From The Alexander Papers, I have prepared a chronology of correspondence relating to the initial command of Matlock until it was dismounted and organized as an infantry regiment.
1862 Hindman’s command in Arkansas
6/9 Newton to Rust, cdg Advance-Gen Hindman directs that all companies of mounted men now on the this side of White River composed wholly or chiefly of men raised east of that river, and which it may not be practicable at once to convert into Infantry, be ordered to Camp Cache. If Col Burleson has not yet gone to Camp Cache he will be ordered there, without delay, with instructions to assume immediate command of the troops at than place and to organize conscripts and volunteers properly, as mounted infantry for the war, to receive same pay as infantry, besides forage for their horses and to be dismounted whenever it is deemed expedient.
Col Burleson will not be authorized to raise more than ten companies, including those that are there now, and those going there under this order; no company to exceed 100 men, rank & file, and those which exceed this number will be reorganized and reduced to the above prescribed number - he will make report of each company as it is organized.
The regiment thus formed will be commanded by Col. Burleson, temporarily, Charles H. Matlock, is ordered to report to him for duty as Lieut. Col. until further orders.
Col Burleson will subsist arm and equip his command at the expense of the Confederate States, by purchase when practicable, at the prices fixed by G O No. 4, as to articles therein specified and at reasonable prices for articles not named therein and he is authorized, if necessary, to impress what may be requested for the service but he is to appoint by written order an AQM, an Ordnance officer and Commissary & by them only must purchases and impressments be made for articles needed in their respective departments. In all cases certificates in due form must be given, approved by Col Burleson.
Col Burleson will collect all arms and ammunition from men not now in Confederate service or who do not at once swear in - all surplus arms he will have sent to this place. All extra baggage of Col Burleson’s command will be sent to the rear at once. Transportation and baggage will be regulated or prescribed by G O No. 11, a copy of which is enclosed. In no case will transportation be increased to more than the amount allowed by this order and all extra wagons will be sent to this place.
Col Burleson will have all cotton in Jackson and St. Francis counties burned without delay. Persons resisting or refusing to aid in the execution of this order or who conceal cotton and refuse to point it out will be treated as traitors. Those already giving aid and comfort to the enemy will be hanged - assistance will be afforded citizens in removing beef, corn, bacon & etc. to Des Arc, and Devall’s Bluff for use of the Confederate Army.
June 12th By Telegraph from Searcy-Rust to Hindman - I enclose copy of instructions given to [Andrew B.] Burleson. They do not differ materially from yours. I would suggest that you raise the Schedule price of corn to one dollar. We cannot buy corn here at Seventy five cents. It is forbidden to press it corn is much cheaper at one dollar per bushel than any other article you have priced. No response from the flag of truce yet.
6/10 HQs Searcy to Col Burleson-Pursuant to instructions from HQs you will take command of the following troops, to wit: Capt. Hicks Co, Capt Mosley’s Co, and Capt Hookers Co and proceed to the east or north Side of the White River, and when there will assume command of all the troops raised or being raised on that side of the river and north of the Memphis and Little Rock Rail Road. You will explore the country from Camp Cache northward and towards Helena satisfying yourself that you are leaving none of the enemy in your rear or on your right flank. Never run the risk of sacrificing your command, but never omit an opportunity to cut off and destroy a detachment of the enemy not far exceeding your own numbers, unless we engage superior numbers, we will never fight the enemy. Col Burleson will proceed with extreme caution up White River, in the direction of the rear of Batesville communicating as far as practicable with me, and using when he can, citizens of the country for the purpose and always looking to the event of an advance on this side of the river, and co-operation with the force on this side. If a contingency arises which has not been anticipated Col Burleson must consult his own judgment and discretion in which implicit confidence is reposed. A Rust Brig Gen Comdg Advance
6/11 Rust to Hindman-Lt Col Burleson started with three Ark Co’s amounting in aggregate to 260 men this evening. I instructed him fully. I issued a proclamation to the people. Patterson says his force will be swelled to 800. Enemy certainly across White River-The last divisions retreated the night after our last attack upon them. Reliable persons from their midst represent them to be disaffected and panic stricken. Forward the ammunition you have and 20,000 rounds.
6/15 A Bn was organized at Camp Cache and Lt Col Matlock appointed by order Hindman. Two companies Missouri troops were temporarily attached to the Regiment. The Companies were then all mounted.
6/15 Hicks’ Co attached to Matlock’s regiment
6/16 Wm L Jeffers Mo company attached to Matlock’s Cav Bn- "This [Mo] company was attached to Col Matlock’s Regiment, having previously operated in Mo. (S.E.) and N Ark independently, where they successfully met the enemy at Jackson, Mo. & Chalk Bluff, Ark. Attached to the Regiment they were engaged in several skirmishes with Curtis in his march to Helena.
6/19 Hindman to Burleson, Cotton Plant-The officer who is so much disturbed as your dispatch shows is insecure about his position the danger of being surrounded-you have my permission to turn over the command to Lt Col Matlock and return to your own regiment
6/19 Hindman to Lt Col Matlock-Col Burleson is hereby relieved from cd of troops east of White river and will report to Rust. Lt Col Matlock will assume the command lately Burleson’s, who will give him all instructions from here and from Gen Rust
6/19 Matlock at Camp Cache to Hindman-Your dispatch of today assigning this command to me has been received. Col Burleson has obeyed and I am in command.
It is my earnest desire that he remain with me in a private capacity, leaving me the right to assign him any position I may see proper through the present emergency. I regard him a gentleman, a soldier, and the bravest of men. I am anxiously desirous that you grant this request.
6/20 Burleson to Hindman-I received your dispatch and have turned over the command to Col. Matlock with 858 men organized and by night I would have had 1000.
I am proud to be relieved of the command and also proud of the success I have had over here in raising troops.
I will go to my regiment as soon as I can.
In conclusion allow me to return to you my sincere thanks for the honor you conferred in giving me the command over here on Cache, and if I can be of service to my country or the cause you are engaged in, at any time, call on Burleson.
6/20 Cotton Plant, Matlock to Hindman-If Chrisman has been detained by Gen Rust, the appointment of Capt Jefferies to Major will give entire satisfaction as the command is much in need of such an officer.
6/20 Matlock to Hindman-I have nine companies of cavalry and one infantry. 858 men-One more infantry company nearly organized. I am camped ten miles east of Augusta at bridge leading to colony at [Billedmond].
Will have to go to [Easley’s] landing fifteen miles below Camp then down the levee five or six miles to the cane on river bank-shall I fell timber in the river?
Had I not better send 200 of my men to watch the enemy at Jacksonport?
I learn this morning that 800 Federals are now at Gainesville, Green County about 80 miles north of our camp. Think it reliable. Will send eight scouts to ascertain the facts
Endorsed by Hindman: Telegraph Col Matlock to remain where he is executing the orders given in other respects
6/20 Hindman to Lt Col Matlock, Cotton Plan- Capt Allen’s Co now with you is from Crowley Ridge and can be useful there so send it to Madison to report to Col McNeill-mount your infantry Co’s if they can provide horses-that will give 10 Co’s mounted infantry which you will then org into a regiment and send recommendations for field and staff officers
Our little force of less that 100 at St Charles covered with glory
6/22 Matlock to Hindman- In compliance with order first received, I have forwarded to Madison Capt. Allen’s company with orders, to report to Col. McNeill. I now have only eight companies of mounted men
7/11 F&S record of events-The Co’s were dismounted by order of Gen Hindman.
7/11 Hicks ‘Co was dismounted.
7/18 Dismounted to serve as infantry
8/10 Special Orders #62 Army of the SW-announcing field officers of Matlock’s regiment of Ark infantry
Matlock-Colonel
Young-Lt Col
Gause-Major