James A. Morton enlisted as a private in Co. A, 34th Arkansas Infantry, at Fayetteville, Arkansas, on June 16, 1862, for three years or the war. He was reported as absent without leave since December 4, 1862. He surrendered himself to Federal authorities at Fayetteville, Arkansas, on October 4, 1863, and was sent to Gratiot Street Military Prison, St. Louis, Missouri. He was transferred to the military prison at Rock Island Barracks, Illinois, on December 12, 1864. He was exchanged at Red River Landing, Louisiana, on March 4, 1865.