The "Wilcox Dragoons" were organized in Wilcox County in 1860, and were redesignated as the "Wilcox Mounted Rifles." Upon being furnished for Confederate service in early 1862, they were known as the "Alabama Mounted Rifles." They were commanded by Capt. Thomas Farewell Jenkins, of Wilcox County. They left Camden on April 25, 1861, enroute to Montgomery where they were mustered into service. Along with the "Prattville Dragoons," (from Autauga County) they were assigned as mounted companies (H and I) of the 7th Alabama Infantry regiment, and accompanied the 7th to Pensacola. The two mounted companies were assigned by Gen. Bragg to picket the coast from Ft. McRae to the mouth of the Perido River. They also saw some service as escort for Gen. Bragg. In November 1861, the 7th Alabama Infantry was sent to Tennessee, leaving its two mounted companies behind. Subsequently, a new mounted battalion was organized, which included the Alabama Mounted Rifles and the Prattville Dragoons, including 3 additional Alabama companies and one from Louisiana. This battalion was referred to as the First Alabama Cavalry Battalion. It was commanded by Capt. Thomas Farewell Jenkins, and often referred to as Jenkins' Battalion. They saw service at the Battle of Shiloh on April 6-7, 1862. After the 12 month enlistment ran out, Jenkins organized another company for the 53rd Alabama, taking a small number of men with him from the old Alabama Mounted Rifles, along with several from the Prattville Dragoons. Jenkins became Major of the 53rd. The majority of the original Alabama Mounted Rifles and the Prattville Dragoons re-enlisted in what was to become the 3rd Alabama Cavalry, organized at Tupelo, Miss. in June 1862.