Re: Matlocks' Rifles

By:Bryan Howerton
Date: 11/30/2002, 3:46 pm

In Response To: Matlocks' Rifles (Gene Sherburne)

Gene -- here's another couple of descriptions of early days of the 32nd Arkansas, when it was still known as Matlock's Battalion.

From the "Record of Events" of the Field and Staff, December 31, 1864 -- "Many of the companies composing this Regt were in the service long before the reorganization of the Regt. On June 15/62 was organized a Battn and Lt. Col. Matlock appointed by order Gen. Hindman. Two companies Missouri troops were temporarily attached to the Regt. The Companies were then all Mounted. Were dismountd July 11/62 by order of Gen. Hindman."

From the "Record of Events" of Company B, April 30, 1863 -- "This company was attached to Col. Matlocks Regt on the 16th June, having previously operated in Mo. (S.E.) and North Arkansas independently, where they successfully met the enemy at Jackson, Mo. & Chalk Bluff, Ark., where attached to the Regiment they were engaged in several skirmishes with Curtis in his march to Helena, Ark. The Company was dismounted on the 7th of July which caused a great many desertions. Was re-mounted and detached from Regt when we were sent to Brigade commanded by Genl McBride who transferred a portion of men to Artillery, Capt Browns, and the remainder to Capt Surridges Co. of Cavalry. I certify on honor that this Muster Roll exhibits the true statement of my Company, that the Company regularly mustered into Capt Matlocks Regt Ark. Cavalry and was transferred on 18th July 1862 by order of Maj. General Hindman to Brig. Gen. McBrides Brigade in which command it served until the 15th August when it consolidated in with Capt Surridges and transferred as Capt Surridges Company to Col. Colton Greens regiment of Mo. Cavalry and was mustered into service for three years or during the war, and that my Company has never received Pay nor Bounty, only those transferred to Capt Browns battery up to the 15th day of August 1862. JOHN R.. BENNETT, Lt. Com. Co."