STANDARD [CLARKSVILLE, TX], May 18, 1861, p. 2, c. 3
The Late Expedition to Washita.
Our Clarksville men have returned, without any blood or fame—not even bullet holes through their hats or coats.
From our correspondent residing in Grayson county, who was in the expedition from the outset, we have the following descriptive account, which saves us the trouble of hunting up scraps of information on the subject.
The turn-out made by our men, and those of Lamar, has shown that they can be found when wanted, and has prepared them for turning out on the shortest notice next time:
Saratoga, Grayson Co., }
May 10th, 1861. }
Maj. DeMorse:--Dear Sir:--I have just returned from "Fort Arbuckle," to which post I went in Col. Young's regiment, and thinking you might like to hear something from the expedition, I will give you a few items. The regiment was organized on Red River, in the Chickisaw [sic] Nation, three miles above Preston, on the morning of the third instant, resulting in the eleccion [sic] of W. C. Young Colonel, Senator Throckmorton Lt. Colonel, and Hugh F. Young Major. Having heard the enemy had left Fort Washita, a special detachment was sent ahead to take charge of the Government property there left. The command reached that point late in the afternoon of the 3rd.—The advanced company had taken charge of the station, with a considerable amount of corn and oats. Some few other articles, of but little value or importance, were also possessed.
Early on the morning of the 4th, the command left in pursuit of the enemy, on the route leading to Fort Arbuckle; having heard their intention was to touch at or near that point; thence to the point of their destination "Fort Leavenworth." The number of men under Col. Young, on leaving Fort Washita, did not exceed 530, a majority of whom were but poorly armed. The enemy numbered between 850 and 900. Six companies of which were experienced and well mounted dragoons. On the same morning a spy company under command of Capt. A. Johnson, was dispatched in pursuit of the enemy with instructions to push on as far as practicable, and ascertain all that could be learned necessary to the success of the expedition.
The scattered remains of arms, ammunition, and provisions, along the route, made it plainly evident that the enemy were greatly alarmed.
[top of next column illegible—deals with plundering by Indians and whites]
The day after the command reached the Fort, having heard nothing from our spies, and becoming somewhat uneasy, a detachment of 100 men were sent out to know something of their whereabouts, and their fortunes. These were met in the forenoon of the day by the returning spies.
They had been taken by the enemy, on their own plan, had examined their wagons, and found nothing along worth the attention of the people of Texas or the Nation.
Col. Emery, the commander of the enemy, had sent on his resignation, and expressed a determination never to shed Southern blood, unless forced to do so.
The intention of the commander is to proceed to Fort Cobb, secure the Government property left there; effect a treaty with the reserve Indians, and garrison that station, as well as the other two Forts Washita and Arbuckle.
From the number of recruits I met on my return, I am confident Col. Young will be able to leave Fort Arbuckle with 850 men.
In haste,
Seneca.