John C Rigdon

Historical Sketch and Roster of The Tennessee 17th Cavalry Battalion (Sanders') John C Rigdon

The Tennessee 17th Cavalry Battalion was formed in September, 1862, with three companies: one from Tennessee and two from Mississippi. The unit served in S. W. Ferguson's Brigade in the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana. Later it skirmished in Tennessee. During December, 1864, the battalion merged into the 9th Mississippi Cavalry Regiment. The Mississippi 9th Cavalry Regiment was formed in December, 1864 by consolidating the 17th Mississippi and 17th Tennessee Cavalry Battalions. The unit was assigned to Ferguson's and Wirt Adams' Brigade and served in the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Later it transferred to the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana, and had many captured in the fight at Selma. Only a small number surrendered in May, 1865. Companies of the Tennessee 17th Cavalry Battalion Co. "A". "Confederate Rangers". Organized April 26, 1862 at Memphis. Some individual records show enlistments as early as September 9, 1861. Became Thomas C. Flournoy's Company, 9th Mississippi Cavalry Regiment. Co. "B". "The Chickasaw Mounted Guards". Organized March 20, 1862 at Okolona, Mississippi. Became Company "E", 9th Mississippi Cavalry Regiment. Co. "C", formerly called "B". Organized May 1, 1862 at Aberdeen, Mississippi. Became Company "F", 9th Mississippi Cavalry Regiment. Companies "B" and "C" were illegally mustered into the 12th Mississippi Cavalry Battalion in August 1863, but were ordered returned to Major Sanders by Major General Stephen D. Lee. When they returned to the battalion, their Company letters were reversed.