Carlton: Yes, I believe we have collectively established that William was in the other 2nd Partisan Ranger group. I really appreciate everyone's input, as it resolved that issue for me, as nearly as I can tell. It really adds to research complications when so many units have similar or exactly the same names, and is compounded even more when the engagements they are in are equally similar. Both of those 2nd Texas Partisan Ranger units seem to have been in the same places, ie, mostly action in the Red River Campaign (wow, I feel so enlightened talking like this..)exactly the ones mentioned in great grandfather's obituary. They were probably all sent there! So do you think he was there with the 34th Texas Cavalry, or Waller's Division, Tom Green's Brigade, or would that be the same thing? He is bound and determined to give me fits! I have had great luck with my other CSA ancestors (thanks to diligent pounding of the keyboard as well as Matthew Parker and his Thomas Legion site), but I get worn out chasing William so I take a break, but I always come back to him, because he is "unfinished business" in the compilation of the family history for the grandkids. If you have anyone in the civil war from Western NC, you must visit the Thomas' Legion site (thomasegion.net), as it is really getting huge, and has lots of interesting reading.Lots of historically documented stories and so forth. I particularly love William Stringfeld's. Both my great grandfather and my great, great grandfather fought in Thomas' Legion of Indians and Highlanders, the latter (Captain Stephen Whitaker)enlisting at the age of 47, and being mustered out at the age of 51. Pretty old to be keeping step with the youngsters, but he seemed to get'er done. His civil war letter are posted under the manuscripts and diaries section under his surname. They're a touching read..besides, where else would anyone fight in the "Battle of Hanging Dog". This has been a fun, educational, and memorable journey..