Beth, The pension file costs more but has the most information. I have sent for 7 files and most of them were over an inch thick. Besides information I have been unable to find elsewhere, there were other clues in affidavits that led me to other family members, especially females. On-line ordering makes it very easy and the file comes in a reasonable amount of time. Per NARA: Pension Applications and Pension Payment Records: The National Archives also has pension applications and records of pension payments for veterans, their widows, and other heirs. The pension records in the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. are based on service in the armed forces of the United States between 1775 and 1916. Pension application files usually provide the most genealogical information. These files often contain supporting documents such as: narratives of events during service, marriage certificates, birth records, death certificates, pages from family Bibles, family letters, depositions of witnesses, affidavits, discharge papers and other supporting papers Hope this helps, Richelle -----Original Message----- From: kazze@accnorwalk.com To: ohlorain@rootsweb.com Sent: Sun, 4 Mar 2007 8:42 PM Subject: [OHLORAIN] civil war records I am wondering - I have two types of forms for ordering civil war records. One for the pension records and one for military service records. Is one better than the other as far as genealogy info or should I order both or is one all inclusive. Any help appreciated Thanks Beth ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to OHLORAIN-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ________________________________________________________________________ AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.