One hundred fifty years ago, on October 7, 1863, permission is granted to form companies of Unionists in Pine Bluff: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF ARKANSAS, Little Rock, October 7, 1863. Col. POWELL CLAYTON, Commanding Post, Pine Bluff: COLONEL: By direction of the major-general commanding, you are authorized to permit the enrollment of companies of loyal citizens for defense of themselves and their families. You will, in giving such authority, particularly provide that the members of such organizations shall be subject to all the rules and regulations for the United States Army. You will further prescribe the particular locality in which each company shall operate, unless otherwise ordered by competent military authority. You are further authorized to issue to such organizations arms and ammunition, and, when on duty and needful for the service, a limited amount of subsistence. It is, however, desired that these organizations shall subsist upon the enemies of the Government as far as practicable. In issuing arms, either those captured or other United States arms in your custody, for which your own troops have no use, you will be particular to take receipts of the most responsible parties you can get to become bondsmen for a proper account therefor. All organizations under this direction you will at once, after formation, report to these headquarters. I am, respectfully, colonel, your obedient servant, [F. H. MANTER,] Colonel and Chief of Staff.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Oct 2013 10:30:00 +0000
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