Winter of 63-64
After crossing the Potomac River at Williamsport on the 14th of July the Army of Northern Virginia was back home. The
men rested and the officers would write their reports on the Battle of Gettysburg. The trip back was not without incident
as it rained much of the time and the trains were harassed by Federal Cavalry. The 2nd Corps moved to Darkesville
Virginia and stayed there until July 22 when it resumed it's march up the Valley. By July 29th after passing through Front
Royal and resting near Luray for a few days the 12th Georgia arrived near Madison Court-House having crossed the Blue Ridge
at Thornton's Gap.
By August 10th the 12th Georgia camped near Orange Court-House where they would draw two months pay. The army during
this time was increasing in large numbers both from the hospitals and from home. During these August week’s camp life
returned to normal with company and battalion drill every day except Sunday.
September, October and the first weeks of November the regiment found itself doing picket duty along the Rapidan River
where they skirmished with both union infantry and cavalry. They were well fed and clothed at this time having received pants
and jackets from Georgia. They were also “looking forward” to another fight with the Yankees simply to re-supply
themselves with blankets and tents The fighting along the skirmish line resulted in some casualties but were light. Seven
men were reporter wounded from the regiment.
On November 26th the Army of the Potomac crossed the Rapidan River in an attempt to get on the right flank
and rear of Lee’s army. This caused the Army of Northern Virginia to change front to meet them. After several days of
fighting and hard skirmishing the Federal Army pulled back to its former position. Early on the morning of December 2nd
Rodes’ Division crossed Mine Run and advanced towards Germanna Ford. Led by a body of sharpshooters commanded by Major
J. T. Carson, the 12th Georgia captured over two-hundred prisoners The regiment reported one killed, two wounded,
and three missing.
On December 12th, 1863 the 12th Georgia along with the 1st South Carolina broke camp and headed back into the Shenandoah
Valley for the purpose of rounding up deserters and bushwhackers that had been terrorizing the local inhabitants. This was
their second trip into the valley, the first being a success as they brought in about one hundred deserters. Colonel Willis
had independent command at this time and would communicate with General Stuart’s cavalry.
The month of January found the regiment in winter quarters camped at New Hope Church about twelve miles from Staunton
Virginia. The rations here were plentiful. Buying such things as milk, molasses, cabbage and apples the troops had at times
restful duty. During this time the regiment had increased to about five- hundred men, with three-hundred and fifty present.
