According to Footnote, P. W. (or G. W.) Carpenter was a private in Company E who deserted in March 1864. He was never a Captain. The Captain of Company E as of its creation in October 1863 was Henry Le Kaesler (or Le Kaester).

Also, my notes show that Showalter only took "a battalion made up of the majority of Companies A, B and C" to northern Texas on or just before 27 November 1863. All others remained near Austin with Col. Baird until Ford took them over and marched south in early 1864. I guess it's possible that Carpenter was leading a small complement of Company E under Showalter and it wasn't recorded as such.

Don