Alan,

This response is sort of what I was looking for regarding the 5th Georgia Infantry, when I first posted. Many of these lower-numbered units were "famous" units within the Army of Northern Virginia or the Army of Tennessee. I know, I know, that units like the 1st Alabama, 1st Mississippi, 1st Georgia were at places like Fort Donelson, Island No. 10, Port Hudson and in the case of the 1st Georgia (Ramsey's) the unit was mustered out after one year's service.

The 5th Georgia was not a unit identified with one of the major Confederate armies. It fought at Santa Rosa Island, was late getting to Shiloh. Went with Bragg to Kentucky, but apparently saw little or no action. Then with J.K. Jackson's brigade it garrisoned Bridgeport, AL and was rushed at the last minute to Murfreesboro where it got "hammered" in the Round Forest. It got called to Chickamauga where it suffered over 50% casualties. Then Jackson's brigade became a part of the Army of Tennessee and it looked like they would have a war record similar to other units in that fabled army. But, no, Jackson's brigade was broken up and the 5th Georgia and the 1st Georgia Reserves were sent to Charleston & Savannah.

I guess I'm wondering was NOT being a part of one of the major armies a reason for having more or fewer records, in general?

Jim