Hancock Rebels

Hancock Rebels

   As General A. S. Johnston and General P. G. T. Beauregard were preparing the troops in what Beauregard had named “The Army of The Mississippi” in Corinth, Mississippi for an assault on U. S. Grant’s position at Shiloh, Tennessee a group of south Mississippi farmers and family men were answering the call to arms.  Organized at old Hobolochitto a company of some 100 plus men were organized into what became known as the “Hancock Rebels.”  Sent to Grenada for training and then to Jackson, they were mustered into the Confederate Army as Company C, 38^th Mississippi Infantry.

   The Hancock Rebels were engaged in several battles and conflicts across the state.  Their first taste of battle was at Corinth just before Beauregard pulled his famous night retreat from Corinth.  The only fight the “Rebels” were in outside the state of Mississippi was the battle of Sipsey’s Bridge, Alabama.

   In early 1864, the 38^th Regiment were given horses (the may have been mules) and had the honor of serving under General Nathan Bedford Forrest at the Battle of Harrisburg.

   The 38^th Mississippi Infantry (Mounted) was surrendered on May 14, 1865 at Brewersville, Alabama.  Twenty one of the 100 plus men who enlisted in the Hancock Rebels gave the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the Confederacy.

Historical Marker located at the Mississippi Welcome Center on Interstate 59 north, just south of Picayune, Mississippi.