Here's some intersting information on Ferds cousin, Gentleman Willis H. Claiborne. First time I've seen the Occupation as Gentleman listed. It's rather obvious this fellow was well educated as attested to by his papers.

George Martin

Claiborne, William [Willis] H., Capt., AADC, AAAG, enlisted, age 24, in Company A, Jeff Davis Mississippi Legion, Cavalry May 18,1861 at Natchez, Mississippi, occupation, A Gentleman, discharged for disability November 25, 1861, spasmodic nervous paralysis, captured and paroled at Vicksburg July 4-5, 1863, 1st Lieutenant and ADC to Colonel Reynolds, recorded as a Captain on the staff of BGen. A. W. Reynolds, Stevenson’s Division on August 15, 1864 with note, not commissioned, since relieved

On July 15, 1863 while on the march to Enterprise, Mississippi following parole at Vicksburg, he makes note that Al Gosh [?] of the Point Coupee Battery offered to take his baggage and Frank [slave servant?] as far as Natchez. [his script is extremely difficult to read]

(Claiborne Papers #151- From Ira Parkers to John Sharpe, 12 August 1928, Folder 26, in the John Sharpe Papers #3592, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)