An opposing view: Descendant of black Confederate soldier speaks at museum

THOMASVILLE -- Nelson Winbush knows his voice isn't likely to be heard above the crowd that writes American history books. That doesn't keep him from speaking his mind, however.

A 75-year-old black man whose grandfather proudly fought in the gray uniform of the South during the Civil War, Winbush addressed a group of about 40 at the Thomas County Museum of History Sunday afternoon. To say the least, his perspective of the war differs greatly from what is taught in America's classrooms today.

"People have manufactured a lot of mistruths about why the war took place," he said. "It wasn't about slavery. It was about state's rights and tariffs."

Many of Winbush's words were reserved for the Confederate battle flag, which still swirls amid controversy more than 150 years after it originally flew.

"This flag has been lied about more than any flag in the world," Winbush said. "People see it and they don't really know what the hell they are looking at."

About midway through his 90-minute presentation, Winbush's comments were issued with extra force.

"This flag is the one that draped my grandfathers' coffin," he said while clutching it strongly in his left hand. "I would shudder to think what would happen if somebody tried to do something to this particular flag."

Winbush, a retired in educator and Korean War veteran who resides in Kissimmee, Fla., said the Confederate battle flag has been hijacked by racist groups, prompting unwarranted criticism from its detractors.

"This flag had nothing to with the (Ku Klux) klan or skinheads," he said while wearing a necktie that featured the Confederate emblem. "They weren't even heard of then. It was just a guide to follow in battle.

Winbush said Confederate soldiers started using the flag with the St. Andrews cross because its original flag closely resembled the U.S. flag. The first Confederate flag's blue patch in an upper corner and its alternating red and white stripes caused confusion on the battlefield, he said.

"Neither side (of the debate) knows what the flag represents," Winbush said. "It's dumb and dumber. You can turn it around, but it's still two dumb bunches.

Winbush learned about the Civil War at the knee of Louis Napoleon Nelson, who joined his master and one of his master's sons in battle voluntarily when he was 14. Nelson saw combat at Lookout Mountain, Bryson's Crossroads, Shiloh and Vicksburg.

"At Shiloh, my grandfather served as a chaplain even though he couldn't read or write," said Winbush, who bolstered his points with photos, letters and newspapers that used to belong to his grandfather. "I've never heard of a black Yankee holding such an office, so that makes him a little different."

Winbush said his grandfather, who also served as a "scavenger," never had any qualms about fighting for the South. He had plenty of chances to make a break for freedom, but never did. He attended 39 Confederate reunions, the final one in 1934. A Sons of Confederate Veterans Chapter in Tennessee is named after him.

"People ask why a black person would fight for the Confederacy. (It was) for the same damned reason a white Southerner did," Winbush explained.

Winbush said Southern blacks and whites often lived together as extended families., adding slaves and slave owners were outraged when Union forces raided their homes. He said history books rarely make mention of this.

"When the master and his older sons went to war, who did he leave his families with?" asked Winbush, who grandfather remained with his former owners 12 years after the hostilities ended. "It was with the slaves. Were his (family members) mistreated? Hell, no!

Winbush said more than 90,000 blacks, some of them free, fought for the Confederacy. He has said in the past that he would have fought by his grandfather's side in the 7th Tennessee Cavalry led by Gen. Nathan Bedford Forest.

After his presentation, Winbush opened the floor for questions. Two black women, including Jule Anderson of the Thomas County Historical Society Board of Directors, told him the Confederate battle flag made them uncomfortable.

Winbush, who said he started speaking out about the Civil War in 1992 after growing weary of what he dubbed "political correctness," was also challenged about his opinions.

"I have difficulty in trying to apply today's standards with what happened 150 years ago," he said to Anderson's tearful comments. "...That's what a lot of people are attempting to do. I'm just presenting facts, not as I read from some book where somebody thought that they understood. This came straight from the horse's mouth, and I refute anybody to deny that."

Thomas County Historical Society Board member and SVC member Chip Bragg moved in to close the session after it took a political turn when a white audience member voiced disapproval of the use of Confederate symbols on the state flag. Georgia voters are set to go to the polls a week from today to pick a flag to replace the 1956 version, which featured the St. Andrew's cross prominently.

"Those of us who are serious about our Confederate heritage are very unhappy with the trivialization of Confederate symbols and their misuse," he said. "Part of what we are trying to do is correct this misunderstanding."

TREATIES FOR CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES
Various Indian Nations

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Headquarters Northern Division of Louisiana,
Shreveport, La., July 20,1865.

Bvt. Lieut. Col. J. Schuyler Crosby,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General, Department of the Gulf:

Colonel: I have the honor to report that on the 14th instant I received from Winchester Colbert, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation of Indians, treaty stipulations signed by him in behalf of said nation and also in behalf of the members of the Caddo, Comanches, and Reserve bands residing in the said nation, agreeing to return to their homes and to remain in peace with the United States and the various Indian tribes who have been engaged in the service of the United States during the war. Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews, Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry, by my direction, signed these treaty stipulations as commissioner on the part of the U. S. forces a duplicate of which is forwarded with this report and one returned to Governor Colbert by his messenger, Lieut. J. B. Turner, late of General Cooper's staff. I also forward herewith a letter from D. H. Cooper, late brigadier-general, to S. B. Buckner, late lieutenant-general in the Confederate service, with seven inclosures. These papers were left open and placed in my hands, with request that I would examine them before forwarding them. I desire to call attention to the statement of General Cooper in his letter to General Buckner, that it is impracticable for him to surrender the members of the Indian nations, and that it would endanger his life to attempt it. This statement is fully sustained by Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews and Adjutant Vance, who were sent by Major-General Herron to treat with the Indian tribes, and by several intelligent citizens just from the Indian Territory. According to all the information I have been able to obtain, the Cherokees, Choctaws, Muscogees, Seminoles, Chickasaws, Reserve Caddos, Osages, and Comanches, or the parts of their tribes or nations that joined the rebel cause in the present war, did so as independent powers and allies of the rebels, and they claim their right to make terms of peace with the United States regardless of any terms of surrender agreed upon and accepted by the rebel authorities. Taking this view of the case as being correct, I issued General Orders, No. 6, directing all officers and soldiers of the Confederate Army serving in the Indian Territory, but

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who were not citizens of the Indian nations, to report to the paroling officers at Marshall, Tex., Fort Smith, Ark., or other military post nearest to them; and wrote letters to General Cooper and Governor Colbert that paroles from the individuals of the Indian nations with whom we had formed temporary treaties would not be required. On the 19th instant I received Col. William P. Adair and Col. James M. Bell, commissioners appointed by Stand Watie, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation (south), to confer with me as to the condition of the Cherokees, and to ask assistance from the United States for the destitute Indians of their nation. After a friendly talk over the affairs of their nation they submitted in writing inquiries in relation to "supplying the destitute Indians," "paroling the troops of the Cherokee Nation," and "public property in the hands of the nation at the time of the surrender." A copy of their communication and my answer are attached to this report. They also kindly furnished me with a copy of a treaty entered into between the Cherokees, Choctaws, Muscogees, Seminoles, Chickasaws, Reserve Caddos, Osages, Comanches, and the Indians of the plains, at Camp Napoleon, on Washita River, on the 26th of May, 1865.

It appears from the statements of Colonels Bell and Adair that there is a general desire among all the tribes to return to their homes and live in peace with each other and the United States, and the only cause likely to disturb the quiet and peace of the country will be the wants of the Indians who have lost what little they owned by the war, and have raised no crops the present season, and are left without any means of subsistence.

They represent that there are about 4,000 Cherokees and about the same number of Creeks, Osages, and Seminoles, making 8,000 or 9,000 persons that will have to be fed by the Government or left to take what they need by force. The citizens of Texas, near the Red River, are now sending them supplies as charitable donations, but prompted, no doubt, more by a sense of fear of marauding bands than from any real charitable feeling. I most respectfully urge the necessity of sending some officer or agent immediately to the Indian country to make proper provision for their wants. As a simple question of economy it is vastly cheaper to feed these people than to send troops there to keep them in order, or punish them for disturbing the country by stealing and marauding against their neighbors. A grand council of the tribes has been convened to meet at Armstrong Academy, in the Indian Territory, on the 1st day of September. They will expect to meet officers or agents of the United States fully empowered to settle all questions between the Indian nations and the Government. Governor Colbert, of the Chickasaw Nation, and General Cooper, lately commanding U. S. forces in the Indian Territory, urge the necessity of the United States Government providing for defraying the expenses of the council and providing presents for the Indians of the plains. From the information received I regard it very important to the interests of the Government that the expenses of the council be provided for. It is not likely that any one of the tribes or nations will make adequate preparations for entertaining so large a number of persons as will be likely to be present on the 1st of September. It would be difficult transacting business with them unless they were well supplied and made comfortable while attending the councils, and the wild bands always expect presents on such occasions. I may have gone beyond my authority in assuming control of any of the matters connected with

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the Indian Territory, but I have only done so from the necessity of the case, and hope that my acts may meet the approbation of the major-general commanding the department.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES C. VEATCH.
Brigadier-General.

[Inclosure No. 1.]

Treaty stipulations made and entered into this the 14th day of July, A. D. 1865, between Lieut. Col. A. C. Matthews, U. S. Volunteers, on the part of the military authorities of the United States, and Winchester Colbert, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, on part of said nation, as follows, to wit:

Article I. All acts of hostilities on the part of both armies having ceased by virtue of a convention entered into on the 26th day of May, 1805, between Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby, U. S. Army, commanding Military Division of West Mississippi, and General E. Kirby Smith, C. S. Army, commanding TransMississippi Department, the citizens and members of the Chickasaw Nation of Indians here represented, lately allied with the Confederate States in acts of hostilities against the Government of the United States, and also the members of the Caddo, Comanche, and other bands known as the "Reserve Indians," residing in the Chickasaw Nation, do agree at once to return to their respective homes, and there remain at peace with the United States and offer no indignity whatever, or commit any acts of hostilities against the whites or Indians of the various tribes who have been friendly to or engaged in the service of the United States during the war.

Art. II. It is stipulated by the undersigned commissioners on the part of the United States, that as long as the citizens and members of the nation and bands aforesaid observe the provisions of Article I of this agreement, they shall be protected by the authorities of the United States in their persons and property, not only from the encroachment on the part of the whites, but also from the Indians who have been in the service of the United States.

Art. III. The above article of agreement to remain in force and effect until the meeting of the grand council, to meet at Armstrong Academy, Choctaw Nation, on the 1st day of September, A. D. 1865, and until such time as the proceedings of said grand council shall be ratified by the proper authorities both of the Chickasaw Nation and the United States.

In testimony whereof the said Lieut. Col. A. C. Matthews, U. S. Volunteers, commissioner on the part of the United States, and Winchester Colbert, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, have hereunto set their hand and seal.

Done in duplicate the day and year above mentioned.

A. C. MATTHEWS, Lieut. Col, U. S. Vols.,
Commissioner.

WINCHESTER COLBERT,
Governor Chickasaw Nation.

[Inclosure No. 2.]

Cherokee and Choctaw Agency,
Near Fort Washita, June 28, 1865.

Lieut. Gen. S. B. Buckner,
Chief of Staff, Trans-Mississippi Dept., Shreveport, La.:

General : I have to acknowledge receipt of your communication dated 6th instant, at Shreveport, La., inclosing copy of General Orders

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of same date, containing the terms upon which the troops of the Trans-Mississippi Department were surrendered, and directing that I should apply to the nearest officer of the U. S. Army and complete the surrender of my command in accordance with said terms. Your order did not reach me until after the commissioners sent by Major-General Herron to the Indian Nation, lately in alliance with the Confederate States, had entered into an agreement with them which renders it impossible for me to comply literally with your orders. Inclosed for your information are copies of the instructions to Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews from General Herron and the truce entered into by him under said authority with certain Indian officials.* I will endeavor to carry out the terms agreed upon between General Canby and General Smith so far as the white men who are not citizens of the Indian Nation are concerned, but would respectfully suggest, inasmuch as these men are scattered in every direction and most of them have left the Indian Territory, that arrangements be made to have them report at Bonham, Tex., Fort Smith, Ark., or to the U. S. military post nearest their homes, and give their parole or take the oath. You will readily perceive that after the agreement between Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews and Adjutant Vance and the Indian authorities it would be impracticable and would endanger my life to attempt to surrender the members of the Indian Nation. At the time of the surrender the Indian division commanded by Brig. Gen. Stand Watie embraced all the troops of this district except a few staff officers belonging to district headquarters and at the military posts within the Indian Territory. Here as in Texas upon the reception of the news that General Smith was about to surrender, the troops disbanded and appropriated most of the public property. What was left was taken in charge by Col. P. P. Pitchlynn, principal chief of the Choctaw Nation, Governor Colbert, of the Chickasaw Nation, and other Indian officers and authorities. You will perceive I have neither "troops nor public property" to surrender (and I would suggest that this subject be provided for in the treaties expected to be concluded in September), but desire to do all in my power and all that honor and good faith require in compliance with the terms of the surrender agreed upon between General Smith and General Canby at New Orleans. But under the embarrassing circumstances in which I am placed it has appeared best that I should ask additional instructions, and request that such orders may be issued by General Herron as will enable the white men who were serving in the Indian Territory at the time of the surrender to obtain their release under parole and return to their homes protected by the U. S. authorities. In reply to your letter of the 8th instant, I will say that, like the orders of the 6th, it was retained and not sent to me until after the agreement between Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews and Adjutant Vance with the Indian authorities had been entered into and they had left the country. It would have afforded me much pleasure to have aided these gentlemen, as I think, could have been done considerably, had I known anything officially of their mission to this Territory. I had, however, advised the Indians lately in alliance with the Confederate States to abstain from all further acts of hostility against the United States or the Indians who had adhered to them in the late war, and had advised the calling of the grand council at Armstrong Academy to send commissioners to Washington City for the purpose of renewing their ancient treaties of friendship and alliance with the Government of the

* See Herron to Matthews, June 9, p. 830; agreement of June 19, p. 1006; and agreement of June 23, p. 1100,

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United States, and the necessary steps had been taken to do so and the council adjourned before the arrival of Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews was known. Instead of going to Washington, which would be attended with great expense, these commissioners will meet commissioners on the part of the United States at Armstrong Academy on the 1st of September next. I would, in this connection, also respectfully suggest that suitable arrangements be made at the expense of the United States to subsist the large assemblage of Indians which may be anticipated at that time and place, and also that suitable presents be provided for the Indians of the plains, part to be sent on before the meeting of the council, as an inducement for them to attend.

Without these "presents" it is always extremely difficult to assemble the roving bands of the plains. It is the custom among them to receive on such occasions "presents," and without them they are not likely to take the trouble to attend a council. If my services are needed in bringing about a general pacification of the Indian nations and bands, they are at the command of the United States Government.

I am, general, respectfully,

D. H. COOPER,
Late Brigadier- General, Gomdg. Dist. of Indian Territory, and
Ex Officio Superintendent of Indian Affairs.

N. B.-District headquarters were removed from Doaksville in May last to Port Washita, of which General Smith was duly notified by letter. C.

[Inclosure No. 3.]

Shreveport, La., July 19,1865.

Brig. Gen. J. C. Veatch,
Comdg. Forces Northern Louisiana, Hdqrs, Shreveport, La. :

General : The undersigned, delegates from the Cherokee Nation (as represented to you this morning), would respectfully submit the following proposition for your consideration and action:

First. Inasmuch as the arrangements made with the Confederate States Government for the feeding of indigent refugee Cherokees ceased with that Government, so that they (the said Indians) are now left in a very destitute condition, depending solely upon the inadequate charity of citizens of Texas, and inasmuch as the United States Government has entered into negotiations for a cessation of hostilities with the Cherokees, pending a final treaty with them, will not the United States Government feed them until such time as other arrangements may be made by final negotiations?

Second. In disposing of the allied troops of the Indian Division of the late C. S. Army, will the same principle obtain in regard to them as is established in regard to white troops in the States according to the arrangements entered into between Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby, U. S. Army, and General E. Kirby Smith, C. S. Army, for the surrender of the Trans-Mississippi Department, or will the convention or treaty made between Brig. Gen. Stand Watie, commanding said Indian Division, and principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, and Lieut. Col. A. C. Matthews and Capt. and Adjt. William H. Vance, commissioners for the United States Government, of the date of June 23,1865, supersede the necessity of paroling the troops of the said Indian Division?

Third. Under the impression that peace between the United States and Confederate States Governments had been made, the troops of the Indian Division seized and appropriated to their own use the public property of the army, so that the same has been placed beyond the control of the

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commanding officers, and such of said property as has since been received, after strenuous exertions, has been ordered for the use and benefit of the indigent refugees of the respective nations composing the Indian Division. Under these circumstances will the United States Government require this property turned over according to the terms of the surrender of the Trans-Mississippi Department already referred to, or will this question be settled by future negotiations? On entertaining these propositions this forenoon, you stated that you would be under the necessity of submitting them to department headquarters for final action, through special messenger. Should this become necessary we respectfully ask that Maj. William H. Vance be sent, as his personal knowledge of our peculiar condition no doubt will enable him to give any additional information that might be desired.

We have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servants.

W. P. ADAIR,
Late Colonel, Commanding First Indian Brigade,
District of Indian Territory, Provisional Army, C. S., Delegate.

JAMES M. BELL,
Late Colonel, Commanding First Cherokee Regiment,
District of Indian Territory, Provisional Army, C. S., Delegate.

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[Sub-inclosure.]

Treaty stipulations made and entered into this 23d day of June, A. D. 1865, near Doaksville, Choctaw Nation, between Lieut. Col. A. C. Matthews and W. H.Vance, U. S. Volunteers, commissioners appointed by Major-General Herron, U. S. Army, on part of the military authorities of the United States, and Brigadier-General Stand Watie, governor and principal chief of that part of the Cherokee Nation lately allied with the Confederate States in acts of hostility against the Government of the United States, as follows, to wit:

Article I. All acts of hostilities on the part of both armies having ceased (by virtue of a convention entered into on the 26th day of May, A. D. 1865, between Maj. Gen. E. E. S. Canby, U. S. Army, commanding Military Division of West Mississippi, and General E. Kirby Smith, C. S. Army, commanding Trans-Mississippi Department), the Indians of the Cherokee Nation here represented, lately allied with the Confederate States in acts of hostilities against the Government of the United States, do agree at once to return to their respective homes, and there remain at peace with the United States, and offer no indignity whatever, or commit any acts of hostilities against the whites, or Indians of the various tribes who have been friendly to or engaged in the service of the United States during the war.

Art. II. It is stipulated by the undersigned, commissioners on the part of the United States, that so long as the Indians aforesaid observe the provisions of Article I of this agreement, they shall be protected by the U. S. authorities in their person and property, not only from encroachments on the part of the whites, but also from the Indians who have been engaged in the service of the United States.

Art. III. The above articles of agreement to remain and be in force and effect until the meeting of the grand council, to meet at Armstrong Academy, Choctaw Nation, on the 1st day of September, A. D. 1865, and until such time as the proceeding of said grand council shall be ratified by the proper authorities both of the Cherokee Nation and the United States.

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In testimony whereof the said Lieut. Col. A. C. Matthews and Adjt. W. H. Vance, commissioners on part of the United States, and Brig. Gen. Stand Watie, governor and principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, have hereunto set their hands and seals.

A. C. MATTHEWS, Lieut. Col., U. S. Vols.,
W. H. VANCE, Adjutant, U. S. Volunteers,
Commissioners.

STAND WATIE,
Brig. Gen., Governor, and Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation.

June 23, 1865.

In addition to the within obligations, it is also stipulated and agreed between the parties to the within agreement that the provisions of the within treaty extend to and be carried out by the Seminoles, Creeks, and Osages, and that all hostilities in their respective nations against the United States cease at once.

A. C. MATTHEWS, Lieut. Col., U. S. Vols.,
W. H. VANCE, Adjutant, U. S. Volunteers,
Commissioners.

STAND WATIE,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Indian Division.

[Inclosure No. 4.]

Headquarters Northern Division of Louisiana,
Shreveport, La., July 19, 1865.

W. P. Adair and James M. Bell,
Delegates from the Cherokee Nation :

Gentlemen: Your note of this date making certain inquiries in relation to matters in which your nation is concerned is received. I will answer your questions in the order in which they are submitted.

First. Supplying the wants of the destitute: The Indian Territory is beyond the limits of my command, and I am only exercising such military control over it as necessity requires until a military post shall be established in the Territory, or nearer to it than my command. I am not authorized to make expenditures of public funds for the purpose mentioned. The whole matter must be submitted to superior headquarters for instructions and orders. For this purpose I shall send a bearer of dispatches by the first boat.

Second. Paroling the troops of the Cherokee Nation: I do not regard it necessary that each individual should give his separate parole. The treaty stipulations made between General Stand Watie, their principal chief, and Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews, on the part of the U. S. forces, is binding on every person within the command of General Stand Watie. Until a paroling officer is sent into the Indian country nothing further will be required of them than the observance of the treaty stipulations. The whole matter will probably be disposed of by future treaties. I have already published an order, a copy of which I inclose, requiring all officers and soldiers of the late Confederate Army serving in the Indian Territory, but not citizens of any of the Indian nations, to report at certain military posts for the purpose of being paroled.

Third. Public property: All officers and public agents having in their control property belonging to the so-called Confederate States or to their armies at the time of the surrender of the Trans-Mississippi Department will be required to account for the same to the proper officer or agents of the United States. The manner in which the property passed out of their hands, whether by

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their own consent or by force which they could not resist, will be questions to be settled in each particular case according to the facts.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES C. VEATCH,
Brigadier-General.

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[Sub-inclosure.]

General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Northern Div. of Louisiana,
No. 6. ) Shreveport, La., July 15, 1865.

All officers and soldiers of the late Confederate Army serving in the Indian Territory, but who were not citizens of any of the Indian nations, will report without delay to the paroling officer at Marshall, Tex., Fort Smith, Ark., or the nearest post of the U. S. forces.

By order of Brig. Gen. J. C. Veatch:
BENJ. F. MONROE,
Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Inclosure No. 5.]

Shreveport, La., July 20,1865.

Brig. Gen. J. C. Veatch,
Commanding U. S. Forces, Shreveport, La. :

General : We respectfully submit the following as an estimate of the number of the indigents of the different Indian nations of the confederated Indian nations, according to the best of our information: Cherokee Nation, 4,000; Choctaw Nation, 4,000; Muscogee Nation, 4,500; Seminoles, 1,100; Chickasaws, 1,200; Osages, 300; Reserve Cad-dos, 200; Reserve Comanches, 200; total, 15,500. There are other indigents of the prairie tribes whose number we cannot at present estimate. Their situation in regard to supplies fan be fully learned, we presume, at the pending grand council on 1st of September next.

We have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servants,

W. P. ADAIR,
Late Colonel, Commanding First Indian Brigade,
District Indian Ter., Provisional Army, C. S.,

JAS. M. BELL,
Late Col., Comdg. 1st Cherokee Begt., Prov. Army, C. S.,
Delegates from Cherokee Nation

[Inclosure No. 6.]

Compact made and entered into between the Confederate Indian tribes and the Prairie tribes of Indians, made at Camp Napoleon, on Washita River, May 26, 1865.

Whereas the history of the past admonishes the red man that his once great and powerful race is rapidly passing away as snow beneath the summer sun, our people of the mighty nations of our forefathers many years ago having been as numerous as the leaves of the forest or the stars of the heavens; but now, by the vicissitudes of time and change and misfortune and evils of disunion, discord, and war among themselves are but a wreck of their former greatness; their vast and lovely country and beautiful hunting grounds, abounding in all the luxuries and necessities of life and happiness, given to them by the Great Spirit, having known no limits but the shores of the great waters and the horizon of the heavens, is now on account of our weakness being reduced and hemmed into a small and precarious country that we can

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scarcely call our own and in which we cannot remain in safety and pursue our peaceful avocations, nor can we visit the bones and the graves of our kindred, so dear to our hearts and sacred to our memories, to pay the tribute of respect, unless we run the risk of being murdered by our more powerful enemies; and

Whereas there still remains in the timbered countries, on the plains, and in the mountains many nations and bands of our people, which, if united, would present a body that would afford sufficient strength to command respect and assert and maintain our rights: Therefore, we, the Cherokees, Choctaws, Muscogees, Seminoles, Chickasaws, Reserve Caddos, Reserve Osages, and Reserve Comanches, comprising the Confederate Indian tribes and allies of the Confederate States of the first part, and our brothers of the plains, the Kiowas, Arapahoes, Chivans, Lipans, and of the several bands of the Comanches, the Nocomies, Co-cho-te-kas, Le-na-weets, Yampankas, and Mootchas, and Jim Pock Mark's band of Caddos and Anadarkoes, of the second part, do, for our peace and happiness and the preservation of our race, make and enter into the following league and compact, to wit:

Article I. Peace and friendship shall forever exist between the tribes and bands parties to this compact. The ancient council fires of our forefathers already kindled by our brothers of the timbered countries shall be kept kindled and blazing by brotherly love, until their smoke shall ascend to the spirit land to invoke the blessing of the Great Spirit on all of our good works. The tomahawk shall be forever buried. The scalping knife shall be forever broken. The warpath heretofore leading from one tribe or band to another shall grow up and become as the wild wilderness. The path of peace shall be opened from one tribe or band to another, and kept open and traveled in friendship, so that it may become white and brighten as time rolls on, and so that our children in all time to come may travel no other road, and never shall it be stained with the blood of our brothers.

Art. II. The parties to this compact shall compose (as our undersigned brothers of the timbered country of the first part already have done) an Indian confederacy or band of brothers, having for its object the peace, the happiness, and the protection of all alike, and the preservation of our race. In no case shall the warpath be opened to settle any difficulty or dispute that may hereafter arise between any of the tribes or bands parties to this compact or individuals thereof. All the difficulties shall be settled without the shedding of any blood, and by suggestion of the chiefs and headmen of the tribes, band, or persons interested. The motto or great principle of the confederated Indian tribes shall be, "An Indian shall not spill an Indian's blood."

In testimony of our sincerity and good faith in entering into this compact we have smoked the pipe of peace and extended to each other the hand of friendship, and exchanged the tokens and emblems of peace and friendship peculiar to our race, this 26th of May, 1865.

[Signatures omitted.]

[Inclosure No. 7.]

Resolutions of the grand council, passed at Cleata Yamaha, Choctaw Nation, June 15, 1865.

Whereas at the grand council held at Camp Napoleon on the 24th day of May, 1865, the Cherokees, Choctaws, Creeks, Chickasaws, Seminoles, Comanches, Caddos, Osages, Cheyennes, Kiowas, Arapahoes, Lipans, the Northern Caddos, and Anadarkoes, did enter into a solemn league of peace and friendship; and,

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Whereas the object of this confederation of these Indian nations is to maintain the integrity of the Indian Territory as the present and future home of our race, to preserve and perpetuate the national rights and franchises of the several nations, to cultivate peace, harmony, and fellowship; and

Whereas it is the earnest desire of this grand council that all strife, feuds, and hostilities among Indians should cease, and that our great principle, "An Indian shall not spill another Indian's blood," be universally adopted by all nations and tribes of Indians: Therefore

Resolved by the grand council of the united nations of the Indian Territory, That the principal chiefs and governors of the nations here represented constitute a committee who are requested and authorized to extend, in the name of this confederation, the hand of fellowship to all nations of Indians.

Resolved further, That the said executives be requested and authorized to communicate the wishes and intentions of this grand council to the proper authorities of the Cherokee, Seminole, Creek, Osage, and all other nations of Indians now in alliance with the Government of the United States and at hostilities with these nations, and to invite the said Cherokee, Seminole, Creek, Osage, and all other nations of Indians to become parties to this confederation and to cooperate with this council in its efforts to contract anew friendly relations with the United States Government.

Resolved further, That the governors or principal chiefs of the Cherokees, Creek, Seminole, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Nations, by and with the consent of their respective councils, be, and they are hereby, authorized to appoint one or more commissioners, not to exceed five from each nation, to represent the interests of such nation at the city of Washington, and who shall be clothed with full powers to negotiate with the United States Government such treaties as the exigencies of affairs may seem to demand.

Resolved further, That any one or more of such persons authorized to be appointed may act as proxies for the remainder should it be out of their power to proceed in person to Washington City. Said delegates will be authorized and directed to invite the United States Government to send commissioners within this Territory to treat with tribes of this confederation who may not be represented at Washington City.

Resolved further, That no treaty made under the provisions of these resolutions shall be binding until ratified by the national councils of the respective tribes making the same.

Resolved further, That said delegates be instructed to communicate with the proper military authorities of the United States for the purpose of effecting a cessation of hostilities in order that there be time and opportunity to negotiate with the United States Government; also to obtain from said military authorities a passport to the city of Washington, and further urge upon said military authorities, in order to avoid collision, the propriety of sending no forces into the Indian Territory until they, the said delegates, may confer with the United States Government for the establishment of permanent peace.

Approved June 16,1865.

TICKABATCHEE MICCO,
Chief Creek Nation.

YORKINPAR MICCO,
Second Chief Creek Nation.

JOHN JUMPER,
Principal Chief Seminoles.

[And Others.]

[1105]

[Inclosure No. 8.]

Executive Department, Choctaw Nation,
June 18, A. D. 1865.

Whereas commissioners duly accredited by the U. S. military authorities were sent to the grand council of all the tribes of Indians lately convened at Armstrong Academy with authority to treat on the subject of peace between the Indian tribes and the United States Government; and

Whereas said commissioners did not arrive in our country in time to take a part with the authorities of said council, but have arrived at this place and conferred with the authorities of this nation; and

Whereas it is the earnest desire of this people to have an honorable and lasting peace and to resume their former friendly relations with the U. S. authorities:

Now, therefore, I, P. P. Pitchlynn, principal chief and governor of the Choctaw Nation, do make and publish this my proclamation, that by the authority in me vested and by and in accordance with an agreement entered into this day* between the said commissioners on the part of the United States and the undersigned, there will be a grand council of all the Indians of the prairies, to be convened and held on the 1st day of September, A. D. 1865, at Armstrong Academy, in the Choctaw Nation, at which time and place there will be duly authorized commissioners from the authorities of the United States to treat on the subject of a permanent and lasting peace. It is earnestly recommended and requested that all the various tribes meet at their respective place of meeting at the earliest practicable date and appoint their commissioners to attend the said grand council. It is also agreed with the commissioners aforesaid that there shall be an immediate cessation of hostilities on the part of the contending parties; that the Indians of the various tribes who have been engaged in war against the United States shall at once disband and return to their respective homes, that they may resume their usual avocations, and that they shall not be interfered with or disturbed by the U. S. authorities so long as friendly relations exist. The importance of a grand council of the character of the one contemplated at this juncture of our history under the circumstances that surround us cannot be overestimated. Our late allies in war, the Confederate armies, have long since ceased to resist the national authorities; they have all either been captured or surrendered to the forces of the United States. It therefore becomes us as a brave people to forget and lay aside our prejudices and prove ourselves equal to the occasion. Let reason obtain now that the sway of passion has passed and let us meet in council with a proper spirit and resume our former relations with the United States Government.

P. P. PITCHLYNN,
Principal Chief Choctaw Nation.

[Inclosure No. 9.]

Jones' Plantation, C. N., June 23, 1865.

Hon. Winchester Colbert,
General and Principal Chief, Chickasaw Nation :

Sir : I have the honor to state to you that the war between the United States and the Confederate States is at an end; that the armies of the Confederacy have all been captured or surrendered to the U. S. authori-

* The agreement is dated June 19 -- see p. 1006.

[1106]

ties, and have turned over their arms and public property to the United States Government. It was my intention to have attended and, if possible, taken a part in the deliberations of the grand council at Armstrong Academy, but the insufficient notice we had rendered this impossible. If I could, have reached there I do not hesitate to say that I would have been able to have submitted to that honorable body propositions looking to a cessation of hostilities that would have been perfectly satisfactory to the delegates of all the tribes represented. When this was found impossible, I deemed it prudent to hold a conference with such of the principal chiefs and men as my limited time and circumstances would allow. I have met governor and principal chief of the Choctaw Nation, Colonel Pitchlynn, and Brig. Gen. Stand Watie, of the Cherokee Nation, and with them have agreed upon a cessation of hostilities, and also for a meeting of the grand council at Armstrong Academy on the 1st day of September, 1865; and further, that they will use their influence with the tribes of the plains to cultivate friendly feelings with the Government of the United States and their people, and that we will protect the Indians of all the tribes against domestic insurrection and foreign invasion, as stipulated in former treaties. I have the honor also to state and respectfully request that you will represent to your people that the Government of the United States wish to cultivate friendly relations toward the Indians of all the tribes, and have no desire to oppress or humiliate in any way any of their people, but to make at the earliest possible date an honorable and lasting treaty of peace with all of them. We desire to meet all of them at the grand council on the 1st day of September, where we can have a full and cordial interchange of opinion, and when all questions can be fully discussed and disposed of. In the meantime we want peace, with all its blessings, to be and remain throughout the length and breadth of your beautiful territory. Through you I wish to convey to your people the assurance of the high regard entertained by our Government for them and their prosperity and happiness.

Hoping that peace may soon be the blessing of all, and that our difficulties may soon be amicably settled, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. C. MATTHEWS,
Lieutenant-Colonel, U. S. Volunteers,
Commissioner.

[Inclosure No. 10.]

Headquarters Northern Division of Louisiana,
Shreveport, La., July 16, 1865.

Winchester Colbert,
Governor of Chickasaw Nation:

Your letter inclosing treaty stipulations for the cessation of hostilities against the United States by the Chickasaw Nation, and the members of the Caddo, Comanche, and the bands known as Reserve Indians, residing in the Chickasaw Nation, lately allied with the Confederate States, has been received. I have directed Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews, commissioner on the part of the military authorities of the United States, to sign these treaty stipulations and return a duplicate to you by Lieutenant Turner, late of General Cooper's staff. I have forwarded to department headquarters a strong recommendation of your suggestions in relation to the council to be held in September. The question of presents for the wild bands and the expenses of the council will probably have to be sent to the proper department at Washington. As

[1107]

soon as an answer is received I will send you a dispatch. I trust that the most friendly relations will be speedily established between the Government of the United States and all the Indian nations. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES C. VEATCH,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure No. 11.]

Headquarters Northern Division op Louisiana,
Shreveport, La., July 15, 1865.

D. H. Cooper,
Late Brig. Gen., Comdg. Dist. of Indian Territory, U. S. Army:

General: Your letter, with inelosures, addressed to Lieutenant-General Buckner, late of the Confederate Army, was brought to me by Lieutenant Turner, your bearer of dispatches. General Buckner left here some weeks since, and is in New Orleans. I have forwarded the papers to him through the headquarters Department of the Gulf. It may be some weeks before you can receive an answer from him, as no mail routes have yet been established. I send you, inclosed, an order in relation to the men of your late command, who were serving in the Indian Territory, but were not citizens of any of the Indian nations.* I have.sent, in my official reports to the Department of the Gulf, an earnest recommendation of your suggestion in relation to the council of the nations to be held on the 1st day of September, and that the Government defray the expense, and furnish presents to the Indians of the plains. The kind offer of your services to the Government, in restoring order among the Indians, is cheerfully accepted, and I shall feel greatly obliged if you will send me information of all matters of importance. I desire to convey to them, through you, the sincere desire of the Government to live on terms of perfect friendship and peace with each and all of them.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES C. VEATCH,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Office Chief of Ordnance, District of Texas,
Galveston, July 20, 1865.

Maj. F. W. Emery,
Assistant Adjutant-General:

Major : I have the honor to report that during the past ten days no information has been received from any point with regard to the condition of the ordnance department or progress made in collecting stores. Full instructions, both by letter and circular, to ordnance officers have been prepared, and will be forwarded to all points occupied by our troops by first opportunity. The depot ordnance officer reports that he is prepared to dismantle such forts and batteries in defense of Galveston as may be designated, and supply, as far as present means will admit, those that are to remain. I respectfully call your attention to the necessity of having the forts and permanent batteries on the coast that are to be retained and equipped specified as soon as possible, in order to insure their early equipment and prevent further damage to the heavy ordnance and supplies from neglect. Until this is done and

* See General Orders, No. 6, p. 1102.

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[1318] Near Fort Washita,
May 22, 1865.

Brig. Gen. Stand Watie,
Commanding Division:

General : I inclose you a short note from Doctor Duval. There are thousands of rumors afloat, but " no news." We shall know the result of Governor Allen's mission in about thirty days. It is said a truce had been agreed upon for that time, but of course, if it be so General Smith will officially notify us. We must act merely on the defensive. I would respectfully suggest, as I did in conversation, that the " grand council of the six allied nations" be convened for the purpose of receiving the report of their commissioners to the Indians of the plains and to take into consideration the present condition of affairs and determine the policy to be pursued in the Indian Territory. I am, general, your friend,

D. H. COOPER,
Brigadier-General, Commanding, &c.

P. S. -- I have received and will forward your requisition for Mrs. Shaw's property, though I doubt whether the Governor of Texas will place it within the Indian Territory. The laws of the Cherokee Nation will, however, be recognized by the Texas courts as settling Mrs. Shaw's rights, and will be refused by their judgment. The governor will no doubt say the courts of the State are open to all parties.

Yours, truly,

D. H. COOPER,
Brigadier-General, Commanding, &c.

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