Col. John Ritchie, 2nd IHG, was arrested after his little expedition to Shirley's Ford MO but he was apparently reinstated.

In April 1863, Lt.Col. Schaurte takes command of the 2nd IHG at Ft Gibson and says Ritchie is on detached service in Kansas.

In March 1864, Blunt/Curtis put Ritchie back in command of the 2nd IHG and send him to Mackey's Salt Works (where the Ft Smith-Ft Gibson Road crosses the Illinois River about 10 miles from the mouth).

In Oct. 1864, Ritchie is 'volunteer aide-de-camp' to Curtis in Kansas and is arrested by Maj Gen Pleasonton but released at Curtis' request.

Where was Ritchie in between these dates? Is anyone aware of any biographical information on him? Who were his political connections that kept him from being dismissed from the army?