My GGGrandfather is John Thomas McConniel private 11th Ga Infantry Comp. G July 3, 1861. Deserted at Morristown, Tenn. February 12, 1864. Took oath of allegiance to U. S.Govt. at Office of Provost Marshal General, East Tenn. February 1864.Released at Knoxville, Tenn. in 1864. Do these records still exist and if so where might I go looking for them? I am curious to too why he might have been allowed to simply go home since he didn't have a home at that time. Later he settled in Cumberland Gap TN. Also does anyone know if he would have been eligible to homestead under the 1862 Home Stead law? Thanking you