Jim --

Let me try to clarify. Brig. Gen. Abram Buford was reassigned and given another command, so Col. Crossland was the senior officer who led the Kentucky brigade during the last campaign. The Kentuckians were first to arrive in front of Wilson's column, fighting against overhwelming numbers from Montevallo to Selma.

Forrest had originally been informed that a major threat was forming against rail connections to Montgomery in the southern third of Alabama. His two cavalry divisions were ordered in that direction. Here's an order from Gen. Taylor concerning movements of both Buford and Forrest:

MERIDIAN, March 23, 1865.
General D. W. ADAMS, Selma or Montevallo:

Armistead reports enemy moving. Direct General Buford to move at once for Greenville via Selma or point where pontoon is. Assist the movement by sending baggage by rail and steam-boat. Forrest will send other troops to concentrate at same point. Communicate with Armistead and dispose troops as movements of the enemy may render advisable. Push forward completion of the pontoon near Selma.

By order:
E. SURGET, Assistant Adjutant-General.

The two cavalry divisions under Chalmers and "Red" Jackson (the latter including Crossland's brigade) were fairly concentrated in camps near the Tombigbee River along the Alabama-Mississippi line. Unfortunately most of the Alabama cavalry units which were directed to report to Gen. Buford remained near Mobile along the Florida line, or in the Tennessee Valley, hopelessly scattered.