Georgia State Guards were organized for local defense within northwest Georgia for a six-month term, August 1863 through January 1864. During this period of time Georgia State Guards were not assigned to Confederate commands or involved in any combat actions. In any case Thomas C Poe was absent without leave when his company was mustered out of service, Feb 4, 1864. His company was recruited in Walker County GA which by early February 1864 would have been behind enemy lines.