Janie,

I have attempted to answer some of your questions as follows.

Hope this helps.

George Martin

April 1862 he is listed as on "detached service." What is this?

Card No. 24 in his file is a Descriptive List which I cannot read too clearly on my computer screen, however, his occupation is listed as a Blacksmith. In modern Navy terminology this would be described as TAD or Temporary Additional Duty. The Army & Air Force would call it TDY. I would assume he was on "Detached Duty" at some Regimental/Brigade/Division stables/remount station or wagon works working his trade.

He is present September and October 1862. Where was this regiment during this time before going to Arkansas?

They were then in Garland's Brigade, 1st Corps., Army of the West.

24th Cavalry Regiment [also called 2nd Texas Lancers] completed its organization during the late spring of 1862. Men of this unit were recruited in Mueces, Comanche, Waller, Montgomery, and Karnes counties. It was soon dismounted and sent to Arkansas. Here the regiment was captured at Arkansas Post in January, 1863. After being exchanged, it was consolidated with the 17th, 18th, and 25th Texas Cavalry Regiments (dismounted) and assigned to Deshler's, J.A. Smith's, and Granbury's Brigade. This command fought with the Army of Tennessee from Chickamauga to Atlanta, endured Hood's winter operations in Tennessee, and ended the war in North Carolina. The 24th was organized with about 900 men and reported 54 casualties of the 587 engaged at Arkansas Post. The 17th/18th/24th/25th reported 200 disabled at Chickamauga and totalled 690 men and 520 arms in December, 1863. Few surrendered on April 26, 1865. The field officers were Colonels William A. Taylor and Franklin C. Wilkes, and Lieutenant Colonels Robert R. Neyland and Patrick H. Swearingen.

He was captured 11 January 1863 at Arkansas Post - sent to Camp Butler. In small print at the bottom of muster roll - arrived at Point City, VA 17 April 1863.

City Point was where Confederate POWs were exchanged on parole.

Then on detached service at Petersburg, VA.

On July and August, he is present and due $12.00 for use horse for one month and mileage 50 miles from Round Top Texas...compensation of clothing from the 15th day of March 1862 and to the 8th day of October 1862.

What is that about?

Confederate soldiers provided their own horses and were allowed an allowance for forage, upkeep, etc. There were yearly clothing allowances and appearently, in his case, was given a monetary allowance in exchange for actual issue. The mileage allowance was most likely for his travel to or from detached service.

Did he owe the army something?

No, not in this case

Sept & Oct 1863 he is sick in hospital; special requisition- the articles specified are absolutely requisite...for his comfort. One pair pants, one pair drawers, 1 shirt, 1 blanket.

Nov & Dec 1864 sick in hospital.

22 December 1864 Medical Examining Board, Dalton, GA - Probable duration of disability 6 months - (it looks like Gastratis - I was told that was diarrhea)

I read it to be Gastratis Chr., Chronic Gastratis. Perhaps the modern Gastritis which means inflamation of the stomach.

The Medical Examining Board estimated his probably duration of disability at 6 months and recommended he be assigned to the Wagon Works. This would be consistent with his occupation as a Blacksmith.

Then 1 Jan 1864 - Invoice - military clothing issued to patient - St. Mary's hospital, La Grange, GA.

Jan & Feb 1864 on detached service by order of General Johnston;

March 16 died in hospital. He is buried in Maplewood Cemetery, Pulaski, Giles County, TN.

Why would he be buried in TN?

Soldiers were buried where they died.

There are only 12 Confederate soldiers buried there. I was told there was a hospital where the cemetery now is.

Could he have been in a hospital other than the one at LaGrange?

I would assume he was in a hospital at Pulaski as he was on detached duty subsequent to his hospitalization at LaGrange.

His wife and children are listed on the Confederate Indigent Families of Fayette County, TX.

Were soldiers just buried where they died or she was not able to bring him home?

His comrades would in some cases try to arrange shipment home if possible. That is, if his regiment was in the area and they were aware of his death. This was rare however, and he would most likely have been buried locally where he died. I would guess that his family learned of his death sometime later. There were no official notifications.