Bruce:

Jim Huffman here, of the 43rd MS research project.

Many thanks for all your wonderful help over the years!

If you come across any of Gholson's correspondence or info relating to the period he was Captain of Gholson's Rebels, which became Co. L of the 43rd MS Infantry, please let me know!

Gholson brought his independent company into the camp of the 43rd MS, then commanded by Col. Wm. H. Moore, and said that he'd join the regiment (along with his company) if Col. Moore would agree to a new election for Colonel of the regiment, figuring that his (Gholson's) personal renown and popularity would assure him the colonelcy.

The election was agreed to, and Gholson lost. Rather than live up to the agreement, Gholson pulled his company out of camp!

His company was an independent company from this time (summer of 1862), through the Iuka, Corinth, and MS Central RR Campaigns, and the early part of the Vicksburg Campaign.

Apparently, the CS War Dept. intervened and made Gholson's company join the 43rd at Vicksburg in January 1863, not, however, before Gholson resigned rather than serve under the younger (and less famous) new Colonel of the 43rd -- Richard Harrison. (Col. Moore had been killed at Corinth, while leading the CS forces to the deepest penetration of the city -- the famous depot at the town's center.)

I would love any info you have on this phase of Gholson's career!

Please note that I am not assailing Gholson. He was wounded three times and was too old to serve even when the war started. Like him or not (and many apparently did not like him), he was a true Southern Patriot of the very highest order!

Thanks! -- Jim Huffman, 43rd MS Infantry