Existing comment:
Lt. Col. Jefferson M. Lamar
& Cobbs Georgia Legion
Col. Thomas R.R. Cobb (brother of Howell Cobb) organized Cobb's Legion in August 1861. The Legion consisted of 6 infantry companies, 4 cavalry companies, and the Troup Light Artillery. On September 6, 1862, the Legion, attached to Gen. Howell Cobb's Brigade, accompanied "Stonewall" Jackson's Corps en route to capture Harpers Ferry. Except for 2 guns, the Troup Artillery was positioned on Maryland Heights overlooking Harpers Ferry.
Cobb's Legion infantry under Lt. Col. Jefferson M. Lamar accompanied Cobb's Brigade to Crampton's Gap. Many of the 248 soldiers were from Athens, GA. By the time Cobb's Legion took position at the gap, Parham's line at the foot of the mountain had been overrun. Col. Lamar desperately tried to form a line south of the gap. But the 1st New Jersey Brigade broke through and gained ground above and behind the Legion. The Legion, outnumbered 6 to 1 and partly surrounded, stood its ground.
After suffering 72% casualties, including the mortally wounded Lamar, some of the men escaped to the top of the gap where a final stand was being made by Gen. Cobb with 2 guns of the Troup Artillery and refugees from the other regiments. In large measure Cobb's Legion was responsible for delaying the Federal advance until nightfall. The next day Harpers Ferry surrendered. |