Alan J. Pitts
Re: Tuscaloosa Gray
Fri May 4 15:05:46 2001


Larry --

Thanks for your clarification. A few people will recognize Duff Green's name, and those who do probably know something about the A.V.C.

Prior to the March 1861 regulations, A.V.C (as well as other volunteer militia) companies incorporated under Alabama law would have been able to make independent decisions about the cut and color of their uniforms. By this time Governor Moore had begun replacing short-term militia companies then serving on the coast with others willing to enlist for twelve-month terms. Perhaps he wanted A.V.C. units like the 2nd & 3rd A.V.C. Regiments at Pensacola to have a more 'uniform' appearance.

Also, for a brief period of time following secession, Alabama existed as an independent state and was governed according to a post-secession constitution. Recruits for the "Army of Alabama" were placed in companies which later became the 1st Alabama Artillery Battalion. Alabama's 'regular' military forces were turned over to the Confederacy in May 1861. From time to time these men were referred to as 'regulars', a term which harks back to their days as the "Army of Alabama".