I was shocked to read TST Major W. Quayle's August 1864 report that showed:
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Twenty-six (26) TST militia companies of 1,535 soldiers had 1,888 firearms. One of the 26 companies was Capt. Castile's company of 45 Tonkawas, who had four (4) rifles and bows and arrows. Yes, only four rifles. Of course, most militiamen furnished their own firearms, but I would have guessed that Quayle would make sure that the Tonkawas had firearms.
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Since the 1830s, the Tonkawas had been scouts for the Texas Rangers (Texas State Troops). Many Texas Rangers wrote very positive tributes to specific Tonkawas and to the Tonkawa tribe in general. Several members of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans have told me that their ancestors adored the Tonkawas and had given them monies for saving their lives.
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Patti, prochette@Juno.com
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