The character of the 5th Kansas Cavalry is not the question. Everyone seems to agree that they "were not nice people." The argument is whether or not the Feds forcibly enlisted Arkansans. There is no evidence that they did. In fact, the record supports just the opposite situation -- the U.S. government was reluctant to accept even willing and eager Arkansas recruits, because of doubts as to their loyalty. It was only after Col. Marcus L. Harrison, pretty much on his own initiative, put together a regiment which became the 1st Arkansas Cavalry, U.S. Volunteers, that the government grudgingly agreed to accept Arkansas recruits.