliver Hazard] Perry Brewer’s company, for leaving post while detailed for camp guard.
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November 29
HEADQUARTERS 1st CHEROKEE REGIMENT,
Webbers Falls, [November 29, 1862.]
General [D. H. COOPER:]
We send down all the wagons we could spare for clothing and commissary [supplies] for our command. We are pleased to find that we are to have clothing and other supplies.
Have Lieutenant Ephraim Vann just down from Grand Saline, and do enclose to you a note from Captain David Rowe. Lieutenant Vann reports all quiet up in that vicinity and no Pins or Federals as heard from. Only reports that a large body came out upon the river.
I have scouts now up the Greenleaf [Creek], Tahlequah, and [Fort] Gibson, who are to report tomorrow if no misfortune befall them. Some reports say Pins are still in the hills about the [Dwight] Mission. I have learned nothing from them since the return of our wagons, who report no Pins but mill in a bad condition having been left serving without corn in the hoppers. We are now completely out of commissaries and have but little corn on hand either for our horses or for our own bread.
[R. C. PARKS,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 1st Cherokee Regiment.]
Afternoon received dispatch from Colonel D. N. McIntosh of the 1st Creek Regiment.
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November 30
[HEADQUARTERS 1st CHEROKEE REGIMENT,]
[November 30, 1862.]
[General D. H. COOPER:]
The troops under General [John S.] Marmaduke destroyed and laid waste everything through this country as they went. We would have some grain yet had they not destroyed fields, fencing &c. Several good Southern families were robbed by them and left completely destitute. I have had several different individuals report the loss of horses, mules, cattle and household plundered. They are now asking [in] what way they may receive compensation for such losses or recover their lost property. I refer the case to you and await your reply. We only have some 300 bushels of corn and that is about all to be had anywhere near here.
I have enlisted several of Captain [James] Sanders’ Provost Guard into the regiment. Captain [George W.] Starr reported here for duty to Colonel Watie and is now collecting his men to join the regular service. In closing my letter I most respectfully refer again to Captain [David] Rowe’s note as to whether he and his men will be allowed to draw clothing & how we are to manage after using our forage supplies here, which will be done before we can hear from you upon this matter. Also what I can promise our citizens that were robbed and left destitute by General Marmaduke’s command who treated us all as enemies.
Your obedient servant,
R. C. PARKS,
Lieutenant-Colonel, [Commanding] 1st Cherokee Regiment.
We concluded not to start our wagons until morning as there is some repairing yet to be done. Received dispatch from General Cooper requesting the taking of Pin cattle & c. We moved our encampment down near Cabin Smith’s in the bottom. Having Smith’s stock field for pasture. No news of importance, all quiet far as we are able to learn.
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HEADQUARTERS 1st CHEROKEE REGIMENT,
[November 30, 1862.]
Captain DAVID ROWE:
I received your letter of enquiry by Lieutenant Ephraim Vann, and being unable to answer it myself I have this day forwarded it to General D. H. Cooper, commanding Indian Brigade.
The clothing is in Fort Smith for us and we send several wagons down to Scullyville this day for clothing. We have no late news, are expecting some more forces here soon, to be stationed at Gibson and Tahlequah for the winter. Our case is yet right and honorable. Success is ours in the end and we have no idea of having to leave the country, only for a short while. Cheer up your men and work with faithful souls and willing hands, for our army is only now armed and clothed well.
[R. C. PARKS,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 1st Cherokee Regiment.]
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