FLORIDA – 1861 – 16 APR – 30 MAY 1961

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1^st GA (Ramsey’s) received into the service of the Confederate States at Pensacola, FL by CPT Forney, Asst IG, CSA

Henderson, Vol. 1, P. 298 (Gen Order No. 19, HQ Troops, Pensacola, FL)

The 1^st Ga (Ramsey’s) “took up quarters at Fort Barrancas, where they remained almost two months

Note: 1SG Thomas Hamil, F/12^th Bn Ga Lt Arty, undated, in Henderson, Vol 1, at p.297

VIRGINIA 1861, 1 JUNE 1861 – 19 FEB. 1862

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1^st Ga (Ramsey’s) in Richmond, Va.

Document reprinted in “The Georgia Genealogist, “ p. 9

1^st Ga (Ramsey’s) ordered to proceed to Stainton, VA and to report to BG R S Garnett

Ainesworth & Kirkley, The War of the Rebellion, A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union & Confederate Armies, (hereafter “Official Records”), Series I, Vol. 51, p. 136 (Special Orders No. 66, Adjt. And Insp., Gen.’s Office, Richmond, dtd 7 Jun 1861) (Unless otherwise indicated, all references to the Official Records will be to Series I); Derry, P. 21.

BG Garnett reports that 1^st Ga (Ramsey’s) to be two days march behind COL Pegram 

Offical Records, Vol. 2, P942

1^st Ga (Ramsey’s) as part of the Brigade commanded by BG R S Garnett are part of the CS Forces covering the retreat of BG Garnett’s brigade from Laurel Hill, VA, following a successful attack by Federal forces under the command of MG George B. McClellan,.  After CS forces abandoned their position on Laurel BG Garnett orders a retreat to Beverly and then to St. George.  Federal cavalry and flying artillery units pursue the CS forces and on Saturday, catch the rear elements “in the vicinity of the left branch of the Cheat River, attack his rear , defended by the First Georgia Regiment (Ramsey’s).” Although BG Jackson’s initial reports indicate that the 1^st Ga (Ramsey’s) was successful in repulsing three federal attacks, later accounts indicate that the became “almost wholly disorganized.” During the battle at Cheat River, BG Garnett is killed and COL Ramsey assumes command of the Brigade.

Id. P. 248-249, 285

23 Jul 1861
1^st Ga. (Ramsey’s) accompanied by MAJ Jones with five pieces of artillery, reported to be at McDowell’s to recruit

Official Records, Vol. 2, p. 993-994 (Ltr, MAJ Harman to MG R E Lee)

25^th Jul 1861
COL Ramsey is reported to have given his entire regiment leaves of absence.  BG W W Loring orders the arrest of COL Ramsey for this action.

Official Records, Vol. 2, p. 999

8 Sep 1861
Organizaiton of Army of Northwest: 3^rd Bde Commanded by BG Donaldson consists of 8^th Tenn, 16^th Tenn, 1^st Ga (Ramsey’s) , 14^th GA and Greenbrier Cavalry

Official Records, Vol. 51, p. 283 (Gen Orders No. 10, HQ, Army of Northwest, Valley Mountain, dtd 8 Sept. 1861)

30 Sep 1861
“Georgia First: COL J. N. Ramsey: Army of Northwest

Official Records, Series IV, Vol. 1, p. 626-627 (Adjt. And Insp. Gen.s Office, Statement of regiments, battalions and mustered into the service of the Confederate States).

3 Oct 1861
Battle on Greenbrier River, West VA.  1^st Ga. (Ramsey’s) under the command of MAJ George H Thompson.  Other units present are 12^th Ga, 3d Ark, 23d Va, 25^th Va, 31^st Va, and 44^th Va. (A map accompanying the report indicates that the 1^st Ga (Ramsey’s) was in reserve).

Official Records, Vol. 5, P. 224 – 228 (Report by BG H. R. Jackson, dtd 7 Oct 1861.); Derry, p. 21

22 Nov 1861
1^st Ga (Ramsey’s), 3d Ark, 23d Va and 37^th Va ordered to proceed to Monterey under command of COL Taliaferro.

Official Records, Vol. 51, p. 388 (General Orders No. 21, HQ, Army of Northwest, dtd 22 Nov. 1861).

Dec 1861
COL William B. Taliaferro’s Bde. Army of the Northwest, consisting of 1^st GA (Ramsey’s), 3d Ark, 23d Va Vol and 37^th Va Vol. reach Winchester, VA. 

Official Records, Vol. 5, p. 389-395. (Report of Operations in the Valley District, VA. And W. Va, 4 Nov. 1861 to 21 Feb. 1862.

24 Dec 1861
1^st Ga (Ramsey’s) reported to have aggregate strength of 918

Official Records, Vol. 5, p. 1005 (Report of MG T J Jackson, HQ, Valley District to LTG Joseph E. Johnson). 

3 Jan 1862
Taliaferro’s Bde under the command of BG Loring

Official Records, Vol. 5, P. 389 – 395

9 Feb 1862
Loring’s Bde ordered broken up and 1^st Ga (Ramsey’s) ordered to Knoxville, TN

Official Records, Vol. 5, p. 1067 (Ltr, J P Benjamin, Sec of War, CSA to MG Joseph E. Jonston, Centerville, VA

10 Feb 1862
1^st Ga (Ramsey’s) ordered to proceed to Knoxville, TN and to report to Gen A S Johnston commanding Dept No. 2

Official Records, Vol. 5, p. 1068 (Special Orders No. 33, Adjt. And Insp. Gen.’s Office, Richmond, dtd 10 Feb 1862): Vol. 5, p. 1072

18 Feb 1862
MG T J Jackson writes Gen Johnston that 1^st GA (Ramsey’s) will leave for Knoxville at 10 o’clock on 19 Feb. 1862

Official Records, Vol. 5, P. 1072; Vol. 7, p. 862. 872

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__ Mar 1862
1^st Ga (Ramsey’s) travels by train to Lynchburg, VA. At Lynchburg, an accident on the E.T.Va., & G. R. R. prevents the 1^st Ga. (Ramsey’s) from proceeding on to Knoxville

Derry, supra, p. 21; Henderson, Vol. 1, p. 298 (Ltr, 1SG Thomas Hamil, subj. CO H, 1^st Ga (Ramsey’s)

10 Mar 1862
“…-The First Georgia – was turned back a Lynchburg, and mustered out by expiration of Service.”

18 Mar 1862
1^st GA (Ramsey’s) mustered out of Confederate Service at Augusta, Ga.

Derry, supra, p. 21;Muster Roll, pp. 50-53; Henderson, Vol. 1, p. 298 -306

6 May 1862
Quitman Guards reconstituted at Forsyth, GA.  Thirty-two members of the original Quitman Guards, k/1^st Ga (Ramsey’s), re-enrolled in the Quitman Guards.  The former 1SG, J. M. Ponder, is elected Captain.  The Quitman Guards are designated K Co., 53d Regiment, Georgia Volunteers (hereafter “K/53d Ga”

Henderson, Vol. 5, p. 611-620; Muster Roll, pp. 50-53; Jossey, p. 163-164; See also Id., Bass, Ralph E., Jr., Ch VII, “The War between the States and Reconstruction,” Id., Id at p. 151.

PENINSULA, 17 MARCH – 3 AUG 1862

53^rd Ga reported to have suffered 2 killed, 23 wonded, 2 missing during the Peninsular Campaign.

Official Records, Vol. II, Pt. 2, p.505 (Report of casualties in the Peninsular Campaign in VA)

Seven days battle, 53d Ga in reserve

Official Records, Vol. 11, Pt. 3, p. 978

53d Ga engaged Federal forces at Crews Farm

Official Records, Vol. 11, Pt. 2, p. 721-723, 725

53d Ga (COL L T Doyal, CDR) assigned to 1^st Bde (Seemes’ Bde), MG McLaws’ Division, MG James Longstreet’s Command (1^st Corps), Army of Northern VA

Official Records, Vol. II, Pt 3., p. 648, 651; Vol. 21, P538.  Derry P. 125

------------SHARPESBURG, 3 – 17 SEP 1862

53d Ga shown to have suffered 11 killed, 63 wounded during Sharpesburg Campaign.

Official Records, Vol. 19, Pt. 1, p.810, 812 (Report of Surg Lafayette Guild, Medical Director, Army of Northern Virginia, of killed and wounded at Boonesborough [South Mountain or Turner’s Pass], Crampton’s Gap, Hapers Ferry, Sharpesburg [Antetam], and Shepherdstown [Blackford’s or Boteler’s]).

21 | 255 |  1  | 20  | 3  | 60 | 0  | 6

Official Records, Vol. 19, Pt. 1, p. 861 – 862

23 Sep 1862
Report of 53d Ga in battle of Sharpesburg by CPT S. W. Mashburn

Official Records, Vol. 19, Pt. 1, P. 879

24 Sep 1862
BG Semmes reports that 53d Ga suffered 30% Killed or wounded during Sharpesburg Campaign and that LTC Sloan, Cdr., 53d Ga was mortally wounded.

Official Records, Vol. 19, Pt. 1, P. 874

19 Dec 1862
53d Ga assigned to Semmes’ Bde, McLaws” Division, 1^st Corps, COL James P. Simms is shown as commander of the 53d GA

Official Records, Vol. 21, P. 1070

1863
53d Ga assigned to 1^st Bde (BG Paul J. Semmes), McLaws’ Division (MG Lafayette McLaws), McGruder’s Corps (MG John B. McGruder).

Official Records, Vol. 11, Pt. 2, p. 485 (Organization of Forces during engagements around Richmond, VA); pp. 505, 509, 721-723, 725, 978.

53d Ga suffered 120 casualties (15 killed, 105 wounded) during the Chancellorsville Campaign.

Official Records, Vol. 25, Pt. 1, p. 806 (Report of Surg L. Guild, CS Army Medical Director of the Killed and wounded).

53d engaged Federal troups in battles on the Rappahannock and at Fredricksburg.  During these battles the 53d Ga captured the National Colors of the 2d Rhode Island Vol.

Id. P. 837

                                                   -------------GETTYSBURG, 19 JUNE -

3 JUL. 1863 ----------------------------

53d Ga assigned to Semmes’ Bde, McLaws Division, 1^st Corps, Army of Northern Va

Official Records, Vol. 25, Pt. 1, p. 789; Luvaas, Jay & Harold Nelson, The U. S. Army War College Guide to the Battle of Gettysburg, p. 224, (1987)

Organization of 1^st Corps (MG Longstreet) shows 53d Ga assigned to McLws Division, Simmes Bde.

Official Records, Vol. 27, pt. 3, p. 919, 920

53d Ga assigned to Semmes’ Bde, BG P. J. Semmes and COL Goode Bryan, commanders. COL James P. Simms is commander of the 53d GA

Official Records, Vol. 27, Pt. 2, p.___

Return of the killed and wounded for Gettysburg, shows that the 53d Ga suffered 87 casualties; 15 killed, 72 wounded.

Official Records, Vol. 27, Pt. 2, p.329, 338

William T. Dumas elected CPT of K/53d Ga. CPT Ponder appointed Asst. Quartermaster

53d Ga shown as assigned to Semmes’ Bde, McLws Divison, 1^st Corps, Army of Northern Virginia

Official Records, Vol. 27, Pt. 3, P. 105B

53d Ga assigned to 1^st Army Corps (Longstreet’s), M’Laws’ Div, Semmes’ Bde, Army of Northern Virginia.  COL James P. Simms is CDR of the 53d Ga.

Official Records, Vol. 29, Pt. 2, P. 682

BG Goode Bryan assigned to command Semme’s Bde (thereafter Bryan’s Bde).

Official Records, Vol. 29, Pt. 2, P. 702

Bryan’s and Anderson’s Bde are selected by LTG Longstreet to be sent to Charleston, SC. However, Wise’s Bde is subsequently substituted for Bryan’s Bde, which remains with 1^st Corps.  The Corps is then ordered to join the Army of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Official Records, Vol. 29, Pt. 2, p.708; Travis Hudson, The Charleston and Knoxville Campaigns:  History of the 59^th Georgia Infantry Volunteer Regiment, Part II, 25 Atlanta Historical Journal, No. 5, p. 47-48 (Fall 1981) (hereafter “Hudson”).

Returns for the Army of Tennessee GEN Braxton Bragg, CDR show that Longstreet’s Corps, (MG John B. Hood, CDR) Army of Northern Virginia is attached to the Army of Tennessee. A note indicates that Longstreet’s return shows that M’Laws Division did not arrive in time to take part in the battle for Chickamauga.

Official Records, Vol. 20, Pt. 1, P. 11, 18

1^st Army Corps (Longstreet’s), M’Laws’ Div, Bryan’s Bde, 53d Ga in East Tennessee

Official Records, Vol. 31, Pt. 3, p. 615

1^st Corps receives orders to withdraw from the lines of the Army of Tennessee at Chattanooga and to move to attack Union forces at Knoxville, TN

Hudson, p. 52

M’Laws division withdrawn from Confederate lines around Chattanooga, TN

Official Records, Vol. 31, Pt. 1, p. 481 (Report of MG Lafayette McLaws, CS Army, commanding division, dtd 19 Apr. 1864, subj: Report of Operations, 4 Nov to 17 Dec 1863

M’Laws Division arrives at Sweetwater TN

ID.

M’Laws division arrives at Loudon, TN

ID.

Division crosses Holston River.

Id.

M’Laws division marches to Knoxville, Tn. And prepares to assault Ft. Loudon.  Bryan’s Bde is held in reserve

Id. P. 483. (The fort was referred to as Ft. Loudon by Confederate forces and Ft. Sanders by the Union Forces.  The area where the fort stood in Knoxville is referred to locally as Ft. Sanders.  See Hudson, p. 47-48

Bryan’s Bde is ordered to relieve Gen Jenkins Bde in the line facing Ft. Loudon.

Id., p.483

Bryan’s Bde attack Ft. Loudon. During the assault on Ft. Loudon, COL Simms, Cdr, 53d Ga is wounded

Id., p. 483, 495; see also Report of COL Edward Ball, 51^st Ga., commanding Bryan’s Bde, dtd 13 Jan. 1864, Id., p.522 – 524.  For an account of the attack on Ft. Loudon, see Hudson, pp. 54-57

1^st Army Corps (Longstreet’s), M’Laws’ Div, Bryan’s Bde, 53d Ga in East Tennessee

Official Records, Vol. 31, Pt. 2, p. 657

CPT William T. Dumas, CDR, K/53d Ga. Captured by Union forces at Knoxville, TN

Henderson, Vol. 6, p.611

1^st Army Corps (Longstreet’s), M’Laws’ Div, Bryan’s Bde, 53d Ga. In East Tennessee

Official Records, Vol. 31, pt. 1, p. ??

1^st Army Corps (Longstreet’s), M’Laws’ Div, Bryan’s Bde, 53d Ga in East Tennessee

Official Records, Vol. 31, Pt. 3, P. 890

M’Law’s Division ordered to move to Morristown, TN where winter quarters are established.

Official Records, Vol. 32, Pt. 3, p.556; Hudson, p.61

“Organization of Confederate Forces in the Department of East Tennessee, commanded by LTG James Longstreet.” The 53d Ga is shown as assigned to Bryan’s Brigade (COL Edward Ball, CDR), in M’Laws’ Division (BG William T. Wofford, CDR). COL James P. Simms is shown as commander of the 53d GA.

Official Records, Vol. 32, Pt. 2 P.641

Kershaw’s (Formerly M’Laws’) Division ordered to move to Midway

Official Records, Vol. 32, Pt. 3, P. 622

“Organization of Confederate forces in Department to East Tennessee, commanded by LTG James Longstreet, C. S. Army, March 31, 1864”. The 53d Ga is shown as assigned to Bryan’ Brigade (BG Goode Bryan CDR), in M’Laws Division (BG Joseph B. Kershaw, CDR).

Official Records, Vol. 32, Pt. 3, p.761

Longstreet’s Corps ordered to rejoin Lee in Virginia

Hudson, p.63, n. 43 at p. 64

7 May 1864
1^st Army Corps at Spotsylvania Courthouse

Official Records, Vo. 36, Pt. 1, p. 1056, 1059 (Diary of 1^st Army Corps)

1 June 1864
53d Ga attacks federal troops. k/53d Ga. At Cold Harbour, Va.

2 Jun 1864
COL James P. Simms, CDR, 53d Ga. Assumes command of Bryan’s Bde.

Official Records, Id., p. 1064 – 1065

Kershaw’s Division, Bryan’s Brigade. COL James P. Simms is shown as commanding Bryan’s Bde and the 53d Ga.

Official Records, Vol. 42, Pt. 2, p.1215; see also p.686

“Organization of Confederate Forces commanded by LTG Jubal A. Early, C. S. Army at battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia”.  The 53d Ga was part of Bryan’s Brigade (COL. J. P. Simms, CDR) in Kershaw’s Division.  No commander is shown for the 53d GA

Early’s report of the battle is at pp.561-564.

Army of Northern Virginia, Army Valley District.  COL James P. Simms is shown as commander of Bryan’s Brigade and the 53d Ga.

Official Records, Vol. 42, Pt. 3, p.1187, 1195

53d Ga encamped around New Market, VA with the Army of the Valley District (LTG Jubal A. Early, CDR.)  The returns for 31 Oct shown that COL James P. Simms, CDR of the 53d Ga was also commanding Bryan’s Bde. A note to the return states that Kershaw’s Division belonged to 1^st Army Corps but was “temporarily serving in Army Valley District”.

Official Records, Vol. 43, Pt. 2, p. 911, 913

Organization of Confederate Forces, Army of Northern VA.  The 53d Ga is shown as assigned to Bryan’s Brigade (COL James P. Simms, CDR), in Kershaw’s Division (MG Joseph B. Kershaw, CDR.)  LTC W. F. Hartsfield is shown as commander of the 53d Ga.

Official Records, Vol. 42, Pt. 3, p.1364

Kershaw’s Div, Bryan’s Bde (BG Goode Bryan, CDR).  The commander of the 53d Ga was LTC W.F. Hartsfield.  The other elements in the Bde were 10^th Ga, 50^th Ga. And 51^st Ga.

Official Records, Vol. 46, Pt. 2, p. 1269

8 soldiers from K/53d Ga. Are captured by Union Forces at High Bridge or Farmington

Henderson, Vol. 6, p.612, 614, 15, 618

On 9 Apr, the 53d Ga was assigned to Simm’s Brigade (BG James P. Simms, CDR), in Kershaw’s Division (MG Joseph B. Kershaw, CDR), 1^st Army Corps, (LTG James Longstreet, CDR), Army of Northern Virginia (GEN R. E. Lee, CDR).  The commander of the 53d Ga was Capt. R. H. Woods.

Official Records, Id.

10 Apr 1865
Disbanned and prevented by law from reorganizing until 1872.

Lineage & Honors Certificate, 190^th Tk Bn, 179^th MP Co.