His records show that he had deserted on two occasions prior to March 15, 1863 and returned. Being a 30 year old Farmer, Volunteer, not a Conscript, one could conjecture that he had returned home for his farm chores and returned.

Inasmuch as there are multiple later company bi-monthly reports through February 1865, and he is not mentioned, it is safe to assume that he never returned to duty.

It looks like he had a brother, or perhaps a cousin, also in Company G

Ferdinand Ellis

Residence Stokes County NC; a 28/30 year-old Farmer.
Enlisted on 3/20/1862 at Stokes County, NC as a Private.
On 4/30/1862 he mustered into "G" Co. NC 53rd Infantry
He deserted on 3/15/1863
He was listed as:
* Deserted 12/22/1862 (place not stated)
* Returned 1/30/1863 (place not stated) (Estimated day)
Other Information:
born in Stokes County, NC

Note: There is also in Company G

John C. Ellis

Residence Stokes County NC; 18 years old.
Enlisted on 2/5/1863 at Stokes County, NC as a Private.
On 2/5/1863 he mustered into "G" Co. NC 53rd Infantry
(date and method of discharge not given)
He was listed as:
* Wounded 5/12/1864 Spotsylvania Court House, VA
* Absent 9/1/1864 (place not stated)
* Returned 1/30/1865 (place not stated) (Estimated day)
* POW 4/2/1865 Petersburg, VA
* Confined 4/4/1865 Point Lookout, MD
* Oath of Allegiance 6/12/1865 Point Lookout, MD

Sources used by Historical Data Systems, Inc.:
- North Carolina Troops 1861-65, A Roster