For now, my research on John Highley formerly of Co. E 2nd Missouri Confederate Cavalry & the MSG is completed with the book: "Civil War Mysteries Solved: The Murder of William Pickles and the Prairie du Rocher Raid". It is available through Camp Pope Publishing. It has long been known that Highley was killed at Prairie du Rocher, Illinois April 6 1864 by a squad of soldiers led by Capt. H. B. Milks 3rd M.S.M. Cavalry---see Official Records Series I Vol. 34 Part 1 Reports pg. 875---but only recently discovered why Capt. Milks went there to retrieve him---Highley being killed instead. It is now known that Highley killed William Pickles August 11, 1861 in Ste. Geneveive Co., Missouri; was tried, convicted and sentenced to be hanged. Released by mistake, the account of all is told in the above book. Those who have traveled Southeast Missouri know that the Pickles Conservation Area in western Ste. Genevieve County is situated on land once owned by the miller, William Pickles. Until now, never was there known to be the connection between Pickles & John Highley. I hope all enjoy my research.