Your discussion reminds me that Col. Cyrus Franklin of (Franklin's) 7th Missouri Infantry (a combination of the 1st and 2nd N.E. Missouri Cavalry) went to Illinois in mid-to-late 1863. On Nov. 16, 1863, Col. Cyrus Franklin wrote Jefferson Davis from Camp Bragg, Arkansas:
"Having traveled extensively through Illinois recently, I found everything working there just as we would desire. Your army and Government have a spotless name, and the respect of all, and the sympathy of many there. Then to return here, and find our own dear and faithful women in dread of our army is too bad …"
In tracing Franklin's movements in 1863, I see that he was in Richmond in mid-Feb. 1863 (according to a notarized note). His obituary (written anonymously) states that Franklin left Vicksburg shortly before its surrender, carrying dispatches to Richmond about the perilous condition of Pemberton's troops. (I'm not sure that statement is even correct.)
Can anyone suggest why Cyrus Franklin would have been in Illinois in mid-to-late 1863?
Thanks for thinking about this.
David Connon