43rd Georgia at Vicksburg

Dear Mr. Propes,

We're off to visit the Battle Field at Vicksburg tomorrow. My grandson and your 4th Great-Grandson will want to learn about how you fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War or as you would say, the War for Southern Independence.

My research shows that you, John Alexander Propes, were born in Gainesville, Georgia 29 March 1840, the 2nd of 8 sons and one daughter born to Nicholas and Mary Wilson Propes. March 10, 1862, you and brothers Rufus, Richard and Dallas enlisted in Company F, of the 43rd Georgia Volunteer Infantry. You were to serve for 3 years or the duration of the war. I wonder how long you thought the war would last when you enlisted.

The 43rd took part in both the battle and siege of Vicksburg, where you were captured July 4th, 1863 and later paroled.

This is from John A. Propes Service Record
from http://www.fold3.com/

We'll be looking to see if we can find the area where the 43rd stood. I wish we could talk to you about your experiences at Vicksburg and the other campaigns.

Parole signed by John. A. Propes swearing not to bear arms against the United States.

Did you really intend to just go home to Georgia when you signed the parole or did you plan all along to take a month's leave at home and then rejoin your unit? There are so many unanswered questions.

I will try my best to make sure that Cooper Charles Propes knows the story of his 4th great grandfather.

Cecily