The 3rd Indian Home Guard, composed of ten companies of Federal Cherokee commanded by Col. William A. Phillips, was organized at Fort Scott, Kansas, in the summer of 1862. They saw action in several northwest Arkansas engagements. In Indian Territory the 3rd saw action at Cowskin Prairie, Bayou Menard, Spavinaw Creek, Locust Grove, Webbers Falls, Park Hill, and skirmishes near Fort Gibson before marching to Honey Springs, where it served as Blunt's reserve force. After formation of the Federal Indian Brigade in 1863, Col. Phillips was appointed commander, and immediate command of the regiment fell to Lt. Lewis Downing.