This book tells the experiences of 85 Confederate Cavalrymen from Texas. It is the story of Company F of the Ninth Texas Cavalry. When they organized near Jefferson, Texas on Valentine's Day, 1861, Texas had not yet voted to secede, Robert E. Lee was an officer in the U.S. Army and Ulysses S. Grant was not in the military, but a horse harness salesman. The Cypress Rangers fought in the Battles of Atlanta, Vicksburg, Nashville, Pea Ridge, Corinth, Indian Territory and many others. They participated in the Holly Springs Raid, capturing 2,000 Union soldiers. They captured and burned a Union gunboat while on patrol in Mississippi. They fought with Generals Earl Van Dorn, Nathan Bedford Forrest and John Bell Hood. Their service ended as members of the famed Sul Ross Texas Brigade. The book includes moving illustrations, letters, and a map of the area of east Texas where the men lived. Historians will enjoy the chapter "After the War" which tells of the leaders and what became of them. Historic sites are listed where the men fought as well as where further research may be done. The author, a research librarian and genealogist, includes a paragraph on each of the eighty-five men from personal interviews of descendants, federal, state and local records, books, periodicals and online sources. Page 130 contains a photo of a reunion of the old men taken about 1900 proudly waving the battle flag they carried as they fought. The author originally issued a shorter version of this work in 1991. Out-of-print for more than 20 years, this 2014 edition contains much information which has become available in the form of letters and books published as well as information from online sources. The extensive bibliography is up-to-date as of publication on January 1, 2014. Those researching family history will appreciate the every name index. This book would be a nice addition to the library of anyone interested in the Civil War or Texas History. - from Amzon