Thanks! Perhaps the consolidation of the regiments was a necessity due to the deficit of officers and men as described. This would indicate that Russell may have left the 4th prior to the consolidation, although I think he was at Thorn Hill just days earlier, and in fact prompted the consolidation.

Along the lines of the Gurly/McCook explanation, here's some pure speculation. As you know, when the Federals were flanked back to Stevenson after Hood's Army advanced into Tennessee from Florence, Russell's 4th advanced along the Memphis & Charleston railroad through Huntsville as far as Paint Rock and held that position. They were joined by Mead and Johnston. It is possible that after the Confederate retreat across the Tennessee river, many of Russell's regiment remained behind or returned to rejoin Mead and Johnston behind enemy lines. Russell was from Stevenson. Perhaps he took some of his men behind enemy lines for the balance of the war. Taylor's capture at Huntsville would be evidence of this. Some may have disliked being associated with Mead and Johnston, since the Federals called them guerillas. If Russell's move was not sanctioned by the Confederates, there would be even more reason for some members of the 4th to choose to disassociate themselves from the command. If anyone is familiar with activities in N. Alabama north of the Tennessee river in 1865, please chime in.

I am not aware of the court martial to which you refer. Has this been discussed before?

As an aside, and knowing that the 7th was originally formed as part of Gen. Clanton's old brigade, was Lt. Col. Turner Clanton related to Gen. James H. Clanton?