Notes of a Private

A private soldier recounts his wartime service with a Tennessee cavalry regiment, describing mustering, camp life, marches and combat across several states. He narrates raids, engagements, and large operations—Davis’ Bridge, Holly Springs, Fort Pillow, Brices’ Cross Roads, the Memphis and Middle Tennessee raids, Hood’s expedition and the Wilson raid to Selma—while outlining the organization and actions of Forrest’s Cavalry Corps. Interspersed are personal sketches of comrades, anecdotes about horses, supply shortages, paroles and the hardships of campaigning, together with reflections on leadership and loyalty. An appendix preserves a farewell address and local memorial material, closing with the author’s retrospective remarks.