Wow! You sure have a way of writing, Kerry. You had me riveted to my seat while reading this. If you haven't written a book or two, it might be time for you to consider doing so. It's obvious the Civil War is a passion of yours, and we are all benefiting from reading your messages. Again, thank you.

I do have a question. Since Peter Barbie didn't apply for pension benefits until about 25 years after the close of the war, is it safe to assume that he wasn't actually wounded or suffered sickness during his tenure? If I'm not mistaken, the criteria for obtaining a pension was later changed, allowing people who became disabled after the war to file for benefits. It seems that if he met the existing criteria when he was discharged, he would have filed for benefits very soon thereafter. What's your take on this?

Ed