Newt claims he was "conscripted" into the rebel army. This record indicates he was a "volunteer" in Company K, 8th MS Infantry, in August, 1861, eight months before the first draft law was passed. He also stated he was shortly granted a furlough by Braxton Bragg "to care for his dying father" the remarks in this record seem to indicate he volunteered with the understanding he'd be furloughed.

Newt returned in May, 1862, and was paid a $50 bounty He also claimed he only agreed to serve as a "hospital orderly". This record says he was "2nd Corporal in Company F 7th Mississippi Infantry Battalion. He eventually made Sergeant. There is no record of him serving as a nurse.

I'm equally proud of my Confederate, as well as southern Unionist heritage. A couple of my east Tennessee Unionist ancestors actually began the war like Newt, as Confederates. One actually helped fire the big rebel guns at Vicksburg before changing allegiances. Another deserted the Confederates after killing a Lieutenant that had insulted his Cherokee wife. Unlike Newton Knight, they managed to make it to Union lines, enlisted, and in later years were honored by their Government with pensions.