These are wonderful quotes. As you know from reading the letters, this was Co. "G", 1st Battalion, Hilliard's Alabama Legion. When the Legion was broken up at the end of 1864, twenty-three companies from four battalions were reorganized as the 59th and 60th Alabama Regiments, plus the 23rd Alabama Battalion. I would be surprised to learn that men of this battalion were armed differently from other members of the brigade. Inspection reports made during the 2nd half of 1864 would provide specifics on that topic and more.

Soldiers in Gracie's Salient suffered casualties almost every day while definding this line. "Killed in action" is certainly appropriate for JFD's fate, but no battle took place when he died. Reports of Gen. Bushrod Johnson describe what happened along his lines on a day-to-day basis.

If copies of the letters you mentioned are available, I would like to request them. Once I have an opportunity to review my notes, I can post what is available on actions involving Gracie's command here so others can read and comment.

http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=37415

http://www.civilwartraveler.com/maps/nps/Petersburg.pdf

This is an image of Gracie's Salient
http://www.old-picture.com/civil-war/pictures/Petersburg-Salient-Gracies.jpg