Rhonda, I do have copies of the Quarterlies and book quoted. Sgt Beavers information is from "the Lawrence County, Arkansas- Mother of Counties History" family histories pages. I would be glad to share them. I will be glad to make copies from the books, however, it may take some time. Right now they are in hard copy print.I Will find a way to get them copied digitally and email them to you. As for the Hillhouse quote, I have been unable to prove it was the 5th. I lean toward it being them, but I have no proof. my guess is based on circumstancial evidence only. I do know that no other detachments were in the Smithville area before the 5th garrisoned there. Also I have found no other records of federal units operating in the area, before the 5th. The 5th was the only Regiment that I found to ever have been garrisoned in the region. The other Federal units that I found reports in the "OR" were passing through in 1863 and 1864 on the Military road, or on Scouts and expeditions looking for specific units. In 1863 and 1864 elements from Missouri (the 4th & 11th Calvary) and elements from the 1st Nebraska Calvary Scouted through the Region trying to find and destroy Freeman,Coleman, Love and Shaver. Judging from the reaction of the kids, and the interest that the eyewitness took in noticing everything as far as the tack, uniforms isignia and flags,it would indicate to me that this was probably the first time for them to witness Federal soldiers. Also from the description of the wagons, and the horse blankets, and all the flags, I would guess it was early in the war (would fit in 1862 timeframe), because most units opted for less conspicous and less hindering equipment during heavy campaigning by the middle of the war. Wagons were usually used for Battalion, Regimental and higher operations. This would lend credence that this unit may have been moving in to stay for an extended period. I will keep researching trying to find if he ever quoted the actual regiment. It may be wishful thinking on my part that any other documentation of that event is in existence. The history here is mainly preserved in oral tradition and Lawrence County Civil War history is like panning for gold!