Tom -

You may recall my earlier post mentioning that the 37th Senatorial District included the counties of Carroll, Heard and Troup. Companies formed from each of these counties comprised the militia regiment formed in the 37th District. That means Heard County militiamen went to West Point with men from the other two counties.

You're correct about most militia commands. They weren't called 'Home Guards' for no reason. Since militiamen lack the arms, training and leadership to contend with Federal troops in any strength, they were expected to serve as provost guards. The militia was most effective in law enforcement, the greatest need in most of the country behind Southern lines.

You're confusing two different commands. Despite the pension including statements about service for three years or the war, state law would not allow militia to be held in service longer than six months. The State Guards served their six months and went out of service. Rank (or lack of rank) in the State Guards meant nothing after their enlistments expired. New commissions were issued by Governor Brown when militia companies organized and held elections under the recently enacted state militia law.

During the Federal raids of late July 1864 (Rousseau's and McCook's), Governor Brown had much of the force available to him sent to West Point. The garrison at the time that Rousseau threatened West Point included General Carswell's Brigade of state troops from Atlanta, cadets from the Georgia Militia Institute, and the 37th Georgia Militia Regt.

A former Confederate captain, John T Boykin lived near Poole's Mill in Troup County. The account you mentioned doesn't say he was in command. A squad of cavalry from the 8th Confederate Cavalry under Lieut Vaughn was in the area in late July-early August. One of his dispatches was captured by the Federals. Perhaps this small group of men stopped by Capt Boykin's home during the raid.