He's sixteen by 1860. By 1863 the Confederate Army of Tennessee began examination and review of company and field officers by a board of fellow officers. Those unwilling to take a test or stand before the board and answers questions received discharges and were put into the ranks. Understandably those unable to read or write easily preferred to resign rather than suffer embarrassment. It could also be that frail health disqualified Andrew Lacey, but youth (lack of maturity) may have been a factor in this situation.