Official Records - 1st Alabama Cavalry, USV

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.

Series 1, vol 47, Part 2 (Columbia)

Page 351-352

HDQRS. CAVALRY COMMAND, ARMY OF INVASION, Williston, S. C., February 8, 1865.

Major L. M. DAYTON,Asst. Adjt. General, Military Division of the Mississippi, in the field:

MAJOR: I arrived at this point at 4 p. m. to-day and am now destroying the track. I can find no force of the enemy between the railroad and the Edisto, save small picket posts. I understand that all the bridges on the Edisto are strongly guarded. After posting my pickets about the town, an attack was made upon a portion of the First Alabama Cavalry, holding the direct road to Augusta. Colonel Spencer was sent out with his brigade to feel of the enemy, and ascertain his strength. A fight ensued, in which six regiments of Allen's division, First, Third, Seventh, Ninth, Twelfth, and Fifty-first Alabama, were totally routed. Colonel Spencer alone conducted the fight, displaying much skill and great gallantry. Several hundred stand of arms were abandoned by the enemy, and left scattered along the road. One officer and many men were killed, and a large number wounded; several prisoners have been taken, and are still coming in. Colonel Spencer pursued the enemy nine miles in direction of Augusta from this point, and brought back to me as trophies the flags belonging to the Twelfth and Ninth Alabama Cavalry, and General Hagan's battle-flag. From prisoners I learn that Wheeler's command is very much scattered; that he has with him Anderson's division and Young's Virginia brigade only. Allen's division is picketing the country between the Edisto and the Salkehatchie. Iveron's division is upon the opposite side of the Salkehatchie, and Ferguson's division is between Brier Creek and the Ogreechee. I find plenty of corn for my command, and I think you will have no trouble in subsisting the animals of your whole army by foraging upon each side of the railroad. I trust that I am now carrying out your instructions, and that my operations will be satisfactory.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. KILPATRICK,

Brevet Major-General, Commanding Cavalry.

P. S. -There are rumors that portions of Hood's army, and some dismounted cavalry, independent of Lee's corps, are between this point and Augusta. I can learn nothing reliable.

J. KILPATRICK.