Alan Pitts
5th Battalion rolls
Fri Jan 26 13:18:01 2001


Assuming you've been through the service record microfilm, have you used the cumulative rolls available at ADAH? These were done in December 1864-January 1865 in ledger format with a column for each battle or action. The ink is often faint and the letters small, but the information often fills in where the bi-monthly muster rolls are silent or unclear. They're similar to cards showing lists of battles, present or absent, filed with service records in the 4th and 8th Alabama microfilm.

If I'm not mistaken, Willis Brewer was commissioned to provide forms to Alabama units in the field so that records of individual soldiers might be preserved for posterity. I've not seen forms for any Alabama units except in Lee's ANV. Also, I don't recall seeing any rolls for any of Battle's or Gracie's regiments. I have a hazy recollection of relevant correspondence filed under Brewer's name in M331.

Perhaps someone from ADAH could offer additional light on this subject.

• Original Documents — Tim, Fri Jan 26 19:02