Edwin E. Rice, a resident of Galveston Texas, was sworn into the Confederate Army on April 15, 1862. He signed into Captain E. S. Bolling’s Company A of Waul’s Texas Legion.
March 11-April 5, 1863 two Cavalry Companies commanded by Captain Stell's, and Captain Weeks' Of Willis' Battalion served with Waul's Texas Legion at The Battle of Fort Pemberton.
After the battle of Fort Pemberton, 2 companies of Willis' Battalion Texas Cavalry served with Robert Voight’s Infantry Company that remained at that place while the other 11 companies of the Waul's Texas Legion infantry marched off to and defended Vicksburg. The 2 companies of Willis' Battalion Texas Cavalry were commanded by Captain Stell, and Captain Week, were then assigned to Bridge's Cavalry Battalion of Major H. W. Bridges. After the successful defense they were ordered to stay and hold the fort, remaining there with Voight’s Company.