Alan J. Pitts
Re: Found the source of that info.
Thu Apr 19 09:58:53 2001


As usual, we're of on a different rabbit trail than we started. I usually trust Brewer, but in the case of Roddey's command, he just didn't have much to go on. Neither do we. If you have a convenient way of referencing names from the 1860 census of Pickens County, I have the names attributed to the 10th Alabama Cavalry and can forward or post the list.

A year or so ago I decided to review the 1860 census in an effort to locate each man referenced on the rolls of the 5th Alabama Cavalry. That's the only way to really know, and it's been interesting. I've been through Marion, Fayette, Lawrence, western Walker, Winston and Franklin. I haven't looked at Pickens and doubt there are many from there, but I'd be pleased to see who you might identify.

It seems that Roddey recruited north of the Tennessee when the opportunity arose, which wasn't often. Occasions included the Pulaski Raid of September 1864 -- there are a number of Giles County men on record, usually because they deserted later -- and the occupation of Huntsville during December 1864. Other than that, there aren't many from Limestone, Lauderdale or Madison.

Anyone from DeKalb County in one of Roddey's regiments would be a rare bird indeed.