Hello,

In the midst of some family history research, I have come to a point of confusion pertaining to the Confederate Civil War service of my two times great grand uncle, Charles Edward Morse from Algiers, LA.

I have located the information below regarding his service and death:

Name: Charles E Morse
Rank at enlistment: 1st Sergeant
State Served: Louisiana
Service Record: Enlisted in Company K, Louisiana 1st Infantry Regiment.
Sources: Index to Compiled Confederate Military Service Records

Morse, Charles E.,Pvt. 1st Sergt. Co. K, 1st (Nelligan's) La. Inf. En. May 4, 1861, Orleans Barracks. Present on Rolls to Dec., 1861. Promoted 4th Corpl., Dec. 3, 1861. Rolls Jan., 1862, to April, 1862, Present. Promoted from 3rd Corpl. to 2nd Corpl., April 28, 1862. Roll May and June, 1862, Present. Reduced to ranks, May 24, 1863. Rolls Aug. 31, 1862, to June, 1863, Present. Roll to Oct. 31, 1863, Present. Promoted from Pvt., July 1, 1863, to 2nd Sergt. Rolls Nov., 1863, to Feb., 1864, Present. Re-enlisted Feb. 21, 1864. Roll March to Aug. 31, 1864, Present; on detached service with Brigade S. Shorten. Roll Sept. and Oct., 1864, dated Feb. 26, 1865, Present. Record copied from Memorial Hall, New Orleans, La., by the War Dept., Washington, D. C., May, 1903, born Louisiana, occupation mechanic, Res. New Orleans, La., age when enlisted —, single. A splendid soldier; deserves to be an officer.

Obituary, New Orleans Times, Monday, May 1, 1865

"Killed, before Petersburg, VA, on the 21st of April 1865, CHARLES EDWARD MORSE, of Algiers La, aged 21 years and seven months, Sergeant in Gordon's Brigade of Louisiana Sharpshooters, C.S.A."

I wasn't able to find a record of his death within military records so I'm relying on the above obituary to try to piece together what happened. But I find myself confused about what unit he may have attached to in his final days as I'm having trouble locating "Gordon's Brigade of Louisiana Sharpshooters". I'm also perplexed about the location and date. Based on historic events, "before" Petersburg doesn't seem to make sense to me, although I'm not sure if "before" means chronologically or geographically. I suppose he could have been wounded earlier than April 21 and then died from those wounds? And where might he have been buried?

I don't know if my questions are something you can assist with or if you would be able to point me in another direction, but either way I would be most appreciative of any assistance.

Thank you,

Roxie Davis