Arkansas 12th Battalion Sharpshooters

HISTORICAL NOTES:
The Arkansas 12th Battalion Sharpshooters was organized at Corinth, Mississippi in June, 1862, with four companies - each one composed of men handpicked for their marksmanship abilities from the 18th, Dockery's 19th, 20th, and Craven's 21st Arkansas Infantry regiments. Commanded by Major William F. Rapley, the battalion served with distinction in Hebert's Brigade at the battle of Corinth on October 3-4, 1862, and at Hatchie Bridge during the retreat from Corinth, and subsequently throughout the Vicksburg campaign in the fall of 1862 through the summer of 1863. The battalion was employed to oppose the federal Steele's Bayou Expedition on March 14-27, 1863 and at Rolling Fork on March 20; and subsequently fought at Grand Gulf (April 29), Port Gibson (May 1), Champion Hill (May 16), Big Black River (May 17), and was besieged with the Vicksburg garrison during the 45-day siege of that strongpoint from May 20 until July 4, 1863. Surrendered with the Vicksburg garrison on July 4, 1863 and was paroled at that place later that month. Survivors of the battalion returned home to Arkansas, where many of them reformed their old unit under Brig. Gen. James F. Fagan's Cavalry Division , fighting in the Camden Expedition and at the battle of Marks' Mill. There is little or no record of the unit's activity after this point. OFFICERS:

Major William F. Rapley

ASSIGNMENTS:

assigned to General M. E. Green's command, Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana

attached to General Dockery's Brigade, Trans-Mississippi Department

BATTLES:

Corinth on October 3-4, 1862

Hatchie Bridge during the retreat from Corinth

Vicksburg campaign

Steele's Bayou Expedition on March 14-27, 1863

Rolling Fork on March 20

Grand Gulf (April 29)

Port Gibson (May 1)

Champion Hill (May 16)

Big Black River (May 17)

Siege of Vicksburg

Marks' Mill.

ROSTERS: The roster of this Battalion contains the names of 349 men.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
REFERENCES: REF: Crute - Units of the Confederate States Army
Sifakis - Compendium of the Confederate Armies