Notes:
Affidavit from Thomas A McWhirter dated 3 July 1865 stated William Dwyer was taken POW by the enemy with him at Vincent's Crossroads, MS in action 10/26/1863 and taken to Cahaba Prison, AL. After remaining there for two months, they both escaped from the prison and started together for the Union lines at Camp Davies, MS.
After traveling six days, William Dwyer became exhausted and unable to travel any further when Thomas A McWhirter left him about 150 miles from their lines.
There are several documents on file that state how William tried to get back to his regiment. Due to weather conditions and his illness, he was not able to return until 5 January 1864 when he reported to Major Shurtleff who was the only officer left. The rest of the regiment had gone with Major General W.T. Sherman.
Service records compiled by Glenda Todd and used with her permission. This and other information about the history of the First and the men who fought with the unit
can be found in her book, First Alabama Cavalry, USA: Homage to Patriotism.