I descend from a Cavalry trooper assigned to Company F, 56th Alabama Cavalry and only recently acquired copies of his service record. Information contained is scarce, but what I've gleaned thus far is this:
Enlisted: 1 January 1864 Where: Elyton, Alabama By Whom: Captain Rice Duration: War (Indefinite?) Unit Assigned: Company F, 56th Alabama Cavalry
Reported absent on report dated: 30 March 1864 Where: Near Calhoun Station, Georgia?
Issued Clothing: 30 June 1864
Paid: 12 September 1864 Where: Griffin, Georgia Pay Period: 1 January 1864 - 30 June 1864 (6 mos.)
Date departed regiment: 26 November 1864 Reason: Surgeon's Certificate
I have assumed that he was wounded, thus the reason for his absence from his unit based upon a surgeon's certificate.
It's my understanding that at this point in the war, the Army of Tennessee, under the command of Gen Joseph E. Johnston, was fully committed to the Atlanta Campaign. Jackson's Division, commanded by BG William Hicks Jackson, contained several bridages, one of which was Ferguson's Cavalry Brigade, commanded by BG Samuel W. Ferguson. One of the cavalry units assigned to Ferguson was the 56th Alabama.
I am attempting to learn where the 56th was engaged in March of 1864. Specifically, F Company. From the above record, it looks like my ancestor was rushed into battle shortly after enlistment - without even being issued uniforms, then subsequently wounded. (If I'm not reading it correctly, please let me know.)
I'm hoping one of you esteemed researchers may be able to point me to a resource where I can find more details about F Company, 56th Alabama Cavalry during the period of January - November 1864?