The Alabama in the Civil War Message Board

Foster's Battalion Cavalry

Does anyone know the organization and service history of Foster's Battalion Cavalry?

Jesse B. McKelvey: "General Note - See also Co. D Foster's Cav. CSA Miscl."
https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=60EADCB8-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A

No 139
Full Name; McKILVEY, JESSE BEAVES Present Post Office; Florence Ala Was born on Nov 12, 1845 at Gravelly Springs in the county of Lauderdale in the state of Ala; First entered the service as private on July 1, 1863 at Florence Ala in the Co D 10th Tenn and continued until captured at Florence Ala Nov 30, 1863 - imprisoned in Rock Island Prison Ill and held until Apr 11, 1865 then paroled on sick parole
http://genealogytrails.com/ala/lauderdale/mil_civil_1907.html

Some newspaper accounts that recount the events of this day:

"Movements of the Enemy in North Alabama," Florence, December 13, 1863, Montgomery Weekly Advertiser, January 6, 1864:

"On Monday, November 30th, four companies of the 9th Illinois Cavalry, commanded by a Lt. Col. Phillips, dashed into town about 11 a.m., on the Nashville Road, completely taking everyone by surprise, and capturing Major John Burtwell, of Gen. Bragg's staff, Lt. James Andrews, of Gen. Roddy's staff, privates Antony Foster of Foster's Cavalry Battalion, Crittenden, of Roddy's Cavalry, and John Crittenden, 16th Ala. Infantry, with several other soldiers. They numbered only about 125 men, and remained in town about one hour and a half, taking their departure out the Huntsville Road. Besides the prisoners, they captured two of Roddy's wagons, and camped that night at Blue Water Creek, 16 miles distant.

Upon their entrance into town, a dispatch was forwarded to Roddy, at Tuscumbia immediately, one of whose regiments was camped 12 miles below on this side of the river. Major Byars, commanding Foster's Battalion, made a narrow escape, and went immediately to the regiment.

About twelve o'clock that night Gen. Roddy arrived here, having ordered the regiment, Col. Johnson commanding, in pursuit; but after some deliberation, instead of bagging the whole party as might have been done, concluded to return to camp, which he proceeded to do, leaving the Yanks in their glory."

Florence, January 18, Memphis Daily Appeal, January 28, 1864:
"On Monday, November 30th, four companies of the 9th Illinois cavalry, Col. Phillips, commanding, dashed into town about 11 o'clock a.m., surprising and capturing several prisoners, Major Jno. Burtwell, of Bragg's staff; Lieut. Jas. Andrews, A.I.G., on Brigadier-Gen. Roddy's staff; Privates A. Foster and Harrison Howell, of Foster's Battalion; and two Crittenden brothers. They also captured two of Roddy's forage wagons, and returned to Pulaski, without sustaining any loss. On their return, they picked up on the road, Lieut. Wm. H. Smith, of the 16th Alabama regiment, and caught Lieut. J.G. Clouston, of Wheeler's staff, near Lawrenceburg, Tennessee."

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Foster's Battalion Cavalry
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Thank you *NM*