Rare preprinted form. Measures 8-3/8" x 10-1/2". Light blue paper. Filled in for Robert D. Hart as "Junior Second Lieutenant of 'Marengo Troop' in the County of Marengo composing a part of the Volunteer Corps of the State of Alabama approved Feb. 24, 1860…" Dated June 27, 1861. Green official seal attached. Hart later would serve in Co. B, 43rd Alabama Infantry.

The Forty-third was organized at Mobile in May, 1862, and went without delay directly to Chattanooga, where it was brigaded under General Leadbetter. At the battle of Chickamauga (September 19th and 20th it fought most valiantly, and its loss was very heavy. It took part in the investment of Knoxville, November 17th to December 4th; was at Bean's Station, December 14, 1863, and wintered in East Tennessee. About this time the brigade was reorganized, and comprised henceforward the Forty-first, Forty-third, Fifty-ninth (a consolidation of Hilliard's Second and Fourth battalions), Sixtieth (a consolidation of Hilliard's First and Third battalions), and the Twenty-third (Stallworth's) battalion of sharpshooters. In May the brigade was sent to Virginia to General Beauregard, to oppose the Federal attempts on the outposts of Richmond. It was hotly engaged at Drewry's bluff, May 12th to 16th; was almost continually in the trenches at Petersburg from June, 1865, till the end; and was fighting gallantly at Appomattox when the flag of truce called the halt which was eternal. It surrendered about 50 men.

Condition is VG with 3 holes from being in a binder along left side, folds, light stain down center. Rare document.