Hugh
As always, I appreciate the analysis. The Samuel Merritt reference threw me as well and there is no good explanation for it in the material so far discovered. I am making something of an assumption about when he was apprehended after deserting in early December, but while the date of his apprehension may be questioned, the fact of it cannot, for he was unquestionably back at Fort Delaware by 19 January 1864 -- about 5-6 weeks after deserting in Baltimore. Thanks for the insight into the inner workings of how US officials would have handled him after his taking the oath and failing his physical, and again after he was returned from desertion. Just as Mr. Maddox created something of a dilemma for his captors nearly 140 years ago, so too has Mr. Maddox left us today with something of a mystery. Thanks again.