Alan J. Pitts
After reviewing the microfilm:
Mon Feb 5 23:01:03 2001


The microfilm is based on one roll, dated Oct. 31, 1863, Selma, Ala. A requisition signed by Lt. W. H. King at Selma, Jan. 4, 1864, describes the command as "non-conscripts", as he explains, "they having reported for duty". Several requisitions and pay forms describe the command as Provost Guards. Pvt. John F. Limbo has a clothing receipt dated Nov. 3rd for the period Nov. 4 to Dec. 1, 1863 at Talladega. However, he calls his command the 'Selma City Guard' and every other document shows members at Selma up to January of 1864. No later record.

There are no surrender records, which hints that this unit was disbanded prior to the end of the war. Two members have pay receipts for 1864 which show them in a regualr line unit: E. L. Lackey, who now belongs to Co. "A", 30th Ala., and Henry T. Goodwin, who now belongs to Co. "C", 1st Ala. S. S. Battn. (?) A note indicates that James Y. Hale also appears in the 22nd Ala. It's probably worth checking other names to determine where they went.

County composition is interesting:
33 Talladega
24 Jefferson
11 Fayette
08 Pickens
07 St. Clair
06 Dallas
and lesser numbers from Shelby, Tuscaloosa, DeKalb, Cherokee, Blount, Perry, Calhoun, Sumter, Greene and Bibb.

Putting together a company from all these different points
is unusual; it has all the earmarks of a conscript unit. No clue to help us understand who authorized this command. It's curious that Lockett remains a 1st Lt. rather than a captain; I'd like to know his prior history, as well as that of Lts. King and Kelly. There may be something at the ADAH on this unit that places it at Talladega in 1864; I just haven't seen it yet.

The earliest dates of enlistment come from Jefferson County in August 1862; the latest are in Selma during January of 1863. The unit reports to Lt.Col. Rosser, the post commander at Selma during much of the war.

Anyone have anything else on this unit?