Mike T. is correct - the surname appears in the Compiled Military Service Records as WHETSTONE. Jacob went AWOL with Lieutenant Eugene L. Polk on 17 JUL 1863 during the retreat from Jackson, Mississippi. From that point until his final parole in June 1865, there was no indication of what he did. I am visiting family in Richmond, Virginia and away from my hard copy files which might contain more family related information on this soldier.

Vienna, Louisiana served as many things during the war. One of its functions after July 1863 was to serve as a parole camp or collection center to which the Vicksburg parolees reported to be ready for an exchange declaration. Jacob WHETSTONE was obviously trying to blend in with the "separated from his command east of the river" story. Perhaps he did get rounded up by a conscript parole while at home and his "reporting" was not exactly voluntary.

An interesting find! Thank you!

Hugh