History by James Hagen
History by James Hagen
History and Organization of Third Regiment Alabama Cavalry.
Written by James Hagen [he was there]
Copy obtained from the Alabama Department of Archives and History
[ ] are words added by Susette Cook
[Skip down if you want to read the stories. This first part is a list of the leaders]
Colonels.
James Hagen, wounded at Kingston, Tenn., near Franklin, Tenn. And near Fayetteville, N.C. Promoted Brig. Gen.
T. H. Mauldin. Resigned.
Jo. Robbins, wounded near Fayettville, N.C.
Lieutenant Colonels.
S. Jennings Murphy, transferred to Inspector Generals Department.
T. H. Maudlin, Promoted.
Colonel Jo. Robbins, promoted.
Colonel J. D. Farrish, lost a leg in charge on Kilpatrick’s Camp, N.C.
Majors.
Jo. Robbins, promoted.
J. D. Parrish, promoted.
D. P. Forney.
Staff.
R. R. Gaines, Adjutant, wounded at Farmington, Tenn., promoted Capt. & A. A. Gen on Genl. Morgan’s staff.
H. M. Cooper Lieut. Co. “C” promoted. Killed at Kennison.
J. L. Reddick, wounded in Coosa Valley in front of Sherman’s Army, promoted Captain in 12th Alabama Cavalry.
A. H. Smith, promoted Major and A. A. General to Hagan’s Brigade.
S. W. Olover, [should this be Grover or maybe Oliver?] Capt. & Commissary, promoted and transferred to Genl Polk’s staff.
Capt. Pearson, wounded.
B. B. Boykin, Capt. & Qr. Master, promoted Major & Qr. Master to Hagan’s Brigade Eakin.
Surgeons.
---- Saunders, Surgeon, transferred.
J. W. Collins, promoted Sergeon to Hagan’s Brigade.
Robert Darrington
Sergeant Major.
Color Bearer
James Hawthorne Co. “D” Promoted.
Forage Master
David McDonell.
Companies.
Co. “A” Choctaw Co.
Capt. W. W. Lang, resigned on Surgeon’s certificate.
Capt. W. P. Cheney, promoted & transferred to Genl. Martin’s staff.
Capt. Charles J. Malone.
This Company was equipped & armed with sharps Rifles at the expense of Col. Sam Ruffin of Chocatw [Choctaw] Co. Ala.
Co. “B”, Monroe Co.
Capt. T. H. Maudlin, promoted.
T. J. Billingsley.
Co. “C”, Wilcox Co.
Capt. Jo. Robbins, promoted.
J. W. Voltz
Co. “D” Dallas & Wilcox Co.
Capt. T. Jenkins, promoted.
Capt. J. D. Farrish, promoted.
Capt. Sam W. Pegues.
This company was amongst the first Military organizations in the State & served at the siege of Fort Pickens, Florida.
Co. “E”Mobile County.
Capt. Paul Ravesies, promoted and transferred to Inspector General’s Department.
Capt. Jno. W. Smith, Resigned.
Capt. James C. Brown. Commanded Scouts During Sherman’s March to the Sea.
Co. “F” Perry & Dallas Cos.
Capt. S. Jennings Murphy, prompted Lt. Col. & transferred
Capt. Cathey, Killed, while gallantly leading his Company in a charge at Perryville, Ky.
R. W? Cole, elected Sheriff of Perry Co. & resigned.
Thos. Norris of Selma, killed whilst gallantly engaged with the enemy near Chapel Hill, N. C. , This was the last engagement the command had, General Johnston surrendering his Army a few days after.
Co. “G” Calhoun Co.
Capt. Peter D. Forney, promoted
Capt. Stuart. (Dic) [ could be Die]
Co. “H” Autauga Co.
Capt. J. D. Hill, resigned.
Capt. Wm. Mims.
Co. “I” Dallas & Wilcox Cos.
Captain James Boykin, promoted & transferred to staff duty.
A. Tomlinson, died in service.
Thos. Lenoir, killed while gallantly engaged with the Enemy at the Battle of Resaca, Geo.
[At this point there is some mark on his page that I do not understand. It is an underline of the words Resaca, Geo. that line then extends down and kind of cups around the name Gordon. in the next company.]
Co. “K”, Dallas & Wilcox.
Henry. R. Gordon.
Capt. R. W. Smith, promoted & transferred to staff duty.
Capt. Holloway.
This Company was continuously on Escort duty at Hd Qrs.
The Regimant was organized by special orders from Head Quarters whilst the army under Genl Bragg was at Tupelo, Miss. After the evacuation of Corinth, June 1862 and was formed of Independent Alabama Cavalry Companies which had been mustered into service early in 1861. ------ of which Cos had been attached to Wirt Adams Regiment and had seen much service during the Winter of 1861/2 at Bowling Green, Ky. The companies all participated in the Battle of Shiloh, having entered the Confederate service at the Commencement of the War with all the ardor and enthusiasm which the cause inspired the material of the very vest, the Elite and Chivalry of South Alabama was well represented. The first serious service of the Regt. After organization, was participating in an expedition under Genl. Chalmars, who was then commanding the Cavalry to attact a federal camp on July 1 1862, near Boonville, Miss., which was under the command of Genl. Phil H. Sheridan although the expedition as a whole did not result as an entire success, yet the part taken by this Regiment was highly creditable, whilst the main body was ordered to charge the Enemys Camp, Col. Hagan with sic of his Companies, was ordered to take position at the forks of a road to protect the rear, Whilst in the position he was informed that a Regiment of Federals were approaching at full gallop in our rear. He promptly formed his command under cover of the thick under growth, which lined the road, with instructions not to fire until the enemy’s column had reached the right of our line. The men with great coolness obeyed orders, and the first fire from Carbines and shot guns completely annihilated the heard of their column, the remainder wheeled and fled with precipitation, followed by our men with Pistol and saber. It proved as we afterwards learned to be a Michigan Regiment and was so thoroughly disorganized that it did not reach their command for some days after. They main body in meantime had met and charged the Enemy drawing them into a dense swamp, when hearing heavy and rapid firing in their rear returned to the Cross Roads, where the 3rd Ala. Cavalry had successfully defeated a well laid plan which if successful might have been productive of serious consequences. The Regiment soon after this was ordered to march to Chattanooga, through the states of Alabama and Georgia to report to Genl. Wheeler who was placed in command of the Cavalry, forming a part of the army of occupation under Genl. Bragg for the invasion of Kentucky. Cor. Hagan with his regiment was detailed by order of the Commanding General, as Escort to the supply Train of the Army which was to leave Chattanooga one week after the army had crossed the Tennessee River. This was a most important duty, and required the utmost and most constant vigilance as the Country though which we passed was swarming with guerillas and Scouting Parties of the Enmey. The Train was delivered over to the Army intact after a march of some two weeks duration, at Mountfordville, Ky., receiving the thanks of the Commanding General for the successful termination of our perilous duty. The Cavalry having been consolidated into a Brigade under the command of General Jo Wheeler, we then commenced the severe and constant duties incident to the Cavalry service. Picketing the while front of Buell’s Army and engaging in numerous heavy skirmishes around Cave City and other points, until Genl. Bragg determined to cross Green River and , push further into Kentucky, whilst the Army was crossing the 3d was detailed as rear guard & posted at a gap in a range of hills some 3 miles in rear, where we repulsed with considerable slaughter a determined assault and advance of the Enemy. The Army having crossed the 3d leisurely returned and was ordered to picket fords several miles down the River, where we remained until the Enemy crossed and occupied Mountfordville. We made a night march through Cross Roads and joined the Army next day. The Regiment together with balance of the Cavalry were during the 30 days we remained in Kentucky daily engaged with the Enemy, protecting the rear of our army and delaying the advance of Genl. Buell’s at Perryville where Genl. Bragg made a stand with the view of checking the pursuit of the Federal Army five companies of the 3d were selected to charge the enemy’s skirmish line which was gallantly executed, in consequesnce of the high Kentucky fences and narrow roads, the charge was made in column of fours headed by Genl. Wheeler, Col. W.W. Allen of 1st Cavalry. Col. St. Clair of Gen. Braggs staff & Col. H. of the 3d, The skirmishers were driven back with much loss on their supports. We lost on this occasion the gallant Capt. Cathay of Co. F. who was mortally wounded and several others disabled. The retreat of our Army continued and the pursuit of Genl. Buell only halted when we crossed the Mountain at Cumberland Gap. During this campaign the Cavalry it was estimated were engaged in nearly one hundred affairs with the Enemy. We continued our march and encamped for some days near Knoxville Tenn. Where we experienced our first snow storm, which our Southern troops really enjoyed, wood being abundant. The army proceeded to Murfreesboro, Tenn. Where they went into Winter Quarters. The Cavalry took position along Franklin Creek about 14 miles in front covering with their Pickets a space of fully twenty (20) miles confronting the Federal Army commanded by Genl. Rosecrantz. The usual Picket and scouting duty was carried on with unceasing activity and vigilance. We were fully conscious that the safety of our Army depended on the unceasing watchfulness of the Cavalry, who are the ears and eyes of the Army. Towards the last of December frequent reconnaissance in force by the Enemy denoted an early forward movement. Finally on the 31st Dec. the anticipated movement took place. Our pickets were driven in and the Cavalry obstinately disputing every foot of ground were forced back on the position occupied by our Army, and the battle of Murfreesboro commenced. The Cavalry were ordered to make a demonstration in rear of the Federal forces. Which was most successfully accomplished, taking a number of Prisoners, destroying an immense quantity of stores, burned an entire train of Wagons, and putting to flight a large body of Federal Cavalry. On the retreat towards Shelbyville, the Cavalry were again conspicuous for their efficiency in protecting the rear of our Army. On all of these occasions the 3d acted with distinguished gallantry.
The Regiment together with balance of the Cavalry were during the 30 days we remained in Kentucky daily engaged with the Enemy, protecting the rear of our army and delaying the advance of Genl. Buell’s at Perryville where Genl. Bragg made a stand with the view of checking the pursuit of the Federal Army five companies of the 3d were selected to charge the enemy’s skirmish line which was gallantly executed, in consequesnce of the high Kentucky fences and narrow roads, the charge was made in column of fours headed by Genl. Wheeler, Col. W.W. Allen of 1st Cavalry. Col. St. Clair of Gen. Braggs staff & Col. H. of the 3d, The skirmishers were driven back with much loss on their supports. We lost on this occasion the gallant Capt. Cathay of Co. F. who was mortally wounded and several others disabled. The retreat of our Army continued and the pursuit of Genl. Buell only halted when we crossed the Mountain at Cumberland Gap. During this campaign the Cavalry it was estimated were engaged in nearly one hundred affairs with the Enemy. We continued our march and encamped for some days near Knoxville Tenn. Where we experienced our first snow storm, which our Southern troops really enjoyed, wood being abundant. The army proceeded to Murfreesboro, Tenn. Where they went into Winter Quarters. The Cavalry took position along Franklin Creek about 14 miles in front covering with their Pickets a space of fully twenty (20) miles confronting the Federal Army commanded by Genl. Rosecrantz. The usual Picket and scouting duty was carried on with unceasing activity and vigilance. We were fully conscious that the safety of our Army depended on the unceasing watchfulness of the Cavalry, who are the ears and eyes of the Army. Towards the last of December frequent reconnaissance in force by the Enemy denoted an early forward movement. Finally on the 31st Dec. the anticipated movement took place. Our pickets were driven in and the Cavalry obstinately disputing every foot of ground were forced back on the position occupied by our Army, and the battle of Murfreesboro commenced. The Cavalry were ordered to make a demonstration in rear of the Federal forces. Which was most successfully accomplished, taking a number of Prisoners, destroying an immense quantity of stores, burned an entire train of Wagons, and putting to flight a large body of Federal Cavalry. On the retreat towards Shelbyville, the Cavalry were again conspicuous for their efficiency in protecting the rear of our Army. On all of these occasions the 3d acted with distinguished gallantry.The Regt. also participated in April 1863 in capturing on the Cumberland River below Nashville two Federal Gun Boats, and several transports ladened with supplies for their army.
The Summer of 1863 the Regiment was constantly occupied Picketing and scouting in front of Shelbyville, Tenn. Having frequent affairs with the Federal Cavalry in all of which they maintained their well won reputation and on the final retreat of our Army from Tennessee, the services of the Cavalry were again conspicuous for their determined and successful efforts in checking all pursuit allowing our forces to retire leisurely across the Tennessee river at Chattanooga. After a few weeks much needed rest in Wills Valley the Regiment was again ordered into active service. The Enemy were again moving and the passes on Lookout & Sand Mountains leading into McLeores & other Coves were to be vigilantly guarded. The duty was thoroughly executed. The concentration of both armies now led to the Battle of Chickamauga. The Cavalry were called in and took position dismounted on the left, where they distinguished themselves with the Infantry in that warmly contested and successful Battle. On the retreat of the Federals, the Cavalry again mounted, charged and put to flight a division of their Cavalry, took many prisoners and captured many wagons, commissary, quartermasters, and Hospital stores, immediately after the Battle of Chickamauga we were ordered on a raid in rear of the Enemy we crossed the Tennessee at Cotton Port. The Enemy occupying the opposite Bank repeated efforts were made by other commands to effect a landing without success. It was the fortune of the 3d to successfully accomplish this daring act. On Sept. 30, 1863 Co. E. Capt. Brown, as advanced guard with a Guide, gallantly lad the way. The Regiment following, at some 100 yards in rear, all under a heavy fire from the Enemy who lined the Banks, when sufficiently near the dash was made breaking to right & left capturing and killing some 300 of the Enemy.
The River at this point was nearly one mile in width, the crossing of the 3rd in face of the enemy was a most dramatic scene, watched with intense interest by 3500 Cavalry which lined the elevated banks on our sides, Col. H. leading with the advanced guard was a conspicuous figure, mounted on his fine thorough bred Roebuck his safe landing on the opposite shore was greeted with hearty cheers.
The whole command soon followed & in crossing Waldron Ridge had several affairs with the Enemy capturing more Prisoners. In Sequatchie Valley on Oct 2 1863 we captured a train of several hundred wagons with much needed supplies for the Federal Army and put to flight a considerable body of Cavalry & Infantry acting as Escort on this raid we penetrated as far as Murfreesboro, near which place we captured a large stockade with tow companies of Infantry guarding an important Rail Road Bridge, which we destroyed together at this and other points over 30 miles of Rail Road.
The Regiment also on our return participated in a severe action at Franklin, Tenn. Where the Enemy were entrenched behind stone walls which were impracticable for cavalry & our losses were severe. Brig. Genl. Kelly was killed here and Col. Hagan slightly wounded.
After a march of 500 miles in 20 days we recrossed the Tennessee near Tuscumbia after but a few days rest we were again in the saddle, being ordered to join Genl. Longstreet’s expedition to East Tennessee with the object of capturing Knoxville at the siege of Knoxville this Regiment dismounted and formed on the left of Longstreet’s veteran Infantry and participated in all the assaults and charges, and were much complimented by this veteran Virginia command - during the siege. Our command was ordered on a expedition to surprise and attack Nov. 24, 1863 a Federal force at Kingston some 30 miles distant. We made the attack but finding the Enemy in much larger force than expected & strongly entrenched and being without artillery we were forced to retire. During the attack the 3d dismounted under a heavy fire was ordered to take a hill in front, which was a commanding position, which they successfully accomplished holding it until our whole force leisurely retired, during this attack Col. Hagan who was with the Color Bearer was shot through the body and it was feared mortally wounded after some months however he recovered & rejoined the command. Lt. Col. Mouldin now succeeded to the command of the Regiment which rejoined Genl Longstreet with whom we remained during the entire winter of 1863/4. The winter was unusually sever and the men suffered much for want of clothing, shoes etc. Genl. Wheeler with a portion of his command had joined General J. E. Johnston’s Army at Dalton leaving a Division of Cavalry with Genl. W. T. Martin to remain with Longstreet with whose Veteran Infantry the 3d participated in all the engagements along the Holston and French Broad Rivers at Mossy Creek & Strawberry Plains. They particularly distinguished themselves. The losses of the Regiment during this campaign were very severe and many of the Companies were reduced below the minimum. On our return to General Johnston’s Army at Dalton, in April 1864, we received a number of recruits which much strengthened our diminished ranks. The Cavalry attached to Gen. Johnston’s Army now all concentrated under command of Maj. Gen. Jo Wheeler forming a corps. About this time Col. Hagan returned to his command fully restored to health and was most enthusiastically received by the whole Brigade. Gen. Stoneman with a large Cavalry force made a daring raid in rear of our Army and was quickly followed by Gen. Wheeler, overtaking the Federals near Macon, Geo. Attacking and capturing General Stoneman with nearly his entire force. On the retreat from Dalton the Cavalry were unremittingly on most arduous duty and lost heavily in the many skirmishes with the Enemy both in officers & men. On reaching Atlanta, Ga. Gen. Johnston was relieved from the command to the great regret of the whole army, who had unbounded confidence I him. On the 22d July under orders from Gen. Hood, now commanding an attack was made on the Enemy’s lines. The 3d formed a portion of the force on our left and participated with its usual gallantry in a charge on Decatur putting to route a considerable force of Cavalry and Infantry and occupying that Place on a reorganization of a portion of the Cavalry. Col. Hagan having been promoted Brig. General was assigned by special orders to the command of the Brigade composed of 1st, 3rd , 4th, 9th, 12th and 51st Regts. To be known as Hagan’s Brigade. Col. Mauldin having resigned the following promotions took place J. Robbins Col., J. D. Rarish Lt. Col., P.D. Forney Major.
Gen. Hood having evacuated Atlanta with the view of making his Nashville campaign was closely pursued by Gen. Sherman. The services of the Cavalry was again brought into requisition displaying great skill on the part of Maj. Gen. Wheeler in concealing and covering Gen. Hood’s movements and impeding the advance of Sherman’s army, particularly in Turkey Town Valley, which being flanked by the Coosa River on one side and a range of high hills on the other, was well adapted for these movements. At every defensible point the Cavalry with the aid of a Section of Garrity’s Battery, which was splendidly served and did great execution in the crowded ranks of the Enemy, would make so stout a defense that Sherman under the impression that Hood’s Army was in his front when in fact there was but a thin line of Cavalry was forced to deploy into line of Battle. This was done so frequently that the Federal Army made but slow progress, thus enabling Gen. Hood, who in meantime had started with his army for his Tennessee Campaign, to gain several days marches before Sherman was aware of the movement, when told his remark was “well this is a d__d badly fooled army,” halted & countermarched back to Atlanta, where he prepared for his celebrated “march to the sea.”
Genl. Forrest with his Cavalry accompanied Hood into Tennessee. Gen. Wheeler with his corps was ordered to watch the movements of Sherman. After a few days rest at Gadsden, our Brigade proceeded to Valley in Calhoun Co. Ala. To recruit both men and horses which was much needed after a year of most arduous duties during which time we were never out of sight of the enemy and but few days that we were not in actual conflict. It is a pleasure to record that in all these trying times. Enduring the hardships of an inclement Winter amongst the snow clad mountains of East Tennessee, without adequate clothing and but scant rations, forced marches and all the discomfits of Cavalry service, on active duty, without a murmur the 3d maintained her well won reputation for gallantry and thorough reliability on all occasions, generally occupying the post of honor either in front or rear our losses in both men & Horses reduced our ranks to a mere skeleton.
After some two weeks rest, boots and saddles was again sounded, and Hagan’s Brigade was again on the march, being ordered to take position in front of Atlanta, It was a long march, but as Sherman’s army was supposed to remain inactive for some time at and around Atlanta (not dreaming of his intended movement to the sea) we were advised to make short marches so as to keep our horses fresh for future active service. Our route lay through the fertile valleys of that portion of Alabama, which had not hitherto felt the pressure or the desolating tread of an armed force consequently forage and provisions were abundant, these valleys then almost deserted by the male population, have since become a Bee hive of industries. The rich iron and coal mines in the surrounding hills, then Unknown, are being rapidly developed, gining employment to thousands of industrious citizens and adding millions to this wealth of our State. It was not until we had passed through La Grange Geo., that we heard of Sherman’s movement out of Atlants, Gen. Hagan receved by Courier and order urging him to move forward rapidly. The command started at midnight and marched continuously until the succeeding morning, being 36 hours in the saddle. We Halted a few hours for rest and to receive further instructions as to our route, having received these we again moved forward and soon joined the main body under the command of our gallant Leader, Gen. Jo Wheeler, henceforward t the end of the war, the Cavalry was unremittingly on the most active service. Sherman with a thoroughly appointed army of 80,00 soldiers and an innumerable host of Army Banners, forming a solid column of 20 miles in width, was marching through the center of our country, car5ring destruction with fire and sword to its defenseless inhabitants. The only check to this vandal invasion was Wheeler’s corpds of Cavalry not exceeding 4000 men and nobly did they preform their duty. It would have been folly to have attempted to check the advance of this immense army, our duties were therefore limited to protecting the country from the depredators of hordes of stragglers and confining them within their line of march. General Kilpatrick, the leader of the Federal Cavalry, attempted several raids into the surrounding country, but was without exception always checked and driven back on his supports by our enterprising and skillful leader. We thus saved from the torch and pillage the beautiful cities of Augusta, Milledgeville and Macon in Georgia. Sherman reached Savannah the latter part of December 1864. Our Cavalry had during this march captured over 3000 prisoners in the numerous affairs with the Enemy’s Cavalry, their advance and Rear Guards and never hesitating to attack isolate commands. We took position around Savannah. The 3d with the other Regiments of the Brigade occupied a Rice Plantation on the River above Savannnah, being deserted, we made free use of the rice which had been cut but not gathered, as feed for our horses. We spent the holidays, 1864/5 at this Point in comparative quiet and afterwards moved further up the River to Matthews Bluff where we remained recruiting until Sherman again took up his march through South Carolina.
Our Cavalry closely watching the course of the Enemy and dashing in at every opening in their columns, continued to take many Prisoners, but gave no quarter to marauders or house burners. Kilpatrick with his Cavalry hitherto invariably defeated and driven back on his attempted raids was more closely confined to their columns of march and encamped each night in close supporting distance to the Infantry. At Aiken S. C. we checked and defeated an attack on this beautiful town. The summer resort of many of the wealthy citizens of the lower country. Arriving at Columbia, where Lt. Genl. Hampton assumed command of the cavalry our Brigade was ordered to picket certain fords on the Congaree some 10 or 12 miles below the City, where we remained some 24 hours without being disturbed. On the evacuation of Columbia by our Troups we were ordered to rejoin the main body and reached the city about 8’o’clock a.m. on the 17 February 1865 we found our Troops had all left the streets were deserted. We halted on the main street in the center of the Town where we found some 7 or 800 Bales of cotton piled up. A detail was sent from each Regiment to the R.Rd depot for corn for our horses. It was 9 o’clock when we moved out and there was no trace or evidence of Fire at that time. The advanced Guard of the Enemy entered at 10 o’clock a.m. Our Brigade was the last of the Confederate force, that passed through the City and there can be no doubt that the subsequent burning of Columbia was perpetrated by the Federal Army - Continuing our march we crossed the Pedee River and entered North Carolina at Church near Fayetteville, we surprised Kilpatrick’s Camp at daylight, taking many Prisoners amongst them several staff officers Killpatrick himself escaping in his night clothes, We captured his headquarters with wagons & c. and a Battery of Artillery. The 13th corps of Infantry near which he was encamped, Coming up opened upon us with Infantry & artillery at short range we ere forced to retire. In this affair our Brigade lost heavily, every field officer was wounded including Gen. Hagan & our Div. Commander & had his horse killed. The 3d had both Col. Robbins and Lt. Col. Farish severely wounded , the later lost a leg and was taken prisoner.
North Carolina at Church near Fayetteville, we surprised Kilpatrick’s Camp at daylight, taking many Prisoners amongst them several staff officers Killpatrick himself escaping in his night clothes, We captured his headquarters with wagons & c. and a Battery of Artillery. The 13th corps of Infantry near which he was encamped, Coming up opened upon us with Infantry & artillery at short range we ere forced to retire. In this affair our Brigade lost heavily, every field officer was wounded including Gen. Hagan & our Div. Commander & had his horse killed. The 3d had both Col. Robbins and Lt. Col. Farish severely wounded , the later lost a leg and was taken prisoner.The brunt of this affair was borne by the command and a portion of the So. Carolina Cavbalry under Genl. M. C. Butler as was shewn by our heavy loss. The main body of our Cavalry before they could strike the camp had to cross a boggy creek, where their horses were badly mired down, thus preventing a simultaneous charge on all portions - our Regt was afterward in command of Capt. Billingsly of Co. and the Brigade was commanded by Col. White of Genl. Allen’s staff.
Gen. Hardee having evacuated Charleston with the force that was under him, moving in front of Sherman, took position at Averysboro, N.C. where with the aid of the Cavalry, acting as Infantry, checked the Enemy’s advance for two days. Gen. Sherman at this point abandoned the direct route to Raleigh and moved in the direction of Bentonville where Gen. Jos. E. Johnston had thrown up entrenchments with the remnants of the Army of Tennessee to which he had been recently re-appointed after the disastrous campaign of Gen. Hood, to Nashville. Gen. Hardee having formed a junction with this force. The engagement that took place here was memorable for being the last general battle fought by this army. The Cavalry dismounted occupied the left of our line appearing that a force of the enemy had turned our left flank. Gen. Allen our Division Commander was ordered to drive this body back, which was gallantly executed by Hagan’s Alabama Brigade charging on foot and Harrison’s Texas Brigade mounted. After this engagement our army fell back in the direction of Raleigh. The Cavalry covering the movement with their accustomed clash disputing every inch of ground. At Chappell Hill N.C. our command had quite a severe affair with the Enemy in which the gallant young Captain, Thos. Norris, of Co. F. was killed. This was the last engagement of our command. Intelligence of the surrender of Gen. Lee and his army in Virginia having reached us an armistice was agreed upon and soon after on the 26th April 1865 our Army surrendered at Greensboro, N.C. The Cavalry at Saulsburg, N.C. on the 3d May 1865. In closing this hasty and imperfect sketch of the services of the 3d Regt. Alabama Cavalry the writer desires to testify to the personal gallantry and great ability shown by our distinguished leader Genl. Jos Wheeler, whose light and youthful figure did not denote at the time of his appointment the untiring energy and capacity of enduring the incessant fatigue of Cavalry service which he afterwards so eminently displayed. In the Kentucky Campaign under Genl. Bragg he evinced military skill of a high order and was justly promoted for his serviced during that arduous march. His disposition of the force under him was so judiciously made that during the whole war, the peace and quiet of our army whilst in Winter quarters was never disturbed. And on the march is cloud of Cavalry men effectually guard the flanks & rear from all interruptions from an enterprising foe. He was successively promoted, Brigadier, Major & Lieutenant General, he being the youngest officer of those grades in the Army. General Wheeler is now member of Congress from North Alabama and his friends confidently anticipate for him a distinguished career in the councils of our Nation. Our Division Commander Gen. W. W. Allen was a daring and dashing officer having the entire confidence of his entire command which consisted of Hagan’s Alabama Brigade, Crews Georgia Brig. & Harrison’s Texas Brigade, he was severely wounded several times - he is now U.S. Marshall for So. Dist of Alabama.
At Chappell Hill N.C. our command had quite a severe affair with the Enemy in which the gallant young Captain, Thos. Norris, of Co. F. was killed. This was the last engagement of our command. Intelligence of the surrender of Gen. Lee and his army in Virginia having reached us an armistice was agreed upon and soon after on the 26th April 1865 our Army surrendered at Greensboro, N.C. The Cavalry at Saulsburg, N.C. on the 3d May 1865. In closing this hasty and imperfect sketch of the services of the 3d Regt. Alabama Cavalry the writer desires to testify to the personal gallantry and great ability shown by our distinguished leader Genl. Jos Wheeler, whose light and youthful figure did not denote at the time of his appointment the untiring energy and capacity of enduring the incessant fatigue of Cavalry service which he afterwards so eminently displayed. In the Kentucky Campaign under Genl. Bragg he evinced military skill of a high order and was justly promoted for his serviced during that arduous march. His disposition of the force under him was so judiciously made that during the whole war, the peace and quiet of our army whilst in Winter quarters was never disturbed. And on the march is cloud of Cavalry men effectually guard the flanks & rear from all interruptions from an enterprising foe. He was successively promoted, Brigadier, Major & Lieutenant General, he being the youngest officer of those grades in the Army. General Wheeler is now member of Congress from North Alabama and his friends confidently anticipate for him a distinguished career in the councils of our Nation. Our Division Commander Gen. W. W. Allen was a daring and dashing officer having the entire confidence of his entire command which consisted of Hagan’s Alabama Brigade, Crews Georgia Brig. & Harrison’s Texas Brigade, he was severely wounded several times - he is now U.S. Marshall for So. Dist of Alabama.It must be acknowledged from the foregoing sketch that the duties of a Cavalryman in active service is by no means holiday soldiering, and that their experience fully fortifies the refrain of the well know song of
“If you want to catch Hill jine the Cavalry, oh jine the Cavalry.”
Col. W. E. Wailes
Having heard nothing from the committee appointed by the 3d Ala. Association in reference to a meeting this year I suppose they have considered it best to postpone it in consequence of the general yello fever panic which has pervaded many parts of the country until some future period. I have been approached since our very successful meeting at Camden by many men and officers of Hagan’s Brigade on the subject of merging the 3d Ala. Association into a Brigade organization and mentioning Selma as a proper point to meet and organize, that place being accessible from all parts of the State by either Rail or river besides three of the Regiments 1st, 3d & 51st were raised in Selma and contiguous Counties. Should you deem it advisable to agitate the subject through any of your public papers I would suggest that General Wheeler be invited to review the command and deliver an address. I also give you a list of the Regiments and their commanders.
Very respectfully & sincerely
Yours
J. Hagan.
Cavalry Brigade
1st Regt. Ala. Cavalry, Col. D. Blankie
3d Regt. Ala. Cavalry, Col. Jo. Robbins
4th Regt. Ala. Cavalry, Col. Russell
9th Regt. Ala. Cavalry, Col. Malone
12th Regt. Ala. Cavalry, Col. Warren Reese
51st Regt. Ala. Cavalry, Col. Kirkpatrick