MySource:Scotishmariner/Old Folks and Facts

The anniversary of perhaps one of most exciting days in the history of Fort Smith occurs on March 7. Although 70 years have passed and few are left to tell the story, the children can never forget the thrilling tales told. Around 10 o'clock on the Saturday morning of March 7, 1863, men and women with children in arms could be seen running in every direction. Those who could get there made for the garrison, others were crawling under houses while the neighbors on the Van Buren road took refuge in Baum's cellar, even if the water was standing therein. The report had spead that the Pin Indians, a band of Cherokees more to be feared than any tribe, had attacked the town. Suddenly the Indians who had been hiding in the bushes on the opposite side of the Arkansas river began shooting at the steamer "Tahlequah" which was unloading her corn for the Confederates and taking on wood. Some of the shots flew as far as the Catholic church. The pilot, Eugene Smith, who was lying on the floor for safety, shouted through the speaking tubes "to back her off" which order was obeyed. Mr. Smith worked the tiller ropes with his hands, pulling each as necessity required to get the boat in the proper course. A negro boy hearing the commotion ran up to the deck. "Come back here child, you will get shot," cried his mother. "No I won't we's free niggers," he replied, but just then he received a wound in the thigh. One negro was killed. An order was issued for the people to remain in the fort overnight for fear of another attack. Many amusing incidents were told of this occasion. The room was filled with women and children, who were making plans for the night. On the side of the room were bunks, one over another, where the young folks were packed in as tight as sardines in a box. A young Confederate soldier with a squad of artillerymen rushed to the river and planted a couple of cannon on the banks of the river shooting in the direction of the fleeing Indians but the bullets did not reach the sandbar. Captain Ed Nowland was the owner of the "Tahlequah", William B. Nowland, the captain, had gone up in the town to see his sister, Mrs. Joseph Walton, and Eugene Smith acted as captain.