The service record for W. H. Burdett shows that he enlisted in Capt. Orme's Cavalry Company, Aug. 31, 1863, Pollard, Ala. Burdett was appointed 4th Corporal on Oct. 1, 1863. His company eventually became Co. "C", 8th Alabama Cavalry.
If I'm not mistaken, the "Lowndes Defenders" was a Confederate local defense company. For all practical purposes, it may as well have been a county militia company. Not being required to drill or assemble or do any duty, it was less usefull than militia.