Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

[Mike Ventura]

Multi-tasking typo

Duh!

Jim. thank's for catching my typo. I meant Sherman, and corrected the post. I've been pulling some Wheeler info and it's on my desk in front of me. I guess after typing "Wheeler" several times today, I just thought I'd type it again, although my brain was saying "Sherman."

Thanks,

[marlin teat]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

If memory serves me correctly, the 1st Alabama (US) served as Sherman's escort. They were mostly recruited from the strong Unionist area in NE Alabama.

At the time of the Altoona Pass campaign the 1st Ala. (aka: Spencer's Alabama Tories) were assigned to General Corse at Rome, Ga. where they signed up over 100 recruits. Most were from northeast Alabama but more than a few were from northwest Georgia.

The 1st Ala., along with a mounted regiment of Illinois infantry, was assigned to "feel the country south of Rome about Cedartown and Villa Rica" (O.R.) and was the first to report Hood's northwest movement that began the Franklin campaign. They were involved in numerous operations against partisans in the area before leaving with Sherman.

They were also accused of numerous "atrocities" against the civilian population and there are many local post-war newspaper articles and reminiscences casting them in a negative light.

[Alabama Yankee]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

A detachment of about 21 men from Company I, 1st Alabama Cavalry were detached from their group and sent out as Sherman's personal escort. They were commanded by a Lt. David Snelling.

David had a great story to tell. He was raised on his uncle's plantation in Georgia. Was kicked out of the family after he refused to join a Georgia Regiment that his cousin was in charge of. He later enlisted in another Georgia unit to only get closer to Union lines where he could desert and join the Union army. He was with the surrendering party at the end of the Forrest-Streight Raid and paroled out of Libby Prison on a prisoner exchange. Then, to beat all out, he leads Sherman's personal escort.

Thanks for taking time to look at the photo. It was probably taken in Corinth, MS in 1863 sometime during May-August. If memory serves, it was in a collection of photograph that was kept by Col. Spencer. I swear, we didn't PhotoShop it to add some girth. :-)

By comparison, they didn't see as much action as they probably could have. Perhaps, some Union generals doubted their loyalties. Perhaps they were best suited for other duties. But they endured much because of their beliefs when war broke out, suffered greatly for their beliefs as the fighting went on. Their families were persecuted when they left for war. And many returned only to be hunted men.

It is a piece of history that many don't know a thing about.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to tell you a little about it.

-Ryan Dupree
webmaster

https://www.1stalabamacavalryusv.com

[fahtz]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

I think the pistol the Texan has could be a 1858 Starr (With the flange off the back strap).