[4CJ]

Blam, you give me far more credit than I deserve, there are many Civil War historians on this forum far better than me. I can probably find quotes from Lee praising every Southern state, but according to most historians his "favorite" was the Texas Brigade headed by Hood. It was made up of Texans and troops from various states. Lee was also fond of Major John Pelham (of Alabama) and his men, who rode in Stuart's Horse Artillery.

I'll look for the reference.

[yarddog]

I am not even an amateur historian. I have always been interested in the WBTS and have read a few books on the subject. I absolutley refuse to do any research since coming to dislike (and distrust even original documents) it while in grad school.

Having established my ignorance of the subject, I want to mention one discussion. I met a group of reinactors from a group in Georgia called the "Appling Grays" They were making a demonstration of a Confederate camp at school. These guys definitely knew their history.

During the conversation, I mentioned that I had ancestors in the First Florida, 18th Alabama, and another Florida outfit called "Laird's Rangers". I told them that I suspected the First Florida may not have seen much action, and was told that to the contrary, they were in nearly every major battle.

One of them told me that Lee considered the First Florida as shock troops. Maybe he was just being generous but would like to know the facts.