Confederate Sharpshooters

[PATBUZZARD]

While the federal Berdan sharpshooters have been very thoroughly documented and represented, I find it much more difficult to find information on their rebel counterparts. My research has shown me information about the whitworth rifle and the expert men who used it, I find myself wondering if the south had any designated units of sharpshooters, or if they were merely gifted individuals given some latitude as to where to engage the enemy. Any information or suggestions of additional books\websites to read would be greatly appreciated.

[GaWildcat]

Funny you should ask! As far as references go, I would suggest highly Shock Troops of the Confederacy: Sharpshooter Battalions of the ANV, Our Connection With Savannah: The First Battalion of Georgia Sharpshooters, and Sharpshooters of the American Civil War

Georgia Fielded three battalions of Sharpshooters, 3 in the AOT and 1 in the ANV.

When the CS Sharpshooter Act was passed in the Congress in 1862, the battalions were to be formed from existing units. Some were formed by sending select men from each company, and some were formed by sending whole companies. For example, our unit, Co A, 2nd Bttn of Georgia Sharpshooters was first organized as Co M, 5th Georgia. They were combined with 2 other companies of Georgia troops and two companies for Alabama at Corinth in May 1862 under Lt. Col Jesse J. Cox, and earned the nicknames Cox's Wildcats. Eventually, Maj Richard Whitley who had commanded Co A, became the Battalion commander.

Note that these units were not armed to the man with Whitworth and Kerr rifles, but on average used the same arms as the line infantry. Some armed with rifles and some with rifled muskets. In the case of the 1st Georgia SS, they were armed with (according to thier intitial muster inspection returns) "Long Enfield rifles with accoutrements to match" Existing images in Our Connection With Savannah shows two enlisted members bearing '53 Enfield R-Ms, and with English pattern accoutrements.

The Sharpshooter battalions were assigned 1 to a brigade, and were used as Skirmishers and often times pickets. When pushed back, they would join the main line of the brigade and add to its weight of numbers.

Hope this helps. You may also want to check out our website at www.georgiasharpshooters.org

Cheers!

[marcaverill]

Rob already covered your question quite well but will add a couple more resources:

http://www.cfspress.com/sharpshooters/index.html

Another group with a CS Sharpshooter impression that I've fallen in with:

http://www.leessharpshooters.com/index.htm

There are several biographies out there of people who were sharpshooters including:
Berry Benson’s Civil War Book
Georgia Sharpshooter
Diary of a Confederate Sharpshooter

While these books may not have the tactical details and history of Shock Troops of the Confederacy, (Great Book!) I like them for the personal aspect of the war.

Y.O.S.,

[GaWildcat]

THanks for the big slap on the forhead... I plum forgot about Benson's book.. great read! I gotta find them other two...

I might also add Letters to Amanda: The Civil War Letters of Marion Hill Fitzpatrick He served sometime in a Sharpshooter Bttn. In 64.

As to Lee's Sharpshooters, great bunch of fellers and very helpful. They answered quite a few questions, and had some great info on Whitworths and scopes.

[marcaverill]

Rob,

Benson's book is one of my favorites.

Georgia Sharpshooter is a collection of letters and the diary of William R. Montomery. He started the war as a member of the Palmentto Guards 2nd SC then was later 1st LT 3rd Geo Batt Sharpshooters. Not a long book, but a nice little read.

Have not started Diary... yet as I just got it a short time ago.

Will add Letter to Amanda to my wish list.

Last fall, I went to Virginia to attend Lee's Sharpshooters "School of the Sharpshooter - it was worth the trip and those guy's hospitality was top notch.

Y.O.S.,

[GaWildcat]

I found out about that one too late... wish we could have made it up for that one. For us, its really rewarding doing Confederate sharpshooters, and doing it right... the hard part is we have a few times been chastised as "Cowboys" due to alot of folks not knowing a) how to properly use Sharpshooters and b) having never really faced such a "threat", how to react to properly used Sharpshooters.

[Joey12thga]

the hard part is we have a few times been chastised as "Cowboys" due to alot of folks not knowing a) how to properly use Sharpshooters and b) having never really faced such a "threat", how to react to properly used Sharpshooters.


Hey,

I have seen you fellows in the field; I admire your dedication to your impression. You may know me; if not so you know I am in the "Division" so we run in the same circles. As far as your above post goes, well that is going to keep on happening because in the grand scope of "mainstream" reenacting and "mainstream" commanders, they cannot wrap their heads around the proper use of Sharpshooters or proper execution and evolution of Civil War tactics as a whole and the ones who can are constrained by the majority who can't or the limited location. I know how hard this can be to want to do something based with historical fact, but being forced to dummy it down by other people's lack of knowledge or ability. I am in the planning stages of a “Battle/Living History” program on original ground and have the opportunity to accurately represent the action their since we have detailed records, however every idea I throw at them is shot down because “it is to complicated for the other units to do that”. I feel your pain brother, especially when you are considered “cowboy” because you do something that is the historical record and PEC but not on Mike Mainstream’s average reenacting menu. Overall the only thing you can do is keep showing up with documention and explain your roll to the Big bugs, usually the incompetent ones will throw you in a regular “line company” but a few will let you do the proper thing and when they do, shine brightly. We can discuss this all day long but in the end we all know that we will always get stabbed in the back by that darn corndog stick.

Now I do not want this to devolve into "us vs. them" thread as all of this is applied to the average mainstream event in Georgia. No need for the “vote with your feet” or “still attending the wrong events?” comments. If you feel the need to B**** then direct comments to my inbox, not this thread since we are all tired of the same old lines being spewed on this forum.

[GaWildcat]

Thank you for the kind complement! We've worked hard at getting the drill down right, and have started teaching proper skirmish drill to the AL Division. It does make one feel good to know our efforts are recognized. Yeah, it is hard to vote with your feet down here LOL, but we did do that with B-port.

I swear, my hardest event was last Atlanta, when I got railroaded into Bn Sgt Maj, and had to watch my Sharpshooters go off, and not know what happend to em untill late on Saturdays fight.

[Anders]

About 2 years back the CVG and CMF portrayed a "brigade" of Sharpshooters at Cedar Creek with the help of the PRince Anne Greys and Mike Hendricks.....folks were completely confused as we ran around and passed them, moving in open order at the double quick burning more powder than Goex could turn out. I think I alone cooked off 60 plus rounds in my Sharps Rifle while leading the CVG battalion- and was it correct? Heck yeah, just read any of the Federal accounts of the CS "swarms" as they overan the US positions in the original battle.....couldn't tell by the reaction of the Federal line infantry though, as they were all confused when they were suddenly surrounded and boxed in from all sides, and the only answer they had was to right face and march by 4's in the common time to the rear....really was kinda sad, it was like they weren't remotely "into the game"

Oh well, it was fun to be us, and we covered almost every single square inch that day...

Perhaps again one day, and maybe, just maybe the Federals will react, well "realistically" when they are properely educated as to what happend in 1864, not 1994...

:)

Running for my bunker...

[GaWildcat]

I swear its funny to watch the confusion......what do we do.. what do we do... here's a hint... take some hits.


Sharpshooters eat their dead!

[Joey12thga]

Well we all know that the first casualties at a typical reenactment are the history books and then the drill manuals.

[Joey12thga]

I swear its funny to watch the confusion......what do we do.. what do we do... here's a hint... take some hits.

Sharpshooters eat their dead!


Yea, kind of reminds me at Resaca in 06 when we rolled up the Federals when we "swarmed" them on Sunday. They din't know what to do, only time I have seen at a Mainstream event, guys leave their weapons and equipment and run to the woods with no hope of a reorgnizing

[marcaverill]

I have been fascinated with the Sharpshooters for quite a while when Mike Hendricks and company fueled the fire more last year. I really would like to get an impression going up in my neck of the woods and my current unit seems to be open to it. I just want to make sure it is done right and kick up the unit’s impression a few notches. Been so busy this winter that I've only been putting plans on paper at this point.

[RJSamp]

I have been fascinated with the Sharpshooters for quite a while when Mike Hendricks and company fueled the fire more last year. I really would like to get an impression going up in my neck of the woods and my current unit seems to be open to it. I just want to make sure it is done right and kick up the unit’s impression a few notches. Been so busy this winter that I've only been putting plans on paper at this point.

good stuff Marc, and good luck on your quest.

Step 1: find and recruit a competent CSA Bugler. No CSA Sharpshooter Battalion should leave home without one or 3.....

[marcaverill]

good stuff Marc, and good luck on your quest.

Step 1: find and recruit a competent CSA Bugler. No CSA Sharpshooter Battalion should leave home without one or 3.....

Very true - Lee's Sharpsooters have a fine young man as theirs.

[GaWildcat]

good stuff Marc, and good luck on your quest.

Step 1: find and recruit a competent CSA Bugler. No CSA Sharpshooter Battalion should leave home without one or 3.....

RJ,

That would be our next goal;)

[dagrimes65]

Don't forget "Bravest of the Brave" a history of the 9th Missouri Sharpshooters
by Carolyn Bartels

[jat]

Here is a website for a South Carolina sharpshooter unit on the west coast.
The website is a little slow to be updated.:mad:

http://www.scsharpshooters.com/campaigns.htm

[GaWildcat]

Interesting website. I take it you use Hardee's Instructions for Skirmishers? If ya'll need more information on McGowan's, suggest you try looking at www.leessharpshooters.com. They have some great information on ANV Sharpshooter battalions, and the badge worn by McGowan's. On top of that, they're a good bunch of guys.

[captain_kirk]

I recall reading many years ago that Gen. Roberts Rhodes as a brigade commander formed a group of sharpshooter from his brigade. I do believe that it was one of his Alabama boys that was credited with shooting Sedwick in May of 1964 near the plank road at twilight. All of this is off the cuff. Someone needs to check my facts.

[Rob Weaver]

I did Federal sharpshooter for a while and although it is an interesting impression, it needs some help on the reenactment battlefield. A sharpshooters targets are command and control elements, not private soldiers. Which elements are least likely to take hits on the reenactment field? Command and control. They're certain the scenario would deteriorate into he double toothpicks without their firm steady presence. So you waste an aweful lot of powder. Judged tacticals may offer a better venue, since the judge can either decide that a commander or courier was hit and allow that to influence the fight, or he at least can award points to the sharpshooter for doing his deadly mission correctly.

[GaWildcat]

Rob,

You make some valid points, but in the aspect of the Confederate Sharpshooters, they were in general used as Skirmishers, Scouts and Pickets.
Civil War Sharpshooters were not necessarily like the snipers of today. Yes, the CS sharpshooters had Whitworth and Kerr rifles, some with scopes some without, and Companies C & E, 1s USSS (at least during the Peninsula Campaign) were armed with Civilian target rifles. I have found in researching CS Sharpshooters, that the aforementioned usage , i.e. as Skirmishers, Scouts and pickets was the norm.

Likewise the unit we do as a Federal Impression, the 64th Illinois Inf, (1st Bn, Yates' Sharpshooters) were employed the same way. They were not armed with special rifles, but with 1)M1841 Rifles 2) US Rifled Muskets & Lastly, M1860 Henry Rifles.



Sources Shock Troops of the Confederacy: Sharpshooter Bns of the ANV
Our Connection With Savannah: The 1st Bn, Geo Sharpshooters
Berry Benson's Civil War Book: Memoirs of a Conf. Scout and SS

[GaWildcat]

I recall reading many years ago that Gen. Roberts Rhodes as a brigade commander formed a group of sharpshooter from his brigade. I do believe that it was one of his Alabama boys that was credited with shooting Sedwick in May of 1864 near the plank road at twilight. All of this is off the cuff. Someone needs to check my facts.

To an extant, you are correct. However, Rhodes formed his battalion in conjuction with the Confederate States Sharpshooter Act of May 1862, which called for a battalion Sharpshooters per brigade. Rhodes battalion was Ad Hoc, not a standing batallion, but manned by selected men and formed on order.
They were assigned and marched with their regiment, were exempt from all camp fatigue duties, and were subject to deployment as Sharpshooters at any time.

They were commanded by Capt Eugene Blackford


The Credit for Sedgwick is a matter of controversy, but credit seems to go to Benjamin M. Powell, McGowan's Bn SC Sharpshooters. He was a chum of Berry Benson, and a letter from Powell, and an article by Benson gives credit to Powell taking Sedgwick with a scoped Whitworth rifle. Sedgwick's monument says that 4 other CS Sharpshooters also claim to be the one who got him

[Silas]

I was doing some research in google books and encountered this source : Lee's Sharpshooters : Or, The Forefront of Battle. A Story of Southern Valor by Maj. William S. Dunlop (McGowan's Brigade) (http://books.google.com/books?id=AzIOAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA109&dq#PPP3,M1).

I glanced through how this particular sharpshooter battalion was formed and drilled. Some interesting stuff there.

[Rob Weaver]

Rob,

You make some valid points, but in the aspect of the Confederate Sharpshooters, they were in general used as Skirmishers, Scouts and Pickets.


That's very true and I realized long after I posted that CS sharpshooters were more like "professional skirmishers." It seems to be that individuals gravitate toward that sharpshooter role because it offers some opportunity to play the sniper role, and that role is poorly supported in reenacting. For that matter, I'd love to see small unit actions in which both sides are deployed as skirmishers for the totality of the action. I think that would fit the kind of numbers that we bring to the field.

[Jim Mayo]

I was doing some research in google books and encountered this source : Lee's Sharpshooters : Or, The Forefront of Battle. A Story of Southern Valor by Maj. William S. Dunlop (McGowan's Brigade) (http://books.google.com/books?id=AzIOAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA109&dq#PPP3,M1).

I glanced through how this particular sharpshooter battalion was formed and drilled. Some interesting stuff there.

It would help to read "The History of a Brigade of South Carolinians" by Caldwell. This is a good companion book to Dunlop's book since both deal with McGowan's Brigade and were written by those who were there. I would suggest reading the section on the loss and recapture of McIlwain Hill. Recapture of this important position was given to McGowans Sharpshooters. McIlwaine Hill is about half a mile back toward Petersburg along the CS lines from Pamplin Park. Unfortunally it has been bulldozed and is now the home of a Steel Mill.

[GaWildcat]

I was doing some research in google books and encountered this source : Lee's Sharpshooters : Or, The Forefront of Battle. A Story of Southern Valor by Maj. William S. Dunlop (McGowan's Brigade) (http://books.google.com/books?id=AzIOAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA109&dq#PPP3,M1).

I glanced through how this particular sharpshooter battalion was formed and drilled. Some interesting stuff there.

Silas,

Took a quick look see and cant wait to disect it more. Thanks for posting that link!

[Berry Benson]

Does anyone know what happened to http://www.leessharpshooters.com/ ?

It was my favourite resource for my Reenactment Hobby over here in Germany.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Sharpshooters, like fiddlers, are born, not made." Maj. Gen. Ambrose P. Hill, CSA

[Silas]

Try contacting Warren Clark at cwarren64@hotmail.com The IVR's list him as a point of contact for the Princess Anne Greys.

[Misplaced Rebel]

These books have usually have full and comprehensive chapters on civil war sharpshooters. My favorite book was "Sniper: A history of the U.S. marksman." I remember when I read the chapter on sharpshooters, I was astonished at the ranges they fired from! 1000 yards...dang! Sometimes without a scope! It is absolutely amazing. Union General John Sedgewick was shot at approximately 1400, as I remember.
The Whitworth: an awesome weapon, no questions asked or debate. A Hexagonal bore...the precision required for such a bore is considerable, and a fine gunsmith is required to get it right. Euroarms--or Armi Sport--can't remember which, makes a repro of this rifle...cannot vouch for accuracy like the original's!:?:( If only...
Anyway, books dealing with the subjects of snipers in general will provide you with good info. As I remember, the book above mentioned that Confederate Sharpshooters were more or less trained and then attached to other Infantry units...I don't know if they had dedicated units like the Union's Berdan's Rifles.
Eine Gute Jage,
-Chris

[GaWildcat]

Chris...

I am sorry, but alot of your information is incorrect. Please refer to the posts above. In the Confederate service, and in the Federal service, most Sharpshooters were organized into units. The numbers of Whitworth and Kerr rifles in use among the Confederate service were far short of the number of regular rifled muskets and rifles in use.

Most sharpshooter units, be they companies, battalions (the most common in the CS service) or regiments, were most commonly "professional skirmishers", in that they used open order skirmish tactics, and were used as scouts, advance guards, flankers, and rear guards, as well as skirmishers during battle, and would also fight in the line. PLEASE do not confuse sharpshooters with snipers. While there were some that operated detached from their companies from time to time, this was not the Standard Operating Procedure.....

[Phil]

Chris...

I am sorry, but alot of your information is incorrect. Please refer to the posts above. In the Confederate service, and in the Federal service, most Sharpshooters were organized into units. The numbers of Whitworth and Kerr rifles in use among the Confederate service were far short of the number of regular rifled muskets and rifles in use.

Most sharpshooter units, be they companies, battalions (the most common in the CS service) or regiments, were most commonly "professional skirmishers", in that they used open order skirmish tactics, and were used as scouts, advance guards, flankers, and rear guards, as well as skirmishers during battle, and would also fight in the line. PLEASE do not confuse sharpshooters with snipers. While there were some that operated detached from their companies from time to time, this was not the Standard Operating Procedure.....

Good advice. Too many people are looking into this impression thinking of special uniforms or insignia, special weapons and sniping from the bushes.

[Misplaced Rebel]

GaWildcat: No, don't apologize. Like I said, these were just things I picked up in perusings, I didn't know if they were totally correct or not. Thanks for the correction. :D I do know that the Whitworths saw relatively limited service because of their small numbers. I do remember hearing how they determined which shooter recieved one: they'd have the candidates line up at the target range and fire from 500yd. Most got very close to the bullseye, but he who was the closest by maybe only and inch or two got the Whitworth.

The second part you stated was also almost word for word in my book. This is part of a project I am doing for school on Snipers. I do know the difference between sharpshooter and modern sniper. Definetly a profound difference in tactics and organization, but the targets didn't really change: commanding officers, artillery crews, and other vital, hard to reach targets; the feeling toward those of this profession hasn't changed either...cordially disliked (or hated) by allies and enemies.

Still, that book covers the evolution of the the sniper, and gives a very good deal of information on civil war sharpshooters. They are definetly not one and the same, but they did contribute to evolution of the modern Sniper.
Eine Gute Jage,
-Chris

[GaWildcat]

If you want some good books on Civil War sharpshooters, some are listed earlier in this thread. You may want to take a look at them if you have an interest in that sort of thing.

My unit is a "sharpshooter" unit, and we are usually the first ones on the field, leading the main line, or we protect the flanks. As for the organization of the sharpshooter units, let me give you a brief rundown of how our unit was formed.

The 2nd Battalion, Georgia Sharpshooters was formed the summer of 1862 at Corinth, MS of four companies of Georgia troops and two from Alabama. Co A was originaly Co M, 5th Georgia, from Bibb Co.

Most of the Confederate Sharpshooter units were formed in this manner, and most of the training they did was not so often in long range shooting, but in Skirmish Dril. This is NOT to say that they did not practice long range shooting. In the Army of Tennessee, sharpshooter units were distributed one to each brigade. These units served as the skirmishers for the brigade.

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

"...the feeling toward those of this profession hasn't changed either...cordially disliked (or hated) by allies and enemies."

I would disagree a bit.

Historically, there has been a "shift" away from the "sniper" (used here in the modern sense and not the CW era mix of skirmisher/marksman/sharpshooter) AND "sniper" to use the modern denotation and connotations as something of a sometimes grudingly accepted but otherwise outcast and viewed-with-distaste-and suspicion military pariah.

This started changing during the Vietnam War. And really turned around in the 1990's during the "Gulf Wars" to the point that talented shooters were not just "approached" after "basic," but young lads actively and aggressively sought admitance to "sniper school" and "scout/sniper" programs. Not to mention the romance and cult of the BMG rifles.

At any rate, IMHO, we should always be on guard against the modern sniper being transported back to various Civil War "sharpshooter" named units as a norm (not that talented shooters did not rarely use target rifles to attack high value targets when needed.)
And be in danger of the 1920's Century magazine fictional article (and 1950's TV show)about the Confederate general "sniped" at over a mile. Or, the Berdan sharpshooters at Antietam 135 educating the public about how the Sharps Rifle fired a six inch bullet that they used to hit targets at 1800 yards

-and who once had a disagreement with a Cowboy Action Shooter who sold me what he said was a miltary Spencer Rifle that he failed to mention he had added a vernier tang sight and spirit-level front sight to (and he wondered why he could not hit at 1,000, 1,200, or 1,400 yards with it).

Others' mileage will vary...

CHS
1st USSS, Company "A" (LH)
Company "C", 7th Independent Company of Ohio Volunteer Sharpshooters

[Berry Benson]

Another question, belonging to the CS Sharpshooters. Was it common to wear a red stripe and a red "star" on their jackets ?

[GaWildcat]

Only if you were in Dunlop's Battalion (Gregg's SC Brigade) that was thier badge... different battalions had different badges if they used them at all. In the AOT there were very uncommon the Princess Anne Grays had a good website, with some descriptions of badges used in the ANV under thier Lee's Sharpshooters page, but it seems to be gone now.

[marcaverill]

Here's a link to PAG/Lee's Sharpshooters' new and very nice looking site with all their old information in a new format. Glad these guys are still around. http://princessannegrays.weebly.com/index.html

[Lt1stNCSS]

I reenact with Co A 1st NC Sharpshooter Btn "Yadkin Gray Eagles"

We, like most of you, Have trouble finding the appropriate roles while at events as skirmishers, flankers, rear guard and scouting teams which would have been the original functional roles.

our unit was a militia compaany formed in May 1861 in Yadkin Coutny NC and was part of the 11th NC state troops, and became Co B 21st NC Infantry.

April 1862 the 1st Battalion Sharpshooters was formed from Co's B and E 21st Regt. they took part in at least 30 different engagements, many times fighting with the line infantry of the 21st and other times being assigned separate duties as a battalion.

Their las commander, Cpt Reuben Wilson was imprisoned after appomattox for shooting deserters, and was the next to last confederate officer released from federal prison..only one other officer and Jefferson Davis remained locked up.

heres a little on the 1st and Cpt Wilson

http://www.forsythnchistory.com/files/davidhuff.pdf



Also, Francis casstevens "The Civil War and Yadkin County North Carolina" has mini biographies of most of the men who were from the county and served in various regiments during the war includint the 1st battalion sharpshooters

[GaWildcat]

We, like most of you, Have trouble finding the appropriate roles while at events as skirmishers, flankers, rear guard and scouting teams which would have been the original functional roles.



We are fortunate in that we have a battalion commander who understands skirmishers and flankers.. we are the battalions fire brigade, and get shuffled about where the action is hottest. We also tend to hold the flanks alot. We are very fortunate in that regard.. now if they would just take hits... SIGH

[Chad Wrinn]

http://breckinridgegreys.org/sharp.html

The First Kentucky Brigade Sharpshooters were not used as skirmishers but rather as what we would call today, snipers.

[GaWildcat]

Chad,

Was actually tallking about this yesterday with a pard that was gonna be trying some detecting near Resaca, and was asking me about a bullet he had that looked somewhat like a Whitworth, but was a little smaller caliber wise. I brought up the fact that those boys as well as Claiburne's got the lions share of the Whitworths and Kerrs sent to the Army of Tennessee.

[marcaverill]

I am currently reading, “First regiment Engineer Troops P.A.C.S – Robert E. Lee’s Combat Engineers” by Harry L. Jackson. While reading last night, on pages 68 & 69, the 1st Regt was doing some engineering work in support of the Sharpshooters.

The first device described was kind of a mini embrasure, like for cannon, made of heavy timber and wrought iron. Although it provided good protection for the Sharpshooter, the device attracted the wrath of artillery.

The second, was a box about 4 feet long and 6-8 inches square that would carry the smoke of the discharge of his weapon a few feet to the left or right. Thus return fire from the Federal lines was diverted out of harms way for the shooter. Apparently the device was so successful, that over 1500 were produced in just a few days for use on the parapets of the trenches.

[Artyman]

I have a comment and a question.

Question first, I read earlier in this thread that some of you fellers use Sharps rifles in your sharpshooter impression. While it is common knowledge that there were a few of these weapons in the South (a whole Georgia regiment equipped with 'em for instance) and many more carbines (some manufactured in the South), just how many Sharps rifles actually made it to combat in the hands of Confederate infantry? Further, were there as many or more than say, the Whitworths?

Now the comment. Many tactical demos are attempted on fields so small, or with a very limited spectator viewing range, to allow for any believable deployment of skirmishers or sharpshooters. It can be further observed that the competition for what space there is so heavily contested by dismounted cavalry types, artillery types, skirmisher types and of course the infantry itself that I can see where all too often the field commanders are at odds to perform even the most basic movements....even when they know what needs to be done and have the knowledge to carry it out. A good example of this might be the one set by my Battalion commander. While the man is a wizard (perhaps unequaled IMHO) at troop movement and envelopment's in war games and such, he none the less is reduced to simple linear evolutions when doing a tactical demo on a small field with spectators. Those of us who know and respect the man do not hold it against him that he is often reduced to evolutions that have been criticized in this thread. I would presume that this is true for many officers who get surprised in a tactical and have no other alternative than to march off to the rear in a column of fours.

The very nature and mentality of a skirmish line unit is to be quick, free flowing, spontaneous, and zealous. This can often create movements by these units that may not have been discussed fully in the officers call. This can, and often does, place a field commander in a position of following the script or opting to ad lib the scenario. Ad libbing a scenario can be dangerous and I don't hold it against any of them who elect to melt away from a situation they did not expect and were not supposed to be dealing with in the first place.

Though I have only commanded Rev War types in large numbers, I too would occasionally be surprised by say, an enemy light infantry unit that suddenly appeared on my flank that wasn't supposed to be there while I'm supposed to be driving on to take out a battery or redoubt. Though these light infantrymen attacking me were all excited and full of themselves over what they just pulled off, I would still need to ignore them in order to carry out the agreed to scenario. At most I might have detached a few militia types to face them, but for many reasons...none of them authentic of course...I would be compelled to stay with the plan. After the battle I'd run the gauntlet with some folks who thought I should have done something more. My reply to them was that the surprise was not part of the plan and should not have been carried out by them in the first place. We have officers call to iron these ideas out BEFORE the battle, so as not to be surprised DURING the battle. Safety first Gentlemen, safety first!

IMHO

Harry

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

"Question first, I read earlier in this thread that some of you fellers use Sharps rifles in your sharpshooter impression. While it is common knowledge that there were a few of these weapons in the South (a whole Georgia regiment equipped with 'em for instance) and many more carbines (some manufactured in the South), just how many Sharps rifles actually made it to combat in the hands of Confederate infantry? Further, were there as many or more than say, the Whitworths?"

Short answer: not that I have yet to encounter.

IMHO, it is conceivable that a Southrn unit could have engaged a Federal unit armed with Sharps Rifles and having driven them from the field "liberated" a few from battlefield pick ups, KIA/WIA's, or POWS.
Or even a individual lad in the ranks "picking one up and scrounging a small supply of Sharps' cartridges.

As with any "odd weapon," it then becomes problematical in getting ammunition to replace the initial battlefield batch.

IMHO still, aside from units issued them, Sharps Rifles were not so much "sharpshooter" rifles but moreso "repeating" rifles. The 1st and 2nd USSS (aka Berdan's and Post's) were somewhat of an exception because Hiram Berdan did not envision them as sharpshooters/skirmishers/scouts but as marksmen armed with either Sharps Sporting rifles or target and bench rifles they brought from home being promsied $60 for if they did (which did not happen).
What makes "Berdan's" a little different is that applicants had to pass proficiency or marksman shooting tests first to join up. Plus, one or two heavy bench "telescopic sight" rifles were carried in the wagons for the first or second best shots in a company to use for special (to use the modern term) "sniping" tasks.

As much as I hate to say it, the Sharps NM1859 or NM1863 is an decent rifle and accurate enough- especially out to an effective combat-use range of say 250 yards- but it is better as a repeating rifle capable of 10-12 shots per minute. But the rifle itself fires too heavy of a bullet in a rainbow arc "mortar round" trajectory to be truly effective at long range work.
(Sharps would correct that around 1869 with the advent of their metallic cartridge version, making their "M1874" rifles a classic long-range competitive and hunting rifle for many years.)

I use a Berdan Contract NM1859 Sharps Rifle because that is what they were issued in June of 1862 replacing their Colt M1855 Revolving Rifles. For the "sniper" side, for presentations, I used an original .45 Ohio target rifle with the long 2X tube sight.

CHS
Company "A," 1st USSS (LH)

[Tiger_rifles]

Interesting website. I take it you use Hardee's Instructions for Skirmishers? If ya'll need more information on McGowan's, suggest you try looking at www.leessharpshooters.com. They have some great information on ANV Sharpshooter battalions, and the badge worn by McGowan's. On top of that, they're a good bunch of guys.

Does anybody else get an offer to; "Take the Sexual Compatibility Survey", when clicking on the site listed above?

[flattop32355]

Does anybody else get an offer to; "Take the Sexual Compatibility Survey", when clicking on the site listed above?

Apparently, a different kind of skirmishing site.

[Tiger_rifles]

Apparently, a different kind of skirmishing site.

I could not have said it better Sir! I was asked to post this on the topic. I just checked this site, looks like a good one. Lots of good info!

"Reference the bad site, It was our Princess anne grays/lees sharpshooters) old site, and has been eaten up by the Internet monsters. Our New site http://princessannegrays.weebly.com, same info on sharpshooters just diffent site."

[GaWildcat]

I have a comment and a question.

Question first, I read earlier in this thread that some of you fellers use Sharps rifles in your sharpshooter impression. While it is common knowledge that there were a few of these weapons in the South (a whole Georgia regiment equipped with 'em for instance) and many more carbines (some manufactured in the South), just how many Sharps rifles actually made it to combat in the hands of Confederate infantry? Further, were there as many or more than say, the Whitworths?

Now the comment. Many tactical demos are attempted on fields so small, or with a very limited spectator viewing range, to allow for any believable deployment of skirmishers or sharpshooters. It can be further observed that the competition for what space there is so heavily contested by dismounted cavalry types, artillery types, skirmisher types and of course the infantry itself that I can see where all too often the field commanders are at odds to perform even the most basic movements....even when they know what needs to be done and have the knowledge to carry it out. A good example of this might be the one set by my Battalion commander. While the man is a wizard (perhaps unequaled IMHO) at troop movement and envelopment's in war games and such, he none the less is reduced to simple linear evolutions when doing a tactical demo on a small field with spectators. Those of us who know and respect the man do not hold it against him that he is often reduced to evolutions that have been criticized in this thread. I would presume that this is true for many officers who get surprised in a tactical and have no other alternative than to march off to the rear in a column of fours.

The very nature and mentality of a skirmish line unit is to be quick, free flowing, spontaneous, and zealous. This can often create movements by these units that may not have been discussed fully in the officers call. This can, and often does, place a field commander in a position of following the script or opting to ad lib the scenario. Ad libbing a scenario can be dangerous and I don't hold it against any of them who elect to melt away from a situation they did not expect and were not supposed to be dealing with in the first place.

Though I have only commanded Rev War types in large numbers, I too would occasionally be surprised by say, an enemy light infantry unit that suddenly appeared on my flank that wasn't supposed to be there while I'm supposed to be driving on to take out a battery or redoubt. Though these light infantrymen attacking me were all excited and full of themselves over what they just pulled off, I would still need to ignore them in order to carry out the agreed to scenario. At most I might have detached a few militia types to face them, but for many reasons...none of them authentic of course...I would be compelled to stay with the plan. After the battle I'd run the gauntlet with some folks who thought I should have done something more. My reply to them was that the surprise was not part of the plan and should not have been carried out by them in the first place. We have officers call to iron these ideas out BEFORE the battle, so as not to be surprised DURING the battle. Safety first Gentlemen, safety first!

IMHO

Harry

Harry,

First in regard to weapons...our unit uses neither Sharps or Whiteworths. Research has shown that either Long Enfield rifles (rifle musketss) Enfield short rifles were issued to both the 1st and 2nd Georgia Sharpshoooters (the 1st was issued Long Enfields with "accoutrements to match"* This could indicate that they were .58 caliber boxes of US pattern or more probably English imported arms. The 2nd was supposedly issued short rifles, but so far no concrete documentation of eitehr weapons or accoutrements has been found. Whits and Kerr's were in pretty short supply in the west, with the Orphan Brigade sharpshooters getting a lions share as Chad was mentioning earliery.

As far as operations, we are fortunate in that we have a battalion commander that uses us as his "fire brigade". Wherever he has a percieved 'emergency' he will send us to it with but one order.. deal with it. We have had some that dont react well to skirmishers, but for the most part, we have been rather successful in being a fast moving aggressive bunch, and doing it safely. I guess it all depends on how much ground you have to play on , and here in GA, we in general have some pretty good ground.

[Artyman]

So, just how good was the Whitworth? Further, is the repro sold in the Dixie catalog as good (or any good)?

Harry

[Enfield577]

Whits and Kerr's were in pretty short supply in the west, with the Orphan Brigade sharpshooters getting a lions share as Chad was mentioning earliery.

The Orphan Brigade sharpshooters had all Kerrs, no Whitworths. Cleburne's sharpshooters were reported at one time with 20 Whitworths and 10 Kerrs (the Kentucky sharpshooters initially had 11 Kerrs, but one was ruined during training and another was later lost at Resaca). They had to turn in their remaining Kerrs after the end of the Atlanta Campaign.

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~orphanhm/sharpshooters.htm

Geoff Walden

[GaWildcat]

Roger that... My apologies if my post was misleading; brain v. fingers case.. again my apologies.