Confederatevets.com

C. R. Branch.-Says he was born in Sumter County, Ala. Was first a printer. Was in the office of the Mobile Register in 1848, 1849 and 1850. His health gave way and he turned sailor. Was on oyster boats in Mobile Bay and in schooners trading in lumber to New Orleans. In 1859 went as a sailor on the brig American to Liverpool. Was on the oyster boats in Mobile Bay till 1860 when he went to Baltimore on the schooner Adair; then went on the schooner Sun Flower from Baltimore to Boston. Sailed several times between Boston and Baltimore. Says when the war broke out he desired to come to the Confederate States but could not. Was making money and did not leave till the schooner on which he sailed was laid up in Baltimore. He then came from Baltimore. Came in an oyster boat of Captain Fallon to Northumberland County, Va.; landed at Wicomico; went up to Heathsville; came to Union Wharf and came to Fredericksburg. Says he is not in the habit of drinking too much, but when he got safe in Dixie he took a frolic, became noisy and was arrested. The only paper sent to me is his letter to General Winder herewith inclosed.* I recommend this man be discharged on taking the oath of allegiance and that he be permitted to join a volunteer company.

* Not found.