The Arkansas State Archives preserves a vast collection of research materials pertaining to the Civil War in Arkansas. These materials include official military records, pension applications, personal and official correspondence, photographs, artifacts, battle maps, and more. The selection below is only a small portion of our holdings on the Civil War.
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C.D. Snyder diary
Snyder writes that his regiment marched to the Jacksonport courthouse and set up camp on the bank of the White River. He recounts that the locals were insulting the 1st regiment when they went into town, but when the 38th Artillery marched through town, their tone changed. Snyder found the weather to be remarkably beautiful.
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C.D. Snyder diary
Writing form Pitman's Ferry, Snyder describes difficult living conditions on the march from Pilot Knob. He elaborates on how the soil is rocky and not fit for farming, but decent for camping. Snyder concludes his letter by stating that their living is very hard, as there are few rations.
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Circular
This circular issued by Major General Thomas Hindman asks citizens, particularly the 'patriotic women of North-West Arkansas' to contribute blankets and carpets to the army. Hindman expresses regret for the need to ask this of the citizens, though feels that it is necessary.
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County Line Baptist Church minutes
The church's minutes include a "tribute of respect" for Joseph L. Neal, church member and Confederate soldier, who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Oak Hills (Wilson's Creek) "while leading his battalion." A copy of the tribute is to be given to his mother.
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Coupon, Fort Smith, Arkansas
Coupon worth fifty cents in merchandise or bank notes if five dollars is spent at Stirman and Dickson, Fayetteville, Arkansas; White and Hanley in Van Buren, Arkansas; F.H. Nash in Fort Gibson, Cherokee Nation; Alexander and Allen in Sherman, Texas; and J.M. Smoot in Denton, Texas.
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Elliot H. Fletcher, Sr., Mill Bayou, Arkansas, to Captain Elliot H. Fletcher, Jr., First Arkansas Battalion, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Fletcher, Sr., discusses how the U.S. Government is wrong about the South's rebellion being temporary. He insists it is the United States who are in trouble with their capitol becoming barricaded. He believes very soon Great Britain or France will force open the naval blockades so as to continue their commerce with the South.
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Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, War Supplement
Drawing, "The War in Arkansas - Brigadier-General Asboth and Staff, at the Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas." Brigadier General Alexander Asboth, a former Hungarian soldier, joined the Union Army at the beginning of the war. Asboth is shown in the drawing with his setter, York, who was said to often accompany his master during battle.
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Harper's Weekly, July 12, 1862
In this addition of Harper's Weekly, two Union officers, Brigadier General George F. Shipley and Major General Lewis Wallace, are shown in large sketched portraits. Below is a depiction of the "Battle at St. Charles, White River, Arkansas-Explosion of the 'Mound City,'" which shows the battle fought between Confederate batteries and Union gunboats on June 17, 1862. The U.S.S. Mound City's steam drum was struck with an artillery shell during the battle and exploded, killing or severely injuring about 150 of the 175 crew members.
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Harris Flanagin, "Army of the West," to Duncan Flanagin
In his letter, Flanagin provides details of the army's march from Arkansas to Mississippi. He goes on to ensure his son that his health is fine, and advises his son to keep up with his studies and stay physically active.
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Harris Flanagin, "Camp near Chattanooga," to Martha Flanagin
In this letter to his wife, Harris Flanagin is uncertain when the army will leave camp. He hopes a move north will be ordered soon. Flanagin writes the crops are not good and food prices are high.
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Harris Flanagin, "Camp near Chattanooga," to Martha Flanagin
Flanagin informs his wife that the Confederate Army is marching toward Knoxville, Tennessee, the next morning. He states that he wish he could come home, but that to leave at the "darkest hour" would be unimaginable. He concludes by stating he hopes to be home by fall, or at latest, Winter.
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Henry D. Schmidt, Prentiss, Mississippi, to William E. Woodruff
In his letter, Schmidt gives Woodruff details of his journey east from Little Rock. He discusses naval activity on the Mississippi River as well as how he had to sell part of his belongings to a man with whom he was traveling.
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James H. May, Lieutenant Colonel commission
James H. May is appointed lieutenant colonel of the Fourth Arkansas Regiment in the Confederate Army by president Jefferson Davis. The commission is signed by Confederate Secretary of War James A. Seddon. Should he choose to accept the position, May is to report to Colonel Bunn.
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J.M. Loughborough to Mary W. Loughborough
Loughborough recounts to his wife that news is light. He states that the army is getting thoroughly organized. He notes that the news from the battle in Virginia says that 120 pieces of artillery were captured from the enemy. Loughborough is also concerned as to why he has not received letters from his wife.
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J.M. Loughborough to Mary W. Loughborough
In his letter, Loughborough gives his wife details about his duties in camp, and his living situation. An order from General P.G.T. Beauregard had been issued prohibiting soldiers' family members from living near army camps within fifty miles of the enemy.
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J.M. Loughborough, Van Buren, Arkansas, to Mary W. Loughborough, Water Valley, Missouri
In this letter to his wife, Loughborough writes of his disappointment in missing the "glory" of battle at Pea Ridge, having returned to the army in time to "share in all the hardships of the retreat." He includes an account of the battle which he learned from the participants, though the accounts of the retreating Confederate troops are not entirely historically accurate.
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John K. Hoyt, Captain, Mobile Rifles, "In Camp 3rd Reg Ala Vols Near Richmond," to Edward L. Colburn, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Hoyt informs Edward Colburn that his brother, John Colburn, was killed in the Battle of Seven Pines and requests their mother's address. He continues by stating that he died honorably, and that his family should be proud. Hoyt wishes he would have written sooner had he had the parents address, and asks that Edward give his sympathies to their mother.
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Joseph Walker
In this particular photograph of Joseph Walker, he is posed for the camera, dressed in his military attire. The photograph is signed.
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J.W. Williams to Elliot Fletcher
Williams informs Fletcher of the number of cattle and hogs Fletcher lost in the recent flood and writes that Fletcher's neighbor, Mr. Pickett, is using all of Fletcher's tools and provisions as though they were his own. Williams told Pickett that he must make an account of what he took or used if he felt compelled to use Fletcher's property. Also, Williams tells Fletcher that he met two Union deserters the day before.
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Medical Board list
In this ledger book is a list of surgeons, assistant surgeons, and applicants examined by the Trans-Mississippi Department Medical Board. Information recorded includes names, ages, residences, rank, length of time as a practicing surgeon, the medical school where they trained, the regiment or station they are assigned to, the result of their examination, and any remarks from the board.
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Meriwether Jeff Thompson
Photograph of General Meriwether "Jeff" Thompson, dressed in his Confederate military attire and gripping his sword. The photograph is signed.
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Office of receiver, Confederate States of America, Eastern District of Arkansas, receipt
This document is a receipt for funds paid to William E.Woodruff by W. Coxe Dusenbury, attorney for Robert Van Renselasr. The full amount being handled was $663.88. Rutherford authenticated the receipt by signing the bottom of the document.
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Pea Ridge battlefield map
This is the map detailing the 3rd and final day of the Battle of Pea Ridge. It shows different location markers, detailing which troops are stationed where.
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Receipt for rifle
Receipt for one rifle sold by John Cooper to Lemoyne and Williams by Jackson T. Mills.