Two questions in the first paragraph of Col. Henry E. McCulloch's Feb 3, 1864 letter to Col. James
Bourland.
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1) Who was "Capt. Clauton"? Was he "Dudley S. Clouton" of the of Colonel Sempronius Boyd's 24th
Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Companies D and G. I could not find him in the U.S. censuses. This web
page sort of describes this 24th MO Infantry.
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http://www.geocities.com/yankdoodle_99/
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2) Did McCulloch mean Fort Washita or the Washita River in the first paragraph?
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My transcription is below and can be found on following web page along with a copy of the handwritten
letter.
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http://www.bourlandcivilwar.com/Feb1864WashitaIndianTerritory.htm
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1864 Fannin Co TX, Bonham, Feb 3......COLONEL [James Bourland, Commanding. on Frontier]:
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I have just learned that a Company of 40 men under [Union] Capt. [Dudley S.] Clauton [Missouri 24th
Infantry, Companies D, G] is coming down by Washita [fort or river?, Indian Territory] claiming the
cavalry of [CSA Gen. J.S.] Marmaduke. I suspect them and if they get into Texas and have not the proper
papers, arrest them and send them to me at once. This can be done under Genl. [E.K.] Smith’s order No. 58
without creating much ado.
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It was reported to me to day that a company of 100 traitors would cross Red River to night at mouth of Bois
d’arc [Creek, Fannin Co TX] going to the Texas. They catch me without any cavalry force, all gone off
with prisoners, or after deserters. I have written to [CSA Gen. S.B.] Maxey and [CSA Gen. D.H.] Cooper,
but fear they will cross through between our fences and get safe and to Fort Smith.

It is a blessing to get rid of them, but it would be a much greater one if we can intercept and kill the last one
of them or as soon as they got fairly under way. This country is full of treason and traitors, & what we are to
do with them is a serious question. And one that requires great care and foresight to determine for the best
for our present and future good.
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If New Orleans men are to suffer hangings, would be the true policy in all clearly defined cases, but helpless
women and innocent children pleads for milder terms if the country can be served as well.
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May God help us to do our duty without prejudice, or partiality and save our country.
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Most Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
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Henry. E. McCulloch, Brig-Gen. Comdg. Northern Sub-District, Head Qrs.
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P.S. — I shall order one or two new mule teams sent to your inn. McC. per BP-DM4406-3O-146.
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Again, see my web page for a reproduction of this query plus the handwritten letter.
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http://www.bourlandcivilwar.com/Feb1864WashitaIndianTerritory.html

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Patti, prochette@Juno.com
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