The Governor went on to warn Totten, however, not to attempt to remove or destroy anything from the Arsenal. On January 29th, Captain Totten wrote to the Adjutant General in Washington forwarding Rector's letter and requesting instructions. The Captain said that in the absence of instructions he would do his duty as he saw it, but warned his superiors that the local authorities would take positive action against the Arsenal by March 4th. On this same date Totten replied to Rector that he would do his duty as he saw it and fervently hoped that no collision would occur between his troops and the local populace. On February 6th Captain Totten, despite his and Captain Peay's efforts, saw that the situation was rapidly deteriorating.
Instructions are urgently and immediately asked.
Collision seems inevitable if this Arsenal is to be held. This message had barely cleared Totten's office before a courier arrived with a letter from Governor Rector. The courier was none other than General T. D. Merrick, Commander of the First Division, Arkansas Militia. Captain Totten could read the handwriting on the wall. If he defended the Arsenal, surely many innocent citizens would lose their lives and property in the ensuing battle.