State Troop Forces

[McNaughton]

I have been trying to gather information regarding 'state troop' formations, to better represent the 'rear guard' of the Northern and Southern Armies (i.e., Regiments and Brigades serving the State, not Federal/Confederate service).

I have found some references, but cannot get a total picture. I figure that there are large numbers of men who served in State formations, yet also am aware that many of these forces became federalized over time (which adds to the confusion).

I am hoping to gather a general idea as to the strength of the State Troop forces per state, and per timeframe, as to better implement them in the game. Presently, I feel that their presence is lacking somewhat (in quantity and quality, as the real difference was willingness to serve outside their state, not quality of men).

For exmaple, I know that in 1861 Georgia had 4 State Troop Brigades, of about 3-4 regiments each. However, what became of them (Confederate service, remained state troops, etc.?). Also, I am aware of many Virginia Militia forces which served in 1861 (such as in the Shenendoah Valley), yet don't know what happened afterwards.

Having a general picture as to the organization, deployment and change over time will help implement a more 'realistic' picture of State Troops during the civil war in AACW.

[Jabberwock]

According to Hotchkiss: On March 22 1862, about 95% of the three militia regiments he had accompanied from Staunton were mustered in to the regular army as volunteers (they got to pick their unit). On April 4, there was a draft lottery from the remaining militia in Jackson's army to fill up volunteer companies (drafting volunteers? ). Apparently this practice was continued until all the militia were incorporated into volunteer units.

[Le Ricain]

McNaughton,

Trying to find information about Confederate State troops is difficult. This is especially true for the state of Georgia. Georgia had something like 5 or 6 1st GA Regiments. However, below is some information on the Georgia State Regiments.

After the election of Lincoln, but before he was inaugurated, Governor Joe E. Brown began to seriously organize a state army, albeit somewhat surreptitiously. The "Secession Convention", authorized Brown to raise a force of 10,000 men for Georgia's defense and appropriated $1,000,000 to equip and support it. The first units were called the Georgia Army. This organization was released to Confederate States command on 20 Mar 61.

Brown also raised a three brigade division of 8000 troops under MG Henry Jackson to meet the threat to Savannah under a six month enlistment. Most were turned over to Confederate States command after the Confederate States conscription act in April of 1862.

In his ongoing attempt to maintain a body of troops under Georgia command, Brown then organized the Georgia State Guards commanded by MG Howell Cobb. The State Guards were enrolled during the summer of 1863 to meet the threat posed by Rosecrans. The State Guards were short-lived, having been disbanded by February 1864 due to pressure from the CSA government and changes in the conscription law. The State Guards consisted of 12 Regiments (8 inf & 4 cav) and 2 legions.

Shortly after disbanding the Guards, Gov. Brown and Gen. Cobb organized the Reserve. The reserve consisted of 9 regiments (1st-7th, 9th and 12th). The Reserve was made up with either the very young or the very old. Though technically these men were on six month enlistments, many served for the duration of The War. Many served as POW guards at Andersonville and Macon. Both the State Guards and the Reserves were comprised of men otherwise exempt from CS conscription.

Also, in the spring of 1864, the Georgia Militia were called out. The state of Georgia was organised into 13 Militia Districts, which were supported by the local taxpayers. However, for some reason unknown to me there were 15 Militia regiments (1st - 12th, 21st, 27th & 37th).

And finally, among the State troops, were the two regiments of the Georgia State Line which served from February 1863 until the surrender of Georgia in May 1865. The "Line" grew out of Governor Brown's railroad Bridge Guard companies raised to protect the State owned Western and Atlantic Railroad. During Sherman's invasion they were attached to the Army of the Tennessee. The Line was a source of great contention both within Georgia, where they were referred to as "Joe Brown's Pets" and with the Confederate Government which considered them subject to CS conscription. The 'Line' was just one of the bones of contention between Gov Brown and Pres Davis. Nevertheless, the two regiments remained in Georgia service until the capitulation.