Tom --

You're correct that William Edward Pearson served with the 1st Tennessee Regt of Archer's Brigade. The source of the confusion may be twofold. First, the Medical Director initially assigned him to the 5th Alabama Battn. Jan 19, 1863. 1st Tennessee Regt records show him present on roll for Jan-Feb. 1863, and with this regiment until captured on Apr. 2, 1865.

Second, Pearson was a resident of Gainesville in Sumter County AL. He enlisted in Co. "A", 5th Alabama Battalion, which organized in Gainesville AL. He served with that command from Mar 13, 1862, until promoted Assistant Surgeon.