Nora:
The wartime records of the 50th Virginia, especially company muster rolls and regimental returns, are very incomplete. For example, there is only one muster roll for the Wise Yankee Catchers, Co. H, 50th Virginia, in which William Tandy Tompkins claimed to have served. That company muster roll covers the period 3 June to November 1, 1861, and William Tandy Tompkins is not listed on it. The only records that I have found to support William Tandy Tompkins service in H/50th Virginia is his 1904 pension application in Wise County that says he enlisted in 1861 at Gladeville, Wise Co., served 12 months, and was discharged in 1862. His name is also listed on a postwar roster of Company H compiled by the State of Virginia between 1904-1918. Since he is not listed on the 1861 muster roll, it would be logical to assume that he joined the unit after the closing date of the 1861 muster roll. He is listed on the 1860 Wise Co. Census as a shoemaker, age 34. I know that the 50th Virginia book, originally priced at $25, is out of print, but you may find copies for sale at somewhat higher cost than that at AbeBooks.com