March 25, 1863, Arkansas True Democrat (Little Rock)
Batesville, March 15th, 1863.
Mr. Editor: The military traveler sees many thing in this patriotic State worthy of preservation in the history of these eventful times. . . .
Yesterday a prize drill came off in Shelby’s brigade. It was exciting and beautiful. The reward for the best drilled company was a three days’ furlough for officers and men. The emulation was high and manly. How proudly the brave veterans bore themselves. These men have learned in battle the importance of drill. After much deliberation the judges decided company of Col. Gordon’s regiment, (Col. Shelby’s old company,) and company Col. Thompson’s regiment, Capt. Jerry Cravens, equally entitled to the palm. This gave general satisfaction, and the “boys” are enjoying their furlough. The judges who have all seen service east of the Mississippi, remarked that they had never seen a company better drilled than these in any army.
The Batesville belles honored the occasion with their presence. By the way, Mr. Editor, Batesville is a good place. Its young men are in the southern army, and its genuine hospitality greets the southern soldier. Its young ladies (bless the charming creatures!) in the absence of their brothers, beaux, and sweethearts have learned to take care of themselves, and I verily believe, they are the most graceful, dashing equestriennes in the world.
What is prettier, any how, than a pretty woman on horseback? These dashing, pretty, witty and sprightly girls have cost many a fellow his heart, who will fight the harder as he thinks of them.
When Curtis’ Yankees occupied Batesville, they were treated with scorn by these contemptuous little beauties, and although the place was held by an army of occupation, the people were never subjugated. This fact proves the LADIES are really the soul of the Confederacy. A true woman always dares assert a cause she loves. Their spirit is invincible. Their quiet influence, their cheerful sacrifices, their noble grief, their generous sympathy, form the palladium of our liberties in this struggle.
Even in its distress our country has cause of congratulation. The sons of the South march to glory on fields crimsoned and consecrated by their precious blood, while our homes are honored by women, patterns of patience and fidelity–models for the noblest in any age of this world, or even a much better world than this has been.
A. W. S.