Adruain,

Thank you for your honest answer. I have learned by checking out a number of family Civil War stories that there is a basis in fact of many of them--particularly if they contain detailed information. The stark detail in your story that the seven were summarily executed in Peach Orchard, AR gives me some confidence in the accuracy of what was handed down through the years.

Should I say that your resource is "oral Cato family history" or another branch of your family? If another, which one? Also, may I cite you as my source for the "oral family history"? I am serious about this offer.

Elmer, anything is possible. Without more facts in this case it is difficult to rule anything out. We can conjecture until the cows come home, so I prefer to stick to what few facts I can find. Like my father-in-law is fond of saying "Bruce, you weren't there, so how can you know?"

Bruce Nichols