Baxters Fourth Arkansas Mounted Infantry, USA

Baxter’s Fourth Arkansas Mounted Infantry USA

Batesville, Independence County, Arkansas

“ Little Rock, Arks., Oct. 23d, 1863. Elisha Baxter, of Batesville, Independence County, State of Arkansas, is hereby authorized to raise a Regiment of Infantry to be mustered into the United States service for the term of one year or during the war, if not sooner discharged. The head-quarters for the recruiting will be at Batesville, Independence County, and all persons recruiting for said regiment will be governed by the regulations for the recruiting service, and orders from War Department, Department of Missouri, and these headquarters. Mr. Baxter will report to these headquarters for such instructions as it may require. By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele.”

Col. Elisha Baxter began recruiting late October 1863. Over several months, approximately 446 men were enlisted into five companies. Men were recruited from Independence and neighboring counties including, Izard, Lawrence, Jackson and Van Buren among others. The 4^th engaged in garrison duty at Batesville and routine patrols in the region. Notable engagements with Confederate forces were at Stoney Point, White Co., on or about, November 20, 1863; Skirmish at Lunenburg, Izard Co. Jan. 20, 64; Morgan’s Mill, Lawrence County, Feb. 8, 64, Holt’s Mill, Lawrence Co.*see Morgan’s Mill; Waugh’s farm, Independence Co., Feb. 19, 64 and action on the Little Red River, Van Buren (Cleburne) Co., Late Feb. 64. Col. Baxter commanded the 4^th Mounted Infantry, officially, till May 12, 1864. He resigned his commission, turning his duties over to his brother, Taylor A. Baxter, in order to become a U.S. Senator from the state of Arkansas.

On April 16, Col. R. R. Livingston left Batesville for Jacksonport. Under the command of Lt. Col. John W. Stephens, one company of the 11^th Mo. Cav. and all companies of the 4^th Mounted Infantry, stayed behind to garrison the post. On May 12^th, orders were issued for Lt. Col. Stephens to abandon Batesville. The 4^th moved to Jacksonport after May 12, duties there till May 30^th. The regiment was abruptly ordered to disband, June 2, 1864, mustering out June 2-4, at DeValls Bluff, Prairie Co., Arkansas. Many re-enlisted in other Union Regiments but most went home. Approximately Ninety-four pension applications, including invalid, widow, minor etc., were made.

This site is dedicated to the history and comprehensive study of the 4^th Arkansas Mounted Infantry USA and the Civil War in the region. I will be adding and updating information from time to time. If you have history and information to add. Please contact me.

Rick Cook: 4tharkmountedinf@gmail.com

Field and Staff

Elisha Baxter, Colonel Commanding

1^st Lt. Martin Beem, Adjutant til April 15, 1864, Discharged June 2, 1864