One of the more shadowy Arkansas organizations was Stirman's Arkansas Sharpshooters, which was built around the 1st Battalion Arkansas Cavalry and augmented by an unknown number of companies from other organizations. Many of us who have been trying to figure out this organization are pretty well convinced that Texans (and possibly Missourians) were part of the augmentation.

Well, a piece of the puzzle has been found. Here's an entry from the journal of the adjutant of the 9th Texas Cavalry:

June 1st, 1862—Make a pretty good march & camp at "Camp Ingram" & while here Reorganized the Brig (under Col Ross for the past few days) & it consists of 6th & 9th Tex Cav, 3rd Ark Cav & Stirman's Ark Batt. Cav & Brig Genl C. W. Phifer is in Command * * * During the course of our organization &c Co "H" is detached & attached to the Sharpshooters (Stirman's Batt.) & they are exempt from all duty & drills as Skirmishers.

I have a roster of Co. H, 9th Texas Cavalry, which I'll post if anyone is researching Stirman's Sharpshooters.

A minor find, but every little bit helps. I'm going to try to find out what I can about the 6th Texas Cavalry and see if they contributed a company to Stirman's Sharpshooters.