Jacob,

I have found a W.C. Oates, of Co. C, 2nd Arkansas Infantry Regiment. The offficial roster states this about this individual:

OATES, W.C. Pvt - Enl 9 May 1862 at Marianna, AR. Disch before 30 Jun 1863.

Do you have any indication that Mr. Oates was still with the 2nd Arkansas in July, 1864?

I also found a William Oats who was a Corporal in Co.F of the 1st Bn. of Arkansas Cavalry(Stirman's)

Len