Chief, I always strive for accuracy when I talk about the Civil War, which is why I should never rely on my rapidly deteriorating memory. After posting my reply, something in the dim recesses of my mind kept nagging me, so I dug out my research files on Hood's Brigade.

The source of the misinformation regarding the 18th Georgia is Hood's Advance and Retreat. Writing after the war, about events that occurred after he had relinquished command of his old brigade, Hood stated that the 18th Georgia "styled themselves the 3rd Texas."

I had always intended to write a book about the 3rd Arkansas Regiment, so many years ago I made several trips to the Confederate Research Center at Hillsboro, Texas, which is the official archives of Hood's Brigade. The late Col. Harold B. Simpson, the center's director, graciously provided me full access to the archives, and I was privileged to have several meetings with that great man.

Colonel Simpson stated that Hood had erred in attributing the "3rd Texas" moniker to the 18th Georgia. He showed me numerous Civil War and postwar documents which clearly proved that the "3rd Texas" nickname was bestowed by the 1st, 4th and 5th Texas troops upon the 3rd Arkansas. This fact is reinforced by accounts written by members of the 3rd Arkansas which I found in other archives.

Even in the postwar reunions of Hood's Brigade, the speeches and toasts all salute the 3rd Arkansas as the "3rd Texas". Reunion attendees from the 18th Georgia were saluted as members of the 18th Georgia.

Colonel Simpson said that he corrected the error in his books and articles. However, it has since popped up again on a website, so ole Hood is still causing problems 130 years after his death.

Anyway, that's the story as it was explained to me. In future, I promise to consult my files before posting.