Barry:

You are correct, these are excellent references. They are also both available on microfilm at the Georgia Archives in Morrow (just south of Atlanta).

Are you a descendent of Leyden's? If so, the following references should be of interest:

"Chronicles of the Old Guard of the Gate City Guard," by Henry Clay Fairman, pages 7-35. Gives a description of the Civil War service of the Gate City Guard in the First Georgia regiment which was written by Leyden.

"A Gallant Officer," Macon Daily Telegraph, February 22, 1862, contains a highly complimentary article about Leyden, describing his actions during the retreat from Laurel Hill.

Henderson's "Roster of the Confederate Soldiers of Georgia, 1861-1865, Volume I," contains the following entry: "Leyden, Austin -- Jr. 2nd Lieutenant - March 18, 1861. Resigned November 5, 1861. Elected Major of the 9th Battalion, Georgia Light Artillery, in 1862. Records show that on February 19, 1865, officers and enlisted men of the 9th Battalion, Georgia Light Artillery, petitioned C. S. Secretary of War for promotion of Major A. Leyden."

Do you have any letters, photographs or other material that Leyden might have written during his service with the First Georgia?

George