I have [been] doing Civil War research for about twenty years, and some time ago I became aware of a situation in a regiment that one of my ancestors served in as Adjutant.

     Col. [J. A. G.], the highly regarded Commander of the 36th GA Inf. Vol. was convicted by Court Martial in 1864.

     He was stripped of his rank and cashiered from the service.

     I found reference to his Court Martial and imprisonment in the Official Records, but I could never find out the circumstances leading to his conviction.

     He was from the Dalton, Whitfield County, Georgia area, where his descendants still live and are prominent in the community.  When I made inquiry there, nobody seemed to know anything about the Court Martial.

     I knew there would be something in Col. [G.'s] compiled service record, so I applied to the National Archives in Washington, D.C.  I received a few pages of his service record, but nothing about a Court Martial.  I tried again and received different pages, but still nothing about a Court Martial.

     A friend was going to Washington on business, and even though he had limited time, he volunteered to go to the Archives and take a look at [G.'s] record for me.  Upon his return he reported that there was at least 25 pages in the record and there was something about him being in prison.  My friend did not have time to copy anything for me.

     Then via your Web Site I ordered [G.'s] records with the request that you send all documents.

     About one week later, a large package arrived from Broadfoot's with 100 pages of Glenn's records, including the details of his Court Martial, plus many pages that had been enhanced for readablility.

     I now have the whole story, and I want you to know how much I appreciate your prompt, accurate service.

     As you know, it takes weeks or months to get anything from the archives by mail.  This is a terrific service you are providing and I hope you can expand it to include pension records in addition to service records.

Dear Broadfoot's,

     Thank you for answering my request for information so quickly.  I tried the Archives in Wash. DC but they stated my request was "impossible."  Based on oral information and a bag which contained a set of spurs, I know the UNION soldier's last name was PAINTER and he was a CAVALRY soldier.  By having a name list the other initials on the spurs bag may make sense (it is an E or R and the middle initial is T).

     I appreciate your help in making the "impossible" possible.

     Thanks again.