The War Goes On

After a period of time at home recuperating from their experiences over the past year, most of the officers and men of the old First Georgia prepared to leave their homes once more in defense of the Confederacy. It had been reported in several news accounts that Colonel James N. Ramsey had been appointed a brigadier general, but due to his ill health (caused mainly by the rigors of the Virginia campaigns) Ramsey did not serve further. Other officers attempted to raise new companies, as evidenced by advertisements in various newspapers.

The following advertisement was placed by former Lt. Colonel James O. Clarke, and appeared in the April 16, 1862, edition of the Augusta Chronicle & Sentinel:

DEFEND YOUR COUNTRY

I Desire to Raise a Company of Infantry for State Service, all wishing to join will meet at the Oglethorpe Infantry Drill Room on WEDNESDAY EVENING, at 5 o’clock.

JAMES O. CLARKE.

And again on April 30:

Another Company of Infantry,

I am authorised to raise a COMPANY OF VOLUNTEERS for three years, or the War. Each man will be allowed the lawful Bounty ($50) and Clothing Money. All interested are requested to meet at the Clinch Rifles’ Drill Room, THIS (Tuesday) EVENING, at 7 ½ o’clock.

JAMES O. CLARKE.

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In Atlanta, Lt. Colonel George H. Thompson also advertised for recruits. From the Atlanta Southern Confederacy for May 11, 1862:

Two Companies Wanted - I WANT two full Companies to complete a regiment, now being organized by authority of the War Department. Address GEORGE HARVEY THOMPSON, or D. S. PRINTUP, Atlanta, Ga.

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The rank and file of the former First Georgia were also rejoining the military. The members of Company “K” of the First reenlisted as a company in the Fifty-Third Georgia Infantry, retaining their name as the Quitman Guards. Joining a company organized in Stone Mountain, the Oglethorpe Infantry, Newnan Guards, Walker Light Infantry, and a portion of the Washington Rifles came together to form the Twelfth Battalion Georgia Light Artillery. Company “C” joined the Fourteenth Battalion Georgia Light Artillery as the Southern Rights Battery. Nearly all of the other survivors of the old First Georgia volunteered in other commands, serving the Confederacy until the end of the war.