Col. John M. Harrell, Confederate Military History, a library of Confederate States Military History: Volume 10.2, Arkansas
Clement Anselm Evans, Ed.

The Seventh Arkansas regiment, which at the battle of Shiloh was styled by its corps commander, General Hardee, ‘The Bloody Seventh,’ was organized in Smithville, Lawrence county, June 16, 1861, and went into camp, called in honor of its commander, Camp Shaver, near Pocahontas in Randolph county, with 1,200 men and over. Gen. W. J. Hardee made it the nucleus of his brigade after it was transferred to the Confederate service, consisting of the Third Confederate, and the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Arkansas regiments, McCarver's regiment and McCann's battery of artillery. The regimental and company commanders at the organization were, Col. Robert Shaver, Lieut.-Col. William R. Cain, Maj. James T. Martin. John M. Dean was appointed adjutant, H. C. Tunsell, quartermaster, Commissary John S. Shaver, Dr. Bohannon, surgeon, Dr. Hoadley, assistant surgeon. The company officers at the time of the organization were: Company A, Capt. John C. McCauley, of White county; Company B, Capt. George B. Orme, of Jackson county; Company C, Capt. James T. Martin, of Randolph county (he became major of the regiment, and his brother, J. H. Martin, captain); Company D, Captain Deason, of Izard county; Company E, Capt. M. Van Shaver, of Fulton county; Company F, Capt. (Rev.) John H. Dye, of White county; Company G, Capt. C. C. Straughan of Lawrence county; Company H, Capt. James F. Archer, of Marion county; Company I, Captain Mellon, of Randolph county. Company K, Captain Brightwell, of Independence county. At Camp Shaver, Lieutenant-Colonel Cain resigned because of failing health, and John M. Dean was made lieutenant-colonel, and Jack Home, adjutant. Commissary Shaver resigned and John D. Sprigg succeeded him. The regiment remained in the State service about six