Mr. Hodge,
Many thanks. Since posting my query, I did locate him in CWSSS (illustrating the frustration of using that ref, as you note). I also located him in Rockwall, TX, married and a father--and a physician--in the 1880C. (His father was from VA--probably Brunswick county--and relocated to TN where Henry was b. in Wilson cty.) I have no indication that he was ever apptd a Signal Sgt (tantamount to a Warrant Officer, and would have entailed transfer out of the 7th), so assume he "made sgt" in the 7th TN Inf, whether before, during, or after his detail to sig svc.

Thanks, too, for the introduction to your web site. Very commendable objective, a model for others, and I do applaud your "first page" statement!

Dave Gaddy