Thanks, GR2, that's a good suggestion and I'll follow-up on it. He was with the 71st Reg. of Foot, I believe it's called and there is info. online about it. Don't know if it would include info. on those who deserted, but I'll look. I had never really thought of him as a deserter, but I guess he was if the war was still going on when he was released after being captured.