Courage and Devotion

A History of Bankhead's/Scott's Tennessee Battery in the American Civil War

This is a regimental history of a Confederate Battery in the American Civil War. Originally recruited by Smith P. Bankhead in Memphis in 1861 the book gives a breakdown of all of the members of the unit. This case study examines the reasons the men were joined the unit and their background. Although slavery is often a reason for the war, most of the men fought for other reasons as few of them owned any slaves. The book touches on the trials of training and the difficulties of army life. Why men deserted while others fought to the very end is discussed. After the battle of Shiloh, Bankhead was promoted and William L. Scott assumed command. The history of the battery explains the part the men played in the battles and campaigns in the Western theater. When the battery was overrun at Missionary Ridge many of the men continued to fight in other units while others went home. Every man that served in Bankhead/Scott's Battery is described with information about recruitment, occupation, wounded or killed in battle or died of illness or deserted. Four men were still serving when the Army of Tennessee of Tennessee surrendered in April 1865.