Another tid bit:

James Jones, Pvt., Co. D, age 25, was recorded present on his companies muster roll for the period May & June, 1863, dated June 30, four days before the surrender of the Vicksburg garrison. This means he was with his company, able bodied, and not hospitilized.

He then is recorded as paroled on July 9 along with the rest of the regiment. Those captured in hospital were paroled on July 15**. This indicates to me that he was assigned to accompany the sick and wounded as a nurse, helper, etc. Or, in Naval terms, a Sick Bay Attendant. I suspect he was chosen for this duty by his Company Commander, Captain/Doctor Hodge who also accompanied the sick party.

His name next appears on a Receipt Roll for an issue of clothing, for the 3rd quarter 1863, dated July 30, 1863, no place designated. Signed by mark, under remarks: Par Pris [ i.e., Paroled Prisoner].

I would have to believe that this clothing issue took place on land under Confederate control, somewhere in the Mobile area. Do not believe it would occur on board the steamer. This now seems to establish the end date of the period we're searching. [Interesting, the intelligence which can be derived from these seemly innocent looking documents]

He again shows up on the next post Vicksburg muster, for the period July & Aug., 1863, dated March 11, 1864 at Big Creek, Tenn.

** The 43rd Tennessee of Reynold's Brigade, had marched out of Vicksburg three days earlier.

07 12 1863 [Sunday]

Yesterday we drew six days ration preparatory for a trip to Jackson, Miss, and today we marched out at 7 o’clock a.m. and tonight we are camped 7 1/2 miles from Vicksburg on the railroad ˝. It has the appearance of rain tonight. (Clack)

Stephenson’s Division started out at sunup. Reynold’s Brigade was last. It started at eight a.m. We marched two miles and halted and were inspected by the Yankees to see if we were taking anything that was contrary to the conditions of surrender. This done, we passed out of their first line. We marched eight miles and took up for the night. We took a good rest and slept till disturbed by a lightshower of rain, we put everything in good order for the next day. (Stamper)