A meeting of citizens was assembled at the Washington County Courthouse on the Fayetteville Square on April 5, 1847, to consider a resolution regarding recent action in the Mexican War. Major E.D. Dickson chaired the meeting, and James H. Stirman served as secretary.
W.S. Oldham, Dr. Thomas J. Pollard, W.L. Wilson, Alf M. Wilson, James H. Stirman, Isaac Strain, Major William D. Reagan, Captain John W. Chew, David Walker, Isaac Murphy and Robert W. Mecklin were appointed as a committee to draw up a resolution, which follows:
Whereas, Information has reached us, that a battle was
fought at Buena Vista, Mexico, on the 22d and 23d days of Feb’y last, between
the American forces, under the command of General Taylor, and the Mexican
forces under Gen’l Santa Ana, in which brilliant triumph was achieved by our
arms; but by the same source we received the sorrowful tidings, that our fellow
citizen, townsman, neighbor and friend, the Hon. ARCHIBALD YELL, in command of
the Arkansas Volunteers, was among those who fell in action: therefore, as
expressive of our deep and heart-felt joy at this last triumph of the arms of
our country, and also of our sorrow for the death of our distinguished fellow
citizen and neighbor:
Resolved, That Gen’l Taylor, and the officers and soldiers under his command, deserve the thanks of every American citizen.
Resolved, That notwithstanding our exultation for the victory achieved, we mourn the loss of Gov. Yell, who offered up his life in his country’s service, and fell at the head of the citizen soldiers of Arkansas fighting the enemies of our country; while his death has caused a vacuum in our community not to be filled, his loss is that of the State of Arkansas, and of the whole nation. He served his country faithfully in peace and in war, and for him the nation mourns the death of a patriot.
Resolved, That for the other gallant officers and men who fell in battle our deepest sympathies are excited.
Resolved, That as a testimony of our deep regret for Gov. Yell, and the other brave officers and men who fell in the battle, our citizens be requested to wear the badge of mourning for thirty days.
Resolved, That the Secretary cause the proceedings of this meeting to be published in the news-papers of this State.
On motion of J.H. Stirman, the meeting adjourned.
E.D. Dickson, Chairman.
J.H. Stirman, Secretary.
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Arkansas State Democrat, April 23, 1847; page 2, column 5
