Douglas H. Cooper letter to Robert C. Newton - Dec. 19, 1862

              Head Qrs.  1st [Indian] Brigade  Scullyville [Skullyville, Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory]  19th Dec 1862  Col [Robert C. Newton]  In reply to yours of 17th inst, recd yesterday, conveying Gen [Thomas C.] Hindmans orders to command my Piquets at once, with the left of LtCol [Richard P.] Crumps [Crump's Regiment, Texas Cavalry], stationed at Dripping Springs [Indian Territory], who is Piqueting the roads west of that to the “Nation Road” -  I have to state, that all the available Cavalry force and here has been advcd once to “Skin Bayou [Indian Territory]” in preparatory to the establishment of the Line of Piquets the Genl desires.  The force is entirely too small, being only about 300 armed men, to cover a space of 40 miles.  Lt Col Crump’s left is only extended about 10 miles west from Dripping Springs.  The only effectual way to cover all the main roads leading south ward from Cane Hill [Arkansas], is to extend the Piquets from Judge Browns, where I suppose Lt Col Crumps left will rest, on the Nation road - leaving a Piquet at the cross road from Evansville [Arkansas] to Old Fairfield Mission in Salisow [Sallisaw, Indian Territory] and another station at the road leading across thru “Greasy Hollow [Indian Territory]” toward Dwight Mission.  The distance from Judge Browns to Peyton Spring is 15 miles -  There should then be say three stations between that & the Talequah [Tahlequah] road.  They could observe all the roads leading toward Webber Falls [Indian Territory] and the main road from Evansville to Tahlequah.  There are other roads further North leading from Cincinnati [Arkansas] and Dutch Mills [Arkansas], Down Barren Falls of Illinois to Talequah - by which the Enemy might get in rear of the Piquets - & come in by Fairfield mission.  But in case of danger the whole could fall back to Judge Browns.  There is a road leading across from Judge Browns to the “Tobacco Mill Place” to Dwight Mission - passing 2 miles