Union County ArArchives News.....Memories of the Campfire November 5, 1885 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ar/arfiles.html ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: T. Morgan Botaus@aol.com August 30, 2009, 6:30 pm El Dorado Eagle November 5, 1885 El Dorado Eagle El Dorado, AR V.ix Number 28 Nov. 5, 1885 Memories of the Camp Fire Champagnolle, AR Oct 30,1885 Editor Eagle: Enclosed please find a letter from J.D.Pickens which I would like for all surviving members of the 3rd. Ark to read and I would like to hear from Capt. A.C. Jones and others of the 3rd. Ark Regiment on the subject of a reunion. I met with three of the old 3rd. Ark. boys at our Association near Oakland, LA. the first of this month and it was almost like meeting brothers. Would like you to publish MR.PICKENS letter Your Friend, Jno. D. Staples Anson, Tex, Oct 14, 1885 Jno. D. Staples, Champagnolle. My Dear Old Friend, I heard from you some time since through our mutual friend Frank Ward and was glad to hear from you though, indirectly. Would be glad to have you some dull Sunday to write me a lengthy letter and tell me about the old country and all the boys of Company E, of the famous 3rd. Ark. Why don't you get up a reunion of the old 3rd. I would be sure and go. Reunions are frequent in Texas; I have attended several of Hool's Brigade and always represent the 3rd. John, we have a fine country: lands are very rich and yet are cheap, generally from two to three dollars per acre. The country is new, but destined to be great some day. If you can come out do so and see what we have here. I would indeed be happy to see you. Kind regards to all my friends, and be sure and write soon. Yours, J.D. Pickens El Dorado Eagle vol .ix num 30 Nov. 19,1885 MORE ABOUT THE OLD 3RD. ARK Mt Holly, Nov. 12, 1885 Mr. J.D. STAPLES- Dear Friend: I take this method of answering the call made upon myself and others through the EAGLE, to express my sentiments in regard to a "Reunion" of the 3rd Arkansas Regiment. I read with pleasure the letter of Lieut. PICKENS. I remember him well as a gallant soldier, who distinguished himself on several occasions by his courage and coolness at critical moments. As regards the "Reunion" it's practicability has been frequently discussed and Col. MANNING written to on the subject. He expressed himself anxious that arrangements should be made and promised to attend when notified. The trouble is that the survivors of the Regiment are so widely scattered, many of them in Texas and other states that it would be difficult to select a location sufficiently central and accessible. The only man that I know of who could make a success of such a move, if he could be induced to take the necessary interest, is Mr. J.B.SPEERS. I have had it in my mind to write for publication some sketches of incidents in the service of the 3rd Arkansas Regiment in the army of Virginia but have not had time to do so yet. It is perhaps not generally known that this was the only Arkansas Regiment that fought under LEE; that it was a part or the celebrated Texas Brigade which had the distinction of being led by Gen. LEE, in person, in a charge on the bloody battle field of wilderness, checking the advance of the enemy and saving the army from a great disaster. But enough at present. I shall be glad to hear from you again on the above subject, and will assist in any plan proposed. Yours, & c A.C.JONES ************************************************************************ Same Edition of the El Dorado Eagle SURVIVORS of the 3rd ARKANSAS Regiment will find and interesting communication from Capt. A.C. JONES in another column, in reference to a re-union recently suggested by other members of the same command. We would be glad to hear from all who feel an interest in the suggestions made. The ties of friendship that bind together the hearts of those who suffered the hardships and privations of the army life together are as strong and indissoluble as earthly ties can be made, and 'twould indeed be a treat to the few survivors who are left to meet and mingle and talk over the scenes and incidents of camp life after the lapse of a quarter of a century, which finds most of them now growing gray with age and nearing the end of an eventful pilgrimage. Additional Comments: Would be interested in learning about J.D. Pickens' family ties. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ar/union/newspapers/memories5gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/arfiles/ File size: 4.7 Kb