It's certainly permissable to disagree on historical facts without dueling or animosity. No offense has been intended, and hopefully no offense has been taken.

As mentioned earlier, I will take great interest in a second account by Hillary Herbert. It might provide additional insight on my own ancestor who served in the same company with yours. Obviously you believe it exists. No suggestion has been made (and I never imagined) that you fabricated this account. Aside from our contention, a second regimental account by Hillary Herbert would be quite a find. If you do locate the copies mentioned, for the benefit of other researchers, please let us know exactly where you found it.

Reading Hillary Herbert's account of the regimental service, he clearly went to great lengths to be as accurate as possible. In some cases -- for example, the regiment's position on the right of the brigade at Gettysburg, July 2nd -- Hillary Hebert faulted his own recollection of events on the field and corrected them. His consistent attempt to be honest and accurate should be recognized and appreciated by those of us who respect Alabama Confederate military history. That in large part should explain why I persist in defending him.