Mr. Land,

The Sequatchie Valley did not come under Federal control until August 1863.

I am not sure of your source for, "The county soon came under Union control," but it is obviously a secondary source and wrong. I often find stuff like this in genealogical books to gloss over some blunt historical realities such as desertion and familial support for not returning to service. It happened ALOT in Appalachia.

As far as Wheeler's Raid, Wheeler was only in the valley for less than 24 hours. He nor his subordinates had time to round up anyone. They had one task and kinda gooned that one up and that was to destroy the Federal supply wagon train. He was lucky to get out of the valley with what forces he had, let alone dedicating combat power to go and actively search for people that did not want to be found.

In reference to William Land, one's motivation to enlist is individual and unless they left something indicating their motivation, I always take what people have passed down with a healthy dose of skepticism. Too much time has passed and too many people have dipped their pens into the romanticism ink well for my taste. I have them in my own family. I believe that unless someone was incapacitated and incapable of travel, they could have returned to Confederate lines if they so desired. They certainly deserted over great distances when they wanted to.

William Land enlisted in March 1865 in Dunlap. That area had been under Federal control for over a year and a half at that point. He was 26 years old at the time of enlistment, a farmer, and illiterate. The 6th Tennessee Mounted Infantry (U.S.) was mustered into service in August 1864 and mustered out in July 1865 so he obviously joined well after its original mustering. If I recall correctly, they had a rather dubious service performance too.

I have eight Confederate ancestors and one Federal. A couple of the Confederate ancestors clearly deserted. The Federal was in his 40's and joined the 5th Tennessee Mounted Infantry, I think it was, when it obvious that the pendulum had permanently swung in the North's favor. He was from Blount County, became an NCO, and I have labeled him as an opportunist. If it had been for patriotic ferver he could have shagged his rear to Kentucky along with the rest of the.....others.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Respectfully,

Gerald D. Hodge, Jr.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)
M.A. Military History - Civil War Concentration
Research - Preservation
Historian: 39th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment
http://39thgavolinfrgt.homestead.com/39thHomepage.html
Athens, Tennessee