Chris,

I came across a corresponce from Captain James H. Neal(19th Georgia Infantry). He mentions 7 deserters from his company; including your ancestor Stephen Howell.

Headquarters 19th Regt. G.V.
Camp Davis Sept. 11th,1861
Capt. James H. Neal Co. B

The deserters are
Patrick Lynch Jr.
James Richardson
James Connor
W.____Norton
C.C. (Lueer?)
{all well known in Atlanta

Stephen Howell-lives in Fulton County 20 miles North of Atlanta
Dan'l McKeowen

I hope you will have them arrested + sent to me.

Those in Atlanta, I 'am informed are boasting of their defiance of
State authority and say that they will not come here.

Captain Neal also mentions that some 325 are on the sick list,only one or two are seriously ill.

Our Regt. is nearly destitute
my company... in need of clothing.
winter clothing for troops

Capt. Neal said about his company (Jackson Guards)"They are Irishmen and they have many friends in this Country to supply
their wants....Many to supply themselves"