"The Thirteenth general assembly of the State met at Little Rock, November 5th, and continued in session until January 21, 1861, when it adjourned to meet November 4th, and after a short session, adjourned again to reassemble March 8, 1862. January 15, 1861, it passed an act looking to the warlike defense of the State, calling for a State convention which should determine the attitude of Arkansas in the crisis which was impending, and for organizing the militia and providing arms to keep down disturbances and repel invasion. "

Louisiana and Arkansas, Confederate Military History, Clement A. Evans, The Blue and Grey Press, n.d., Ch. 1, The Election of 1860 and its Effects - Arsenal at Little Rock taken into state possession - Action of Legislature and Convention - Preparations for War - Fighting in Missouri