USA > Arkansas > Faulkner County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 12
USA > Arkansas > Garland County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 12
USA > Arkansas > Grant County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 12
USA > Arkansas > Hot Spring County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 12
USA > Arkansas > Jefferson County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 12
USA > Arkansas > Lonoke County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 12
USA > Arkansas > Perry County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 12
USA > Arkansas > Pulaski County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 12
USA > Arkansas > Saline County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 12
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128
The Southern individual may look with envy to the pension fund now being poured out in North- ern States, while, instead of this, he should only
remember that the Southern soldier is making his way unaided in the world. It should not be for- gotten that the rapid development of the South is sadly in want of the constant labor of thousands of immigrants, and that the New South is just entering upon a period of surprising and unexampled pros- perity, which certainly must continue.
In Arkansas, as in Illinois, when Fort Sumter was fired on, instantly there was a storm of excite- ment to "let slip the dogs of war." Action took the place of argument. The best men in the com- munity, those who had so long talked and pleaded against war, closed their mouths, and with sore hearts turned their eyes away from the sad outlook. The young and the inconsiderate seized the power to rule, and (though they knew it not) to ruin. Bells were rung, drums were beaten, and fifes made strident martial music, and people rushed into the streets. Open air meetings for the Confederate cause gathered, and songs and speeches inflamed the wildest passions of men. Poor men ! they little recked the cruel fate into which they were plunging their country-not only themselves, but generations to come. A fifer and drummer march- ing along the streets, making harsh and discordant noises, were soon followed by crowds of men, women and children. Volunteers were called for by embryo captains, and from these crowds were soon recruited squads to be crystallized into armies with heavy tramp and flying banners-the noisy prologue to one of the bloodiest tragedies on which time has ever rung up the curtain.
The first official action of the State was that authorizing the raising and equipping of seven regiments. These were soon ready to report with full ranks. Seven regiments ! Even after the war was well on foot, men were forming companies in hot haste, in fear that before they could reach the field of action the war would be over. And after they were mustered in and at their respective rendezvous, without uniforms and with sticks for guns, learning the rudiments of drill, they were restless, troubled seriously with the fear that they would never see or feel the glory of battle. The youths of the State had rushed to the recruiting sta- tions with the eager thoughtlessness with which
75
HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.
they would have put down their names for picnic, hunting or fishing expeditions, and the wild delights of a season of camp life. Perhaps to some came indistinct ideas of winning glory on the field and a triumphant return home, to be met by the happy smiles of a people saved-when the bells would ring and flowers be strewn in the highway.
The seven regiments first authorized by the military board (the board consisting of the gov- ernor, Col. Sam W. Williams and Col. B. C. Tot- ten) had hardly been formed when more soldiers were wanted. Ten additional regiments were authorized, and of the ten seven were recruited and organized. Fourteen infantry regiments be- sides the cavalry and artillery had been a strong demand on the people, but the calls for men were increased. By voluntary enlistments twenty-one infantry regiments were finally in the field. In- cluding cavalry and artillery, Arkansas had about 25,000 volunteer soldiery.
Then came the remorseless conscription. The glamour of soldiering was now all gone. Ragged, hungry, wounded and worn with hard marches, men had suffered the touch of the hand of the angel of destruction. The relentless conscripting went on. The number of years before old age exempted was lengthened, and the age of youth exempting was shortened, until as said by Gen. Grant, they were "robbing the cradle and the grave" to recruit their decimated ranks in the army.
There are no records now by which can be told the number of men Arkansas had in the Confeder- ate army, but it is supposed by those best informed to have had nearly 40,000. In addition to this the State furnished soldiers to the Union army. In the history of wars it is doubtful if there is anything to exceed this in the heroic sacrifices of any people.
The original seven regiments were authorized as the first exuberant war expression of the State. They were State troops, armed and equipped by the State; but the fact is that the poorest men went into the army at their individual expense and armed and equipped themselves. This was the rule-not by men only who were fighting for their slave property, but largely by men who had never owned
or expected to own a slave. When the Union army under Gen. Curtis was bearing down to invade Ar- kansas, ten more regiments were authorized and responded to this call, and seven additional regi- ments were raised and mustered into the State's service.
A military board had been provided for, con- sisting of three men, the governor and two advis- ors, who had a general supervision in organizing and equipping the army.
The first regiment raised in the State is known as the Pat Cleburneregiment. Patrick A. Cleburne, colonel, was soon made a general, and took his brigade east of the Mississippi River. The gal- lant and dashing leader was killed in the battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864. At the first call to arms he raised a company and named it the Yell Rifles, of which he was first captain, and on the formation of the first regiment he became colonel, rising up and up by rapid promotions to a major- generalship.
The names of Yell and Pat Cleburne are en- twined closely in the hearts of the people of Arkan- sas. Yell was killed at the bloody battle of Buena Vista, Mexico, at the head of his charging column. The military lives and deaths of the two men were much alike. Their names and fames are secure in history. There is a touch of romance about Pat Cleburne's life in Arkansas. A Tipperary boy, of an excellent family, born in 1828, he had, when not more than sixteen years of age, joined the English army, where he was for more than a year before his whereabouts became known. His friends secured his release from the army, when he at once bade adieu to his native land and sailed for America. Stopping in 1849, a short time in Cincinnati, he was for a while a drug clerk. In 1859 he came to Helena, Ark., and engaged here also as a pre- scription clerk. in the meantime reading law; he was made a licensed attorney in 1856. In the bloody street affray soon after, between Hindman and Dorsey Rice, he was drawn into the fracas and was shot through the body by a brother of Rice's, who came upon the ground during the melee. The latter noticed the encounter, and seeing that Cle- burne stood at one side, pistol in hand, tired. On
76
HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.
turning to see who had shot him, Cleburne saw James Marriott, a brother-in-law of Dorsey Rice, with pistol in hand, and under the mistake that he was the assailant, shot him dead. Cleburne lingered a long time from his wound but finally recovered.
In the yellow fever scourge in Helena, in 1855, he was at one time about the only well person re- maining to care for the sick and dying. He was a strict member of the church and for some years a vestryman in St. John's Episcopal Church, Helena. He was engaged to wed Miss Tarleton, of Mobile, when he fell upon the battle field, and the dead soldier lay upon the ground, with his arms folded over his breast, as if even in death he would pro- tect the sacred tokens of love that he wore next his heart.
The military board elected two brigadier-gen- erals- James Yell and N. B. Pierce. The latter was sent to Northwestern Arkansas, where was fought the first battle on Arkansas soil-Pea Ridge, or as it is better known in the South, Elkhorn. This was a severe engagement, and a decisive one.
There is yet some confusion in referring to the respective numbers of the Arkansas regiments. Gen. Pierce, supposing he had full power, gave numbers Third, Fourth and Fifth to what the board, the proper and only authority, designated as numbers Second, Third and Fourth. The fol- lowing shows the board's numbering and names of the colonels :
First, Col. P. H. Cleburne; Second, Col. Gratiot; Third, Col. Dockery; Fourth, Col. Davis Walker; Fifth, Col. D. C. Cross; Sixth, Col. Lyon; Seventh, Col. Shaver; Eighth, Col. W. K. Patter- son; Ninth, Col. John Roane; Tenth, Col. T. D. Merrick; Eleventh, Col. Jabez M. Smith; Twelfth, Col. E. W. Gantt; Thirteenth, Col. J. C. Tappan ; Fourteenth, Col. W. C. Mitchell, (never com- pleted); Fifteenth, Col. Dawson; Seventeenth, Col. G. W. Lamar, Lieut. - Col. Sam W. Williams.
In the scraps of records now to be found there are mentioned as the different arms in the Confed- erate service of Arkansas men, in addition to those above given, the following: Light artillery, Hill's; batteries, Blocher's, Brown's, Etter's, Hughey's,
Marshall's and West's; cavalry battalions, Chris- man's, Crawford's, Hill's, Witherspoon's; detached companies, Brown's, Coarser's, Desha's, Ranger's, Fitzwilliam's, Miller's and Palmer's; regiments, Carroll's, Dobbins', Newton's; infantry, regiments from one to thirty-nine, inclusive.
Four regiments of infantry of Federal recruits were raised in Arkansas, the First commanded by Col. M. La Rue Harrison; the Fourth by Elisha Baxter. The First Arkansas Light Artillery was 150 strong. The Arkansas Infantry Brigade was under command of Col. James M. True. August 5, 1863, Adj't-Gen. Thomas made a trip to the Southwest for the purpose of gathering in all the negroes possible by scouting bands, and to enlist the able bodied men. The First Arkansas Battery was commanded by Capt. Dent D. Stark, and the First Arkansas Cavalry by Maj. J. J. Johnson. The Second Arkansas Cavalry is mentioned. Lient. - Col. E. J. Searle, authorized to raise the Third Arkansas Cavalry, reported 400 strong. The Fourth Arkansas Cavalry comprised nine companies, commanded by Capt. W. A. Martin.
The Second and Third Arkansas colored in- fantry regiments are mentioned, in addition to the Second and Third white regiments.
In the spring of 1861, the Richmond govern- ment authorized Col. T. B. Flournoy to raise a reg- iment. It was collected in and about Little Rock and Col. Fagan was elected commander. This command went to Virginia. Gen. Churchill organ- ized the first regiment of cavalry, with rendezvous at Little Rock. Gen. T. C. Hindman organized Hindman's Legion. It consisted of infantry and cavalry and had fifteen companies. He took his command east of the river. Under the direction of the military board Col. Rosey Carroll's regiment of cavalry was raised. The Second Arkansas Reg- iment of Mounted Infantry was mustered at Osage Springs, by Col. Dandridge McRea. James McIn- tosh became colonel and Capt. H. H. Brown, major. J. P. Eagle was first lieutenant-colonel and after- ward colonel. Col. McIntosh was killed at Pea Ridge, but had been promoted a brigadier-general a few days before his death.
The absence of war archives from the State,
77
HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.
the most of them that were preserved until after the war being now in Washington, and the pass- ing away of so many of the prominent participants, and a common fault of human memory, make it well-nigh impossible to gather for permanent form any satisfactory roster of the different Confederate commands or the order of their organization. No Arkansan so far, which is much to be regretted, has attempted to write a history of the State in the civil struggle.
Gov. J. P. Eagle happened to keep dupli- cates of certain reports he made while in the ser- vice, and discovered them recently where they had been laid away and forgotten among old papers. Fortunately when he made the reports the idea occurred to him to keep a copy for himself, that some day he might look over them and be inter- ested.
"This is a list of the killed and wounded in my regiment," he remarked, "the Second Arkansas, from May 8 to August 31, 1864, and the other is a report of the same from November 26, 1864, to March 21, 1865."
The Second Arkansas at the beginning of the war was a mounted regiment, commanded by Col. James McIntosh. It was dismounted early in the conflict. Col. McIntosh was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general in the spring of 1862. He led his brigade bravely into the heaviest fighting at the battle of Elkhorn (Pea Ridge), where he was killed. He was succeeded by Col. Embry, who was soon after succeeded by Col. Flannagin, afterwards the "War Governor", of Arkansas. Flannagin was succeeded by Col. James William- son, who lost a leg at the battle of Resaca, Ga., May 14, 1864. Col. J. T. Smith then became colonel. He was killed July 28 following, in the fight at Lick Skillet Road, and J. P. Eagle, now governor of Arkansas, became colonel. Col. Eagle had been wounded at Moore's Mills, and at the time of his promotion was not with the famous regiment. He remained in command until the regiment was consolidated with other regiments and the whole formed into one regiment, with Col. H. G. Bunn commanding. Gov. Eagle became lieutenant-colonel and George Wells, major.
The battle of Elkhorn checked the advance of Curtis' army into Arkansas, and the Federals re- mained hovering in the southwest of Missouri and northwest of Arkansas for some time. Immedi- ately after the fight Van Dorn's forces were with- drawn and taken east of the Mississippi to resist the Federal advance down the river to Vicksburg. Gen. T. C. Hindman returned and took command of the Confederates in Arkansas and established headquarters at Little Rock and slightly fortified the place.
Gen. Curtis then moved with the Federal army down the valley of White River, acting in con- junction with the river fleet, and when he reached Cotton Plant a flank attack was made on his army and the battle of Cotton Plant was fought. The Confederates were repulsed, and Curtis moved on and took possession of Helena, the Confederates retiring. Northern and Northeastern Arkansas were then in the possession of the Union army. The Federals were in the possession of the Missis- sippi down to a point just above Vicksburg. The Confederates made a futile effort to re-capture Helena, July 4, 1863, but heavy rains, swollen streams and impassable roads thwarted every move.
June 2, 1862, Gov. Rector issued the following:
"It being essential that but one military organization shall exist within the Trans-Mississippi department, all Arkansas troops are hereby transferred to the Confeder- ate service." (Signed) H. M. RECTOR, Gov. & Prest. Mil. Board.
The authorities at Richmond, as well as in the Trans-Mississippi district, were anxiously awaiting news of the war steamer, "Arkansas," then build- ing up the mouth of Red River. June 2, 1862, she steamed out of that river and passed the fleet guarding the river for the purpose of capturing the rebel steamer. The attempt and success in run- ning the fiery gauntlet was one of the most exciting scenes ever witnessed on western rivers. Proudly the vessel kept on her course, sending volleys into every vessel to the right and left, and at nearly every turn of her wheels encountering new enemies. A Federal surgeon of the Union fleet said that wonderful trip of the "Arkansas" reminded him
78
HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.
of the Irishman's advice on going into the " free fight "-"wherever you see a head hit it." The Confederate reports say two Federal gun-boats were captured and others disabled.
August 7, following, the "Arkansas," when five miles above Baton Rouge on her way down the river, again encountered Federal gun-boats. Her machinery being disabled, after she had fought long and well, her crew "blew her up, and all escaped."
January 3, 1863 Gen. J. M. Schofield wrote to Gen. Curtis, from Fayetteville, Ark. : "The oper- ations of the army since I left it have been a series of blunders, from which it narrowly escaped dis- aster *
* At Prairie Grove (fought in Decem- ber, 1862) Blunt and Herron were badly beaten in detail and owed their escape to a false report of my arrival with re-enforcements." It now is revealed that Hindman did not know the extent of his victory, but supposed he was about to be overwhelmed by the enemy. Thus the two armies were as secretly as possible running away from each other.
July 13, 1863, Gen. E. Kirby Smith wrote from Shreveport, headquarters of the Trans-Mississippi district, to Govs. Thomas C. Reynolds, F. R. Lub- bock, H. Flannagin and Thomas O. Moore, calling on these, as the heads of their respective States, to meet him at Marshall, Tex., August 15, following: "I have attempted to impartially survey the field of my labor. * I found on my arrival the headquarters
of Arkansas district at Little Rock. *
* Vicksburg has fallen. The enemy possesses the key to this department. *
* The possession of the Mississippi River by the enemy cuts off this department from all communication with Richmond, consequently we must be self- sustaining, and self-reliant in every respect. * * With God's help and yours I will cheerfully grapple with the difficulties that surround us." etc.
This was a gloomy but a correct view of the situation west of the Mississippi River after the fall of Vicksburg.
On January 11, 1863, from Helena, Gen. Fiske reported to Washington: " Found Gorman actively organizing expedition to go up White River to
co-operate with Gen. McClernand on Arkansas River. Twenty-five transports are waiting the signal to start."
From "Prairie Landing, twenty-five miles up Arkansas, January 13, 1863," Amos F. Eno, sec- retary pro tem of Arkansas and adjutant-general, telegraphed Staunton: "Left Helena on 11th, and took with me books and papers of office of military government of Arkansas."
January 14, 1863, the Federals captured St. Charles, the Confederates evacuating the day before.
January 18, Gen. W. A. Gorman occupied Devall's Bluff, which the Confederates had also evacuated.
These captures and evacuations were the pre- liminary movements looking toward Little Rock, the Federals clearing out the small outposts, and the Confederates gathering in their forces.
On August 5, 1863, Gen. Frederick Steele "assumed the command of the army to take the field from Helena, and advance upon Little Rock."
In his order for movement mention is made of the following: First division-cavalry under command of Gen. J. W. Davidson; Second division -Eighteenth, Forty-third, Fifty-fourth, Sixty- first, One Hundred and Sixth, and One Hundred and Twenty-sixth regiments, Illinois Infantry; Twelfth Michigan, Twenty-second Ohio, Twenty- seventh Wisconsin, Third Minnesota, Fortieth Iowa and Forty-third Indiana Infantry regiments; Third division-Twenty-ninth, Thirty-third and Thirty-sixth Iowa, Forty-third Indiana, Twenty- eighth Wisconsin, and Seventy-first Ohio Infantry regiments; and the Fifth Kansas, First Indiana Cavalry, and a brigade under Col. Powell Clayton. Four batteries of field pieces-five wagons to each regiment; 160 rounds of ammunition, 40 rounds to each cartridge-box; 400 rounds to each piece of artillery, and sixty days' rations for the whole army, were the supplies granted these forces.
Gen. Steele was occupied in the expedition from Helena to Little Rock, from August 5 to Sep- tember 10. The cavalry under Gen. Davidson had to scour the country to the right and left as they made their slow advance. Twelve miles east of Little Rock, at Bayou Meta bridge, was a heavy
79
HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.
skirmish, indeed, a regular battle, being the first serious effort to check the Federal advance upon the capital. Again there was heavy fighting six miles east of Little Rock, at what is now the Brugman place. Here Confederate Col. Coffee, of Texas, was killed. This was the last stand made in defense of the city, and in a short time Davidson's cavalry appeared in Argenta, and trained their field pieces on the city, and fired a few shots, when the place was surrendered by the civil authorities, September 10, 1863. The Con- federates had evacuated but a few hours before the Federal cavalry were galloping through the streets, and posting sentiuels here and there.
There was no confusion, no disorder, and none of the usual crimes of war under similar circum- stances. In an hour after Gen. Steele was in possession of the city he had it under strict con- trol, and order prevailed. Gen. Reynolds was put in command of Little Rock. *
The Confederates wisely retreated to Arkadel- phia. They were pursued by the Federals as far as Malvern, but no captures were made and no heavy skirmishing occurred.
It is said that Price evacuated Little Rock un- der the impression that his force was far inferior to that of Gen. Steele. Those who were Confeder- ate officers and in Little Rock now believe that his force was equal at least in numbers to Steele's.
*Abstract from consolidated tri-monthly report of the Army of Arkansas, Maj. - Gen. Frederick Steele command- ing, for September 10. 1863; headquarters, Little Rock:
Present for duty.
Command.
Officers.
Men.
Aggregate pres't.
Aggregate pres'nt
and absent.
Pieces of artillery
First Division (Davidson)
200
3,328
5,372
7,735
18
Second Division (Englemann).
140
2,047
2,990
6,885
Third Division ( Rice).
123
1,683
2,316
4,007
Infantry Brigade (True).
89
1,796
2.250
2,825
6
Cavalry Brigade (Clayton ).
30
445
736
1,200
5
Artillery ( Hayden) ..
15
495
607
844
28
Cavalry escort (McLean)
1
64
91
12.
Total.
619
9,854
14,362
23,620
57
Gen Price had not made a mistake of the comparative strength of the two armies. The commissary informs me that on the morning of the evacuation he issued 8,000 rations-full number.
They think that Price had based his idea of the enemy's numbers by allowing the usual propor- tion of armies of infantry and artillery to cavalry. They believe also that the Confederates at Little Rock at the evacuation had between 11,000 and 12,000 men present-not the number for duty- basing this upon the number of rations issued that day.
After the occupation of Little Rock the Federals dominated all that portion of the State north and east of the Arkansas River, and yet their actual occupied posts were the only grounds over which Confederate rangers were not frequently roving with impunity.
The Confederates exercised ruling power all south and west of the Ouachita River, and for quite a while the territory between the Arkansas and Ouachita Rivers was a kind of "No Man's Land" so far as the armies were concerned.
Steele early in 1864, having been re-enforced, began to move on Arkadelphia. Price retreated to Camden, where the Confederates had several fac- tories for the manufacture of war materials.
Price made a stand against Steele and fought the battle of Prairie D'Ann, but there was noth- ing decisive in this engagement, although it was a severe oue. Price withdrew and fell back on Rondo, in the southwest corner of the State.
In the meantime Banks' expedition was as- cending Red River, the plan being to catch Price between Banks and Steele, and destroy the Con- federate army. Price and Gen. Dick Taylor did not wait for Banks, but met and overwhelmingly defeated him. Having defeated Banks, they turned and gave Steele battle at Jenkins' Ferry, and de- feated him. This was the great and decisive bat- tle of the Trans-Mississippi district.
Steele retreated and fell back on Little Rock, his superior generalship being shown in extricat- ing his badly crippled army and saving it on the withdrawal.
The Federal expeditions were well planned for "bagging" the whole Confederate Trans-Mississippi army, but the vicissitudes of war ordained other- wise. Banks' expedition and its overwhelming mis- fortunes ruined him as a military man throughout
80
HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.
the North, while the brilliant successes of Price raised the hopes of the Confederacy. Some, how- ever, still criticise.
Price failed to follow up his advantage and either destroy or capture Steele's entire army. Had he fully known the condition of affairs at Richmond possibly he might have adopted that course. The Federals were confined within their fortified posts and Confederate bands were again scouring over the State.
Price, losing no time, then started on his raid back into Missouri to carry out his long cherished hope of re-possessing that State. The history of that raid and the dissolution and end of the Con- federacy are a familiar part of the country's history.
Other wars than that mentioned have occupied the attention of people of this section, though perhaps not to such an extent as the great civil strife. There were not people in Arkansas to go to the War of 1812, and the State becomes con- nected with that struggle chiefly because Archibald Yell, the brave young hero, was at the battle of New Orleans, and afterward became one of the most prominent citizens of Arkansas. He was born in North Carolina, in August, 1797, and consequently was but fifteen years of age when the second war with England began. But the lad then and there won the inalienable friendship of Gen. Jackson.
Arkansas acquired no little fame in the Mexican War, chiefly, however, through the gallantry and death of Gov. Yell, the leader of the Arkansas forces. When troops were called for in the year 1846, in the war with Mexico, Yell was a member of Congress. A regiment of cavalry was raised and he was asked to take the command, and obedi- ent to this request he promptly resigned his seat to assume leadership. Albert Pike was a captain in the regiment.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.