Eagle Lake, Texas: Centex Press, 2004. 1^st edition. 182 pages. Hardcover with dustjacket; both are in FINE condition.

In August 1861, Mexican War veteran John Wilkins Whitfield organized and equipped an independent Confederate company, the First Texas Legion, one of only two raised in Texas during the Civil War. It took part in over 80 separate battles, campaigns and skirmishes over four states and the Indian Territory. The Legion was combined with the Third, Sixty and Ninth Texas Cavalry regiments to form the Texas Cavalry Brigade. The Brigade then took part in the defense of Vicksburg, the siege of Atlanta, John Bell Hood’s Georgia and Tennessee campaigns and was under Nathan Bedford Forrest’s command on two separate occasions. Despite its distinguished service and rich history, it has been somewhat overlooked. Hatley’s book is the first about this regiment and an important contribution to a “forgotten” Confederate Cavalry command.