page_76 < previous page page_76 next page > Page 76 legitimately resented executive interference with his rights. His protest had its effect and he was informed that it was entirely within his prerogative to lead the expedition southward himself. He resolved to do it. Lane was, for once, outwitted. The end, however, was not yet. About the middle of January, Stanton became Secretary of War and soon let it be known that he, too, had views on the subject of Indian enlistment. As a matter of fact, he refused to countenance it.160 The disappointment was the most keen for Commissioner Dole. Since long before the day when Secretary Smith had announced161 to him that the Department of War was contemplating the employment of four thousand Indians in its service, he had hoped for some means of rescuing the southern tribes from the Confederate alliance and now all plans had come to naught. And yet the need for strenuous action of some sort had never been so great.162 Opoethle-yo-ho-la and his defeated followers were refugees on the Verdigris, imploring help to relieve their present 160 Note this series of telegrams [Indian Office Special Files, no. 201, Southern Superintendency, D 576 of 1862]: "Secretary of War is unwilling to put Indians in the army. Is to consult with President and settle it today." SMITH to Dole, February 6, 1862. "President cant attend to business now. Sickness in the family. No arrangements can be made now. Make necessary arrangements for relief of Indians. I will send communication to Congress today." Same to Same, February 11, 1862. "Go on and supply the destitute Indians. Congress will supply the means. War Department will not organize them." Same to Same, February 14, 1862. 161 Smith to Dole, January 3, 1862 [Indian Office Special Files, no. 201, Central Superintendency, I 531 of 1862; Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Report, 1862, p. 150]. 162 On the second of January, Agent Cutler wired from Leavenworth to Dole, "Heopothleyohola with four thousand warriors is in the field and needs help badly. Secession Creeks are deserting him. Hurry up Lane." Indian Office Special Files, no. 201, Southern Superintendency, C 1443 of 1862.   < previous page page_76 next page >