He was 21 years old when he was enlisted (4). He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (4).
He was a conductor when he was enlisted (4).
He was 5 feet 8 inches tall, and had a light complexion, dark eyes, and dark hair (4).
James Closson enrolled him and several friends in company G (2). He was enlisted and mustered into service on 2 October 1861 (1, 2, 3, 4). He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Captain Dye (4). He was mustered in as a private in company G, by Captain Dye (1, 2, 3).
He never reported for duty, and was recorded as having deserted on 2 October 1861, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1, 2, 3, 4).
James Closson visited his parents, who claimed they did not know where he was and that he could not serve because of "weakness in the eyes", and offered a substitute (2). A few days later Pritchett's father came with a substitute. After talking to Colonel Gregory and Major Todd, Captain Sellers accepted the substitute (2). He later admitted he had no authority to accept him (2).
Captain Sellers later reported him as having deserted, and he was arrested in Philadelphia (2). Apparently someone complained, and Gregory had to explain the situation to the US Adjutant General (2).
I do not know what happened. Bates records him as having deserted on 2 October 1861, which suggests he was never court martialed.
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 letter, Gregory to Thomas, with report by Eli Sellers, 21 November 1863
3 company G, register of deserters (William T Pritchet)
4 company G, descriptive roll, #57 (William A [sic] Pritchett)
[I did not find an entry for him in the index on <www.ancestry.com> to the pension index by name (searched March 2007)]