Ken,

I agree. That article is probably the most thought out and clear description of Phillips Expedition's main route. I'm trying to get the locations down as precise as I can since Part II of the Blue & Gray Civil War In Indian Territory article will be coming out in the future. I'm thinking he took the Texas Road as far south as North Fork Town and then west through Hillabee (Near Hanna, OK) along the Canadian rather than a direct route from Fort Gibson to Edward's Store (Little Rivertown). Then crossing the Canadian at Little Rivertown and joining up with Marcy's Trail. Do you know of any remnant of the Edward's Store settlement or of the Shawnee Town between Atwood and Allen that would make for a good General's Tour stop? I was confused a bit on the Dragoon Trail south of Allen. Do you think the trail followed the east side of Little Sandy River or was it further west towards the current OK-1 bridge? I have never been to the area but from the topos and Google Earth it appears that the east side of the river is fairly rugged while the area west is flatter and easier to navigate. He also states that the battle took place just downstream of the mouth of the Little Sandy. From what I can see from my limited vantage points I don't see any crossing there. If it was used as a Texas cattle trail later on it would be very distinguishing as is the case at Cabin Creek where the cattle swales cut deep into the banks. Maybe somewhere is some archive is a detailed report on the Middle Boggy battle written by Major Willetts with a map, etc. We can only dream. I am glad that the historic community is beginning to recognize that area as the battle site even though most published texts still locate it at the Atoka crossing even though it has been discredited for some time. If you or anyone else has some exacting details of the campaign I certainly could use it to make the article the best it can be. The magazine editor is very precise and will challenge me on most points if there is any doubt. The second part of the article will cover primarily the Phillips Expedtion, the J.R. Williams, and Second Cabin Creek. (Maybe it will help Steve Warren sell a few more books!!) Anyway, any help is appreciated.

Mike Manning
Fort Donelson National Battlefield