The Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Van Dorn's Exodus
In Response To: Re: Van Dorn's Exodus ()

I believe much of the reasoning for ordering Van Dorn east can be found in the earlier decision to order Hardee's forces west. In September of that year, the 8th Arkansas joined Hardee near Pocahontas and Colonel Patterson and Assistant Surgeon Dickson had dinner with Hardee in which Hardee stated he did not believe the north would invade Arkansas because they would not be able to supply themselves. (Independence County Chronicle Vol. XLIII). He felt Arkansas would best be served by him joining Johnston. It could be said Hardee's judgement more or less proved correct as Curtis was unable to sustain himself after moving to Batesville following Pea Ridge and was forced to move his army to Helena and the Mississippi River. We cannot lose sight of the overall strategic picture, northern Arkansas versus the Mississippi and Tennessee River valleys. Keep in mind the purpose of the concentration was the destruction of Grant's army and the recovery of Tennessee, a recovery that would have flanked any Union position in Arkansas.

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Van Dorn's Exodus
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