From mid-1863 forward, served as part of Samuel W. Ferguson's Brigade. Fought Sherman during his operations against Meridian MS in February 1864. Part of Jackson's Cavalry that came to north Georgia from Mississippi in April-May 1864. Should not be confused with Wheeler's Cavalry; Ferguson never served under Wheeler's command. As part of Jackson's Cavalry Division, covered the flank of the Army of Tennessee during Sherman's advance and siege of Atlanta.

One of the last Confederate units to leave Atlanta when it was evacuated, and fought Sherman in the fall of 1864. Remained in Georgia after Sherman crossed the Savannah River into the Carolinas. Ferguson eventually responded to orders directing his command north, the brigade reaching Charlotte NC in mid-April. From that point was one of 4-5 Confederate cavalry brigades which escorted Jefferson Davis south to the Savannah River. Disbanded at Forsyth GA in early May 1865.

Quite a number of years ago I wrote an article in a local history society journal about the 56th Alabama, so most of this comes from memory.