> My ggg grandfather, John N. Huffman, served in Company F, 30th Battalion VA > Sharpshooters, the first of my ancestors to be documented in this type of > outfit. Because of this, I have a couple questions. Did a Battalion of > Sharpshooters always accompany the same corresponding Infantry regiment into > battle? Did the soldier initially enlist in an infantry unit, only to be > transferred to a Sharpshooters unit when his marksmanship became evident? According to a history of firearms that I own the term "Sharpshooter" was coined after a Union Army group that was outfitted with the ledgendary Sharps rifle. The unit was known as So-and-so's Sharps Shooters and they awed both North and South in the speed and accuracy of their rifle fire. Sharpshooter soon became the term to identify a rifleman with an uncanny eye. If anyone would like the unit commander's name, dates or other info I would be happy to dig out the book and cite a bit of detail. Michael Wright [log in to unmask] To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html