After Action Reports
March 11th, 1865
On the night of the 11th we set up camp just outside Gainesville. As the troops laid down, we knew
we might have a fight tomorrow.
March 12th, 1865
The sun slowly came up over the trees to a cool morning. We enjoyed a nice warm meal before we
moved onto Gainesville. The battalion moved out around ten. Just before two that afternoon we
spotted a small force of union cavalry. They were near a small church along with a battery of artillery.
As we approached we sent out a squad of skirmishers. Their picketts were shocked to see us so
close. Our artillery moved into place and opened fire. They began to fall back toward their lines when
they deployed a small detachment. It looked as if they were trying to flank our skirmishers when the
Lt.Col advanced our cavalry forward. They began getting into a heavy firefight, with the skirmishers
and cavalry. It slowly started taking its toll on their line. Just then our line was split in the middle but
before they could take the upper hand our infantry moved on-line. We poured volley after volley into
them. As we began to move forward, they were putting up a good fight. Just then a small section of
our cavalry loaded up a wagon and took off down the road. Before they knew with was happening we
were behind their lines. As this was happening another section of cavalry took their artillery. We
advanced our infantry and as their flanks rolled up they begin to break. After the smoke had cleared,
the field was littered with the dead and wounded. As we helped the wounded we took camp for the
night.
Sgt. Major Cohen
1st Alabama Battalion C.S.A
March 13th, 1865
We awoke to the pontoon bridges being in place. The river was flooded and we could hear the the
fighting the day before. We crossed the river and moved toward Gainesville not knowing what
happened to our advanced deployment. As we came thru the town we saw the church and the field
littered with the dead. We could see a confederate force holding a small country road. Our
dismounted cavalry advanced out toward them. Our artillery took they place and opened up. The
confederate force was strong. We knew then it was going to take a lot to move them. We deployed
our infantry in skirmish order in the center of our line. We advanced in good order pushing their
picketts back. They tried to counter with no affect. As they fell back to the small road, our infantry
reformed and laid volley after volley into them. We were able to get a mountain howitzer close enough
to hit them with canister. We charged them with the bayonet. The smoke began to clear and not many
rebels were left. We captured a handful and a few got away. The day ended with us burying the dead.
Sgt. Major Cohen
1st Alabama Battalion U.S.A
REPORT OF THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT JEFFERSON DAVIS
HDQRS. 4th ALABAMACAVALRY REGIMENT
MONTGOMERY, ALA.FEB. 20
General Phillip Dale Roddy
Commanding General
General Roddy,
It is my honor to report the actions of B Company of your 4th
Alabama Cavalry the weekend of the inauguration of the honorable Jefferson
Davis in the capital city of Montgomery, Ala. We reported to Lt. Col. Brien
McWilliams and fell in with members of the 6th Alabama Cavalry to form an
impressive cavalry line. During the march up Dexter Avenue, we marched toward
the capitol building with hundreds of other units that were sent there to
protect President Davis. There were many speakers who gave their insight on
secession and the abilities of President Davis. The new seven starred
Confederate Flag was hoisted high on the flag pole. Hundreds of town folk
covered “Goat” Hill to witness the inauguration. The 5th Alabama Regimental Band
played on the steps and the units fired 3 volleys in honor of our new president.
Privates Bozeman and Bull joined us along with Ms. Tonnia Maddox and Ms. Brenda
Todd. Private Bull handled our new colors which flew proudly in the breeze
during the parade. We have recently received marching orders and are on the move
to the town of Quitman, Miss. to help defend the city and the Texas Hospital
from Gen. Sherman and his Yankee Horde.
I beg to remain your obedient servant,
1st Sgt. Don P. Green, Jr.
4th Alabama Cavalry Company B
End of Official Report
REPORT OF The Battles for Quitman and the Texas Hospital
HDQRS. 1st ALABAMACAVALRY REGIMENT
QUITMAN, MISS. FEB. 28
Commanding General
General,
It is my honor to report the actions of B Company of your 1st
Alabama Cavalry this past weekend in the destruction of the City of Quitman,
Miss. We reported to Gen. Sherman, who was sending troops from Meridian to
Quitman to seek and destroy all lines of communication; with special interest in
the railroads in and around Quitman. We fell in under Commander Tucker in the
total takeover of the city and the hospital.
We reported near the town of Quitman close to a large water
reservoir that the natives call Archusa on Friday February 25th. We were within
firing distance of the hospital and cemetery and could clearly hear Confederates
present there all weekend; we kept a silent camp and were never discovered on
Friday night. The night was beautiful as we enjoyed the cannon firings by the
Confederates. Private Higginbotham secured the campsite for us and provided some
local beef and pork for supper.
On Saturday morning February 26th, we met with the Union Commanders
to plan the actions for the day. It was determined we would march through the
hamlet of Quitman to reach the rail lines and the hospital. We did so and fired
our muskets while at the courthouse and the cemetery for all those who had
perished there to date. We then reached the resistance by the Confederates
between the hospital and Archusa.
About 2pm the Confederate Battery of the Washington Artillery, who
had reported from South Mississippi and Louisiana, opened up fire on us. Our
brethren-in- arms Fenner’s Battery returned fire in a viscous artillery duel. We
were then ordered to move against the Cornfeds and did so until we met their
large forces. The fight that ensued was hot and heavy with many casualties.
Though Gen. Sherman’s forces destroyed the rail lines, we could not take the
hospital on this day and were forced to retreat from Quitman. The Confederates
were too great in number on this day.
We gathered back at camp to clean weapons and get a count of the
total losses on the day. Reports are still coming in and are too numerous to
report as of yet. To keep our spirits up, the Commanders allowed a dance for the
men. A local band called Kracker Dan was smuggled in to play for the occasion.
They were beyond terrific and an example of how the Southerners love their
music. We also feasted upon a local dish the natives learned from their coastal
folks called “Gumbo.” It appeared to be a mixture of many things and was quite
delicious. The night brought more cannon firings from the Confederates who
celebrated their victory all night.
On Sunday morning February 27th, we made breakfast and reported to
the Union Commanders for a report on the day’s activities. It appears Gen.
Sherman has ordered us to attempt to capture the hospital today. We prepared for
battle again ready to avenge the previous day’s results. We set out to march to
meet the enemy again and knew we were in for another battle.
About 2pm, we spotted the Rebel Forces again near the hospital. This
time we took it to them with Fenner’s Battery opening up a barrage of cannon
fire. We believe it to be the cannons of Washington Artillery that answered as
they are distinct in their sound. We then engaged the enemy with Fenner’s 12 lb.
mountain howitzer in our ranks. We moved as one on the day and actually had the
Confederates on the retreat at one point. They were reinforced by men from Gen.
Forrest at the end and we were forced to retreat again. We had failed to capture
the hospital again. We have since heard Gen. Sheridan personally came down with
his men and captured it and the entire city.
We were honored to have Cpl. Terry “Beetle” Bailey from the 10th
Indiana Cavalry in our ranks for this campaign, in addition to Privates Mark,
Lee, Joe and Mike Miller from Bloody Kansas. We have recently received marching
orders and are on the move to the town of Gainesville, Ala. located near the
Tombigbee River at Cuba Station and await further orders.
I beg to remain your obedient servant,
1st Sgt. Don P. Green, Jr.
1st Alabama Cavalry Company B (US)
End of Official Report
On the night of the 11th we set up camp just outside Gainesville. As the troops laid down, we knew
we might have a fight tomorrow.
March 12th, 1865
The sun slowly came up over the trees to a cool morning. We enjoyed a nice warm meal before we
moved onto Gainesville. The battalion moved out around ten. Just before two that afternoon we
spotted a small force of union cavalry. They were near a small church along with a battery of artillery.
As we approached we sent out a squad of skirmishers. Their picketts were shocked to see us so
close. Our artillery moved into place and opened fire. They began to fall back toward their lines when
they deployed a small detachment. It looked as if they were trying to flank our skirmishers when the
Lt.Col advanced our cavalry forward. They began getting into a heavy firefight, with the skirmishers
and cavalry. It slowly started taking its toll on their line. Just then our line was split in the middle but
before they could take the upper hand our infantry moved on-line. We poured volley after volley into
them. As we began to move forward, they were putting up a good fight. Just then a small section of
our cavalry loaded up a wagon and took off down the road. Before they knew with was happening we
were behind their lines. As this was happening another section of cavalry took their artillery. We
advanced our infantry and as their flanks rolled up they begin to break. After the smoke had cleared,
the field was littered with the dead and wounded. As we helped the wounded we took camp for the
night.
Sgt. Major Cohen
1st Alabama Battalion C.S.A
March 13th, 1865
We awoke to the pontoon bridges being in place. The river was flooded and we could hear the the
fighting the day before. We crossed the river and moved toward Gainesville not knowing what
happened to our advanced deployment. As we came thru the town we saw the church and the field
littered with the dead. We could see a confederate force holding a small country road. Our
dismounted cavalry advanced out toward them. Our artillery took they place and opened up. The
confederate force was strong. We knew then it was going to take a lot to move them. We deployed
our infantry in skirmish order in the center of our line. We advanced in good order pushing their
picketts back. They tried to counter with no affect. As they fell back to the small road, our infantry
reformed and laid volley after volley into them. We were able to get a mountain howitzer close enough
to hit them with canister. We charged them with the bayonet. The smoke began to clear and not many
rebels were left. We captured a handful and a few got away. The day ended with us burying the dead.
Sgt. Major Cohen
1st Alabama Battalion U.S.A
REPORT OF THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT JEFFERSON DAVIS
HDQRS. 4th ALABAMACAVALRY REGIMENT
MONTGOMERY, ALA.FEB. 20
General Phillip Dale Roddy
Commanding General
General Roddy,
It is my honor to report the actions of B Company of your 4th
Alabama Cavalry the weekend of the inauguration of the honorable Jefferson
Davis in the capital city of Montgomery, Ala. We reported to Lt. Col. Brien
McWilliams and fell in with members of the 6th Alabama Cavalry to form an
impressive cavalry line. During the march up Dexter Avenue, we marched toward
the capitol building with hundreds of other units that were sent there to
protect President Davis. There were many speakers who gave their insight on
secession and the abilities of President Davis. The new seven starred
Confederate Flag was hoisted high on the flag pole. Hundreds of town folk
covered “Goat” Hill to witness the inauguration. The 5th Alabama Regimental Band
played on the steps and the units fired 3 volleys in honor of our new president.
Privates Bozeman and Bull joined us along with Ms. Tonnia Maddox and Ms. Brenda
Todd. Private Bull handled our new colors which flew proudly in the breeze
during the parade. We have recently received marching orders and are on the move
to the town of Quitman, Miss. to help defend the city and the Texas Hospital
from Gen. Sherman and his Yankee Horde.
I beg to remain your obedient servant,
1st Sgt. Don P. Green, Jr.
4th Alabama Cavalry Company B
End of Official Report
REPORT OF The Battles for Quitman and the Texas Hospital
HDQRS. 1st ALABAMACAVALRY REGIMENT
QUITMAN, MISS. FEB. 28
Commanding General
General,
It is my honor to report the actions of B Company of your 1st
Alabama Cavalry this past weekend in the destruction of the City of Quitman,
Miss. We reported to Gen. Sherman, who was sending troops from Meridian to
Quitman to seek and destroy all lines of communication; with special interest in
the railroads in and around Quitman. We fell in under Commander Tucker in the
total takeover of the city and the hospital.
We reported near the town of Quitman close to a large water
reservoir that the natives call Archusa on Friday February 25th. We were within
firing distance of the hospital and cemetery and could clearly hear Confederates
present there all weekend; we kept a silent camp and were never discovered on
Friday night. The night was beautiful as we enjoyed the cannon firings by the
Confederates. Private Higginbotham secured the campsite for us and provided some
local beef and pork for supper.
On Saturday morning February 26th, we met with the Union Commanders
to plan the actions for the day. It was determined we would march through the
hamlet of Quitman to reach the rail lines and the hospital. We did so and fired
our muskets while at the courthouse and the cemetery for all those who had
perished there to date. We then reached the resistance by the Confederates
between the hospital and Archusa.
About 2pm the Confederate Battery of the Washington Artillery, who
had reported from South Mississippi and Louisiana, opened up fire on us. Our
brethren-in- arms Fenner’s Battery returned fire in a viscous artillery duel. We
were then ordered to move against the Cornfeds and did so until we met their
large forces. The fight that ensued was hot and heavy with many casualties.
Though Gen. Sherman’s forces destroyed the rail lines, we could not take the
hospital on this day and were forced to retreat from Quitman. The Confederates
were too great in number on this day.
We gathered back at camp to clean weapons and get a count of the
total losses on the day. Reports are still coming in and are too numerous to
report as of yet. To keep our spirits up, the Commanders allowed a dance for the
men. A local band called Kracker Dan was smuggled in to play for the occasion.
They were beyond terrific and an example of how the Southerners love their
music. We also feasted upon a local dish the natives learned from their coastal
folks called “Gumbo.” It appeared to be a mixture of many things and was quite
delicious. The night brought more cannon firings from the Confederates who
celebrated their victory all night.
On Sunday morning February 27th, we made breakfast and reported to
the Union Commanders for a report on the day’s activities. It appears Gen.
Sherman has ordered us to attempt to capture the hospital today. We prepared for
battle again ready to avenge the previous day’s results. We set out to march to
meet the enemy again and knew we were in for another battle.
About 2pm, we spotted the Rebel Forces again near the hospital. This
time we took it to them with Fenner’s Battery opening up a barrage of cannon
fire. We believe it to be the cannons of Washington Artillery that answered as
they are distinct in their sound. We then engaged the enemy with Fenner’s 12 lb.
mountain howitzer in our ranks. We moved as one on the day and actually had the
Confederates on the retreat at one point. They were reinforced by men from Gen.
Forrest at the end and we were forced to retreat again. We had failed to capture
the hospital again. We have since heard Gen. Sheridan personally came down with
his men and captured it and the entire city.
We were honored to have Cpl. Terry “Beetle” Bailey from the 10th
Indiana Cavalry in our ranks for this campaign, in addition to Privates Mark,
Lee, Joe and Mike Miller from Bloody Kansas. We have recently received marching
orders and are on the move to the town of Gainesville, Ala. located near the
Tombigbee River at Cuba Station and await further orders.
I beg to remain your obedient servant,
1st Sgt. Don P. Green, Jr.
1st Alabama Cavalry Company B (US)
End of Official Report
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