Jim,

In regards to the Vicksburg parolees, a huge number did not return to duty when they were suppose to in August and September 1863. This is the case that I have found in my research of not just Georgia troops but also Vaughn's Tennessee Brigade. I believe there are a myriad of reasons and in my book on the 39th Georgia I will need to dedicate an entire chapter to it because of the complexity I see the issue to be.

I do not believe that there was a conspiracy (yet) but I know that the omissions, gaps, etc are great enough that I seriously question the research method. In the 39th Georgia alone, I have found at least two dozen soldiers that were in the CMSR's that were not in Henderson's list. I plan on having a CD to be included with the book that will have data extracted from the CMSR, the pensions (from all the states that I have obtained), 1850 or 1860 Federal Census data, etc. It will be genealogical data that descendants would more than likely be interested in and it will also give a capsule background on soldier and family. It will put a story behind a name and I can tell you they have some real stories.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Respectfully,

Gerald D. Hodge, Jr.
War Between the States Historian
Historian: 39th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment
http://39thgavolinfrgt.homestead.com/39thHomepage.html