The soldier responsible for company records would be the the 1st Sergeant or senior NCO present. After the war, records were indexed by U S War Dept clerks. The name listed on most Confederate records is "Jinkins", but War Department clerks who created the two service files for him used the name Jenkins.

Since answers to most of your questions will be found here, let me suggest that you request records from this message board.

Records of Co G, 26th Mississippi Regt report JOJ as a private from his enlistment until 1865 (see notes further on). He enlisted as a private, June 8, 1861. Being sick and unable to serve in the ranks, in December 1861 he went to a hospital at Bowling Green KY. He missed Fort Donelson because he was detailed as a nurse with Johnston's main army.

No records of this man as 1st Sergeant with either the 26th or the 32nd Mississippi Regiment.

Records of Co "K, 32nd Mississippi Regt show him as 3rd Sergeant from April 2, 1862, when the company organized, through the rest of 1862. He returned to the 26th Mississippi as a private before April 1864, and served as a private until appointed Sergeant on Feb 16, 1865. He was captured with much of his command on Hatchers Run VA, Apr 1, 1865, and sent to Point Lookout MD. So your ancestor was with the 32nd Mississippi for much more than a brief period, not returning until some time between August 1863 and April 1864.

The only records of this man as 3rd Sergeant are with the 32nd Mississippi Regt. Maybe you should reconsider which regiment to review. Definitely decide which time period to represent.

Reviewing records of issues to Confederate officers and enlisted men, never seen either sabers or handguns of any kind issued to NCOs. If you have sources which do, please. Revolvers were difficult to come by, some of the better quality weapons came through the blockade.