I am looking at Privet H. J. Stephens, Co. A, 4th Battalion Georgia Sharpshooters. From searching the Census records, the best match appears to be a Henry J. Stephens who in 1860 was living in Sumter County Georgia. Without too much effort, I managed to track down a descendant of Henry J. Stephens who is currently researching his family history. As far as the family is concerned, it is unknown if Henry J. Stephens served in the Army during the war. Henry J. Stephens or his widow apparently never filed for a pension which makes this even more difficult.
Here is what is known.
Private H. J. Stephens enlisted on March 17, 1864 and appears on the list of parolees at the surrender of the Army of Tennessee.
Henry J. Stephens of Sumter County Georgia appears in the 1864 Census for Re-Organizing the Georgia Militia. He is aged 25, born in Georgia, occupation Farmer. He has no exemption listed. See the 1864 Census listing below:
I have ever been able to figure out exactly when this census was conducted. Private H. J. Stephens enlisted very early in 1864 so I am not sure if this disproves whether Henry J. Stephens of Sumter County is Private H. J. Stephens of Co. A, 4th Batt'n Ga SS. The descendant is interested in knowing as well.
H J. Stephens
Residence was not listed;
Enlisted on 2/1/1863 as a Private.
On 2/1/1863 he mustered into "A" Co.
GA 4th Battn SharpShooters
(date and method of discharge not given)
(Estimated date of enlistment
- Index to Compiled Confederate Military Service Records
.................................................................................................
Chickamagua after battle report:
Report of Lieut. Joel Towers, Fourth Georgia Battalion
Sharpshooters.
HDQRS. FOURTH GA. S. S., GEN. BATE'S BRIGADE,
Camp near Chattanooga, Tenn., October 4, 1863.
SIR:Maj. Caswell, the commander of the battalion, having been
wounded and sent to the rear, it devolves on me, as senior
officer in command, to make a report of the part this battalion
acted in the recent engagement of Chickamauga on the 18th,
19th, and 20th ultimo:
On Friday morning (the 18th), we left camp and marched in a
direction to touch on Chickamauga Cree, near Lee's Mills, which
point we reached near 3 p. m., where we found the enemy in
some force. The battalion was then thrown forward and
deployed, and after a slight skirmish by the battalion, assisted by
the Eufaula Light Artillery, the enemy were driven across the
stream, and we were left in possession of the field, on which we
slept that night.
On Saturday morning (the 19th), we rejoined the brigade, and
were formed on its right in line of battle, and were led by our
gallant brigadier in the direction of the ever-memorable field of
Chickamauga. About 3 p. m., amid the most furious cannonading
with shell, grape, and canister perhaps ever witnessed on this
continent, together with a perfect shower of balls from
small-arms, we were led by Gen. Bate into action, when we
charged the enemy and drove them back several hundred yards,
when the enemy made another stand, and our men, being
exhausted, fell back a short distance and reformed with the
brigade.
In this charge, Maj. Caswell and Capt. Turner, of Company C,
were both severely wounded and carried to the rear, together
with 33 non-commissioned officers and privates, only 1 having
been killed on the field; 1, however, has since died. The enemy
having been driven back at every point, and darkness putting an
end to the contest the battalion slept on the field with the brigade
amid the Yankee dead and dying.
About 8 o'clock on Sunday morning (the 20th), the battalion was
thrown out as skirmishers to protect the right of the brigade
while it was placed in position. During the time the battalion was
thus deployed it was exposed to a most terrific shelling by the
enemy.
The position, however, was held till 3 p. m., when we were
ordered to assemble on the right of the brigade, and were lay till
about 5 p. m., when we were again led toward the enemy's
works, when we took possession of their strongly fortified
positions, the enemy precipitately retreating, utterly routed. The
scene closed by taking a number of prisoners, many of whom
were captured by isolated members of the battalion.
During the entire engagement the battalion displayed that cool
and determined bravery and courage for which it has heretofore
been distinguished.
Respectfully, &c.,
JOEL TOWERS,
Lieut., Comdg. Fourth Battalion Ga. Sharpshooters.
Maj. GEORGE W. WINCHESTER,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. XLII.] THE CHICKAMAUGA CAMPAIGN. PAGE 394-51
[Series I. Vol. 30. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 51.]
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