Pike County Georgia News- Sergeant Isaac P. Collier 1864 *********************************************************** http://www.usgwarchives.net http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Dana M. Mangham Mar 2003 Table of Contents page: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/pike.htm Georgia Table of Contents: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm Macon Daily Telegraph, 6/28/1864, pg. 2 A Gallant Son of Georgia The public have already learned from the papers, the fearless and noble act of Sergeant Isaac P. Collier, which is the subject of the annexed correspondence. They will now learn that he is as unambitious as brave. He deserves promotion properly tendered him for the heroic act: Camp 5th Ga. Regiment June 24th, 1864 Editor Telegraph: I send you a copy of an order promoting Serg't. Collier, Co. K, and his declination. It is characteristic of the man, brave and gallant, but quiet and unassuming. It speaks for itself. Head'qas Jackson's Brigade Walker's Division, Hardee's Corps Army of Tennessee In the field three miles West of Marietta: General Orders No. ____ On the 21st inst. while this Brigade was in line of battle behind breastworks, and under a heavy fire from the enemy's artillery, a shrapnel shot with a Roman fuse struck the works, passed under the top log and fell among the men in the ditch. While the fuse was still smoking, and the men were flying from the danger of the apprehended explosion, Serg't Isaac P. Collier, of Co. K 5th Reg't Ga. Vols. seized the projectile and threw it out of the ditch. In the judgment of the Brigade commander, this is a case which call for the exercise of the power of appointment for "acts of distinguished valor," which is vested in the President. The witnesses of the bravery of Serg't Collier are Lt. A.H. Hightower, Corpl. E.V. Burkett, Privates E.P. Simpson, W.D.K. Talley, J.T. Backus, Co. K 5th Ga. Reg't, Privates John Albright and J.A. Shettleworth, of Beauregard's Battery. As there is a vacancy of 2d Lieut., in Co. E, 5th Ga. Reg't, Serg't Isaac P. Collier is hereby promoted to the rank of 2d Lieutenant, and is assigned to duty as such in Co. E, 5th Ga. Reg't, to take rank from the 21st day of June 1864. He will report to the commanding officer of that company for duty. This order is subject to the approval and ratification of the President. By command of Brig. Gen. John K. Jackson S.A. Moreno, A.A. Gen. Co. K, 5th Ga. Reg't, June 24th, 1864 Captain - I have the honor to most respectfully decline the above promotion. In throwing the shell from the ditch, I am conscious of having done nothing but my duty in attempting to save my life and the lives of the men around me. I prefer to remain in my company with my comrades who I left home with on the 7th day of May, 1861. Isaac P. Collier, 3d Serg't. Company K Capt. T.A. Moreno, A.A. Gen No casualties in the regiment in the past two days. Please give the above a place in your columns, and oblige. Very respectfully, Sid. Cheatham, Lt. & Adj't. -------------------------- Perhaps someone who has information on these Colliers can fill me in on how & if Pete was related to Martha Susan Collier, who married John Anderson Hardy in Upson County. Their daughter, Emma Mariah Hardy, married Charles Banks Mangham (my great-grandfather); his father, John Willis Mangham, was born & raised in Pike County but moved to Upson shortly before the Civil War. John enlisted in Co. L, 5th Georgia--a company created from Co. K (Upson Guards) upon the regiment's reorganization in Mississippi in May, 1862. All of these "surplus" companies--L, M and N--later became Companies A, B, and C, Cox's Battalion of Sharpshooters, aka "Cox's Wild Cats," subsequently renamed the 2nd Georgia Battalion Sharpshooters. The "Wild Cats" were brigaded with the 5th Georgia at Kennesaw, but Brig. Gen. John K. Jackson's Brigade was broken up & reorganized shortly thereafter. Thanks, Dana M. Mangham danamangham@hotmail.com