The companies of the 15th Mississippi assembled at Corinth in the spring of 1861, and were mustered into Confederate service in early June.

[1] The regiment was sent to Kentucky and joined the forces of General Felix Zollicoffer, fighting in the Battle of Camp Wildcat in October.

[1] Following the battle, General George B. Crittenden reported: "The reputation of the Mississippians for heroism was fully sustained by this regiment.

The men re-enlisted for 2 years, command of the regiment passed to Michael Farrell, and Lt. Col. Edward C. Walthall left the 15th to organize the 29th Mississippi Infantry.

[1] Statham's brigade, including the 15th, was posted to Vicksburg, Mississippi to guard the city against advances by Federal gunboats.