I toss a general query out on this board every once in a while on Major Henry L. McConnell, a 22-year-old politically-connected Pennsylvanian who served for a time as acting provost marshal for the Department of Missouri in 1862. I'm hoping to tap into every possible primary source, so I'll toss the query out again and include a few interesting tidbits.

McConnell was referred to one or two times in the southern press as being "the upstart tyrant of St. Louis." Attended West Point briefly in late 1850s. Hard hard drinker and ladies man. Crashed a party at the mansion of the very prominent wartime Pennsylvania Governor, A.G. Curtin, became sick, and spent the night. Stole the heart of the governor's teenage daughter, eloped with her a couple of days later. Pennsylvania general assembly afterward enacted special legislation annulling the marriage.

McConnell's regiment was the 10th MSM Cavalry (aka 3rd MSM Cav., New), from which he was detached to serve as PM. He is mentioned in Absalom Grimes' book as well as a number of newspaper articles. He also figures in the John Wilkes Booth saga, having arrested him in 1862, making him take the Oath of Allegiance. Is said to have served on Frank Blair's staff for a time during the Vicksburg Campaign--the only known MSM officer to have ever served so far afield of the state of Missouri. Got yanked back into the state by Governor Gamble, just in time to get shot up at Stony Battery during Marmaduke's Raid and taken prisoner. Had his life saved by Marmaduke after his Confederate captors started making noises about executing him. Marmaduke, who knew McConnell from his days at West Point, then paroled him. McConnell then resigned his commission to become a war-claims agent. Openly supported McClellan in the '64 election. Post-war newspaperman in Kansas and Arkansas. Was neck-deep in the controversy surrounding Powell Clayton, the first carpetbag governor of Arkansas and was consequently called to account before a U.S. Senate investigating committee. Died from the effects of hard drinking in 1875.

Great great story here.... While the primary sources have been scoured, I know there's always something more. I'm looking for any references--anything at all--anyone out there might have on him--obscure or otherwise. Also hoping to find a photo....