Alabama 21st Infantry Regiment

HISTORICAL NOTES:
The Twenty-first was mustered into service Oct. 13, 1861, at Mobile, and remained at Hall's Mill and Fort Gaines till ordered to Fort Pillow in March 1862. It remained there a few days, then moved to Corinth, where it was brigaded under Gen. Gladden. The regiment took part in the battle of Shiloh, where it lost six color-bearers in succession, and 200 killed and wounded out of about 650 engaged and was complimented in general orders. On the return to Corinth, the regiment was reorganized, and extended their enlistment from one year to "for the war." The Twenty-first was at Farmington, but its casualties were few. In the summer the regiment was ordered to Mobile, and was on garrison duty at Fort Morgan, and at Oven and Chocta Bluffs.* It was at Pollard a short time under Gen. Cantey, but was then ordered to the defenses of Mobile. Two companies were stationed at Fort Powell, where, with a loss of one killed, they withstood a bombardment of a fortnight from five gun-boats and six mortar-boats which attempted to force an entrance through Grant's Pass. Six companies of the regiment were captured at Fort Gaines, and two at Fort Morgan; but the two at Fort Powell blew up and evacuated the post. The men captured at Fort Gaines were exchanged, the others were not. The remainder of the regiment were part of the garrison of Spanish Fort, where it lost about 10 killed and 25 wounded. The Twenty-first was surrendered at Cuba, in Sumter, May 6, 1865, about 250 strong. It is but just to say that the Twenty-first was composed largely of artisans from Mobile, many of whom were detached to assist in the various government works. Previous Page OFFICERS:
Colonels:
James Crawford (Mobile; resigned, 30 April 1862); Charles D. Anderson (Mobile; captured, Fort Gaines);
Lt. Cols.
Andrew J. Ingersoll (Mobile; resigned, 27 March 1862); Stewart W. Cayce (Mobile; resigned, 19 may 1862); Charles Somerville Stewart (Mobile; KIA, Fort Morgan, 30 April 1863); James Madison Williams (Mobile);
Majors
Frederick Stewart (Mobile; resigned, 31 March 1862); James Madison Williams (promoted); Charles B. Johnston (Mobile; took oath of allegiance to US, 27 Dec 1864)
Adjutants
Stewart W. Cayce (promoted); James M. Williams (transferred to line); George Vidmer (Mobile; wounded, Spanish Fort); Charles LeB. Collins (temporary); and Gideon M. Parker
ASSIGNMENTS:
Brigaded under Gen'l Adley Gladden
Gen'l James Cantey
SERVICE:
Shiloh
Farmington
Fort Powell
Fort Gaines
Fort Morgan
Fort Powell
Spanish Fort
ROSTER:
The roster of this regiment contains the names of 2503 men.

A. Washington Light Infantry

B. Montgomery Guards

C. Marengo Rifles/Witherspoon Guards

D. Mobile Battle Guards

E. Mobile Chamberlain Guards/ Woodruff Guards

F. Baldwin Rifles

G. Spanish Guards/Southern Star Guards/Swanson Guards

H. Swanson Guards/French Guards

I. United Rangers/Independence Guards

SOURCE:
Brewer, William Brief Historical Sketches of Military Organizations Raised in Alabama During the Civil War
BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Rigdon, John C. A Guide to Alabama Civil War Research, Cartersville, GA: Eastern Digital Resources, 2011.