THE FIRST INDIAN HOME GUARD MOVES ON COXES CREEK, ARKANSAS

(FIRST INDIAN HOME GUARD). The First Indian Home Guard was a tri-racial Union Army Regiment made up of Native-Americans (mainly Creeks and Seminoles), African-Americans, and white officers.

DS. 1pg. September 13, 1862. N.p. An unusual Civil War document signed “S. H. Wattes” and “Geo. W. Dobler” and Lieutenant Colonel and First Lieutenant, respectively, of the First Indian Home Guard. Labelled “Order No15”, the document concerns movements of the First Indian Home Guard: “This Command will move in the direction of Coxes Creek [Arkansas] at Day light on the morning of Sept 17 1862. Care will be taken that nothing valuable be left in camp. By order of S. H. Wattes Lt. Col. Comdg Geo. W. Dobler 1^st Lieut” It reads “Company ‘K’” on the verso. The First Regiment of Indian Home Guard was organized on May 22, 1862 in Le Roy, Kansas.  Colonel Wattles was a staunch Unionist and lived from 1824 to 1899.  It is in fine condition.