James B. Mortimer/Mortimore (the record shows both spellings) enlisted as a private in the "Walker Grays", Co. B, 5th Arkansas Infantry, at Pitman's Ferry, Arkansas, on August 1, 1861. He was subsequently promoted to company first sergeant (also known as orderly sergeant), and was wounded at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, on December 31, 1862. The "Walker Grays" was recruited in St. Francis County, Arkansas, and vicinity.