I feel I should mention that the clothing and weapons of the Indian troops was just like that of the white units involved. The Union Indians wore Union uniforms. The Confederate Indians, like their white counterparts, wore whatever clothing they could obtain including Confederate grey, butternut, civilian clothing, or captured Union uniforms. Some Indians on both sides wore warpaint and some added feathers, jewelry, and such but the stereotypes of fringed buckskin, breach cloths, and extravagent Plains-style feathered headdresses were not to be found. The depiction in the famous Kurz painting of the Battle of Pea Ridge showing Indians in fringed buckskin, elaborate headdresses, and attacking on horseback with spears and tomahawks is completely inaccurate if not comical. All the Indian troops used firearms. The Union Indians were issued muskets. The Confederate Indians, again like their white counterparts, carried personal hunting rifles and shotguns, captured Union shoulder arms, or had been issued shoulder arms. Pistols brought from home, purchased, or captured were not uncommon. Large knifes were not uncommon but were more a "tool" than a weapon. There are no official reports that mention scalping at the battle though some modern historians have perpetuated this misconception. A few scalpings did occur at the Battle of Pea Ridge but the practice was quickly and firmly condemned and prohibited.

Ken