William M. Fishback Discusses Arkansas's Spring 1864 Election Results
April 11, 1864
In April 1864, William M. Fishback discusses Arkansas's recent Unionist election and notes that the new legislature is "radical to the core and almost to a man."
Little Rock
April 11th 1864
Maj Genl Steele
7th Army Corps +c
Dear Genl
The Legislature is here awaiting a quorum—sixty four delegates elected but seven or eight have gone off with yours and Genl Thayers’ armies—one in the 3rd Mo two or three in the 1st Ark Inf.
There were 12403 votes cast—12177 for the Constitution and 226 against.
The Legislature is radical to the core and almost to a man.
You have many warm friends and admirers in the Legislature.
The people of Fort Smith are apprehensive, since the Departure of Genl Thayer, of Blunt.
We are very impatient to hear from you.
You have our best wishes. No news.
Yours most truly
W.M. Fishback
SOURCES
William M. Fishback to Frederick Steele, 11 April 1864, Courtesy of the Department of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries.