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Mississippi, in a post-Vicksburg campaign that had destroyed this important railroad junction. But by the time Pvt. Baxter started on his furlough, the north-south line of the Mobile & Ohio had been restored as far as Corinth, and he and probably John reached Mobile two or three days after leaving Tupelo. Three days? cooked rations (meager as they might have been) kept their hunger pangs in check during the trip.
From Mobile to Mississippi City and home, Baxter was on foot most of the way, with an occasional lift from a wagon going his way. Adding the number of days travel time from Tupelo to Mobile to Mississippi City must have totaled at least six days, making Baxter?s arrival at home about January 20 or 21. His unexpected arrival and the news that he had survived the bloodbath at Franklin and Nashville brought thanksgiving to the Baxter family.
The Gulf Coat of Mississippi (with the exception of operations directed against Mobile, Union occupation of the Pascagoula, and occasional cavalry and amphibious raids) had not been touched by Federal troops. Although foodstuffs were restricted, there was no real privation even at this late date in the war. So it was likely that Pvt. Baxter?s homecoming was an occasion for a family gathering at his father?s home. All of his older married sisters who lived nearby came to welcome his visit, and there must have been a celebration of sorts, even though the impending doom of the Confederate cause cast a damper on events.
During Pvt. Baxter?s furlough, it is possible that he took his rifle-musket (still with him) and went up into the piney woods north of Handsboro in a try at some wild game to help supplement the fare on his father?s table. Deer were there; squirrels of course; and probably wild hogs.
But all during the visit, Baxter could not for a minute forget his duty to rejoin his regiment, the 20th Mississippi. So on January 25, he headed east to Mobile, knowing that he had overstayed his furlough but hoping (against hope) that he could rejoin before the regiment moved too far toward the Atlantic Coast. He did not make it and remained a casual for the three months left in the war. When Pvt. Baxter reached Mobile, he was
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