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Swann's Battalion of Virginia Cavalry
Flag of Virginia, 1861
Active	December 28, 1864 – April 12, 1865
Disbanded	1865
Allegiance	Confederate States of America
Role	Infantry
Nickname	Swann's Battalion
Engagements	American Civil War 1864: Stoneman's 1864 Raid, Rosser's Raid on Beverly
Commanders
Lt. Colonel	Thomas B. Swann

Swann's Battalion of Virginia Cavalry was a unit of the Confederate States Army organized on December 28, 1864, by Special Order #130 with six companies, increased to seven on January 19, 1865, and recruited in West Virginia and Virginia. It was commanded by Lt. Col. Thomas B. Swann. The battalion was disbanded on April 12, 1865 by Brig. Gen. John Echols at Christiansburg, Va.

Organization

Thomas Belt Swann was a lawyer in Charleston at the time of Virginia's secession. Like many western Virginians he was opposed to secession but sided with his state when the war began. He formed a company of volunteers which became Co. F of the 22nd Virginia Infantry, called the Elk River Tigers and sometimes the Charleston Sharpshooters. They participated in the early battles in western Virginia, such as Scary Creek and Carnifex Ferry. After the regiment was reorganized in 1862 he left and volunteered on the staff of Henry Heth, and became a Lt. Col. in the 1st Virginia State Line regiment until that unit was disbanded on March 1, 1863.

Companies of Swann's Battalion of Virginia Cavalry

Company	Name	History
?	Capt. P.M. Carpenter's Co.	Originally a guerrilla company organized by Capt. Carpenter on Feb. 1, 1864, it was accepted into Confederate service Nov. 1, 1864. The men were mostly from Logan, Cabell and Boone counties. Officers were Peter M. Carpenter, Capt; B.F. Butcher, 1st Lt.; T.G. McConaha, 2nd Lt.; D. Workman, 2nd Lt.
?	Capt. William J. Sweeney's Co.	This company enlisted for the war on Nov. 1, 1864, and was raised behind enemy lines from non-conscripts. It was raised primarily in Wyoming County and adjaccent counties. Officers were William J. Sweeney, Capt.; A.L. Goad, 1st Lt.; Richard Nowlen, 2nd Lt.
?	Capt. John Henry Tabler's Co.	Formerly Co. H, 37th BattalionVirginia Cavalry, which was assigned as an unattached company to this battalion and authorized to be divided into two companies, one of which became Vaughn's Co. Officers were John Henry Tabler, Capt.
D	Capt. Jonathan Lilly's Co.	This company was enlisted for the war on Nov. 25, 1864 specifically for this battalion. Raised in Mercer County many of its members were deserters from the 23rd Battalion of Virginia Infantry. Officers were Jonathan Lilly, Capt.; Michael Hale, Ist. Lt.; William R. Houchums, 2nd Lt. This is the only company for which a letter designation is known.
?	Capt. H.B. Vaughn's Co.	Organized Jan. 19, 1865, with commissions dated from Jan. 1, 1865. Officers were H.B. Vaughn, Capt.; Mosher Tabler, Ist. Lt.; John N. Tabler, 2nd Lt.; Garland Hale, 2nd Lt.
?	Capt. Elias Vincent's Co.	This company was enlisted on Nov. 1, 1864, and organized in Wayne County Parole and muster records for 65 are in the compiled service redords. Officers were Elias Vincent, Capt.; John L. Hanley, 1st Lt.; William Alvis, 2nd Lt.; William Mitchell, 2nd Lt.
?	Capt. William B. Watkins' Co.	Enlisted on Oct. 14, 1864, for the war. Additionally 20 men were transferred from Co. H, #7th Battalion Virginia Cavalry. Muster and parole records for 68 men from this company have been found. Officers were William B. Watkins, Capt.; C.L. Peck, 1st Lt.