Hi Liz: Ideally, I would expect to match "Thomas P. Ailes" of the 12th Louisiana Infantry with a "Thomas P. Ailes" who was a resident of Morehouse Parish in the Federal Census of 1860. Thomas of the 12th enrolled in February 1863 at Bastrop when Captain Stevens was home on furlough after nearly a year's service. We can't be absolutely sure that Thomas was a resident Morehouse Parish in 1860, but if not, then an explanation of his presence in Bastrop in early 1863 is needed. The Confederate Conscription Act of April 1862 required enrolled Confederate service of all white male residents ages 18 to 35 years for three years or the duration of the war. Those who did not voluntarily comply within six weeks or so were rounded up as conscripts unless they were successful at hiding out. In September 1862, the upper age limit was expanded to 45 years. Since TPA did not enroll until February 1863, an initial presumption can be made that he had just turned 18 years of age. Otherwise, he was not in compliance with the law. But Thomas P. Ailes of the 12th Louisiana was an educated man and it is entirely possible that he was in his 30's instead of just turning 18. But some rationale will be needed to explain his late enrollment. The Confederate Conscription Act was supported by additional acts that provided for exemption from service for certain occupations. Teaching was one of them. Are there any family stories of TPA going to Bastrop to teach? Was there an academy of some sort established at Bastrop that was in operation in 1862? He survived the war. I have presumed that he returned home to Bastrop from North Carolina. However, did he have extended family in any of the states east of the Mississippi River that might have tempted him to go there instead of returning to Louisiana? I look forward to hearing back from you! Hugh ********************************************* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This thread: