HISTORY
Company B 6th Virginia Regiment: The Princess Anne Greys
The 6th Infantry Regiment, organized at Norfolk, Virginia, in May, 1861, recruited its men at Norfolk and in the counties of Princess Anne, Nansemond, and Chesterfield. It served in the Department of Norfolk, then in June, 1862, was placed in Mahone's Brigade with 673 effectives. Later it was under the command of General Weisiger. The 6th participated in the campaigns of the Army of Northern Virginia from the Seven Days' Battles to Cold Harbor, then saw action in the Petersburg trenches and around Appomattox. It reported 10 killed, 33 wounded, and 8 missing at Malvern Hill, had 12 killed and 49 wounded at Second Manassas, and had 5 killed and 34 wounded at Fredericksburg. The regiment sustained 47 casualties at Chancellorsville and lost three percent of the 288 engaged at Gettysburg. It surrendered 110 officers and men on April 9, 1865. The field officers were Colonels Thomas J. Corprew, William Mahone, and George T. Rogers; Lieutenant Colonels William T. Lundy and Henry W. Williamson; and Major Robert B. Taylor.
Lee's Sharpshooters
The Confederate Sharpshooter impression is our most complex in that we do not represent any one particular unit, but strive to be able to represent any of the predominate sharpshooter battalions of the Army of Northern Virginia during the period of 1863 to 1865. In this way , we can represent various sharpshooter units based on location and the scenario we portray.
"Probably the most effective troops in the late civil war for the number of men engaged, were the sharpshooters. The value of this branch of the service became so apparent that companies and battalions were organized in most of the brigades of infantry" Cpt. John Laughton, Jr.; ANV, Mahone's Brigade, Sharpshooter Battalion
At the beginning of the war, no provisions were made for units of sharpshooters in the Confederate Army. However, in April 1862 the Confederate Congress passed an act to organize battalions of sharpshooters:
SECTION 1. The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the Secretary of War my 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.
Contrary to popular belief, Confederate sharpshooters were not all "snipers". Rather, they were frequently deployed as brigade skirmish battalions specializing in marksmanship and field craft, scouting, skirmish drill, outpost duties, and Grand Guard. Though slow to organize traditional ad-hoc skirmish companies into organized autonomous battalion commands (Fall/Winter 63-64), the Army of Northern Virginia had very well trained and effective skirmish battalions by the overland campaigns of Spring and Summer of 1864 and the bitter trench warfare of Petersburg (64-65), to the end of the war.
The basic Sharpshooter impression is not much different than that of the average Confederate infantryman with the exception of his weapon and perhaps a small badge or patch particular to the unit in which he belonged. These small marks of identification allowed for easier passage thru the lines or for the men not to be confused for shirkers or stragglers. The following list of organizations go into more detail on the specifics of the impressions for these units that we portray the most.
We hope this web site is informative and helps to shed more light on this often overlooked, but important piece of history of the Confederate Army and the brave men who served in these battalions.
At the beginning of the war, no provisions were made for units of sharpshooters in the Confederate Army. However, in April 1862 the Confederate Congress passed an act to organize battalions of sharpshooters:
SECTION 1. The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the Secretary of War my 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.
Contrary to popular belief, Confederate sharpshooters were not all "snipers". Rather, they were frequently deployed as brigade skirmish battalions specializing in marksmanship and field craft, scouting, skirmish drill, outpost duties, and Grand Guard. Though slow to organize traditional ad-hoc skirmish companies into organized autonomous battalion commands (Fall/Winter 63-64), the Army of Northern Virginia had very well trained and effective skirmish battalions by the overland campaigns of Spring and Summer of 1864 and the bitter trench warfare of Petersburg (64-65), to the end of the war.
The basic Sharpshooter impression is not much different than that of the average Confederate infantryman with the exception of his weapon and perhaps a small badge or patch particular to the unit in which he belonged. These small marks of identification allowed for easier passage thru the lines or for the men not to be confused for shirkers or stragglers. The following list of organizations go into more detail on the specifics of the impressions for these units that we portray the most.
We hope this web site is informative and helps to shed more light on this often overlooked, but important piece of history of the Confederate Army and the brave men who served in these battalions.
Sharpshooter Battalions of the Army of Northern Virginia
April 1864 - 1865
(Note: This list is not all inclusive and is always under revision as more research comes to light)
A. P. Hill's 3rd Corp
Major Wm. S. Dunlop commanded 3d. Corps Sharpshooters Corps.
Wilcox’s Division: (Light Division)
Major Thomas Wooten Commanded Light Division Sharpshooter Division
Lane’s Brigade (NCST.)
Major Thomas Wooten 18th. NCST. Commanded Lane’s Brigade of Sharpshooters.
The battalion was made up of three companies 1st. 2nd. & 3d. each having about fifty five men, 165 men total. The battalion was organized on March 1, 1864.
McGowan’s Brigade (SC)
Major William Simpson Dunlop 12th. South Carolina Infantry commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from McGowan’s Brigade. The battalion was made up of three companies 1st. 2nd. & 3d. each having about fifty five men, 165 men total. The battalion was organized on March 1, 1864.
PATCH: They were distinguished by a badge consisting of a red band running diagonally across the left elbow of the coat sleeve to the wrist with a red star just above the band. This badge would pass the Sharp Shooter anywhere..." -Sgt. W.T. McGill, sharpshooter veteran of Dunlap's Battalion, McGowan's Brigade, vol. 3 of the SC UDC's "Recollections and Reminiscences", p.18.
A. P. Hill's 3rd Corp
Major Wm. S. Dunlop commanded 3d. Corps Sharpshooters Corps.
Wilcox’s Division: (Light Division)
Major Thomas Wooten Commanded Light Division Sharpshooter Division
Lane’s Brigade (NCST.)
Major Thomas Wooten 18th. NCST. Commanded Lane’s Brigade of Sharpshooters.
The battalion was made up of three companies 1st. 2nd. & 3d. each having about fifty five men, 165 men total. The battalion was organized on March 1, 1864.
McGowan’s Brigade (SC)
Major William Simpson Dunlop 12th. South Carolina Infantry commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from McGowan’s Brigade. The battalion was made up of three companies 1st. 2nd. & 3d. each having about fifty five men, 165 men total. The battalion was organized on March 1, 1864.
PATCH: They were distinguished by a badge consisting of a red band running diagonally across the left elbow of the coat sleeve to the wrist with a red star just above the band. This badge would pass the Sharp Shooter anywhere..." -Sgt. W.T. McGill, sharpshooter veteran of Dunlap's Battalion, McGowan's Brigade, vol. 3 of the SC UDC's "Recollections and Reminiscences", p.18.
Scales Brigade (NCST.)
Captain John Young 22nd. NCT commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from Scales's Brigade. The battalion was made up of three companies 1st. 2nd. & 3d. each having about fifty five men, 165 men total. The battalion was organized on March 1, 1864.
Captain C. Frank Siter commanded one of the Companies in the battalion.
Thomas’s Brigade (Ga.)
Was formed at the same time as the rest of the brigades sharpshooter battalions.
Heth’s Division:
Davis’s Brigade (Miss.)
Captain O’Neal commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from Davis’s Brigade. . The battalion was made up of three companies 1st. 2nd. & 3d. each having about thirty five men, 120 men total. The battalion was organized on March 1, 1864.
Captain Robert F. Ward commanded one of the Sharpshooter Companies in the battalion.
McRae’s Brigade( NCST.)
Captain Lilly commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from McRae’s Brigade. The battalion was made up of three companies 1st. 2nd. & 3d. each having about thirty five men, 120 men total. The battalion was organized on March 1, 1864.
PATCH: Red Cross on left lower sleeve of jacket.
Cooke’s Brigade (NCST.)
Macomb’s Brigade (TN.& MD.)
PATCH: 2nd. MD. Sharpshooters Blue circle with a red Roman Cross in center.
Captain John Young 22nd. NCT commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from Scales's Brigade. The battalion was made up of three companies 1st. 2nd. & 3d. each having about fifty five men, 165 men total. The battalion was organized on March 1, 1864.
Captain C. Frank Siter commanded one of the Companies in the battalion.
Thomas’s Brigade (Ga.)
Was formed at the same time as the rest of the brigades sharpshooter battalions.
Heth’s Division:
Davis’s Brigade (Miss.)
Captain O’Neal commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from Davis’s Brigade. . The battalion was made up of three companies 1st. 2nd. & 3d. each having about thirty five men, 120 men total. The battalion was organized on March 1, 1864.
Captain Robert F. Ward commanded one of the Sharpshooter Companies in the battalion.
McRae’s Brigade( NCST.)
Captain Lilly commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from McRae’s Brigade. The battalion was made up of three companies 1st. 2nd. & 3d. each having about thirty five men, 120 men total. The battalion was organized on March 1, 1864.
PATCH: Red Cross on left lower sleeve of jacket.
Cooke’s Brigade (NCST.)
Macomb’s Brigade (TN.& MD.)
PATCH: 2nd. MD. Sharpshooters Blue circle with a red Roman Cross in center.
Mahone’s Division:
Forney’s Brigade (Ala.)
Weisger’s (Mahone) Brigade (Va.)
Lt. Col. E. M. Field (12th. Va.) commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from Weisger’s Brigade. The battalion was made up of five companies 1st. 2nd. 3d. 4th.& 5th. each having about thirty five men. The battalion was organized on Fall of 1863 at Liberty Mill.
Lt. John E. Loughton was Adj. for the battalion.
Patch: Grey shield with a Blue star in center.
Forney’s Brigade (Ala.)
Weisger’s (Mahone) Brigade (Va.)
Lt. Col. E. M. Field (12th. Va.) commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from Weisger’s Brigade. The battalion was made up of five companies 1st. 2nd. 3d. 4th.& 5th. each having about thirty five men. The battalion was organized on Fall of 1863 at Liberty Mill.
Lt. John E. Loughton was Adj. for the battalion.
Patch: Grey shield with a Blue star in center.
Harris’s Brigade (Miss.)
Sorrel’s Brigade (Ga.)
Finnegan’s Brigade (Fla.)
Gordon’s 2nd. Corps ANV.
Grime’s(Rode’s) Division:
Colonel Hamilton Brown commanded the divisional sharpshooters.
Battle’s Brigade (Ala.)
Grimes’ Brigade (NCST.)
Cox’s Brigade (NCST.)
Lt. James Edmonson commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from Cox’s Brigade in March 1865. The battalion was made up of five companies 1st. 2nd. 3d. 4th.& 5th. each having about thirty five men.
Cook’s Brigade (Ga.)
Capt. Joseph Carson commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from Cook’s Brigade in March 1865. The battalion was made up of five companies 1st. 2nd. 3d. 4th. & 5th. each having about thirty five men.
Early’s Division (Brig.Gen. John Pegrem)
Johnston’s Brigade (NCST)
1st. NC Battalion Sharpshooters
Lewis’s Brigade (NCST)
Walker’s (Pegrem) Brigade (Va.)
Captain Joseph Anderson commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from Walker’s in March 1865. The battalion was made up of five companies 1st. 2nd. 3d. 4th. & 5th. each having about thirty five men.
Gordon’s Division (Brig.Gen. C. A. Evens)
Evan’s (Gordon’s) Brigade (Ga.)
Captain William Kagler commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from Even\s in March 1865. The battalion was made up of five companies 1st. 2nd. 3d. 4th. & 5th. each having about thirty five men.
Lt. Billy Gwyn commanded a company of the battalion.
Terry’s Brigade (Va.) “Remains of Major Gen. Johnson Division” (Stonewall Division)
York’s Brigade (La.) (Waggaman)
Lt. Benjamin Smith commanded Sharpshooters from 2nd. La.
Ransom’s Brigade (NCST.)
Matt Whitaker
Sorrel’s Brigade (Ga.)
Finnegan’s Brigade (Fla.)
Gordon’s 2nd. Corps ANV.
Grime’s(Rode’s) Division:
Colonel Hamilton Brown commanded the divisional sharpshooters.
Battle’s Brigade (Ala.)
Grimes’ Brigade (NCST.)
Cox’s Brigade (NCST.)
Lt. James Edmonson commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from Cox’s Brigade in March 1865. The battalion was made up of five companies 1st. 2nd. 3d. 4th.& 5th. each having about thirty five men.
Cook’s Brigade (Ga.)
Capt. Joseph Carson commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from Cook’s Brigade in March 1865. The battalion was made up of five companies 1st. 2nd. 3d. 4th. & 5th. each having about thirty five men.
Early’s Division (Brig.Gen. John Pegrem)
Johnston’s Brigade (NCST)
1st. NC Battalion Sharpshooters
Lewis’s Brigade (NCST)
Walker’s (Pegrem) Brigade (Va.)
Captain Joseph Anderson commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from Walker’s in March 1865. The battalion was made up of five companies 1st. 2nd. 3d. 4th. & 5th. each having about thirty five men.
Gordon’s Division (Brig.Gen. C. A. Evens)
Evan’s (Gordon’s) Brigade (Ga.)
Captain William Kagler commanded the Sharpshooter battalion from Even\s in March 1865. The battalion was made up of five companies 1st. 2nd. 3d. 4th. & 5th. each having about thirty five men.
Lt. Billy Gwyn commanded a company of the battalion.
Terry’s Brigade (Va.) “Remains of Major Gen. Johnson Division” (Stonewall Division)
York’s Brigade (La.) (Waggaman)
Lt. Benjamin Smith commanded Sharpshooters from 2nd. La.
Ransom’s Brigade (NCST.)
Matt Whitaker