This question was posted on the Indian Territory board but I thought it was worth posting here to see if anyone had further insights and/or sources. Apparently Thayer thought Ft Smith was threatened by Gano and/or Cooper. Cooper was far to the southwest without the means to move a significant force north. Was Gano making demonstrations against Ft Smith? Thayer's report is surprising that his scout went all the way to Webbers Falls without finding a trace of Price's retreat -- makes me wonder if they lied about how far west they went.
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ORs, Series 1, Vol 41, Part 4, Pg 492
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF THE FRONTIER,
Fort Smith, Ark., November 8, 1864.
Brig. Gen. JOHN B. SANBORN,
Cassville, Mo.:
SIR: Maj. Melton, with detachment of cavalry, arrived here this forenoon. Price turned westward from Cane Hill. My impression was that he would strike the Arkansas at Webber's Falls, at the mouth of the Illinois River. I crossed the Arkansas here with a force to move out and attack him, but having reason to believe that Gen. Cooper would move up to attack this place with about 7,000 men, I was obliged to bring my forces back. My scouts from Webber's Falls, and also messengers through from Gibson last night, found no trail of any force having gone to the Arkansas. I am therefore led to believe that Price struck to the west of Gibson, via Tahlequah and Park Hill. Maj. Melton reports Curtis in close pursuit. Within my fortifications here I could resist Price and Cooper united. I have subsistence enough to last till the middle of December. A train of supplies is now on the way here. I am very grateful to you for your efforts to aid me.
I am, general, very respectfully, yours &c.,
JOHN M. THAYER,
Brig.-Gen., Cmdg.
P. S.--I have plenty of ammunition.
J. M. T.
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Hinton, Richard Josiah.
“The Rebel Invasion of Missouri and Kansas”
Pg.304
General Thayer in command there, esteemed himself compelled to obey the letter of his instructions, and not risk the safety of this important post by weakening the garrison; otherwise, he would have endeavored to have impeded Price’s crossing the river.