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Shortly after the `` Vale '' incident, a rift began to develop between William Woodruff and Governor Pope.

One-armed, gruff, frugally honest, Governor Pope had been the ideal man to assume office in Arkansas after the disgraceful antics of political bosses like Crittenden, and he ruled the state with an iron fist, tolerating no nonsense.

Woodruff had supported him all the way, both as a chief executive and as a man.

Besides being political allies, they were also friends.

This warm relationship came to an abrupt end in June of 1834 when the National Congress appropriated $3,000 for compiling and printing the laws of Arkansas Territory, and, taking note of the recent wave of corruption in the legislature, left it to the governor to award the contract.