Hayes Lowe
Even more info...
Tue May 29 11:11:28 2001


Some exerpts from some of my writings on this unit:

The 2nd Mississippi and Alabama Regiment was mustered into service in May, 1862 by the consolidation of Brewer’s 2nd Miss. Cav. Battalion [aka 4th Battalion Mississippi Cavalry (Baskerville’s), and also aka Pope Walker Battalion Mississippi Cavalry], Faulkner's Battalion (Co. B of 8th Conf.), Baskerville's Battalion, Company K of the 2nd Mississippi Infantry Battalion, and Ball’s Battalion. [The consolidation was on November 14-17, 1861 at Columbus, Miss. according to some sources, but it appears that this was actually the organizational date of Pope Walkers Troopers.] It was composed of six Alabama and four Mississippi companies. They were under the command of General Joseph “Fighting Joe” Wheeler after September 1862 as a part of Wheeler’s Brigade. Colonel William B. Wade of Columbus, Miss. was the regimental commander.

The regiment was, however, deprived of arms and equipment by General Wheeler, due to a conflict of personalities between Wheeler and the commanding Colonel [William B. Wade] of the 8th. That did not stop Wheeler from using the 8th whenever plans required a regiment that would fearlessly and dependably get the job done. In almost every case of retreat, the 8th was the last to leave the field, for it was the most disciplined of cavalry regiments. The 8th became known as the “Skeleton Cavalry” in recognition of its starving horses. This was undoubtedly due to the deprivations by General Wheeler.

The regiment was undefeated until February, 1863, at Rover, Tennessee. The 8th had met the 4th Michigan in battle several time before this date, with the 8th always clearly victorious. During this engagement, the 8th once again encountered the 4th Michigan, which by now had become the 8th’s archrival. The 8th was overwhelmed by sheer force of number. Some twenty-eight men were captured, including three Captains. All of the POW’s were released and back with the regiment by the middle of May.

The 8th more than evened the score with the 4th Michigan in May 1864 near Kingston, Georgia. There, the 8th soundly defeated the 4th, captured Major Grant of the 4th, and captured over twenty five other men.

The regiment was split into two groups in 1864. Part was transferred to General Nathan Bedford Forrest, operating under the regiments commander, Colonel Wade, and the other part remained under General Wheeler.