David Castleberry did indeed previously serve in the Confederate army. He enlisted in Tumlinson's Cavalry Company at Waldron, Arkansas, on July 4, 1862; and was mustered into Confederate service at Big Creek, Arkansas, July 20, 1862, for three years or the war. Tumlinson's company was merged into (new) Co. K, 39th Arkansas Infantry, on December 16, 1862, in the reorganization following the battle of Prairie Grove. David Castleberry was reported absent without leave on June 10, 1863, and never returned to the regiment. He subsequently enlisted in Co. E, 3rd Arkansas Cavalry, U.S. Volunteers.