Thursday, April 21, 2011

Prattville Dragoons Departure 1861

Monday April 26 at 6pm at the Prattville Primary School, SCV Camp 1524 will celebrate a Sesquicentennial event of local historical importance, the departure of the Prattville Dragoons in April of 1861.  The following is an excerpt from original member Capt. WF Mims' History of the Dragoons.  An announcement has been placed in the local Prattville Progress newspaper inviting all to attend this meaningful event.

Early in April, 1861, when our community was astir as to the important question of enlisting in some branch of military service in defense of our dear Southland, there appeared in our midst one Samuel D. Oliver, from Robinson Springs, a neighboring town, urging the necessity of organizing a company of cavalry. His endeavors were richly rewarded by a ready response of the best citizens of town and vicinity.

The work of a few days sufficed to secure a sufficient number to form the organization. Naturally there was much excitement. Many not being able to furnish their mounts were greatly discouraged. That great and good man, Daniel Pratt, so well known for deeds of charity and generosity supplied the deficiency at a cost of many hundred dollars.

Our noble women both old and young encouraged the cause by providing articles of comfort in the way of clothing, blankets, etc., their words of encouragement and general interest greatly modified the serious side of the situation. One of their first acts was to make a beautiful silk flag, which was presented to the company by Miss Abbie Holt. This scene occurred at the Academy April, 1861. After these exercises the company took up their march to the Montgomery Fair Grounds where they went into camp.

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