GEORGIA  12th Battalion Georgia Light Artillery

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by 
George H. Watkins,(vickipw@gmail.com) 

Georgia Table of Contents: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm

Research done by George H. Watkins over a period of years. See brief history at bottom of this page.

Visit Ash's page
http://www.pollette.com/default.htm
for  more information about 12th Battalion (and many other counties as well). His pages contain history, photos, and battle information.

12th Battalion Georgia Light Artillery

Roster of Field Staff & Band 
12th Georgia Battalion

Lt. Col. Henry Dixon Capers Commanding

The Battalion was made up of men from the areas
surrounding the following counties: Cowetta, Dekalb,
Gwinnett, Richmond, and Washington.

The primary source for the following information is the
Compiled Service Records, GA Dept. of Archives and
History, drawer 254 boxes 31-35, with additional
information from the records of the Soldier Roster
Commission, GA Dept. of Archives and History, RG-58-2-26
box 83 Loc. 3297-15. Information was also taken from
private letters, county histories, and local newspapers
when available.

PR indicates information taken from pension records. RCS
indicates information taken from the Roster of the
Confederate Soldiers of Georgia, 1861 - 1865. NG
indicates information taken from reunion records of the
Newnan Guards and Newnan Artillery, located Probate Court
of Cowetta, Co.

The research for this project was done by George H.
Watkins,(vickipw@gmail.com) 155 Thorn Ridge Trail,
Fayetteville, GA 30214.

Adams C. B., Asst. Surgeon Transferred 6/13/64 to
Pocotalligo, S. C.

Baker Frank W., Adjutant, Enlisted 5/7/62, Promoted
10/13/62, Mortally Wounded 6/2/64 Cold Harbor, Leg
Amputated near body, Buried Hollywood Cemetery Richmond,
VA area X-99.

Bottom Jordan B., Musician, Enlisted 5/1/62, Augusta,
Surrendered Appomattox 4/9/65 with Gen. Lee. 1850 Census
list Jordan Bottoms age 8 living Richmond Co in the
household of Martha Battum. PR Widow applied Richmond Co.
9/5/19. She a resident of GA since 8/6/53. Jordan B.
Bottom married Dora E. Dennis 7/31/77 at Augusta, GA.
Jordan died 10/23/03 at Augusta. Enlisted 5/62 for
artillery but could not get guns. He was present at the
surrender. Witness Robert R. Stallings stated that he had
known Jordan Bottom since 1855. He also stated that he
(the witness) had been captured 3 days before the
surrender, and that Jordan was with the command when he
left it. Jordan Bottom was a drummer. RCS Served in Co. I
Ramsey's 1st. GA in 1861. City directory list Bottoms as
an Engineer with the Augusta Post Office.

Boyce Ker, Quarter Master, Promoted to Brigade QM.
9/15/64. 1870 census list Ker Boyce age 36 living
Richmond Co. GA. PR Witness for Thomas Welch of F Co.
1889 in Richmond Co. Died 3/20/91, Major QM Evans
Brigade, according to records Confederate Survivors
Assoc. meetings Augusta College Library. Obituary in
Augusta Chronicle: Native of Charleston, SC, married
Miss. McGrand of Augusta, 6 children, 4 boys & 2 girls,
appointed Postmaster for Augusta 1885.

Boyer Mirabeau Holbache, Musician, Enlisted 5/1/62,
Sandersville, Chief Battalion Bugler 7/1/63, Surrendered
Appomattox 4/9/65 with Gen. Lee. PR Widow applied 2/21/30
in Pulaski Co. She was a GA resident all her life, age
80. M.H. Boyer died Hawkinsville, GA 3/14/98, Buried
Sandersville, GA. M.H. Boyer married Viviana B. Skrine
10/6/70 in Washington Co. She stated that her husband was
never captured, and that he surrendered at Appomattox,
and that one leg was affected. Their Son, M.H. Boyer, who
was the Solicitor General for 7 counties, wrote a letter
to the Pension Department on behalf of his Mother. M.H.
Boyer was a witness for R.G. Pope in 1879, and stated
that he had been a Sgt.

Capers Henry Dixon, Lt. Col., Commander 12th GA
Battalion, Promoted Lt. Col. 11/15/62, Detached from 12th
GA July 63 to oversee impressed labor projects at
Savannah, Wounded 6/2/64 Cold Harbor, Retired 12/24/64,
Assigned to ordinance duty under Gen Gorges. 1870 census
list a Henry Capers living Savannah GA age 40. PR Applied
Fulton Co 9/14/05. Born 6/2/35, a GA resident since
5/6/57. Enlisted 2/23/62, paroled 6/9/65. Wounded rt hip,
physicians statement indicates nerve damage due to gun
shot wound rt pelvis. The wound occurred while engaged in
battle on Totopotomoy Creek near Bethesda Church, on the
left flank of Lee's lines. A board of examining surgeons
under Dr. Henry M. Brown Chairman relieved Col Capers
from field service. He was unable to mount and dismount.
He was assigned to ordinance duty, and remained on that
duty until the end of the war. One witness was Gen.
Clement A. Evans, others were A.W. Calhoon and R.G. Hitt.
J.M. Pace, an attorney from Covington, GA saw Capers
borne from the field, injured at Cold Harbor. Capers was
a witness for W.A. Goza in 1902, and was living in Putnam
Co.

Clayton Edward F., Adjutant, Enlisted, 4/10/62, Augusta,
Promoted Adj. 7/19/64 from SgMaj., Rose from Pvt. Co A1,
Killed 3/25/65 Fort Stedman, Buried Blandford Cemetery
Petersburg, VA. RCS Served in Co. D Ramsey's 1st. GA.

Crane George W., Assistant Quarter Master, Enlisted
5/1/62, Promoted 8/12/62. 12/31/64 last listing in file.
RCS Served as 2d Lt. Co. D Ramsey's 1st. GA.

Crump Samuel H., Maj., Enlisted 4/9/62, Company Commander
12th GA, Transferred to Gen. William H.T. Walker's Staff
5/13/63, A Co Commander 12th GA 2/2/65, Commanding 12th
GA 2/27/65, Surrendered Appomattox 4/9/65 with Gen. Lee.
1850 Census list Samuel H. Crump age 26, a clerk, living
Richmond Co in the household of Elizabeth A. Crump. 1870
Census list 2 Samuel H. Crumps living Richmond Co. RCS
Served as Commander of I Co. Ramsey's 1st. GA in 1861.
Augusta Chronicle & Sentinel 8/2/64 describes Maj. S.H.
Crump commanding a few troops at Tennille, GA as Federal
Troops burned the Oconee Bridge. According to records of
the Confederate Survivors Assoc Augusta College Library,
S.H. Crump died between the meetings of 4/83 and 4/84.

Derry Edgar R., Ordnance Sgt., Enlisted 4/10/62, Augusta,
Transferred from Co. A1, Detached at Richmond 9/63 -
11/64, Discharged due to Tuberculosis 2/22/65. PR Applied
9/12/19 in Richmond Co. A resident of GA for 65 years.
Served in the 12th GA from 5/62 - 5/63 when detailed to
Richmond by the War Department. The command was at Isl.
of Hope near Savannah when he left it. Detailed to
Hospital Service, looking after sick and wounded
soldiers. Came out of Richmond 4/2/65 on the same train
with President Davis. Witness Joseph T. Derry of Fulton
Co. stated that he had known the applicant since 1854,
and that they were cousins. That the applicant had lived
in Augusta since 1854. The witness was a POW at Camp
Douglas at wars end. Edgar R. Derry died 3/6/23 in
Richmond Co. His Son W.R. Derry stated that his Father
had died suddenly and unexpectedly.

Eve Robert C., Sgt. Maj., Enlisted 4/10/62, Augusta,
Transferred from Co. A1, Transferred back to A1, Promoted
Asst. Surgeon CSA. 1870 Census list Robert C. Eve age 27
living Richmond Co. RCS Served in Co. D Ramsey's 1st. GA.

Hanvey George M., Maj., Enlisted 5/1/62, Newnan, Promoted
from Capt. A Co to Maj. Ex. Officer 12th GA 4/29/63,
Acting Battalion Commander after 6/2/64, Wounded 6/2/64
Cold Harbor, Wounded rt arm and rt side including lung
Monocacy, MD 7/9/64, Taken prisoner at hospital
Frederick, MD 7/10/64, Transferred to Wests Buildings
Hospital Baltimore, MD, Transferred to Point Lookout POW
Camp, Released 7/25/65. RCS list release from Johnson's
Island 7/25/65. 1870 Census list George Hanvy age 45,
born SC, living Cowetta Co. PR Applied Fulton Co 1890. He
served in the 1st GA as a Capt. prior to his service in
the 12th GA. G.M. Hanvey died 11/16/00 in Fulton Co. His
Widow Dianna E. Hanvey applied for a pension in Fulton Co
1/8/01. She stated that her Husband had suffered for many
years from the effects of his wound. She was born in SC,
but a resident of GA since 8/52. They married 4/1/52.
Witness' Joseph P. Martin and J. Robert Stampswere with
Maj. Hanvey and saw him shot down. He suffered from the
time he received the wound until he died. J.H. Dent
confirmed the statements of the other witness', except
that he did not see Maj. Hanvey shot. NG Living
Louisville, Ky 1880's, and afterward, Atlanta, GA. Major
Hanvey's obituary in the Atlanta Journal on 11/17/1900
states that he was born in Abbeville, SC and that he was
72 years old. He is buried in Oakland Cemetery in
Atlanta. His widow was the former Miss. Diana E. Hill of
Abbeville. The pall-bearers and escorts included: Abner
W. Calhoun, Joseph H. Dent, and J.R. Stamps all from UCV
Camp 159.

Hitt R.G., Adjutant, Enlisted 5/1/62, Augusta, Sick at
Augusta 7/62 - 7/63, Promoted from F Co to FS&B Adjutant
12th GA after 11/1/64, Wounded four times, Surrenderred
Appomattox 4/9/65 with Gen. Lee. RCS Wounded Cold Harbor,
Appointed Adjutant in 1865. Also served in Co. I Ramsey's
1st. GA in 1861. 1850 Census list Robert G. Hitt age 4
living Richmond Co. in the household of Charles B. Hitt,
a merchant. 1870 Census list Robert G. Hitt age 25 living
Lee Co. PR A witness for H.D. Capers in 1905.

James, Colored Boy, Musician, 4/1/63, Discharged 7/5/63.

Keller Joseph Raburn, Musician, Enlisted 5/1/62, Newnan,
Transferred from Co A to FS&B 9/63, Surrendered
Appomattox 4/9/65. 1850 Census list Joseph R. Keller age
7 living Cowetta Co. in the household of Henry Keller, a
grocer. 1870 Census list Joseph R. Keller age 27 living
Cowetta Co. RCS Also served in Co. A Ramsey's 1st. GA in
1861. NG Drum Major, Died by 1880's.

Lamar S.H., Surgeon, Earliest record with 12th GA 7/1/64,
4/9/65 Surrendered Appomattox. 1850 Census list
Southwirth H. Lamers age 13 living Richmond Co in the
household of George W. Lamers, a Lawyer.

Mathews, M., Killed Fort Sumpter 10/31/63

Mitchell William A., Musician, Enlisted 5/1/62, Newnan,
Transferred to band from Co A, Surrendered Appomattox
4/9/65 with Gen. Lee. 1850 Census list William A.
Mitchell age 10 living Cowetta Co. in the household of
B.H. Mitchell, a merchant. In same household, John W. and
Glen P. Mitchell (A Co.). PR Witness for John T. Dennis
in 1898 living Cowetta Co. He stated that John had served
over a year, and that he was present at the surrender.
RCS Served in Co. A Ramsey's 1st. GA in 1861. NG Living
Newnan, GA 1880's.

Palmer Oscar, Muscian, Enlisted 5/1/62, Newnan,
transferred from A Co to FS&B as Musician 9/63,
Surrendered 4/9/65 with Gen. Lee. RCS Also served in Co.
A Ramsey's 1st. GA in 1861. NG Died at Savannah, GA
3/28/87.

Perkins John I., Musician, Enlisted 2/23/64, Washington
County, 4/9/65 Surrendered Appomattox with Gen. Lee. PR
Applied Campbell Co 4/7/02. Born 6/8/48 Green Co GA.
Resident of GA all of life. Enlisted Sandersville 3/4/62
into Co C 49th GA, serve about 8 months in 49th, and
about 17 months in 12th GA Bat. Present at surrender.
Resided Fulton Co 1889-1897, and Campbell Co 1897-02.
Witness' J. P. Hall (49th) of Atlanta, and J.K. Kinman
(12th) of Jefferson Co. Occupation: Farmer, Family: Wife
and 4 children.

Ray J.L., Musician, Enlisted 6/17/63, Isl of Hope near
Savannah, Transferred from Co B to FS&B 7/1/63, Present
11/12/64 last entry. One Wray J.L., Musician, Surrendered
Appomattox 4/9/65. 1850 Census list John L. Ray age 7
living Washington Co in the household of James Ray. In
same household, Thomas W. Ray and John Trawick

Ray T.W., Musician, Enlisted 6/17/63, Isl of Hope near
Savannah, Transferred from Co B to FS&B 7/1/63, Captured
Harrisonburg 9/27/64, Released 6/17/65. 1850 Census list
Thomas W. Ray age 4 living Washington Co. in the
household of James Ray. In same household, John L. Ray
and John Trawick.

Rodgers A.M., MSgt., Enlisted 4/10/62, Augusta, Into
Capt. Allen's first Co A, Transferred to FS&B, Released
from duty to return to Capt. Allen's Co 63ed GA Inf
2/25/63. 1850 Census list Alpheus M Rogers age 17, law
student born S.C., living Richmond Co. in the household
of Caraline A. Rogers.

Rudisill Benjamin F., Asst. Surgeon, Enlisted 5/29/62,
12/31/64 with Evans Brigade last entry.

Sayre R. Stokes, QMSgt., Enlisted 4/10/62, Augusta,
Transferred from first Company A to FS&B, Promoted to
QMSgt 2/25/63, Promoted QMSgt. Evans Brigade 10/11/64 and
dropped from rolls of 12th GA.

Sibley George R., QMSgt., Enlisted 4/10/62, Augusta,
Promoted to QMSgt for Battalion (FS&B). 1850 Census list
George R. Sibley age 10 living Richmond Co. in the
household of Josiah Sibley, born Mass. a merchant.

Skrine Paul A., Musician, Enlisted 5/1/62, Sandersville,
Kettle Drummer, Transferred from Co E to FS&B by 2/64,
Surrendered with Gen. Lee at Appomattox 4/9/65. 1850
Census list Paul Adam Skrine age 6 living Washington Co
in the household of Virginia Skrine.

Thompson James C., Musician, Enlisted 5/1/62, Newnan,
Bugler, Transferred from second Co A to FS&B Fall 1863,
Surrendered Appomattox 4/9/65. PR Applied Cowetta Co
3/30/93. Resident of GA since 1/15/31. He was 62 years
old on 4/93. Thompson served in the 1st GA Regiment. In
1/62, while the 1st GA was under Stonewall Jackson, the
unit was forced to march in the bitter cold from
Winchester, VA to Bath and Romney, VA. Thompson became
sick from this experience, and though he served through
out the war, he never fully recovered from the problems
caused by this experience. Thompson was a cabinet maker,
but by the time he applied for a pension, he could no
longer work at his trade. Witness' W.A. Mitchell, J.H.
Dent, Thomas Swint, and Newnan Mayor J.S. Orr. NG Living
Newnan, GA 1880's.

Thompson Young H.S., Musician, Enlisted 5/1/62, Newnan,
Transferred from second Co A to FS&B Fall 1863,
Surrendered Appomattox 4/9/65 RCS Also served in Co. A
Ramsey's 1st. GA in 1861. NG Died Newnan, GA 6/28/94.

Trawick A.J., Musician, Enlisted 5/1/62, Sandersville,
Bugler, Absent with broken leg 12/62 - 4/63, Transferred
from Co B to FS&B 7/1/63, Hospitalized Petersburg
10/15/64 - 12/18/64 with sprained ankle, Surrendered
Appomattox 4/9/65. 1850 Census list John Trawick age 18,
a clerk, living Washington Co. in the household of James
Ray. In same household, John L. Ray and Thomas W. Ray.
RCS Served in Co. E Ramsey's 1st. GA in 1861.

Wagner William H., Musician, Enlisted 5/14/62,
Sandersville, Transferred from Co B to Co E 5/15/63 in
exchange for E.E. Stubbs, Transferred to FS&B 7/1/63, In
hospital 6/17 - 6/21/64 at Charlottesville, VA with
intermittent fever, Present 12/28/64, last entry. RCS
Served in Co. E Ramsey's 1st. GA in 1861.

========Companies On-line in respective Counties========
Company A Coweta County 
Company B Washington County
Company C Gwinnett, Dekalb, and Heard Counties
Company D Richmond County
Company E Washington County
Company F Richmond County
Battalion History
Records

A BRIEF HISTORY OF
THE
12TH GEORGIA ARTILLERY BATTALION

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ALONG WITH THE ASSOCIATED COMPANY ROSTERS, WAS COMPILED BY GEORGE H. WATKINS, GREAT GREAT GRANDSON OF PVT. BENJAMIN WATKINS COMPANY A, 12TH GEORGIA BATTALION.

The research for this project was done by George H. Watkins, 155 Thorn Ridge Trail, Fayetteville, GA 30214.

 In March of 1862, Ramsey’s 1st GA Volunteer Regiment mustered out of service at the end of their one-year enlistment. These men had been some of the first to volunteer to serve the Southern cause, and were some of Georgia’s most patriotic sons. They had seen hard service, fighting the enemy, fighting the cold, and serving under Stonewall Jackson. Many of these patriots re-enlisted, and became the core of a new Battalion of Artillery being formed by Major Henry Dixon Capers. This unit was to be designated as the 12th GA Artillery Battalion. The 5 original companies were sent to Augusta for training. These companies were: Capt. J.V.H. Allen’s Company from the Augusta Richmond County area, made up of men from the former "Oglethorpe Infantry"; Capt. George M. Hanvey’s Company from Coweta County, made up of men from the former "Newnan Guards"; Capt. John W. Rudisell’s Company from Washington County, made up of men from the former "Washington Rifles"; Capt. Samuel H. Crump’s Company also from the Augusta area, made up of men from the former "Walker Light Infantry"; and the final company which was not associated with Ramsey’s 1st was commanded by Capt. George W. Johnson, and was from the area around Stone Mountain in Dekalb and Gwinnett Counties.

Training in Augusta ended on July 5th, when the 12th GA paraded through Augusta, and boarded special trains to take them to Atlanta, where they boarded a train to Chattanooga, a city under siege and in serious danger of falling into enemy hands. The 12th GA Battalion was an Artillery unit with no cannons, a situation which would cause the unit to serve as infantry much of the war. On July 6th, while speeding North just above Ringgold, GA, the train carrying the 12th GA was involved in a head on collision with an empty Southbound train. Many men were injured and some killed, and many horses were lost. This wreck occurred just a couple of miles North of where the "Great Locomotive Chase" had ended just over 2 months earlier. Upon arriving at Chattanooga, the 12th GA was issued Enfield rifles, and 4 of the companies were converted to infantry. Capt. Hanvey’s company, the Newnan Artillery, was detached and sent into Kentucky as Artillery with Gen. Kirby Smith, while the remaining 4 companies were left to do picket duty in Northern Tennessee. On August 13th, these 4 companies along with the 43ed Alabama stormed and captured Fort Cliff in Huntsville, Tennessee. The 12th GA lost 3 men, 1 wounded, 2 captured, and gained 1 hero, when Lt. J.N. Talliaferro captured the Enemy’s colors.

On October 1st, Capt. J.V.H. Allen’s Company was transferred out of the 12th GA, and was sent to Savannah where they were placed in the newly formed 63ed GA Infantry Regiment. In November, the 3 companies still on picket duty were reassigned to duty on the Georgia coast. Capt. Hanvey’s Company, the Newnan Artillery, rejoined the 12th GA Battalion at Savannah in January 1863. The loss of Capt. Allen’s Company brought about a reorganization of the 12th GA Battalion. At the end of December, 1862, the 12th GA Battalion was reorganized as follows: Capt. Hanvey’s Company, from Coweta County, became Company A; Capt. Rudisell’s Company, from Washington County, was split into 2 separate companies. One became Company B and was commanded by Capt. Rudisell, while the other was designated Company E and was commanded by Capt. John J. Newsome; Capt. Johnson’s Company, from Dekalb and Gwinnett Counties, was designated as C Company; and Capt. Crump’s Company, from Richmond County, was also split into 2 separate companies. One became Company D and was initially commanded by Capt. Crump, while the other was designated Company F and was commanded by Capt. George M. Hood. By early May, Capt. Hanvey had been promoted to Major, and second in command to Capers, who had previously been promoted to Lt. Col., and Capt. Crump had transferred to the Staff of Gen. W.H.T. Walker. Lt. James W. Anderson was promoted to Capt. and placed in command of Company A, and Lt. Joseph N. Talliaferro was promoted to Capt. and placed in command of Company D. This was the permanent organization of the 12th GA Battalion.

In early 1863, Company C was detached to Georgia Siege Train, under the command of Major Buist, and would remain with this command until September of 1864. Company E was detached to support the defense of Fort McAllister, and would remain there until November of 1863. There are many letters, which speak of the sickness and boredom of coastal defense. Detachments from Company C were frequently sent to South Carolina, and on one such trip in April of 1863, were engaged in an Artillery dual with a Federal gunboat. Portions of that company also spent time on James Island in the defense of Charleston and manned batteries there during the siege of that city.

On July 10th the enemy was threatening Morris Island near Charleston. The 12th GA Headquarters and 4 companies, A,B,D, and F were sent by rail to help repulse that threat. They arrived on Morris Island in the early hours of July 11th, and were sent directly into Battery Wagner. The enemy attacked at daylight, and were repulsed with heavy loss after hard fighting. On July 14th Lt. Col. Capers was detached from the 12th GA Battalion and placed in charge of an engineering project at Savannah involving impressed slave labor. Major Hanvey was left in command of the unit. On the night of the 14th, volunteers from the 12th GA were involved in a night assault on the enemy in front of Battery Wagner. The 12th GA lost 8 men during that fight. On the 17th, the 12th GA was replaced at Battery Wagner by fresh troops and was sent to Fort Johnson on James Island. The next day, the Enemy again assaulted Battery Wagner, an assault made famous by the motion picture "Glory" and the 54th Mass. Negro Regiment. The 12th GA could only watch that fight from the relative safety of Fort Johnson. The 4 companies of the 12th GA were rotated back and forth between James Island and Battery Wagner, which was under constant bombardment and siege, until September 7th when Battery Wagner was abandoned to the Enemy. The 12th GA lost quite a number of men on Morris Island.

On October 18th, the 4 companies of the 12th GA were sent to Fort Sumter where they stayed until November 2nd. The fort was under constant heavy bombardment during that time. The brick walls of the fort were reduced to a pile of bricks. The 12th GA suffered several casualties each day. One such casualty was Lt. A.P. Brown who was killed on the 27th when a bomb hit the wall and dislodged some bricks one of which hit Brown on the head. On the 31st of October, under some of the most severe bombing, the Flag was hit several times. Each time it was replaced by Sgt. W.M. Hitt and Pvt. Bob Swain of Company F. Finally, the flag completely gone, they put up the 12th GA Battalion Colors. This incident is recorded in the Official Records. Later, near the end of the day, while still under heavy fire, the 12th GA Band mounted the parapet and played "The Bonnie Blue Flag". In answer to this, the Enemy stopped the bombing, and formed their band at Cummings Point and played the "Star Spangled Banner". The 12th GA lost 17 men during their stay on Fort Sumter.

Just when the 12th GA was relieved from Fort Sumter, they were rejoined by Company E. These 5 companies were sent to James Island, near Fort Johnson. After the fall of Morris Island, James Island had become a rather hot place as it was well within range of the Enemy guns on Morris Island. There they remained, sleeping on the beach with their rifles until Christmas Day. They were then sent to Coosawhatchie Station on the rail line from Savannah to Charleston. The railroad had to be defended from Enemy attack from the Atlantic by way of the rivers, and the 12th GA was split up along the line, some at Coosawhatchie, some at Pocotaligo, and some at Combahee. On February 22, after spending 2 months along the cold damp South Carolina coast, the 12th GA was ordered back to Savannah to protect the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad. This was about the time of the Battle of Ocean Pond, Florida, and on March 5th the 12th GA was ordered to Tallahassee. By this time, Lt. Col. Capers had rejoined the command. One report has a detachment from Company E taking prisoners form the Ocean Pond Battle to the Prison Camp at Andersonville. Most of the 12th GA, however, spent the next month rounding up deserters and disloyals all through the Florida swamps between Tallahassee and the Gulf of Mexico and along the Swannee River, many days were spent wading through chest deep water. The 12th GA was ordered back to Savannah, arriving the last week of April. Then on May 7th, they were sent back to James Island, South Carolina, where they spent less than 2 weeks, once again defending Charleston. The fate of the 12th GA Battalion was about to take an ominous turn, due to events in Virginia.

On May 18th, 5 of the 6 companies of the 12th GA Battalion left Charleston by train. Company C was still detached to Georgia Siege Train. Their orders were to join the Army of Northern Virginia, which was, at the time locked in a continuous battle with Gen. Grants Army. They arrived at Hanover Junction on May 24th, and were attached to Gen. C.A. Evans’ Georgia Brigade, part of Gen. John B. Gordon’s Division of the 2nd Corp under the command of Gen. Jubal Early. This began the decimation of the 12th GA Battalion. The unit began taking casualties the first day. On June 2nd, Evans’ Brigade was involved in the Cold Harbor fighting, attacking the Enemy near Machanicsville. In that assault, the 12th GA lost many men including several officers. One Richmond newspaper reported that the 12th GA lost 56 men killed and wounded. Lt. Col. Capers was wounded and lost for the remainder of the war. Adjutant Frank Baker was killed. Prior to that fight, the old veterans of the brigade did not trust the men of the 12th GA, with their clean newly issued uniforms. These veterans who had fought together in many desperate battles were concerned that these new comers might turn and run, leaving them exposed, but after Cold Harbor, the brigade knew that the 12th GA could be counted on to do their part.

After Cold Harbor, Gen. Lee had a special assignment for Early’s Corp. Union General Hunter was moving almost unopposed through the Shenandoah Valley, and Lee wanted him stopped. Lee also thought that if Early could get into the northern part of the Valley, that Grant might be forced to send some of his troops to protect Washington, thus relieving Lee. Early’s Corp left on June 13th headed toward Lynchburg by way of Charlottesville. They marched to Charlottesville and then boarded trains for Lynchburg, arriving on the 17th just in time to oppose Gen. Hunter’s Army, which was just reaching the limits of Lynchburg. The 18th was spent in skirmishing and getting the remainder of Early’s troops to Lynchburg. Hunter decided to retreat, and on the morning of the 19th, he was gone. Early pursued Hunter to Salem where Hunter’s Army fled into the mountains. This left Early free to follow the second part of Lee’s plan, and head North into the Shenandoah Valley. Along the way, Gordon’s Division, including the 12th GA marched across the Natural Bridge of Virginia on the 24th, and tarried long enough in Lexington on the 25th to pay respects at the grave of Stonewall Jackson. By marching about 20 miles per day, they were able to reach Martinsburg on July 3ed. The Federal Troops at Martinsburg had a feast planed for Independence Day, but Gen. Gordon’s Division drove them out of town and across the Potomac River. It was the Confederate Army that enjoyed the feast.

On the 5th, Gen. Evans Brigade crossed the Potomac River into Maryland downstream from Shepherdstown. On the 6th and 7th, they pushed the Enemy deeper into their stronghold at Maryland Hights, across the River from Harpers Ferry. The 12th GA lost several men in this fight. After fighting at Maryland Hights all day on the 7th, Evans Brigade marched all night and the next day, camping the night of the 8th on the Western slope of the mountain just West of Frederick MD. Unknown to Gen. Early and his men, Lee’s plan had begun to work, Grant had sent troops to help stop Early. Gen. Lew Wallace had traveled to the Monocacy River just East of Frederick, gathering up all the forces that he could to oppose Early, and try to delay his advance. He only had a few untested troops at his disposal. During the night of the 8th, however Gen. Ricketts arrived with about 3000 battle tested troops sent by Gen. Grant. On July 9th, Gen. Gordon’s Division crossed the Monocacy and went into battle thinking that they were facing new recruits and militia, but they were up against Ricketts’ veterans. This was the 12th GA Battalion’s most devastating battle. All sources agree that they lost about half their numbers. One veteran of Evans Brigade stated that for it’s brief duration, it was as bad as any battle that he had been in. This from a man who had fought in most of the Army of Northern Virginia’s major encounters. Gen. Evans, the Brigade Commander fell severely wounded. In the 12th GA, Major Hanvey fell severely wounded and was lost for the war. Capt. Rudisell of Company B and Capt. Talliaferro of Company D both were wounded. In the first 2 serious encounters since coming to Virginia, in just 45 days, the 12th GA Battalion had lost it’s 3 top ranking field and staff officers, as well as 2 of the 5 company commanders that were in Virginia. The men who were not wounded were up all night tending to the wounded and burying the dead. They were in poor condition to march the next day. Gen. Early had no way to continue toward Washington and carry his wounded. As a result, most of the wounded were left in Frederick, and were taken prisoner the next day. Years latter one old veteran from the 12th GA, who had been wounded at Monocacy, answered the question on his pension application, "Why did you leave your command?". He answered, "I did not leave my command, my command left me." Gen. Wallace had set out to delay Gen. Early’s advance toward Washington, and had accomplished his goal. He lost the battle, but achieved success in the process. When the 12th GA left Monocacy, Capt. J.W. Anderson of Coweta County was in command.

On July 10th, Gen. Early resumed the advance toward Washington. It was a hot, dusty day, and that together with the fatigue from the previous day and night slowed the march and there were many stragglers. On the 11th, they approached the Washington defense lines, and may have had a brief opportunity to enter the city, but Gen. Early elected to wait, and within hours, Grant’s reinforcements arrived to man the defenses. There was some fighting on the 12th, which was observed by President Lincoln who had to take cover when his group came under fire. On the 13th, Gen. Early gave up the assault on Washington, and moved his army back toward the Potomac River. He managed to stay just ahead of the pursuing federals, and crossed back into Virginia on the 14th. By July 17th Early’s forces were back in the Shenandoah Valley with the Enemy continuing the pursuit. There was skirmishing almost every day until, on the 24th a battle occurred at Kernstown. The 12th GA participated in this victory and in the pursuit of the defeated federal troops northward toward the Potomac River. On August 3ed, Gen. Phil Sheridan was given command of the federal army in the valley. This change in command led to the eventual defeat of Early’s Army and federal control of the Shenandoah Valley. The armies continued to skirmish and jockey for position until the 19th of September, when Sheridan attacked Early at Winchester. The battle lasted from dawn to dark, with Gen. Early’s forces holding their own for a while. But at the end of the day, Sheridan’s vastly superior numbers overwhelmed the confederates, and they retreated to Fisher’s Hill. The 12th GA Battalion suffered many casualties in this battle, including acting commander, Capt. J.W. Anderson, who was wounded and captured. Fisher’s Hill was a natural stronghold on high ground, a position which Early felt that he could defend.

About September 6th Company C was ordered from Savannah to rejoin the 12th GA Battalion in Virginia. This company seems to have been a sick and disillusioned group at that time. There were a number of desertions leading up to the time that they were ordered to Virginia. Of course, Sherman’s Army was moving freely over their home area around Stone Mountain. What man could keep his mind on the defense of Savannah when the Enemy was on the doorsteps of his home and family? On the 10th of September, the company had arrived at Charlotte, NC where many men were sick, and some were left there in the hospital. A letter from one of the Officers indicates his displeasure with the company having been sent to Virginia. Company C caught up with the 12th GA during the confusion after the Battle of Winchester, and were with the command at Fisher's Hill.

On the 22nd of September, Gen. Sheridan, with a flanking movement, caught Early off guard, and the confederates were driven from their "stronghold" at Fisher’s Hill. The army was routed and scattered. The 12th GA suffered casualties in the defeat. At this point, Sheridan justifiably felt that Early’s army was no longer capable of mounting an offensive. Gen. Evans rejoined his brigade about the 24th, following the disasters at Winchester and Fisher’s Hill. The army fell back into the southern reaches of the Valley, and regrouped. In early October, Early began moving what was left of his army back down the Valley. On October 17th, he found the federal army camped at Cedar Creek. Sheridan, being confident that Early’s army was no longer a problem had left his army for a strategy meeting in Washington. General Gordon climbed Massanutten Mountain, overlooking the federal army camped below, and formulated a surprise attack which would hopefully change the fortunes of Early’s forces. The attack took place before dawn on the 19th, and the surprised federals were driven from their positions. During this battle, some of the men of the 12th GA Battalion under Lt. George W. Peacock were able to turn captured Enemy cannon against the retreating Federal Army. Early’ pursued the Enemy until mid-day. All of Sheridan’s forces had been routed except the Sixth Corp. At that point Early called off the attack, much to the chagrin of Gen. Gordon. While his army was in the process of being driven from the field, Sheridan was headed back from Winchester to rejoin his army. Along the way, he met portions of his army headed north in full retreat. He managed to turn many of them around on this famous ride, and arriving at the battlefield, he was able to rally his defeated army around the Sixth Corp. In the afternoon, Sheridan counter-attacked Early’s Army, and the victory of the morning turned into a disastrous defeat in the afternoon. The 12th GA again suffered many casualties. By the end of October, Capt. George W. Johnson was listed as commanding the 12th GA Battalion. He may have actually taken command when he arrived with Company C on about September 20th, as Capt. Anderson was lost at Winchester on September 19th, and Capt. Johnson would have been the ranking captain.

Gen. Early’s decimated army continued to harass the Enemy, but they were unable to mount a serious offensive against Sheridan’s far superior force. On December 7th, Gen. Lee ordered most of Early’s Army back to the trenches at Petersburg, without Gen. Early. The Georgia Brigade including the 12th GA Battalion set up winter quarters and joined the remainder of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia in the trench warfare. On February 5th and 6th, Gen. Grant attempted to move to his left and get beyond Gen. Lee’s far Right. Gen. Evans Brigade was sent to help prevent this flanking movement, and a 2-day battle at Hatcher’s Run resulted. Federal Army was halted for the time being, but the 12th GA suffered considerable casualties, including Capt. George W. Johnson, who was killed. About this time, Capt. Samual H. Crump reappeared with the 12th GA, and was the commander for the remainder of the war. Things remained relatively quite for the 12th GA Battalion until March 25th, when the Georgia Brigade led the attempted breakout through the Union lines at Fort Stedman. There was heavy fighting, and for a time, the Confederate forces had the upper hand. Once again, men from the 12th GA, with their Artillery training, were able to turn captured Enemy cannon to their advantage. The Union Army was too strong to allow this effort to be successful for long. They soon had reinforcements in place, and turned the battle in their favor. One report states that the 12th GA colors were captured in this battle. There is no question that the 12th GA was in the thick of the fight, and suffered many casualties.

From the time of the Fort Stedman assault, the fighting was continuous around Petersburg, and on April 2nd, the Enemy broke through the lines. This break in the lines left Gen. Lee with no choice but to abandon Petersburg, and Richmond. What followed was the famous retreat to Appomattox Court House. There was heavy fighting all along the route of the retreat, and the 12th GA Battalion lost men all along the way. At Appomattox Court House, the Georgia Brigade is reported to have participated in one of the final charges of the war, just prior to the announcement of the surrender. Years later, one former member of the 12th GA Battalion stated that on the evening after the surrender, the small number of men left in the unit were all able to gather around one campfire.

Some events of the Battalion
July 6, 1862
August 13, 1862
July 11, 1863
July 14, 1863
Oct. 18 – Nov. 2 1863
June 2, 1864
July 6-7, 1864
July 9, 1864
July 24, 1864
September 19, 1864
September 22, 1864
October 19, 1864
February 5-6, 1865
March 25, 1865
April 2-9, 1865	Train collision near Ringgold, GA
Assault on Fort Cliff near Huntsville, TN
Battery Wagner defense
Night assault in front of Wagner
In Fort Sumter under heavy bombardment
Cold Harbor
Maryland Hights
Monocacy
Kernstown
Winchester
Fisher’s Hill
Cedar Creek
Hatchers Run
Fort Stedman
Retreat to Appomattox

Staff & Band
Company A Coweta County
Company B Washington County
Company C Gwinnett, Dekalb, and Heard Counties
Company D Richmond County
Company E Washington County
Company F Richmond County
Records

Copyright © 1998 - 2001
 George H. Watkins  All rights reserved
Copyright © 1999 George H. Watkins  All rights reserved

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