Pocahontas Ark., November 20, 1861.
Col. W. W. MACKALL,

A. A. G., Western Dept., C. S. Army, Bowling Green, Ky.:
COLONEL: Yours of the 4th, by mail, missent to Powhatan and forwarded from that office, was received last night.

......Thus situated, and feeling that this position is the door into our State-which in turn is a large portion of the right bank of the Mississippi-and that in holding it I was holding the very door of our domiciles, within which were wives, children, and friends, I dared not think of abandoning it, although with the force then at my command it were little better than madness to expect to do more than sacrifice every man of us in a conflict so unequal. This I resolved upon and so announced to my men, and I have no reason to doubt that I had their unanimous and cordial concurrence.

But, not to be desperate as well as determined, I instantly called for the only help then possible in reach-the militia of the adjacent country. This call was promptly responded to with some spirit, but in a manner so hurried, inconsiderate, and tumultuous-throwing in upon me an unorganized and generally unarmed crowd of some 1,500 men within two or three days. Finding this crowd unavailable in the condition in which they came, and the result of the affair at Columbus having temporarily at least warded off the threatened attack upon me, I dispensed with the militia as such and called for volunteers, organized into companies, for thirty days’ service, receiving none that are not properly organized, armed with serviceable guns, suitably equipped, clothed, &c. I fixed thirty days as the term of service, for the reason, 1st, that it would bring me the largest amount of force in the shortest time; 2d, that term would cover the period at which we would probably be attacked, if at all, as by the middle of December the weather, {p.689} roads, &c., would have made active movements of any extent impracticable; 3d, that within that time General Polk, to whom I at once dispatched an account* of my situation, could issue such orders in respect to it as he might deem best. Under this call I have received up to this time eleven companies of infantry and one of mounted gunners, numbering together about 700 men; and there are reported to me as on the way, to be here within a day or so, some four more companies, say 300 men.

It is not for me to do more than thus make known to General Johnston my situation, not doubting that he will order what is right to the extent of his power. But I trust it will not be deemed out of place to say to him that my situation here is very embarrassing. It is a brigadier-general’s command and should be his responsibility, needing not only the capability of a commander of the qualifications suited to that rank, but the advantage to the public service which the prestige of that rank confers. I do not wish that place for myself. I did once, but in all sincerity I do not now, greatly preferring to return to my regiment or even go into the ranks. I hope, therefore, some one of suitable rank will be ordered to relieve me at once. The public interest requires it.

Very respectfully,

SOLON BORLAND,
Colonel Cavalry, Commanding.