Roger Brothers
62nd Ala
Fri Sep 15 08:45:14 2000


Elements of what became the 1st Alabama Junior Reserve (also called Lockhart’s Battalion) and latter the 62nd Ala were formed in the spring of 1864. Almost all of the enlisted were 16 and 17 year olds not yet subject to conscription (draft). They fought at the battle of Chehaw station against Rousseau’s veteran cavalry, taking heavy casualties and giving good account of themselves. They were then sent to the defenses around Mobile and were present when Fort Gaines was bombarded and surrendered. After spending several month’s on Ship Island as prisoners of war they were exchanged and sent to Spanish Fort where they took part in the siege and battle. They were evacuated from Spanish Fort and sent to Fort Blakely, which was subsequently brought under siege and assaulted by the Federals. Though holding their part of the line admirably they were forced to retire and surrender when another part of the defenses collapsed. (A small portion were able to swim to friendly gunboats and latter surrendered at Citronell.)