Dismounted Cavalrymen

Horace Randal’s horse soldiers were dismounted in the fall of 1862, only a few months after their organization. A surplus of cavalrymen plus a lack of forage for the animals contributed to the decision to dismount the 28^th Texas along with several other cavalry units. Rather than label themselves as “infantry,” the regiment was now known as the 28^th Texas Cavalry (dismounted). Much to their distress, the unit was never remounted, and the men plodded along as foot soldiers for the remainder of the war. Their fate was ironic in some ways as they were one of the units that made up the often footsore Walker’s Texas Division; this division developed a fine reputation for their marching prowess and was even dubbed “Walker’s Greyhounds” by the enemy.