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Phyllis O/Brien
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posted 1/10/07 1:11 AM
I am researching my 3rd great-grandfather, Captain Robert W. Reynolds. He was commissioned as a Captain on 27 May 1861, Co F, and 1st Infantry Regiment. He was taken as POW 23 May 1862 at Front Royal, VA. Mustered out 23 May 1864.Could you help me find out the following?What requirements were needed for him to be commissioned a Captain?What confederate prison was he in?What does Distinguished Service mean?Also,Civil War Pension Index states:1st entryDate of filing 15 ___1884, class InvalidCan you give me any insight and background information on how to understand what his claims were?Any other information would be greatly appreciated.Thanks
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EJ Nash
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posted 1/10/07 3:38 AM
Thanks for contacting us. It is a pleasure to meet a decendant. O.k., to answer your questions. 1) As the unit was a volunteer unit, officers of the Maryland volunteers were appointed by the governor. Preference was given to people with previous military experience and/or political clout. Many officers of the 1st MD were Mexican War vets who served in captain Kenly's company. I checked that roster and didn't see Roberts name. I would assume a political appointee, but will check further.2) Easy question. First, he was marched to Lynchburg Va and held in the fair grounds cattle pens. Then, he was seperated from his men and sent to a prison at Salisbury, NC. Finally, he was taken by ship to Camp Parole near Annapolis Maryland.3) "Distinguished Service" is gallantry or heroics, but not to the level to warrant a Medal of honor. Easy to understand given the hard fighting his company was in and the general regard other units had for his regiment. However, an official medal was not given for this honor until WWI. Does your record list a date attached to this honor? A date would provide which battle in particular.4) He applied in 1884 for a pension and was invalid (I assume elderly). Any other details of his records you could share? Are you in the local Maryland area, it would be an honor to meet you in person? We have other decendants in and attached to the reenacting unit. Have you considered joining us?
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