According to independent historian Jess McLean, a Mississippi newspaper ran a notice in late June, 1864, that was signed by Captain William F. Brown, company commander of the Pettus Guards.

The headline: $30,000 REWARD [presumably Confederate money] and the text: “I will pay the above award for the apprehension and delivery of [Private] John R. Mosely to the nearest Provost Marshall.

“Said Mosley was wounded in the foot in a skirmish before Knoxville November last, got a furlough and went home and joined the Cavalry and in a letter to me dated June 19 stated that he was leaving for Texas the next day.”

McLean found no evidence that Mosely was ever apprehended.