I went through the cards again today. I always find something new everytime I look at them! And I know what its on the cards can’t be relied upon as men joined a unit, quit, then joined another one. Joseph Williams first card just says his name and then Pvt ord sgt 8th Va Cavalry and Company D. (I am thinking this was written after the cards were gathered.)

A. The second card is for the muster in of Private Joseph William Brown, PVT., in Captain William Henderson French’s co. Virginia Volunteers*: age 24 years: appears on company muster in roll of organization named above. Roll dated Princeton, Mercer Co, VA, Sept. 20, 1861. Joined for duty and enrolled July 31, 1861 at Jno. Neeley’s by Col. Jno S Carr for twelvemonth.

* This company subsequently became (1rst) Caompany D, 8th Reg.Virginia Cavalry. It was divided Sept 6, 1862. both parts served for a while in the 33rd Battalion Va Cavalry and they finally became companies A and D, 17th Regiment Virginia Cavalry.

A muster card for JW brown—yes I know they could still be the same person but I am writing this out mainly for organization of information for myself—For Mrch&April 1863, enlisted June 25, 1861 at Kanawha Falls by J C Riggs for a period of three years. So if JW is Joseph William, he enlisted at Kanawha Falls for three years, then quit, and signed up at Princeton for a twelvemonth a month later?
Joshua lived in Paint Creek near John Riggs. In the letter, John Riggs comes over to fetch Lorena and her sister to take tea with his wife.

More later. (Kids had to go to their in-laws for Easter so I am drowning my sorrow in research! )