Took a look at his CSR last night
Waitsel Aldridge(aka Auldridge) Height 5' 4", dark complexion, dark eyes, black hair, age given as 23 in one spot and 19 in another, occupation-farmer. Enlisted by W. D. Jenkins on Sept. 24, 1863 in Carter county for a 3 year term. He is shown as present on the roll for Sept.- Oct., but the reports from then until April of 1864 are not in the record. The next entry shows him as having been promoted to Corporal in the interim.
He is shown as present until August 28th when he is noted as having deserted while at Bean's Station.
The next record indicates he was apparently in the hospital at Camp Nelson, KY-being shown on a list of patients in Nov.-Dec. with the notation he was to recieve no pay.
He apparently returned and was restored to duty on March 9, 1864, by order of Col.Jno. K. Miller, at which time he was transferred from Co. "C" to Co. "J".
Mustered out Sept. 5, 1865

A note in his file dated Jan. 12, 1874 notes "The charge of desertion is removed. He was absent without proper authorization from Aug. 28, 1864 until March 9, 1865".

Makes you wonder how he got out of the desertion charge:-)