There is no indication of why he was in arrest at Houston in July, 1863, or when he deserted, The note of his arrest was found in the Companies July/August, 1863 muster roll. There are no further Company E muster rolls found in the records. However, the December, 1863 Regimental Return recorded on December 1, the fact that he had Deserted, no date given. The next Regimental Return in the records is that of March, 1864, there was no mention of his status at that time. There is always the possibility that he returned early in 1864 and dropped from the rolls which could have been recorded on the companies Jan/Feb, 1864 muster roll which is missing from the records along with all later bi-monthly muster rolls. Thereafter, there is no further mention of his status on subsequent Regimental Returns.

As to desertion, I cannot pass judgement on those poorly paid men during that period, especially those with families left at home. Desertion was quite prevalent at the time, and many men returned after lengthy periods having attended to their family matters.

I do not understand the record you quote as Indigent. What is the source of that fact? I suspect that this was granted to the widow by local authorities who had no idea of his military status which may not have had an effect on her granted relief.

I suspect that he was reduced to the ranks upon arrest and lengthy absence with the position of Corporal filled based on unit needs.