In the fall of 1863, after returning to San Antonio in the fall of 1863, Col. William Steele of the 7th Texas Cavalry was promoted to brigidier general and took command of the Department of Indian Territory with headquarters at Boggy Depot. Most men in his command thought William Steele was related to federal General Frederick Steele and he never gained full confidence of his officers and men. Within a few months after taking command of the Department of Indian Territory, Steele was relieved by Brigidier General Samuel Bell Maxey who was given the command of the Department of Arkansas and Indian Territory and Steele was reassigned to command artillery at Galveston.

The 7th Texas Cavalry regiment left San Antonio and was sent to Galveston and then to Louisiana under Gen. Thomas Green. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Texas Cavalry Regiments of Brig. Gen. Sibley's former Arizona Brigade began reorganizing in Colorado County with plans to retake New Mexico. The plans were changed by Richmond and the regiments sent to Indian Territory and Arkansas under Brig. Gen. Maxey and to Louisana under Gen. Thomas Green.