I do not doubt the authenticity of the report (that it was published), but the story is hard to reconcile as truthful. I know lots of Masons; I am a Mason. To make a comparison, this account would be the same as a man asking his blood brothers to risk their lives to save his hide. Aside from the viewpoint of Union vs Confederate, it would be a very selfish request. Would you ask two or more of your brothers to risk being shot to death in order to haul your body off the battlefield? I hope it is not true.