A Guide to Virginia Military Organizations, 1861-1865, by Lee A. Wallace, Jr.
Richmond City Bn, Local Defense Troops [25th Virginia Infantry Bn]
Elliott, Wyatt M., Maj., 1862-1863 (to Lt Col, July 20, 1863), Lt Col 1863-1865
Officially designated as the 25th Bn Va Vols, this command was more familiarly known as the Richmond City Battalion. It was organized August 15, 1862, for the period of six months, and for service in and around Richmond. When first organized, the battalion consisted of five companies, A to E, Companies F, G and H, were added later. Co I is believed to have been organized in the field and not recognized by the A&IGO. Another company was authorized to be raised, but it failed to complete its organization. In January and February, 1863, the battalion was "re-mustered for the war," its original six months term having expired.
Co A - Capt John H. Greener's Co
Co B - Capt Louis J. Bossieux's Co
Co C -
Co D - Richmond Minute Men
Co E - Capt William L. Maule's Co
Co F - Capt Cyrus Bossieux's Co
Co G - President's Guard
Co H - Capt William H. Allison's Co
Co I - Capt Aston's Co
Capt Alexander B. Guigon's Co Va Lt Arty {Johnson's Lt Arty)
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Compendium of the Confederate Armies - Virginia, by Stewart Sifakis
Virginia 25th Infantry Battalion
Richmond City Battalion
Assignments: Dept of Henrico [Aug 1862-May 1864]
Unattached, Dept of Richmond [May-Oct 1864]
Barton's Brigade, Dept of Richmond [Oct 1864-March 1865]
Barton's Brigade, G.W.C. Lee's Div, Dept of Richmond [March-April 1865]
Barton's Brigade, G.W.C. Lee's Div, Army of Northern Virginia [March-April 1865]
Battles: Petersburg Seige [June 1864-April 1865]
Fort Gilmer [Sept 29-30, 1864]
Sayler's Creek [April 6, 1865]
Appomattox Court House [April 9, 1865]
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A Guide to Virginia Military Organizations, 1861-1865, by Lee A. Wallace, Jr.
Local Defense Troops
An act passed by the Confederate States Congress, August 21, 1861, authorized the President to accept the services of volunteers in such numbers as he might deem necessary, "to serve for such time as he may prescribe, for the defense of the exposed places of localities, or such special service as he may deem expedient." After October 1862, persons over 45 years of age or otherwise not liable to military duty, could become members of local defense companies. No person could become a member of a local defense company until he had taken the oath of allegiance to the Confederate States "in writing".
Regulations for the formation of local degense companies was outlined in G.O. No. 86 A&IGO, dated June 22, 1863. The organization was the same as that for the Provisional Army. The minimum number for an infantry company was 64, rank and file; for the cavalry, 60. Battalions were required to have not less than five companies; regiments not less than ten companies. Officers were elected by the company.
Local Defense organizations were not considered as in actual service except when called for by order of the President. When called, these troops were expected to serve only so long as the emergency existed. Local Defense units were not required to opperate beyond State boundaries.
When on active service they received pay and subsistence, the same as prescribed for the Provisional Army of the Confederate States.
Arms and equipment were furnished to the local defense organizations by the Confederate government.
Volunteers enlisted for local defense and special service exclusively for the area in which they resided, and for the term of residence in that area. A number of companies in Richmond were comprised largely of "detailed" men. These were men generally skilled at various trades, who were detailed from the army to work in government foundries, workshops, depots, etc.
JR