The Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board

Re: 3rd Arkansas Infantry "Elite"

Len, another factor stacked up against the 3rd Arkansas Infantry was their less than favorable comparison to the impressive soldierly bearing of the 1st Arkansas Infantry.

Most of the companies of the 1st Arkansas were raised in Arkansas' larger towns -- unlike the 3rd Arkansas, which consisted mostly of country boys. Also, many of the men in the 1st Arkansas were from the upper crust of society, and most of the rest were artisans, merchants, mechanics, etc. Many, if not most, had also been active in the prewar militia. Also, the officers were an unusually competent bunch -- James F. Fagan, James C. Monroe, William N. Bronaugh, John W. Colquitt, Donelson McGregor, Asa S. Morgan, William A. Crawford, Robert H. Crockett -- well, you get the idea. Some of these men went on to command regiments, brigades and divisions in other theaters of the war.

When the 12-month term of service for the 1st Arkansas was coming to an end, the regiment agree to hire on for the remainder of the war if they were transferred closer to home. So, they left Virginia and joined the Army of Tennessee, where they established an outstanding record of service.

The 1st Arkansas was admired for their sharp appearance and proficiency at drill -- legacies of their previous militia service, I guess. When they left Virginia, only the 3rd Arkansas Regiment and 2nd Arkansas Battalion were left, and no other Arkansas troops were ever sent.

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3rd Arkansas Infantry "Elite"
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Re: 3rd Arkansas Infantry "Elite"
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Re: 3rd Arkansas Infantry "Elite"
Re: 3rd Arkansas Infantry "Elite"
Re: 3rd Arkansas Infantry "Elite"
Re: 3rd Arkansas Infantry "Elite"
Re: 3rd Arkansas Infantry "Elite"
Re: 3rd Arkansas Infantry "Elite"
Re: 3rd Arkansas Infantry "Elite"
Re: 3rd Arkansas Infantry "Elite"
Re: 3rd Arkansas Infantry "Elite"
Re: 3rd Arkansas Infantry "Elite"
Re: 3rd Arkansas Infantry "Elite"