Captain Alexander Hamilton Boykin

One of South Carolina’s Distinguished Citizens

By Richard Manning Boykin; 1991, Limited edition reprint (limited to 500 copies); published by J.J. Fox, Camden, SC.; 263pp. + map (laid in), in very good condition. Part of the South Carolina Regimental Series published by J. J. Fox (not to be confused with the South Carolina Regimental Roster Series published by Broadfoot.)

A sketch of one of South Carolina's distinguished citizens written by his grandson, to memorialize his record of service as a well-to-do planter, influential citizen, wise legislator, and brave, patriotic soldier. He raised and equipped a company, the Boykin Rangers, that contained some of the best blood of the Kershaw (SC) District. Arriving in Virginia, in 1861, the “Rangers” would first muster with the South Carolina Brigade of Milledge Bonham, where they would serve as scouts and pickets. In early 1862 they would participate in J.E.B. Stuart’s famous “Ride” around McClellan. With the reorganization of the Confederate Army in 1862 the Rangers would become Company A of the newly formed 2^nd South Carolina Cavalry. At this time Boykin, in failing health, resigned his commission and returned home.

However, in 1865, with Sherman invading his home state, Boykin returned to the colors and found the war literally on his door step.  Two weeks after Lee’s surrender in April, Potters Raid brought Union troops to Camden, South Carolina, and the Ranger’s last battle would be fought at Boykin’s Mill Pond, practically in the yard of Boykin’s Millway Plantation. (The description of this battle covers the last chapter of this volume.)