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Major's Comments:
I wish to welcome our new members to the 4th Alabama Infantry Reg. Co. F.
To purchase a musket contact: Regimental Quartermaster at www.regtqm.com These muskets are $425.00 for a single musket, but can be purchased at a discounted price for more than one musket. Contact Major Randy Smith (PSmith2008@aol.com) for more information.
Please check back soon for news on upcoming events and Company News
Confederately Yours, Major Randy Smith
Decatur 2007 After Action Report
September 1, Confederate forces under field command of Col. Randy Smith made contact with U.S. troops at Decatur, Alabama. The U.S. troops had built a strong defense around the First State Bank in downtown Decatur. Confederate troops were hot and tired after the march. The attack at first appeared to have some success. After a back and forth battle. The U.S. commander sent additional troops to the front.The U.S. troops rallied and counter-attacked. After many battle hardened Confederate troops were injured, Confederate troops withdrew from the field with Yankees pursuing. Only by luck was a disaster avoided. Our colors were not captured! Thus ended the first day of combat.
That night after a fine meal supplied by a sutler, the 5th Alabama Regimental band provided music for a dance at the local chapel. Men both blue and gray slipped away to dance with the local women.
September 2, after receiving reinforcements, Col. Smith again started moving the Confederate troops toward the U.S. lines. Col. Smith devised a battle plan to mount a three pronged attack. The 4th Alabama would attack the U.S. left flank with Capt. Owens leading. Dismounted Confederate Cav. attacking the U.S. right flank. Col. Smith would lead the rest of the infantry up the middle. When Col. Smith started moving forward, the Confederates suffered badly at the hands of a desperate U.S. command. Over the works went the Confederate troops. What Federal troops were not killed or captured fled. The South had carried the day!
(Before the first shot was fired, a cannon shot was heard overhead. Eight riders appeared on the field. Four Federal, Four Confederate. No one saw them arrive. No one saw them leave. The people who saw these troops did not know them. The Confederate troopers rode up to the artillery commander and announced that the General was in danger. The artillery commander then directed them to the General. A lady doing water angel duty asked the troopers if they would like a cold drink of water. After giving the troopers water they thanked her and said that they appreciated the cold water. The General directed the four troopers across the field. Anyone know who they are? Ghosts on the battlefield????)
Your obedient servant, Col. Randy Smith
The following is a letter that was recently received by Major Smith from LTC Bill Griswold, who is the commander of the 1-167th Infantry, Alabama Army National Guard (the current 4th Alabama) and following, the Major's response. I think you will all find it very interesting.
Mr. Smith,
My name is LTC Bill Griswold and I am the CDR of the current 4th Alabama, which is the 1-167th IN in the Alabama Army National Guard. To this day we proudly wear the 4th Alabama tab on our uniforms and continue the fine linage of this great unit. I just happened to find your sight while trying to find a 4th Alabama print at 1st Bull Run. I read your history and noticed that you state we surrendered at Appomattox, however that is not true. The 4th Alabama cut their colors up and each member of the unit took a piece home with them and as such we have never surrendered our colors to anyone at anytime. Maybe we can try to get some of our men to come to one of your activities so the old can meet the new. We have a considerable amount of memorabilia for the 4th to include rocks from the Little Round Top at Gettysburg. Just thought you might find it interesting that the unit is alive and well today, with an HHC and A thru D Companies. Look forward to hearing from you.
Bill "Griz" Griswold
NIPR: william.griswold1@us.army.mil
LTC Griswold,
Greetings from the 4th Alabama Company F, Army of Northern Virginia ( Alabama Division of Re-enactors Inc.) It has been an honor to represent such a fine unit as the 4th Alabama at the CW battle re-enactments. By the way, when we formed the unit many years ago, The 167th (4th Alabama Headquarters Company) presented our unit with our Army of Northern Virginia Battle flag. We have not ever surrendered our colors either. On behalf of our unit, we extend to all the men of the real 4th Alabama an invitation to attend any event we shall attend. We would be honored! I look forward to talking with you. If any of your men wish to participate they will be welcomed. We are always looking for men of good character. There are two 4th Alabama web sites The correct one is 4thalabamainfantry.org
Your obedient servant,
Randy Smith
President, 4th Alabama Corporation
Col. Alabama Division of Re-enactors Inc.
Mr. Smith,
My name is LTC Bill Griswold and I am the CDR of the current 4th Alabama, which is the 1-167th IN in the Alabama Army National Guard. To this day we proudly wear the 4th Alabama tab on our uniforms and continue the fine linage of this great unit. I just happened to find your sight while trying to find a 4th Alabama print at 1st Bull Run. I read your history and noticed that you state we surrendered at Appomattox, however that is not true. The 4th Alabama cut their colors up and each member of the unit took a piece home with them and as such we have never surrendered our colors to anyone at anytime. Maybe we can try to get some of our men to come to one of your activities so the old can meet the new. We have a considerable amount of memorabilia for the 4th to include rocks from the Little Round Top at Gettysburg. Just thought you might find it interesting that the unit is alive and well today, with an HHC and A thru D Companies. Look forward to hearing from you.
Bill "Griz" Griswold
NIPR: william.griswold1@us.army.mil
LTC Griswold,
Greetings from the 4th Alabama Company F, Army of Northern Virginia ( Alabama Division of Re-enactors Inc.) It has been an honor to represent such a fine unit as the 4th Alabama at the CW battle re-enactments. By the way, when we formed the unit many years ago, The 167th (4th Alabama Headquarters Company) presented our unit with our Army of Northern Virginia Battle flag. We have not ever surrendered our colors either. On behalf of our unit, we extend to all the men of the real 4th Alabama an invitation to attend any event we shall attend. We would be honored! I look forward to talking with you. If any of your men wish to participate they will be welcomed. We are always looking for men of good character. There are two 4th Alabama web sites The correct one is 4thalabamainfantry.org
Your obedient servant,
Randy Smith
President, 4th Alabama Corporation
Col. Alabama Division of Re-enactors Inc.
