2nd Battalion Georgia Sharpshooters
Issued in December 1863 at Dalton, GA.
Made at the Augusta Depot.
 | History of the 2nd Battalion, Georgia Sharpshooters Company A Cox's Wildcats |
Company A was originally Company M of the 5th Georgia Volunteer Infantry
and was raised in Bibb County in the Macon area.
5th Georgia Service
5th Georgia Infantry Battle Flag
Organized May 11, 1861
Assigned to Pensacola, Florida from September - October 1861
Battle of Santa Rosa Island - October 9, 1861
Department of Alabama and West Florida from October 1861 - March 1862
Corinth Campaign from April - June 1862
B Griffin Light Guard Spaulding
C Irish Volunteers Richmond
D McDuffie Riflemen Warren
E Dawson Volunteers Terrell
F Cuthbert Rifles Randolph
G Schley Guards Schley
H Hardee Rifles Decauter
I Georgia Greys Muscogee
K Upson Guards Upson
L (1) --------------- Bibb
M (2) --------------- Bibb
N (3) ---------------- Richmond and Clarke
2 Became Company A 2nd Georgia sharpshooters
3. Became Company D 2nd Georgia Sharpshooters
transferred as Co K, 58th Alabama Infantry
In April, 1862, the Confederate Congress passed the following act enabling the organization of sharpshooter battalions.
SECTION 1. The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the Secretary of War may secure to be organized a battalion of sharpshooters for each brigade, consisting of not less than three nor more than six companies, to be composed of men selected from the brigade or otherwise, and armed with long-range muskets or rifles, said companies to be organized, and the commissioned officers therefore appointed by the President, by and with the advice, and consent of the Senate. Such battalions shall constitute parts of the brigades to which they belong, and shall have such field and staff officers as are authorized by law for similar battalions, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Organized into Company A, 2nd Battalion, GA Sharpshooters on July 18, 1862
Company Commander - Captain Richard H. Whiteley
2nd Battalion, Georgia Sharpshooters Service
Formed in the summer of 1862, 2nd Battalion consisted of six companies under the command of Major J. J. Cox. The men were from various sections of the state and many had seen prior service.
It was assigned to General J.K. Jackson's Brigade fighting with distinction at Murfreesboro, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. Later, the battalion was brigaded under General Gist taking an active part in the Atlanta Campaign, Franklin, Nashville and the Carolina Campaign.
In December 1862, 152 effectives answered the rolls. At Chickamauga, only 101 were present. During December of 1863, the battalion numbered 80 men and 65 arms. Very few surrendered with the Army of Tennessee at Raleigh/Durham, NC in March of 1865.
Majors J.J. Cox and Richard H. Whiteley commanded.