In December 1863, the state's general assembly reorganized the state militia and it became known as Joe Brown's Pets. In his ongoing attempt to maintain a body of troops under Georgia command, Brown then organized the Georgia State Guards and the Georgia State Reserves, both commanded by Major Gen. Howell Cobb. The State Guards were short-lived had been disbanded by early 1864 due to pressure from the CS government and changes in the conscription law. Shortly after disbanding the Guards, Gov. Brown and Gen. Cobb organized the Reserve. Though technically these men were on six month enlistments, many served for the duration of The War. Many served as POW guards at Andersonville and Macon. Both units were comprised of men otherwise exempt from Confederate States conscription. Companies Of The Ga 1st Infantry Regiment State Guards Men who made up this regiment were from the following counties: Greene Taliaferro Warren Baldwin Hancock Washington Madison Elbert Oglethorpe Wilkes Lincoln Columbia