Tim, et al:

More info has come to light on the Lann Cemetery Confederate Patriots.

The following preliminary report is from cherished SCV Camp Commander Pat Arinder:

"Here is a quick version. I'll get out a detailed one later.

Emory found a copy of a diary from an AOT officer named Wilson (I think that was his name) The diary detailed the retreat of the AOT from Nashville. They (or some of the army) retreated South, and crossed the Tennessee River near Tuscumbia, Alabama. Once they were across the river, and free from pursuit from Federal Calvary, they went into camp West of Tuscumbia, near Bear Creek.

Many of the men were exhausted, starving, and/or wounded. They rested there five days. While there, many men died, and were buried by state in a local cemetery.

Emory went to the cemetery, and the caretaker told him that in late 1866, someone from Mississippi came there with ten wagons and got 68 bodies to take back to Mississippi. No doubt, this was Captain Lann, and he must have known where the Mississippi troops were buried.

There are 65 or 66 buried in Lann Cemetery, so someone must have claimed two or three of the bodies and buried them elsewhere.

So they were casualties from the Franklin-Nashville battles, but made it to Tuscumbia before they died. The ones killed at Franklin are buried in Franklin.

This does make more sense, than Captain Lann going to Franklin to get the bodies.

pat"

So, the men didn't die at Franklin/Nashville, but were combatants in those battles who were so badly wounded, emaciated, suffering from exposure, etc., that they died at Bear Creek, AL.

Very interesting and poignant story.

Can't help but be proud of the probable part that Capt. Henry Jerome Bonaparte Lann of the 43rd MS (aks "the Camel Regiment") played in bringing back his fellow Mississippians to their home soil!

Deo Vindice! -- Jim Huffman, Adj., Gainesville Vols, "Gainesville Volunteers, SCV Camp 373" on Facebook (without quotes)