Arkansas was asked to provide one regiment of what the newspapers termed “mounted gunmen” for the war. Crawford, Franklin, Independence, Johnson, Phillips, Pope and Sevier counties each raised one company. Saline and Hot Spring counties combined to create one company, while Pulaski County supplied two companies. Five additional infantry companies were sent to the Indian Territory (Oklahoma) to relieve the regular army there.

At a farewell picnic in Little Rock in June 1846, Josephine P. Buckner presented a flag made by local ladies to Captain Albert Pike of the Little Rock Guards, with these words: “When on the weary march, or in the thick of the fight you will look unto your standard, let it serve to remind you of home and all its associations. You will think (will you not?) of parents and children, wives and relatives who watch with trembling anxiety, ready to weep for your fall, or exult in your fame! Let such memories give you strength under the difficulties of the campaign and move you to performance of deeds of chivalry.”

After making final preparations and electing officers, 870 Arkansas volunteers began the 500-mile journey to San Antonio, Texas, where they would receive orders for their mission in Mexico.