Mike and Willard,

I know next to nothing about these incidents in this region during the war. If you are inclined, please do add a discussion to the Missouri CW board that Bruce mentioned below. I would observe with great interest as there are likely people there who have definite views on the subject. I was also wondering if Mr. Ponder has ever responded in print or otherwise to those that have questioned his research. thanks.

Drew

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Replying to:

First off, a person needs to question why Jerry Ponder neglected to footnote his book. There might be a good reason.

Personally, I feel Ponder's book on the 15th Missouri Cavalry is a bit of an insult to the brave men of that regiment and those of us that had ancestors that served the Stars and Bars. Ponder goes into great detail about a man he claims was the first commanding officer of the regiment, William Righter. To say William Righter served in the 15th Mo. Cav. is like saying that William Clinton served in the 1st Marine Division.

Ponder also claims that William Righter was captured with Gen. Jeff Thompson at Pocahontas, Ark. in August 1863 and then was taken as a captive to St. Louis along with Jeff Thompson. Only trouble is, Righter's own obituary says he DID NOT serve during the Civil War--his physique would not permit it! Not only that, that same obituary has Righter traveling from Ripley County, Mo. to St. Louis in October 1863. Things were apparently too hairy for him there.

There is nothing in Jeff Thompsons memoir about Righter. Righter's name does not show up on the Gratiot Prison lists like Thompson's does, and for that matter it does not show up on any other prison lists.

There is NO mention of Righter in the O.R. and NO military file for Righter at the National Archives and he is listed no where--no where--in any muster roll compiled independently of Jerry Ponder.

I would challenge those supporting the veracity of this book to produce one single non-Ponder primary reference of Righter having served during the Civil War. Should be simple for a colonel of a regiment.

If none can be produced and documented on this message board, I would challenge the book's value.