Here is an excerpt from A. J. Brown's book, History of Newton County, Mississippi, From 1834 To 1894:
THE FIRST MILTARY COMPANY TO LEAVE THE COUNTY
The first military to leave the county was known as the Newton Rifles, commanded by Montgomery Carleton. Every preparation was made was made for its organization and equipment. It was made up from various parts of the county, though organized at Decatur, where Capt. Carleton lived. The people all over the county were interested in the movement. A spirit of patriotism never known before was rife among the people; the old and young, male and female, vied with each other as who should show the greatest solicitude in accomplishing their successful equipment, and give encouragement to the movement. Some of the best men of the county were in this company. Capt. Carleton was the oldest man in the company, by far, being at the time about fifty-five years old. He then looked a "veteran," and to behold him now, heading and commanding the first company from his county, the flower and manhood of his section, to lead to battle this invincible body of young men, was the pride of his maturer life, the desire of this brave and ambitious man. Dr. M. H. Watkins was the first lieutenant, John A. Keith was second lieutenant, and A. J. Smith was third lieutenant. On the 13th day of May, 1861, the company came to the town of Newton to take the cars to their new field of active operations. This was not immediately to the "front," but were put in camp of instruction at Union City, Tenn., (after spending a short time at Corinth, Miss.) After becoming accustomed to the manual of arms, they were attached to the 13th. Mississippi regiment, that was commanded by the brave and lamented Col. Wm. Barksdale, and were sent immediately to Virginia and were favored with the great privilege of participating in the wonderful victory of the first Manassas battle, on the 21st. of July, 1861. It was a bright May day that the Newton Rifles left the town of Newton. The gay uniforms of the young soldiers and officers; the excitement incident thereto, being the first military company to leave the county; everybody was pleased, cheered and admired the scene. Ladies gathered from the surrounding country, not only from Newton but Jasper county, to do honor to the gallant Newton County Rifles. The soul-inspiring strains of martial music from fife and drum were heard while the new company marched in line, obeying the quick commands of their officers. The fife on that day was played by Uncle Steve McMullen, an old colored Georgian. He was old then. He is still living and must be almost a centenarian. Music is a wonderful contingent in battle. Military men well know its value. It has its effect- to soothe, to inspire, and to provoke to deeds of daring. Many have been the soldiers who, under these same inspiring strains of martial music, have charged the enemy's breastworks, caring not for the missiles of death flying thick and fast about them; who, with intrepid feet, fearless heart, strong hand, steady aim, have charged with fixed bayonets, the thundering cannon and apparently impregnable earthworks, have secured a victory amidst carnage and death, that would not have been done in the absence of this stimulant. The time approached for them to take the train. Judge Watts addressed the company with great feeling, encouraging them and speaking good words to these young men, may of them leaving home for the first time. Other speakers addressed them, and upon the whole it was one of the most imposing scenes that has ever been witnessed in the county. Finally the train came, and then followed a general hand-shaking and bidding good-bye, with fathers and mothers, sisters and sweethearts. All bade a final farewell, and the departed the first military company from Newton county.