Alan J. Pitts
Re: Burrell J. Key
Wed Apr 25 14:19:00 2001


More often than not, service record information isn't as exciting as you hoped. You just have to know what the man's regiment was doing while he was "present". When both Key men appear present on roll for May-June 1863, that means when you watch the movie "Gettysburg", you may picture them attacking Jeff Daniels (oops, I meant Col. Chamberlain) and the 20th Maine on Little Round Top.

In your case, have you read any of the histories of this regiment (botsford's, burton's, campbell's, etc.)? If not, please ask for them. You may use the bibliographical references listed under the 47th Alabama on Dr. Jones' page.

Here's Dr. Jones' summary page on Law's Brigade (4th, 15th, 44th, 47th & 48th Alabama):

http://www.tarleton.edu/~kjones/lawsbrig.html

I'll check to see if there's anything besides present for duty on Burrell J. Key, but after you check the regimental history, that should be saying quite a lot for anyone to be extremely proud!

I should have mentioned that Dr. Jones has included an on-line version of the Botsford history in the 47th Alabama bibliography. Saves you a trip to the library for now, but find the others and read them, too.....

Also, there are several great sites on the 47th alabama. Have you seen those yet?