S. G. Spann was a wealthy slaveholder from Dallas County AL.
A recruiting ad in the Mobile Daily Advertiser which ran on June 11, 1863, stated the following --
** Headquarters Spann’s Regiment
Independent Scouts
No. 56 South Royal St., Mobile Ala.
Recruits Wanted -- May 26th
The Secretary of War has authorized me to enlist all the INDIANS east of the Mississippi River into the service of the Confederate States as Scouts.
In addition to the Indians, I will receive all White Males Citizens who are good marksmen. To each man mustered, FIFTY DOLLARS Bounty, clothes and camp equipage &c. furnished.
The weapons shall be ENFIELD RIFLES.
For further information, address me at Mobile Ala.
A later recruiting ad in the Selma Morning Reporter submitted on Aug. 13, 1863, read as follows --
RECRUITS WANTED! I am authorized to raise a Mounted Company for Col. S. G. Spann’s Regiment of Independent Scouts. Persons becoming members of this company will be allowed the usual bounty of $50, clothing, arms and camp equipage, with the privilege of electing their officers. This command will be subject to the rules and regulations governing the Provisional Army of the Confederate States, and entitled to the privileges embraced in the Partisan Ranger Act, adopted by Congress in 1862.
>> The time has arrived for every man to buckle on his armor and enter the ranks as a soldier. Our common and unprincipled foe is making rapid progress into the very heart of our Confederacy – threatening our very homes and firesides. With this fact staring you in the face, can you longer remain inactive. An opportunity is now offered to enter the most attractive branch of the service. My company will be encamped at Selma until organized.
M. J. A. Keith, of Selma, Ala., and E. A. Blunt, of Marion, Ala., are authorized to recruit for this command. For information address --
Nothing further was said about recruiting Indians for any purpose in Alabama or Mississippi. Burke's cavalry company was assigned to Hatch's Cavalry Battalion, which later became Hatch's 8th Alabama Cavalry.