Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the year 1863, Washington Government Printing Office, 1864

Page 22 (regarding the Osage)

In June last they captured and destroyed a party of nineteen rebels who were passing through their country, and who, by the instructions and papers upon their persons, were fully proven to have been commissioned by the rebel authorities to enroll and organize the disloyal in Arizona and Dakota.

Page 187

Office of Neosho Indian Agency
September 20, 1863

Sir: I submit herewith my annual report of the condition of the Indians under my charge.
………………………………….and under the direction of the military have been the only protection to our southern border against the frequent incursions of rebel guerillas. Faithful to the instructions from this office, they captured and killed twenty rebel officers and soldiers in June last, who were travelling across their country for the purpose of plunder, and their intrepidity in this gallant act greatly terrified the rebel guerillas, and prevented a repetition of those raids. The importance and value of the papers found in their possession, and faithfully delivered to the nearest military commander, was properly appreciated by him..................................................................

P P Elder
United States Indian Agent

Wm G Coffin, Esq.,
Superintendent of Indain Affairs, Leavenworth Kansas