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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E.A. Warren, Jr., Camden, Arkansas, to Governor Henry Rector
Warren discusses politics in Arkansas and expresses the opinion that Arkansas does not need a Union-supporting man representing the state. He goes on to discuss how the press is vital in the state, and elaborates on how the press has helped military campaigns. Warren goes so far as to ask for assistance on acquiring a printing press for a Mr. George M. Turner of the Turner's Southern Star newspaper, printed in Camden, Arkansas.
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Edmund Burgevin, Carrollton, Arkansas, to Governor Henry M. Rector
In his letter to Governor Rector, Edmund Burgevin describes difficulty recruiting around Carrollton in Carroll County. Too many men wanted to be captains of their own companies and operate independently instead of joining a larger company where they would not be in charge. Burgevin also complains that few were willing to serve longer than twelve months.
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Election of home guard officers, Hamilton Township, Prairie County
Record of meeting and election of officers in the Prairie County Home Guard, Hamilton Township.
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Elliot H. Fletcher, Jr., Camp Buckner, Kentucky, to Colonel Elliot H. Fletcher, Osceola, Arkansas
In his letter to his father, Fletcher writes that the First Arkansas Battalion under General Hardee arrived at camp a week ago and are constantly drilling to prepare for battle. He goes on to explain the current life of his camp, the people in camp, and what his days entail.
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Elliot H. Fletcher, Jr., "Camp Hardee," to Elliot H. Fletcher, Sr
In his letter to his father, Fletcher relates camp news and tells of his steadily-improving health. He expects the regiment to receive marching orders at any time. Fletcher also speaks of other commands, such as Cleburne's, and the direction they are taking. He ends his letter by assuring his family he will have more time to write soon.
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Elliot H. Fletcher, Jr., Railroad Hotel, Bowling Green, Kentucky, to Elliot H. Fletcher, Sr.
Fletcher writes to his father that after recovering from pneumonia, he now has a bout of neuralgia, which has caused him to miss two troop maneuvers. There was trouble in the Second Regiment when General Hindman appointed Colonel Marmaduke as commander. Fletcher's men have received blankets and clothing, thanks in part to his own efforts. He believes that a draft is needed and that the war could last 10 years or more.
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Elliot H. Fletcher, Jr., to "My Dear Mother," September 30, 1861
In this letter to his mother, Elliot H. Fletcher's regiment finally pitched camp after a long march, but he was uncertain as to how long they would remain there. He writes that numerous regiments were "being moved at a rapid rate." He does not yet know his destination. On the back of the document, Elliot Fletcher Sr., mentions his son's safety, and his own health.
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Harris Flanagin, "Camp at Springfield," to Martha E. Flanagin
Flanagin writes that all but one of the churches in Springfield are being used as hospitals for the wounded soldiers, and ten or twelve wagons full of wounded Union soldiers had recently left town. The future Arkansas governor also discusses how the mailing system works between him and his wife. He ends by stating that he believes the majority of the women in Springfield are Union supporters.
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Harris Flanagin, Marionville, Missouri, to Martha E. Flanagin
In his letter to his wife, Flanagin describes his hope for peace by the next winter, and describes the plentiful provisions his regiment has enjoyed since he enlisted. Flanagin also observes the discrepancies in treatment of Union prisoners by soldiers of differing states.
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Harris Flanagin, Stone County, Missouri, to Martha E. Flanagin
In this letter, Harris Flanagin describes life in camp with Union troops believed to be three miles away. Flanagin's regiment was forced to move back from the road for 2000 Missouri soldiers to pass.
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Israel Burns, et al., Camp Culloden, Carroll County, Arkansas, to Governor Henry M. Rector
In this correspondence, several men petition Governor Rector to release some Searcy County men arrested as jayhawkers. It was stated that the men joined a peace society and are not jayhawkers. The letter goes on to address that very respectable members of the community were in this fraternity as well, and that they meant no harm to the Confederacy.
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J.M. Smith, Island Number 10, Tennessee, to Major General Leonidas Polk
In his letter, Smith requests instructions from Major General Polk as to what the regiment should do regarding winter quarters. Half the regiment is sick with mumps. Due to this, he fears if action is not taken quickly, men will die from exposure.
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Joel Thomas Dickerson, Disability Discharge certificate
Joel Thomas Dickinson, Private, McCulloch's Company, South Arkansas Regiment, McRae's Battalion, Confederate States Army, was granted a medical discharge from the service. The reason's for the discharge are listed as chronic bronchitis and partial blindness in one eye. Brigadier General Benjamin McCulloch, and Surgeon W.L. Gammage signed and approved his discharge.
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J.O. Gower, St. Louis, Missouri, to "My dear little sister Hebe and Brother Charles"
In his letter, James O. Gower writes to his younger brother and sister. He expresses his love to them, and ensures them that he will always write them. He elaborates on how his brother should be a good soldier one day, and ends by sending his love to all the family.
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Letter and newsclipping, William M. Bruce to Governor Henry M. Rector
Letter and newsclipping from Colonel William M. Bruce to Governor Henry M. Rector requesting commissions for newly elected officers of the 28th Regiment, as well as fifes and drums for both the "Clark County Light Atillery" and the "Jackson Blues." The newsclipping is a brief article praising the works of the "Clark County Light Artillery."
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Letter, Barbecue Committee to Col. Samuel W. Williams
Letter from members of the Barbecue Committee to Colonel Samuel W. Williams inviting him to a Secession Barbecue to speak on the secession issue.
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Letter, B.M. Colman to David C. Williams
Letter from B.M. Colman of St. Louis, Missouri to David C. Williams about the political situation in the area. The letter includes his own political views, views on Lincoln's speech in Pittsburg, and promises of future developments.
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Letter, Brigadier General George M. Holt to Post Commissary Thomas C. Peek
Letter from Brigadier General George M. Holt, 2nd Brigade, Arkansas Militia to Post Commissary Thomas C. Peek notifying the election of Captain Augustus H. Crawford for Company A, 18th regiment, Arkansas Militia.
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Letter, Capt. Samuel McClain to Gov. Henry M. Rector
Letter from Capt. Samuel McClain to Gov. Henry M. Rector requesting arms for the newly formed "Prairie Home Guards" to be ready to serve.
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Letter, C.C. Danley to W.W. Mansfield
Letter from C.C. Danley to W.W. Mansfield about the upcoming attack on Fort Smith with 500 men and eight pieces of artillery under Major Borland. Danley also requests Mansfield to return to the convention on the 6th of May so that the conservatives can maintain control.
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Letter, Colonel Adam D. Grayson to Governor Henry M. Rector
Letter from Colonel Adam D. Grayson in Jonesboro to Governor Henry M. Rector notifying Rector of the election of officers in the 55th Regiment, Arkansas Militia.
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Letter, Colonel A.S. Alexander to Governor Henry M. Rector
Letter from Colonel A.S. Alexander to Governor Henry M. Rector, notifying Rector of officer election held on December 29, 1860 for Companies D and H, 49th Regiment, Arkansas Militia.
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Letter, Colonel Batt Jones to Governor Henry Rector
Letter from Colonel Batt Jones to Arkansas Governor Henry M. Rector discussing the election of officers in the 23rd Regiment, Arkansas Militia.
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Letter, Colonel C. Peyton to Governor Henry M. Rector
Letter from Colonel C. Peyton to Governor Henry M. Rector notifying the election of officers of the Totten Artillery Company in Little Rock on February 12, 1861.
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Letter, Colonel C.W. Richardson to Governor Henry M. Rector
Letter from Colonel C.W. Richardson, 35th Regiment, Arkansas Militia in Clarendon, to Governor Henry M. Rector discussing the elections of officers and commissions for the 35th Regiment, Arkansas Militia.