The entry regarding the desertions by recently dismounted Texans is inserted as another indication of the mood in camp about then.
And, from prior threads, we have learned that Morgan's disciplinarian approach to command may not have suited the enlisted ranks. And, it should be noted that the field officers had been assigned by Hindman, rather than elected from within the regiment.
4-6/14 Special Orders Army of the South West-
-Capt Morgan is hereby assigned to duty as Lt Col and Capt F P Yell as Major of the battalion lately commanded by Major Platosz to take rank from this date
Little Rock, July 13th, 1862
to: R. W. Johnson Comdg Post Pine Bluff
Hindman has dismounted some of the Texas Cavalry. Many of them are deserting and will attempt to cross the river at Pine Bluff. H. desires you to picket all the roads as well as the river. Arrest all soldiers attempting to cross upon any pretense whatever and report.
Morgan’s battalion increased to a regiment and designated as the 26th Arkansas Regiment on July 23, 1862, at Fort Hindman, near DeValls Bluff
42-7/23 Special Orders Army of the South West
J S Brooks on Major Yell recommendation to be Capt. Co G Morgan's battalion
46-7/27 Special Orders Army of the South West
par IX
the battalion heretofore commanded by Lt Col Morgan having been increased to a regt by the acquisition of the cos of Capt. Cobb and Maxey is hereby org as a regt of infantry and will be known as the 3rd regt Trans Miss infantry
Lt Col Morgan is apptd Col to rank from 23 inst
48-7/29 Special Orders Army of the South West
John G Wright on recommendation of Col Morgan is hereby apptd Lt Col of 3rd regt Trans Miss Infy
Little Rock, July 31st, 1862
Hindman to Brig-General John S. Roane, Pine Bluff
Between fifty (50) and one hundred (100) men deserted from Cobb’s Company, Morgan’s Battalion last night. It is supposed they intend going home in Jefferson County. Take steps immediately to have them all arrested and send here. Instruct the Provost Marshall likewise. Major Morgan with a squadron of cavalry went from here in pursuit this morning but they may elude him
Colonel Asa Morgan letter of August 18, 1862-"That I am ordered to start at 2:00pm today, now 1:30, to Austin in Prairie County 30 miles from Little Rock to select a camping place for our division. The First Brigade, leaves in the morning and the 2nd Brigade next morning. In all 11 regiments. We have been almost without drinking water since we came to this camp (Camp Cyrstal Hill) except the river which is unfit to drink and dozens of our men have died. I have lost 1 to 2 men each day and now have 370 sick in camp to say nothing of those on furlough and in hospitals. We protested until it was no use, but God be praised, General Holmes does not see things as those who preceded him (Hindman) and we move away from this river to good water. It was worse than cruel to keep us here when water could be procured by going a few miles to it. "