War History Of The Prattville Dragoons

In February, 1862, we were ordered to entrain for Chattanooga, Tennessee, and to dispose of all surplus baggage. This meant a great sacrifice to us, as we were loaded down with clothing, bedding, etc., which was furnished by friends and relatives while in camp on the bay. Passing through Montgomery, (after a stay of 24 hours) in due course of time, we arrived in Chattanooga in the midst of a severe spell of snow, sleet and rain; remaining one night and day.

We proceeded to Corinth, Mississippi, where Johnston, Bragg and Beauregard were organizing the army of Tennessee, to meet General Grant who was massing his forces at Pittsburgh Landing, with a view to penetrating the heart of the Confederacy. After much suffering by man and horse from the severe weather, we arrived in Corinth. Imagine the effect of this sudden change from a Florida temperature to the rigors of a Tennessee climate. When the roll was called many could not answer to their names, being reported unfit for duty. Hospitals were filling rapidly. Heavy details were being made on the men reporting for duty to watch the enemy encamped twenty miles away, at Pittsburgh Landing.

Our tents were pitched in the rain, and before we could build fires from wet, green wood to warm and prepare meals, two details were made to scout the position of the enemy. One of these details was commanded by Captain Jesse Cox, the other by First Lieutenant S. D. Oliver. The party under Capt. Cox composed of twelve or fifteen men, were ordered in a southeasterly direction. 

The other party, about same in number, was ordered in a southwesterly direction. Up to the time of our arrival at Corinth, we had not been connected with any cavalry command, but still held our relation with Seventh Alabama Infantry, Which we acquired at Pensacola. Our arms consisted of cavalry sabers and Colts navy pistols. Thus lightly armed, we proceeded to answer our first call to face the "Blue Coats" we were so anxious to mix with while camping in Florida. 

So far as I remember, the scouting party under Lieutenant Oliver returned without particular incident. Being a member of Captain Cox's scouting party I have a vivid recollection of our experience. The work being new to us we were not as cautious as we learned to be later, and consequently ran into a picket who left his hat to mark the position he had occupied. 

We realized that we were dangerously near a large force and within

their lines, and retired on the Purdy road; we had gone but a short distance when our rear guard dashed in and reported the enemy approaching. We had in charge a Yankee cavalry prisoner that fell into our hands a short time before the alarm, who on the approach of his companions showed a disposition to escape. He was put under special guard and rapidly marched to the rear. There must have been one hundred men in the attacking party, armed with the deadly Spencer rifle.

We were in a narrow lane at the time we attempted to form for the charge; this position caused confusion in our ranks, and we could have been overrun and captured on the spot had the enemy used proper judgment. Instead of charging us with saber and pistol they dismounted and took position behind large oak trees. In the mean time we retired to the mouth of the lane and formed to charge. In the face of a heavy fire from greatly superior arms and force, we retired in some confusion after losing by instant death one of our number, Robert Roper. This baptism of fire was delivered about three weeks before the battle of Shiloh, and in our rounds of duty as scouts, couriers and police was soon forgotten in contemplation of far more stirring scenes to come.

 

Mims, Wilbur F., Capt. "War History of the Prattville Dragoons compiled

by Capt. Wilbur F. Mims, Co. H Third Alabama Cavalry. 

Prattville, Ala., Autauga County 1861-1865.

" Thurber, Texas: Journal Printery (n.d.) 12mo, Reprint, 

(1950s?) (WM 902)

 

The Dragoons were organized, first in the west front parlor of the home of Geo. L. Smith, then at Alida Hall in the Gin Factory on December 8, 1860. The young ladies of Prattville busied themselves making a beautiful silk flag to present to the departing unit.

 

 Back To Top

 

Home¶ Back ¶ Next