Henry H. Stephens, Private, (Old) Company F, 1st Regiment Alabama Infantry,* enlisted March 20, 1861 at Montgomery by Captain R. T. Thom for 12 months, appointed 4th Corporal November 20, 1861, term of service extended for two years, captured at Island No. 10, April 8, 1862, sent to Camp Butler prison camp, Springfield, Illinois, captured July 9, 1863 at Port Hudson, released on parole, July 12/13, 1863, appointed 2nd Sergeant December 1, 1863, recommended on May 4, 1864 for appointment as Ensign " . . . for most gallant and meritorious conduct at Island 10 Tenn. and Port Hudson, La. . . . for more than two years this regiment has had no Color Sergeant," promoted Ensign & A. C. S.**, June 17 & 1st Lieutenant June 24, 1864, paroled at Greensboro, N. C., May 1, 1865
* This company subsequently became New Company A, 1st Regiment Alabama Infantry
** Assistant Commissary of Supply, normally held by an officer with the rank of Captain
M311: Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Alabama
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THE First Alabama infantry
THE First Alabama infantry was the first in Alabama to enlist
for one year, the first to re-enlist, and has the distinction
of having served, though several times reorganized, from the
beginning to the end of the conflict.
Enlisting in March, 1861, it assembled at Pensacola and
immediately began the hardest of work -- in preparing for
defense. It was assigned to the batteries and soon earned the
title, " Bragg's best artillerists. "
Col. Henry D. Clayton served during the year 1861; at the end
of one year the regiment reorganized under Col. Isaiah G. W.
Steedman.
It took part in the battle of Santa Rosa, and was in the
bombardment of Pensacola, where it earned high renown. Ordered
to Memphis, March, 1862, it saw constant service until at
Island No. 10, where a large part of the regiment was captured;
the remainder were in the battle of Corinth.
In September the Island No. 10 prisoners were exchanged and the
regiment was ordered to Port Hudson, where most of them were
again captured.
The enlisted men, 610 strong, were exchanged, and under command
of the officers who escaped capture, fought at New Hope and
Kenesaw, where a brilliant record was made; Peach Tree creek,
Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, Averasboro, and Bentonville.
The regiment was greatly distinguished, suffering many losses
in these battles, including Major Knox, the commander, who fell
while leading his troops in the battle of Franklin.
Source: Confederate Military History vol. VIII, p. 52