Ms . Chandler,

I believe I am one of those who tried to help you last time you were hunting your ancestor. Forgive me if I repeat the information I gave to you earlier.

Here goes: The 33rd Texas Cav was organized in early 1863 when Duff's 14th Texas Cav Battalion was augmented with more troops ( point of reference, the Nueces battle/massacre took place on August 10, 1862, before the 33rd was organized) . Sifakis has the 33rd participating in battles at Point Isabel (5/30/63) , Mier vs Zapata ( 9/2/63), Harrisonburg ( 3/2/64) , and Palmetto/Palmito Ranch ( last battle of the war ; 5/12-13/65) . Col Duff commanded the 33rd . On his staff was one Santos Benavides who served as Major in the 33rd. Later on he was commended by the Texas legislature for his service and was asked to raise a regiment of cavalry for service in west Texas and the Rio Grande border. This regiment became known as Benavides Cavalry Regiment. According to many accounts ( both anglo and hispanic) Col. Santos Benavides was a very gifted leader who did a great service to the Confederacy by guarding the lucrative cotton trade route to Mexico and keeping bandits and Indians at bay along the border . There are accounts that Benavides actually played the key CSA leadership role in some of the battles and skirmishes along the Rio Grande especially at Palmetto/Pamito Ranch ; however, jealousy and perhaps a "touch" of anti-hispanic feelings (fairly common among early Texans, my family was guilty too!!) among the Texas CSA leaders like "RIP" Ford and others never really allowed Benavides to receive the credit for his exploits that many say he deserved . PLEASE, NO DEBATES !!
Any way, let me steer you to a web site that mentions two books on the 33rd that may be helpful to you. Also, let me mention a book by Dr Jerry Thompson called " Vaqueros in Blue and Gray" ( something like that ) . I'm sure he talks about Santos Benavides and the 33rd in the book . Okay , to the website.
Go to Dr Ken Jones wonderful site at www.tarleton.edu/~kjones/txbiblio.htm
That should get you to the Texas CSA unit bibliography section . Then scroll down to cavalry units until you get to the 33rd. You will see two books listed . They're both ancient , so you might have a difficult time finding them for purchase. However, let me suggest you try Guidon Books in Tempe, AZ ; C. Clayton Thompson Books in Boone, NC ; Dumont Books and Maps in Santa Fe, NM ; Treasures of Texas ( www.txbooks.com); or a book search service like ABE. Since I believe you live in Texas, you might also look at local public libraries or college / university libraries.
Also, have you gone to the National Park Service Civil War Soldiers and Sailors website to look up you man on the roster or look at the history summary they may ( or may not)have on the 33rd? Also, spend some time on Ken Jones' web site . He has a lot of info on Texas CSA units .
Also, for more in -depth info on Col James Duff and Col Benavides ( and others ) go to the online version of The Handbook of Texas" . If memeory serves me correctly ( often , it does not !) either Civil War Times or America's Civil War had an articel on the Benavides outfit within the year ( I think) .
Hope this helps. Have a good weekend.
Regards, Craig