Polk County’s Revolutionary War connection: Battle of Arkansas Post

Written by Kathy Hagler

Please note, there is no direct connection between Polk County and Arkansas Post. However, the Battle of Arkansas Post is the only Revolutionary War Battle that took place in Arkansas, therefore bringing our history a little closer to home. Next month’s story will be the big reveal!

The Battle of Arkansas Post is also known as the Colbert Raid or Colbert’s Raid. This battle took place at Arkansas Post, Louisiana, which is present day Arkansas County, Arkansas, on Apr. 18, 1783.

The Colbert Raid was one of a series of small engagements fought between the Spanish and Great Britain in the Lower Mississippi River region. These engagements began in 1779 when Spain entered the American Revolutionary War on the side of the Americans. The attack and siege of Arkansas Post was led by Capt. James Colbert of the 16th Regiment of Foot.

The event took place three months after a treaty between Spain and Britain was signed on Jan. 20, but word had not reached the Lower Mississippi. The Raid is the only American Revolutionary War battle fought in Arkansas.

In the years leading up to the Battle of Arkansas Post, Spanish forces had won several victories in the Lower Mississippi Region. They had driven out the British from Manchac and Baton Rouge. By 1783, British forces in the region were scattered, almost non-existent, and consisted of small partisan groups engaged in guerrilla warfare.

British officer James Colbert was the leader of one of these groups. He targeted Arkansas Post

Post. The vessels and their goods were seized.

On Apr. 16, nearing the post, Colbert ordered several Chickasaw to scout ahead. These scouts selves in a ravine just outside the fort. The two sides exchanged gunfire for six hours, with neither doing much damage to the other due to their strategic positions. because of its strategic location at the confluence of the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers. If the post could be captured, Colbert and his men could easily harass Spanish traffic on the Mississippi River.

At 9 a.m., Commander du Brueil ordered Sgt. Pastor, nine soldiers and four Quawpaw warriors to prepare to make a sortie. Du Breuil suspected the Loyalists might be setting up artillery to breach the fort.

Arkansas Post was inhabited by a garrison of 33 soldiers of the Fixed Infantry Regiment of Louisiana and four Quapaw warriors, in addition to Jacobo du Breuil; his second-in-command, Lt. Luis de Villars; and Sgt. Alexo Pastor; plus, their combined families.

In early April, Colbert and his flotilla set off from their encampment on the Wolf River. Once on the Mississippi, they encountered American vessels headed downriver to Natchez for settlement. These settlers were ordered ashore and told to wait six hours before continuing down the river. Near the mouth of the White River, Colbert encountered trading vessels from New Orleans and Arkansas encountered the Quawpaw village, Ostouy. They told the local chief, Angaska, who was allied with the Spanish, that they were going upriver with a dozen Americans to meet with Capt. du Breuil. They gave the chief rum as a gift. As a result of this deception, Angaska did not report anything suspicious to du Breuil. The scouts joined the main party and proceeded upriver. By midnight, Apr. 17, the Loyalists had made it to the post village.

The battle began about 2:30 a.m., with a Raid and occupation of the village. Although four families escaped, most were taken prisoner, including Luis de Villars and Alexo Pastor. Awakened by the commotion, the Spanish garrison launched a counterattack, led by du Breuil. Pastor escaped from the Loyalists, reaching the fort in the chaos of battle.

At about 3 a.m., the attacking force began to entrench them -

At the same time, Colbert sent one of his officers under a flag of truce to deliver a peace offering demanding surrender. Marie Luisa Villars, the wife of the lieutenant and fellow prisoner, accompanied Colbert’s officer to ensure he wouldn’t be shot while approaching the fort. Colbert’s officer fled in fright and du Breuil received the peace offer from Madame Villars alone.

Du Breuil refused to surrender and ordered Pastor and his force of 13 to sally out of the fort toward their 82 attackers. They did so, shouting Quawpaw war cries. The shock, mixed with war cries and musket fire, scattered the attacking force. They retreated to the river and boarded canoes with their prisoners. According to du Breuil, the Loyalists yelled “Let’s go! Let’s go! The Indians are upon us!” as they fled.

Chief Angaska arrived at the post at noon the next day and was scolded by du Breuil for not warning the post. After explaining the deception, Angaska left with 100 Quawpaw and 20 Spanish soldiers to recover the prisoners; he recovered all but eight.

“Chuck” Nicholas Maranell, age 94, of Mena, Arkansas, died Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at the CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born on Saturday, September 14, 1929, to Jesse Franklin and Lois Mildred Lorenson Maranell in Primghar, Iowa.

Chuck was an extremely hard and faithful worker. He farmed with his father as soon as he could reach the pedals on the tractor. He was talented at anything he put his mind to and did many different jobs and activities. At one time he was a boxer, raised cattle, worked construction, and even harvested ice in Iowa from freshwater lakes. He also worked in sales, printing, trucking, lawn care, and was the lead singer of the band, Rhythm Tones, a regional favorite in Northwest Iowa.

Chuck lived a life filled with strength, determination, and an indomitable spirit. Chuck will be fondly remembered for his sense of ethics, unwavering stubbornness, and the strong moral code he instilled in those around him.

Chuck was an active and respected member of his community. He attended the St. Agnes Catholic Church and was a frequent attendee at The Elks Lodge. He made many friends and lasting bonds within these circles and will be sorely missed.

Chuck had a vibrant personality that showed through his diverse interests. He had a deep love for older country western music, with artists like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams often played in his home. He was also a fan of football, boxing, golf, and auto racing.

Chuck had a great love for the outdoors and was always up for an adventure. He found pleasure in driving around the area to explore, hunting for interesting rocks, and maintaining his property. He had a special fondness for the Black Hills and Las Vegas and had fond memories of vacationing in Mena before he moved there.

He cherished the times spent over coffee and drinks with friends at Elmer and Gibs back in Iowa. Chuck was known to always keep to his routine, which brought a sense of comfort and familiarity in his day-to-day life.

Throughout his life, Chuck was passionate about causes that were close to his heart. He actively supported St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska. His resolve to contribute to these causes spoke volumes about his compassionate and caring nature.

Chuck’s greatest accomplishment and pride was his family. His children and grandchildren were his greatest treasures. He showed them the meaning of living a principled life and his legacy will live on through them.

As we mourn the loss of Chuck, we will also celebrate his full and meaningful life. He was a beacon of strength and morality, and his memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know him. He will be greatly missed, but his lessons and love will continue to guide those who knew him.

Chuck is preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Richard Maranell.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 73 years, Jean Maranell of Mena; two sons and daughters-in-law, Nicholas and Jody Maranell of Estherville, Iowa, and Jim and Nikki Maranell of Farmer’s Branch, Texas; one daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Robert Brevik of Arnolds Park, Iowa; one sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Dan Brumley of Harris, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Gabriel Maranell, Jennifer Perkins, Shane Brevik, Shoni Brevik, Shilo Brevik, Jess Maranell, and Brogan Stiefer; seven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the St. Agnes Catholic Church in Mena, Arkansas, with Father Joseph Shantiraj as celebrant. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Steve Alton Willams was born to Retha Lois Fryar and R.D. Williams on January 9, 1947, in Mena, Arkansas. He went home to Jesus on October 23, 2023, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Steve served his country from 1966 to 1970 in the United States Navy. He had several careers after, but his main career and passion was long-haul trucking. He was the father to four children: Stacey (Mi- chael), Shawn, Shannon (Ryan), and Shelly (Willie). He was grandfather to ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Retha Lois Williams, his father, R.D. Williams, and brothers Robert Williams and Jeff Williams.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren, bonus mother Allena Williams, brothers Danny, Alan, and Greg Williams, and sisters Nina Dell Wooten, Janet, and Wendy Williams.

Steve will always be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his love of all things trucks, and his generosity. We are comforted by the fact that he is home with Jesus and that we will be reunited with him in Heaven.

Graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas, with Reverend Daryl Hines officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Turner, Tom Wooten, Alan Williams, and Mike Ballard.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the Ellison Family Pharmacy on Thursday morning. Levi Ellison’s new business is located in the Northside Shopping Center at 601 Hwy. 71N (near the intersection of Cherry Street) in Mena. They’re open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 am. to 12:30 p.m.

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

By Ethan Nahté

The images may seem similar, but these are two ribbon cuttings on Thursday for businesses in the same building. Southern Paws of Mena (above) and Ascend Pet Grooming (below) are located at 1106 Crestwood Cir. near Mena Regional Hospital. Doggy Daycare, boarding, and grooming all in one location.

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Live Oak Baptist Church of Cove will hold its first Chili & Gumbo Cook-Off and Gospel Singing, Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Polk County Fairgrounds in Mena. Contestants are asked to pre-register for this International Chili Society certified event.

There are three different categories for both the chili and the gumbo competitions. There will be on-site RV hook-ups. Again, reservations are needed. It will be a full day of setting up, cooking, judging, tasting, and awards. The public can attend for a $10 donation. All proceeds go to Live Oak Baptist Church building fund.

For all of the details, rules and registration, contact 870-387-0013 or email liveoakpastor@gmail.com .

By Richie Lawry

Four-year-old Molly is at her neighbor Nicole’s house. She likes to go with her big brother when he plays with the neighbor boys. And Nicole loves having Molly around. Being the mother of three rambunctious boys, she liked spending quiet girl time with Molly.

Molly’s favorite movie is “Pocahontas.” This evening, while the boys are playing, she is in Nicole’s dimly lit bedroom, and Nicole is putting braids like Pocahontas’ in Molly’s long, dark brown hair. When she finishes, Nicole sets Molly on the vanity in front of the mirror and holds a mirror behind Molly’s head. “How do you like it?” Nicole asks. “Oh, I can’t see it,” Molly says. Nicole starts tilting the mirror in different ways. “I still can’t see it,” Molly says.

Molly’s family and friends know she has poor vision, but no one knows she is night blind. She has already had one surgery and many exploratory tests, but people think she sees more than she does. Molly would try to tell adults that she couldn’t see when it was dark, but they always assumed it was just a typical childhood fear of the dark. They didn’t realize that she couldn’t see anything. Night blindness is one of the first symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa.

One night, when Nicole was taking Molly back to her house, they began walking down the porch steps when Molly started clinging to her and saying, “I can’t see. I can’t see.” Nicole said, “I know you can’t see the same as you can during the day, but you can still see outlines, shadows, and shapes. See? Look at the stairs; you can still see the line of the edge of the stairs.”

But Molly told her, “No, I still can’t see.” When Nicole got Molly home and told her parents what had happened, it was the first time they realized how severe her vision loss was.