on September 22, 1861, Company A, to be known as the “Bayou Metre Hornets,” was organized. Company A, along with four other companies, was activated in Little Rock on November 10, 1861, as the 4th Arkansas Infantry Battalion. The 4th Arkansas Battalion operated together until after the Battle of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, on December 31, 1862, when the battalion, severely understrength because of battle losses, was consolidated into the 4th Arkansas Infantry Regiment. In accordance with Confederate Adjutant and Inspector General’s Office Order Number 131, four soldiers of the battalion were recognized for courage and good conduct on the field for the Battle of Murfreesboro as is shown below:
General Orders, No. 131, Adjutant-General’s Office, Richmond, VA
Roll of Honor, Murfreesboro, December 31, 1862
Fourth Arkansas Battalion
Private James Vines, Co. A (killed). Corporal L. Heffie, Co. B (killed). Private George W. Ayler, Co. C. Private C. G. Warren, Co. E.
http://www.arkansaspreservation.com/!userfiles/battlefield/summer%202014%20update.pdf
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The Bayou Metre Hornets was renamed as the Turnbull Guards after being mustered into service.
http://www.history-sites.com/cgi-bin/bbs62x/arcwmb/arch_config.pl?md=read;id=4316
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[LITTLE ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, November 21, 1861, p. 3, c. 5
Barbacue [sic] and Flag Presentation.
On the 18th of October, 1861, at the residence of Eylas Beals, there was a grand barbacue [sic] given to Capt. Murff's company. At the same time, the company was presented with a beautiful flag by Mrs. J. R. R. Adams. Mrs. Adams said in a plain, easy and graceful manner:
Captain Murff—
In respect to you and your gallant soldiers, and in behalf of the married ladies here assembled, I present to you this silken flag. It is emblematic of that flag which is now struggling so hard to wave in freedom over our shores. You will perceive upon it inscribed the words, "Conquer we must, In God is our trust." We have placed these simple, but beautiful words there, hoping that they may remind you, when you re far away, of the great necessity of placing all your trust on Him who knoweth all things, and who doeth all things well. His ever watchful eye will beam with love upon you; he will be your solace and hope in the hour of need; your light and comfort in the dark night of trouble. That God who has promised mercy to the shorn lamb will never forsake you if you will love him, obey him, and reverence his holy name. Ask of him, then, to smile upon you in this most glorious undertaking; place yourselves under his heavenly protection, and then, valiant warriors, rally forth in the defence of your country, your homes and your firesides, and say with confidence, and with cheerful hearts,
"Oh, conquer we must, for our cause is just;
See, there is our motto, in God is our trust."
This was the chosen motto of your honored, illustrious Washington. Under it he led forth the gallant heroes of the revolution; under it your forefathers fought and died, and thereby purchased for us those blessings, of liberty, freedom and peace, which once were ours, and which shall be ours again.
You are now about to leave your friends, your homes and your loved ones here, for the tented field, to battle in your country's cause; and I sincerely trust that this flag may be a pillar of light by day to shield and protect you, and as a pillar of fire by night to lead you on to victory and success.
Think not that you will be forgotten by those you are leaving behind. Oh, no, brave soldiers, our thoughts will follow after you, and, in spirit, we will wander with you far over the beautiful hills and pleasant valleys of our own dear sunny South, and we will bless our weary soldiers; and from our hearts will ascend to heaven a silent and a fervent prayer that the God of battles will be with you; that he will shield and comfort you, and return you all again, crowned with honors, to the homes and friends from which you are now parting.
Then take this flag, and have it carried in triumph until peace shall be restored to our beloved country, and until our independence shall be recognized by all the great nations of the earth.
(Advancing and placing the staff in Captain Murff's hand, continued,)
Our fingers have made for brothers and sons,
I give it to you now in trust,
That you never will leave it while sabres and guns
Can save it from trailing in dust.
Bright banner of beauty in glory unfurl,
On continent, ocean and sea,
To nations and kingdoms throughout the wide world;
Go, flag of the brave and the free.
May laurel on laurel around thee entwine,
And still they dominion be peace,
Whilst the stars in thy circle forever shall shine,
And God's blessings on thee increase.
Capt. Murff's Reply.
Mrs. Adams:
In accepting at your hands, in behalf of the "Bayou Metre Hornets," this beautiful banner, wrought by the fair hands of a lady of this vicinity, I feel my utter inability to respond in that strain of fervid eloquence which swells up from my heart, but fails to find utterance from my lips. From every point the invader is assailing us; the roll of the drum is now a familiar sound, and wakes the echoes in places forever strange to it before; the earth is trembling beneath the tramp of marching squadrons; the roar of the cannon; the crash of the musketry, the groans of the wounded and dying are familiar sounds. We may be conquered but never subdued; this beautiful banner shall wave over us while one arm has strength to strike a foe; though smoke and dust and blood may stain it, but dishonor shall never tarnish it.
Accept, then, fair lady, our thanks for this high testimonial of your estimation of our company, and receive from me, in behalf of the company, this pledge, that till the last arm has fallen nerveless, and the last heart has ceased to beat, will it become a trophy to our enemies.
http://www.uttyler.edu/vbetts/little_rock_arkansas_true_democrat_1861.htm