Rod McLean Barken
Perote Guards - 1st Alabama Volunteers
Wed Sep 13 09:50:38 2000


Both my g-grandfather and g-uncle, Daniel W. McLean and David Shaw Bethune, respectively, served in Co. "G" of the 1st Alabama Volunteers, having enlisted on Feb. 13, 1861, and mustering at Fort Barancas (FLA) in early April of that year. Both men were from Union Springs, which at the time was part of Pike County, home to the "Perote Guards" which was formed in 1859.

It should be noted that the 1st Alabama Volunteers was the first CSA military unit formed in the Confederacy, placing these two gallant men at the forefront of their brethren to serve the South.

Following their one-year period of enlistment, both men resigned from the 1st AL Volunteers and joined the 51st Alabama Partisan Rangers, a cavalry unit. They served the remainder of the War with that organization, eventually falling under the command of N.B. Forrest in the 7th Alabama Cavalry. Both Bethune and McLean survived the war intact.

Here is my question: While I have muster rolls and payroll records listing both of my ancestors in Co. "G" of the 1st AL Vols, I can find no records of the roster of the "Perote Guards" as it stood prior to the formation of the 1st AL Vols.

Does anyone know if such a record exists? And, if it does, where I might locate a copy of it? Thanks.








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