James Henry MATHEWS served in "The City Guards" a company of the NInth Alabama Militia (home guard). He served as a mounted courier. He was taken prisoner in the Battle of Selma on sunday April 22, 1861. He was taken to a prison camp near Selma. He died on the day of his release from a "muskmelon" being set off in the midst of the 2, 700 prisoners being released. I do not know of any rank other than private. Any help with my gggrandfather would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mary Jo Moore The Woodlands, TX