On James Gaines Deposition it stated that he moved to Tx. in 1812 & purschased the Ferry in the year of 1819 & owned the Ferry of until Nov.20, 1844 . There has been a boat or Flat always at Gaines Ferry since 1814. But at Crows& other ferries on the Sabine there were frequently no boats . His Boat was known as the "Paso del Chalan " . The Ferry was on the main road traveled from Nacogdoches & Natchitoches . Crows Ferry was frequently abandoned . The hauling for the troops was to the best of my recollection done on the Gaines Ferry Road . But the Gaines Ferry doesnot cross the Patoon . The Patoon is an uncommonally large bayou & in very high waters & was impossible to cross it until a bridge was built . James Gaines was nicknamed " Captain Colorado " by The Alabama & Coushatta Indians because of his stature , Red hair ,& red faced . This is noted in the Handbook of Texas Under James Gaines . Hope this will add to someones research concerning the area or James Gaines . Evelyn in Texas