Charles K. Oakes, Confederate Stories, Vernon Parish LA.
Submitted by Lynda J. Mitchell



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The following story is provided from the Pension Files--La. State Archives 
in Baton Rouge and personal files. 
Submitted by Lynda J. Mitchell, Great Great Granddaughter

Charles K. Oakes

Charles K. Oakes enlisted in J. C. Wise's Co. in July, 1861--1st La. Infantry 
Co. B.--stationed near Norfolk, Virginia. He participated in the battles of 
Richmond, 2nd Manassas, and Sharpsburg. He was taken prisoner at Sharpsburg 
in September, 1862 and delivered to the Confederate authorities at Aiken 
Landing in December, 1862. He was sent to Richmond and kept in siege until 
exchanged sometime in January, 1863. He then joined his company near 
Gordonsville, Va.

In February 1863 an order was issued by General Robert E. Lee allowing 
two members from each company a sixty day furlough. Charles K. Oakes was 
one of the two who received a furlough. He left Richmond, transportation 
furnished and came by railroad to Magnolia, Mississippi and footed it 
from there to Clinton, La., then on to Port Hudson and from there by 
steamboat to Alexandria, La. From there he came 75 miles to his home 
Vernon Parish) by horseback.

Near the end of his furlough he and several other soldiers prepared to 
go back to their command. He reported to the Quarter Master at Alexandria, 
La. asking for transportation. He refused stating it was too dangerous to 
cross the Mississsippi River and transportation could not be granted.

Charles then called upon General Richard Taylor whose headquarters was at 
Alexandria and stated to him the situation he was in. General Taylor stated 
that the trip would be a dangerous undertaking and that he thought Charles 
should attach himself to some company until transportation across the 
Mississippi River got safer and then he could return to his command. He 
then joined Capt. R.W. Martens Co. of scouts which was engaged as couriers 
and hunting of conscripts until sometime in July, 1863. Capt. Martin was 
granted the authority to raise a Co. of Cavalry. Charles stayed with that 
Co. until January, 1864.

Through the influence of Col. J.C. Wise--the Capt. Charles enlisted 
under--he was detailed to assist Major McDougal as assistant enrolling 
officer for the parish of Rapides which work he was engaged in until 
October 1864.

General Harry Hays came to Alexandria, La. and issued an order for all 
absent soldeirs of both the Army of Northern Virginia and Texas to report 
to him and was assigned to camp at Pineville, La. in March, 1865. The camp 
then moved to near Natchitoches, La. In April, 1865 the camp was disband 
and all started for home.

In June Charles went to Alexandria and was paroled.

Charles K. Oakes was a farmer and went on to become the first Superintendent 
of Schools in Vernon Parish (1886-1896). He is buried in Smarts Chapel 
Cemetery, Vernon Parish.