The Tennessee in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Deserters and Re-enlistment

Jamie,

I am on storm duty in Florida and do not have access to my hard file. I became intrigued about the number of soldiers listed as "deserters" on the military records. I found that Pvt. Andrew Jackson Gardner, Co. A Weller's Light Artillary, was captured at Ft. Henry and took the oath at Alton, Il. on 16 March 1862. He enlisted in DeMoss's 10th TN. Cavalry CSA in December 1862. The record alternately lists his name as J.A. Gardner and A.J. Gardner. He was originally from Stewart County and he re-enlisted in a nearby county. Stewart County was of course, occupied in 1862. My cousin did extensive census research to be reasonably certain that we were studying the same man. Gardner was never listed as a deserter, but that still sheds some light on how easy it is to lose track of a military record. Had Gardner been captured again, he may have been summarily executed for having taken the oath. Deserters who re-enlisted may have motives to conceal their identity. And where would a man go to enlist or re-enlist when his home county is garrisoned by enemy troops? Hope this helps someone.

Joe

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Deserters and Re-enlistment
Re: Deserters and Re-enlistment
Re: Deserters and Re-enlistment
Re: Deserters and Re-enlistment
Re: Deserters and Re-enlistment
Re: Deserters and Re-enlistment