The letter below, from the Troy Southern Advertiser, January 6, 1865, references events near Pollard on December 15, 1864. I think A.W. Starke was Alexander Wallace from Troy, who served as Lieut. in Co. I, 15th Ala. Inf. Regt. earlier in the war. Any ideas as to the identity of the company he commanded at Pollard?

Pollard, December 19, 1864,

The Yanks have at last concentrated their threatened raid on Pollard; and have left it a blackened heap. The car shed, depot, warehouse, commissary and ordnance houses, and several private stores were burned.

They were not permitted, however, to ride over the march without resistance. A handful of men gave them a warm reception on Thursday morning at the Big Escambia, and in the evening of the same day at the dirt road bridge on Little Escambia, about one mile and a half from Pollard. In both of those skirmishes my Company was engaged, and acquitted themselves handsomely, acting with great coolness and deliberation. We have to lament the death of William Brooks, of Monticello, who, although a mere boy, and a new recruit, fell bravely at his post. Sergt. T.M. Reid, was severely wounded in the thigh, but is doing well.

On the return, the Yankees were met by forces from below, and were engaged all day, Saturday and a part of yesterday. Don't know the result. They have gone back to Pensacola. Don't know what loss they sustained in the fights of Thursday."

A.W. Starke