A Brief History of the 20th Texas Cavalry

by Justin M. Sanders

Co A (later G), Capt John Bussy, Anderson County
Co B (later D), Capt Francis M. Martin, Navarro County
Co C (later C), Capt John Randolph Johnson, Kaufman County
Co D (later E), Capt Thomas Phillips Andews, Kaufman County
Co E (later F), Capt Jeremiah Warren, Henderson County
Co F (later H), Capt Horatio G. Bruce, Johnson County
Co G (later A), Capt Benjamin D. McKie, Navarro County
Co H (later B), Capt Harwell H. Malloy, Navarro County
Co I (later I), Capt R.S. Barber, Limestone and Navarro Counties
Co K (later K), Capt M. McGee, Limestone County

From April to mid-July 1862, the regiment was at Camp McCulloch near Tyler, TX.  While in Tyler, in July, the regiment was reorganized under the Confederate conscription acts-- many men over the age of 35 were discharged, and the companies were re-lettered (so that, for example, Capt Bussy's Co A became Co G).  In late August 1862, Capt B.D. McKie's Co A (originally Co G), was detached from the regiment, and it never again served with the 20th Texas Cavalry.

     In September, 1862, the 20th went to Arkansas where it fought in numerous skirmishes north of Fayetteville.  Among these skirmishes were Cassville, MO 21 Sep 1862, Elkhorn, AR 16 Oct 1862, and Cross Hollows, AR 18 Oct and 28 Oct 1862.  About the first of November, the regiment was dismounted and served the remainder of the war as infantry. The 20th Texas Dismounted Cavalry was present the battle of Prairie Grove, AR 7 Dec 1862, but it was part of a brigade that served as the Confederate reserves, and it appears not to have actually been in action in the battle. From January to June, 1863, the regiment served post duty at Ft. Smith, AR.

     In July 1863, the regiment was sent to the Indian Territory where it played a major role in the battle of Honey Springs on 17 July.  After Honey Springs, the troops of the 20th served as post soldiers for Ft. Washita (near present Durant, OK) and Boggy Depot (near present Atoka, OK). In March, 1864 the 20th was reorganized from an eight company regiment to a four company battalion under the command of Maj. John R. Johnson.  Companies C and D were at Ft. Washita under Maj. Johnson, Co. B was at Doaksville (near Ft. Towson), and Co. A was at Boggy Depot.

     The 20th Texas Dismounted Cavalry Battalion was sent to Richmond (Ft. Bend county), TX about the first of April 1865.  It served at Sandy Point Station in Brazoria county until the battalion broke up in late May 1865 shortly before the surrender of the Trans-Mississippi Department.