The 6th Battalion Arkansas Cavalry (also sometimes known as the 1st, Phifer’s, White’s and McNeill’s Battalion) was organized in August 1861 at Pocahontas, Arkansas, originally composed of four Arkansas companies and two Louisiana companies, which were consolidated about April 20, 1862, into two Arkansas companies and one Louisiana company. In May 1862, the battalion was consolidated with the 2nd (Barnett’s) Battalion Arkansas Cavalry and formed the 2nd (Slemons’) Regiment Arkansas Cavalry, pursuant to Special Orders No. 60, Headquarters, Corinth, Mississippi, May 15, 1862.

During its brief existence, the 6th Battalion was assigned to Hardee’s Division of the Confederate Central Army of Kentucky, and fought in the battles of Brownsville, Kentucky, November 20, 1861; Rowlett’s Station, Kentucky, December 17, 1861; and Shiloh, Tennessee, April 6-7, 1862.

Field and Staff Officers:
Phifer, Charles W—Major.
White, David G—Major.
McNeill, Archibald J—Major (promoted from Co D).
Randall, James D—Assistant Quartermaster (appointed from Co. E).
Wallace, Robert N—Surgeon (appointed from Co. C).
Scott, S S—Acting Surgeon.
Johnson, John M—Acting Surgeon.
Petty, E D—Hospital Steward (appointed from Co. A).

Companies:
Co. A —“The Monticello Cavalry” of Drew County, Arkansas.
Co. B —“The Drew Light Horse” of Drew County, Arkansas.
Co. C —“The Crittenden Rangers” of Crittenden County, Arkansas.
Co. D —“The Brierfield Rebels” of Carroll Parish, Louisiana.
Co. E —“The Border Rangers” of White County, Arkansas.
Co. F —“The Macon Cavalry” of Madison Parish, Louisiana.