Book Description

The nucleus of the Alabama 11th Cavalry Regiment was a battalion that served for some time under Gen. Forrest, and was commanded by Col. Jeffrey Forrest. This battalion was variously known as Forrest's Cavalry Regiment, the 4th Alabama Cavalry Regiment and Julian's Cavalry Battalion. Soon after Col. Jeffrey Forrest's death, the command was increased to a regiment, and re-organized by transferring 4 Tennessee companies to the 18th Tennessee Cavalry and by sending 5 Alabama companies to Warren's and Moreland's cavalry battalions. The Alabama 11th Cavalry Regiment was also known as the 10th Alabama (Burtwell's) Cavalry Regiment. Four of the companies were from Franklin county, under Captains C. Hyatt, John Steele, Thomas Bonner, and Parker Rand; two from Lauderdale, Captains John Barr and Y. A. Gray; one from Morgan, Captain Z. F. Freeman; one from Limestone, Captain S. McDonald; and two from the State of Mississippi, Captains Van Flake and J. A. Akers. The 11th Cavalry was with Forrest in the attack on Athens and Sulphur Trestle, and in the fight at Pulaski, losing very severely in casualties on the expedition. The regiment rendered effective service to Gen. Hood. It was part of Roddy's force at Montevallo, and was in front of Wilson's column to Selma; At the assault on the works there, the Eleventh was in the trenches, and nearly all its men retired therefrom, as the part of the line held by them was not assailed. The regiment laid down its arms at Decatur.