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==Disbanded==
==Disbanded==
Following the battle, the Garrott's Regiment marched back to Arkansas and was given the opportunity to vote on the issue of being transferred into Confederate service. The regiment, along with the rest of the 1st Division voted to disband rather than be transferred to Confederate service.<ref name="cornell"/> Many veterans of the regiments joined other Confederate units later in the war.<ref name=Gerdeshampstead/>
Following the battle, the Garrott's Regiment marched back to Arkansas and was given the opportunity to vote on the issue of being transferred into Confederate service. The regiment, along with the rest of the 1st Division voted to disband rather than be transferred to Confederate service.<ref name="cornell"/> of the Confederate later in the <ref name=Gerdeshampstead/>


An extraordinary number of the Hempstead Rifles went on to become officers in the Confederate army. At least three of them, besides Colonel Gratiot, went on to become field-grade officers: Daniel W. Jones, colonel in the [[20th Arkansas Infantry Regiment]]; Benjamin P. Jett, Jr., major in the [[17th (Griffith's) Arkansas Infantry Regiment]]; and Jesse A. Ross, major in the [[4th Arkansas Infantry Battalion]]. Two went on to command artillery batteries: Chambers B. Etter, captain of the [[6th Arkansas Field Battery]]; and William P. Hart, captain of the [[2nd Arkansas Field Battery]]. Another twenty or so went on to become lieutenants and captains of infantry companies and cavalry troops.<ref>GERDES, EDWARD G.: "The Hempstead Rifles, Arkansas State Troops", Edward G. Gerdes Civil War Page, Accessed 8 February 2012, http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/hemprifl.html</ref>
An extraordinary number of the Hempstead Rifles went on to become officers in the Confederate army. At least three of them, besides Colonel Gratiot, went on to become field-grade officers: Daniel W. Jones, colonel in the [[20th Arkansas Infantry Regiment]]; Benjamin P. Jett, Jr., major in the [[17th (Griffith's) Arkansas Infantry Regiment]]; and Jesse A. Ross, major in the [[4th Arkansas Infantry Battalion]]. Two went on to command artillery batteries: Chambers B. Etter, captain of the [[6th Arkansas Field Battery]]; and William P. Hart, captain of the [[2nd Arkansas Field Battery]]. Another twenty or so went on to become lieutenants and captains of infantry companies and cavalry troops.<ref>GERDES, EDWARD G.: "The Hempstead Rifles, Arkansas State Troops", Edward G. Gerdes Civil War Page, Accessed 8 February 2012, http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/hemprifl.html</ref>

Revision as of 15:15, 25 February 2012

3rd Infantry, Arkansas State Troops
Flag of the Pike Guards, Company C, 3rd Reg, AST
Active1861
CountryConfederate States of America
AllegianceCSA Dixie
BranchInfantry
EngagementsBattle of Wilson's Creek

Template:Arkansas Confederate Infantry Regiments The 3rd Infantry, Arkansas State Troops (1861) was an Arkansas State infantry regiment that served during the American Civil War. The regiment was designated as the 2nd Infantry, Arkansas State Troops, by the State Military Board, but it was named the 3rd Arkansas by Brigadier General Nicholas Bartlett Pearce, Commander, 1st Division, Provisional Army of Arkansas.[1] The regiment is generally referred to as the "3rd Regiment, Arkansas State Troops", or "Gratiot's Regiment" in contemporary accounts.[2] This unit is distinguished from the 3rd Arkansas Infantry Regiment which served in the Eastern Theater of War in the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. The unit is also distinguished from a later state organization known as Adams' 3rd Arkansas State Troops, which was organized in 1862 and participated in the Battle of Prairie Grove before being disbanded.

Organization

At the beginning of the war, the Arkansas Succession Convention created the Provisional Army of Arkansas.[3] The Provisional Army was to consist of two divisions: the 1st Division in the western part of the state was to be commanded by Brigadier General Pearce, and the 2nd Division in the eastern half of the state, commanded by Major General James Yell.[3] The intent of the Secession Convention was to transfer these state troop regiments into Confederate service as quickly as possible, to avoid the cost of paying for a large state army. The troops of the eastern division were transferred to the command of Brigadier General Hardee in July 1861, but the troops of the western division under Brigadier General Pearce were not transferred to Confederate service before they became engaged in the Battle of Wilson's Creek.[4] The unit was composed of the following volunteer companies:[5]

The Hempstead Rifles, a volunteer militia company of the 8th Arkansas Militia Regiment, Hempstead County which became Company B, 3rd Regiment, Arkansas State Troops

.[6]

  • Company A: Fort Smith Rifles, of Sesbastian County, commanded by Captain James H. Sparks.[7][8]
  • Company B: Hempstead Rifles, of Hempstead County, commanded by Captain John R. Gratiot.,[1][9] William Hart was promoted to Captain when John r. Gratiot was elected Colonel of the Regiment.[8]
  • Company C: Pike Guards, of Washington County, commanded by Captain Samuel R. Bell.[8][10]
  • Company D: Cane Hill Rifles, of Washington County, commanded by Captain Pleasant W. Buchanan.[8]
  • Company E, of Sesbastian County, commanded by John Griffith.[8]
  • Company F: Crawford Artillery, of Crawford County, commanded by Captain James T. Stewart.[8]
  • Company G: Frontier Guards, of Crawford County, commanded by Captain Hugh T. Brown.[8][11][12]
  • Company H: Johnson Guards, of Johnson County, commanded by Captain Alfred D. King.[8]
  • Company I, of Sesbastian County, commanded by Captian William C. Corcoran[8]
  • Company K: Crawford Guards, of Crawford County, commanded by Captain Joel H. Foster.[8]

Either Company E or Company I was known as the "Sebastian Guards", but since both companies were from Sebastian County, it is unclear which company used this name.[8]

Battles

Colonel John R. Gratiot

The 1st Division (Brigade) Arkansas State Troops, along with Brigadier-General Ben McCulloch’s Confederate brigade, marched north into Missouri, where they linked up with Major General Sterling Price’s Missouri State Guard. The combined force then moved towards Springfield, Missouri. Under the command of fought at the Battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri on August 10, 1861.[2][13] On the morning of August 10, 1861, while encamped along Wilson’s Creek, just south of Springfield, Missouri the Southern army was attacked by a Union force under Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon. The ensuing battle was one of the largest and most desperately-fought engagements in the western theater. Colonel John R. Gratiot's, 3rd Regiment, Arkansas State Troops had been held in reserve during the early part of the battle; however, a renewed Union assault on the Confederate right flank prompted calls for its immediate deployment. Forming in a long battle line, Gratiot’s regiment charged up Oak Hill toward the Union lines.[14] The regiment had reached a point about 40 yards from the enemy when the Federals unleashed a massive volley directly into the charging Arkansans. The regiment wavered momentarily, as scores of men fell dead or wounded, then charged forward with a roar and smashed into the Federals. After a vicious, face-to-face fight, using bayonets and clubbed muskets, the Southerners broke the Federal line. The unit suffered 109 casualties, including twenty-five killed, out of a force of 500 men.[15]

Colonel Gratiot described the engagement as follows:
Report of Col. John R. Gratiot, Third Arkansas Infantry.
Battle-ground Upon Wilson's Creek, Mo.,
August 11, 1861.
Sir: Early upon the morning of the 10th of August my regiment was summoned by the report that the enemy had taken us by surprise and were upon us. As soon as the regiment was formed it was ordered to an adjacent hill, occupied by Captain Woodruff's battery, to support it, where it remained some hours under a fire of shot and shell. At about 11.30 o'clock a. ra. yourself in person gave orders for my regiment to move on to the scene of action and attack a battery and a large force then forming on the north side of Wilson's Creek, on the ridge, and in the woods. I proceeded to execute the order under a heavy fire of shot and shell from the enemy's batteries, crossed the creek, and marched up the ridge by a flank movement and in column of fours. I advanced until we came near the enemy. We then faced toward them, and marched in line of battle about fifty paces, when we were attacked by a large force of the enemy in front and on the left flank.
At this moment a battery commenced playing upon our left flank, enfilading the entire regiment with grape, canister, and shell. So terrific was the fire, that my regiment was obliged to lie down, and then commenced filing in that position. We remained in this attitude for about thirty minutes, firing with deadly effect, silencing the fire of the artillery and infantry upon our left and driving the enemy in front. We remained upon the ground long after the enemy had fled and all firing ceased.
During the action, I am sorry to say, we were very much annoyed, and some of the casualties hereafter mentioned are to be attributed to the fire of our own friends, who formed behind us and lower down upon the hill, and fired through my ranks after the fire had ceased from the enemy. Attached herewith find a. report of casualties, which will show the heavy fire under which we were placed.*
Of my regiment I must speak in the highest terms for their coolness, prompt obedience, and daring courage, and although but few of them had ever been upon a battle-field, they maintained their position fo thirty minutes under one of the most galling fires ever delivered upoi a regiment by 1,500 or 2,000 Federal troops, besides being enfiladed b; a heavy battery. They stood their ground, delivering their fire with deadly effect and extreme rapidity.
I must here mention in terms of high approbation the conduct of lieutenant-colonel, David Provence, for his coolness, skill, and gallant bearing during the whole action, his example having a powerful influence in keeping the men steady and cool. Major Ward behaved witl great gallantry; also Captain Sparks and his company; Captain Har and company; Captain Brown, up to the-time of his death, and Lieutenant King, afterward in command of the company; Captain Bell, up to the time of his death. These companies bore the heat of the action and distinguished themselves by their gallant conduct, and the conduct of the officers and men throughout was so universally gallant and courageous, that it is hard to make personal distinctions.
After my regiment had silenced all firing upon the north side o Wilson's Creek, fears were entertained that the enemy were collecting in force with a view of attacking Woodruff's battery, which yet re mained upon the ground that it had occupied during the day. regiment was again ordered to the support of this battery, where we remained until ordered into camp by General McCulloch. As Captaii Woodruff's battery was attached to my regiment, I feel it my duty tc say something in reference to the services of Captain Woodruff and his battery. The execution which this battery did in the enemy's ranks was prodigious, and its influence was sensibly felt in achieving tlic fortunes of the day, men and officers behaving with great coolness and courage.
JOHN R. GRATIOT, Colonel Third Regiment Arkansas Volunteers.[14]

Disbanded

Following the battle, the Garrott's Regiment marched back to Arkansas and was given the opportunity to vote on the issue of being transferred into Confederate service. The regiment, along with the rest of the 1st Division voted to disband rather than be transferred to Confederate service.[16] The unit was mustered out of state service on September 19, 1861.[17] Most of its members subsequently enlisted in regular Confederate regiments, including the 1st Battalion Arkansas Cavalry, 17th Arkansas Infantry Regiment and 34th Arkansas Infantry Regiment. Some later served in the Indian Territory[1]

An extraordinary number of the Hempstead Rifles went on to become officers in the Confederate army. At least three of them, besides Colonel Gratiot, went on to become field-grade officers: Daniel W. Jones, colonel in the 20th Arkansas Infantry Regiment; Benjamin P. Jett, Jr., major in the 17th (Griffith's) Arkansas Infantry Regiment; and Jesse A. Ross, major in the 4th Arkansas Infantry Battalion. Two went on to command artillery batteries: Chambers B. Etter, captain of the 6th Arkansas Field Battery; and William P. Hart, captain of the 2nd Arkansas Field Battery. Another twenty or so went on to become lieutenants and captains of infantry companies and cavalry troops.[18]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Gerdes, Edward G. ""The Hempstead Rifles" , Arkansas State Troops". Edward G. Gerdes Civil War Home Page. Retrieved 10 January 2010.
  2. ^ a b The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1 - Volume 3
  3. ^ a b Huff, Col. Leo E., The Military Board in Confederate Arkansas, Arkansas Historical Quarterly, Page 76
  4. ^ Huff, Leo E., "The Military Board in Confederate Arkansas", Arkansas Historical Quarterly, XXVI (Spring 1967), p. 84
  5. ^ MILITIA LAW OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS; PUBLISHED BY DIRECTION OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS, AND OF THE MILITIA THEREOF. Retrieved 8 January 2010. See also: Acts Passed at the Fourths Session of the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas, An act for the better organization of the Militia of this State, page 149. Retrieved 8 January 2010. See also: Revised statutes of the State of Arkansas: adopted at the October session of the General Assembly of said State, A.D. 1837, Page 543. Retrieved 10 December 2010.
  6. ^ Howerton, Bryan R. "Re: 3rd Arkansas State Troops", Posted 25 June 2003, Accessed 08 February 2012, http://history-sites.com/cgi-bin/bbs53x/arcwmb/arch_config.pl?read=4549
  7. ^ The Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board – Archive Company Names. Posted By: Bryan Howerton. Retrieved 1 November 2010.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Howerton, Bryan R. "Re: 3rd Arkansas State Troops", Posted 25 June 2003, Accessed 08 February 2012, http://history-sites.com/cgi-bin/bbs53x/arcwmb/arch_config.pl?read=4567
  9. ^ Kie Oldham Papers, Arkansas History Commission, One Capitol Mall, Little Rock Arkansas, Box 2, Items 107b
  10. ^ Gerdes, Edward G. "Pike Guards, Arkansas State Troops", Edward G. Gerdes Civil War Page, accessed 22 February 2012, http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/pikegds.html
  11. ^ Kie Oldham Papers, Arkansas History Commission, One Capitol Mall, Little Rock Arkansas, Box 2, Items 108
  12. ^ Gerdes, Edward G. "Van Buren Frontier Guards, Arkansas State Troops". Edward G. Gerdes Civil War Page. Retrieved 10 January 2010.
  13. ^ Papers of John R. Gratiot, August 11, 1861 to August 12, 1861, Missouri History Museum. St. Louis, Mo., Accessed 7 February 2012, http://collections.mohistory.org/archive/ARC:A0286_7272
  14. ^ a b United States. War Dept.. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 3., Book, 1881, Page 123; digital images, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth154606/m1/130/?q=Gratiot : accessed February 18, 2012), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries, Denton, Texas.
  15. ^ Edwin C. Bearss, Battle of Wilson’s Creek (Diamond, MO, 1975), pp. 59, 77–78. See also Huff, “Military Board”, p. 90.
  16. ^ The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1 - Volume 3, Page 716. Retrieved 10 January 2010.
  17. ^ Howerton, Bryan R. "Re: Pike Guards flag in Kansas " Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board, Posted 13 June 2003, Accessed 22 February 2012, http://history-sites.com/mb/cw/arcwmb/archive_index.cgi?noframes;read=4319
  18. ^ GERDES, EDWARD G.: "The Hempstead Rifles, Arkansas State Troops", Edward G. Gerdes Civil War Page, Accessed 8 February 2012, http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/hemprifl.html
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