I thought the same thing, i.e. that 'above' meant up the North Fork of the Canadian as opposed to north of North Fork Town. I assume Phillips would have had at least three scouts in advance and the main body and train took a fairly direct route to Deep Fork, North Fork, and then to Hillabee but likely scouts on his flanks -- on the east toward North Fork Town and to his west to Wewoka (i.e. present Wetumka). Phillips undoubtedly knew where he could get corn but also knew where the Southern Indians were -- that is, west of North Fork Town. North Fork Town was probably completely unpopulated. D.N. McIntosh's regiment were the closest Confederate troops to Ft Gibson.

Ken