The following publications contain information about Joseph Bates:

Article: "Remembering Custer’s Last Command in South Dakota: Bates, Also Known As Murphy, Has Three Graves in Sturgis" by Jack McCulloh • Pictures by Scott Nelson • 09 August 2009.

Article: "Joseph Bates" • 7th Cavalry Troopers in South Dakota • Scott Nelson, Webmaster • Accessed 3 June 2020.

Article: "Haunted by history: Tragedy followed Bighorn battle survivors" by Lorna Thackeray • Billings Gazette • June 21, 2009 • Pages E1 and E3.