Holmes didn't take command in Arkansas until the first of August 1862. The general lack of arms in Arkansas was well known in Richmond because of Hindman's protest. The only arms available in Arkansas during the summer of 1862 was old shotguns and what few weapons that could be confiscated from residents or brought from Texas. Prior to Holmes arrival Hindman's best armed regiments were the Texas cavalry units such as Parson's, Richardson's, Alf Johnson's and Carters'.