Ken,

Fold3 - William W Watkins' envelope held three documents.

1) Captured on by the 19th Army Corps and U. S. Forces, near Opelousas, LA on Oct 21, 1863 - Refused to take the oath of allegiance. - Sent to the rear.

2) Confined to Custom House (U S Custom House, New Orleans, LA) as a prisoner of war on Nov 1, 1863 - Committed on Nov 1, 1863 - released on Dec 21, 1863 - Sent to New Iberia

3) "Roll of Prisoners of War" - sent from New Orleans, LA to New Iberia, LA Dec 21, 1863 for exchange - Captured at Bayou Teche on Oct 22, 1863 - Indorsement shows: Provost Marshal's Office, New Iberia, LA Dec, 1863...298 Confederate Prisoners.

What would of happened to him after he went to New Iberia? Was there a prison there to hold the prisoners?

Most of the next year, 1864 is a blank. The only family history known about his service was on his headstone. His older brother was on the 1864 tax rolls as his agent. His next son was born June - 1865. (He would have been home by September - 1864 to father his son.) His older brother was a Rev and I assume his wife and family were there on the homestead with William's wife and children in 1864.

His parents were living in Sabine Parish, LA during the War, about 30 miles South of the Battle of Pleasant Hill in April 9, 1864. Could he have joined up with another Confederate group in Western Louisiana? Could this be where the mention of Gano and/or Waterhouse comes from? Just a guess.

Where can I view the Indigent List, Confederate State Roster, Vol. 1, p.558? He was listed there with 7 dependents.

Scott