BobinMIZZU
New member
of that tag you found.
There are several McIlwain's listed for the CSA but none above the rank of Private. This wouldn't be consistent with a Dr's rank.
Now if, as Brian suggested, that "F" is actually an "E" and should go on the end of the name, we have a whole new ballgame. Several McIlwaine's are listed including:
Capt Robert D. McIlwaine served with Company D, 5th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry which was active 1861-1862.
A Capt. R.D. McIlwaine served with Company B, 13th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry. This unit was likewise active for about a year in 1861-1862.
The rank of Captain would be appropriate for a physician. Neither record mentions them being a Dr. But then again, Dr. isn't a military rank. I'm betting one of these is your man.
Bob
P.S. Even if the letter is definitely an "F" rather than an "E", I wouldn't discount the possibility that it should have been an "E" that was stamped. Ya have to remember that very few people were well educated back in those days. The tag was probably made by a bored Private who was hammering them out off a handprinted list. An E could easily be mistaken for an F.
There are several McIlwain's listed for the CSA but none above the rank of Private. This wouldn't be consistent with a Dr's rank.
Now if, as Brian suggested, that "F" is actually an "E" and should go on the end of the name, we have a whole new ballgame. Several McIlwaine's are listed including:
Capt Robert D. McIlwaine served with Company D, 5th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry which was active 1861-1862.
A Capt. R.D. McIlwaine served with Company B, 13th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry. This unit was likewise active for about a year in 1861-1862.
The rank of Captain would be appropriate for a physician. Neither record mentions them being a Dr. But then again, Dr. isn't a military rank. I'm betting one of these is your man.
Bob
P.S. Even if the letter is definitely an "F" rather than an "E", I wouldn't discount the possibility that it should have been an "E" that was stamped. Ya have to remember that very few people were well educated back in those days. The tag was probably made by a bored Private who was hammering them out off a handprinted list. An E could easily be mistaken for an F.