Solon Borland 1811 Virginia - 1864 Texas written by Bill Boggess - billboggess@webtv.net

"Solon Borland & FAMILY"     "Chapter 2: That Man Named Solon"            (10-26-07) SOLON BORLAND was a southern gentleman, a family man, and a frontiersman serving the public as: Arkansas' militia Adjutant-General, attorney-at-law, Confederate States military Colonel, editor, physician, publisher, Arkansas' first United States diplomat, United States military Major, Arkansas' fourth United States Senator and was selected Democratic delegate many times in mid-nineteenth century. He was a part of our expanding nation increasing from 17 to 36 states and west beyond "Louisiana Purchase" lands, to the Pacific Ocean durng his fifty-two years. Early years in Virginia and North Carolina, --- last twenty-six years were, eleven in Memphis and fifteen, off and on, in Arkansas. <http://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/media-detail.aspx?mediaID=5935> <http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/nc/hertford/images/borland1.jpg> <http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/media-detail.aspx?mediaID=286> Solon was third and last known child born August 8, 1811 in Suffolk, Nansemond county, Virginia to Harriott GODWIN and Thomas Wood BORLAND, M D, raised and educated during early years by mother's older brother and wife, George GODWIN and Fanny GREEN for whom his children by third wife were named. His parents passing away while he's yet a teenager, she ca1825, he ca1831. Older siblings were: Euclid (1809VA-1881VA), a physician and plantation owner and Roscius Cicero (1807VA-ca1845MS), an attorney. Solon was thrice married, five known children, died New Year's Day 1864 near Houston, Texas, burial site unknown, believed by some to be City cemetery, Houston. <http://www.sallysfamilyplace.com/MulberryGrove/borlandsolon.htm> Solon was of the times that men were men and women were proud of them --- when men often settled their differences, face to face, with fists, knives or guns. TRUTHFUL   FACTS: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1)- Solon remembered by daughter: <http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/tn/shelby/newspapers/atmyfath3nw.txt> 2)- Dallas Tabor HERDON, Ph D, (1878GA-1953AR), First Director of The Arkansas History Commission (1911-1953), in his Centennial History of Arkansas, (S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1922; 1970 reprint), wrote of Solon: "...he came to Arkansas [1843] to assume the editorial management of the 'Arkansas Banner.' In that position he won the reputation of being one of the ablest political writers in the United States." 3)- Professor Michael B DOUGAN, Ph D (a fellow southwest Missourian), wrote in his Arkansas Odyssey. Rose Publishing Com. Little Rock, 1994, 684pp. <www.pccua.edu/keough/education2.htm>(search: "Borland") "The first elite of Arkansas often came well-educated. George C Watkins and Chester Ashley studied law in the Litchfield Law School; Solon Borland as a Philadelphia-trained doctor." Also view his page 85 of 1976 book regarding November 1861. 4)- Solon's intellect was admired by many, including University of Michigan's longest serving Head Librarian (1877-1906) who wrote in his autobiography to wit: "...he must have possessed an inquiring mind and a retentive memory." (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan, Raymond C DAVIS (1836ME-1908MI) papers. 5)- Commander of the Confederate Army's Western Department, General Albert Sidney JOHNSTON (1803KY-1862TN) appointed Colonel Solon BORLAND, CSA (fellow Mexican War veteran) commander of Upper Arkansas District, November 5, 1861 to January 10,1862, while only a colonel, serving between commands of; General William J HARDEE, "Old Reliable", (1815GA-1873AL) and Major-General Earl VAN DORN (1820MS-1862TN). Solon's army record has him on sick leave December 15, 1861, having traveled more than 1,700 miles during his twenty-weeks as a Confederate Colonel ---- was never able to return to duty before his discharge on May 26,1862. The calvary battalion Solon formed June 1861 was enlarged, proceeding as the distinguished 3rd Regiment Arkansas Cavalry, CSA after December 1861 until end of war. 6)- The Arkansas Bar Foundation and Pulaski County Bar Association, with assistance of Pulaski County Historical Society, at Little Rock's Mount Holly cemetery Law Day 1992 dedicated: "...a monument for Solon Borland, early prominent lawyer in Arkansas History ..." <http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ar/cemph/pulaskiph.htm> (incorrect birth date) 7)- Some modern day historian/story book writers provide their reading public incorrect impressions by failing to understand old southern honor or perhaps --- intentionally defaming, demeaning and smearing Solon's character because he was born and raised inheriting southern sense of honor and duty requiring response when either is impugned. ---- as others, he feared not to protect his honor with: pen, voice, fists, dirks or guns as may need be. One New Orleans cohort reviewing BORLAND newspaper articles, surmised: "Borland appears to have been a scraper and perhaps even a little impulsive or hot tempered but a man's honor was taken very seriously in those days. It appears that some newspapers certainly didn't cut him any slack and I'm sure politics entered into the fray." A)- BIRTH DATE: Documented from family records by nephew Thomas Roscius BORLAND's (1844NC-1900VA) (once United States Attorney of Eastern Virginia) in January 19, 1897 letter at Thomas HUME #3239 file, University of North Carolina, Wilson library, Chapel Hill archives! B)- DEATH DATE: Telegraphed message received March 4, 1864 at Princeton, Dallas county, Arkansas, Solon's home after leaving Little Rock to where he came, then from out of his sick bed, after providing for his daughters education and welfare, leaving for Texas evening of 13th September, --- also home of some 750 people, including surviving daughters, Mr DAVIS telegrapher & Virginia (Davis) GRAY (Mrs O C GRAY), diary keeper, (MC 1618, University of Arkansas' Special Collections), diary edited, annoted and published spring and summer issues, 1983 Arkansas Historical Quarterly (AHQ), by Dr Carl H MONEYHON, UALR, see Part I, page 74, March 4th entry. C)- MILITARY RANKS: "Major", United States Army, "Adjutant-General" under Governor Drew, and "Colonel" under Governor Rector, Arkansas Militia, "Colonel", Confederate States Army. "The American Quarterly Register and Magazine",December 1849 issue had Solon's biography! (Source: Bruce S ALLARDICE) Doctor Thomas Wood BORLAND's descendants, except second son Euclid, suffered from ill health. He and wife dying after ca1823 move to Murfreesboro, Hertford county, North Carolina, their burial sites unknown. DISCOVERED: ~~~~~~~~~~~~ D)- Histories of GODWIN family members to early seventeenth century in Nansemond county, Virginia, <http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/nc/hertford/bios/borland1.txt> E)- Nine, 10 by 8 inch chalk on paper, portraits of BORLAND and GODWIN family ca Small Hopes Farm, 1809 by Felix Thomas SHARPLES, since 1964 at Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia, <http://www.chrysler.org>. F)- 521 pages of BORLAND family materials acquired 1944, "Collection Mss. 65 B66", at The College of William & Mary's, Earl Gregg Swen Library, herein prefixed (WM), <http://swem.wm.edu/ead/display.cfm?file=viw00044.xml>, <http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/wm/viw0044.component>, (http://swem.wm.edu/ead/) G)- 1969 book, 'Arkansas Gazette: The Early Years 1819-1866', by authoress Margaret Deane Smith ROSS (1922AR-2002AR), listing references about Solon, numbering second only to William E WOODRUFF (1795NY- 1887AR) who lived in Arkansas nearly seventy as opposed to Solon's less than fifteen years, H)- Infomation from other sources, to many for listing, so to each, a warm thank you for helping to unveil this frontiersman's life and, I)- A partially fictional biography with incorrect dates and names about Solon by Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture (5/7/07). SOLON's LIFE: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One first needs to understand history of our pioneering days, secondly of southern gentlemen's code of honor in order to appreciate what Solon and family faced during his lifetime. Granted, ---- he was NOT a perfect angel, but then, --- who was in those days when most gentlemen settled their differences, face to face? Solon reportedly slept but five hours daily, allowing time for writing by candle light till his eyes gave out. Travel was by river boat between Little Rock, New Orleans or Pittsburgh, if river stage allowed, or stage coach or horseback. Slavery was common, President U S GRANT's wife even had one during civil war. It was quite common for men to settle differences with fists or guns. Indians were being uprooted from their happy hunting grounds, relocated to what now is Oklahoma. Lawlessness rampaged throughout untamed west, Arkansas being no exception. At a very young age of 15/16 (1827) in Murfreesboro, Hertford county, North Carolina Solon is reported nearly killing 42 y/o James MORGAN* (builder of the "Myrick House") with a dirk when MORGAN came at Solon with a chair. (Years later in Texas, General Sam HOUSTON too, documentedly, had his problems with Colonel MORGAN!) *NOTE: Thomas C PARRAMORE, in part wrote; James MORGAN (1786PA-1866TX) left Murfreesboro, North Carolina for Texas (Mexico) before Nate TURNER's rebellion of August 1831, taking his family & sixteen slaves, who became indentured servants because Mexico disallowed slaves, --- setting up a plantation where he introduced oranges and longhorn cattle to Texans, and where Thursday afternoon, 21 April 1836, Sam HOUSTON's famous battle of San Jacinto was reportedly fought. Site located; near confluence of Buffalo Bayou (Houston Ship Channel, Colonel MORGAN helped organize) and San Jacinto river, a ferry ride southwest from Lynchburg, --- the Battle of San Jacinto was won by General Sam HOUSTON (later serving in United States Senate with Solon) with 910 men, shouting battle cry, "Remember the Alamo" against Santa Anna's 1265 men, in only eighteen minutes of battle General HOUSTON gained Texans their independence, losing 9 men, killing 630 Mexicans, this two months before Arkansas was granted its statehood! Emily WEST, attractive young, New York, mulatto servant of MORGAN's, was captured for Santa Anna's "pleasures", thusly said to be the famous "Yellow Rose of Texas". <http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/WW/fwe41.html>. This being a ferry-ride from Lynchburg, Harris county, where Solon may have died twenty-eight years later on New Year's Day 1864! Fay HEMPSTEAD (1847AR-1934AR) wrote: "...in William LUBBOCK's home." Solon, with next older brother Euclid, likely studied medicine under their father, as then customary, while attending Murfreesboro's schools, following at Philadelphia's U Penn, for their documented graduation as medical doctors, Euclid, 1833 at age 24, Solon following year, 1834 at age 23. <http://www.archives.upenn.edu/histy/students/med/az1806to1852/medmatric_b.pdf>. In 1831, Solon age 19/20 served as a militia officer with Samuel Jordon WHEELER (1810NC-1879NC), <http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/nc/hertford/bios/samj01.txt>, so wrote Thomas C PARRAMORE, page 59, in his 2003 publication "Cradle of Titans", putting down the August 1831 bloody rebellion in which some 60 white men, women and children were slaughtered by Nat TURNER & followers in/near Jerusalem, Southampton county, Virginia. Now Courtland, the town was given its present name in 1888. It served as Southampton County's only town through the 18th century, and was, as it remains, the county seat. This quiet little town was formed in 1791 along the north shore of the Nottoway River on a parcel of ten acres beside the court house. In 1831, the town became famous as it hosted the trials and subsequent executions of Nat TURNER and those involved in the Nat TURNER's Slave Rebellion of1831. At this time, according to a letter written by Solon BORLAND to the governor of North Carolina, it was but a small hamlet of approximately 175 people, with only three stores, one saddler, one carriage maker, two hotels, two attorneys and two physicians in the town. The town was the boyhood home of Confederate Major General William MAHONE whose father, Fielding MAHONE, ran a tavern and was in command of malitia during the Nat TURNER rebellion. Solon's nephew whom he helped raise, Captain Euclid BORLAND, Jr, served under Gen Mahone, later, Solon's other surviving nephew, Thomas Roscius BORLAND, was MAHONE's most active political supporter in Virginia. <http://www.historybuff.com/library/refslave.html> <www.answers.com/topic/courtland-virginia> Also at age 19/20, he's said to have married superiorly educted Huldah G (Godwin?) WRIGHT (1809VA- 1837TN), born was first son Thomas (1833NC-1859AR) while studying (taking lectures) to be a physican. Solon practicing medicine or with a newspaper at age 24 when Harold, "Little Solon", (1835NC-1921AR) was born. Solon had became a newspaperman, in Virginia and North Carolina, A copy of letter (WM), 24 January 1836 by Thomas J FINNEY, Murfreesboro to George Godwin, at Suffolk concerns, him as "security" on a note for Solon in amount, $1100, to Mr John WADDELLE of Murfreesboro who now wants payment. Thomas claims he had been given an extra twelve months, but not so, for the sheriff is involved. Ending his letter with his regards to a Thomas(?). (that was a lot of money for 1836), may (?) have been for newspaper at Portsmouth, Virginia which PARRMORE wrote Solon published. Barely 25 and a few months following Arkansas becoming our 25th state, late 1836 Solon and family ventured to Memphis (incorporated 1826, population; 1830 = 663, 1840 = 1,799) with an advertisement found dated 3 April 1837 in Memphis Enquire for medical services: "...book at [Jeptha**] Fowlkes & [Henry R] Pugh or [Thomas D] Johnson's Hotel." ** Dr Jeptha FOWLKES, a southern entrepreneur, financier, once editor of the Avalanche (renamed from Enqury, which Solon sold in 1861) till General U S GRANT occupied Memphis in 1862, later president of Southern Pacific Railroad, and a ancestor of Haley BARBOUR, governor of Mississippi during hurricane Katrina. Solon probably met Dr John R FRAYSER his 1840-41 medical partner after selling newspaper to VAN PELT through FOWLKES for he was once his book-store partner. (WM) 30 May 1837 letter from Euclid BORLAND in Holly Springs, Marshall county, Mississippi (county created 9 February 1836, town 12 May 1837) to uncle George GODWIN, Suffolk, describing his recent 800 mile overland journey to Mississippi from Murfreesboro, Hertford county, North Carolina, with wife, livestock and slaves, to his father- in-law's, Augustus MOORE (1781NC-1843MS), new plantation located six miles northwest of Holly Springs on the new Memphis road, must be (?) near: "the famous Martin Mission of the Presbyterian Church established on the road [old "Pidgeon Roost Road"?] about 1824 or 1825.; The site of the Mission is about six miles northwest of Holly Springs. Even in those early days, travelers sometimes detoured by the holly springs for the fine water and excellent camping site." also near where for school year 1859/60, O C & Virginia GRAY, according to her letters, taught, boarding on plantation operated by WILLS/WELLS/WALLS (?), with three daughters, one a red-head and seventeen slaves, --- Euclid wrote of visit by Solon (age 25), Huldah (age 27), Thomas (4 y/o), who looked delicate, and "Little Solon" (age 20 months). When age 26, wife Huldah dies: "Dead -- in this place on the 25th ult. in the 28th year of her age, Mrs. Huldah G, late consort of Dr. Solon BORLAND, after an illness of several months. Mrs. B. with her husband, removed from Nansemond County, Va., to this place early last winter. Her health had been in a delicate state several months previous to her death, though she was not thought to be in danger until a short time before that event....She had received an education superior to what falls to the lot of most females..She has left two interesting children to the care of their surviving parent. Memphis Enquirer, Saturday, 9/2/1837." <http://www.rootsweb.com/~tnnews/shelby.htm> (WM), 16 May 1838 letter of Euclid's from Holly Springs to George GODWIN, says Solon [age 26] not seen since January, Solon's Thomas in fine health and speaks of Grany and George but "Little Solon" has been sickly. Heard Solon left Memphis for Vicksburg. Euclid and wife Elizabeth Rebecca MOORE (1818NC-1850LA) raised Solon's sons following Huldah's death. Thomas was soon returned east to George and Fanny GODWIN's in Suffolk where he was once earlier, who also raised Solon. They, in 1845, took in Rocius Cicero's orphaned Thomas Roscius, with sister Harriott Godwin in school at Washington city, then in 1851 following Solon & Mary, Euclid's, Phocion A and Euclid Jr. The 1860 census had ALL with Euclid and second wife Lucy except for Solon's kids. The Shelby County Probate Court was served by Solon in 1838, with $150 bond posted, handling affairs of Alexander BOOTHE, possibly same who was born 1812 at Nansemond county, Virginia. Solon was addicted to politics early on, enjoying the challenge, excitement and accomplishments, so following his reported Portsmouth, Virginia newspaper experience, he founded what today (168-years later), is the Memphis Commercial-Appeal, then The Western World and The Memphis Banner of The Constitution, in 1839 --- his editorials supporting Andrew Jackson's choice, James K Polk. Sold the newspaper after a successful James K POLK election as 11th governor of Tennessee, to William E WOODRUFF's Kentucky friend Colonel Henry VAN PELT, who in 1819 ventured with him to Arkansas Post, --- in 1840 changing name to The Appeal, first publication 21 April 1841 of 68 y/o president William Henry HARRISON's (1773VA-1841DC) death from pneumonia. General Albert PIKE was editor for a couple years, ca 1867, before moving on to Washington city. <http://www.wdbj.net/shelby/goodspeed/history/history9.htm> <http://ehistory.osu.edu/uscw/features/articles/9904/appeal.cfm> <http://www.scripps.com/newspaper/newspaper-commercial-appeal.html> "Married - On Tuesday evening last by the Rev Philip W. ALSTON, Dr. Solon BORLAND, editor of the "Western World", to Miss Eliza B. HART - all of this place. Memphis Enquirer, Friday, 7/26/1839" <http://www.rootsweb.com/~tnnews/shelby2.htm> Solon age 27, married second wife Miss Eliza Buck HART with July 23rd license and bond by J H McMAHON; <http://www.mv.com/ipusers/harts/family/harts/book/p451.html#n1921 born between 1815 & 1822 at Marietta, Ohio, youngest daughter of Major William HART (1775CT-1836TN) & 1st wife Sarah Waters WOLCOTT (1779CT- 1824OH), who with 2nd wife, Mary CASS, moved to Memphis in 1831, he dying 28 January1836. No obituary or burial site found for her nor a child. 1840 U S census for city of Memphis lists Henry R PUGH, fourth following name is Jeptha FOWLKES, with one name between, Solon "BORLON", then John R FRAYSER after seven more names. I believe Solon's second wife, Eliza Buck Hart, is the "20 to 30" female listed. Solon, upon sale of the newspaper returned to medicine, becoming partner with Memphis' Doctor John R FRAYSER, whose son, R Dudley, was born in 1840. Doctor Solon BORLAND, 29 y/o, graduated 2 March 1841, from The Louisville Medical Institute, created 1833, opened 1837, for yet another (his 2nd) medical degree, thesis on "milk sickness". He operated a business (possibly (?) with Jeptha FOWLKES and E K DODGE, Memphis wholesale dealers in Drugs, Medicines, Paints, Oils, Dye Stuffs, French, English and German Chemicals, Window Glass, Perfumery, Etc. Etc. Surgical Instruments, Etc. Fancy articles) from his Louisville home which prevented moving to Little Rock until November 23, 1843. Because of his high praises about that institution, some incorrectly believed he had taught there. Response to my April 2007 inquiry was, "NO", additionally, to wit: "I also checked the directories for the name d'Estimauville de Beau Mouchel and did not find her listed at all.[so, she may (?) have been from Memphis] "I then checked the Western Journal of Medicine and Surgery, which was established in January 1840 by Daniel Drake and Lunsford P. Yandell. I found no mention of Dr. Borland as a founder or an editor [my question answered]. He did however contribute as you mentioned, I found one report re: a skeleton found by a Dr. [John R, Solon's partner] Frayser, (Vol. IV, no. 3, September 1841) and an article "A Case of remarkable and speedy recovery from severe injury of the Spinal Column," (Vol. IV, no. 4, October 1841). In both the report and article he is listed as being in Memphis, TN. "I hope this information is helpful [it most certaintly was]. "Katherine Burger Johnson, Associate Professor Archivist for Manuscript Collections, University Archives and Records Center Archivist/Curator, Kornhauser Health Sciences Library University of Louisville Louisville, KY 40292" Ms JOHNSON, earlier the 29th of April 2004, had confirmed his graduation for me. Solon lectured in Little Rock August 7, 1839, when Memphis Female Seminary made presentation (found by <http://www.ArkansasTies.com>) and visited Hot Springs in 1842 wrote Fay HEMPSTEAD. Solon is in Common Law Book #B, 1842 to 1854, petitioned for appointment as: "attorney & counselor at law and solicitor in chancery 67" at Shelby County, Tennessee. Solon age 32, became editor of "the Democrat's" Arkansas Banner, after 1839 successful campaign electing James K POLK (1795SC-1849TN) 11th Tennessee governor, now helping 'dark horse' POLK become 11th president of United States in 1844 election. POLK's vice-presidential candidate was Philadelphia, Pennsylvanian, George Miffin DALLAS (1792PA-1864PA), a1810 law graduate from Princeton. Also elected his friend Arkansas' second governor Archibald YELL (1797?-1847MEX), to U S House of Representatives and Thomas Stevenson DREW (1805TN-1879TX), as Arkansas' third governor, under whom Solon served as adjutant-general. INTERESTINGLY, -- it just MAY (?) have been "General Solon BORLAND" orchestrating creation of Dallas county Arkansas, January 1, 1845, with its new town of Princeton (Dallastown) as seat of government! (History has Mr BAYLESS suggesting the name, but ---?) The county in which his rumored (?) mistress, the french creole lady from (?) Louisville, went to a town named for her, county where he and his law partner helped create Arkansas Military Institute, where Arkansas' new adjutant-general's family resided varies times. WHY else, pray tell, would a southern Arkansas frontier county bare name of a Philadelphia lawyer/politican, born, raised, lived and died in Pennsylvania? But then, what about that town in Texas, started 1843 before state was created under POLK/DALLAS administration? Solon's political opponents made much to do over he and his rival newspaper editor's difficulties. Arkansas Gazette, established at Arkansas Post in 1819 by William Edward WOODRUFF owned and edited by Benjamin J BORDEN (1812NC-1887KY) since spring 1843 as a "Whig paper".Dr BORLAND and BORDEN, the editor/owner (1843-1848) of rival Whig paper, the Arkansas Gazette, exchanged personal attacks in editorials resulting in a fight January 1844 where BORDEN got his face smashed. Later, BORDEN challenged BORLAND to a pistol duel and recieved a carefully placed, non-fatal bullet from Doctor BORLAND's gun, passing through his body. The two reconciled, becoming friends for life. Most truthful facts are possibly by family, to wit: <http://www.tmason1.com/pafn01.htm> (search BORLAND) ---------- The Arkansas Gazette January 31, 1844 No. 8 - Whole No. 1257 A CARD The difficulty between Dr. S. Borland and B.J. Borden, Esq., Editors of the Arkansas Banner and Arkansas Gazette, has been honorably and satisfactorily adjusted, by the voluntary intermediation of their friends. F.W. Trapnall Chas. Rapley Thos. W. Newton, William Field L.J. Reardon S.H. Hempstead Little Rock, Arkansas January 17, 1844 --------- At age 33 Solon served as a Democratic delegate in 1844. Unfortunately for Solon, his desire for an appointment as a U S Attorney from newly elected YELL was dashed by Senator Chester ASHLEY. Solon, as an attorney currently not practicing, formed a Law Firm with fellow masonic member Elbert Hartwell ENGLISH (1816AL- 1884AR). Elbert later (1855) became, the fourth Chief Justice for Arkansas, who jointly is credited for; "The volumes of Reports of Decisions of the Supreme Court prepared by Judge ENGLISH [1855-64 & 1874-84] and Mr BARBER [clerk,1841-68,(St John's College, 1867-74) &1874-86] constitute a large and valuable part of the written laws of the State Constitution.", <http://books.google.com/books?id=i3IOAAAAIAAJ> (Chapter XIX, p 303). Elbert and Solon were involved with creation of schools, ie: Arkansas College, in Fayettville, Arkansas Military Institute, in Tulip, with Elbert the driving force behind 1850 creation of Arkansas' first institution of higher learning, --- St Johns' College of Arkansas, of which Solon too was much involved, having three young sons. St Johns' opened preparatory school September 1, 1857, then collegiate door 10 October 1859 with Virginian, Colonel John Baker THOMPSON president. Elbert served as Solon's junior editor at Democrat's, The Banner until 16 July 1845. Widely accepted folklore: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Following death of second wife Eliza Buck HART, both sons, Thomas and "Little Solon" cared for by family, Solon at Louisville attending medical-school, --- supposedly had an "indiscreet liaison" (Parramore's, written words) with a french creole lady. She supposedly (?) followed him to Little Rock in 1844 opening a fashionable school which failed. She then moved to newly created town named for her in Dallas county and headed another school. It was implied by Solon's political opponents he arranged this all for her. When it became known she was charming but of low moral character with child, she left and town was renamed Tulip, school also renamed. Solon's political opponents making this UN-DOCUMENTED rumor a public issue for following twelve or more years until he moved from Little Rock to Princeton. I have never found Solon admitting/nor denying the rumor. Modern day story-book writers, such as college professors DOUGAN, PARRAMORE and WOODS exploited this rumor proving "SEX sells books", similarly as did Solon's political opponents one hundred & fifty years earlier for over twelve years. (see also, Journal of Ann Owens SIMS, AHQ, XXXV, pages 151/153) As a Democratic delegate in 1844 election, Solon left Little Rock February 8, 1845 for the March 4th presidential inauguration of President James K POLK in Washington city. Reportedly stopped in Memphis both directions, possibly picking up 9 y/o son "Little Solon" as well as visiting brother Euclid's growing family, who may (?) have joined him to Washington city where he also visited family and friends until leaving with 12 y/o son Thomas from Suffolk, Virginia April 20th, to Philadelphia the 1st, Pittsburgh 5th, Louisville 10th reportedly again visiting Memphis, if not with him, then picking up "Little Solon" (Harold), bringing both sons to Little Rock for his third marriage May 27, 1845 at age 33, to Mary Isabell Melbourne (Milbourne, Milbourn?) (1824LA- 1862AR). "Married last Tuesday evening, May 27, by Rev. A. Hunter, Gen. Solon Borland and Miss Mary Isabel only daughter of Mr. George Melbourne, --- all of this city." (notice published 2 Jun 1845, Little Rock's Arkansas Gazette, p. 3, c. 3) Their union brought forth three known children, George Godwin (1846AR- 1862TX), poetess, Fanny Green (1848AR-1879TN) and Mary Melbourne (1850AR-1938MO) and four known grandchildren, George Godwin MOORES (1869TN-xxxx?), Grace Melbourne BEATTIE (1873TN-1954MS), Mary Borland (Beattie) Clarke-BELL (1875TN-1962MS), and George M BEATTIE (1877TN-xxxx?). Mary Isabel was George and Mary D. MELBOURNE's only child, born in Concordia Parish, Louisiana, 3 October 1824, educated at Mrs. Tevis School at Shelbyville, Kentucky moving to Arkansas with parents April 1844, very talented, becoming known to thousands of Arkansans with her, "... suppressing sweetness and thrilling modulations of her voice.", a major asset to Solon with her magical singing voice while in Washington City, "... with her distinguished husband, Senators, Statesmen, and Ministers of Kings and Emperors, have listened to her wonderful eloquence in song.", during late 1840's and early 1850's, so written in one of her obituaries. Reportedly, on day before Solon's wedding, Arkansas Banner's publisher, John W FARLEY, withdrew from the company, then a couple months later, July 16th, so did his law partner, junior editor Elbert H ENGLISH, thusly with a successful election behind them, their job finished, paper was probably backing down for BORLAND too left December 3rd. Family visited Hot Springs mid-August for a month due to illness, returning in September still ill. They moved into Archibald YELL's house, northeast corner 2nd (Cherry) & Louisiana. Solon was about to leave the Banner and reportedly prepared a forty-five page pamphlet "The Milk Sickness" ending1845.(may well have been his 1841 Louisville Medical Institute's school thesis) ------------ The Arkansas Gazette December 15, 1845 No. 2 - Whole No. 1354 Editorial Change - Dr. Borland has retired from the Banner [age, 34, with December 3, 1845 issue], and the Democratic committee have selected Mr. Archibald Rutherford, as its future conductor. The address of this gentlemen appeared in the last number, being a sensible and well- written statements of his political creed. Having known him for many years, we cannot but wish him every success individually in the arduous and responsible station he has assumed -------- "The 1840's was an important era, ---- it defined direction these United States would take as a nation." <http://www.nps.gov/fosc/mexican.htm> "Texas was admitted to the Union on December 29 [under POLK/DALLAS, 1845] as the 28th state. By this time, most Arkansawyers supported the acquisition of Texas as a part of the nation's natural expansion. Editor Solon Borland rejoiced at the news of annexation: 'Let the Star of Empire Westward take its way!'" <http://www.arkansashistory.com/resources/timeline/1845.asp> 5 January 1846 newspaper printed Solon's announcement of returning to practice of Medicine and Surgery, opening office on Louisiana Street. A son was born March 11, 1846 in Little Rock to Mary and Solon (age34), named for uncle George GODWIN who with wife Fanny GREEN raised and educated Solon a quarter-century earlier. George Godwin BORLAND attended Masonic St Johns' College's prep school, at age 15, served when Solon raided Ft Smith, and was serving under General Albert PIKE's Confederate States Army till illness caused his dismissal in Texas, dying at Clarksville, Red River county, Texas, June 24,1862, on way to Little Rock, interned at Mount Holly cemetery, Little Rock without marker. Election of POLK brought forth one of few presidents living up to campaign promises! President POLK wanted United States to expand, Solon agreeing whole-heartily and it did just that! To reach that end was a formable task. POLK had Great Britain and Mexico to contend with. In 1846 POLK and Great Britain settled on the 49th parallel as a common line instead of the 54th, but it wasn't until 1848 that Oregon Territory became part of our country. Nicaragua's inter-ocean canal and internal problems remained un-resolved when Congress, instigated by POLK, declared war on Mexico May 13, 1846 (later agreeing to pay $15 million to purchase land in 1848). Arkansas' Adjutant-General BORLAND resigned June 6, 1846 to be elected captain of a militia company Stephen S TUCKER [p 225 ROSS' book] had been expected to head until he was commissioned captain of Third Regiment of United States Dragoons. Solon organized troops for battle in Mexico. Solon would meet up again with Captain Steve TUCKER after escaping during fighting in/around Mexico city September1847. June 12, 1846 Solon declined offer of appointment to become professor of Materia Medica and Medical Jurisprudence at Memphis University (supporting rumor he may have served Louisville Medical Institution as a professor), because, as of June 6th, he was a captain committed to raising troops for the Mexican War. Among his recruits was U S Congressman Archibald YELL (Arkansas' second governor) returning from Washington city to his home where Solon and family were living, to enlist June 6th. He, in his Tennessee days, was friend and fellow mason with the likes of Andrew JACKSON, James POLK and Solon. Private YELL shared Captain BORLAND's tent on way to Washington, Hempstead county, where he was elected Colonel and Solon Major. Thomas Willoughby NEWTON was later sent to Washington city as YELL's congressional replacement. ----------------- The Arkansas Gazette June 22, 1846 No. 29 - Whole No. 1381 A PROUD DAY FOR LITTLE ROCK It has grown almost into a custom, throughout the Union, for American ladies to, prepare Banners for volunteer companies of soldiery, and to present them through one of their number, to the Captains, with an appropriate address. Especially has this been the case, since the war with Mexico. Our exchanges are filled with accounts of these interesting ceremonies. Nor do they serve only to show the deep interest taken by our fair country women in all the concerns the glory of the nation - they do more, they inspire the volunteers with a military ardor, which no dangers can abate, no hardships dampen. It is, as it were, the pledging of each Company to deeds of daring - each soldier to display of his personal prowess. For who ever witnessed the scenes, which attend a presentation, and felt not that every man of the Company, thus honored, would protect the Flag, committed to their charge, with the same indomitable courage with which the celebrated pass of Thermopyla was defended, and if overpowered by numbers, not even one bleeding soldier would return, to relate the story of its capture? As "old Pulaski" had furnished two companies of volunteers for the war, under the late requisition upon the State, the ladies of our City, with commendable interest in their fate, determined to present each with a beautiful Flag, before their departure. Accordingly, early in the week their fair hands were employed in preparing them, and on Friday morning, at 11 o'clock, it was announced that the two Companies would repair to the Arsenal Ground, for the purpose of receiving them. It is needless to add, that about that hour crowds of citizens were seen hastening - some on horseback, some in carriages, and many on foot - to the appointed place. The interest felt for the volunteers was general, as it was known they were to take up their line of march in a few days. While forming one of the vast throng assembled, we could not but notice the admirable arrangements, made by Maj. Butler, commanding at the Arsenal, for the accommodation of the volunteers. His disposition to make everyone happy around him never shone more conspicuous. Two long tables, loaded with viands of all kinds, furnished by our citizens, were spread on the ground floor of the Armory, and tastefully arranged, under his supervision. These were substantial comforts, to be enjoyed after the ceremonies were over. In front of Maj. B's residence, the presentation took place. While waiting for the appearance of the two companies, we examined the Flags. The one designed for the "Little Rock Guards," contained in the centre the motto, "Up Guards! And at 'em" surrounded by a wreath of elegant embroidery. That for Capt. Borland's Company bore upon its folds, the words "Extend the area of Freedom." Each was composed besides of 28 stars and 13 stripes - the nation's emblem. Soon the "Guards" made their appearance, all in uniform - a blue jacket and grey pantaloons, with red stripes at the side. They looked finely, and were better disciplined, owing to the fact that a portion of them have for some years formed a volunteer Company in this city. It is thought that they will be the "crack Company" from Arkansas. Capt. Borland's men had not obtained their uniforms and consequently, could not make so much of a display, as the "Guards. ----------- July 13, 1846, Washington, Hempstead county, Arkansas, Yell was elected Colonel, John Selden Roane (1817TN-1867AR) Lieutenant Colonel, and Solon as Major, of "Yell's Mounted Devils" much to the displeasure of loser, Captain Albert Pike (1809MA-1891DC), who had sought the top spot, thereafter seemingly made a career of slandering Yell, Roane, & Borland, following Yell's heroic death February 1847, -- brought forth a pistol duel with John S. Roane, neither able to hit the other in three attempts. <http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Base/6595/mexico.html>, <http://www.peace.saumag.edu/swark/articles/ahq/arkansas/general/general303.html>, AHQ Vol. XXII, Winter 1953, p.303. "Captain Albert Pike, commanding the Little Rock Guards of Company E, was nominated against Yell, only to lose on the first ballot, but he was not too disappointed. Very well, he thought, let Yell be colonel. At least Yell had had a taste of military experience in the War of 1812. With Yell as colonel, Pike was sure that he would be elected lieutenant colonel. Again he was disappointed. John Selden Roane, the square-faced captain of the "Van Buren Avengers" and a firm Democrat, without a whit of military experience in his twenty-nine years, was elected as to the post. And when Solon Borland, another staunch Democrat, was elected as the major, Pike turned away in disgust, and a bitter resentment began to rise in him that would last as long as the unfortunate Mexican adventure. "ON JULY 18, 1846, THE ARKANSAS regiment marched south, flags waving, morale high, toward Shreveport and thence across Texas to San Antonio. "Josiah Gregg, an impartial observer who kept a diary of the campaign, noted that the Arkansans were always placed downstream of the other troops so they had "filthy water to drink." Finally Yell refused to camp where Wool ordered. Wool had him arrested. Roane was placed in command and he refused to camp where ordered. Wool arrested him as well and then Borland in turn. "Ultimately, however, all the Arkansas officers were released without charges." <http://www.oldstatehouse.com/exhibits/virtual/governors/antebellum_arkansas/yell3.asp ------------- The Arkansas Gazette October 19, 1846 No. 46 - Whole No. 1398 As a portion of the recent tidings from the camp of Arkansas volunteers, is the information that Col. Yell and Major Borland have quarreled. We have no idea that their estrangement from each other will endure longer than that of two lovers, who quarrel only for the pleasure of making up again. We would just as soon expect an eternal separation between Ashley and Woodruff. ---------- Major Solon BORLAND (age35), Captain C C DANLEY and men left camp, Monday, 18 January 1847, in search of Santa Anna camping with senior officer Major John Pollard GAINE, Captain Cassias M CLAY, also future Arkansas governor CHURCHILL, Kentuckians, now some eighty men, being surprised (as was Santa Anna at San Jacinto in 1836 by failing to post guards), -- when captured at La Encamacion, Mexico by General MINON reportedly with from five-hundred to three-thousand men while asleep early Saturday morning of 23 January1847. Solon wrote from San Luis Potosi, Mexico 10 February copied in 26 March Issue 45; col E, Arkansas State Democrat about the capture: "At day-light, we found ourselves completely surrounded; and being without provisions, and water, and having an average of about 20 rounds of ammunition only, we surrendered..." Solon's letter to his wife dated: "Prison of St Jago, City of Mexico, March 7, 1847" in part, printed 11 June; Issue 4; col D, Arkansas State Democrat, interestingly stated:      "Three days before reaching San Luis [2nd Feb'y], we met Santa Anna on the road. He is one of the finest looking men I have ever seen. He was very polite, and assured us of good treatment, etc." The famous battle of Buena Vista ensued but a scant three weeks later, Monday & Tuesday, 22/23 February 1847, where Colonel Archibald YELL was killed by an enemy lance to the face & head (YELL's body returned to Washington County, AR, July 1847, one story, "in a whiskey barrel") with 264 others dying, 450 injured and 26 missing, with Colonel Jefferson Finis DAVIS (1808KY- 1883LA), son-in- law of Gen TAYLOR (married Sarah Knox TAYLOR, 17 January 1835, she died shortly thereafter). was severely wounded by General Santa Anna's troops, remaining in his saddle while American army inflicted 1,500 deaths to Mexican troops, defeating them in spite of Mexico having a 15,000 - 20,000 to 4,600 superiority of troops. AHQ XXVI, p.373. The war shifted south following Santa Anna's losses at Buena Vista to around Mexico City where a Mexican revolution was also being conducted. Many U S troops, including those from Arkansas, returned home in June 1847 and were released. Five months later, August 1st, Major Solon BORLAND, Major John Pollard GAINES (later appointed territory governor of Oregon) and Captain Christopher Columbus DANLEY escaped, smuggled out on Solon's 36th birthday (August 8th), to distinguish themselves as aides in capture of Mexico City September 14th, thus ending the war. "I joined the army a few minutes after the action of Contreras, and getting a musket, fell into the ranks and did some little duty that day. While engaged in firing, in the midst of some riflemen, who should I meet but our old friend and townsman, [Captain] Steve TUCKER, for it was with his company among whom I had fallen in, without being aware of it at the time. We took one cordial embrace, and went to firing; Steve, himself, was handling a rifle with right good will." That account by BORLAND is from either the October 22, 1847 Arkansas Gazette, or the September 9, 1847 Times Picayune (New Orleans), and there is probably more to it. As an aide to Gen. WORTH, BORLAND ran messages throughout the remaining battles, seeing some heavy fighting on September 8 and 13: "I was not wounded in either action-though the balls flew thick and fast-three that were so far spent as to do no one injury, paid me the compliment of a blow-one on the stomach, one on the arm, and one just above the knee." is most likely from October 22, 1847 Arkansas Democrat, above, both courtesy Ian BEARD, Old State House Museum, Little Rock & Bill FRAZIER, Commercial-Appeal, Memphis (same newspaper Solon started in 1839). Major BORLAND entered Mexico City with General WORTH's men, among them was a young Ulysses S. GRANT, from USMA, 1843 (21/39), as a Second Lieut, Quartermaster, 4th Infantry, April 1, 1847, to July 23, 1848; Bvt. First Lieut., September 8, 1847, for Gallant and Meritorious Conduct in the Battle of Molino del Rey, Mexico & Bvt. Capt., September13, 1847, for Gallant Conduct at Chapultepec, Mexico), --- at Contreras as volunteer aide-de-camp for Wednesday, 8 September 1847 bloody battle where reportedly another 116 American's were killed and 877 wounded at El Molino del Rey, Monday, 13 September 1847 capture of Chapultepec, then Tuesday, 14 September 1847 Mexico City after 130 Americans killed and 703 wounded. (see AHQ VI, page 251-253) (WM) 2 November 1847 letter to George GODWIN, from Euclid BORLAND, New Orleans, Louisiana saying plantation, 49 miles below the city. [that's down near Empire, LA], ---- "I have nothing from Solon except what you have seen in the papers that he made his escape from prison & was aid to Gen Worth at battle before & at the taking of the City of Mexico. I am pleased at his good luck in the end." The Semi-Weekly Natchez Courier of 30 November 1847 (issue 96, col.D) announced the arrival of BORLAND but doesn't name the city. I'm pretty sure they arrived in New Orleans. The article states: "The steamship Alabama, Capt. WINDLE, arrived on Wednesday [24th], direct from Vera Cruz, having left that place on the evening of the 18th inst. Among the passengers by the Alabama we notice the names of Maj. Gen. QUITMAN, Brig. Gen. SHIELDS; Maj. BORLAND and Capt. Cassius M CLAY [strongly opposed Solon's beliefs, <http://www.mrlincolnswhitehouse.org/inside.asp?ID=665&subjectID=2>], of the Encarnacion prisoners; and George Wilkins KENDALL ["arguably the first newspaper war correspondent", <http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/KK/fke19.html>] of the Picayune." BORLAND, after being critical about the treatment of the returnees by the US Government, especially the refusal of the New Orleans paymaster to pay them subsistence allowances since they were provided for by the Mexican Government while prisoners. There was also mention of charging the soldiers for lost horses, ---- then returned to Little Rock and on to Hot Springs where family was staying with her parents, arriving December 2,1847. While a U S Senator introduced leglislation compensating Mexican War prisoner of war veterans. March 29th BORLAND received a letter offering him the position on legation court of Spain, which he immediately turned down. Governor DREW then appointed Solon, age 36, to fill vacancy of U S Senator Ambrose Hundley SEVIER's seat. Solon left for Washington city April 6,1848 arriving the 23rd to fill that seat the next day, assisted by Senator ASHLEY, who took ill, then died the 29th. BORLAND then became Arkansas' senior senator and was so elected on last ballot, 74 to 19, for remaining term, also, 71 to 24 for a full term, defeating long ruling political family of JOHNSONs. He then served with contemporaries such as; Thomas Hart BENTON, Judah P BENJAMIN, JohnC CALHOUN, Sam HOUSTON, Henry CLAY, James MASON, Jefferson DAVIS, Daniel WEBSTER, Stephen DOUGLAS, to name but a few of the more notable ones. WEBSTER, CALHOUN & CLAY, were the "Great Trimvirate" dominating American politics in its second generation, the three dying in 1850-1852. (WM) March 30, 1848, letter to their uncle George GODWIN, Suffolk, from brother Euclid BORLAND of 'Pointe a la Hache Plantation', Parish of Plaquemines, Louisiana, mentions Solon's appointment to United States Senate, with some personal remarks. Senator BORLAND served our country with an honorable record and distiction from 2 April 1848 until 3 March 1853, in, 30th, 31st, 32nd, & 33rd Congress, as a United States Senator under four presidents, POLK, TAYLOR, FILLMORE and PIERCE. He served as Chairman of Committee on Printing, 31st & 32nd Congress, and Chairman of Committee of Public Lands, 33rd Congress, among other committees, supporting cross-country railroads, southern rights, expansion of country and trade, enlargement of facilities in Wahington city, justice system, education and much more. Christopher Columbus DANLEY (1818-1865), aid-de-camp to Major- General QUITMAN at Battle of Chapultepac September 13th was wounded, resulting in being crippled the rest of his life. His letter to brother J M DANLEY dated: "Mexico, April 6, 1848", published May 12, 1848; Issue 52; col B, Arkansas State Democrat touches on many things, two subjects were: "I was once very nearly well while Maj Borland was attending to me, but suffered a relapse, which was near killing me, from which I have not yet recovered." News stories were apparently printed that General Scott caused the liberation of BORLAND, GAINES and DANLEY, to which he states: "That is a mistake, for Majors Borland, Gaines and myself, liberated ourselves by withdrawing our parole and making our escape." C C DANLEY returned to Little Rock a war hero, later elected state auditor, upsetting the long reigning JOHNSON family of Arkansas, and once was a state senator, but in 1853 purchased the Arkansas Gazette from WOODRUFF running it as Gazette and Democrat until The JOHNSON's renamed the Arkansas Banner, The True Democrat, them drop Democrat from name. BORLAND couldn't stay away from politics so was working for him awhile until 1856. Danley died in his office in 1865, then William F HOLTZMAN took the reins, selling it back to WOODRUFF. Solon and Mary, most likely (?), attended Tuesday, 4 July 1848, Masonic ceremonies, for laying the corner stone of our Washington Monument with President James K. POLK. Solon served in the senate providing for the second expansion of our Capitol Building, dwarfing original structure, dramatically changing its physical appearance, as Victorian, replaced Neoclassical sedateness following its just recent, first expansion, accommodating our growing nation, in Washington city. September 1848, a daughter was born to Mary and Solon (age 37) in Little Rock, she being named for Solon's aunt, Fanny GREEN who raised him, and early in life became a talented poetess, published at barely twelve y/o in Arkansas newspapers and in London's Cosmopolitan 21 December 1871, married 1869, had one son, Fanny dying a tragic yellow fever death morning of 23 August 1879 at Memphis in her sister Mollie's home, both having lost husbands the year before to "Yellow Jack", burial site unknown. "Fort Smith Gateway to California Gold Field"; Solon supported the 15 February 1849 act for federal government furnishing military escort to California from Ft Smith in competition with Independence, Missouri(ah). (WM) 26 May 1849 letter which The College of William & Mary archivists say is by Solon's son Thomas (age 16) from Alexandria Boarding School, written to uncle George GODWIN in Suffolk, Virginia (Handwriting comparison of the two young Thomas' letters shows a marked difference) Solon BORLAND (age 38) introduced a common schooling bill in Congress on December 31, 1849, "...which had already passed the Senate, and which, if it were enacted into law, would yield as he surmised, ample funds with which to carry out the most admirable system of common school education that can be devised.", his action was followed by the State of Arkansas (no doubt other states as well) passing its first serious attempt to establish a system of common schools, signed by Governor Roane so reported January 11, 1851 in Arkansas Gazette. However, it wasn't until 1868 that Arkansas had common public schools. Reportedly, the JOHNSON family, while controlling the state spent intended school funds so no common public schools exisited until seventeen years later when Arkansas committed to schools. The senator battled strong and stubbornly for states rights, during Henry CLAY's floor battle (see image) in the 1850's, had fisticuffs with Senator Henry FOOTE of Mississippi, who had once tried to kill fellow senator Thomas Hart BENTON of Missouri(ah) while on the floor. <http://www.pccua.edu/keough/making_of_a_southern_state.htm> (searchBORLAND) 1850 Census, U S SENATE ARGUMENT: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Senator Solon Borland of Arkansas: "I think that all the remarks of the Senator from Kentucky go to show the propriety of the proposition . . . to strike out everything but the enumeration of the inhabitants. . . . Are we to erect ourselves into a great college of natural science? Are the funds of this Government to be appropriated to the investigation of great natural truths? I think we have gone far enough . . .' "UNDERWOOD continued to argue unconvincingly for the value of exploring whether an individual is a quadroon, a mulatto, or any other proportion of blood" (Page 675)." <http://www.afrigeneas.com/forumd/index.cgi?noframes;read=5461> "Newspaper readers accustomed to considering politics as personality were confused. Democrat owner William E. WOODRUFF hired two successive editors, only to find that their views were substantially different from his own. Those who looked to WOODRUFF's paper to see where dissident Democrats stood got little enlightenment." 1850 census found Senator BORLAND, age 39, in Hot Springs, Garland county, Arkansas with 26 y/o wife Mary and children 14 y/o Solon, (Harold) , 4 y/o George, 2 y/o Fannie and a 24 y/o Missouri born physcian, William Hammond and wife Elizabeth, listing follows his in-laws. 17 y/o 1st born son Thomas found at Western Military Institute in 1850 census of Blue Lick Springs, Nicholas county, Kentucky, under Yankee, Colonel Edwin Wright MORGAN (1814PA-1869PA). Solon and Mary cared for brother Euclid's two sons, Phocion Augustus (1839MS-1863VA) and Euclid, Jr (1844MS-1896VA) after January 1850 death of their mother Elizabeth, then Friday, 28 June 1850, Mary (Mollie) Melbourne BORLAND was born. Named for her musically talented mother, became married twice, three children, no known grandchildren, died 33rd year following second husband's, Colonel Oliver Crosby GRAY, death, following a lengthily illness in Kansas City 17 February1938. Her a ashes buried, unmarked, along side of 2nd husband, Colonel Oliver Crosby GRAY, in Fayetteville's Evergreen cemetery. A family emergency brought Solon rushing home to Hot Springs from Washington city, then dangerous illness of wife in September and baby Mollie in October caused him to miss the roll call on the 1850 Compromise bill for which his political opponents had a 'field day'. He returned to Washington city November 9, 1850 arriving in time for session starting December 2nd.      "[ca 1850's, Democratic Congressman Robert Ward] JOHNSON's extremism caught people by surprise in Arkansas. Democratic Senator Solon BORLAND, who initially had been sympathetic to Calhoun's position, even to exchanging blows with compromiser Henry S. FOOTE of Mississippi [who with a pistol, tried to murder Senator BENTON while on the senate floor] Solon returned to Arkansas because of family sickness even as the crucial votes were being tailed. This did not keep him from giving several speeches around the state in which he affirmed a strong devotion to the Union but urged delay so that the South could get better terms. BORLAND's views got vaguer and vaguer in each succeeding speech, and his critics cogently suggested that he ought to be in Washington at this crucial juncture." <http://www.pccua.edu/keough/making_of_a_southern_state.htm> These were not simple, quiet, days while our lively young nation's western frontier was being expanded and developed. They were somewhat lawless, even in Washington city among the law makers, requiring justice to handle affairs of these pioneering people, so Monday, 3 March 1851, Senator BORLAND (age 39) supported: "An Act to Divide the District of Arkansas into two Judicial Districts", which in 1875 to 1895, brought about "Hanging" Judge IsaacC PARKER to Ft. Smith, Crawford county ["Judge Isaac C Parker - A veteran of the civil war and two-time congressman, was appointed by President Grant as United States District Judge of the western district of Arkansas.] At the relatively young age of 37, Parker found himself responsible for a 74,000 square mile area. In his 21 years at his position, Parker sentenced 151 men to death by hanging [of these 83 were actually executed]. In a territory noted for its lawlessness, his harsh but effective administration helped make the settlement of the West possible." <http://www.cem.va.gov/nchp/ftsmith.htm (Parker)>)! (for other see; <http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/hlaw:@field > ("Borland") (WM) Sunday, 12 October 1851, a letter to uncle George GODWIN by Euclid BORLAND (wife died January 1850, reportedly remarried in 1852), from Solon's, Hot Springs home, spoke of baby Mary talking & walking and is where his sons, Phocion & Euclid plus niece, brother Roscius' Harriott Godwin (1838NC-1890VA), had come home with Solon from Washington Female Seminary in Washington city where she was for 1850 census. Solon's Thomas was working on a new road (railroad?) in Kentucky with "Colonel MORGAN" (both found in 1850 Nicholas county, Kentucky census, at Western Military Institute, where Thomas is recorded January 1850). Euclid, was preparing to take youngsters to his Louisiana plantation where in 1860 census listed them along with Thomas Roscius as "Solon", where he had 101 slaves, including Rose age107. An altercation occurred "...at the corner of the Anthony House...", so reported the New York Times, 15 Oct 1851. Its informationial source being The Little Rock Banner. The Banner was under control of Lambert J REARDON, former Mayor of Little Rock (1845-1846) and Lambert A WHITELY, the two parties reportedly attack, with intent to assassinate WHITELY. This Democratic newspaper, The Banner, was, as afore memtioned, first edited by Solon BORLAND from Sept 1843 to mid-Dec 1845, then by Archibald RUTHERFORD according to 15 Dec 1845 newspaper article. Whitely, maybe (?) appeared in 1848 for four years, moving to Louisville Journal, possibly as the editor used by political enemy Cassias M Clay attempting to defame Solon. According to this article, Senator Solon Borland, senior senator from Arkansas, is accused by The Banner of being the instigator of an attempted "assassination" of WHITELY by Mexican War crippled Captain Christopher Columbus, state auditor with brothers, Pulaski county sheriff Ben F and William DANLEY, a steam boat engineer. The truth for reasons of this altercation are locked away in history, and were most likely politically motivated against BORLAND in that REARDON and WHITLEY supported Arkansas' long controlling, JOHNSON "Family" which BORLAND defeated in becoming United States senator and DANLEY defeated becoming Arkansas' State Auditor, both being Mexican War heros. Solon was in Little Rock getting ready to return to Washington city, so wrote his brother Euclid who then was at Solon's home in Hot Springs, picking up his children to return them to his sugar plantation south of New Orleans, see (WM) letter 12 Oct 1851. <http://www.books.google.com/books?id=i3IOAAAAIAAJ>(chapter VIII, p.129) Solon (age 40), a distinguished southern gentlemen by character, returned to Washington city November 7, 1851, and on February 5, 1852 punched Joseph Camp Griffith KENNEDY, superintendent of the census, after having asked him TWICE to stop butting in during a conversation with Senator James A PEARCE of Maryland, and following KENNEDY's caustic remark's. This action resulted in BORLAND's removal from committee on printing.   Week-end of June 1 - 5, 1852, at Baltimore for The Democratic National Convention were delegates; Senator Solon BORLAND, M D (age 40) of Hot Springs, Arkansas and his brother Euclid BORLAND, M D (age 42) of Pointe a la Hache, Louisiana. New Hampshire's Franklin PIERCE (1804NH-1869NH) was nominated on the 49th ballot as the presidential canidate. <http://delta.ulib.org/cgi-in/display?call=2845.16596&format=3&search=>   (WM) Monday, 27 September 1852, letter to George GODWIN, by Euclid BORLAND, from White Sulphur Springs, VA, speaks of several friends, ie: Dr WEBB, Col WHITEHEAD, --- and that Solon left for Cleveland because river was to low from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati.   Solon returned to Washington city November 1852 becoming ill with a severe cold which lingered on several months. He gave up sleeping only five hours a night, and his vision was impaired from long nights writing by candle light, but improved with rest and colored glasses.   President Franklin PIERCE offered Solon governorship of New Mexico Territory which he refused. (John P GAINES accepted governorship of Oregon territory)   President Franklin PIERCE, our fourteenth president, aroused apprehension in Great Britain with his minister, James BUCHANAN (1791PA-1868PA), when he pressured Great Britain to relinquish its special interests south of Balize/Belize along part of the Central American coast of Honduras, the Bay Islands, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, also when in 1853 he appointed forty-two year old Senator Solon BORLAND of Hot Springs, Arkansas as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary --- as the second Minister, following John B KERR, to Nicaragua, an international "hot-bed". (Private and Confidential: Letters from British Ministers in Washinton to the Foreign...By James John Barnes, Patience Barnes, Borland page 73, etc)   Some modern day books/publications seem in my mind and from my research, to twist and use half-thruthful facts, as did political oppents of past, or as if the author(s) failed to fully research what had and was then occurring in Nicaragua, --- unecessarily critical of BORLAND and United States actions taken by the PIERCE administration during July 1854.   Senator BORLAND was likely chosen because of his strong outward support of the president's administrative policies. He was also accredited to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Salvador on 3 March1853, --- officially 18 April 1853, passport obtained 27 April1853.   Solon's appointment to Nicaragua fit well into President PIERCE's expansion program, --- which included; Gadsden Purchase from Mexico, survey for canal in Central America and three railroad routes from Mississippi river to Pacific ocean, attempt to acquire Cuba (by purchase or war), Hawaii and Alaska, plus opening trade in 1854 with The Treaty of Kanagawa, thus allowing trade with Japan and other Western nations.   Solon arrived 15 May 1853 at Little Rock, Arkansas spending a few weeks with family in Hot Springs leaving for New Orleans 4th of July, no doubt spending time with brother Euclid, visiting 100-y/o slave Rose, on brother's sugar plantation forty-nine miles south of the city, arriving in Managua 16 September1853, serving until 17 April 1854, with bloody battling occurring after May 5th for an extended period. John H WHEELER was appointed as his replacement 2 August 1854, arrived 7 April 1855, left 23 October1856.   Nicaragua had become an important Central American nation as early as 1823, with interest from Great Britain and United States when Spanish ended their authority 1 July1821. <http://www.scuttlebuttsmallchow.com/usmcnic1.html>   Considered a likely route for a canal linking the two oceans (and may still so be considered). Even more so with California and Oregon Territories now a part of United States with California's 1849 gold rush and trade with Japan.   The British outright SEIZED the port of San Juan del Norte (renamed Greytown) at the mouth of the Río San Juan on the southern Caribbean coast ----- EXPELLING all Nicaraguan officials January 1,1848--- this while we were settling affairs after Mexican war.   The following year, 1849, Britain FORCED Nicaragua into signing a treaty recognizing British rights over the Miskito on the Caribbean coast. Britain's control over much of the Caribbean lowlands, which the British called the Mosquito Coast (present-day Costa de Mosquitos).   A contract between "Commodore" Cornelius VANDERBILT (1794NY-1877NY) <http://www.vanderbilt.edu/News/register/Mar11_02/story8.html>, a United States businessman, and the Nicaraguan government was signed on August 26, 1849, granting VANDERBILT's company--the Accessory Transit Company-- exclusive rights to build a transisthmian canal within twelve years.   This contract provided VANDERBILT exclusive rights, while the canal was being completed, to use a land-and-water transit route across Nicaragua, which was miles shorter than one in what now is Panama. In September 1849, the United States-Nicaragua treaty, along with Vanderbilt's contract, was approved by the Nicaraguan Congress.      "The first true proposal of a Railroad spanning the isthmus came in 1849 by Col. George W. Hughes of the U.S. Topographical Engineers.(*1) In 1852 the proposal for a rail line was followed up by the Scientific Commission of the Army Corps of Engineers, with a survey of land across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.(*1) "Although a Railroad was a far cry from the dreams and desires of the grandest of engineers to one day sail ships across the isthmus, the initial steps began to explore the idea of reliable large-scale travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Between 1850 and 1852 the American and Pacific Ship Canal Company began to survey a canal route across Nicaragua. This, along with most other ventures was reviewed by the Army Corps of Engineers and at the time found practicable, with some minor changes to the initial plans.(*1) However, it would not be until after the American Civil War that any further in-depth thought would be given to a canal." *1. Steese, James Gordon. "The Corps of Engineers & the Isthmian Canal." Professional Memoirs. July-Aug. 1912. p. 523 & 524. SOURCE: <http://chronicles.dickinson.edu/studentwork/sheridan/steese/PanamEssay.html>   British economic interests felt threatened by the United States' VANDERBILT enterprise, thusly violence erupted in 1850 with the British trying to obstruct the operations of the Accessory Transit Company in different ways. As a result, United States and British government officials held diplomatic talks and on April 19, 1850, without consulting the Nicaraguan government, signed the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty, in which both countries agreed that neither would claim exclusive power over a future canal in Central America nor gain exclusive control over any part of the region. Britain retained control of the Caribbean port Greytown (formerly, San Juan del Norte), and the United States owned the vessels, hotels, restaurants, and land transportation along the entire transit route.   Nicaragua was struggling with two conflicts in 1850, a bloody shooting war between its liberal and conservative groups and differences between the British and United States.   While a United States Senator from Arkansas,--- BORLAND claimed May 1850 this treaty violated the Monroe Doctrine and stymied American growth! The ex-Arkansas senator again, in 1853, revealed this sound reasoning for voting against the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty of 1850. The opposition of the United States was due, very largely, to the fear that Britain would acquire a privileged position in regard to the proposed interoceanic canal. In 1853 conservative General Fruto CHAMORRO had taken over the government and exiled his leading liberal opponents. Aided by the liberal government in neighboring Honduras, an exile army entered Nicaragua on May 5, 1854, following Solon's late April exit. The subsequent conflict proved prolonged and bloody; CHAMORRO declared that his forces would execute all armed rebels who fell into their hands, and the liberal leader, General Máximo JEREZ, proclaimed that all government supporters were traitors to the nation.   The British continued their harassment and hampering VANDERBILT's ability to operate freely. As minister, Solon called for the U.S. to repudiate the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty (of which President Teddy ROOSEVELT did achieve ca 1901, nearly a half-century after BORLAND's failed efforts) and for the American military to support Honduras in its confrontation with Britain. In mid-October, in a public address in Nicaragua, he announced that it was his greatest ambition to see Nicaragua, "forming a bright star in the flag of the United States". (??strangely, we now have Alaska & Hawaii both un-attached to the contiguous forty-eight). Resulting in Secretary of State Wiliam L MARCY writting a letter to BORLAND setting forth the official United States stance.   As BORLAND was leaving late April 1854, he interfered with the arrest of an American citizen who when harassed with a boat impeding ships progress within the BRITISH controlled (NOT NICARAGUA controlled) coastal town of San Juan del Norte (Greytown), killed his assailant. BORLAND was threatened with arrest but after 48 hours was not, due to his diplomatic immunity. While arguing with local officials, someone threw a bottle in his face leaving a scare.   This incident, with other illegal activities against the VANDERBILT operation were reported to the PIERCE administration by BORLAND on return to Washington city, who then dispatched an American naval ship to the area demanding an apology to BORLAND and to stop illegal harassment of and to correct illegal activities against the VANDERBILT interests and to make reparation or restitution for property stolen from American citizens. ---- AFTER a couple warnings, with nothing forthcoming, the American ship and marines bombarded and burned the British controlled Nicaraguan city Greytown (formerly, San Juan del Norte).   In answer to President Franklin PIERCE, it also was Secretary of Navy, James Cochrane DOBBIN (1814NC-1857NC), who in 1853 ordered U.S. Navy Lieutenant Isaac STRAIN to command an U.S. Darién Exploring Expedition to map and survey the Darién Gap for a Panama Canal to link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. <http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/WEBCUTTERS/Dobbin_1853.html>   BORLAND's wisdom (history has proven him right) saw only hopelessness in Nicaragua with its internal blood-shed, turmoil and appreance of William WALKER (1824TN-1860HON) (of Nashville Tennessee, where Vanderbilt University now stands), so resigned June 1854, returning to a private life with his family in Arkansas. Solon's former neighbor and acquaintance, John Hill WHEELER (1806NC-1882NC) of Murfreesboro, Hertford county, North Carolina (whose younger brother Samuel Jordan WHEELER served with Solon August 1831, during Nat TURNER rebellion), was then appointed minister, to wit: "James C. Dobbin of Fayetteville, secretary of the navy in President Franklin Pierce's cabinet, aided Wheeler in obtaining an appointment as assistant secretary to the president in 1854, and a few months later the historian was appointed U.S. minister to Nicaragua. Arriving there late in 1854, the inexperienced diplomat found himself caught between shifting factions in a civil war complicated by the involvement of American filibusters. Wheeler wrote that "the race of Central Americans have conclusively proved to all observant minds that they are incapable of self-government" and that Nicaragua was surely destined to      "become part and parcel of the U.S." With that bias he allowed himself to be influenced by William Walker, a young Tennessean who, with a group of American mercenaries, sought to gain control over the country. Eventually Walker manipulated himself into the presidency of the republic, and Wheeler quickly recognized the new regime. Whether or not this action represented intentional disobedience to his instructions from Washington, Wheeler was recalled by Secretary of State William L. Marcy in 1856, and he resigned in March 1857. Strangely, the "List of U.S. Diplomatic Officers, 1789- 1939" in the Federal Records Center, East Point, Ga., indicates that Wheeler was reappointed on 23 Dec. 1857, but, if so, he apparently declined to serve." SOURCE: <http://docsouth.unc.edu/nc/wheeler/bio.html>   Solon's argument was proven valid a quarter-century after having uttered it in 1850 and 1853, ---- a treaty signed in 1878 with Columbia for 553 square miles of land later known as Panama Canal Zone, where the French started the task in 1882, In 1903, Columbia refused to sign a treaty, thus Panama declared its independence and with Teddy ROOSEVELT's actions, United States finished & opened the canal 15 August 1914, following loss of 20,000 lives before 1889, 10,000 after. Canal supplanted the railroad built in1855. The increased lock width to 110 foot seemed advisable, considering Suez Canal at 197 feet, (today, its limiting mega-vessels from passage, with a new canal discussed from time to time). Review: The State of the Union: Being a Complete Documentary History of the Public and Domestic Affairs, Foreign and Domestic, for the year 1854. --Washington, Published by Taylor & Maury, 1855. <http://www.books.google.com/books?id=57nyOyJtgakC>, search "Borland", (18-pages)   BORLAND, the ex-minister, the ex-senator (himself an old newspaper man) had never bothered to endear himself to the Washington press corps, --- consequently on one attempt it's said they in turn tried to burn him in effigy in the streets of Washington.   When Solon returned to Arkansas as a private citizen, Maragaret ROSS writes, he moved family from Hot Springs to his large frame farm house about one mile south of town acquired before leaving for Central America, sold after 1858 move to Princeton, Dallas county to Doctor Weldon Edwards WRIGHT (likely young brother of Solon's 1st wife Huldah WRIGHT) of Dallas county. This tract, adjoining on west to former Senator William Savin FULTON's land which in 1869 became Arkansas School for the Blind, and in 1949 the then new Governors Mansion at 18th and Center street. Solon actively joined in partnership (withdrawing June 21, 1856) with fellow mason Dr John J McALMONT in a drug store purchased from Dr W W ADAMS' at corner of Main and Cherry (2nd) streets, then opened a medical office a block away and in November with Dr Craven PEYTON issued a prospectus for a monthly journal, Medical Reporter.   Congressman Robert Ward JOHNSON (1814KY-1879AR), nephew of Vice President of United States, Richard M. JOHNSON, brother-in-law to Ambrose H. SEVIER, with brother Richard (Dick) H. JOHNSON at The True Democrat newspaper (formerly The Banner), all traditionally of "the family", was appointed to fill Solon's unexpired senate seat by governor CONWAY, to insure he was able to serve, prevented legislatures from NOT voting him in. Robert's daughter, Sallie, later Mrs. Cabell BRECKINRIDGE, along with General PIKE's two daughters Lillian and sister plus Solon's Fanny G BORLAND were considered the 'belles-of- the-ball' in Little Rock & Memphis, during reconstruction years, following our civil war, so say General John M. HARRELL, in Confederate Veterans publication, in 1894, <http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ga/topic/news/CV/cv1894pg2.htm>, also cited in Fannie's 24 August 1879 front page obituary of The Memphis Daily Avalanche: "...daughter of the late Senator Solon BORLAND, of Arkansas, .... . Ten years ago she was a reigning belle of Little Rock, and enjoyed, as many will remember, considerable celebrity as a poet. General Albert PIKE had a high opinion of her talents in that line, The "Dead Confederacy," republished in the London Cosmopolitan, and highly complimented by that journal was one of the best of her productions." <http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/tn/shelby/obits/m/mooresbo2ob.txt>   Russell P. BAKER's Fall 1981 article about "Fannie Green Borland Moores", (formerly Arkansas History Commission's Research Project #76.003), in The Pulaski County Historical Review, Volume XXIX, Number 3, says:      "The [BORLAND] family returned to Little Rock in 1854 [from Hot Springs], where BORLAND became a business partner with Dr. John J. McALMONT. In 1858 they moved to Princeton in Dallas County, where they remained until late 1860 [he to Memphis June 1859], when they returned to Little Rock."   Another source said Solon returned to Little Rock to edit the "Gazette and Democrat" wih C C DANLEY, but while in Washington city he had, with many others, become disenchanted with the Democratic party for they thought it became "abolitionist". They believed in the new Know-Nothing party, which he followed. Dick (Richard H) JOHNSON, had The Banner newspaper now "the Family's", renamed The True Democrat (causing DANLEY to drop word Democrat from his paper), campaigned a skillful and successful "printer's ink" battle against Solon, true, down and dirty, down under politics, which Dick claimed Solon used to defeat Ambrose H SIEVER (Dick's brother Robert Ward JOHNSON's brother- in-law), in 1848 election for United States Senate seat.   At one point in 1855, the Grand Lodge of Arkansas had Solon BORLAND, Robert W JOHNSON and E A WARREN trying (unsuccessfully) to obtain the Little Rock Arsenal grounds as their school site for Arkansas' first created institution of higher learning, their St Johns' College of Arkansas.   A review of editorials written by Dick JOHNSON in "family's", The True Democrat, of 5 October, 2 November, 11 & 18 December, 1855 and 1 January 1856, including the 12 year old french creole girl-friend story, revealed they were successful in defeating Solon. Dick, by skillfully painting the worst case scenario, using only partially true, publicly known, allegations of which Solon refused to answer, skillfully causing Solon's political down-fall in Arkansas, however Dick later served as a private under Solon in April 1861 raid on Ft Smith.   Solon (age 44), after his "No-Nothng-Party" political defeat, packed his family aboard steamboat "Fox" January 5, 1856 and "steamed" off down river for an extended visit with his brother Euclid and family at his sugar plantation 49 miles below New Orleans.      "At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge, in 1856, Hon Solon BORLAND, in behalf of the Board of Trustees of the [St Johns'] College, submitted a very able report, reviewing the subject of the College in detail, referring to the circumstances under which it was undertaken, the embarrassments which interfered with its progress, its condition at that time, the benefits it was designed to secure to the order and prosperity, as well as to the State and country at large, and proposing some measures looking to its advancement and early completion."  (Source: MASONARY IN ARKANSAS: by M. Shelby Kennard, 1860. Copy from Special Collections, University of Arkansas)   The record reveals Solon moved family to Princeton, Dallas county in 1858, selling his farm-home located west of Wm Savin FULTON's estate in Little Rock to brother-in-law Dr Weldon Edwads WRIGHT who subdivided it in 1870, into "Wright's Additon" living there over fifty years. (Dr WRIGHT donating $30,000 towards Baxter during The Brooks- Baxter War of1874.)   Solon went to Memphis June 1859 buying into the Enquire newspaper with ex-senator Jere CLEMENTS, following January 189 death of first born son Thomas at Anthony House, buried Mount Holly without marker. Solon's said to have returned to his Princeton home for a month, but due to illness remained a half year.   1860 census found Solon, age 48, editor of "Memphis Enquire", in Shelby County, Tennessee, --- wife Mary and their children George, Fannie G and Mary M, found in Princeton, Dallas County, Arkansas, girls likely attending Princeton Female Academy first under tutelage of James L BARRY then under Oliver and Virginia Davis GRAY, Harold is found at West Point, Class of 1860, graduate #1887, Orange County, New York year after General WHEELER and year before General CUSTER. Thomas dead, buried without marker at Mount Holly cemetery in Little Rock.   The Williams' Memphis Directory for 1860, page 85, lists BORLAND, Solon of the L.D. Stickney & Co.. Lyman Dodge STICKNEY, born 1815 in Germany, coming from Boston ca 1844 (moving on to Jacksonville, Florida as a political force), as president in 1859 with J.J.PARHAM, secretary, Solon BORLAND and Jere CLEMENTS as editors of The Eagle and Enquire. Solon bought it in 1860, and sold in 1861 to M C GALLAWAY who merged it with The Avalanche which he established in 1858, all according to "Literary Memphis A Survey of its Writers and Writings", by Marshall WINGFIELD, copyright 1942 for The West Tennessee Historical Society, discovered by Memphis cohort.   History records on February 9, 1861, Solon lost an election for state representative from Shelby County in Tennessee, ---- within two months,--- April 1861 was found as, Colonel BORLAND (age 49), aide-de- camp for his second at duel with BORDEN, now Arkansas' Governor Henry M RECTOR (1816KY-1899AR), raiding Ft. Smith, Arkansas (see photo), with later notables as privates, William R. MILLER, state auditor, (Governor in 1877 when Virginia Davis GRAY (Mrs V L GRAY) donated her painting (now missing) of new (1875) Arkansas Industrial University's building, now known as 'Old Main'), R (Dick) H JOHNSON Esquire, an earlier newspaper opponent and Arkansas Solicitor General John Mortimer HARRELL (born Gates County, NC, later a general) as privates and 15 y/o son George Godwin BORLAND serving under Capt. Wm. E WOODRUFF, Jr's Artillery group. <http://stellar-one.com/civil_war/0003.htm>, <http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/borlands.html>.   Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves the site of two military posts and the historic Federal Court. In 1861, Fort Smith was an outpost on the western frontier adjacent to the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma).   Fort Smith Times and Herald gave this accounting, to wit:      "Last night, about 12 o'clock, the steamers "Tahlequah" and "Frederick Notrebe" arrived almost simultaneously at our wharf, having on board, as we subsequently learned, 235 men, composed of volunteer companies of Little Rock and Pulaski county, in this State; having come for the purpose of reducing, under State authority, the federal post at this place. The expedition ordered by Governor Rector, who was represented in it by his Adjutant General, Edmund Burgevin, was under the immediate command of Col. Solon Borland, Aid-de-Camp to the Governor, and consisted of five companies, three from the City of Little Rock, and two from vicinity."   Federal forces had left for Fort Washita (another book says (?) to Kansas) in Cherokee Nation, when learning of Solon's forthcoming attack, thus only a couple persons remained in the fort, one, a Major Richard Caswell GATLIN (1809NC-1896AR) of North Carolina (later resigned the Army same day his home state seceded from the Union, once Confederate General,but due to poor abilities, released to desk --- NOT Richard Jordon GATLING (1832NC-1903NY), (as implied by Major COLLIER in a book), of Solon's home town, Murfreesboro, North Carolina, inventor of the Gatling Gun, who never served in either Army! "Old Rough and Ready" TAYLOR selected a site eighteen miles north of the Red River on the Washita River, a mile and a half east of the stream. The new fort, occupied in April of 1842, was named Fort Washita, and was abandoned by federal forces in 1861, soon after the capture of Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. Confederate forces from Texas occupied the fort, and it became a major supply depot for Confederate troops in Indian Territory.   Sacramento Daily Union, 7 May 1861, described the celebration upon taking Ft. Smith with W. E.WOODRUFF (Jr?) present. (who built his home on 25 acres later Woodruff's Addition, north, across street of Masonic's St. Johns' College, Little Rock, used as an officers hospital by Union Army, later returned minus much furniture). Doctor Solon BORLAND, Esquire, formerly: Arkansas' Adjutant-General, United States Army major of Mexican war, Arkansas' fourth U S Senator, Arkansas' first foreigen U S Minister, now an Arkansas militia colonel to become Colonel Solon BORLAND, Confederate States Army (rank held until discharged May 26, 1862) at Camp Warren(?), Camp Borland (?), Pocahontas, Randolph county, Arkansas, on the Current river near Pittman's Ferry, as commander of battalion he raised and organized at Little Rock, Pulaski county, Arkansas, on June 10, 1861. Originally known as 1st Battalion Arkansas Cavalry, it becoming 1st Arkansas Mounted Volunteers upon his and its acceptance into Confederate service on July 29, 1861, for 12 months service. This group was renamed as the 3rd Regiment Arkansas Cavalry in December 1861, officially when Trans-Mississippi was created January 1862. <http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/3cav_indx.html> According to Major COLLIER's 1965 book, they fought in more skirmishes that did any other Arkansas unit. [Future Governor BAXTER served thirty days under BORLAND, November 1861] September 3, 1861, "Col S BORLAND Regiment of Cavalry will proceed without delay to Little Rock for the purpose of providing clothing for this command.", By order, Gen William J HARDEE (1815GA-1873AL). Solon, at age 50, was ordered commander of Confederate Army's Western Department's, Upper Arkansas, November 5, 1861 till January 10, 1862, post vacated by General William J HARDEE, having taken with him all good equipment, materials, and experienced troops, leaving behind useless equipment or materials and inexperienced raw recruits. <http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/nc/hertford/letters/borland24.txt> <http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/nc/hertford/letters/borland21.txt> Major-General William J HARDEE, "Old Reliable", served as commander since August 29, 1861 till going east, then Colonel Solon BORLAND inherited the position November 5th till December 15th(sick leave), which he pleaded to be relieved by letter of November 10th because it was a position for a "general", I assume Ben F DANLEY took charge when BORLAND succumbs to illness. Then January 15, 1862 found under command of Major-General Earl VAN DORN (1820MS-1863TN), known then as Trans-Mississippi Department. Much relevant & documented historical military information was gathered on Jim MARTIN's Arkansas Civil War Board, <http://history-sites.com/mb/cw/arcwmb/index.cgi?rev=14343> and Solon's service records from Arkansas History Commission (2/09/07). A political debacle erupted in Randolph county over Solon's General Order of 29 November 1861, concerning locally grown food stuffs. This being Solon's attempt to protect army (and citizens), as had been done in Missouri(ah), from speculators of price gouging Arkansas" shortage of home grown crops. Governor Henry Massie RECTOR, essentially supporting speculators, won even after receiving former friend Solon's thirteen page letter. This one-term governor was also unhappy because Arkansan troops were shipped east, leaving no one to protect Arkansas. Solon's letters of record: <http://www.simmonsgames.com/research/authors/USWarDept/ORA/OR-S1-V08-C018C.html> November 1861, state he NO longer had a desire of becoming a general even though he was carrying out duties of such, and that he was suffering of ill health. His service records show he was reimbursed for extensively traveling (1,710 miles) to Little Rock, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi.      BORLAND's TIME LINE:     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ November 5, '61, named commander. November 29, '61, posted 'General Order' regarding foodstuffs to NOT be shipped out of state in order to stem price gouging to army & local citizens. December 11, '61, letter requests a leave of absence from General Albert Sidney JOHNSTON (1803KY-1862TN, later General John Selden ROANE, for health reasons, supported by letter from surgeon Dr WASHINGTON. December 15, '61 reported on sick leave in Little Rock for an extended period, NO record found of his returning to the 3rd Regiment Arkansas Cavalry before discharge May 25, 1862. December 20, '61, Proclamation by Governor Henry Massie RECTOR claiming to over-ride Solon's General Order. (See Michael B DOUGAN's 1976 book, page 85 for results of his research, also AHQ, Vol XXXVII, 1978, by HUFF, page 149) January 1862, BORLAND's order rescinded by CSA. May 26, 1862, honorably discharged at rank of Colonel. June 14, 1862 (10 days before death of 16 y/o son, Pvt George Godwin BORLAND), --- The Little Rock Arkansas Gazette printed front page, column 1, to wit;      "It is known for sometime that, for several months, the doctor [Solon BORLAND, age 52] has been dangerously ill; his sickness has disabled him so far as to prevent his resuming his duties as a solider in the army for some time to come at least: and best field which he now finds before him for usefulness, is in the practice of his original profession of medicine and surgery. It is useless for us to allude, is the standing of Dr. B. in his profession. That is already known to our readers." 'That Man Named Solon', had seemingly served his neighbors heroically and with honor since childhood, in spite of what his political opponents (and modern day college history professors) wrote about him, and now returns to that which he was formally trained & educated, medicine and surgery! Son, Private George Godwin BORLAND, age 16 with mother's reluctant consent, served in Indian Territory under General PIKE, says his obit. George died 24 June 1862 at a friend's home in Clarksville, Texas, on his way home after relieved of duty due to poor health. Burial reported in Mount Holly cemetery, Little Rock, without a marker. Solon's third wife of seventeen years, Mary Isabel, age 38, died Thursday, 23 October 1862, in Little Rock, following a lengthily period of poor health. Her father George, husband Solon (age 51) and daughters Fannie & Mary 14 & 12 years old, surviving. Fanny penned two touching poems; "The Past and Future" October 29, 1962, with editor's comment to wit:      "Within the last four weeks a little girl, just fourteen years old, sat by the sick bed of her Father, as he slept, a few evenings after the death of her Mother, she composed the following lines." and "Judge Not By The Outward Look", November 14, 1862, published 22nd and 29th, November 1862 by the Arkansas State Gazette. <http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/tn/shelby/newspapers/thepasta8nw.txt> <http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/tn/shelby/newspapers/judgenot5nw.txt> One of Mary's obituary's, in part, read:      "Her harp is broken, to us her voice is still, in the solemn hush of the tomb, but we are permitted to believe, that with a renewed voice and an unfailing harp, she is charming the ears of kindered spirits in the beautiful land of the redeemed". (Arkansas Gazette, 25 October 1862,p. 2, c. 5) <http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/tn/shelby/obits/m/melbourn5ob.txt>, burial reportedly at Mount Holly cemetery, Little Rock without a marker. December 26, 1862 Solon's brother, Euclid BORLAND, M D, in Plaquemines parrish, Louisiana gave Judah P BENJAMIN (A jewish Mississippi large plantation owner with 140 slaves, a fellow U S Senator with Solon in Washington city, who, as secretary of army January 1862 had Solon on the carpet for his General Order of November 29, 1861, and left never to return, from Cape Sable, Florida at end of war),Confederate secretary of state, a statement about some Union Army skullduggery by a Colonel (?) Andrew J BUTLER (believed to be brother to General BUTLER but NOT in military) and Mr WEED attached to/ brother of,