This may be of interest to those interested in the movements of the Company A, 48th Alabama:

Brooksville, Alabama, December 13, 1911. Editor, Blount County Journal. I wish you to publish these few lines in memory of Elias Latham an old Confederate soldier who has crossed over the river and will rest under the shade of the trees until the last shall cross over then he will rise—not as a soldier but one who has been redeemed of the Lord. Elias Latham entered the services of the C.S. March 7, 1862, and was discharged from same April 9, 1865 at Appomattox, Virginia. He was 16-years-old when he started to the front to meet that mighty Northern Army, then in a few miles of Richmond, the capital of the Confederate States. He belonged to Company A, 48th Alabama regiment. When said regiment arrived at Richmond it was ordered to march to Asplana and join the army of Stonewall Jackson, then on a forced march strike the left flank of the Northern army, then threatening the capital of the CSA and so the 48th Alabama did join Stonewall at the place above named and the next day, Jackson with care did strike the left of McLana army and drove back with great slaughter. This Company A and the 48th were in and all through the seven days fight. This boy of only 16 was at his post of duty and never flinched when called on to go forward.

After this battle was over General Lee sent Stonewall on a Northern flank move, and on the 9th of August he struck Pope, advanced and drove them back for several miles. This 16-year-old boy was in the front rank. Though one of his brothers fell by the side of the writer of the sketch. Lee then came up with the rest of his army; as usual Stonewall once more sent far to the rear and passed his army at Manassas, between Pope and Washington...this 16-year-old boy still in the front. General Lee then came up in time to save Stonewall and gain another crowning victory for the boys in gray. Again Stonewall with his corps were sent forward and across the Potomac into Maryland where another battle was fought at Sharpsburg and through this battle the boy was still in the front. After this battle the 48th Alabama was put under Longstreet and so remained till the close of the war, when they laid down their arms at Appomattox, Virginia on the 9th of April 1865. Here this young boy got his parole and began his march homeward. He never had a furlough. He was a good soldier. Before the end came, two weeks ago, he left a bright shiny evidence that all was well. He told those near him that all was well with him and he was going Home, for the battle was over and the victory won. So ended the life of one that was true to the Confederacy. Written by one who was with him except when wounded. A.O. Dickson, 1st Lieutenant, Commanding Company, 9th of April 1865, at the surrender.