Three Documents Concerning the 3rd Alabama Cavalry

Three Documents Concerning the 3rd Alabama Cavalry, Including Two Letters Signed by Officers of the Regiment

Lot of 3 documents, consisting of a letter of resignation, a letter requesting a transfer, and an Inspection Report written April 10, 1863.

Letter of resignation dated April 11, 1865 in Wilson, NC. George T. Cooper asks to be relieved of his position as 2nd lieutenant, stating that he plans to join another unit as a private. "I make this application in view of the consolidation of regiments, the smallness of my company having only about twenty five men for duty & also from the fact that there are three officers besides my self... In making this tender I have no intention of abandoning the Cause or the Service. On the contrary I intend to join some other command...." Lucky for Lieutenant Cooper, Lee had already surrendered, although it does not seem that word had reached the 3rd Alabama, and Johnston would not be far behind, surrendering a couple weeks later. The application went through the channels, with about seven dockets on verso.

Second letter 1p, dated January 11, 1865, Camp 3rd Alabama Cavalry, Near Mather's Bluff, SC. Captain John Wesly Voltz, Co. C, requests a transfer to an infantry command for Private R.S. Ballard, "...as he is unfit for a Cavalry Soldier. He has been under my command for 2 years and I have not been able to get him to do his duty either in the field or in Camp without great difficulty and trouble."

Inspection Report for the 3rd Alabama, of Martin's Cavalry Corps, lists six companies, with B & G being combined at this point, Shelbyville, April 10, 1863. Generally "There was a marked improvement in this Regiment since my last Inspection. Horses were all in good working order, the men bright & healthy. Arms clean.... This regiment has no cooking utensils. The Men complained that they did not receive their allowance of Rations. The men are ragged because they cannot buy jeans or cloth, they have money to purchase but cannot get the stuff. An excellent kind of Saddle is made in the immediate neighbourhood...."

The 3rd Alabama was recruited near Tupelo in June 1862. Many of the men had already seen service, including at battles such as Shiloh. It spent a significant amount of time in Kentucky, protecting the flank and rear of the Army of Tennessee (CSA) and raiding the enemy, among other duties. It was engaged at Perryville, Murfreesboro, Shelbyville, Kingston and Knoxville, as well as the Sequatchee raid. Later it fought at Macon, Aiken, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Raleigh and Chapel Hill, harassing Sherman's troops as they moved East. It finally surrendered in North Carolina.
Condition Report: About as expected, with some discoloration on the outer "panels" when folded. Otherwise very good generally.