For filing purposes in pigeon hole desk stands, these papers were folded many times.
Paper quality was not standard and poor in many cases. Inks over time ran and holes developed in folded corners.
These conditions resulted in documents difficult to read and transcribe correctly when compiled by War Department
clerks some 40 years later.
Ten years ago, I worked on VA paperwork for 77 East Tennessee soldiers buried in the Vicksburg City cemetery. I'd
say names, unit affiliations, etc. were incorrect in at least 10% of the cases. Fortunately, I had a rather detailed
diary which allowed cross checking validations in many cases. In fact my ggrand Uncle, a member of Co. K,
43rd Tennessee was listed in the 48th Tennessee.
Another case is that of the Lockmiller brothers who signed their names as James L miller, Harrison miller, John Miller.
For some reason, this whole family omitted the 'Lock' in their surname signatures. All three brothers, buried in
East Mississippi, Vicksburg, and Point Lookout are buried under the surname Miller.
George Martin