behind AotW

On 19 August 1864 the Confederate Conscription Bureau in Richmond, VA sent a notice to the Army’s Adjutant General that Private J.H. Garrison was considered a deserter from Company B of Cobb’s Legion Infantry Battalion and was thought to be in the 14th Texas. The Bureau had no direct authority to return a soldier to his regiment, so sent the notice to General Cooper for action.

On the same day, about 500 miles away in Atlanta, GA, then Quartermaster Sergeant John H. Garrison of the 14th Texas Cavalry was killed by enemy artillery during the siege of that city.

Late of Rusk County, TX, Garrison had enlisted in Cobb’s Legion in Bowdon, GA in July 1861, was wounded on the Maryland Campaign of September 1862, and was sent home on wounded furlough by that November. In January 1863 he enlisted in Rusk County in the 14th Texas Cavalry, and was detailed to assist his brother Zed, the regiment’s Quartermaster. Both men were in Atlanta looking for clothing when John was killed.

On about 8 October 1864 that notice reached senior Captain N.S. Allen, then the commanding officer of the 14th Texas Infantry, who replied that there was no one of that name in his unit …

That document is among John Garrison’s Compiled Service Records at the National Archives. I got my copy online from fold3. Here’s my transcription of it:

Confederate States of America,
War Department,
Bureau of Conscription,
Richmond, Va. Aug 19th 1864

[to]
General S. Cooper,
Adjutant and Inspector General:

General:

Private J.H. Garrison has been reported to this Bureau as a deserter from Company B, Cobbs Legion Infty Regiment, with the information that he will be found in Company ___, 14th Texas Regiment.

This Bureau not having the authority to order his return to his original command, the case is respectfully referred for your information.

Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

[signature] L P August [?]
Col Actg Superintendent