Thanks Mr. Nicols and Kirby for your detailed respones. I didn't know from my readings that there were independent Confederate units in Mo that were more or less uniformed vs bushwackers and regular Confederate units that conducted raids from Arkansaw. I can see why Union troops would have at best a difficult time seperating the independent Confederate Units from the bushwackers. I have to reread aout Leeper. It is interesting that a Union commander would disgrace and remove a Union officer after the Union forces suffered bitter defeats at Centrallia and baxter Springs not to mention the anger the Union had after the raid of Lawrence. Quantrill and Anderson were never formally expelled from the Confederate Army eventhough if I am not mistaken they both held formal commissions. If Lepper served under the 7th Kan perhaps he would of been forgiven rather quickly.

Thanks Again,
Leonard