Was originally enlisted in Co. F, 48th Virginia Infantry as John W McNew. Confederate records show he deserted 5 May 1864 during the Battle of the Wilderness, near Chancellorsville, VA.

Captured 14 June 1864 at Cynthiana, KY. Shown as a member of Co. B, Kirkpatrick's Battalion, a Confederate unit out of KY, and sent to Rock Island Prison Camp, IL. Enlisted in 2nd US Volunteers on 6 October 1864 after being paroled; assigned to Ft. Riley, KS. Mustered out with company on 7 November 1865.

My Great Grandfather enlisted in the 2nd U.S. Volunteer Infantry in October 1864 while a prisoner at Rock Island Prison. He had been captured at Graysville Georgia the day after the battle of Missionary Ridge. He had been a private in the 10th Texas Infantry under Confederate General Patrick Cleburne. He enlisted originally in March 1861. After mustering out November 1865 he returned to Texas. He established his homestead outside Cleburne, Tx, raised 8 children and built a prosperous farm growing fruit. He died in 1910.

Eli was first in the 54th Tenn infantry, latter merged with the 48th Voories Tenn Regiment to form Nixons 48th Tenn Infantry April of 1863. He was captured on November 25th 1863 at Sale Creek Tn. near Chattanooga, Tn sent to Rock Island Illinois Prison. He is my Great Great Grandfather for more information go to Nixons 48th Tenn Infantry.