FIRST MISSISSIPPI "MINUTE MEN" INFANTRY REGIMENT

    This unit was organized during the spring of 1862, originally at Grenada, but later recruiting from Copiah County, the town of Raymond, Hinds County, city of Jackson, Madison County, Rankin County, Rankin City, Madison City and Attala County.

    As with almost all other Confederate Army units it was known by a variety of alternate designations derived from the names of its commanding officer:

  • Benjamin King's Infantry
  • J. Lawhorn's Infantry
  • B.F. Sutton's Infantry

    The regiment served attached to the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana throughout its career. Only one higher command assignment has been located for the unit:

        May 31, 1863 - First Brigade, Minute Men, Second Military District, Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana.

    Nothing has been found in either official or unofficial sources to prove that the First Mississippi "Minute Men" Infantry ever took part in any engagement of any kind during its career.

    A part of its name was the term "State Troops," which leads one to believe that this was some type of Militia unit or "Home Guard" comprised of men too old or infirm to perform in a regular combat unit. Although it was a regiment, that is, it contained ten companies, it was a small organization, never numbering more than 250 officers and enlisted men.

    In August, 1862 the regiment was encamped at Camp Bruce in Warren County; and in September, 1862 it was at Camp Milldale. After forming at Jackson, the state capitol, in mid-May, 1863, the regiment marched to Yazoo City, about 40 miles to the northwest. There it assisted in guarding the approaches to that place while Union forces under Grant and Sherman were keeping Vicksburg under siege. Shortly before the regiment's term of service expired it was moved to Brandon, in Rankin County. An unofficial report states that the unit was assigned the task of attempting to gather up individuals who had been cut off or deserted from their commands during the Union operations against Vicksburg and Jackson, and assisting them to rejoin their units.

    The First Mississippi Minute Men Infantry was officially released from service prior to November 1, 1863. At least some of its members saw subsequent service in other Mississippi State organizations.

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