This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: autaugarifles Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.alabama.counties.autauga/12766.4/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The staff officer does appear to be the same as the soldier in the 15th Battalion. A friend looked at his service record for us and he said Thomas J. Palmer's service file includes a descriptive roll which lists his profession as physician. After three months in the ranks he was appointed assistant surgeon and discharged. His appointment was issued Apr. 4, 1863, to rank Oct. 11, 1862. Palmer's resignation, accepted on March 17, 1864, states that he hadn't been assigned to duty anywhere. The endorsement makes note of three orders issued to him, which apparently were not received. My friend said "Never seen anything like it -- I'll bet the medical director could have said the same." In summary it appears that T.J. Palmer joined Company A of the 15th Battalion Alabama Cavalry, served about 3 mos. as a private and was discharged with promotion to Assistant Surgeon. He probably spent the next 2 years at home awaiting assignment to another Regiment. During that time he was issued 3 orders for duty, but for some reason, never recieved them. Thus, he submitted his resignation in March 1864 stating that he was never assigned to duty anywhere. His resignation was accepted and that was the end of his Confederate service. Barry Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.