Thanks for the info. The question is a bit more detailed in regards to this inividual. He was appointed to serve as the Military Editor of the Memphis Union Appeal in July 1862, but was replaced about a week later.

There's a letter from Monroe, Nov. 10, 1862, to Earl Van Dorn, in which Jos. K. Davisson says that previous to leaving the federal army he had been engaged in plans dealing with the capture of Vicksburg. He was on an expedition to destroy the ram Arkansas, and got as far as Helena when he heard that it had already been accomplished. He then goes on to describe the plans to take Vicksburg using infiltrators who then join the Confederate batteries and wait for the general attack at which point they take over the batteries and spike the guns, allowing an easy victory. He also notes that since entering Confederate lines he's certain he's seen federal spies around, but couldn't do anything because he's so well known in the federal army but unknown to the Confederates. He does offer to "pick up a few of these gentlemen," because although he's "hardly able to stand the exposure of camp life," he would like to make himself useful to the Confederacy.

There's also a letter dated October 10, 1862, also from Monroe, also to Van Dorn, in which he mentions having appeared before Van Dorn a few weeks previous, wishing to take the oath to the Confederacy. He has a letter of reference from Benjamin F. Dill of Grenada. He mentions "the following report" but unless it's the letter above, the report didn't make it into the file.

In November 1863, a Joseph K. Davisson shows up in Tyler, Texas serving as a spy and informant on a plot involving local unionists to spring Federal Prisoners held at Camp Ford. As a partial result of his service as a spy/informant, three unionists were arrested and detained for a year.

I am assuming that it is the same person, but am looking for more and/or confirming informaton about him. He seems like he is a true rascal, and I am intrigued with him. My primary research interest is in his activities relating to the conspiracy and the prison camp. However, this might be one of those things that when you get it rolling, you cannot find an ending point.

One of detainees was a lawyer, and in 1866 became the first reconstruction District Attorney for Smith County. He obtained indictments againt his oppressors for false imprisonment and theft, with one of the Defendants being Davisson.

Anyway, I think that you can see the quest. Any enlightenment is appeciated.

Randy