Joseph William Brown was an Ordnance Sergeant on the Field and Staff of the 8th Virginia Cavalry.

Such ranking was at the top of the enlisted ranks and considered a Non-Commissioned Officer. Sergeants &
Corporals have at times been listed as an "Officer" of his regiment, company.

I believe he would rank along with that of a Sergeant-Major, which in many armies is equivalent to that of a
Warrant Officer. Hospital Stewards were of similar status

The position of Ordnance Sergeant required approval from the War Department, Richmond.