Thanks for your replies.

So, if it was adventure he wanted then he decided he'd had enough of it at Island 10!? I have read some first-hand accounts, mostly reports, diaries, letters from men on the Union side at Island 10. It does sound like it got pretty bad before the surrender. In one of the letters I read, a soldier is writing to his brother with an account of the surrender. He says most of the captured 'said' they were Irish and didn't want to fight anyway. According to the writer, they were just a happy being captured (which I find a little hard to believe). Branum is a very Irish name.

His company (D) in the 12th (CSA) was made up of many Dallas County men, so there may have been some pressure to join as a large group. They called themselves the Holly Springs Targeteers.

He joined the 4th Ark Cavalry (USA), Co. H, in Little Rock. I'm not sure if he was induced by threats or perhaps money. I also read the the union side was doing some very heavy recruiting in that area after they had taken Little Rock. At one point they offered a $300 bounty to 3 year enlistees, instead of the standard $100. I notice the $300 bounty on Moses' records. Maybe he needed the money for his family.

I'm just not sure why they all disappear for so many years. How did these guys 'lie low' and escape censuses, taxes, land records, etc. How many years can you do that? Any info on where Union deserters went?

Does anyone know how to find out what General Order no. 112 (issued in 1864;Arkansas War Dept.- Union I suppose) said? I've found books of General orders but can't find that particular order.