There is some confusion here because nearly all states in the Confederacy (excepting either Alabama or S. Carolina I don't recall off the top of my head) raised regiments for the UNION army. This was done early in the war from men who were north of the Mason-Dixon line when hostilities broke out. Later regiments were raised as territory was "freed" from the control of the CSA.

In the case of West Virginia, things are complicated by its secession from Virginia. The 8th VA referenced here would have been referred to initially as the "8th VA Loyal." Only after the formation of West Virginia were the designations changed. The fact that regiments were raised for both armies is further complicated in the case of border states like MO, KY and MD. I have ancestors from the 5th Missouri who fought for the South, while the Lincolnites raised blue-clad regiments from among Missouri's many anti-slavery or anti-secession men (especially the immigrants of St. Louis and areas bordering on Illinois).

As to deserters, they would have had to sign a loyalty oath before being allowed to serve in the Union army. Many did this as a way to get out of prison camps, especially after Grant suspended the exchange protocols late in the war. Anecdotal evidence suggests most of these "converts" simply melted away at the first opportunity, either going home or else returning to their gray units.

Bill
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Paul Drake 
  To: [log in to unmask] 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 12:46 PM
  Subject: Re: 8th VA Regiment (Union) cont.


  I seem to have misread your message; I thought the soldier had been in the 8th VA and deserted to an unknown  Union regiment.  My advice is sound if one has a Rebel who deserts to an Yank regiment not designated.  Paul

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