In the event that it should become absolutely necessary in the absence of suitable protection to abandon the Reserve, a suggestion from you in reference to the proper course to be taken would be acceptable, my notion is to fall back upon Red River or into Texas with all the Indians who are true to the South and if overtaken by the way, defend to the last extremity. All my official correspondence I report to the Department but before I could get an expression of opinion from that source, it would probably be too late to avail anything. I shall feel obliged for a reply by the messenger. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant. [M. LEEPER] JONES[594] TO PIKE I have the honor to inform you that the reserve Comanche indians enlisted in the service of the Confederate States by your authority of the 30th August 1861 were on the 9th April last disbanded with the consent and knowledge of Col. M. Leeper indian agent The reason for so doing was that latterly they would not remain at their encampment and their horses were never at hand when wanted. JONES[595] TO PIKE The indians placed in my charge by your order for the protection of this agency finally proved uncontrollable and utterly useless, and were therefore with the knowledge and consent of the Agent discharged on the 13th of April last.... [On the 11th of August, 1862, Agent S. G. Colley transmitted to Dole from Fort Larned two documents,[596] one of which he thought reflected upon the loyalty or honesty of Capt. Whittenhall, formerly commanding at Fort Larned.] (A) I have this day received of Lone Wolf a chief Kiowas a paper from Albert Pike of the so-called S. C. which I will give to him again and another to the said Albert Pike after the Indian agent shall distribute the goods to the Indians. D. S. WHITTENHALL, Capt. Com'd'g Post. July 22, 1862 [Endorsement] A true copy. J. H. LEAVENWORTH, Col. 2nd Reg't C.V. (B) WICHITA AGENCY L. D., May 31st, 1862. The bearer E-sa-sem-mus Kiowa Chief has visited and promised on the part of their tribe to be friendly with the people of Texas and ourselves it is hoped that so long as they carry out that promise they will be treated kindly. M. LEEPER, Ind. Agt. C. S. A. per C. A. ZICHEL [Endorsement] A true copy. J. H. LEAVENWORTH Col. 2nd Reg't C.V. LEEPER TO PIKE WASHITA AGENCY, L. D., June 26, 1862. BRIG. GEN'L. A. PIKE, Com'd'y Ind. Terr'y and Act'g Superintendent. Sir: Being desirous of keeping you advised of all my official operations, enclosed herewith you will please find a copy of requests made by Capts. Hart & James. I found those officers courteous and prompt, and manifesting an unreserved degree of willingness to aid me in carrying out the designs of the Confederate States of America in sustaining the Reserve and giving satisfaction to the Indians located thereon.