User:Aleutian06/Arkansas Newpaper reports on Militia

[FAYETTEVILLE, ARK.] THE ARKANSIAN, January 13, 1860, p. 3, c. 2

Attention Military.

A meeting will be held in the Court House, in Fayetteville, at 1 o'clock, P. M. on Saturday 21st inst., for the purpose of organizing a company of Cavalry or Mounted Rifles. Persons desirous of joining will please attend. W. R. Cunningham.

[FAYETTEVILLE, ARK.] THE ARKANSIAN, January 20, 1860, p. 3, c. 2

Mounted Rifles.

A Mounted Rifle company was organized by the citizens of this county, on last Saturday, by the election of the following officers: Captain—J. M. Tuttle; 1st Lieu, P. P. Vanhoose; 2d Lieut, w. R. cunningham; 3d Lieut, J. R. Pettigrew. Another meeting of the company will be held at the Court House, on Saturday the 4th prox. for the purpose of completing the organization. We understand that on that day the non-commissioned officers will be elected and other necessary arrangements will be made; a full attendance is required. It seems that the desire among our citizens to join a mounted company is prevalent; and the rapid increase of members of the company bids fair to swell it to an unusual size. We would suggest that another mounted company be organized. We do not think that a company ought to number over 80 rank and file. Were there a call for active service, we have no doubt that Washington county would turn out 500 men. In connection with this subject, we beg leave to remind our contemporaries that our Senior has been promoted to a Lieutenant in this company; he no longer occupies that respectable position of a "high private;" and hereafter he will wield the sword as well as the pen, if the editorials of the Arkansian lose their milky character and assume one more sanguinary, we hope our readers will attribute the fact to this new position of our Senior.

FORT SMITH NEW ERA, October 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 1

The Federal Flag at Van Buren.

The first of this month was a happy day for the ladies and other citizens of Van Buren. The ladies of that place made and presented to the 1st Reg't Ark. Infantry, a large Federal flag, which was elevated to the top of a fine and substantial flag-staff occupying the front yard of the Court House. The rebels once waved the treasonable ensign of the Confederacy from the same towering shaft; but their first endeavor in this shameful boast of their treason resulted in tearing their flag nearly in twain. That disaster may be regarded as the omen of ill to the nefarious scheme of destroying the Federal Nationality, for the purpose of rearing on its ruins an aristocracy of the imperious few, who disregard the will and the interests of the laboring many that constitute the bone and sinew of the Arkansian population. Appropriate speeches were delivered on the occasion by Col. J. M. Johnson, of the 1st Ark. Inf., Col. W. F. Cloud, of the 2d Kansas Cav., Col. Williams, of the 1st "Iron-Clads," and Lieut. Col. E. J. Searle, of the 1st Ark. Inf. These speeches were loudly applauded, and were well calculated to encourage the patriotic aspirations of the numerous assemblage of citizens and soldiers.

FORT SMITH NEW ERA, October 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 3

The Brave Arkansians.

Parts of two companies (H and I) of the 1st Ark. Infantry, numbering about 50 men, were attacked on their march from Dardanelle to Fort Smith, by not less than 1000 Confederates—some say 1,500. The surprisal was made at noon on the 27th Sept. The Confederates seem to have had parts of several commands, but chiefly that of Col. Shelby. The command of the Federals was held by Capt. W. C. Parker and Lieuts. Rob't Morrison and J. L. Jones. The surprise seems to have been mutual, neither party expecting the other. The rebels, however, seeing the smallness of the Federal force, and observing them to be charged with the care of two Government wagons, made a disposition of their force (1000 cavalry and two howitzers) for the purpose of capturing our men and the property in charge. The enemy drew up on three sides, and, firing, demanded the surrender of the Federals. But the demand was quickly answered by a volley from our muskets that sent consternation into the rebel lines. After a courageous and desperate resistance of two hours, during which our little band used both their guns and revolvers, surrender or swift retreat became unavoidable. Twenty eight of our soldiers and ten citizens who accompanied them, were taken prisoners, two were killed and two wounded. The two killed were B. F. Wilkins and ____ Hawkins. Wilkins fell pierced with several bullets, bravely discharging his six-shooter and killing one of his assailants; but he sternly refused to surrender. Hawkins was in one of the wagons, accompanied by his sister. He continued to fire until, pierced by the deadly missile of the foe, he yielded up his spirit in the presence of his sister, who had fled from her home for protection within the Federal lines. Of the twenty-eight prisoners, all were immediately paroled but five, who were retained for some days in expectancy of death. Four, however, have since been released, and are now in camp. The other one, John Little, is reported to have been shot as a deserter from the rebel army. In the affray, our men inflicted greater suffering than they received, killing ten and wounding eight of the enemy. Our men who were taken prisoners represent the rebels as badly scared. They said they had never seen such determined and desperate fighting as was done by that little squad of Feds. They had evidently measured our men by themselves, and were disappointed on witnessing the fiery energy with which loyal Arkansians fight. That whole rebel troop seems to be made up of the commands of Shelby, marmaduke, Cabell, Brooks and Hunter, and their destination is Missouri, for the purpose of disengaging the troops there under the notorious villains, Quantrill, Parker and Jackman. It is to be hoped the Missouri Militia will minister a good time to the raiders, and give them a plentiful dosing of Father Abraham's blue pills. They will need some such physic to relieve them of the heavy spoils they are making of Union property on their route.

FORT SMITH NEW ERA, November 14, 1863, p. 4, c. 2

Head Quarters District Of the Frontier, Fort Smith, Ark., Nov. 14th, 1863. General Orders,    } No. 4.      } I...Hereafter, no church edifice or other house of public worship, of any religious denomination or sect, within the limits of this District, shall be used for military purposes, or occupied as hospitals, except in cases of absolute necessity; nor shall school houses, academies, colleges, or any kind of institution for education, whether religious or secular, be intruded upon, or their grounds, groves, lawns or gardens molested; nor shall camps be established so near them as to create annoyance. The only exception to this rule will be when such grounds are required for the purposes of defense against an impending attack. II...A decent respect for the opinions of mankind—if no higher motive actuates us—should render unnecessary to the officers and men in this District, all mention of the desecration of places of burial and the wanton defacing of tombs and grave stones, or the removal and destruction of those more "mute memorials" that mark the residing place of the poor. But acts of this kind have not escaped the attention of the Commanding General. He sincerely hopes that these evidences of vandalism are to be charged only to the troops of the enemy; yet he warns all men of this command, that if convicted of such practices, they will be dealt with both promptly and severely. III...All churches in this District now occupied as barracks, hospitals, or store-rooms will be delivered to the properly authorized trustees, upon being claimed by them, after they shall have filed proof of future loyalty and good disposition toward the Government of the United States, before the nearest Provost Marshal, and given guarantees that neither open nor covert treason shall be taught within their walls. By command of Brig. Gen. John McNeil. Jos. T. Tatum, Act'g Ass't Adj't Gen'l.

FORT SMITH NEW ERA, December 12, 1863, p. 3, c. 1

Review of Troops.

The review of the troops stationed near this town and Van Buren, and intended to have been held on the anniversary of the battle of Prairie Grove, but postponed on account of the unfavorable weather, came off on the 9th inst. The day was most propitious, the weather being more like May than December. Race track prairie was the place of rendezvous, and about noon long columns of Infantry were seen emerging from the woods, their burnished weapons glittering gaily in the splendor of an unclouded, noonday sun. These were followed by Artillery and horse. The head of the column, consisting of the 18th Iowa, commanded by Lieut. Col. Campbell, (col. Edwards being Commander of the Post,) took position just below the fine mansion, once owned by that notorious rebel, Elias Rector, formerly U. S. Superintendent of Indian Affairs. The 1st Kansas colored Infantry, Col. Williams commanding, next wheeled into line, followed by the 2nd Kansas colored Infantry, Col. Crawford commanding, 2nd Kansas Battery, Capt. Smith, 6th Kansas Cavalry, Lieut. Col. Campbell commanding, 13th Kansas Infantry, Major Woodruff commanding, 3d Kansas Battery, (taken from the rebels,) Lt. Dudley commanding, 3d Wisconsin Cavalry, Maj. John C. Schroeling commanding, 14th Kansas Cavalry, Lieut. Col. Moonlight commanding. There were in all about 10,000 effective men on the ground, ready to meet the foe and battle for their country. A salute of 13 guns announced the arrival of Major Gen'l James G. Blunt and Brig. Gen'l John McNeil with their staffs. The inspection then took place, the Generals and staffs passing along the whole front of the extensive line, and after passing up in the rear, posted themselves opposite the center, in front, ready for review. The different regiments then filed past in "common time," making a fine and most warlike appearance. The mounted part of the command then passed review the second time in "double quick," giving the uninitiated a faint idea of the shock produced by a cavalry charge. The whole affair passed off very satisfactorily to the participants, as well as the spectators. It was indeed, the finest treat that could be offered to a loyal man, to witness such a display, after having seen nothing but "greybacks" for years.

FORT SMITH NEW ERA, December 12, 1863, p. 4, c. 1

Commanding General's Orders.

Head Quarters, District of the Frontier, Fort Smith, Ark., Dec. 21, 1863. Circular. The General Commanding this District desires to call the attention of the citizens of Arkansas, living within the limits of this command, to the permanency of the occupation of Western Arkansas by the United States military forces; and to the vast advantages that must accrue to its citizens by a prompt return to their farms, workshops and other legitimate avocations, of all who, from any cause, have abandoned their homes since the commencement of hostilities, and who may now desire to give assurance of their loyalty, and to hereafter maintain the integrity of the Federal Union. The occupation of this country by a large Federal force must necessarily create an active demand and ready market for all farm produce; and even though the army move farther south, the citizens of this section of the State cannot fail to enjoy, to a great extent, the same prosperity that has heretofore attended their labors in times of peace. With a view to encourage the re-occupation of abandoned farms and workshops, it is hereby announced, that upon the return of the owners thereof, and proper assurance of loyalty being given, safeguards against military intrusion or violence will be granted from these Head Quarters, and every protection in their rights and property consistent with the interests of the public service, is hereby guaranteed. For the encouragement of those who have lost their stock, and from that cause are unable to resume the cultivation of their farms, it is further announced, that the Government has now on hand large numbers of public animals, at present unfit for service, that, with proper attention and care, may be made entirely serviceable by the coming Spring for all domestic purposes. This stock must soon be sold at public auction, to the highest bidder, and all may avail themselves of the opportunity thus afforded for the resumption of peaceful labor, domestic quiet, and financial prosperity. By command of Brig. Gen'l John McNeil. T. J. Anderson, Ass't Adj't General.

FORT SMITH NEW ERA, December 12, 1863, p. 4, c. 2

Provost Marshal's Orders.

Office District Provost Marshal, Head Quarters, District of the Frontier, Fort Smith Ark., Dec. 22, 1863

General Orders,      } No. 2,        } I... All sales of cotton, between private parties, are prohibited. All the cotton in the District of the Frontier is hereby seized for the Government of the United States. The cotton so hereby seized will be sold, or otherwise disposed of, as lawful authority may direct. When so disposed of, the Government will account to loyal owners. All sales of the produce of the country to speculators and middle men are prohibited. Wheat, corn, oats, hay, flour, meat and stock will be sold only to Government, or to public contractors for the use of the Government. But contractors to furnish stock and meat for the Government may buy forage for the same in sufficient necessary quantities until turned in, and sales of provisions and other necessary articles for immediate consumption may be made to citizens and others, in limited quantities. II....Regimental, detachment, company, and other commanders, and all commanders of forage and other details, will cause to be immediately turned in to the Provost marshal property of every description, seized, captured or taken up astray, or by any other irregular means, held in their respective commands, and such commanding officers will be held responsible for all such property in their respective commands until so turned in. By command of Brig. Gen. John McNeill. E. A. Calkins, Maj. 3d Cav. Wis. Vol., and Dist. Provost Marshal.

Office District Provost Marshal, Head Quarters, District of the Frontier, Fort Smith, Ark., Dec. 23, 1863. General Orders,    } No. 3.      } Hereafter, no enlisted man will be allowed on the streets of this city after Retreat, without a pass from his commanding officer, countersigned by the commanding officer of his regiment, and approved by the Assistant Provost Marshal. All enlisted men not provided with passes, approved in the above mentioned manner, found on the street after Retreat, will be arrested by the Patrol Guard and confined in the guard house. E. A. Calkins, Maj. 3d Wis. Cav., Dist. Provost Marshal.

FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 9, 1864, p. 4, c. 1 Head Quarters, District of the Frontier, Fort Smith, Ark., Jan. 7, 1864. General Orders,    } No. 2.      } Vagrancy and idleness are a bane to any community where they exist. Labor is the only legitimate means of support for honest men. Hereafter every able bodied man in this District will be compelled to enter the service of the United States, either in the ranks of the army, or in the trains or workshops, or they must seek other lawful avocations, defined in Orders heretofore issued. Subsistence will not hereafter be furnished to any person able to work. Gambling, pimping, prostitution and other grossly immoral pursuits, will not be tolerated. The District Provost Marshal is charged with the rigid execution of this Order, and will banish from the District all vagrants and other notoriously disreputable characters. By Command of Brig. Gen. John McNeil. T. J. Anderson, Ass't. Adj't General.

Head Quarters Dist. of the Frontier, Department of Arkansas, Fort Smith, Ark., March 4, 1864. General Orders,    } No. 4.      } I. Pursuant to Special Order No. 9, from Head Quarters District of the Frontier, Jan. 10th, 1864, a Board of officers convened at Fort Smith for the purpose of assessing damages for the destruction of property by officers and enlisted men of Companies "E," and "D," 14th Kansas Cavalry. II. The Board, after a careful examination of the facts in the case, find that Company "E," 14th Kansas Cavalry, destroyed a large amount of property, viz: Board and Rail fence, Butcher Shop and tools; and assess the damages at $200. And also that Co. "D," 14th Kansas Cavalry burned or destroyed 1000 rails, and assess the damages at $50. III. The assessment of damages by the Board is approved. IV. No Commissioned officer being in command of Co. "E," 14th Kansas Cavalry, at the time said property was destroyed, the amount of $400, damages assessed against said company as aforesaid, will be stopped against the pay by the proper officer. And the amount of $50, damages assessed against Co. "D," 14th Kansas Cavalry, for destruction of property, will be stopped against the pay of Lieutenant S. L. Jennings, of said Co. and Reg't, by the proper officer, he being in command of said Co. "D," when the property was destroyed. John M. Thayer, Brigadier General Commanding.

Head Quarters Dist. of the Frontier, Department of Arkansas, Fort Smith, Ark., March 4, 1864. General Orders,    } No. 5.      } Stealing, pillaging, and burning fence rails must and shall be stopped. It is demoralizing to the army, injurious to the government, and disastrous to peaceable citizens. The farms must be tilled, and crops raised. A commander is justified in taking that which is necessary to sustain his men and animals, but it must be done by his order only, and he must give receipts, and account for what he takes, so that loyal people may receive a just compensation. If troops destroy fences, plunder houses, kill or take away stock, the value of the property taken or destroyed shall be stopped against such troops on their respective Pay Rolls. Wagon Masters shall be held accountable for the conduct of the teamsters and all others under them, and if either are guilty of the outrages named, they shall be discharged from the service without pay. If officers do not use all the means in their power to prevent these evils, stoppages of their pay shall be made against them for the value of the property taken or destroyed, equally with the men, in proportion to their salary; and furthermore, such officers will be recommended to Department Head Quarters for dismissal from the service. In order to ascertain more fully who commit these outrages, every commander of an escort or of an expedition shall furnish to these Head Quarters in writing immediately on his return, a full and accurate account of each day's march, giving the date of the month, stating on whose plantation he camped at night, what depredations were committed, if any, what the property was brought in, if any, and what property was taken by his order, and will hand in his report in person. Each officer will, before starting on an expedition, call at these Head Quarters and procure a copy of these orders. By order of Brig. Gen'l Thayer, Wm. S. Whitten, Capt. & A. A. Gen.

FORT SMITH NEW ERA, March 5, 1864, p. 4, c. 1

Flag Presentation.

The following will speak for itself: To the Members of Company "A", 6th Reg't Kansas Cavalry: We, the Ladies of Wyandotte county; your mothers, wives, daughters, sisters and friends, in consideration of your gallant and heroic services, present you with a Flag. We send it as an evidence of our respect of your noble achievements; for laurels won on many hard fought battle fields, in the noble defence of our homes and our country. You have one year more to serve before your term of enlistment expires, and we feel and know that you will serve that year as you have the two previous ones, with honor to your country, your families and your friends, and we trust and believe that you will not sheath your swords as long as a traitor pollutes American soil. Let your battle cry be Liberty and Union forever. Mrs. J. Bartles, "      Nanie J. Veale,                                                                                                                   "       Mary Johnson, "      R. M. Grey,                                                                                                                   "       Handford, Miss N. Guthrie, "      Fannie Sorter,                                                                                                                            And many others.

To the Ladies of Wyandott County: We, the members of Co. "A," 6th Kansas Vol. Cavalry, do acknowledge to have been honored with a Flag—the symbol of our nationality—from your hands. We shall ever be grateful for this token of your high appreciation of our humble services. When we remember by whom it was donated it inspires us with renewed courage, and we resolve that we will not betray the trust reposed in us, and whilst under its folds our motto shall be ONWARD, to pursue the enemy unto death. In this we but discharge the duties that we owe to our families, our country, and to Him who governs the destinies of our Nation. When this fratricidal war shall have ended, then we shall be permitted, in peace, to return to our beloved homes, among the gentle hills and fertile prairies of Kansas. Co. "A," 6th Kansas Cavalry. In the field in Ark., Feb. 1864.

The flag is made of the finest of silk ribbon, with a beautiful gold fringe, and a cord and tassel of the same material. In the field on one side, are the words, in gilt letters, "Presented by the ladies of Wyandott county, to Co. "A," 6th Reg't Kansas Vol. Cavalry." And on the other side, "Dry Wood, Morristown, Newtonia, Fort Wagner, Cane Hill and Prairie Grove," to which should be added Honey Springs and Perryville. And on the silver plate on the staff is inscribed, "Remember you are classed with the true and the brave." The Flag was sent to Ozark, where Company "A" is now stationed.

FORT SMITH NEW ERA, March 19, 1864, p. 3, c. 3 Head Quarters Dist. of the Frontier, Department of Arkansas, Office District Provost Marshal, Fort Smith, March 18, 1864. Orders. I. Hereafter no intoxicating liquors will be sold outside the following limits:  Bounded on North by Water Street, East by Mulberry St., South by Van Buren Avenue, and West by Garrison Avenue. II. Any person or persons disobeying the 1st paragraph of this Order, his or their stock will be seized and confiscated. By order of Brig. Gen'l J. M. Thayer. John Edwards, Col. 18th Iowa & Dist. Prov. Marshal.

Head Quarters Dist. of the Frontier, Department of Arkansas, Office District Provost Marshal, Fort Smith, March 18, 1864. Circular. The Medical Director of the District having informed this office that he has detailed a Surgeon for the purpose of vaccinating soldiers and citizen's families, it is requested that all persons who have not already been properly vaccinated will report to Surgeon Prentiss, on Garrison Avenue, 1st door south of Rialto Saloon. John Edwards, Col. 18th Iowa & Dist. Prov. Marshal,

Head Quarters Dist. of the Frontier, Medical Director's Office. March 18th, 1864. Circular: The Medical Director respectfully calls your attention to the necessity of a rigid compliance with the following requirements in order to preserve your camps in a healthy condition: 1st. A Medical officer accompanied by the Officer of the Day, shall make a daily sanitary inspection of the camps. 2d. At each inspection they shall insist on a strict compliance with the following regulations: I. The camp shall be each day carefully policed, and all tents and clothing well aired and kept clean. II. The cooking shall be done at regular fixed hours, by companies, and not by small messes, and to be well done; to ascertain which the cooking of one meal each day, shall be done under the eye of the Inspecting officers. *                     *                      *                      *                      *                      *            3d. Every Medical officer is required to report promptly to this office any failure of officers or men to comply with the foregoing requirements. Geo. H. Hubbard, Surgeon, U. S. vol., Medical Director. Approved: By order of Brig. Gen. J. M. Thayer. C. G. Laurant, Assistant Adjutant General.

[LITTLE ROCK] OLD-LINE DEMOCRAT, January 12, 1860, p. 2, c. 2 Capital Guards.—The members of the new military company which was started in our city a few weeks since, met last week and adopted their constitution. The name of this organization is the "Capital Guards." The uniform selected resembles the regular army uniform. We only wish that the company could be ready to parade on the 22nd of February.

LITTLE ROCK] OLD-LINE DEMOCRAT, January 19, 1860, p. 3, c. 1 Capital Guards.—This newly organized company is rapidly increasing in members, and gaining in strength every day. We can now truly say we have a military company in our midst which will be an ornament to our city, while if her interests are in danger, it will prove of service to her rights. We had the pleasure of examining the cloth out of which the uniforms are to be made, and in our humble judgment will equal any in the South. The coats are dark, navy blue, single breasted, buttoned full to the neck; gilt buttons with a device of the Capitol upon them. The pants are made of the same material, with gold trimmings. Brigand hat with a black plume caught upon the side with a gilt clasp. The trappings are of patent leather. Thirty-five have already joined the company, and the prospects are good for many more. We are glad that this company has seen fit to award the making of the uniforms to Mr. W. H. Hart of this city, "for none could better be." His large experience, taste, and interest will render him to do his best in this contract. Besides all this, he is a citizen of our city, and when this company is in full uniform, the anxious inquiry will be made, "Who made the uniforms?" We publish this for the benefit of the members of the company: The Capital Guards met at their Armory on Tuesday evening, for drill and other business. The company was then divided into Squads as follows: Privates, Boone, Stidham, Cohen, Hall, Counts, Reyburn, Butler, Watkins and Finley, will form Squad No. 1, under the command of Lieut. John E. Reardon. Privates Franklin, Yerkes, Larantree, Stevenson, Santer, Peay, Fletcher, Hutchins, Brisbin and O'Brien, will form Squad No. 2, under the command of Lieut. J. J. McAlmont. Privates Newton, LIncoln, Semader, Hart, Bertrand, Lockman, Gayman, Newburn, Trigg, Parrish, Meyer, under the command of Serg't. D. C. Fulton. These Squads shall meet at such time and place as their officers shall designate.

LITTLE ROCK] OLD-LINE DEMOCRAT, November 15, 1860, p. 3, c. 1 Mr. Editor.—With many others, I had the pleasure of witnessing the drill of the students of St. John's College on Wednesday, and must say that their propriety in the use of arms and fine execution of the various manoeuvre of the drill, was most creditable to Maj. Lewis, as well as themselves. Many of them have only been at the Institute since September, but already have the training of the soldier. This Institute has only been in operation a little more than a year, and I hear universal satisfaction expressed with regard to the gentlemen in charge of it as men and professors of the right order. Arkansas should patronize this noble enterprise, and I was happy to see numbered among the students the sons of some of the most prominent men in the State. I observed the names of two sons of Judge Ringo's, one of Judge English's, three of Gen'l Hempstead's, one of Maj. Borland's, one of Mr. Wait's, one of Gov. Rector's, a brother-in-law of Ex-Gov. Roane, and various others who are certainly mighty capable of selecting a proper institute in which to rear those who will, at a future day not too distant, take their stand as southern men. Spectator.

[LITTLE ROCK] OLD-LINE DEMOCRAT, December 13, 1860, p. 2, c. 3 Arming the Militia.—In the bill introduced in the House a few days ago, by Mr. DuVal, authorizing the Governor to issue arms to the Belle Point Guards and other volunteer companies, is a provision to appropriate the sum of $100,000 to purchase arms and other military equipments. Although we believe that there is not the slightest ground for the apprehension of any immediate hostilities, in the event of a dissolution of the Union, still, as Arkansas is a border State, exposed to the aggression of abolition emissaries on her frontiers, and with no hope of getting any protection whatever from the present government, we think that it is a matter of the utmost importance that our Legislature should make some provision for preventing our men, women and children, on the frontiers from being butchered, by refusing to place the necessary means of defense in their hands.

DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, January 4, 1861, p. 3, c. 1 Militia Muster. In accordance with our announcement, the members of Company E, of the Arkansas Militia, paraded on Saturday, the 22d ult. The day was pleasant, and the Company turned out in force. We are glad to see that our people are beginning to realize the importance of a well-drilled militia. The turn-out on that occasion was highly creditable to all concerned, showing that our citizens want nothing but proper drill to render them the best soldiers in the world. Some of them are the same men who carried the Stars and Stripes from the banks of the Rio Grande to the City of Mexico in triumph, and are of the stock who made their rifles tell with such deadly effect at New Orleans. Born, as you might say, with rifle in hand, and trained to the use of arms, the Arkansian is a soldier from birth. Where can one find better horsemen than in our midst? Where can one find a people better prepared to bear up under a lengthy march? To the officers of this company, much credit is due for the soldierly way in which they performed their duties. The second battalion muster of this township will come off on the 2d of April, instead of the 1st of March as we previously announced. Hurrah for the Arkansas Militia.

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, April 5, 1861, p. 3, c. 1 Cavalry Company. This corps, at their last meeting, adopted as their name, The Des Arc Rangers. On last Saturday they paraded through our streets, for the first time, in their uniforms, presenting quite a soldier-like appearance. The uniform adopted by the Rangers is a red flannel shirt, with a deep blue breast and back, blue cuffs and black velvet collar, with three rows of brass buttons in front; black pants, with red stripes up the sides; United States cavalry fatigue cap, with ostrich plume, with colt's Navy repeaters and United States dragoon sabers.