CHAPTER IV.
THE ALABAMA INFANTRY REGIMENTS—BRIEF HISTORY OF EACH ORGANIZATION—THEIR SERVICE AS SHOWN BY THE OFFICIAL RECORDS.
THE First Alabama infantry was the first in Alabama to enlist for one year, the first to re-enlist, and has the distinction of having served, though several times reorganized, from the beginning to the end of the conflict. Enlisting in March, 1861, it assembled at Pensacola and immediately began the hardest of work — in preparing for defense. It was assigned to the batteries and soon earned the title, "Bragg's best artillerists." Col. Henry D. Clayton served during the year 1861; at the end of one year the regiment reorganized under CoL Isaiah G. W. Steedman. It took part in the battle of Santa Rosa, and was in the bombardment of Pensacola, where it earned high renown. Ordered to Memphis, March, 1862, it saw constant service until at Island No. 10, where a large part of the regiment was captured; the remainder were in the battle of Corinth.
In September the Island No. 10 prisoners were exchanged and the regiment was ordered to Port Hudson, where most of them were again captured. The enlisted men, 610 strong, were exchanged, and under command of the officers who escaped capture, fought at New Hope and Kenesaw, where a brilliant record was made; Peach Tree creek, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, Averasboro, and Bentonville. The regiment was greatly distinguished, suffering many losses in these battles, including Major Knox, the commander, who fell while leading his troops in the battle of Franklin.
