In all my travels I have never met his equal.
Up to the time of this campaign none of our armies had been into Arkansas.

When General Curtis approached the line, the head of the column was halted, the regiments closed up, and the men brought their muskets to the "right shoulder shift," instead of the customary "at will" of the march.

Two bands were sent to the front, where a small post marked the boundary, and were stationed by the roadside, one in either State.

Close by them the National flag was unfurled.

The bands struck up "The Arkansas Traveler," the order to advance was given, and, with many cheers in honor of the event, the column moved onward.
For several days "The Arkansas Traveler" was exceedingly popular with the entire command.