Have a question about "supporting forces". I found some discussion on this issue in the archives, but not much. Was searching the Broadfoot muster rolls and found several men listed as members of "supporting forces" in Alabama (also a few in other states, mostly in NC). But, the only unit with much organization seemed to be Rives' Company of the 9th Congressional District (about 100 men on the rolls under the command of Capt. Benjamin S. Rives).

Other units I found included the 2nd Congressional District under the command of Capt. H. H. Reed (but with only 16 men listed); the 5th Congressional District, commanded by Capt. R. B. Allen (with one other man shown); the Pickens County Supporting Force ("Allen's Company", with 17 men listed under a 2nd Lt. -- is it too great a leap of faith to assume this might be the same Allen's Company as in the 5th Congressional District?); the Fayette County Supporting Force with only a private shown; the Lowndes County Supporting Force with only a private shown; the Marion County Supporting Force with only a private shown; and two men identified only as in the "AL supporting forces", a Capt. John T. McDonald and another private.

What I'm looking for is some structure here. How were supporting forces organized? How did they operate, and where? Organized by county or by congressional district? Did records for other counties disappear, or are these all? Any help appreciated.

Will be happy to supply the muster lists to anyone interested (with numbers as shown above)