I have a letter written to Col. S. S. Anderson by my GGG-grandfather, Joseph Abner Collins, from Little Rock, Arkansas, dated Oct. 4, 1862, signed "J.A. Collins, Private Cap Washington Co., Detailed carpenter." I'm trying to find out what unit he was in and locate his records or learn anything about his military service that I can. I checked the National Park Service Web site, but I couldn't find either J.A. Collins or S.S. Anderson listed among the soldiers.

The letter reads as follows:

"Col: Having received word from my home in [Monroe?] County that the enemy had visited my place and taken off all my meat and left my family entirely destitute, I desire a furlough for twenty days in order that I may go and make some arrangements to keep my family from suffering. I was entitled to a furlough for thirty days, being an old soldier, but not deeming it necessary to go home then, I remained on duty. I now think it necessary for me to be at home and respectfully ask that the furlough be granted.

To Col. S.S. Anderson

AA Gen'l"

2nd page shows that his request was approved Oct. 5, 1862, in Little Rock, by a captain whose name I can't make out for sure; it looks like JW (something) Peay."

I'm curious what the term "old soldier" would have meant in this context, and would be thrilled to learn anything else anyone might offer, primarily any suggestions as to where I could find his military record.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Linda Zinn