Bob McLendon
Athens, AL
Wed May 16 13:13:51 2001


I think it was a Montgomery newspaper. I don't have the cite with it, so it may have been one of those I obtained a copy of from a descendant. I have located over 400 descendants, and they have helped fill in many gaps through personal papers, letters, personal accounts, etc. The 53rd hasn't been easy to research. It is one of those regiments that was usually where the action was, but little has been written on them. Throughout the Atlanta Campaign, Hannon's Brigade only consisted of the 13 companies of the 53rd and 24th Batt'n. Therefore, they were often overshadowed in reports by the larger brigades.

You're probably right on the 650 number. My emphasis in research has been Hannon's command, and I haven't gone into detail as much with the others. I have one veteran saying 300 and another 350 at Athens under Hannon.

Of course its much easier to track Roddey in October '63, than pinpoint the exact location of the 53rd, even though they were assigned to Roddey. I have my great grandfather's diary for 1863, and he generally tells where they are camped, or at least he is. As you know, cavalry units often split off in different directions. The last week of September, they were south of Chattanooga in northwest Georgia. On Sept. 29, they camped at Empire State Iron Works., were in Dade Co. on the 30th, tried to cross the river on Oct. 1, but it rained all day, and couldn't cross. On Oct. 1, his horse stepped on a nail, and for the next few days he is nursing his horse and not moving too fast. May have not been keeping up. On Oct. 6, "Brigade went on scout over the river." On Oct. 9, went to Guntersville, and "brigade" crossed the river. Arrived at Whitesburg on the 12th, and left for Summerville on the 13th. On Oct. 15, "Regiment at Athens." Moved down the river to Decatur on the 18th. On the 19th, "on to Pond Spring near Courtland. Regiment over the river." On the 20th, on to Lamb's Ferry, where they met up with the 51st Alabama. Apparently, the 1st Alabama was also there, as he saw a cousin who was in the 1st.

From the 20th until the 29th, fighting took place at Barton's Station, Dickson Station, Cane Creek, Cherokee Station, and Little Bear Creek. The 53rd was in the area of those fights during the last week of October.

As I said, tracking Roddey is not too difficult through reports in the ORs from S. D. Lee, etc., but I would appreciate any specific reference to the 53rd as to their exact location. It appears they didn't journey too far from the Tennessee River, but it wasn't uncommon to move 30+ miles a day.

Thanks,
Bob