Many Confederate soldiers were listed as deserters although they served faithfully throughout the war. For example, my great grandfahter Joshua David Coffee was listed as a deserter from the 1st Texas Cavalry, Arizona brigade.He was on detached picket duty when he missed roll call in 1864. He finally reported and was given another chance to complete his service and was placed in the Brush Battalion in Collin County, Texas. He remained with the Brush Battalion until the surrender was signed.

My great, grandfather William E. Gilmer was never officailly furloughed from the 14th Georgia Infantry Regiment at the end of the war. He was a drummer boy and just walked home when the end of the war was apparent.