In the latest post on the Blog of the Gettysburg National Military Park (Feb 1, 2018) entitled
Another Look at the Home of a Rebel Sharpshooter, John Heiser, Historian at GNMP, says that it is possible that researcher Scott Fink may have identified the Rebel Sharpshooter as John Rutherford Ash, Co A, 2nd Georgia Infantry, Benning's brigade. Interesting information and photo comparisons.
https://npsgnmp.wordpress.com/2018/02/01/another-look-at-the-home-of-a-rebel-sharpshooter/
Gettysburg after battle report:
Report of Lieut. Col. William S. Shepherd, Second Georgia Infantry.
July 27, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to make the following report of the conduct
of the Second Georgia Regt., commanded by Lieut. Col.
William T. Harris, during the sanguinary battle near Gettysburg, Pa.:
After a most tiresome march through the mountains, this regiment,
belonging to Benning's brigade, arrived at 12 p. m. in the neighborhood
of the scene of an engagement which took place on the 1st
instant, where it was permitted to bivouac for a few hours. At 3
a. m. it resumed the march, and again halted, after proceeding some
3 miles. At 1 p. m. it again took up the line of march, moving by a
circuitous route to the right.
Notwithstanding the extreme heat and the fatiguing march, the
officers and men of this regiment moved forward with great cheerfulness,
seeming anxious to meet the enemy. Just before reaching
its position in line, the regiment advanced by the right flank through
an open field, under a heavy fire from the enemy's artillery, which
was posted on a commanding position.
It gives me great pleasure to state that the officers and men of this
command acted very coolly and moved forward in good order. Here
Lieut. J. C. Sapp was slightly wounded, but continued with his company.
Before advancing in line of battle, the command was permitted to
rest a few moments. The Second Georgia composed the right, and,
with the Seventeenth Georgia, the right wing of Benning's brigade.
Soon the order to advance was given, when the entire regiment
moved forward in splendid order until it came to a deep gorge, where
the nature of the ground was such that it was impossible to preserve
an alignment; but, notwithstanding the rocks, undergrowth, and
the deadly fire of the enemy, the officers and men of this regiment
moved forward with dauntless courage, driving the enemy before
them, and did not halt until they saw they were some distance in advance
of their line, and beyond a rocky eminence on the left, which
had been previously held by the enemy.
Here the regiment made a stand, and fought as gallantly as men
could fight, and did not yield an inch of ground, but repulsed several
charges made by the enemy, who were protected by a battery and a
hill lined with sharpshooters. It was shortly after the regiment
halted that Lieut. Col. William T. Harris fell, pierced through the
heart by a Minie ball. He behaved gallantly and coolly while advancing,
and was in the act of cheering on his command when he
received the fatal shot. The command then devolved upon the undersigned,
who was major of the regiment. We held our position
until night closed the bloody drama.
We have to deplore the loss of many gallant officers and men, a list
of whom has been previously forwarded.
I take great pleasure in testifying to the gallantry displayed both
by officers and men, and, in my humble judgment, men never fought
with more determination and bravery. We captured quite a number
of prisoners, of whom previous mention has been made. It is
impossible to individualize where all acted so nobly and courageously.
I would respectfully call your attention to Forage-Master
R. W. Scrogin, of Company I, Second Georgia Regt., who went
into the battle voluntarily and fought bravely until wounded.
The Second Georgia and a portion of the Seventeenth Georgia
being a short distance in advance, I received orders from headquarters,
about 3 a. m. on the 3d instant, to fall back and connect with the
main line, which command was executed in good order, and not until
all our wounded had been removed to the rear.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
WM. S. SHEPHERD,
Lieut. Col., Comdg. Second Georgia Regt.
Lieut. H. H. Perry,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 27. Part II. Reports. Serial No. 44