Richard..I would suggest get the recent book,"Shelby's March" I think is the title Iv'e seen on the Message Board somewhere which probably will give a more accurate,detailed and interesting account of Shelby's column thru Texas into Mexico.Should give you some clues of your relatives participation.

Richter's the,"Army In Texas During Reconstruction 1865-70" gives conflicting accounts on when the 1st federal troops arrived in San Antonio.Either Aug.-Sep. of 1865.The actual date can be found with diligence.We do know that it was Brevet Major-General Wesley Merritt's Cavalry Division from Shreveport that were 1st in San Antonio.Of course Merritt and Custer were two of Sheridan's favorites.

Sheridan says on June 28th that he told Grant..."That Kirby-Smith's surrender was a swindle because the Texas troops had gone home armed and unrepentant before United States authorities could parole them.He was also disturbed by the exodus of J.O Shelby's Missouri Brigade to Mexico.Sheridan feared French complicity in encouraging more then 2,000 Confederates to flee with heavy equipment(artillery)."

Is probable Shelby had in his column many more then just his Missouri die-hards.It was not exactly known at the time what would be the fate of surrendered soldiers and Confederate Government Civil officials.All with doubts etc. would have fled their collapsing Country and Shelby's column offered security from bandits.