Thanks for the information regarding John Kelso.

I have seen the cards in his personal file regarding the court martial as well the A.J. Chambers papers. The requests in his files for stationary several times were pretty interesting, too!

I would be interested in knowing why his papers say he was "dropped" from the 2nd Louisiana Inf. in Virginia on April 30, 1862. It seems that at that point, he returned to Louisiana. I don't know if it was at that point that Kelso raised his battery of heavy artillery at his own expense or not. But I do know that by some time in 1862, grandpa Valentine enlisted in it! There is also a note on one of the A.J. Chambers papers that reads "Crescent Artillery La" scratched in at the bottom, and I wonder if this was originally Kelso's battery. I do know that the Crescent Artillery was at Ft. DeRussy.

Since my great great grandfather enlisted is Kelso's battery in 1862 in Avoyelles Parish, I am thinking we can assume he was with Kelso at Ft. Derussy in 1863. Steve Mayeaux's book does not list John Valentine as a POW after the fort fell.

Kelso's Battery "became" the 16th Battn. La Inf. (Confederate Guards Response Battn) and that battalion became part of the Consolidated Crescent regt., that fits in well also. My great great grandfather was mustered into Co. A, Consolidated Crescent Rgt. Kelso also ended up in the Consolidated Crescent regiment!

I'm greatful for your help! If you find out anything else, please let me know!

Lisa

Lisa