The Daily Dispatch: April 2, 1862., [Electronic resource]

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The late battle in Arkansas.

Gen. Van. Dorn has issued the following spirited order to the troops who were engaged in the recent battle in Northwestern Arkansas. The delicate compliment tendered to the gallant old hero from Missouri evince not only the modesty of the commanding General, but also his high appreciation of the gallant services rendered throughout the war by the veteran Price and his followers:

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Headquarters Grans Miss District,
Van Buren, Ark., March 16, 1862

The Major General commanding this district desires to express to the troops his admiration of their conduct during the recent expedition against the enemy.

Since leaving camp in Boston Mountain, they have been incessantly exposed to the hardships of a winter campaign, and have endured such privations as troops have rarely encountered.

In the engagements of the 6th, 7th, and 8th instants, it was the fortune of the General commanding to be immediately with the Missouri division, and he can therefore bear personal testimony to their gallant bearing. From the noble veteran who has led them so long to the gallant S. Churchill Clerk, who fell wailed meeting the enemy's last charge, the Missourian proved themselves devoted patriots and staunch soldiers. They met the enemy on his chosen positions and took them from them. They captured four of his cannon and many prisoners. They drove him from his field of battle and slept upon it.

The victorious advance of McCulloch's division upon the strong position of the enemy's front, was inevitably checked by the misfortunes which now sadden the hearts of our countrymen throughout the Confederacy Generals McCulloch and McIntosh fell in the front of the battle, and in the full tide of success. With them went down the confidence and hope of their troops. No success can repair the loss of such leaders. It is only left to us to mourn their untimely fall, emulate their heroic courage, and avenge their death.

You have inflicted upon the enemy a heavy blow. But we must prepare at once to march against him again. All officers and men must be diligent in perfecting themselves in knowledge of tactics and camp discipline — The regulations of the army upon this subject must be rigidly enforced. Officers will recite daily in tactics, and all must drill as many times daily as other duties will permit. In every company the prescribed roll calls will be made. The arms will be daily inspected, and a careful attention be given to neat police of the camp.

Commanders of brigades will publish and strictly enforce these orders.