One of the most elusive Missouri Confederate units was a battery commanded by Capt. Jason H. Hunter. Mention is made of the battery in Gen. Jeff Thompson's memoir, and it is listed as a unit in a Federal government publication. However, little is known of its history, engagements, etc.

While researching the records of an ancestor (of sorts), I found the follwing letter, which sheds just a very small light on the battery.

Demopolis, Ala. Sept. 17th 1863

I have the honor to request that I be permanently assigned to Co. G 1st Missouri Regt of Infantry, retaining my present rank as First Lieutenant. My reasons for making that request are as follows:

It has been over six months since I have been with my command owing to my having been captured by the enemy in the Trans Mississippi Department, and being delivered at City Point on exchange. I have found it impossible to rejoin my command.

I have learned from a reliable source that since my capture Hunter’s Mo. Battery of which I was First Lieutenant has been completely decimated, the greater portion of the men have been either killed, wounded or captured, one of the guns having fallen into the hands of the enemy, and the other having been disabled. Captain Hunter has accepted a position as regimental Quarter Master and I remain in this Department without a command, and having no immediate prospect of crossing the Mississippi River to rejoin my men, and being anxious to be assigned to active duty I have been induced to make this request.

Trusting that this communication will be met with immediate action, as the 1st Missouri Regt has just been exchanged, and will soon be in active service,

I am Sir
Your obedient Servant
John G. Brevard
1st Lieut Hunter’s Missouri Battery

If anyone should have additional information on this obscure unit, kindly post it on this board.

I am beginning to think that Hunter's Battery, or at least a remnant of it, became the 13th Missouri Light Battery (Griswold's).