Stumbled across this thread in my civil war ancestor, hoping someone might be able to help me. My gggrandfather Joseph John Blackledge and his stepson John W. Steelman both enlisted fromn Wayne County, MS, under Col. Robert H. Smith, Capt. Matthew Calvert, on March 26, 1862, with 36th AL Volunteers, Company I. Blackledge died of disease in Mobile, AL in believed to be August. 1862, and then Steelman died of ? on 2/16/1863. I think I have found both soldiers at Confederate Rest, Magnolia Cemetary (both last names being misspelled on their headstones). What I'm trying to figure out is if either was in the hospital in Mobile in August 1862 and Feb. 1863, and if so where those records might be, and if they would provide further information. From the letter below, it appears that there were Captain's Duplicates that were in possession, where might I find those? Thanks for any help in this respect!! Michelle Johnson

Transcription of letter from Phillip Hawkins Napier to John J. McRea from www.footnote.com:

Ellisville, Wayne County, Miss
April 10, A.D. 1863

_______ John J. McRea,

I wish to bring two little matters of some importance to your notice and if possible get you to assist me in having them arranged. The first is our District needs the services of Rev. Claiborne McDonald, who is now a private in ___________ __________ Brigade, 13th Regiment Miss. Vol, Wayne Rifles. I do not know what letter designates his company, but I believe it is A. He is a minister regularly under the stationing (?) authority of the Conference and was engaged on a Circuit when he volunteered and went off with Capt. Eckford in the spring of 1861. Poor fellow he has served now two full years and is willing to come home and preach the rest of his life. Could you not apply to the Secretary of War and get him discharged and sent home? There are so many of our traveling preachers in the army, that our Circuits are but poorly supplied.

The second matter is that I have widow sister whose husband and son – only son – have both died in the army leaving a small amount due there which she very much needs to aid her in supporting her family. Would you not be so good as to collect the ______ the amount and bring it to her when you come home? They enlisted in Capt. Calverts company one year ago, and have served in the 36th Ala Reg. served in that Regiment from its organization up to the time of their death. Her husband died in July or August last, and her son died in February of the present year. To have her little claims collected would cost her something and every dollar is an item with her, as she is very poor. If you would give yourself the trouble to collect these claims you would do a great kindness to a needy woman, and confer a lasting favor on one of your truest friends. I herewith send you the Captain’s Duplicates affidavits ________, which will enable you to present the claims and get the money. Please let me hear from you soon if you have leave.

Yours most respectfully,
P. H. Napier