Sunday April 6th dawned bright and balmy and killing seemed far away. Suddenly around 6 o'clock the massive Confederate Army roared out of the woods and plowed into the enemy camp like "an Alpine avalanche" driving the demoralized Federals before it. As evening settled on the grim battlefield the Dragoons were detailed as part of Braxton Bragg's escort.
By April 8th the situation on the battlefield had changed dramatically. The advantage, gained in blood by the Confederate troops on the 6th had been irretrievably lost. The Confederate Army had failed to destroy its enemy on the 7th and the Federals had retaken the territory they had given up.
From Michael M. Bailey's History of the Prattville Dragoons
Bailey's history of the Prattville Dragoon's first engagement is perhaps prophetic of the final outcome of the great Civil War between the North and the South.
The Dragoons were organized, first in the west front parlor of the home of George L. Smith, then at Alida Hall in the Gin Factory on December 8, 1860. The young ladies of Prattville busied themselves making a beautiful silk flag to present to the departing unit. a farewell ceremony at the old Prattville Academy, Abbie Holt presented the silk flag and Lt. A. Y. Smith made an acceptance speech. Daniel Pratt provided financial backing for the Dragoons. A visiting violinist composed a tune that he named The Prattville Dragoon Light March.
In the county, preparations were also underway. By spring, 1861, Autaugaville formed another unit of volunteers. They were called the Autauga Rifles. In the western section of the county still another unit formed and was named the John Steele Guards. In the northern section, a unit named the Varina Rifles were formed. All the while patriotic meetings abounded throughout old Autauga. |
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