He was 18 years old when he was enlisted (8, 9 [20 in 1863]). He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (8, 9).
He was a weaver when he was enlisted (8, 9).
He was 5 feet 5 inches tall, and had a light complexion, grey eyes, and light hair (8, 9).
He was enlisted and mustered into service on 22 October 1861 (1, 8). He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Captain Gilbert (8). He served as a private in company G (1).
On 23 February 1863, he returned to the regiment from duty at Windmill Point Hospital (3).
On 28 July 1863, he was reported as having been dropped because he was missing in the campaign (probably after 11 June 1863) (4).
On 1 November 1863, he was reported regained from missing in action (5).
He was released from arrest on 25 December 1863 (2).
He reenlisted as a veteran volunteer on 26 December 1863 (1, 9). He was enlisted for three years, at Bealton, Virginia, by Lieutenant Swan (9).
He deserted on 16 February 1864 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania while on veterans' furlough (1, 6, 7, 8, 9).
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster)
2 special order 121, HQ 91st PA, 25 December 1863
3 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 23 Feb 63 (Private Perkins)
4 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 28 July 1863 (Private Perkins)
5 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 1 November 1863 (Priv Perkins)
6 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 29 June 1864 (Pri Perkins)
7 company G, register of deserters (John Perkins)
8 company G, descriptive roll, #60 (John Perkins)
9 company G, second descriptive roll, entry [23] (John Perkins)