Official Records
Shreveport, La., November 8, 1863.
I have the honor to inclose the last dispatch received from General Taylor, announcing a successful attack of General Green upon the enemy's retreating column.
I would respectfully call the attention of the Department to General Taylor's late operations in Lower Louisiana. Cautious, yet bold; always prepared for and anticipating the enemy; concentrating skillfully upon his main force, holding it in check, and crippling its movements; promptly striking his detached columns, routing and destroying them, the enemy have been completely foiled in the objects of their campaign, and have fallen back for a new plan and a new line of operations. General Taylor has been ably assisted by his subordinates, and in this connection I would respectfully urge upon His Excellency the President the immediate appointment of general officers to his command. Not only will its efficiency be increased, but the services of the officers merit the promotion.
Brigadier General Thomas Green, commanding the Cavalry Division, should be made major- general for his repeated successes throughout the operations in Lower Louisiana. He is a rising officer, and has displayed greater ability and military genius than any officer of his grade in the department. Colonel A. P. Bagby, commanding Green's brigade, with Colonel J. P. Major, Colonel Horace Randal, and Colonel J. W. Speight, each commanding brigades, should be promoted to brigadier- generals.
I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. KIRBY SMITH,
Lieutenant- General, Commanding.
Polignac's Texas Brigade By Alwyn Barr
...Recommended by K Smith for promotion in Nov 1863, but he resigned in the spring of 1864, apparently having never returned to active duty. Later, there were rumors about possible misbehavior in battle , but ill health would appear to have been the basic cause for his resignation.
Compiled service records
April 15, 1864, Shreveport
S O #92
The resignation of Col J W Speight, 15th Texas Infantry, upon surgeon's certificate...is accepted to take effect from this date, subject to approval of President.
The subsequent Colonel of the regiment was James Harrison. He was later [Jan '65] promoted Brigadier General.