I have been able to track the movement of the 100 wagons of supplies escorted by Parsons, but nothing on these 25 guns except by Union General Curtis in The Official Records. And, by virtue of the date in this reference, the guns would have crossed the River a couple of weeks ahead of Parsons.
Alexander Papers
Little Rock, July 9th, 1862 J. J. Noonan, Richland
Lieut. Duprey has been sent to Gaines landing with a train of wagons to transport the ordinance stores for this command. Communicate with him as to those near Portis. Keep him advised. He started from Pine Bluff yesterday evening under instruction from Captain Sam Butler, Post Q.M. in that Place. R. C. Newton
Official Records
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE SOUTHWEST,
Helena, Ark., July 20, 1862.
GENERAL: I have just returned from a reconnaissance down the river. A large amount of ammunition, small-arms, and some twenty-five pieces of artillery were crossed over into Arkansas last week near Gaines' Landing. The gunboats had passed to and fro while this was going on. I took and destroyed some 70 or 80 flat-boats, some of which had been in the business of crossing stores, and one small steamboat.
A more vigilant watch over the river is needed. My advance drove a picket from a picket from Gaines' Landing, and pursued the enemy, killing 1 man. I went 25 miles up the Arkansas River and sent scouts to the road south of it, hoping to intercept the artillery, but it had all passed on to Little Rock.
I am credibly informed that the enemy is arranging to attack our transports with artillery that will be brought to the Mississippi in the vicinity of Gaines' Landing. Some kind of vigilant floating force must be employed to keep this great natural base of operations (the Mississippi River) entirely safe. More unity of action between the gunboats and transports must be had. I speak of what relates to my own operations in Arkansas, the Mississippi being now my new base of operations. I hope your headquarters will move this great river.
I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,
SAML. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
Major General H. W. HALLECK.
[Indorsement.]
AUGUST 18, 1862.
The attention of the Secretary of War is respectfully called to this report, and and it is suggested that the matter be referred to the Navy Department. It is of vital importance that the gunboats prevent the enemy from occupying the banks of the river between Memphis and the mouth of the Arkansas.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
Missouri Brothers in Gray
July 31, 1862 Our battery was on the first boat that crossed the Ms River. Gen Parsons crossed with us...remained in camp until Aug 6th waiting for the train to be crossed…slow as they have but two small flat boats, the Federals having destroyed everything…
Embattled Arkansas
... Parsons crossed the Ms River with about 800 men and Gorham’s 5 gun Btry.