The refusal of the Creeks to charge was not, however, indicative of any widespread disaffection.[782] So

[Footnote 779:  Anderson, 20-21.  Interestingly enough, about this time Cooper reported that he could get plenty of beef where he was and at a comparatively low price, Confederate Records, chap. 2, no. 268, pp. 60-61.]

[Footnote 780:  Official Records, vol. xxii, part i, 348-352.]

[Footnote 781:  Not all got their impetus there.  The following letter although not sent, contains internal evidence that Cooper was concocting some of them: 

“I learn unofficially that Gen’l Cooper, having received notice of the approach of a train of supplies for Gibson, was about crossing the Arkansas with the largest part of his force, to intercept it.  It is reported that the train would have been in 15 miles of Gibson last night.  If Gen’l Cooper succeeds Phillips will leave soon, if not he will probably remain some time longer.  Be prepared to move in case he leaves.”—­STEELE to Cabell, June 24, 1863, Confederate Records, chap. 2, no. 268, p. 96.]

[Footnote 782:  The following letter shows the nature of the Creek disaffection: 

DEAR GREAT FATHER:  Sir, The wicked rebellion in the United States has caused a division in the Nation.  Some of our many loving leaders have joined the rebels merely for speculation and consequently divided our people and that brought ruin in our Nation.  They had help near and ours was far so that our ruin was sure.  We saw this plain beforehand.  Therefore we concluded to go to you our great father, remembering the treaty that you have made with us long ago in which you promised us protection.  This was the cause that made us to go and meet you in your white house about eighteen months ago and there laid our complaint before you, as a weaker brother wronged of his rights by a stronger brother and you promised us your protection; but before we got back to our people they were (cont.)]

honorably had Phillips been conducting himself with reference to Indian affairs, so promptly and generously had he discharged his obligations to the refugees who had been harbored at Neosho—­they had all returned now from exile[783]—­so successfully had he everywhere encountered the foe that the Indians, far and wide, were beginning to look to him for succor,[784] many of them to

[Footnote 782:  (cont.) made to leave their humble and peaceful home and also all their property and traveled towards north in the woods without roads not only that but they were followed, so that they had to fight three battles so as to keep their families from being taken away from them.  In the last fight they were overpowered by a superior force so they had to get away the best way they can and most every thing they had was taken away from them ...  Now this was the way we left our country and this was the condition of our people when we entered within the bounds of the State of Kansas ...