Thanks again, Craig, for clearing up a number of things. I did know he was promoted to 1st Lt. after entering service in that unit as a 2nd Lt. Oddly enough, I don't know how old he was as I haven't been able to discern his birth year. He was no youngster, however, as (according to his obit) he had served in the Texas Rangers naar the time Texas entered the Union and he also served in the Mexican War. Even the obit did not mention his age but assuming he was 20 in 1846, by the start of CW he would have been 35. Not sure how much of a factor age would have been in being given a commission but I suppose that was at least a part of the equation. I have written to the Texas State Archives and Libary Commission to check on pension records and also any records they may have of his years at the Confederate Soldier's Home in Austin where he died. Hope to hear soon. In the interim, I'll endeavor to get his service records and then I should have a much clearer picture of the old guy. Seems like every question that gets answered uncovers a couple more that beg for your attention! Thanks again for the history lesson.