Background of the Arkansas Regiment

A number of flag presentations took place around the state as companies departed. Both Captain Solon Borland and Captain Albert Pike’s companies were honored at a picnic before their departure. The men were fed at two tables in front of the commanding officers’ quarters at the Little Rock Arsenal. Pike’s company fired a 28-gun salute, one for each of the states, and then Little Rock resident Josephine P. Buckner presented a flag to Pike’s Little Rock Guards; the flag was inscribed with the words “Up Guards and at em.” Following the first flag presentation, Captain Pike gave a lengthy speech. Captain Borland’s company received their flag next, and sewn upon it were the words “Extend the area of freedom”—a direct reference to America’s quest for Manifest Destiny. Judith Ellen Field expressed her desire to help when she presented the flag to Captain Borland, noting “Were the arm of woman as strong as her heart patriotic…she [would] buckle on the fierce implements of war and go forth by the side of the stoutest warriors to the field of strife.”