Biography
Asa was a civilian planter and businessman connected with Memphis and Crittenden County, Arkansas arrested at Okolona by Confederate General Daniel W. Adams and jailed at Columbus, Mississippi in late June 1862 for alleged disloyal conversation and possible espionage. Defense papers expressly say he was not a soldier and describe criticism of military management and cotton destruction. Adams’s July 1 report confirms arrest and continued close confinement. Bragg’s July 2 endorsement on printed 1557 authorizes release while warning against criticism; authorization is not treated as actual departure. Exact physical arrest and release days are not established. Source: Official Records, seriesII, volumeII, section 2, printed pages 1550–1557, https://archive.org/details/cu31924079570259/page/n751/mode/2up.
