I could not have written this story, of the gallant and indominable Twenty-third Alabama Volunteer Infantry, without the inspriation and assistance of several wonderful people and organizations.

    Mr. R.L. Smith, of Stockton, Alabama, who, with his many entertaining and informative stories about his family’s service with the Regiment, provided the motivation and inspiration for this history.

    My daughter Andrea, who often accompanied me on research trips and helped to uncover facts about the Regiment’s service. I am grateful for her assistance and the hours she spent at the copy machine.

    Most of the research for this history was conducted at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. The immense quantity of historical documents and books and the helpful and knowledgeable staff were an invaluable asset.

    Finally, I could not have completed this work without my wife’s patient support and editorial expertise. I owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude for allowing me to spend innumerable hours at the library or hunched over my computer. All too often, her only view of me during a weekend at home was the back of my head as I stared into the computer monitor.