Great to read your message. I obtained copies of some of William Shugart's letters from the Allen County Public Library (Ft. Wayne, IN) which has a large repository of genealogical material. I am not aware of the boot camp journal, so that is a great source to know about.
One thing I was looking for in the letters, but could not find, is exactly which company he was in during 1861-62. I think he was originally in either company "I" (Stewart's Cavalry) or "K" (Bracken Rangers). He was in the eastern theater from August 1861 until the end of 1862. Then he went to the western theater in Arkansas in early 1863. I am not sure why he transferred since the eastern theater detachment served in the east until mustering out in June 1864.
Do you know anything about his "health" issues? In his letter dated May 8th, 1862 he writes "when I left home for the first time I was very unfortunate in my first enlistment ... that is as far as my health was concerned".
I love the mention in his letter of September 8, 1862 that he "took dinner at the Willard house". I wish I could have been there!
The letter of October 29, 1862 mentions assigned to "Cap Shera" when escorting Capt. Loomis' body to Washington. I assume that he refers to Captain Abram Sharra, who was a career officer then in command of Company K. (Interesting that Shugart attributes Loomis' death to drinking!)
I have found it difficult to track Company I separately from Company K. Maybe the 2 companies were always posted together. The original captains (Stewart and Bracken) seem to have resigned in 1862 and command went to a series of other men, Sharra, Maythenyl, and finally Hendrick. Any thoughts on that?
The long letter of November 1, 1862, mentions that his "partner" is Daniel Conner. Conner is noted for his claim he carried the first dispatch to Meade and that Meade questioned him about the situation in Gettysburg. Conner was in Company K.
I look forward to hearing more about your work on this. I have enjoyed William's letters - at times he is downright poetic.
Robert Stevens
Miami, FL