Joel Jackson Simmons, 26, enlisted on 29 April 1862 in Co. K (the Monroe Quin Guards of Pike County), 39th Mississippi Infantry Regiment. Organized at Jackson on 13 May 1862 and commanded by W.B. Shelby, the 39th took part in the Battle of Corinth 3-5 October 1862 as part of the brigade commanded by General John B. Villepigue. Together with the 33rd Mississippi, the 39th captured the outer line of Federal rifle pits on the 3d, were engaged slightly on the 4th, and during the retreat on the 5th the brigade skirmishers checked the enemy pursuit at Hatchie bridge. The 39th suffered total casualties of 23 killed and 147 wounded or missing at Corinth. It is probable that J.J. Simmons was among those wounded, because he is listed on temporary duty at the military hospital in Woodville, Mississippi during February-March 1863. By April 1863, Private Simmons was again present with his regiment, which meanwhile consolidated with the 1st Mississippi and on 7 January 1863 was assigned to the brigade of General William Beall for duty in the breastworks at Port Hudson, Louisiana. From May-June 1863 the 39th occupied an important position on the left of the Confederate defenses, and repulsed a Federal assault with heavy losses on 14 June. The regiment was surrendered with the garrison on 8 July 1863, but the enlisted men were paroled and sent to an exchange camp at Enterprise. Although the 39th was reorganized and served throughout the balance of the war, J.J. Simmons is reported as "absent without leave from Sept. 15, 1863". The period photograph shows a portion of the Port Hudson defenses known as the "Priest's Cap".