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Second Arkansas infantry (Confederate) The Second Arkansas infantry (Confederate) was organized through the energy of Hon. Thomas C. Hindman, of Helena, Ark., who was representative in Congress in i86i, for the Second district of Arkansas. He resigned his seat upon the secession of the State, and returning home began recruiting volunteers for the Confederate States army; soon forming a full regiment of which he was elected colonel; J. W. Bocage, lieutenant-colonel; J. W. Scaife, major. Charles E. Patterson was appointed adjutant; Dr. Ralph Horner, surgeon, and Rev. Samuel Cowley, chaplain. The captains were : Company A, C. A. Bridewell ; Company B, Thomas Quinlin ; Company C, E. Warfield; Company D, E. G. Brashear ; Company E, Anderson ; Company F, D. C. Govan ; Company G, B. B. Taliaferro ; Company H, R. F. Harvey; Company I, C. D. Ross. Hindman was disappointed in getting arms for his company at first and asked for orders to march, which were not issued as promptly as he desired. He believed that through political influence at Richmond he was being slighted. He adopted heroic measures ; seized steamers laden with heavy cargoes of sugar going up the river to Cincinnati and Pittsburg, and confiscating the freight found on them purchased such arms as he could and embarked his command for Memphis. While thus delayed, other organizations joined him Lieut.-Col. John S. Marmaduke's battalion of eight companies, which he afterward denominated the Third Confederate infantry, three companies of cavalry under Maj. C. W. Phifer, and Captain Swett's Mississippi battery of four guns. The combined force, temporarily known as Hindman's legion, was first sent to Randolph, Tenn., then to the defense of Columbus, Ky., when it was bombarded by the Western flotilla under Foote, in cooperation with Federal General Grant. Hindman's regiment did effective service at Richmond and Perryville, Ky., and in Hindman's division was in that part of Sidney Johnston's line which swept through Sherman's camps at Shiloh. Hindman, who had been promoted to brigadiergeneral, had his horse killed under him, and after the battle was promoted to major-general and given permanent command of the division. His old regiment was in the battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold Gap, Dalton, Resaca, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, Franklin and Nashville, and finally at Bentonville, N. C. MajorGeneral Hindman himself, after serving in several battles in the Georgia campaign, was struck, in riding, by the branch of a tree across his eyes, which became inflamed and rendered him unfit for duty. He was granted a furlough, and finally settled in Mexico and engaged in coffee culture. But one day his magnificent plantation was overrun by revolutionists, who made his hacienda their battlefield, and he returned to Arkansas to engage in the practice of his profession. He was an expert in political tactics, and was active as a Democratic manager in his county. One night, seated by his fire smoking, he was assassinated by some person or persons who stood outside with a shotgun, and, firing through the glass of the window, inflicted a fatal wound in his neck. He was composed and courageous to the end, talking to his friends who had rushed in, and to his family in regard to the education of his children and disposition of his effects. His murderers could never be detected. Source: Confederate Military History, vol. XIV, p. 292 Shiloh after battle report: Report of Maj. R. T. Harvey, Second Arkansas Infantry. CAMP, NEAR CORINTH, MISS., April 12, 1862. Pursuant to Gen. Orders, No. 9, I have the honor to offer the following report of the conduct of the Second Regt. Arkansas Volunteers in the actions of the 6th and 7th: The men were called into line at daylight on the 6th. Capt.'s Boyd's and Warfield's and Lieut. Collins' companies were sent forward as Collier's skirmishers, and meeting the enemy about one-quarter of a mile from camp engaged them for one hour, doing good service, when Gen. Hindman ordered his columns forward. The companies deployed as skirmishers rejoining their regiment, the whole line charged the enemy's camp and drove them 300 yards, when the firing ceased. I am not able to say precisely what was our loss in that portion of the engagement, but it was not very serious. I have the honor to state that in that engagement the officers and men conducted themselves gallantly. The brigade was next ordered to move about half a mile by the left flank into an old farm, where we lost several men from the enemy's batteries. The columns were then ordered to charge through an open field about three-quarters of a mile, exposed all the while to the fire of the enemy; but all moved forward with unexampled courage, with shouts and cheers, as their comrades were falling upon their right and left, drove the enemy from their hidden position, and occupied it for an hour and a half, exposed to the enemy's batteries. Meantime Gen.'s Hindman, Shaver, and other officers had their horses shot under them, at which the men, supposing these officers to be killed, grew desperate and were anxious to push forward, but were ordered to retire, which was done in good order for about half a mile. After resting an hour we were again ordered forward, and having advanced about a mile, found ourselves exposed to the enemy's masked batteries, supported by a strong force of sharpshooters. Gen. Shaver, commanding the brigade, ordered a charge, which was executed with great vigor; but soon finding ourselves greatly exposed to cross-fires, and being surprised by superior forces, were ordered to halt and lie down, in which position we remained about an hour, and taking advantage of every possible cover the men fought desperately, while every twig and bush was cut off above them, the enemy's balls penetrating the trees by dozens. After an hour's engagement, no retreat being ordered, our troops, together with the whole brigade, fled about one-quarter of a mile, when, being immediately rallied, [they] were ordered to the same position, on reaching which we found that the enemy had evacuated their position. We then retired, it being 6 p.m. The greater portion of our loss occurred in this last charge. At daylight on the 7th the regiment, numbering 130 men, was ordered to the field, under command of Maj. Harvey, Col. Govan having withdrawn from fatigue and Lieut.-Col. Patterson having been severely wounded in the arm. We engaged the enemy about 9 o'clock in the morning. The brigade was then ordered farther by the left flank, when we again engaged the enemy; but by the bad management of officers and men on our left our men became disheartened, and, being exposed to the deadly fire of the enemy for about half an hour, retired in great disorder about one-quarter of a mile. Officers and men becoming disgusted, determined to rally, which they did under fire of the enemy and moved again to the attack, but were again repulsed; which was owing entirely to the confused condition of that portion of the army on our left. About 100 of this regiment being rallied and attached to 500 others, the whole being placed under command of Maj. Harvey by Gen. Smith, were ordered by Gen. Hardee to Corinth, which place they reached on the evening of the 8th. Respectfully, R. T. HARVEY, Maj., Cmdg. Second Arkansas Regt. Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 10. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 10 Stone's River after battle report: Reports of Col. Daniel C. Govan, Second Arkansas Infantry. WARTRACE, TENN., January 10, 1863. CAPT.: I have the honor herewith to make the following report of the part taken by the Second Arkansas Regt. in the late battles before Murfreesborough: On the night of December 30, [1862,] the Second Arkansas Regiment was moved with the rest of the brigade to a position on the extreme left. Early on the morning of the 31st, immediately after daylight, we were advanced at a rapid pace on the enemy. Occupying, as our brigade did, the extreme left of Gen. Cleburne's division, and moving in a circular direction, the right of the division being the point, we advanced in this direction nearly a mile, when, pressing through an open field, exposed to severe cannonade, we encountered the enemy, who were posted behind a fence and in the woods immediately in front. After a severe engagement of half an hour, the enemy were driven from their position and pursued rapidly through the woods, when a running fight took place for some distance. My regiment suffered heavily in this first fight. It was here that the gallant young Lieut.'s Collier and Clegg, of Company H, fell, I fear mortally wounded, while nobly doing their duty. The enemy were closely followed through the woods, when we encountered a second line of the enemy, posted behind a fence and in the woods near a house used by the enemy as a hospital. The Second Arkansas Regiment, being on the extreme right of the brigade, engaged the enemy near this building. The right of the regiment rested within 15 or 20 steps of this building, and were exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy in our front, and also from a portion of the enemy who had taken refuge in and behind the buildings adjacent to this hospital. It was near this point that Gen. Sill, of the Federal Army, was killed. After a severe engagement the enemy were driven from this second strong position. The hospital, together with many prisoners who had taken refuge there, were taken possession of by Gen. Liddell, and a guard of two men detailed from my regiment to guard the prisoners. No other brigade or regiment was at this time in sight of the hospital. Our brigade, after moving forward a short distance, was halted for the purpose of replenishing our exhausted supply of ammunition, and were then moved forward in the direction of the enemy, whom we engaged in a neck of woods on the edge of a field. A second line of the enemy showed itself on the opposite side of the field, and advanced some 100 yards into the open field opposite my regiment, but were driven back by one well-directed fire. The enemy having fled immediately in my front, and finding him still making a stubborn resistance to my left, I moved my regiment by the left flank, and then forward on the enemy in the neck of woods. A very closely contested fight here took place, the enemy holding their position until the Second Arkansas Regiment approached within 25 steps of their line, when it gave way in confusion and fled across the field, exposed to a murderous fire from my regiment, which told effect, as their dead were thick on the ground. It was at this point that the color-bearer was shot down by one of my men, and the colors were lost in the confusion of the fight. Our brigade them moved forward, and was halted some 50 yards in the open field from the edge of a cedar ridge, being unable to advance, as Gen. Johnson's brigade, which had moved forward on our right, had, after halting, moved by the left flank, which placed a portion of his brigade immediately in our front. At this point [Gen. Liddell having gone to reconnoiter and select a place for a battery] the commanders of the different regiments and select a place for a battery] the commanders of the different regiments reported to me that their supply of ammunition was nearly exhausted. I immediately sent an officer [Lieut. Dulin] in search of the ammunition, and, while awaiting its arrival, Gen. Johnson's brigade, immediately on my right and front, gave way and fell back in confusion. I was at first at a loss what course to pursue. Our success had been all that we wished, and we had not met with a single repulse, but when I reflected, first, that the ammunition of the brigade was nearly, if not quite, exhausted; that the brigade on our right and front had given way; that we had no support either on our rear or left; that our position was an exposed one, being in an open field, while the enemy were concealed under cover of the thick cedars on the opposite ridge, I concluded the only alternative left was to order the brigade to retreat, which I did-not, however, until the brigade on my right had passed me some 100 yards or more. Be it said, to the credit of the whole brigade, that all stood firm, and neither officers nor men showed any disposition to retire until I gave the command to retreat. The brigade retired some 300 yards, and was immediately halted and reformed. The enemy showed no disposition to follow us. My regiment, both officers and men, behaved with distinguished gallantry, with the exception of a few men, whose names I herewith forward. To Lieut.-Col. Harvey I here make my acknowledgments, and bear willing testimony to his gallantry and bravery during the fight, rendering me great service in the management of the regiment, and setting an example of gallantry worthy of emulation. I deem any mention of the services of any particular officer of the regiment almost invidious, but cannot refrain from calling the attention of the brigadier general commanding this brigade to the particularly distinguished and gallant conduct of Capt. [J. K.] Phillips, commanding Company F; of Lieut. [C. S.] Emerson, commanding Company A; Lieut. [M. D.] Brown, commanding Company K, and Second Lieut. [R. E.] Smith, of Company G. They were foremost in the fight, and by word and action encouraged their men to emulate their example. It is rather a singular circumstance that the Second Arkansas Regiment should again in this fight have engaged the Twenty-second Indiana Regiment, capturing the lieutenant-colonel, the same regiment which it encountered at Perryville, committing such slaughter in its ranks. On the succeeding days of the fight, little fighting, other than skirmishing, occurred until our forces were withdrawn. Respectfully, yours, D. C. GOVAN, Col., Cmdg. Second Arkansas Regt. [Capt.] G. A. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-Gen. ----WARTRACE, TENN., March 4, 1863. GEN.: In accordance with your request, and after making diligent inquiry of the men and officers of my regiment in reference to the taking of the Yankee hospital near the Wilkinson pike, in the late battle of Murfreesborough, I beg leave to submit the following statement of facts: When I made my report, I was under the impression that the right of my regiment passed on the left of the hospital. I have since been informed by Capt. [E. G.] Brasher [commanding the right company] and others that one-half of this company passed on the right of the hospital, and a portion of it passed through the yard. One of his men was killed in the yard, within a few feet of the house, and two others wounded. Some dozen or more of my regiment were wounded in close proximity to the hospital. Private Elder, of Company D, Second Arkansas Regiment, left by you to guard the hospital and prisoners, stated as follows: That, in obedience to your orders, he and Private Faidley, of the same company, took possession of the hospital, which he understood was the residence of a Mr. Griscom. The yard was filled with Yankee tents and their wounded, together with about 250 prisoners. Prisoners were continually accumulating there, but were sent to Murfreesborough by Gen. Cheatham's order. He did not see Gen. Johnson's brigade until some time after he had been stationed there as a guard. Your brigade had then passed to the front, and there was no fighting at or about the hospital after that time. The body of Gen. Sill was brought to the hospital about 11 a.m. He was killed not far from the hospital, near the fence or lane. My regiment passed, still fighting, immediately over the ground where he was killed. Private Guest, of Company D, got Gen. Sill's gloves and gave them to the captain of his company [Capt. Brasher]. He states that Gen. Sill then had his uniform on, which he would have taken, but it was too large for him. Private Faidley, of Company D, the man detailed as guard to the hospital, corroborates the statement of Private Elder, except that he says that he saw the Seventeenth Tennessee Regiment, Gen. Johnson's brigade, come up within 75 yards of the hospital about fifteen minutes after your brigade passed on. Very respectfully, D. C. GOVAN, Col., Cmdg. Second Arkansas Regt. Brig. Gen. St. JOHN R. LIDDELL. [Indorsement.] GEN.: The foregoing facts I submit for your consideration, and am personally familiar with most of them. Unit it can be established that men from other brigades in our army fell at Griscom's house, or hospital, the credit of its capture and the killing of Maj.-Gen. Sill, U. S. Army, should justly belong to the Second Arkansas Regt. Respectfully, your obedient servant, ST. JOHN R. LIDDELL, Brig.-Gen. Maj.-Gen. [P. R.] CLEBURNE, Tullahoma, Tenn. Report of Lieut. Col. Reuben F. Harvey, Second Arkansas Infantry. WARTRACE, TENN., March 25, 1863. I wish to call your attention to a portion of the report of Col. Floyd in regard to the capture of the Federal hospital commonly known as the Jenkins house. You discover from Col. Floyd's report that there was a farm around the hospital, inclosed by fences, running as follows: On the south side running from southeast to northwest, or nearly so; on the north side running parallel with the above; a lane passing through the farm on the west of the hospital, running north and south to the Wilkinson pike, the pike running parallel with the fence, and that there was a skirt of woods south of the first-named fence south of the hospital, and that when his [Col. Floyd's] regiment entered this skirt of woods we were some distance to his left and rear, and that Col. Keeble says [whose regiment was between his left and our right] about this time your brigade passed still farther to the left, and that his line was being enfiladed by the enemy, who seemed to be on a line with his regiment and to his left, and that he ordered the "forward" as soon as that line gave way. He also states that his regiment [the Seventeenth Tennessee] just before leaving this skirt of woods made a right half-wheel; otherwise would have passed on the west of the hospital; but [Lieut.] -Col. Keeble states that when your brigade was last seen it was moving to the left, and also states that he passed up the lane and covered the hospital with three of his companies. This position would have thrown the Second Arkansas Regt. at least one-quarter of a mile west of the lane at the time of entering the skirt of wood we would have been at least half a mile west of the lane. Now, sir, the facts known to me and the officers of the Second Arkansas Regt. are as follows: First, that we drove a line of the enemy from behind the fences at the south end of the lane referred to and through the field to the hospital, distance about 250 yards, and beyond the Wilkinson pike; that a party of the regiment passed up the lane to the hospital, firing on the enemy retreating; that we were fired upon from and about the hospital; that we saw the enemy pass the hospital and cross the pike; that we, did, after halting for some time at a fence running west from the hospital, move forward 300 yards beyond the hospital referred to, and then halted for ammunition. So you see, according to Col. Floyd's report, before leaving the wood he was west of the lane when he moved forward, made a right half-wheel, and had to cross the fence south of the hospital; then both fences, making the lane in order to pass on the east of the hospital. Col. Keeble being on his left, and we [according to his report] marching still to the left, where could we have gone to? Then, you see, we had to march by the right flank about half a mile, then by the left flank in line of battle, in order that the right of the brigade might cover the mouth of the lane before entering the field, unless, however, the colonel will deny we approached the hospital by this route, which no man on earth need to deny. Did you, sir, make such a movement as that? No, sir; you pushed your brigade upon the enemy in a run, as straight forward as the nature of the case would admit, without any perceptible change of speed or direction until your ammunition became exhausted. You know that if any change of direction had been made up to this time it was to the right, as you know that Gen. Hardee came to our lines early in the morning, and ordered a general change of direction to the right, which was made by your brigade so far as to lap one or more of the regiments of Gen. Johnson's brigade. This, however, was corrected before any general engagement took place. The brigade rested at the pike about three-quarters of an hour, when Gen. Johnson's brigade moved up and formed on our right. I do not say the Seventeenth Tennessee Regt. had not arrived up to this time to the position referred to in Col. Floyd's report. With reference to the capture of the Federal hospital, I should dislike for it to amount to a question of veracity; but it seems strange to me that the hospital had been surrendered by the violent waving of a white flag, as Col. Floyd states, a half hour before we arrived, and then our men were falling right and left from a fire coming from and about the hospital, and that we should drive a heavy column of the enemy through and from the field and yard, which he had passed half an hour before, and yet we were half an hour behind, according to Col. Floyd's report. I would further add, that line repulsed from behind the fence, south of the hospital, which was in a position to enfilade Gen. Johnson's brigade, was certainly much nearer the hospital than Col. Floyd, as Col. Keeble was on his left, and between the Seventeenth Tennessee and Second Arkansas Regiments. Col. Keeble states that we were going to his left, which would certainly throw Col. Floyd considerably to our right; also shows that we repulsed the enfilading line; at the same time proves that we preceded him to the hospital, or that he ran over and left a heavy column of the enemy at the fence, all of whom were man and men, well armed and unhurt, or that he passed considerably to the right of the hospital and left this line in his rear-which he did not do, for in his report he states he ordered the "forward" when his enfilading line gave way, and I know, and a just God at his bar will prove to Col. Floyd and his officers that we were not half an hour or fifteen minutes getting to that hospital from the time we entered the skirt of wood. I further add, that after we halted some time at the hospital, behind the fence running west from the hospital, Gen. Liddell ordered his men out of the yard, where the Federals were about 250 in number, into line, looking for a charge of the enemy's cavalry from our left, and, on entering the yard a short time after halting, three Confederate prisoners, who said they were captured the day previous, reported to me. I hope no honor due the Seventeenth Tennessee Regt. will ever be seized by the Second Arkansas Regt. We have confidently looked upon them as worthy and brave fellow-soldiers [which they deserve to be called] in the day of battle, and if they captured the Federal hospital referred to, or passed it half an hour before we did, that everything that is glorious be inscribed upon their banner, for they are insensible of danger and fearless of numbers, and noted for speed as well as cool courage, to have advanced their colors and general guides, formed a correct line, and obtained a supply of ammunition from the enemy's own wagons between the lines of his proud legions, and no support nearer than twenty minutes' run; but Col. Floyd would do well to obtain more proof before asserting that no Confederate troops had reached the hospital before his regiment, for there was a sufficient force there when we approached it to have annihilated any three companies; but if he did capture the hospital, may the future establish the fact or prove otherwise, and satisfy him, as well as the just tribunal into whose hands this may fall, that I am his friend and fellow-soldier. R. F. HARVEY, Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Second Arkansas Regt. Gen. LIDDELL. [Indorsement.] HDQRS. LIDDELL'S BRIGADE, March 25, 1863. Respectfully forwarded. It is possible that there is a mistake as to the identity of the Yankee hospital. The one taken by the Second Arkansas Regt. was called the Griscom house. If, however, the Jenkins hospital and the Griscom house are one and the same, and Gen. Johnson claims its capture by the Seventeenth Tennessee Regiment, then I do not understand why the enemy was left still in possession of it, with a long line of battle stretching westward, with which my brigade had to contend, and finally drive away with musketry and cannon shot. In this affair I certainly must attach some credit to the evidences of my own senses, that, too, corroborated by my field and regimental officers; but if these prove unavailing, I have nothing more to say. I see that Gen. [Johnson] refers the subject to the Secretary of War in his indorsement on Lieut.-Col. Floyd's report. I shall be satisfied to let our claim rest with the division commander, who, it is presumed, is familiar with all the facts and persons interested, and if it should be in the way of Gen. Johnson's glory, I am willing to let it go without further contention, however well assured I am, nevertheless, of what is due my brigade. ST. JOHN R. LIDDELL, Brig.-Gen. Source: Official Records CHAP. XXXII.] THE STONE'S RIVER CAMPAIGN. PAGE 861-29 [Series I. Vol. 20. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 29.] Chickamagua after battle report: Report of Capt. A. T. Meek, Second Arkansas Infantry, commanding Second and Fifteenth Arkansas Infantry. HDQRS. SECOND AND FIFTEENTH ARKANSAS REGTS., October 6, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the battle of Chickamauga of September 18, 19, and 20, in which this regiment was engaged: On the morning of the 18th, we took up line of march from Rock Springs, marching in a northwesterly direction. About 10.30 a. m. our brigade was thrown in line of battle (Walthall's brigade on our right) fronting Alexander's Bridge. Our skirmishers were advanced through an open field near the above-named bridge. Walthall advanced and drove the enemy from his position. We were then withdrawn; moved by the right flank to Byram's Ford. We crossed Chickamauga, and encamped for the night. On the morning of the 19th, we were moved on (Chattanooga and La Fayette) road, where we halted until about 10. 30, when we were again thrown in line of battle, Walthall still on our right, our left unsupported. Our skirmishers were thrown out. We moved forward about 1 1/2 miles before we met the enemy, when we were ordered to charge, the Second and Fifteenth occupying the left center, the Sixth and Seventh Arkansas on the left. The enemy were driven before us in great confusion. The left of the brigade being flanked and suffering from an enfilading fire, we were ordered to fall back, leaving the left of the Second and Fifteenth unprotected. Finding we were being flanked on the left, we were ordered to fall back. During the charge we passed one or two batteries of Parrott guns, but were unable to get but two pieces off, capturing a great number of prisoners, the prisoners stating it was the first time their line ever was broken. They were the United States regulars. We fell back and reformed; rested some two hours, when we were again moved by the right flank to a position on the right of Cheatham, Walthall being on our left. Skirmishers were advanced, and we soon encountered the enemy in a very strong position. Walthall became very hotly engaged, and was compelled to fall back, leaving the left of our brigade in an enfilading fire. The Sixth and Seventh fell back, when Lieut.-Col. Harvey ordered the Second and Fifteenth to hold their position, which they did until we got orders to fall back. The regiment suffered severely in killed and wounded. We then reformed our lines, and held the position until Gen. Cleburne relieved us. We remained in this position over night. On the morning of the 20th, we moved by the right flank and took our position on the right of Gen. Breckinridge, advancing our skirmishers through a glade and open field. We re-encountered the enemy, and received a heavy fire from them. We were ordered to charge, which we did, and drove the enemy before us until our support on the left was repulsed and we were flanked. We were at this time on the west side of the Chattanooga road. The Second and Fifteenth, Eighth [Arkansas], and First Louisiana, Fifth and Thirteenth Arkansas were faced by the rear rank and marched back through the field and by the right flank to get out of an enfilading fire. The regiment was reformed, and took a position, which we kept until about 4 p. m., when we were ordered forward and our movements were conformed to the right. The brigade on our left was soon heavily engaged. After passing half a mile we were enfiladed from the left by the enemy, and were compelled to fall back under a heavy fire, and reformed and took position on the right of Gist's brigade. This is not by any means a definite report of this regiment. Yours, respectfully, A. T. MEEK, Capt., Comdg. Second and Fifteenth Arkansas. Col. D. C. GOVAN. Source: Official Records PAGE 261-51 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLII. [Series I. Vol. 30. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 51.]

Arkansas 2nd Infantry (Confederate)

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