Expired Image Removed
Half Plate Tintype of a Group of Confederate Militia "Clinch Rifles", Augusta, Georgia ca 1860s - Approximately 200 units were formed in Georgia in service to the Confederate States before and during the Civil War. One of them was 5th Georgia Infantry Regiment. It was organized on May 11th, 1861, with further companies joining the unit during the following year. Its combat roster started with capture of Santa Rosa Island, followed by Corinth Campaign in April-June 1862. One of the distinguished companies of the 5th was company "A," the famous
Clinch Rifles. The company was named for General Duncan L. Clinch the commander at the Battles of Withlacoochee and the Cove of the Seminole Wars (1835-1836). The company adopted the motto "Charge Again" after General Clinch's order to the retreating troops at the Battle of Withlacoochee to attack the enemy again.
Clinch Rifles were a true rifle company using 1841 Mississippi Rifle and saber bayonet in action during the American Civil War. While the Union had regulated the design of uniforms from the beginning of the conflict, the Confederate units were initially made of volunteers and enjoyed considerable freedom in their choice of uniforms. Maintaining the European of green infantry clothing, the
Clinch Rifles elected green as their unit color, with elegant gold braid and buttons plus a French-style cap.
Despite all the gallantry, the 5th Georgia Infantry regiment's subsequent combat history reflects the dwindling cause of the Confederate States in the war: Battle of Murfreesboro (December 1862 - January 1863, here the
Clinch Rifles lost 55% of their strength) -- Tullahoma Campaign (June - August 1863) -- Chattanooga Siege (September - November 1863) -- Atlanta Campaign (May - September 1864) -- Savannah Campaign (November - December 1864) -- Carolinas Campaign (February - April 1865) -- Bentonville (March 1865). Following the demise of the South, the remains of the unit surrendered at Durham Station, Orange County, NC on April 26, 1865.
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/5387469
"Clinch Rifles, Georgia Militia 1861" by Don Troiani depicts a private of the Clinch Rifles in their early war green uniform.
The Clinch Rifles photographed in full uniform at Augusta, Ga.
(Miller's Photographic History of the Civil War)
Edit: This bottom photo is not the Clinch Rifles but the Oglethorpe Infantry, Company D of Ramsey's 1st Georgia Infantry.
Thread on these photos here:
https://civilwartalk.com/threads/th...thorpe-infantry-and-the-clinch-rifles.156108/