Thanks for the intriguing info and extended reply. Naturally, as a Confederate descendant, I would hope that not one CS soldier deserted after Vicksburg. However, as someone who has always asked that the whole truth (and nothing but the truth) be told about the South, the causes for the war, etc., I am perfectly willing (nay, constrained!) to accept whatever the truth is about the less-than-noble aspects of the Southern war effort, including desertion. So, I look forward to more posts like yours (and, perhaps, Gerald's), eager to learn more. (And, of course, the general subject of desertion throughout the war -- North and South -- could fill its own discussion board! Thanks, again! -- Jim Huffman, 43rd MS (GGG-grandson of five CS deserters** and nine CS non-deserters!) [**One of whom wase so shot up that he could not continue in service.]