Jim,

I had at least two great great grandfathers in the 50th,and have been researching the regiment for several years. When the 50th was formed near Savannah in April 1862, one of the duties was to help cut trees and try to blockade the river. During the period from April to mid July, when the 50th was ordered to report to Richmond to join the ANV, approximately 10% of the regiment had died from disease (almost 100 men) and many others were not fit for duty. At one time, less than 1/4 of the regiment was available for duty. The area was full of mosquitoes and other things that helped make men sick - not a great place.

Unfortunately, Corporal Fulwood died shortly after arriving, probably at Camp Davis, near Savannah. The Compiled Service Records don't have much on him during his short time, but you may want to check the Georgia Archives to see if his widow (if he was married) filed a pension claim. Those applications sometimes give good information. Also, if you can access the volumes of books by Folks Huxford, entitled Pioneers of the Wiregrass, there may be something of your great grandfather in one of the volumes. Judge Huxford spent most of his life researching south Georgia families. Most south Georgia genealogical libraries carry the set.

Camp Fires of Georgia's Troops, 1861-1865, by William S. Smedlund, also has some information on the camps in the Savannah area.

The Thomas County Historic Society in Thomasville, Georgia has some limited information on Company E, including the original company roster book. I don't think there will be much, but John W. Fulwood should be listed on the roster.

I would be happy to share what limited information I have on the 50th near Savannah. Just e-mail me and we can correspond. There was some mention of the camplife and work on the river in letters and diaries from men in the regiment during that time.

Jim Parrish