Monday, November 15, 2010

From Gen. Curtis’ Column

Correspondence of the St. Louis Democrat.

BATESVILLE, Ark., May 10 – A portion of Gen. Davis’s and Gen. Asboth’s divisions and two of Gen. Longstret’s regiments left her to-day for the North.  An adequate force is still here, however, for operations in this district.  Our advance, under Gen. Osterhause, crossed White River and took the road to Little Rock, the Capital of the State.

As many as 150 persons per day have come in and taken the oath of allegiance, embracing judges, ministers and many of the most influential citizens.  The sentiment of the people is rapidly becoming more and more loyal.

The news of our occupation of this place was received by Gov. Rector, at Little Rock, on the 5th, and produced great excitement.  Some of the citizens advised peace, while others were rampant for defending the city to the last extremity.  The following day the Governor issued a proclamation to the State militia to repair immediately to the Capital to repel the invaders. – Many of the militia were issuing special calls.

6,000 Texans were daily expected at Little Rock, but they were under orders for Corinth.  Guerrilla bands are being formed in some sections and large mobs may be mustered at county seats, but no serious obstacles to our advance are anticipated.

Albert Pike, at last accounts, was camped at Boggy Department, 100 miles southwest of Fort Smith.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 3

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