The 'book' notes that the unit was created in September 1861. From my understanding this unit fought all over the place, near the Mississippi River, Northern Virginia and Louisiana. From my reading, they appear to have been at or near Appomatox, but never surrended there. It supposedly went back to Louisiana and surrendered there in late July 1865.
The CWSS shows a James Borge from Louisiana that was in the Borge's Company, Louisiana Militia (Garnet Rangers). From my research on this guy (and comments on this topic) the unit only existed for a couple of months (October/November 1861), when it appears to have been disbanded (November 1861) and he and some of the men joined a New Orleans militia unit, the Long Rifles of the Regiment of Cazadores d'Espanola in December of 1861. This unit never was activated by Louisiana for state defense, from what I have found. He show up no where else, but there is a James Borge in the Pointe Coupee Artillery, from Louisiana. Am trying to find out if this is the same guy.
Lt. Gen. Richard Taylor on May 4, 1865 surrendered the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana. Lt. Gen. E. Kirby Smith on May 26, 1865 surrendered the Trans-Mississippi Department. So the unit appears to have fought for a couple of months after the surrender of the 'commander.' According to the book, they were captured after a fight with union troops on July 22, 1865 at a place call 'Laddy Falls.' Appearently in Louisiana. Would not have made them a 'criminal' and subject to arrest/trial/confinment?
Also, it is my understanding that Partisan Rangers never left their home state, correct?. Partisan Rangers were allowed by the Partisan Rangers Act of April 21, 1862. Which is 5 months after the creation of this unit. On February 17, 1864 the Partisan Ranger Act was repealed, except for two specified units - Mosby's group and MaNeil's Rangers. Would seem to me that such a group would have been either been incorporated into the 'regular army' or told to go home.
From what I have read and researched, I got a feeling that this was a 'made up' history by the author using these units (Garnet Rangers/Long Rifles [which really existed, at least for a short time]) as a basis for the book, so as to impress his friends as to his military exploits. The book is titled 'Rebuilding My Home an autobiography by Captain James Borge.' I previously left a comment on the Louisiana and Books forums, but have not gotten a response.
Anyone got a better handle on this? Fake History, Real History? Methinks it is made up history using real units and activities.
JIM Tebbetts