I recently had the opportunity to study the so called Battle of Little Rock. As a Rebel I was greatly disturbed by the performance of our troops, and particularly the leadership of Sterling Price. Price built his fortifications on the north side of the Arkansas River. He later acknowleged that he was aware that there were 12 fords that would allow the yankees to cross to the south side of the river and attack Little Rock, as they did with Davidson's Cavalry. Why didn't he form south of the river and fortify Pulaski Heights. He could have contested the river crossing and then fought them, like the Great General Lee did at Fredericksburg? I know that he had only about 9,000 troops and the yankees had 15,000 to 20,000, but those odds were not unfamilar to our boys. What really bothers me are the number of desertions that occured after this demoralizing defeat. I am interested in the thoughs of others with regard to this matter. Please advise.