Most importantly, does anyone have knowledge that the 8th Mississippi Infantry was ever designated as a 'mounted infantry' unit at any time? I have a copy of a letter from one of the privates in that regiment who wrote home that his 'horse had plenty of grass and water and new shoes" were put on. Why/How would a private in an infantry unit have a horse? None of my research for this unit suggests they were 'mounted,' unlike some of the regiments from Texas who, enlisted as mounted, but later 'dismounted' as infantry.
Comments / observations are appreciated.