Supposedly security from "depredations of guerrillas and rebels", was the reason given in "popular" history of why some of the citizenry of Pine Bluff went to Gen Steele and asked that he send troops to Pine Bluff to secure the town.

As I said I have not seen any documentation that support this story, but it is quite popular among some in this town. And If they was such a committee that went to see Gen Steele it was for business purposes to do business with the Unionist. Several businessmen in Pine Bluff were angry because Hindman and later Holmes for putting a stop to trading with Unionist.

I am sure that Capt Murphy's Company was for Local security purposes under Powell Clayton authority and were probably NOT "first class" soldiers. Or even intended for that purpose. That they were probably typical Home Guard of the times. Older men and maybe slightly disabled and deserters.