Thanks so much on the information on all of these Howells. I look forward to reading the info on the 19th. I notice that Stephen Howell "He deserted on 8/2/1861 at Camp McDonald, GA". I believe Stephen was only 15 or 16 yrs old at time of enlistment. Would the military let him stay or kick him out? I have read that deserters were killed or branded. I am wondering what did they do with young kids. I have read that later in the war they had reduced the age limit. But dont think they ever lowered it to 15/16 yrs at any time of the war. And if they knew this boy was 15, would they have indeed classified him as a "deserter"? Thanks again for info on these guys, many from the same family.

Chris