Well he enlisted in 1861 which shows he was fairly supportive of the cause OR he bowed to the pressure of community and enlisted since men who stayed home were labeled as shirkers, OR he wanted the adventure.

Many men of the 12th Ark and also 11th Ark who were with them early on became very disgruntled with their first 9-12 months of service. There were quite a few who escaped from Island 10 and didn't rejoin the unit, and some eventually make their way into Union units in Arkansas. However, even though they were in US untis does not mean they neccesarily supported that side either shown by quick desertion once enlisted. He probably stayed low after leaving so he wouldn't be captured. After that who knows?

I find a JOhn Baldwin and wife Martha living in Montgomery Co in 18170, was that the bro in law and sister in law? Good luck, this one is a tough one!