Hello Arthur!

This is the same message I posted in reply to your post on the other message board, but thought it might be of interest on this one too. Thanks for the additional suggestion of Louisiana State Land Office records. They sound like a great resource.

I have your wonderful book and I highly recommend it to anyone researching his or her Louisiana Confederate ancestors. (I purchased my copy at Barnes and Noble bookstore, but I'm sure it can be purchased through other major booksellers as well.)

Thank you for the suggestions too. I did briefly look into the Caddo Confederate pension records at the Shreve Memorial Library recently, but plan to go back as soon as possible. I will have to research the microfilmed Compiled Military Service Records as you suggested, which I didn't know about before reading the introduction in your book, so again thanks. I also hope to find the resources you listed in your bibliography regarding the 27th. And of course I plan to research the newspaper archives for articles written during the war. There may be obituaries if nothing else.

I know the chances are slim but I'm really hoping to get some personal stories from descendants of some of the Caddo Confederates. That was my purpose for posting on the message boards. I've had some success in the past on other topics.

My short-term goal is to put together an account for family. Some of our ancestors arrived in Louisiana as early as the 1850s and we had a few men who were here to serve Louisiana in the CSA; in particular the 27th and 25th regiments. But, if I'm able to collect enough information specific to the Caddo Confederates, or Co. I, 27th Infantry, I may be able to put it all together in a book for other researchers as well.

I believe an account that includes all the facts but reads like an historical novel would be very enjoyable. With the excitement of being mustered into a company, the anticipation during the trip to Camp Moore from Shreveport, the anxiety and trials of camp life, surviving diseases--or not, being moved north to Vicksburg, first the picket duty, then the long days and nights of battle, losing comrades due to disease or destruction during the siege, while going hungry due to limited rations and being completely exposed to the Mississippi summer heat and humidity. Next the feelings of betrayal and great emotional disappointment of the surrender accompanied with the undeniable physical relief, followed by the humiliation of surrendering your arms to an enemy who did not defeat you in battle. Being a P.O.W. however briefly, being paroled or furloughed for the long journey home and then being reunited in Alexandria or Clinton, just to be surrendered again and finally sent home defeated, but never truly defeated in battle. The emotional turmoil and physical stress must have been almost unbearable and certainly it was for many. But it would make a great story!

Again, thanks for responding to my posts and for your wonderful suggestions. I truly admire your book. Diana Ware