I did not know Mike.Did the guards desert?Would seem like an easy safe job for them..or did some of the prisoners make a break for it.

Ive got a few paychecks issued to Darnell for Texas State Military service just before the war.They are actually Texas State Treasury Warrants which were issued to individuals or entities for either Military or Civil purposes.As an example:Darnell was granted payment under appropriation #B,O.and approved by Act of Legislature Feb.3,1860,but his warrants not issued till Feb.24,1862.Would appear the State Government was a slow payer....

MWT