Book Description

The Alabama 56th Cavalry Regiment was organized by the consolidation of the 13th and 15th Alabama Cavalry Battalions, Partisan Rangers on June 9, 1863. These units were commanded by Majors William Boyles (15th Battalion) and William A. Hewlett (13th Battalion) which had been in service several months prior to the organization. The Thirteenth Alabama Partisan Rangers also known as the Thirteenth Alabama Cavalry was organized about September 6,1862 with four Companies, A. thru D. Company E. was organized April 30,1863. Captain Bibbs Company (probably Company F. ) was organized April 30,1863 by transfers from other Companies. Company A. was transferred to the 22nd (Barteau' s ) Regiment Tennessee Cavalry about June 8,1863 and formed the First Company H. until the latter part of June when it was transferred to the 56th Regiment Alabama Partisan Rangers as Company L. The remainder of this Battalion was consolidated with the Fifteenth Battalion Alabama Partisan Rangers on June 8,1863 to form the 56th Regiment Alabama Partisan Rangers. The 15th Alabama Cavalry Battalion was organized with five companies on 25 August 1862. It served in Gen. Cumming's Brigade at Mobile, then moved to Mississippi with about 350 effectives and fought at King's Creek under General Daniel Ruggles. It was consolidated with the 13th Battalion on 8 June 1863 to form the 56th Regiment, Partisan Rangers. The Alabama 56th Cavalry Regiment operated in north Mississippi for some time under Gen. Daniel Ruggles. It was there brigaded under Gen. Samuel W. Ferguson and sent to north Georgia in late 1864 or early 1864. It served on the flank of the army during the Dalton-Atlanta campaign where it saw arduous duty. Companies Of The Alabama 56th Cavalry Regiment The companies of the Alabama 56th Cavalry were recruited from the counties of Autauga, Butler, Mobile, Montgomery, and Walker.