Adam,

I am sure by now you have heard from lots of people about your ancestor's service in the Civil War. But, in case you have not, here are some notes.

He served in Hilliard's Legion from 1862 (He enlisted in April, I believe) until the Legion was split up shortly after the fight at Chickamauga. The Legion had four battalions and lost heavily during the attack on Horseshoe Ridge during the final two hours (or so) of Chickamauga (9/20/63). The Legion pushed the Union riflemen off the edge of the Ridge, backing them up to some trees where they continued to exchange fire with the Confederates. The letter you quoted is one I've read and it was written after the fight at Chickamauga.

In November of 1863, the Legion was split into the regiments you are aware of and your ancestor went into the 23rd Battalion, Alabama Sharpshooters. He served with that unit. I don't recall off hand where Davenport was wounded, but I believe it was at Petersburg. If you can send me the date he was wounded, I can tell you where they were. The Sharpshooters lost a man just about every day during the nine months that unit was in the trenches.

I also have an ancestor who served in the Legion. He was wounded at Chickamauga and never returned to the army, though his name is carried on the list of the roster of the 23rd.

Lee Elder

Lee Elder