The Louisiana in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Sharpshooters
In Response To: Sharpshooters ()

Wayne,
I have a bit of information on how it occurred in Wofford's Georgia Brigade: By April 1863, Wofford selected six companies of 50 men, one from each of his five regiments and legions, and a sixth composed of volunteers from the 16th, 18th, 24th, and Phillips' Legion. A commander and subordinate officers were selected. For Captains, Wofford selected from among the Lieutenants in the brigade, one from each regiment and legion, except the 16th, from which he selected two. Each raised 53 men from their regiments and legions, whose strength was above minimum. From the 53, Wofford selected three most distinguished in battle and general good conduct as lieutenants. By April 25 the selection process was complete. McLaws approved, and Longstreet. On May 25, Lee approved, saying "In companies of the size proposed, I should think a captain and three lieutenants would be sufficient if the law permits it." By June 3, the 3rd Georgia Battalion (Sharpshooters) was formed and drilled in a separate camp. It was led by LCol Nathan L. Hutchins, Jr. (from the 16th). P. E. Davant was selected as major, W. D. Bringle as assistant surgeon, James P. Phillips as assistant quartermaster, and James H. Williams as adjutant. I have observed that the men of the new battalion sometimes appear in post-war records as members of their old unit, which makes it difficult to distinguish their service in the new sharpshooter battalion. Case in point: I understand that it took a long time for the Gettysburg National Military Park to finally acknowledge the existence of the 3rd Georgia Battalion as a separate organization in the battle of Gettysburg.

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