[LITTLE ROCK] WEEKLY ARKANSAS GAZETTE, June 27, 1863, p. 1, c. 2
From Sevier County.—
Paraclifta, June 16, 1863.
I was delighted to greet my old friend the Gazette once more, and although its visage is bronzed from the effects of the cruel war, yet do I find its vigor unimpaired, and that it bids fair to long survive, dealing manly blows of defence of the right, and against humbuggery.
Within the past week I have enjoyed an excess of pleasure. The fair ladies of Sevier had wrought with their own hands a beautiful Confederate flag, designed for Capt. [Simeon E.] Hamilton's company of mounted (Choctaw) Riflemen, and proposed it should be presented in due form. Accordingly a large number of ladies and gentlemen started on Wednesday last for the Nation, I among the rest. After an interesting jaunt, on the second day we reached our destination, unfortunately to find, from a misunderstanding, that our arrival was almost a surprise, and that unless we remained several days, our mission would be in part a failure. Not once have we regretted our determination to remain, for the unbounded hospitality displayed won our hearts, and caused to be treasured in their inmost recesses feelings of the most grateful nature. All doors were opened, and the most beautiful tables spread, that my eyes have beheld since the former times. We spent our time in sight seeing, and learning the war dance; and becoming acquainted with the people and their ways. Let me here render a faint tribute to my esteemed friend Col. [Peter P.] Pitchlynn, at whose house we made our headquarters. He is truly a gentleman of the old school, now so rare, and, in keeping with this, exerted himself to the utmost to make us happy, and in this was entirely successful. May he long survive to dispense his liberal hospitality.
Saturday morning came, beautiful and inspiring patriotic thoughts, and with it came the companies of Capts. [Leonidas] Pitchlynn and Hamilton, all painted for the occasion. The Choctaw ladies were on hand in numbers, and everything wore an enlivening appearance. We mingled among the people and smoked the pipe of peace.
About 3 o'clock the two companies filed into the play ground of the Academy, where a platform had been erected, and in front of it arranged themselves in double line. Their arrival was preceded by terrific yells, which would have struck terror into the Northern hosts, if heard. Our ladies, stationed themselves on the platform, where Miss M. E. Davis, in behalf of her companions, made the presentation in chaste and suitable language. Col. Pitchlynn, using his remarkable powers of memory, immediately translated the address, and also the eloquent speech of the Captain. All passed off well, and we felt that we had intrusted [sic] our flag into safe hands. I must mention its peculiarity. In addition to the usual thirteen stars, the last enclosed a beautiful cross and two stars to represent the Indian delegations in Congress.
The presentation was followed by dances of various kinds, in which our ladies and gentlemen took part, much to the delight and amusement of the Choctaws.
When at last we were forced to leave, the two companies arranged themselves on the sides of the road and gave us the parting salute. I believe much good will have been accomplished by this excursion. The Choctaws said it seemed heretofore as if we did not care for them, but that now they know better, and feel that our cause is one. They will fall to a man, before they surrender their flag.
[Capt. Simeon E. Hamilton, Co. B, 2nd Choctaw Cavalry commanded by Col. Simpson N. Folsom, was captured Aug. 26th, 1863 at Gaines Creek about 16 miles north of Perryville, Choctaw Nation. He died a Johnson's Island POW camp on Feb. 5, 1864. Capt. Leonidas Pitchlynn, son of "Col." Peter P. Pitchlynn, 2nd Choctaw Battalion, presumably the same as L.F. Pitchlynn, captain, co. H, 1st Choctaw & Chickasaw Mtd Rifles (3rd organization), was dropped from the rolls as a deserter on June 13, 1863.]