he was disposed to keep the whole matter still under army regulations so as to “avoid increasing competition."[881] The army exchequer could be subsequently reimbursed when specific appropriations for Indians should be made.  Supplies of clothing had naturally to be otherwise provided for and for those he contracted[882] in northern Texas.  Steele’s whole policy with regard to the indigents was subjected to the severest criticism;[883] for it was based upon the idea that to be forewarned is to be forearmed.  Disappointed speculators and grafters were chief among his critics and, in spite of all his precautions, they outwitted him.  Peculation appeared on every hand, white sharpers abounded, and Indians, relatively affluent, subsisted at government expense.

Another source of embarrassment was developed by the application of war measures, primarily intended for the states only, to the Indian country.  Indian property was impressed[884] as occasion arose.  Very

[Footnote 881:  Steele to Scott, August 7, 1863, Confederate Records, pp. 179-180.]

[Footnote 882:  Steele to Bryan, November 9, 1863, Confederate Records, chap. 2, no. 267, p. 31.  The Reserve Indians had all along been fed by contract [Steele to Scott, August 7, 1863, Ibid., no. 268, pp. 179-180].  In the fall, Steele renewed the contract with Johnson and Grimes [Steele to S.A.  Roberts, November 15, 1863, Ibid., no. 267, p. 37] and detailed men from his command, from Martin’s regiment, to assist in its execution [Steele to McCulloch, November 22, 1863, Ibid., p. 41].]

[Footnote 883:  The Creeks were particularly dissatisfied.  They claimed that food and raiment had been promised them, but the source of the promises Steele was powerless to determine [Steele to Vore, November 20, 1863, Ibid., p. 39].  Indian soldiers on leave seemed to expect their usual allowances and Cooper, although disclaiming that he had any desire to “pander to the prejudices” of the natives, was always to be found on their side in any contention with Steele.  To all appearances, the Indians had Cooper’s support, in demanding all the privileges and profits of regular troops and “all the latitude of irregular, or partisan” [Steele to Cooper, November 24, 1863, Ibid., pp. 44-45].]

[Footnote 884:  Concerning the request of Steele that cotton and teams be ordered exempt from impressment, see Steele to Bryan, November 9, 1863. Confederate Records, chap. 2, no. 267, p. 31.  The Choctaws had considerable cotton and the question was what was to be done with it in case of an advance of (cont.)]

frequently was this the case in the matter of transportation facilities, in that also of negro labor.  It was Steele’s opinion that the impressment law and the grain tithe law were not operative as against the Indians[885] but his necessities forced the practice, and execution by the army, under his orders, only intensified Indian opposition to him.