There had been a major drought during the eight year period before the war, seemingly like the one that affected the deep south about three or four years ago. Fields were burned by the sun and crops were nearly non-existant. The Five Civilized Tribes were begging Washington for advances on their payments so they could buy foodstuffs.
The day of the Engagement at Elk Creek (17 July 1863) the Arkansas River was at flood stage and Elk Creek was chest high to the average soldier. It had rained off and on during the night and morning of the battle. The Union soldiers filled their canteens from rainwater collected in the wagon ruts of the Texas Road. At around 4 o'clock p.m. when Brig. Gen. Cabell's brigade finally arrived (having been slowed in their march from Fort Smith because of high water in the creeks they had to cross), his chief of staff reported that bodies were being buried quickly, "necessary because it was 98ยบ and quite humid."