On August 29, 1862, Colonel Charles H. Matlock, of the 32rd Arkansas Infantry, reported on the condition of Camp Hope, Arkansas, to Captain J.T. Hearn, the adjutant of the 1st Division of the Trans-Mississippi Department.

Camp Hope [Arkansas] Aug 29th [1862] Capt As general officer of the day for yesterday I respectfully submit the following report. I found the encampment of each of the Brigades in a condition that I could suggest no improvement of sufficient importance to report. The sinks were cleanly but some of the regiments have no pits into which they throw the refuse from the cooking department. The guards are generally very well informed in their general duties, but in the [MS illegible] many of them are defective arising, in my opinion, from the fact of the officers of the guards failing to conform strictly to military language. This error may be corrected by the officers being cautious to use the language of the books and leave none of his sentinels uninstructed by himself. There seems to be a decided improvement both in the health and spirits of the men since the change of Camp. I think I can say the general discipline is as good as could be expected in the short space of time since the organization of the Command. Respectfully Submitted C. [Charles] H. Matlock Col [32nd Arkansas infantry] And General officer of the day Capt [J.T.] Hearn AAAG 1st Division Trans Miss Army

http://cdm.sos.mo.gov/cdm/singleitem/collection/mack/id/8987/rec/2