The dispute between Robert Crittenden and his opponents over the proposed land exchange was actually part of broader factional struggles that characterized Arkansas politics during the territorial era. Historians often refer to this period as the “politics of personality,” since political struggles often reflected personal rivalries among young, ambitious men who came to Arkansas in search of opportunities, often as federally appointed-office holders. These attacks were often extremely bitter; while most were fought verbally in letters to the newspaper, some often led to the fighting of duels.

The first of these factions emerged in the early years of territorial government because the weakness and frequent absense of James Miller, first territorial governor, allowed Robert Crittenden, Territorial Secretary to emerge as the real power in the government. Crittenden controlled who received appointments and who ran for office during his nine year term.