Marilyn,

I agree with some of the other postings that your man is probably the Michael A. Linch/Lynch of the 11th Mississippi Cavalry, Company "D". The story about riding into the lobby of the Gayoso Hotel is probably an embellishment of a proud military career. The 11th Mississippi Cavalry was NOT at the raid on Memphis when this incident, most closely connected with Major William Forrest and "some of his men" rode there horses into the lobby and chased out the Union generals and officers, many of them in their night clothes. William Forrest was connected with the 3rd Tennessee Cavalry (N.B. Forrest's Old Regiment) and there was a Linch/Lynch in this unit, but he was a James Linch/Lynch. Any relation?

Jim Martin