FULBRIGHTS IN THE CIVIL WAR
PART. II
by D. Bruce Fulbright

PRIVATE LENAS (OR LEWIS) FULBRIGHT
Co. F 38th N. C. Infantry

Lenas is kind of special to me. I don't think he is a direct line relation of mine, it's just that several years ago I had no idea there had been any Fulbrights in the Civil War. Then one day I happened to find his name listed in an index of civil war soldiers, and that he had been wounded at Gettysburg, captured near there and died a prisoner of war at a Union POW camp called Fort Delaware. After seeing his name I wondered who he was... and in discussion, some friends suggested that I send in for his service records, which I did and found there were others. So it was Lenas that got me started on all this.

Lenas Fulbrigh/Fullbright (records show both spellings), was 37 years old when he was conscripted from Catawba County North Carolina (for the duration of the war) as a private on March 16th, 1863.

Enrolled by Captain McRae or Captain Dickey (records list both), he was only paid once. Records indicate he was paid for service from March to May 1st by Captain Edwards. Company Muster Rolls from September and October of 1863 listed him, but only indicates being paid up to May. Also on this sheet is a remark "missing at Gettysburg, PA. July 1, 1863." However, on the July/August Company Muster Roll he is listed as "Wounded in action at Gettysburg PA. July 1. 1863, and left there."

Captured either July 5th or 7th (records list both) at Williamsport. Maryland he was taken to hospital at Chambersburg, PA., evidently wounded. From there he was taken to Walnut street Hospital in Harrisburg, then transferred to the Provost Marshal on July 23rd. He was then sent (no date given) to the POW camp at Fort Delaware where he died of "chronic diarrhea" on September 17th.

It has been said that Fort Delaware was an extremely brutal institution and deaths POWs was not an uncommon occurrence. As Lenas only lasted 70 days after his capture, it makes one wonder about the accuracy of the "chronic diarrhea" diagnosis. One must remember that the singularly most important thing a victor in a war does is write the history of that war.

As a side note: There were approximately 194,000 Union soldiers held in Southern POW camps; 214,000 Confederate troops in Union prisons. Of that number, approximately 30,000 (15%) of the Union soldiers and approximately 26,000 (12%) of the Confederate troops died while POW's.

(In the short time [Feb 1864 Apr 1865] Andersonville existed it accounted for 13,000 of those Union deaths. A prisoner exchange program existed throughout most of the war but it was canceled by then Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant. Prior to suspension, a General exchanged for 60 Privates, a Lieutenant for four Privates, and so on. Grant suspended the program in an effort to tie up Confederate resources guarding and caring for Federal prisoners. You can't argue Grant's successes, and he did have a reputation for being ruthless.)

PRIVATE JOSEPH FULBRIGHT
Co. F, 38th N. C. INFANTRY

Joseph enlisted on Sept 25th, 1863 at the age of 43. He came from Catawba County where he was a Cooper (maker of barrels). It is interesting to note that Joseph and Lenas were from Catawba & Joseph enlisted right after Lenas died in prison (perhaps they were related and Joseph had a score to settle?). Joseph wasn't with the 38th very long though, he was discharged April 1864 for reason of "general debility."

Organized on January 17, 1862 at Camp Mangum (near Raleigh) for twelve months service, two days later the regiment was transferred to Confederate Service. on February 10th, 1862 they were ordered to Washington, D.C., and then on to Weldon to defend some railways. The following April the unit was reorganized to serve three years (or for the duration of the war) in Joseph R. Anderson's brigade.

Company F was known by two monikers: the "Sulphur Wild Cats" and/or the "Catawba Wild Cats." Originally raised by Joshua Butler Little, a farmer, on Oct 31st, 1861 they were received into state service on the same date. On the 22nd of November they were ordered to Raleigh, departing on the 28th and arriving at Camp Mangum on the 29th. There the Suphurized Catawba Wild Cats were given the somewhat less colorful name of Company F. (Leave it up to the bureaucrats to take a perfectly splendid fighting moniker and make it ordinary and drab. so much for the elegance of war... .)

Colonel William J. Hoke was the original commanding officer of the 38th, he too was wounded at Gettysburg on July 1st, evidently he was not left behind as Lenas was, as he returned to duty January 1864. The 38th was involved in the initial confrontation at about daylight against Union General &iford's Cavalry at McPherson's Ridge, assisting General Penders' Division, and General Scales Brigade. During the ensuing battle the Federal Troops were pushed through the town of Gettysburg, pausing to occupy a position along Cemetery Ridge south of town. During this engagement every field officer in General Scales Brigade were killed or disabled. Colonel William Lowrance (of the 34th North Carolina) was put in command of the brigade, at that time it numbered some 500 men.

NOTE: Assuming a normal brigade was 2000 men (100 men to a company, 10 companies to a regiment, 2 or more regiments to a brigade) it appears Scales' Brigade loss was as high as

70%. However, it must be noted that the reported loss of 535 indicates the brigade was under strength, a not uncommon occurrence as regiments of only several hundred men was the rule

not the exception. If the regiment did indeed only have a thousand men the loss would be in excess of 50%, of that the 38th suffered 20% of the total.

In the confrontation General Pender was fatally wounded and later died. General Isaac H. Lane assumed command temporarily, he was then replaced by General Isaac Thimble who, unfortunately, was killed on July 3rd. General Lane once again assumed command.

July 3rd was the date of the famous charge at Picketts which was reported as follows:
      "The regiment was then ordered forward over a crimson plain. The Federal lines, as the regiment emerged from the woods were about a mile in front. The troops were compelled to cross a fence, and were by this time losing heavily from grape and canister. The line was somewhat deranged... about 150 yards from the enemy's line another fence retarded the advance, but the troops rushed on and reached a third fence on the side of the road. There was by this time only a skirmish line. The 38th was then only a few feet in front of the enemy's infantry. The enemy rushed out to meet the advancing line, and a flanking party, concealed in ditches, captured about thirty men besides killed a large number inside the Federal lines. Some tried to escape but were shot down ... after the third day's fight the regiment had only about 40 men, commanded by a First Lieutenant."

The battle at Gettysburg saw the highest casualties of a single battle: the 26th North Carolina went to battle with 803 men, left with only 95 men, a loss of almost 90%. It also appears that the 38th had a casualty rate of 90%. As the 38th were "inside Federal lines" (previous paragraph) they were evidently a part of the "High Water Mark of Confederacy" who breached Union lines.

PRIVATE MOSES FULBRIGHT
Co. E, 39th N. C. INFANTRY

Moses Fulbright was born in Haywood County in 1843. He enlisted in Company E, Hayesville, Haywood County, N.C., November 18, 1861 under Captain Bryan. Although present for duty from February -- April 1862, he was reported sick and hospitalized from November 1863 to February 1863. Wounded at the Battle of Chichkamauga, Georgia on Sept 19, 1863, where it is believed that he died. Following is a direct quote from original documents awarding Moses the South's equivalent to the Union Medal of Honor.

ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE
Richmond, Va. Oct. 3, 1863

General order No. 131 -- difficulties in procuring the medal and badges of distinction, having delayed their presentation by the President, as authorized by the Act of Congress, approved Oct 13, 1862 to the officers, non-commissioned officers and privates of the Armies of the Confederate States, conspicuous for courage and good conduct on the field of battle -- to avoid postponing the grateful recognition of their valor until it can be made in the enduring form provided by that act -- It is ordered,

I. That the names of all those who have been or may hereafter be reported as worthy of this distinction, be inscribed on a Roll of Honor. To be preserved in the office of the Adjutant and Inspector General for reference, in all future time, for those who have deserved well of their country, as having best displayed their courage and devotion on the field of battle.

II. That the Roll of Honor, so far as now made up, be appended to this Order, and read at the head of every regiment in the service of the Confederate States, at the first dress parade after its receipt, and be published in at least one newspaper in each state.

III. The attention of the officers in charge is directed to General Orders, No. 93, Section No. 27, of the series of 1862, Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, for the mode of selecting the non - commissioned officers and privates entitled to the distinction, and its execution is enjoined.

Among others listed from North Carolina is:

PRIVATE MOSES FULBRIGHT
Co. E. 39th N.C. INFANTRY
PRIVATE MILES FULBRIGHT
Co. E. 39th N.C. INFANTRY

Miles Fulbright is apparently the only Fulbright (known to this date) to have served in both the Confederate and Union Armies HONORABLY.

Miles was a farmer in Clay County when he enlisted at the age of 23 in the Confederate Army on Feb 21, 1862. As he was from Clay County he was assigned Company E under Captain Bryan. Up until Oct 18th he was reported present on the company s Muster Rolls, then on November 30th, he was captured inside Yankee infested Tennessee while on the move to Brandon (just outside Vicksburg) with General Frenchs' Division. Miles was confined at Louisville, Kentucky and, instead of being exchanged, was transferred to the Federal POW camp at Rock Island, Illinois, arriving on Dec 13, 1863. On Oct 31st, 1864, he was given, and accepted, an opportunity to serve as an Indian Fighter with Company I of the 3rd Regiment, U.S. Volunteer Infantry, Fort Kearney, Nebraska Territory.

NOTE: During the later stages of the war it was not uncommon to use Confederate POWs in a capacity which would not involve them in engagements against the Confederacy. Better to serve one year and fight Indians as a "galvanized Yankee" rather than rot in the Federal prison system. Indications are that about 6000 men (six regiments) took advantage of this. Also, since General Grant had suspended the prisoner exchange program at about this time it was considerably more attractive to fight Indians rather than face the atrocious conditions (and a slow death) in a Federal POW camp.

Miles spent most of 1865 sick, as it had been recorded in the muster rolls for the 3rd U.S. Infantry. He was discharged on Nov 29, 1865, receiving a pay stoppage (instead of pay) in the amount of $2.90 for having damaged property belonging to John Mattis. Curiously, records show that Miles as 5'5" tall, gray eyes, dark hair and light complexion, born in Haywood, North Carolina.

PRIVATE DANIEL FULBRIGHT
Co. K, 39th N. C. INFANTRY
PRIVATE DAVID K. FULBRIGHT
Co. K, 39th N. C. INFANTRY

Records on these two are very sketchy due to the organization of the 39th, Co. K. Originally the "Jackson Rangers" of "Jackson Volunteers" comprised mostly of men from Jackson County, it was first mustered in as Co. A, 16th North Carolina. Then they were sent to Knoxville, Tennessee for reassignment, becoming Co. K. In Jan 1863 it joined up with the 39th near Shelbyville, Tennessee.

Daniel's records start in Co. A, 1st Infantry. Thomas Legion, transferring to Co. K Nov--Dec 1862. Muster rolls indicate he was present through Oct 1863, there the records end.

David has almost the exact same history, except he is reported as being sick May & June of 1863, discharged September 1863.

CORPORAL MAXWELL A. FULBRIGHT
BATTERY C, 1st N. C. ARTILLERY
CORPORAL MARCUS E. FULBRIGHT
BATTERY C, 1st N. C. ARTILLERY
PRIVATE DAVID F. FULBRIGHT
BATTERY C, 1st N. C. ARTILLERY
PRIVATE JOSEPH A. FULBRIGHT
BATTERY C, 1st N. C. ARTILLERY

Battery C endured a great deal of confusion in its creation. It was referred to as Co. C, one of five light artillery units, part of a combined regiment of Artillery and Fngineers designated as the 10th North Carolina State Regiment in May of 1861. Somehow though they managed to include a Calvary unit during the confusion caused by haste and inexperience. To make matters worse, a higherup got involved and managed to get them designated as the loth Calvary. This, of course, caused much confusion to the Engineers and Artillerymen. Then someone realized the mistake of giving sabers to Engineers and Artillerymen (they could inflict serious injuries to themselves - just joking). Now they became the 11th Fngineering and Artillery Regiment, North Carolina State Troops. Now wait a minute... weren't they only authorized to raise 10 regiments?? But once again bureaucratic wisdom prevailed and on November 20th the Engineers and Artillerymen were again redesignated as the 10th. But where did the Calvary go? Since they were only authorized one regiment of cavalry.. .do you think anyone would notice an extra one? Apparently not. To wit: on May 8,1861 the Governor of North Carolina was authorized to call out 10,000 volunteers in ten regiments: 8 as Infantry, a combined regiment of Artillery and Fngineers, and one as Calvary state Troops. The Calvary unit that caused all the trouble was redesignated the 2nd Regiment North Carolina Calvary -- it was never mentioned in the Act of May 8, 1861. I wonder if the supply system still sent them cannon balls, and sent the Artillery more sabers and saddle blankets.

During all this confusion Battery C was mustered in on August 15 or June 8 (records show both dates) 1861, in November the regiment was redesignated the 1st North Carolina Artillery. (at least the Artillery unit knew who they were -- even if no body else did). In the Spring of 1862 they joined the Army of North Virginia -- as an Artillery unit.

April 1862 Battery C was reorganized as Artillery, Second Brigade (General Branches' Division), Department of North Carolina. With this group they participated in several engagements including the "Seven Days Battle" outside Hanover Court House near Richmond, Va. (May 1862). July 1862 found them at the battle of Malvern Hill. In all, Battery C participated in over 30 engagements during its career, including the Battle of Antietam (Sept 1862). The Battle at Antietam claimed a reported 24,000 casualties in a single day, the highest casualty loss of any single day count of the war. (Of the 26,134 shown in my references, 12,410 were Union and 13,274 were Confederate). Other battles were: Bristoe Station, Va., 14 Oct 1863; the Mine Run Campaign, Nov/Dec 1863; Battle of the Wilderness, May 1864; Battle of Spottsylvania Court House, May 1864; Siege and Assault on Petersburg, late l864 to early 1865; Appomattax March/April 1865. At Appomattox Court House General Lee surrendered, 9 April 1865. Two days later the remaining members of Battery C were paroled; The Captain, a 1st Lt., four Sergeants, three Corporals, and fifty-six Privates. Unfortunately, none of those were members of our family. Devid almost made it. He was killed during the Battle of the Wilderness, May 6th 1864, having enlisted two years before in March of 1862.

Joseph (a farmer in Catawba County) enlisted 10 August 1861 at age 18 in Lincoln County, he died Oct 2, 1862, while the battery was in winter quarters at Drewrys Bluff, Va.

Marcus (also a farmer in Catawba County) joined at age 21, making Corporal (Gunner?) MayJune 1862 (about the time of the Seven Days Battle). He died of fever at Petersburg 24 Aug 1862.

David (he too was a farmer in Catawba County) joined up with Marcus on August 10, 1861 (brothers?). He lasted the longest, dying of continued fever at Richmond 11 July 1864.

Maxwell (another farmer from Catawba) joined with the others 10 August 1861 at the aye of 21. He made Corporal about December 1862. He must have been a gunner as Fulbrights are known for their ability to shoot -- aren't they? Well, it is logical.

An interesting note regarding all of these guys. It is a good bet that all could read and write because it was a requirement that you be able to serve as an Artilleryman. The requirement was stipulated because cannoneers had to read the ballistics charts and make the proper settings for the fuse. (Hollow shells with an explosive charge was brought to us by an Englishman named Shrapnel, they used flashover from the main charge to ignite, so you can imagine what an improper setting could mean).

CORPORAL GEORGE F. FULBRIGHT
Co. E., 34th N. C. INFANTRY

George joined Captain John F. Hill's "Shady Grove Rangers" on Sept 11 1861, the same day the company was originally formed. He was 22 years old at the time he mustered in. On Oct 25th of that same year the Shady Grove Rangers were officially mustered into North Carolina State Service as the 34th North Carolina Regiment, Co. E. Remember that Co. E participated in Antietam, Gettysburg and other battles. George survived these unscathed, but was wounded in the left arm at Ox Hill, Va., on Sept 1, 1862.

Apparently he was captured while hospitalized at Warren, Va., on or about 1 Oct 1862. From Warren he was taken as a POW to the Federal POW Camp at Washington, D.C. On Nov 18th he was paroled and transferred to City Point, Va. for participation in the exchange program. George returned to duty on Dec 5th but was again taken prisoner, this time at Gettysburg on the 5th of July 1863. He was sent to Fort Delaware as a POW, remaining there only a few months. Cn 15 Oct 1863 he was transferred to the Point Lookout POW Camp in Maryland. Once again he was paroled, exchanged under the exchange program (8 May 1864) and returned to duty Sept 1. Twenty-nine days later he was promoted to Corporal, serving in that capacity until the surrender at Appomattox. He may have been among the last of the exchange program participants, due to his late date of exchange.

PRIVATE REUBEN FULBRIGHT
Co. L., 16th N. C. INFANTRY

Little information exists on Reuben other than he was from Haywood County (this is speculation though, as most all of the men in the 39th were from Haywood). Due to the 16th having 13 companies some were transferred to the 39th, hence, some of the confusion. The 16th did see service in the Department of Norfolk, serving with that Army in all major battles in the East. This includes Seven Pines in 1862, the Second Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, The Wilderness, Assault & Siege of Petersburg and finally surrendering the approximately 100 remaining men at Appomattox.

PRIVATE MIKE FULBRIGHT
Co. K., 6th N. C. INFANTRY
PRIVATE GEORGE A. FULBRIGHT
Co. K., 6th N. C. INFANTRY

These are two more on which there isn't much information. Mike and George served with the Buncombe Guards, also known as the Buncombe Sharpshooters and the Columbus Riflemen. Once again the bureaucrats demonstrated a lack of love for flamboyant names and designated them to be Company K.

The 6th was mustered into Confederate Service on May 16 1861 as the 6th North Carolina State Troops. Interestingly some of these troops were cadets from the North Carolina Military Institute who voted to discontinue their education in order to join an active military organization. Therefore, it would follow logic that several of these troops were under 18 years of age. The 16th saw action in the Army of Shenandoah, the Department of Northern Virginia, the Army of Northern Virginia, the Department of North Carolina, the Department of North Carolina and Southern Virginia, and finally, the Army of the Valley District.

In its service for the Confederacy the 6th was one of the most frequently engaged units, taking part in over seventy engagements, including all major ones in the Fast. Parole records from Appomattox show that the 6th had 180 members left at the end of the war. Co. K, of which Mike and George were members, had four Sergeants and 26 privates in the end.

PRIVATE JOHN FULBRIGHT
Co. C., 28th N. C. INFANTRY
PRIVATE MARTIN L. FULBRIGHT
Co. C., 48th N. C. INFANTRY

CAPTAIN DAVID L. FULBRIGHT (Also spelled Fullbright)
Co. C., 16th TENNESSEE CALVARY

David was from Madison County where professed to be a school teacher (see following), he was in his early twenties, 5' 6 3/4" tall, dark complexion, black hair, dark eyes, and had only one leg (no mention of why).

Following his capture on July 27th 1863, he was interviewed by Union Lt. George Shimm, (last name is not clear on documents, I am assuming this is the correct spelling) 15 Aug 1863 at the Gratiot Street Prison in St. Louis. The reason for his "capture": he was accused of being a Rebel soldier. During questioning a rather interesting story unfolds:

Question #15: "Have you ever been in any Rebel Camp? If so, whose, where, and how long? What did you do? Did you leave it, or were you captured in it?"

Response: " I was in camp in Tennessee acting as temporary Quartermaster in Co. Newsom's Regiment, 11th Tennessee Calvary, C.S.A. The regiment was not fully organized and the boys requested me to act in that capacity until such appointment -- I acted 5 or 6 days until the fight at Jackson, Tenn. I was present at the commencement of the fight as Quartermaster. I left during its progress and went home in Madison County. The fight took place between 10 (here David s handwriting is a little unclear) and 15 July 1863. Prior to accepting that position I had been teaching school. I lived within the Federal lines -- I have written for a neighbor. The letters were the usual and written to friends -- I was never sworn into the Confederate Service -- Never belonged to it but as stated."
      (signed) David L. Fullbright

NOTE: It COULD be of no significance but this guy was supposed to have been a schoolteacher and he signed his name on two very important documents differently. Here he signed with 2 "L's" but on his parole papers he signed with only one "L". One would think a school-teacher knew how to spell his own name -- especially in his own signature.

David told Lt. Shimm that he "had never been in arms during the rebellion, had never furnished arms, ammunition, horses or provisions. he had no slaves, wasn't married. He was a southern sympathizer and of course didn't desire to have the southern people put down in this war and authority of the U.S. Government over them restored." In fact, he was just a poor one-legged schoolteacher that had the misfortune to have been in Jackson Tennessee and kindasorta signed up for a very brief period with this Col. Newsom. When the fight started and he just went home.

One problem. Lt. Shimm didn't believe him. Under the section with the heading WHAT IMPRESSION DOES THE PRISONER MAKE? the following is recorded: "VERY unfavorable not truthful, not candid, mild, firm, healthy, has but one leg -- I recommend I know not what -- he is a cripple and I think acting as a spy."
     (signed) George Shimm Lieut.A.P. Ar. (possibly Assistant Provost Marshall)

Capt. David L. Fullbright, Quartermaster, was sent as a POW to Camp Norton, Indianapolis Indiana on Aug 21. Almost 2 years later, on 19 May 1865, Private David L. Fulbright, Co. C., 16th Tennessee was released.

As mentioned earlier, it is curious that a man of education would spell his own name two different ways. There are probably many explanations -- maybe he just wanted us to know that Lt. Shimm was right. More than right. Captain David L. Fulbright was a spy until his capture -- a good one, he kept them confused 'til the end.

PRIVATE WILLIAM F. FULBRIGHT
Cos. B & C, 18th TENN. CALVARY
PRIVATE BARNEY W. FULBRIGHT
Co,. C. 18th TENNESSEE CALVARY

The 18th was organized from the remainder of Newsoms' Tennessee Calvary (remember Capt David L.?) and mustered into service 11 may 1864. They were assigned to the 4th Brigade under General Abraham luford, after his promotion to Division Command November 1864, they were placed under General Tyree Harris Bell.

They participated in over thirty engagements including the battle at Brice's Crossroads where they beat a Union force better than twice their size, capturing 1500 prisoners and 200 supply wagons. Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis, a man handpicked to "deal with the Devil Forrest" by Gen. Sherman, didn't stop running until he was well within Union lines.

The 18th was among the troops surrendered at Citronelle (they had been absorbed by the remainder of the 20th) and as a result when paroled 13 May 1865 at Eastport Mississippi, they and the 20th combined only had 450 men. The battles at Murfreesboro, Franklin, and Nashville had taken their tolls.

PRIVATE W. R. FULBRIGHT
Co. B, 31st TENNESSEE INFANTRY
PRIVATE J. J. FULBRIGHT
(Co. unk) 31st TENN. INFANTRY

The 31st was organized at Camp Trenton. Gibson County, Tennessee during Septearly Oct 1861, mustering into service with a total of 765 men on Oct 12, 1861. Often identified as A.H. Bradford's Tennessee Infantry they had as many as seven other commanding officers in their short activation.

Not long after mustering into service the 31st joined the Western Department, serving in that command until the spring of 1862. They then joined the Army of the Mississippi (later changed to Army of the Tennessee) and served in all major engagements in the West: Murfreesboro, Chickawauga, Kenesaw Mountain, Franklin & Nashville, missing only Shiloh and Vicksburg. They surrendered with less than 50 men as Co. G, 3rd Tennessee Consolidated Infantry.

No personal information on either W.R. or J. J. -- hope they were among those 50.

PRIVATE J. M. FULBRIGHT
Co. C., 6th TENNESSEE INFANTRY
1st LT. PETE FULBRIGIT
Co. F, 29th TEXAS CALVARY
PRIVATE MARTIN A. FULBRIGHT
Co. F, 29th TEXAS CALVARY
PRIVATE A. N. FULBRIGHT
Co. F, 29th TEXAS CALVARY
PRIVATE H. S. FULBRIGHT
Co. F & K., 29th TEXAS CALVARY

The 29th was organized 20 July 1862 by Col. Charles DeMorse, an influential Texas Democrat, at Clarksville, Texas in Red River County. It saw action in the Indian Territory, Texas Arkansas and Louisiana.

Near the end of the war they were ordered to Hemstead Texas and, upon hearing of the collapse of the Confederacy, disbanded. This was a final act of disapproval, like many other units, rather than surrender. Had they not disbanded more information would be found on parole records:

H.S. was wounded in action. How seriously is not indicated, however he was not listed among the killed or medically disabled so it is safe to assume it was not a mortal wound.

A. N. apparently didn't start out with the 29th, first being a member of (Sate Guard) Rosalie Guards, a part of the 8th.

Martin. No information other than he was a private with the unit.

Pete was appointed 1st Lt. 20 July 1862 and apparently held that rank throughout his service, although he held Company Command in 1865. He signed a request for 840 lbs. of corn from Quartermaster Major A. Sleabur (Sleabeir? poor copy) as 1st Lt. Commanding Company. It may have only been a temporary position due to the Captain being on furlough. An interesting note here. Pete may not have been able to read or write, that would explain why he signed the "Requisition for Forage" as PEAT FULBRIGHT. It is also a possibility that someone else signed it for him, due to the phonetic spelling, or he may have had someone dictate the spelling to him. We will never know.

NOTE: For those interested there is a book available on inter-library loan (book is out of print) titled Suffering to Silence: 29th Texas Calvary, CSA Regimental History by Bradford K. Felmy and John C. Grady. Published in 1975, none of the Fulbrights above are mentioned, but all are listed on the Regimental Roster.

PRIVATE WILLIAM FULBRIGHT
Co. K., 9th TEXAS INFANTRY
PRIVATE JAMES FULBRIGHT
Co. K., 9th TEXAS INFANTRY
PRIVATE JOHN FULBRIGHT
Co. K., 9th TEXAS INFANTRY

The 9th only served for a very brief time (several weeks) west of the Mississippi River. In March 1862 they moved to the eastern side of the river and served there for the duration, joining forces with Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston in Kentucky.

The 9th participated in over forty engagements during its career, managing to hit all the highlights: Army of the Mississippi Valley, Army of the Mississippi, Army of Tennessee, Department of Mississippi, and East Louisianian. When you see these assignments think of: Murfreesboro, Shiloh, Kenesaw, Franklin, and Nashville. They surrendered (all but a small detachment who surrendered at Citronelle) at a place called Spanish Fort in Alabama, 9 Apr 1865.