The research of this brigade never ceases, and continually grows. Almost daily I receive querries of men and actions. With the 4th on us, I think of these men  who gave their all, many being left in the soil of Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia. Today in Georgia they search the soil for information on the raids of General McCook and General Kilpatrick amd those of the Ross Brigade who fought them. Several reports give Wheeler the laurals from the destructionof McCook's Raid, but I have no doubt that Ross' determination to include capture and continued fighting when released must be remembered. The 9th faught time and again making one detour (maneuver) after another. This and other factors had to be the cause of McCook's decision to try to escape.

During Kilpatrick's raid, again, Ross was in front when a major force went over his line. Though out manned, and probably out gunned, the brigade was broke, but not destroyed. One account has the Brigade tattered, low on ammunition, with only shotguns. But the McCook raid had left them well, with Sharp's carbines and uniforms and boots. Had the two brigades of infantry that were to form behind the Brigade been in place, It is likely that the Kilpatrick raid would have been much like that of McCook.

I wait another book, Sherman's Horsemen by Davis. I understand it is well written and covers thse battles well. I read an excerpt at the Brown's Mill / Newman Battlefield website. It seemed to be an excellent book. I now have about 3 partially read and another batch waiting.

Of course the computer went on the blink. Lost a lot of data, a motem and any desire to ever have an ACER again. Even had to purchase another copy of Office. Not a happy camper!

More late, Have a happy 4th.