The date of formation was August 6, 1864. Two companies surrendered with the garrison of Fort Gaines, Company "F" from St.Clair and Randolph Counties, and Company "H" from Calhoun and Blount Counties. Eight companies had organized for Confederate service by the end of January 1864. Capt. Shortridge's company organized on April 5, 1864, and Capt. King's company formed on June 20, 1864. The addition of these two allowed the regiment to be created.
We'll all be well served to allow Hayes some time to identify the Alabama statute which established 1st and 2nd class militia. I suspect there will be many similarities and a few qualifications that may be different. I mentioned a 'manpower' roster drawn up for all Alabama counties in the summer of 1863 which included a column for seventeen-year olds. Perhaps that was its intent.
In its wisdom the Alabama legislature also enacted a provision that restricted state militia to their home counties. Opponents objected that the effect would be that Autauga County militia could not be summoned to defend the state capitol if it was attacked. If I recall, this was enacted in late 1864 or early 1865.
Here's a letter to the governor describing a muster of 1st & 2nd class militia:
Bibb County Reserves
1st & 2nd Class Militia
Centreville Ala.
Sept. 25, 1864
Gen. H. P. Watson
Montgomery Ala.
I issued an order requiring all white male inhabitants between 17 & 45 in my county to appear before me at Centreville 21st inst. Said order was issued immediately after I returned from Montgomery and was published in the Central Enquirer, a newspaper published in Bibb County, for more than a week preceding the day calling them in. It was also published by notice placed up at the different public places in the county. My report will show how many came and what disposition was made of these. You will also see that all those who reported were discharged or placed in the 1st class militia by the Medical Board. I have issued an order requiring the 2nd class militia to meet me at Randolph the 27th inst. Prepared to report to Col. Rosser at Selma. I hope I will have better success in my next effort. The men that I shall send off next Tuesday will have to go before the Medical Board at Selma. You must recollect that I have not been commissioned long and therefore have not had time to send off many order(?), and further that there are not a great many belonging to the 2nd class in this County. You may rest assured that I will do all in my power to recruit the state forces.
I am respectfully
Your obt Svt.
O. C. C. Brown
County Commandant
P.S. I have called upon the beat commandants of the Reserves to aid me in bringing the militia men to Randolph on next Tuesday 27th inst prepared to report to Col. Rosser at Selma. I will report to you at office in person immediately.
Centreville Ala.
Nov. 21, 1864
Hon. T. H. Watts
Gov. Ala.
Dear Sir
Upon an investigation and enrollment by the proper authority of the strength of Bibb County, I find subject to military duty in 1st Class Militia two hundred & eighty one men (281) ninety eight (98) double shot guns and four hundred twenty rounds ammunition.
I submit the above organization of the County of Bibb for your inspection and concurrence.
Most respectfully,
Your obt Svt.
O. C. C. Brown
County Commandant
[Roll shows 1st Class Militia: Beat 1, 47 names 18 arms; Beat 2, 49 names 1 arm; Beat 3, 71 names, 23 arms; Beat 4, 53 names 24 arms; Beat 5, 61 names, 33 arms. Total 281 names, 98 arms, 420 rounds.
Descriptive list 2nd class militia shows 25 names either discharged both classes or placed in 1st Class.]