Harper Carroll's discharge 1862

There was an enormous effort by the Marylanders who left to fight for the Confederacy to form a Maryland unit of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. This effort sputtered throughout the war, with the Maryland troops being first formed and then disbanded in 1862 and only nominally represented throughout the war. Both Albert and Harper were at times considered part of the Maryland Line, but both fought with Virginia organizations. Marylanders were at first idolized for having left a secure home and then repudiated first for being able to obtain a discharge after one year rather than being enlisted for the duration as other southern troops had been, and then for the failure of Maryland to rise and "shake off her shackles" during the invasion of Maryland in September, 1862 that culminated in the battle of Antietam. These discharge papers certify that Harper was able to leave the First Virginia Cavalry because as a Marylander he was not subject to conscription. Because the erratic paychecks ended in May, 1862, it is possible to track Harper's military career only through his letters. He seems to have done what many other wealthy and prominent soldiers did: sign on as a volunteer aide. In Harper's case, he served under Generals Fitzhugh Lee and Jeb Stuart.
The George Gaither who signed these discharge papers had been the leader of the Howard County Dragoons who had led his company from Maryland to Virginia the middle of May, 1861. The Howard County Dragoons had earlier been the Carroll Dragoons, who drilled under Colonel Carroll, Harper's father. Gaither would be captured soon after Harper's discharge and when he emerged from prison, went to England to work to arm the Confederacy and lobby for British recognition of the Confederacy. Captain Rambo was Andrew F. Rambo.

Notice that Harper was being paid for himself and his horse. One of the great weaknesses of the southern cavalry is that each cavalryman had to furnish his own horse.

Source: Records of the Confederate Archives, at the National Archives.
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I certify that the within named R G H Carroll a private of Captain Geo R. Gaither Company K of the 1st Va Regiment of Cavalry, born in Baltimore in the State of Maryland, aged 23 years, 5 feet 7 1/2 inches high, light complexion, blue eyes, dark hair, and by occupation gentleman was enlisted by Capt Gaither at Leesburg on the 14th day of May 1861 to serve one year, and is now entitled to discharge by reason of expiration of enlistment & not being subject to conscription.
The said R G H Carroll was last paid by Capt. Rambo to include the 28th day of February 1862 and has pay due from that date to the present.
There is due to him fifty nine 20/100 dollars traveling allowance from New Kent Co. H., the place of discharge, to Leesburg, the place of enrolment, transportation not being furnished in kind.
There is due him 2 months 14 days self & Horse $59.20.
He is indebted to the Confederate States ________________ on account of _________.
Given in duplicate at Camp1 Va. Cav. this 14 day of May 1862.
W. R. Gaither
Capt. Commanding Company
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For pay from 1 of March 1862 to 14 of May 1862, being 2 months and 14 days, at $24 for self & Horse Dollars per month. Amount $59.20
For pay for traveling from Richmond to Leesburg, being 175 miles, at 2 (ten crossed out) per mile. Amount $3.50.
Due for clothing overdrawn ________________________________
Balance paid $62.70
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Recieved of Capt. Geo Gaither C.S. Army, this 19 day of May 1862, Sixty-two Dollars and 70 Cents, in full of the above account.

R. G. Harper Carroll