1st Florida Special Cavalry Battalion
The 1st Florida Special Cavalry Battalion, nicknamed Cow Cavalry, was a Confederate States Army cavalry unit from Florida during the American Civil War. Commanded by Charles James Munnerlyn; it was organized to protect herds of cattle from Union raiders. The hides and meat from Florida cattle was a critical supply item for the Confederacy.
| 1st Special Cavalry Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Active | April, 1864–1865 |
| Country | Confederate States of America |
| Allegiance | Florida |
| Branch | Confederate States Army |
| Type | Battalion |
| Role | Cavalry |
| Nickname(s) | Cow Cavalry |
| Engagements | American Civil War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | C. J. Munnerlyn |
James McKay wrote to the state of the need to protect Florida cattle after the Battle of Olustee. Eventually a total of nine companies, largely made up of Florida crackers, was organized near Plant City. Some of the companies were based out of Tampa or Fort Myers, taking part in the Battle of Fort Myers. They would drive cattle to Baldwin. John T. Lesley, Francis A. Hendry, and W. B. Henderson were all in the Cow Cavalry. McKay's son, James McKay Jr., was appointed first as Captain of one of the companies and eventually rose to the rank of Major in the unit.