At the reorg Fagan was retained and Crawford elevated to LTC. They both did well at SHiloh, Crawford wounded while leading his company etc so the men were satisfied. THen, when Ark was stripped of most of its organized troops, and the govt allowed officers to resign to return home, Fagan and Crawford did in July 62. Now why??? Well, Fagan was made Col of the 1st Ark Cav aka the 6th Ark or 6th Trans Miss Cav, and James C. Monroe who had also come home made LT Col all in Sept 62 and almost immediately Fagan was made a BG of infantry. I think he had heard he would be elevated back home and his chances in MS etc may have been slimmer so he came I bet for that opportunity. Now he and Crawford were pals from Saline Co, I almost bet he too was told there might be something for him...ala Crawford's Inf Bn and then his own Cav Bn eventually made a full regiment and he promoted to COL. Then there were the family ties that pulled on every Arkansas man and boy to want to take care of their family. Officers could resign and return home so Fagan and Crawford did, perhaps with the men in Co E blessing since they were going home to defend their families as well... of course all speculation, reading between the lines etc. Since neither of them mention anything about why they did it we can only speculate, but both coming home at the same time, one just recently promoted from CPT to LT COL, it had to be for further advancement and possibly someone had promised them consideration. Remember, Arkanas was stripped of its forces, Hindman returned and perhaps he made offers they couldn't refuse?? Who knows, If I was Hindman and I was returning home, I would dang sure be trying to convince some experienced officers to consider coming home with me to serve and assist so I wouldn't have to train non combat experienced men for the job. That is what I think. Every commander wants the best subordinates he can get and I bet Hindmand was looking for anyone with experience. Just my thoughts and speculation.