Gary,

His name is David Smart Howell and he first enlisted in July or August 1863 for Dr. JC Smith in either Grayson or Fannin county. He was sworn in to Smith's regiment, Townsend's brigade, second Texas.

From reading his story, he was some kind of scout. In Feb. or March 1864 he joined up with Col Bourland and headquarters at Gainsville.

In March 1865 he was back in Bonham with McCulloch.

I have to say, parts of the story are very funny, while other parts talk about how hard the times were.

Rupert N Richardson went on to become President of Hardin Simmons College.

Jim