Yes, I am aware of the need to research J. L. Bledsoe through the regular service records, either through the National Archives or Missouri State Archives. But these routes take terribly too long (from my impatient point of view). I was hoping--and correctly, as it turns out--that you "old hands" at the "Missouri Partisan Rangers" could probably provide me with assistance much faster.

Given the conditions in the brush, constantly pursued by Union forces, the guerrilla bands could not be very large due to the "need for speed." I have long believed that many of the men said to be "members" of Quantrill's band were actually only associated with him. Quantrill himself in his October 1863 report stated that Confederate officers had ridden with him, but not been under his actual command, that summer. Josiah L. Bledsoe was apparently one such officer.

So Bruce, you have my appreciation for your time and assistance in my research. Thank You!

Jim
JAMES D. DREES