Carolyn,

Yes, this was the same group. They attacked and burned the courthouse at Elba (Coffee County) in 1863 and engaged in a skirmish there with the local militia. Quite a few of the members of Ward's group actually deserted from both sides during the war. They joined (or were conscripted) into the Confederate services early and the war, but deserted. Then, when the Union army began forming the 1st Florida U.S. Cavalry at Pensacola in 1863, they joined up to collect the cash bounty being paid. Many, however, quickly deserted from the Union side as well and went back to their hideout at Boynton Island on the Choctawhatchee River.

Dale