Copyright © 1998-2009, Scott McKay
* Col. Allison Nelson, commanding the 10th Texas Infantry, placed a Requisition of Ordnance
and Ordnance Stores at Little Rock, Arkansas, for:
10 Officers Swords, 354 Muskets, 354 Cartridge Boxes, 354 Cartridge Box Belts,
354 Belts & Plates, 354 Bayonet- Scabbards, and Gun Slings, for 354 men of the
regiment that have not received arms."
Col. Nelson received 354 Cartridge Boxes, 354 Cartridge Box Belts, and 354 Bayonets and
Scabbards.
[10th Texas Compiled Service Records]
Notes
The 10th Texas Infantry had arrived at Little Rock four days prior to being issued the ordnance listed above, and were still lacking in ammunition; however, Col. Nelson will receive additional arms two days later.
The following Little Rock newspaper article mentions the arrival of the regiment to the city, plus chronicles the state of affairs of the enemy at hand. The article was entitled, "Affairs in Arkansas," and was published in the True Democrat, on June 5, 1862:
"Maj-Gen. Hindman arrived in this city on last Saturday,
and at once assumed command of all the forces in the State. His orders will be
found in to-days issue, and should be read by every citizen. Affairs begin to
wear a more cheerful aspect. Troops begin to arrive, both Texans and Arkansians.
Texas and Arkansas alone will have to meet Gen. Curtis, and they are more than
equal to the task. In a very few days we shall have a very formidable army, well
provisioned, armed and equipped. Several thousand troops have already crossed
the river at this point, and more are on the way. Col. Nelson's Texas Infantry
regiment arrived yesterday, and are encamped upon the southern road. Nearly
enough Arkansas companies have come in to make a new regiment, and are enough en
route to form several regiments more.
Gun boats are upon the White and Arkansas rivers in sufficient force to prevent
reinforcements to Curtis, in the event of the fall of Memphis and the opening of
the Mississippi river to the enemy. The gun-boat Ponchartrain, Capt. Dunnington,
now lies anchored off this city, with a formidable armament aboard.
We can hear nothing definite of the federal on White and Red rivers. They are
supposed to be in force on the other side of the Little Red. They are believed
to be about 11 or 12 thousand strong - a force from which we have nothing to
fear. They seem to be making no preparations for an advance; and the Texas boys
are becoming very impatient. Gen. Hindman; we feel assured, will be able in a
very short time to expel them from the state. Let our people aid and sustain him
all in their power."
[Microfilm Department - Arkansas Historical Commission &
Archives - Little Rock, Arkansas]
Copyright © 1998-2009, Scott McKay