I've read several different entries in books about this unit and I only see that "they were transferred from Nathan Bedford Forrest to under the command of Joe Wheeler in early 1863." then suddenly they're at Shelbyville, Tennessee (where my ancestor was captured) in June, 1863. I can't find anywhere of what they were doing in the months prior.
I'm curious as to what the regiment did after their part in the famous 1862 West Tennessee Expedition with Nathan Bedford Forrest. Can anyone fill the gap of their actions and operations between January 1863-June 1863? Surely one of y'all has a better source or book that could help. All help is appreciated. Thank you.
You probably have this history of the regiment ? The only itinerary I could find doesn't begin till July, 1863. Would they have spent the previous winter in winter quarters ?
RUSSELL'S FOURTH ALABAMA CAVALRY.
Russell's Fourth Alabama cavalry was organized at
Murfreesboro, Tenn., in December, 1862, by the union of
General Forrest's original battalion with six companies of the
Fourth Alabama battalion and the Russell Rangers, or Fifteenth
battalion Tennessee cavalry.
It was in the attack on Fort Donelson and was attached,
consecutively, to Russell's and Morgan's brigades, serving in
the cavalry of the army of Tennessee. It was warmly engaged
at Chickamauga, and bore a full share in the operations of
Longstreet's campaign in east Tennessee.
It took a brilliant part in the Sequatchie raid with four
other Alabama regiments of cavalry; was in the Dalton-Atlanta
campaign and assisted in the capture of Stoneman's column.
When Hood moved into Tennessee, the Fourth was employed for
some time in the Tennessee valley. After the battle of
Nashville it was assigned to Forrest's corps, and surrendered
with his troops at Gainesville.
Col. A A. Russell was twice wounded; he was early placed in
command of a brigade, and the regiment was for a long time
under command of Lieut.-Col. Jos. M. Hambrick, who was wounded
at Calhoun, GA; Capt. Thomas W. Hampton was killed at Mossy
Creek; Capt. Oliver B. Gaston was captured, and died in
prison; Capts. Henry F. Smith, W. C. Bacot, Flavius J. Graham
and David Davidson were wounded.
Source: Confederate Military History, vol. VIII, p. 261