It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Glenda McWhirter Todd. She passed away on September 3, 2017 surrounded by her family. She was a historian, genealogist, and author who prided herself on being a descendant of Andrew Ferrier McWhirter of the 1st Alabama Cavalry, USV. Her work over the past two decades and her dedication to the 1st Alabama Cavalry has created a legacy that will last for years to come.

Her life's work has touched thousands of people through the years, and I am glad that I had the pleasure to work with her as long as I did. My hope is that her work will live on for years to come to educate and inspire a new generation.

Letter from the 1st Alabama Cavalry.

Glendale, Miss., September 28, 1863

Eds. Journal: Our Alabamians organized at Huntsville, in July, 1862. After serving about one year in the 1st Middle Tennessee Cavalry, we were transferred, by special order of the Ware Department, to the 1st Alabama Cavalry, and ordered to report to Brigadier-General Dodge, at Corinth, Mississippi. After experiencing much delay, in consequence of red tape, we finally made connection September 23, 1863. We are on the outpost once more, the place we are used to, and prefer above all others. This segment commenced to organize one year ago and part of one company has already been mustered out, being organized as twelve-months men. They will mostly be out by January next, but will no doubt reorganize on the three years' basis. Company D, 1st Middle Tennessee Cavalry, is now: Company I, 1st Alabama, and Company E is Company K; Captain Smith being still a prisoner at Richmond. Your humble servant commands Company K. Our Second Lieutenant, T.J. Spencer is serving on General Rosecrans' staff as Ordnance Officer since February last.

There are a great many refugees here living mostly in tents. Several of our men found their wives and families here and nearly all have heard from their homes.

Last night Lieutenant Trammel, of this regiment returned from Marion County, Alabama, where he went two weeks ago with only ten men to get recruits for this regiment. He brought in one hundred and ten recruits and eight prisoners, among them is a Lieutenant and a rebel mail. Our Colonel sent out a strong party to meet the expedition returning, and they arrived without being attacked, though they were followed by guerrillas.

The Union people in North Alabama, in some quarters, are armed and organized, and hold their own against the bushwhackers. I learn there are several squads ready to come to this regiment and will be in here shortly. They have raiser good crops and have plenty of provisions, except salt and groceries.

There can be two or three more regiments raised there yet if our army could move up nearer to that country. There are plenty of Union who have kept clear of rebel conscription by lying out in the mountains for the past year. I learn that but few of those who have come in have ever bee in the rebel army. They are very much like the loyal men of East Tennessee, and certainly deserve the sympathy and merit they help of all true patriots. Their Union sentiments have cost them something.

We are in hopes of being ordered out toward the loyal portion of Alabama soon, and if so, I may be able to five you some further information concerning this very interesting portion of the country. Till then adieu

Yours Truly,
J.H. Hornback,
1st Lieutenant Co. K, 1st Alabama Cavalry