General George H. Thomas reported for the 1st Division, Army of the Ohio, Woodland KY, Sept. 22, 1862. Evidently he was a straggler and left behind as his regiment marched westward from that point. Chaney has records filed with Co. "B", 9th Alabama Regiment, showing that he was enrolled at Guntersville, Ala., Oct. 1, 1863. When his true command was discovered, he was returned by means of transfer to the 28th Alabama Regiment. Evidently Chaney remained out of service as a deserter from Sept. 22, 1862, until October 1, 1863.

The pioneer corps assignment was strictly a temporary duty to assist with road building or a similar activity.