Francis L. Cramer was from Page County, Iowa when he mustered into service on 26 April 1862 at the age of 26. He served as 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant, and Adjutant of the 1st Nebraska Cavalry until he was discharged for promotion as Major of the 1st Alabama Cavalry on 24 October 1863.
During Sherman's March to the Sea, Major Cramer's 1st Alabama regiment was a member of the 3rd Cavalry Division (commanded by Brevetted Major General Hugh J. Kilpatrick), 3rd Brigade (commanded by Colonel George E. Spencer).
On March 10, 1865, Lieutenant General Wade Hampton and his Confederate forces attacked the Union forces at dawn in their camp at Monroe's Crossroads. The battle would eventually be regarded as one of the largest all-cavalry engagements of the Civil War.
The Union casualties at Monroe's Crossroads were 18 killed, 70 wounded, and 105 missing.
Among the killed and wounded were some of the best officers of the command. The 1st Alabama Cavalry lost eight officers, including both of its field officers, Major Cramer being both wounded and a prisoner.
Major Cramer would later return to service and eventually achieved the rank of Brevetted Brigadier General, U.S. Volunteers.
Service records compiled by Glenda Todd and used with her permission. This and other information about the history of the First and the men who fought with the unit
can be found in her book, First Alabama Cavalry, USA: Homage to Patriotism.