Again, these actions don't support arguments by those who want to say that the people of Arkansas opposed secession.

As for "stolen", arms inventoried in the arsenal were not distributed to citizens but turned over the State of Arkansas by Capt. Totten, post commander at Little Rock --

LITTLE ROCK, ARK., February 10, 1861.

SIR: In answer to your telegram dated Washington, February 9,1861, I this morning answered by telegraph as follows:
I have retired with my command from Little Rock Arsenal, and the governor of Arkansas, in the name of the United States, has charge of all the public property, to hold the same until legally absolved from the trust. I have reported particulars by mail, and shall duplicate them, and explain the whole matter thoroughly. I shall order and proceed with my command to Saint Louis, where I beg that orders may be sent me for my future guidance.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. TOTTEN, Captain, Second Artillery.