Yes Larry, I did try your suggestion. I found only scant information about my ggrandfather Burgdorf and surprisingly also about my maternal ggrandfather Peter Dauenhauer. In reviewing my records I realized that early US records for JW Burgdorf his name is spelled Burchtorff. He was a Pvt, Co B 4th Regiment, European Brigade, La. Militia. 1861.
Dauenhauer was also a Pvt Co A Orleans Fire Regiment, La. Militia. His record enrty also says 1861.
I still intend to go to NARA to seek additional info but if anyone can suggest how I can build on the information I now have I would be grateful
Max