I would try to request service records from NARA. You can also try for a pension file. My husband has a Union ancestor who deserted and I wasn't sure if they would have a pension file, but tried anyway. They had a whole file for him, all the way up until his wife died in 1914! It turns out that he did desert but returned a month later and was demoted in rank as punishment. However, he was still eligible for pension. In a message dated 12/9/2004 7:25:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, newhere2@webtv.net (NH 2) writes: >Kim, >  Thanks for the offer. >117 reg Comp K 13th Cavalry >William BROOKS Pvt ><aarrggg>  deserted Sept. 1862. >His wife was Catherine, she was born @ 1814. He was born @1812 according >to 1860 census, was a weaver born in Ireland. >  Right now that's all I know, and most, thanks to these mailing lists. >  Thanks for any help, Kim. >  Doris > > >==== PENNSYLVANIA Mailing List ==== >No FLAMING allowed on this list! >We are a gentler kinder genealogy list. >Don't be afraid to ask questions. >There are no dumb questions on this list. > >============================== >Search the US Census Collection. Over 140 million records added in the >last 12 months. Largest online collection in the world. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13965/rd.ashx > >