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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To Arms! To Arms!
This order, issued by General N.B. Burrow at Fort Smith, Arkansas, instructs all men to report for military service and warns citizens that men who refuse to do so are untrustworthy, and may be Union sympathizers, deserters, or spies.
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True Democrat Bulletin
This bulletin from the Arkansas True Democrat contains reports that Confederate President Jefferson Davis had become dissatisfied with Generals Pillow and Floyd, resulting in their suspension. Also, the bulletin shares reports from east of the Mississippi River, including news of a resolution passed by the Confederate Congress urging planters to concentrate on raising hogs and cattle rather than growing cotton and tobacco. The bulletin reports that the Confederate Army had arrived at Boston Mountain in northwest Arkansas following the battle at Pea Ridge.
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True Democrat Bulletin
This True Democrat Bulletin reports skirmishing around Fort Henry and Fort Donelson and brisk market activity in Pine Bluff. In addition, the article states that ex-president John Tyler died on the 18th of January, two days before the paper's release. The flag on the capitol was lowered to half mast.
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True Democrat Bulletin, March 28, 1862
This issue of the True Democrat Bulletin reports news from throughout the Confederacy, including information about Confederate troops under General Earl Van Dorn gathering at Jacksonport and Pocahontas in preparation for a move toward the Mississippi River. There is also news of General Jackson, who had recently fought near Winchester, Virginia.
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William H. Woodruff, Columbus, Kentucky, to "My Dear Mother"
Woodruff writes of his frustration about the Union's successful invasion of the Confederacy. He also writes to his mother that he is trying to get a furlough so he might visit home, but has doubts that he will be granted one. He ends his letter by asking for his sister to send a misleading letter stating that his mother is very sick, so that his commanding officers would be more likely to grant his furlough request.
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William H. Woodruff, Grand Junction, Tennessee, to "My Dear Mother"
Woodruff writes that his regiment recently left Island No. 10 and at the time of their departure toward Memphis, Union gunboats were firing on Confederate "battries." He apologizes for the state of the letter and his handwriting, as he was writing while on the train.
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Anthony House invoice
This document is a bill of sale sent to Governor Henry M. Rector for the sale of wine and a loan of cash from the Anthony House.
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Arkansas Secession Convention voucher, A. Navra
Civil War Secession Convention voucher certifying that the Secession Convention bought a basket from A. Navra.
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Arkansas Secession Convention voucher, "Clai Hardy for T.J Churchill Post Master"
Arkansas Secession Convention voucher certifying that Elias Cornelius Boudinot paid $111.74 in postage sending documents and journals from the Secession Convention. The list of names include E. Gibbon, C. Kinber, J. Byrd, J. Kellogg, W. Kimbell, D. Jones, W. Jones, R.W. Northen, H. Rector, P. More, R. Starbuck, G. Dodge, P. Carpenter, and R. Mills.
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Arkansas War Bond
Bond worth $5.00 issued to Ben T. DuVal. To authenticate the bond, both William Miller, the State Auditor, and Oliver Basham, the State Treasurer signed it. The bond's interest was intended to be drawn upon every six months.
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Arkansas War Bond, A.M. Woodruff
An Arkansas War Bond signed for A.M. Woodruff in the amount of $500.
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Brigadier General Benjamin McCulloch, Camp Stevens, to Captain Rieff
Benjamin McCulloch, Brigadier General in the Confederate Army, writes to Captain Reif that he has found a guide familiar with the areas around Springfield, Missouri. He is hoping that some of Reif's men can be spared to go with the guide, Dr. Robinson, to search out the area. McCulloch makes a point, however, that he believes that McBride's men are not worthy for the mission.
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Broadside, Pine Bluff Telegraphic Intelligence: Firing on Fort Sumter
News broadside from the Pine Bluff Telegraph about the firing on Fort Sumter. The paper reports the firing on the fort and the arrival of 7,000 men from border states and 2,000 Confederate troops arriving to join the fight in Charleston.
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Broadside, "To A.W. Dinsmore & Haley Jackson"
Broadside asking A.W. Dinsmore and Haley Jackson to be candidates representing Benton County in the Secession Convention with their response attached.
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Broadside, "To the Citizens of Benton County!"
Broadside encouraging Benton County citizens who support the Union to vote unitedly in the upcoming February 18 election.
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Broadside, "To the People of Arkansas"
Broadside from men who had supported the Union until Lincoln's call for troops, saying they will now side with the South and urge the Secession Convention to reconvene to secede.
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Cealia A. Broomit to "Mr. Wilbur"
Broomit describes soldiers in a recent town parade as appearing ready for war. She expresses the need for valiant-hearted men "that ain't afraid to die." She concludes by telling Mr. Wilbur to return to her from the war.
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Certificate, Albert L. Berry to William W. Mansfield
William W. Mansfield's election certificate as a delegate to the Arkansas Secession Convention by Albert L. Berry, the clerk of the circuit court in Franklin County.
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Certificate, appointment of Captain David B. Quertermous
Certificate and written oath for the appointment of David Quertermous to the rank of Captain of the "DeWitt Guard."
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Civil War Secession Convention voucher
Civil War Secession Convention voucher from E.C. Boudinot, Secretary of the Convention, to John E. Reardon listing office supplies totaling $120.85.
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Commission of William H. Blackwell, Captain of Cavalry Company, 36th Regiment, Arkansas Militia
Commission of William H. Blackwell as Captain of Cavalry Company, 36th Regiment of the Arkansas Militia, Perry County.
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Convention Act, passed both houses of the General Assembly
Convention Act deciding whether or not to hold a convention to discuss secession and to elect members to the convention. The act passed both houses of the Arkansas General Assembly.
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DeRosey Carroll, Headquarters, First Cavalry Regiment, Arkansas Volunteers, Camp Walker, to General N.B. Pearce
Colonel DeRosey Carroll in his letter, tendered his resignation in service of the Confederate State militia. The resignation letter, dated July 15, 1861, was accepted regretfully. The letter does not state the reason for wanting to resign, but signifies that Carroll was proud of the service, and his superiors felt the same about him.
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DeRosey Carroll, Headquarters, First Cavalry Regiment, Arkansas Volunteers, Camp Walker, to Governor Henry Rector
Colonel DeRosey Carroll explains the reason why he tendered his resignation on July 15th, 1861. The reason being that he and his men were being poorly treated by General Pearce. Carroll pleads for a transfer of any kind in order to escape Pearce's command.