RE: Comment on no battalions in the Civil War

On both sides, states fielded numbered battalions of sharpshooters, cavalry, infantry and artillery. Virginia had battalions of infantry, cavalry and artillery each designated First. The 1st VA Infantry Bn did not serve at Gettysburg. The 1st VA Cavalry Bn was State Troops used for local defense. The 1st VA Artillery Bn seems to have spent most of its existence in the Department of North Carolina and Southern Virginia.

Also, regiments could form temporary battalions of 3 or more companies and commanded by a major or lieutenant colonel for specific missions such as area guard or escort.

The casualty rate seems to be horrendous. A battalion at full strength might only muster about 500 men.