Dear Alan,

Some of your information jives with my research and family documents such as muster roles, letters, leaves of absence, records from the Alabama archives and the National archives. Some of it does not. The National Archives indicated that he was paroled at Citronelle, Alabama in June of 1865 as a prisoner of war. The parole record lists him as a captain and staff officer which reinforces other documents. When you refer to him as a volunteer what do you mean by that exactly? Do you mean he has a rank in the army as the records show or do you think it means something else? The Alabama archives lists him in the 3rd Alabama Cavalry in Company I and that corresponds with Gen. Hagan's notes on line and in a very early 20th century history book on Alabama as well as McRae's letter discussing the organization of the company. I also have a Company Muster Role that states Lenoir's Independent Co. Cavalry at the top with James Boykin Capt. in script followed by Capt. Boykin's Company of mounted men in print. This also jives with Hagan's notes and the Alabama Archives. I have never found my grandpa James' name linked with Mathew's Rangers. What sources are you using specifically regarding Mathew's Rangers? I am assuming you are aware that there is a James Owen Boykin that served as well. Could you be crossing companies with those 2 different men?

I have a letter to Samuel Cooper that says "I have the honor of applying for the appointment of Major of Cavalry in this department" dated 11-30-1863 and the rejection letter from Maury that you mention along with an inquiry into the matter from Jefferson Davis. He apparently continues to seek a position through 1864. Colin McRae accepts the CFO position to Europe in October of 1863 just before James applies for the appointment. I find it interesting that Colin's brother John writes on James' behalf in 1864 and requests he be placed in Mobile.

What do you know about the acquisition of arms and other supplies needed by the army as well as the export of cotton to fund the war effort? Are there other sources I can research?

Thank you for your assistance.

Helen