War Department General Orders No. 34 dated May 3, 1863 announced the act of Congress to "Organize Battalion of Sharp Shooters."

Paraphrasing, the act says the Sec of War may cause to be organized a battalion of Sharp Shooters for each brigade, of not less than 3 nor more than 6 companies to be composed of men selected from the brigade or otherwise and armed with long range muskets or rifles