I have been researching the question of conscription over the past few years and its impact on enrollment in Confederate service before and after passage of the Confederate Conscription Act in April 1862.

The State of Louisiana had revised it's State Militia Law on January 23, 1862 (I'm traveling so don't hold me to the date) which required enrolled state service of white male residents (not citizens) 18 to 35 years of age. The entire state militia was re-organized and overhauled as a result of this revised act. However, one still had to have a regular job to put food on the table. And the port of New Orleans was essentially closed by the Union blockade.

The probability of Confederate conscription was being hotly discussed in the newspapers in the spring of 1862, so the alternative of enrollment in the state militia (with no regular job) versus probable conscription into Confederate (national) service at $13 (?) per month plus a $50 enlistment bonus for signing up for three years service may have looked like a good deal.

That still doesn't tell us why Graham's British (English) ancester left wife and children at home to come to North America and fight for the Confederates, but it has to be taken into consideration as background.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!!

Hugh