Third Sergeant?

[corn-fed-erate]

I have ancestor that I am trying to research, Robert Franklin Hill. 14th GA Inf. Company H (Laurens County GA) He is listed as a third sergeant. What was that, what where their duties. Also, how do I get copies of muster cards for him? Would love some help!

 

[7thWisconsin]

The 3rd sergeant is the sergeant with the third date of rank in the company, and is a file closer stationed a couple paces behind the middle right of the company in line. He's there to steady the line and plug gaps as needed. There was a 4th sergeant a couple paces to his left fulfilling the same function. Off the battlefield, sergeants did what NCO's always do: run details and fatigue parties, run picket posts, etc. The 3rd sergeant is a true "non-commissioned officer" (unlike a corporal who was not) and was exempt from being put on fatigue duties unless supervising them.

 

[thomas aagaard]

Suggest you take a look in "Kautz" CUSTOMS OF SERVICE FOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS
http://musket.dk/wp-content/uploads/1864-Kautz_NCOs.pdf

(page 52)