TimDisagree about what?Thu Jan 25 13:41:55 2001 I have spent considerable time at the State Archives, and while it is very helpful in many instances, in other instances they have almost nothing of help. I have found the NARA information to be much more extensive.So, does that mean the information you did not find was accurate or inaccurate? An answer will not neccessary, of course. I would rather read it first hand, if possible, and don't have the chance to go to Montgomery or DC much. Not too thrilled about dealing with the government through the mail either.I have found this to be the case only about 50% of the time. One big hurdle than can be impossible to overcome is a man enlisting in a county that he is not a resident. Happened all the time. Even in a *State* where he is not a resident. No other record of him may ever be found in that county/State other than his enlistment in service. Unless a military service record (usually a parole or POW record) is found that shows his place of residence, there is never going to be a way to prove which "John Doe" that he really was.Thanks, I rest my case. At that point, it might as well be a "wild goose chase".where to start — Alan Pitts, Thu Jan 25 15:33 The trouble — Tim, Thu Jan 25 15:43 Unfiled Confederate Papers and Slips — Hayes Lowe, Thu Jan 25 15:42 Unfiled slips — Alan Pitts, Thu Jan 25 16:36 Wallace State — Wayne Dowdle, Thu Jan 25 18:06 Wallace State — Hayes Lowe, Thu Jan 25 20:16 Library resources — Tim, Thu Jan 25 18:52