The Alabama in the Civil War Message Board

Re: 60th ALA Infantry Regiment, Co. H

Scott --

Regarding the Confederate military service of Spencer W Capps, there are several corrections and additions to be made.

First, Spencer W Capps was not captured but surrendered as a private, Co "H", Jeff Davis Legion, receiving his parole at Greensboro NC, May 1, 1865. He was assigned to this command by SO 18/7, Army of Northern Virginia, Jan 19, 1865. He served among men from nearby Pike County led by Capt A P Love.

Evidently your ancestor had misgivings about his qualifications as an officer. His resignation, dated Dec 27, 1864, ascribes his inability to "execute the duties devloving upon me as an officer in consequence of an incomplete education." Capt Tarbutton agreed, stating that Capps was "entirely unfit for the office he holds," an "encumberance" to his company and physically unable to perform his duties due to a wound received at Chickamauga GA. There is also some reference to failing a recent examination required of all company officers.

Capps did not enlist as a 2nd Lieutenant. Company officers were elected by members and received Confederate commissions based on these elections. Few company officers had prior military experience or training, so Capps was far from unusual. Many had to resign due to incompetence - inability to learn the manual of arms and give orders necessary to command their companies in the field or on the march.

Capps did not enlist in Co "H", 60th Alabama Regiment. He joined Co "B", 1st Battalion, Hillard's Alabama Legion. The date of enlistment should be Apr 5, 1862, not Apr 3, 1862. He joined in Rainersville, Butler County AL, not Marion County. After the war this area became part of Crenshaw County. The 60th Alabama Regiment did not exist until the end of 1863. Records of the Battle of Chickamauga will refer to fighting done by Hilliard's Alabama Legion at Snodgrass Hill, Sept 20, 1863.

I hope this points you in the right direction.
http://history-sites.com/~kjones/hillmstr.html#B
http://www.archives.alabama.gov/referenc/flags/075.html

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60th ALA Infantry Regiment, Co. H
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