Interesting article, particularly becuase it reads as if McDonald served as captain of Co. "H", 9th Alabama Infantry. Evidently he resigned his commission as a lieutenant of that command and came home to raise a cavalry company. This unit served under orders of the Conscript Bureau for several months, stationed at Decatur until early 1864. It was then assigned to Williams' Cavalry Battalion, and later the 11th Alabama Cavalry.

McDonald surrendered as a captain and evidently never held a higher rank. He may have served as "acting" lieutenant colonel of the 11th Alabama Cavalry, which could explain why the claim was made.

Here are my notes on the service of Capt. McDonald and his company from Limestone County:

John R. McDonald. Formerly Captain of Company “C”, Williams’ Alabama Cavalry Battalion. Paroled at Columbus, Mississippi, May 16, 1865.

This company mustered at Athens, Alabama, August 15, 1863, acting under orders of the Conscript Bureau at Decatur, Alabama, until at least March 18, 1864. Members later served as Company “C”, Williams’ Alabama Cavalry Battalion.