Thanks Michael. . .I have been reading many excerpts from books and articles tonight on deserters. OMG. The soldiers and the families suffered in so many ways. My Great Grandfather x3, Thomas Cussen had just moved to Beaumont from Canada (originally England) to the promised land - He wanted a family and a way of life. He worked on the railroad, got married in 1860 and immediately had two sons. I heard the women and children were having a hard time. In fact, his wife had the second son prematurely. I wonder if the blockades caused shortages? as well as the military depleting common supplies. YECK. I hate wars. (female perspective)...feeling sad about all this.