PDF Spartan Band: Burnett's 13th Texas Cavalry in the Civil War (War and the Southwest) by Thomas Reid in History

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An outstanding read about this fine Texas Cavalry RegimentBy Joe Owen"Spartan Band: Burnett's 13th Texas Cavalry in the Civil War" by Thomas Reid (University of North Texas Press; 2005; 240 pages) is a great read about a fine cavalry regiment from Texas that fought for Texas and the Confederacy during the Civil War. Mr. Reid gathered many sources to write the history of the regiment and many of the details and history of the regiment came from the descendants of the cavalry soldiers that fought in the regiment during the Civil War. The 13th Texas Cavalry Regiment was drawn from eleven counties in East Texas. It was organized in the spring of 1862; but was ordered to dismount once they traveled to Arkansas (quite a common occurrence for many regiments). The regiment then unofficially became a dismounted cavalry regiment. It took a bit but the 13th Regiment eventually became a tough; well-trained regiment that fought gallantly at Lake Providence; Fort De Russy; Mansfield; Pleasant Hill; and Jenkins' Ferry.In the beginning of the war when the regiment was recruiting men to join the Confederate Cavalry; the author noted that some of the soldiers who joined were sympathetic to the Union and deserted quickly to go back home or join Union Regiments. However; this was not a common occurrence. The regiment unfortunately like so many other regiments endured diseases that swept through the regiment because of poor sanitation; poor winter clothing; and other infirmities. This regiment fought in the western theater of the war and during the course of the war; it had seven commanding officers. The first commanding officer was John H. Burnett who was a veteran of the Mexican War and settled in Texas from Georgia. He was elected to the Texas Senate in August of 1861 and as senator introduced bills that integrated Texas fully into the Confederate War effort. Bennett then began recruiting for the regiment and traveled throughout east Texas to recruit soldiers. The regiment also suffered from combat casualties (sometimes few but also in battles such as Mansfield and Pleasant Hill; the regiment lost many). Included also is the roster of the companies of the 13th Texas Cavalry; the soldiers who died on active duty from 1862 to 1865; far too many who died from disease and sickness). Also included is the organization of Walker's Division of April 1864 that the 13th Texas was a part of.This is an excellent book that Mr. Reid has written about the history of the 13th Texas Cavalry Regiments. He obtained much history of the regiment from decedents of the cavalrymen who wrote letters home or told stories about their experiences that have been passed down through generations. This is a highly recommended read to any Civil War scholar; student; or enthusiast who wants to know more about Texas Civil War History; the Civil War in the western theater; Confederate Cavalry History; and the various battles of the western theater. A GREAT READ!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Interesting history of the 13'th Texas CalvaryBy John WatkinsI found this book very interesting and actually found my Great Grandfater listed in the Company B roster. The 13'th Texas Calvary (dismounted) never lost a battle with the Union Army but disease nearly killed half of the original that enlisted.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. The definitive study of the 13th Texas Cavalry RegimentBy Midwest Book ReviewSpartan Band: Burnett's 13th Texas Cavalry In The Civil War by Thomas Reid (History Instructor at Lamar University) is the definitive study of the 13th Texas Cavalry Regiment as it operated during the American Civil War. The result of Reid's meticulous research (letters; diaries; oral histories gleaned from more than one hundred descendants of the soldiers) and positive flair for reader-engaging writing; showcases a Confederate unit drawn from eleven counties in East Texas when it was organized in the spring of 1862 by two Texas Senators -- John H. Burnett and Anderson F. Crawford. Although a calvary unit; the 13th was ordered to dismount after crossing the Red River into Arkansas and fought as infantry until the end of the war; seeing action at Lake Providence; Fort De Russy; Manfield; Pleasant Hill; and Jenkins' Ferry. Disbanded in Hempstead; Texas; in May 1865; the unit was held in high regard and service it in paved the way for several of its troops to secure favor in business and political office. No dedicated Civil War Studies collection can be considered complete without the inclusion of Thomas Reid's Spartan Band!