Where can I find out general information on the rank of 3rd Corporal in the Civil War? Or information on Home Guards, namely in Alabama? Also info on obtaining my ancestor(s)' Civil War military records? My ancestor, David L. Smith (or DL Smith) was from Coosa Co, Alabama, 47 years old, listed as 3rd Corporal at enlistment (7/25/1864), in the Ellis Logan Mounted Regiment (that is presumed to be a Home Guard). He previously served as Lt. in the 68th Regt of the 3rd Brigade, 7th Division of Coosa Co, AL, Commissioned 18 Sep 1840. Was that also a Home Guard? What would have been the function of this Regiment and Brigade prior to the Civil War? Where could I get more information on such? (As a side note: His widow, Mary Ann (Polly) Pody stated he "died in the war" (possibly 1865), but his grave (roughly hand carved/etched) states 1868). Where can I find more detailed information on Alabama Home Guards? I found the following, but it does not tell me any skirmish details or why these men would be "unfit" for regular duty (in a regular Civil War regiment). My ancestor was 47 at enlistment (seemingly would be healthy enough to serve), so could he have been wounded previously from his service in the 68th Regt (between 1840 and 1864)? I have not yet obtained my ancestor's service records. The information I previously found indicates that the National Archives states that Alabama maintains the service records, but Alabama claims they must be obtained from the National Archives. A very confusing situation for someone new to requesting service records . . . Any advice or any way to make that process easier? Any and all info is appreciated. Thanks Briana Felch ________________________________________________________________________ More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - http://webmail.aol.com