Dear Linda,

I can offer little more regarding the service of David Samuel Wingood/Wingard/Wingheard, as his Compiled Service Record has very limited information. There are two receipts for clothing dated November 17, 1862, and December 30, 1862. Would you happen to know where he was from and whether he was enlisted or conscripted?

I can tell you, that December 1862 and January 1863 were very difficult months for the men of the 5th Alabama Infantry Regiment. They were camped south of Fredericksburg along the Rappahannock River near Rappahannock Station. There were scant rations, so much so, that hunting squirrels to eat is mentioned by diarists of the regiment. It had been very cold since October, there was snow on the ground, and many men were in need of additional clothing and blankets that just weren't available. Through this winter, over thirty men of the regiment would die of disease.

Just a few days before the death of David, another man in his company died of disease. This man was buried in the Soldiers Section (D) of Hollywood Cemetery. Two weeks later, another man from Company H died of disease. He too, was interred in the Soldiers Section (D) of Hollywood Cemetery. I tell you this, in the belief that it was likely that David Samuel Wingood/Wingard/Wingheard was also interred in the Soldiers Section (D) of Hollywood Cemetery, although I have absolutely no proof for this belief.

I do own Chris L. Ferguson's excellent book "Southerners at Rest - Confederate Dead at Hollywood Cemetery", and the only entry for the surname in question, is for "James Samuel Wingard" who served in Company K of the 13th South Carolina. His body was later removed to Lexington, SC.

Please let me know if you can provide any further information, or if you would like further information from me. It would be my great pleasure.