On Dec. 27, 1861, Alexander McKinstry of Mobile, Alabama wrote the Confederate States War Department requesting authority to raise a regiment.

His offer to Secretary of War James Seddon included a proposal to arm each enlisted man in his regiment with a Bowie knife and a pike.

As an officer of militia, on Feb. 18, 1862, McKinstry purchased 854 uniform jackets and pants, 677 pair of shoes, plus shirts, great coats and flannel drawers.

The Confederate Government later reimbursed the state for this clothing, suggesting that officers and men of McKinstry's 32nd Alabama Infantry Regiment receive it.

The regiment entered Confederate service at Camp Goodwin, near Mobile, Alabama, Apr.