Bob McLendon
Roddey/Hannon
Fri May 18 11:00:57 2001


During the summer and fall of 1863, Roddey desired to add additional regiments, and recruiting was begun for this purpose. One intention was to add at least one additional regiment under Hannon. There were a number of Conscript units being put together, and an attempt was made to procure these. However, in the end, all that was added to Hannon was 3 additional companies, which ultimately became the 24th Alabama Batt'n. They functioned as Co. L, M, & N of the 53rd until the Batt'n was organized 12/16/63. Robert B. Snodgrass, a native of New Brunswick, Canada, who had served in the 1st Alabama with Hannon, and then Adjutant of the 53rd, was promoted to Major and placed in command. Hannon's brigade was better than many as far as discipline was concerned. Many of their officers, both at Field and Company levels, were experienced, and M. W. Hannon and John F. Gaines, were first-class officers with good reputations. Gaines wrote a letter to the Montgomery Advertiser, and one thing he mentioned was how the attitude and demeanor of soldiers are determined by the example set by their officers.

I have a few identified casualties from "Missionary Ridge," but as I suspect with those identified from Chickamauga, they were more on the fringe than in the actual battle.

I am not at home where my research is, and will be leaving in a few minutes, and will return on Sunday. Talk with you later. I am interested in discussing further. Thanks.