We learn from the Helena Shield that our friend, Col William H. Robards of Phillips county, has been recently elected Brigadier General of the 5th Brigade of Arkansas Militia, consisting of the counties of Phillips, Crittenden, St. Francis, Monroe, Poinsett and Craighead counties. The selection is a most excellent one, and we are confident our Arkansas friends will be justly proud that it was made.
A meeting of the citizens of Crittenden County will be held at Hopefield on tomorrow, 24th inst., for the purpose of organizing the militia of that county to which all true and loyal Arkansians are earnestly invited.

The Memphis Daily Apeal,23 April 1861, https://www.newspapers.com/image/39786189/?terms=Arkansas%2Bmilitia