Hi Butch:

The February 2003 edition of "Fort Delaware Notes" contains an article by Society member Tom Massey entitled "Three Lonely Graves" which presents information about these Confederate burials at Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. The article is accompanied by a photograph of the three headstones there.

He identifies Private James W. Alban as a member of the 12th Virginia Cavalry. Private Alban was shot in the chest by Union army stragglers on July 3, 1863 according to the article. Private M. R. Locklin, Company K, 3rd Georgia Infantry died of lockjaw on July 9, 1863. Massey postulates that Private Locklin was wounded on July 2nd and was being transported south with the Imboden wagon train when he was dropped off at Mercersburg near death. The third grave belongs to Private W. H. Quaintance who died August 28, 1863. Massey has tentatively identified him as a member of the Virginia SharpShooters company, a local militia unit from Culpeper Courthouse, but has been unable to match this with a specific battalion or regiment.

If you are interested in a copy of this article, please contact the Fort Delaware Society offices by e-mail, or telephone, or write. This contact information can be found on our Society website: http://www.del.net/org/fort

Hugh Simmons
Fort Delaware Society