I found some 1865 Union military dispatches related to North Alabama which talk of Gilbert's Calvary detachment. It appears the unit operated as described in his resignation documentation behind enemy lines. I have never been able to find a specific unit or command number for his calvary either.

Paul (Thomas H. Gilbert's great great grandson)

• March 7th 1865, Colonel , Commanding District- A flag of truce sent out from Decatur by Colonel Conrad returned last night. They report no rebels between Decatur and Courtland; 150 at or near Brown’s Ferry, under command of Major Gilbert. Colonel Conrad reports that he this morning received reliable information that Roddy is again ordered to Selma, He has been sending troops away in detachments. The last will go in a few days. General Walker, ex-Secretary of War was at Roddey’s HQs last week. Can the general commanding not send me some Calvary? Much good work can be done if we could have it now.

• March 31, 1865, Geo H. Thomas, Major-General Commanding Your report on the complaints of General Roddy and Major Gilbert has been received and your action is approved. Your command will be remounted as fast as horses can be procured, but I want you in the meantime to concentrate and keep all the regiments at Pulaski,. Keep one regiment constantly in the vicinity of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, and patrol the country and hunt up guerillas. Now that Wilson is gone, you will have to watch the Tennessee River closely....especially Lambs Ferry

• April 4th 1865, R W Johnson, Brigadier General, General Granger sends me a report that Gilbert and 200 cavalry crossed the river at Lamb’s ferry last night. I am satisfied that is a mistake, as I sent a party there yesterday, which must have been at Lambs Ferry last night, and would have informed me if there was any enemy there.

• April 5th, 1865, Geo H Thomas, Major-General, US Army , Commanding I have no doubt that your information in regard to the movements of Major Gilbert’s command is correct. I cannot hear of any of the enemy being north of the Tennessee from any one else than General Granger. It will be well, however, to keep yourself well informed of all movements, both of citizens and soldiers, if any, on the north side of the river. Endeavor particularly to suppress all smuggling.

• April 23rd 1865

• May 8th 1865

• Decatur, May 12th 1865......R. S. Granger, Brigadier General.....Negotiations for the surrender of the Confederate forces in this section are progressing as favorably as could be desired, and I think by the last of next week all the forces in the valley will be capitulated. Major Gilbert surrendered one company at this place yesterday. There seems to be a strong desire on the part of the privates to rush in and give themselves up, but I would prefer they would come in regularly with their officers., who are making every effort to collect them for this purpose. The citizens also evidence a strong desire to return to their allegiance to the United States. .......

• May 15th 1865, R W Johnson Brigadier General, “Gilbert, faithful to his promise, has returned, having Surrendered his men at Decatur, nearest point to his old camp