McGregor's 2nd Btty.

Official Confederate records and other documentary sources list William Morrell McGregor as commander of the 2nd Stuart Horse Artillery Battery from November, 1862 to early 1865. None of Stuart's battery commanders could match that record of service. It was truly -McGregor's Battery.

On June 4, 1861, 21-year-old McGregor, a lawyer from Talladega, Alabama, enlisted as a private and served with Company E, 10th Alabama Infantry Regiment until transferred to J.E.B. Stuart's Horse Artillery December 20, 1861 at Darnsville, Virginia. At that time and early in 1862, the Horse Artillery was in the Cavalry Brigade, Reserve Division under G.W.Smith in T. J. Jackson's command. It was called simply, Stuart Horse Artillery with six guns commanded by handsome young Captain John Pelham.

In April, 1862 the unit was detached from the Reserve Artillery and placed in its own category as Stuart's Cavalry Brigade, called Pelham's Horse Battery; it listed eight guns and 1,289 men. This was the first in a series of changes in organization of Stuart's Artillery Battalion which continued throughout the war.

By 1862 Stuart's Cavalry Brigade had two batteries, Stuart's horse Artillery commanded by Pelham and Chew's Battery commanded by Captain R. Preston Chew. In November, the dashing cavalry chieftain had five batteries, and after some shuffling of commanders, the name McGregor appeared in charge of the new 2nd Stuart Horse Artillery.

From this period to War's end, McGregor retained command of the 2nd until he was given his own battalion. A Biographical sketch stated "because of his gallantry and courage noted by his officers, promotion speedily followed." He moved through the ranks, ultimately becoming major. In March, 1865 final reorganization resulted in five artillery battalions; McGregor was given command of the second, consisting of two batteries which with, it is believed, three three-inch guns.

Thus, William McGregor, in less than four years, rose from private to major commanding an artillery battalion-a decimated battalion, but a battalion nonetheless. He fought in all major and most minor engagements involving Stuart's artillery. Doubtless, the toll on Confederate artillerymen had much to do with his meteoric rise. But, while not as flamboyant as Pelham or Pegram, he evinced skill and courage to match them-and a measure of luck, too.

While he received wounds causing him to limp for the rest of his life, he was still full of fight when Lee surrendered. Parole lists at Appomattox do not include any of McGregor's command; it is believed he joined General Johnston with a large detachment of horse artillery under Col. Chew who escaped with Rosser's Cavalry Division and reported to Greensboro, North Carolina April 30, 1865. however, the unit was not permitted to engage in hostilities against Sherman for it was felt it was an integral part of Lee's army and, therefore, considered surrendered. McGregor's unit was later paroled with Johnston's troops.

Home|Member Profiles|Team Info
Team History|Pics|Links

For questions or comments about this web site contact the Web Master