There's a copy of the book at the Butler Center. From page 24--"The Institute had reached a crisis. Its military division had closed early in the 1850s, but its preparatory and general education divisions continued under able leadership. In 1856, Colonel Alexander decided to retire from teaching and give full-time attention to farming."

And from page 27--"During this period [spring 1861], the drill field saw plenty of action. The Institute's 150 foot flagpole sported a Confederate banner. Captain Alexander gathered many of his alumni about him, and with others, formed I Company for the Third Arkansas Infantry. For all practical purposes, the Institute closed in the spring of 1861 never to re-open."

For those that are interested, the Butler Center also has a collection of papers related to the Maurice Smith family. Here's a link to the finding aid-- http://www.digital.butlercenter.org/cdm-findingaids/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/findingaids&CISOPTR=180&CISOBOX=1&REC=1

Brian