Captain J.T.Patton* of the 93rd Ohio Infantry, recalled that after the battle of Murfreesboro, General Rosecrans established elite strike force units in the Army of the Cumberland.According to Patton," Three privates were selected from each company,three corporals and two sergeants from each regiment and one officer,elected by the officers of the regiment.I was elected from the 93rd.The several companies from the four regiments of the brigade formed a 'light battalion.'We brought Henry rifles and devoted our time to special drill being relieved from all duty except guard at Corps HQ.The war department countermandedthe order, and we returned to our respective commands."
General Rosecrans General Order No.19 commanded the formation of the light battalions on Feb. 14,1863.
*J.T.Patton,'Personal Recollections of Four Years in Dixie',1892 p.10
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