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k

rief Sketches

OF THE

North Carolina
State Troops

IN THE
War Between the States.

BRIEF SKETCHES

NORTH CAROLINA STATE TROOPS

IN THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES.

SKETCHES INCLUDE

FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, FOURTH, SIXTH, SEVENTH, ELEVENTH,
TWELFTH, THIRTEENTH, FOURTEENTH, NINETEENTH,
TWENTIETH, TWENTY-EIGHTH, TWENTY-NINTH,
THIRTIETH, THIRTY-FIRST, AND THIRTY-
SEVENTH REGIMENTS,
TOGETHER WITH
FIRST BATTALION OF HEAVY ARTILLERY,
SECOND BATTALION OF LIGHT INFANTRY,
RETURN OF FLAG TO COMPANY I, SIXTH REGIMENT N. C. TROOPS,
GENERAL LANE'S BRIGADE,
SKETCH OF HENRY L. WYATT, FIRST CONFEDERATE MARTYR,
LANE'S BRIGADE CORPS OF SHARPSHOOTERS.

COLLECTED AND COMPILED
By JAMES C BIRDSONG, ex-State Librarian.

Printed nnder Resolution Ratified March 6, 1893.

RALEIGH, N. C. :
Josephus Daniels, State Printer and Binder.
Presses of Edwards & Broughton.
1894.

INTRODUCTION.

In compiling these sketches, under the resolution of the
General Assembly, ratified March 6, 1893, it has been done
with the earnest hope that at no distant day a full and
complete history of the self-sacrificing devotion and heroism
of the brave soldiers of North Carolina, who faced death
on so many bloody and hard-fought battle-fields, would
result from this initiatory step.
"While many of the States, both North, West, and South
— beginning to realize their duty to their dead heroes —
have begun the collection of material for the preparation
of their records, which is a part of each State's history,
the North Carolina soldiers have never, as yet, received
that mention which their bravery and heroism entitle
them to. Realizing that this history should be written
before the veterans have all passed over the river, I drew
the resolution authorizing the publication of the sketches
embodied in the following pages, and which passed the
Legislature without a dissenting vote.
At the annual meeting of the State Yeteran Association,
held in Ealeigh, October 25, 1894, Judge "Walter Clark,
of the Supreme Court, was unanimously selected to collect
the materials for a full and impartial history of North Car
olina soldiers in the War for Southern Independence.
My work is done. A large number of the regiments are
not represented in this little volume ; but it is hoped that
there may be found a representative of each unmentioned
regiment with pride enough in its record to write a sketch
of the engagements in which it took part, and of the offi
cers and men in the different companies, a list of the dead,
the changes, etc., and send this material, which will other
wise be lost to future generations, at an early day to Judge
Walter Clark, at Ealeigh. J. C. BIEDSONG.

(- '<¦ I ^ >. "Jl If U

SKETCH OF THE FIRST REGIMENT.
The 1st Eegiment North Carolina Troops was organized
by order of Governor Ellis at the town of Warrenton,
Warren county, North Carolina, June 3, 1861, with the fol
lowing field officers :
Montford S. Stokes, Wilkes county, Colonel.
Matthew W. Eansom, of Northampton county, Lieuten
ant-Colonel. John A. McDowell, of Bladen county, Major.
After the regiment was organized, it was ordered to Vir
ginia July 22, 1861, to report to the Adjutant-General of
the Confederate States.
This regiment, under the command of Brigadier General
Tbeopbdus H. Holmes, spent its first winter on the Potomac,
and aided in erecting the batteries at Acquia Creek and
Evansport, and was complimented for its good discipline.
It participated in all the battles around Richmond, in one
of which it lost its gallant commander (M. S. Stokes), and
suffered greatly in the loss of men and officers. It bore an
honorable part in the battles of South Mountain, Sharps-
burg, Fredericksburg, Cbancellorsville, and Winchester.
It also acquitted itself well in the invasion of Pennsylva
nia, and participated in the battle of Gettysburg.
Its Brigade Commanders have been Generals The. S.
Holmes, Walker, Eipley, Doles, Taliaferro, E. E. Colston,
George H. Stewart,
Division Commanders, Tbeo. H. Holmes, Daniel H. Hill,
Trimble and Johnson, and was attached to Lieutenant-Gen
eral T. J. Jackson's Corps, which corps is now commanded
by Lieutenant-Genneral E. S. Ewell.
The companies, taken in alphabetical order, were com
manded respectively, viz. :
Tristam D. Skinner, of Chowan county, Captain Co. A.
Hamilton A. Brown, of Wilkes county, Captain Co. B.
James S. Hines, of New Hanover county, Captain Co. C.

Edward M. Scott, of Orange county, Captain Co. D.
James A. Wright, of New Hanover county, Captain Co. E.
Jarrett M. Harrell, of Hertford county, Captain Co. F.
Lewis C. Latham, of Washington county, Captain Co. G.
Eichard W. Eives, of Martin county, Captain Co. H.
James H. Forte, of Wake county, Captain Co. I.
Sterling IT. Gee, of Halifax county, Captain Co. K.

SKETCH OF THE SECOND REGIMENT.
In obedience to your request, I have the honor to submit
the following brief sketch of the 2d Regiment North Caro
lina Troops :
Soon after the passage of the act authorizing the forma
tion of ten regiments of volunteers, for the war for State
defence, Governor Ellis appointed Col. Charles C. Tew,
Principal of the Hillsboro Military Academy, Colonel of
the 2d Regiment. His reputation as a skillful tactician, and
the satisfaction which bis management at Fort Macon, soon
after the secession of the State, had given, rendered him
very popular as a commander, and so soon as it was ascer
tained that be was to take charge of the regiment, a suffi
cient number of companies tendered their Services to fill
its ranks, and were ordered to rendezvous at Garysburg,
N. C, where they were organized and mustered into service
early in June, 1861, by William P. Bynum, of Lincoln
county, N. C, who was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel. The
field organization was completed by the appointment of
William R. Cox, of Wake county, Major, and N. Collin
Hughes, of Newbern, N. C, was appointed Adjutant.
Owing to the detention of Colonel Tew upon our coast
defence, the regiment was not very promptly appointed,
and therefore, when an order was received, on the 13th of
July, from the Adjutant-General of the State, to proceed to

Virginia, only four companies, under Lieutenant-Colonel
Bynum, were sent forward. Capt. Alsey J. Taylor's com
pany, from Nash county, not being considered sufficiently
advanced in drill to enter upon active campaign (which it
was conjectured we would have), he withdrew it from the
2d and united it with the 7th Regiment, which was then
in process of being formed. In a few days, however, the
remainder of the regiment proceeded to Richmond, and re
ported to Brigadier-General Winder on the 19th, but, much
to our regret, arrived too late to be present and participate
in the first battle of Manassas, which was the more regret
ted as we were believed to be the first regiment enlisted for
the war in the Confederacy that completed its organization.
While encamped at Garysburg measles and mumps pre
vailed generally among the troops, and upon arriving at
Richmond they were exposed for over twenty-four hours to
a cold and drenching rain-storm, which, in its subsequent
effects, proved more disastrous than an ordinary battle. On
the 22d of July we were ordered to proceed to Fredericks
burg, Va., near which place we remained in camp until the
23d of August, when we were ordered to the Potomac
river to guard the fortifications near the mouth of Po
tomac creek, and protect the citizens of King George county
from marauding parties that occasionally landed from the
enemy's gunboats. Here we were brigaded with the 1st and
3d North Carolina, 30th Virginia, and 3d Arkansas Regi
ments, and were under the command of Brigadier-General
Holmes. Capt. S. D. Pool's company, from Carteret county, was
detached at this place. Being composed chiefly of fishermen
and pilots, it was urged that their information would be in
valuable on the coast, and it was transferred to Fort Macon.
But the regiment was soon filled by the arrival of two fine
companies, one from Wayne county, under the command of
Capt. G. M. Roberts, and the other from Guilford county,
under Capt. John H. Morebead. The regiment, while at

this place, was employed in strengthening the position by
field works, and on active picket duty. Brigadier-General
Holmes having been promoted, Col. J. G. Walker was placed
in command of the brigade, and was soon after promoted
to a Brigadier-Generalship. Upon our army falling back
from Manassas, the regiment, together with the brigade,
was transferred to Wayne county, N. C, to meet a threat
ened advance of the enemy from the direction of Newbern.
On the 30th of April, 1862, after all apprehensions of offen
sive operations by the enemy in that section were adayed,
we were ordered to report to Brigadier-General French, at
Wilmington, and were assigned to duty at Confederate
Point to protect the fortifications at New Inlet. The enemy
having concentrated his forces under McClellan around
Richmond, we were ordered to proceed to that place, where
we arrived on the 17th of June, and were assigned to the
brigade of Brigadier-General Garland, D. H. Hill's Di
vision. We were soon placed on picket near the Williams
burg road, and bad a severe skirmish, in which our loss was
quite serious.
To accommodate regimental commanders we were now
transferred to Brigadier-General George B. Anderson's
Brigade. Soon commenced that brilliant series of engage
ments in front of the Confederate capital, and the regiment
took part in the battles of Mecbanicsville, Cold Harbor and
Malvern Hill, in which we lost about one hundred and
fifty men killed and wounded, and among the number
were some of our most promising line officers. On the 10th
of August the regiment accompanied our victorious army
into Maryland, and took part in the battles of Boonsboro
and Sbarpsburg. At the latter place, while reconnoitering
the position of the enemy, the gallant Colonel Tew fell,
lamented by all with whom he had become intimately asso
ciated in this cruel war. He was a soldier of varied attain
ments, an accomplished gentleman, and a warm and generous
friend, and for the sacrifices which he voluntarily made for

our cause, and for the service he rendered the State, both
before and during the war, bis name should occupy a bright
page upon the " Roll of Honor."
After the fall of Colonel Tew (the Lieutenant-Colonel
and Major being on sick leave), the command devolved upon
the gallant Captain Howard, of Wilson county, who soon
fell mortady wounded.
During this campaign the regiment was reduced by its
losses to about one hundred and fifty arms-bearing men,
but upon recrossing the Potomac we went into camp at
Bunker Hill, and were soon recruited by the arrivals of
conscripts to about three hundred men. During this cam
paign we were assigned to the corps of that model soldier
and venerated hero, Lieutenant-General Jackson, and fol
lowed bis victorious standard until bis universally lamented
death. Lieutenant-Colonel Bynum was promoted to the
colonelcy made vacant by the death of Colonel Tew, and
Brigadier-General Anderson having died of the wound
received at Sharpsburg, Brigadier-General S. D. Ramseur
was assigned to the command of the brigade, but being dis
abled by a wound received at Malvern Hill, did not take
formal command until March, 1863.
The enemy having concentrated his forces under Burn
side opposite Fredericksburg, we left the Valley of Virginia
on the 18th of November, 1862, and reached Port Royal on
the Rappahannock, on the 29th December. On the 12th of
January, 1863, we marched to Fredericksburg and took
part in the battle of the ensuing day, and encamped near
that city during the remainder of the winter. Colonel
Bynum's health becoming impaired in the service, and hav
ing been elected Solicitor for the Seventh Circuit, he
resigned his commission as Colonel in March, 1863, and I
was appointed to fill the vacancy. Having witnessed his
coolness amid the fierce carnage of battle, and having passed
many pleasant hours with him around the bivouac fires,
and drawn instruction from his cultivated and original mind,

we saw him depart from the regiment with a reluctance
which we knew was shared by him.
The enemy having effected a crossing ten miles above the
town we marched on the 30th of April to meet him, and
were engaged with his skirmishers on the 1st and 2d of
May, and on the 3rd took part in storming the breastworks
and gaining the glorious victory of Chancellors vide, and, in
common with the brigade, received the thanks of the divis
ion and corps commanders upon the field for the part we
took in the battle. The regiment's loss bere was very
severe. Out of the 363 muskets carried into the engage
ment our killed numbered 58, wounded 171, and missing 49.
We moved with Ewell's Corps to the Valley in June and
assisted in dislodging the enemy from Berrysvide and Mar-
tinsburg. Arrived in Carlisle, Pa., June 27, and were soon
after engaged in the battle of Gettysburg. Returned to
Virginia, and were encamped on the south side of the Rapi-
dan river October 1, 1 863 ; crossed the river in October and
pursued " the best army the world ever saw " to its fortifi
cations at Centreville ; then returned and camped on the
south side of the Rappahannock.
Since October we have been engaged with the enemy and
have sustained a severe loss, but an account of that action
will come more appropriately in my next report. The regi
ment has been engaged in skirmishes in which it has lost
men both from the fire of artillery and musketry, but as my
object is to direct attention merely to the principal actions
in which it has borne a prominent part, and not to present
even a seeming eulogium, I do not deem it important to
enumerate them. I regret, however, that the briefness of
this sketch precludes me from referring personally to many
meritorious and gallant line officers and privates who have
offered up their lives in this unrelenting harvest of death,
and whose conspicuous and noble daring merits especial
commendation, but that duty must be discharged by the
company commanders.

The regiment has often been complimented, in common
with other troops in this army, for its firmness and gal
lantry on the field, yet our thinned ranks speak more elo
quently than words of what we have suffered and endured.
But the same spirit that controded our action in the begin
ning of this struggle, still animates us. " We are in for the
war, " and know that there is no retreat but in slavery and
in chains, and are resolved to lay down our arms only when
the last armed foe ceases to molest the firesides of the "Old
North State."
The companies composing this regiment at its first organ
ization were, viz. :
Calvin Barnes, of Wilson county, Captain Co. A.
John Howard, of Wilson county, Captain Co. B.
Gideon M. Roberts, of Wayne county, Captain Co. C.
Walter S. Stallings, of Wilson county, Captain Co. D.
John H. Morehead, of Guilford county, Captain Co. E.
Hugh L. Cole, of Craven county, Captain Co. F.
Harvey A. Sawyer, of Jones county, Captain Co. G.
James A. Washington, of Wayne county, Captain Co. H.
Daniel W. Hurtt, of Craven county, Captain Co. I.
George C. Lewis, of Craven county, Captain Co. K.

SKETCH OF THE THIRD REGIMENT.
The 3d Regiment of Infantry North Carolina Troops was
organized by order of Governor Ellis, at Garj^sburg, N. C,
under the care and supervision of its most excellent and
efficient commander, Col. Gaston Meares, with the assistance
of Lieutenant-Colonel Robert H. Cowan and Major Wm. L.
DeRossette. With the above-mentioned field officers it
was ready for service, and took the field in July, 1861. This
regiment, being the third of those known as State Troops,
was organized by and under a special act of the General

* 10

Assembly of North Carolina, authorizing the raising of ten
regiments to serve for the period of the war, and generally
known as the " Ten Regiment Bill."
As soon as its organization was completed it was ordered to
Richmond, and being turned over to the Confederate govern
ment, was ordered to report to Brigadier-General Theophi
lus H. Holmes, then commanding the department of Acquia
creek. In this department it served for nine months,
undergoing the arduous duties of the post, rendered more
so by the large extent of country embraced in that depart
ment, and the very few troops to defend it. In the spring
of 1862 the 3d Regiment became a part and parcel of the
Army of Northern Virginia proper, being assigned to Brig
adier-General R. S. Ripley's Brigade, D. H. Hill's Division.
With this division it passed through the fierce scenes of
the seven days' fighting around the capital of the Confed
eracy, losing its gallant and meritorious Colonel, who fell
while gallantly leading a charge against the enemy's bat
teries at Malvern Hill, having its Major, Edward Savage,
permanently disabled, while the long list of casualties
sdently told of its heroic daring. Following the Army of
Northern Virginia, it bore a conspicuous part in the first
Maryland campaign; and on Sharpsburg's bloody field
received the thanks of its division commander for its stub
born resistance in holding in check the hordes of the
enemy for more than an hour without ammunition, until
assistance could be brought up. In this latter engagement
the cool and intrepid Colonel DeRossette was severely
wounded and permanently disabled, while more than three-
fourths of the regiment was placed hors du combat.
It remained in the Valley up to the first Fredericksburg
battle, where it arrived in time to participate. During the
winter of 1862 it was transferred to Brigadier-General Tal
iaferro's Brigade, Trimble's Division. While with this
division it fought gallantly at Cbancellorsville, receiving
the commendations of brigade, division and corps com-

11

manders ; participated in the second Maryland and Penn
sylvania campaign ; was present at the storming of Gettys
burg heights, in which it lost 212 out of 297 men carried
into action, and was one of the regiments of the rear guard
in covering the retreat.
Since its organization it has served under the following
Brigadiers, viz. : Holmes, Walker, Ripley, Doles, Taliaferro,
Colston and Stewart. The division commanders have been
Holmes, Longstreet, D. H. Hill, Trimble and Johnston, and
in the 2d Corps oV Armee Northern Virginia — first with
Jackson, now with Ewell. During this time it has been iso
lated from troops from North Carolina, and fought in
brigades from V irginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee,
and never once with troops from its own State, and but
once with and under its State's Brigadier. Yet with steady
front, unflinching nerve and flashing eye, has it bravely
met the storm of missiles upon nine pitched battle-fields,
always behaving well, and always doing its whole duty.
It has been engaged in the following battles, besides various
skirmishes, etc., Mechanicsville or Ellyson's Mills, Cold
Harbor, Malvern Hill, Boonsboro, Md., Sharpsburg, Fred
ericksburg, Chancellorsville, Winchester No. 2, and Gettys
burg, in all of which it has obtained the highest credit for
courage, discipline, efficiency and tenacity.
The companies composing this regiment at its organiza
tion were, viz.:
Robert H. Drysdale, of Greene county, Captain Co. A.
Stephen D. Thurston, of Brunswick county, Captain Co. B.
Peter Mallet, of Cumberland county, Captain Co. C.
Edward Savage, of New Hanover county, Captain Co. D.
M. Lafayette Redd, of Onslow county, Captain Co. E.
Wm. M. Parsley, of New Hanover county, Captain Co. F.
Edward H. Ebodes, of Onslow county, Captain Co. G.
Theodore M. Sikes, of Bladen county, Captain Co. H.
John E. Carmer, of Beaufort county, Captain Co. I.
David Williams, of New Hanover county, Captain Co. K.

12

SKETCH OF THE FOURTH REGIMENT.
The 4th Eegiment North Carolina Troops was organized
under the supervision of Col. George Burgwyn Anderson
(formerly a Lieutenant in the United States service) at Ga
rysburg, N. C, by order of Governor Ellis, authorized by
an act of the Legislature of 1860, to raise ten regiments for
State defence, to be called " State Troops." The companies
composing this regiment were enlisted in April preceding,
to serve as volunteers one year, and were re-enlisted and
enrolled on the 28th day of June, 1861, to serve for the war,
with the following field officers : George Burgwyn Ander
son, of New Hanover, Colonel; John A. Young, of Meck
lenburg, Lieutenant-Colonel; Col. Bryan Grimes, of Pitt
county, Major. After its organization it left Garysburg
on the 20th of July, 1861, for Eichmond, and reported to
the Adjutant-General of the Confederate States, and was
ordered to report to General Beauregard at Manassas, Va.,
as speedily as possible, where it arrived on the 29th of July,
1861, and performed garrison duty untd the Sth of March,
1862, when that post was evacuated, and encamped on
Clark's Mountain on the Eapidan river, from whence it was
removed to assist in the defence of Yorktown ; at which
post it arrived on the 9th of April, 1862, and took position
just outside the fortifications of the town, and remained,
doing heavy picket and fatigue duty, until the night of the
3rd of May, 1862, when that post was abandoned. On the
5th of May it was called upon to support other troops at
Williamsburg under a heavy fire, but not actively engaged.
It was encamped around Eichmond until the 15th of August,
1862, and participated in the battle of Seven Pines, where
its loss was 374 killed and wounded, and in the " seven
days fight " of June on the Chickahominy, in all of which
battles it was highly complimented by Generals Anderson
and Hid. Encamped on the South Anna river until the
latter part of August, when it started on the Maryland

13

campaign of 1862 ; crossed the Potomac at Cheek's Ford
near Leesburg on the 7th of September, 1862, and encamped
near Frederick City, Md., and afterwards in the vicinity of
Hagerstown, Md. Engaged in the bard fought battles of
South Mountain on the 14th, and at Sharpsburg on the 17th
of September, 1862, and recrossed the Potomac on the
morning of the 19th of that month at Shepardstown, Va.
Eemained in the Valley encamped at different points,
Bunker Hill, Winchester, Front Eoyal and Strasburg, en
gaged in drilling and tearing up railroad track. Crossed
the Blue Eidge three times, and then hurried down to the
Eappahannock, and remained at Port Eoyal until the 12th
of December, when it rejoined the main army and partici
pated in the battle of Fredericksburg. Eemained in the
vicinity of that city during the winter and spring perform
ing fatigue and picket duty, being on picket when the
enemy crossed the river. Engaged the enemy on the 1st,
2d and 3rd days of May, and Was handsomely complimented
by brigade, division and corps commanders for gallantry
on the field of Chancellorsvide, in which battle our loss was
46 killed, 157 wounded and 58 taken prisoners, out of 327
men taken into action.
After that battle the regiment returned to its former en
campment, near Hamilton's Crossing, and remained until
the 3d of June, when it left for Culpeper, and was ordered
on the 9th, to the support of our cavalry at Brandy Station,
but was not engaged. It then proceeded to the Shenandoah
Valley, crossing the mountain and river at Front Eoyal,
assisted in driving the enemy from their fortifications at
Berryville and Martinsburg, and again crossed the Potomac
with the advance at Williamsport, Md., on the 15th of June,
1863, and next day advanced to Hagerstown and quartered
in the city, acting as provost-guard during the stay of the
army in that vicinity. From there, via Greencastle, Cham-
bersburg and Shippensburg, it went to Carlisle, Pa., where
it remained several days on picket duty, eleven miles from

14

Harrisburg, the capital of the State ; thence to Gettysburg,
via Heidelberg, and participated in that battle, and assisted
in covering the retreat of the army from that point until
reaching Hagerstown, Md., on its return, where it threw
up defences and prepared to give battle ; but on the night
of the 14th of July re-crossed the Potomac at a ford above
Williamsburg, it being the first time for several days that
the river had been forda ble. Eemained at Darkesville, Va.,
a short time and then came to Front Eoyal, where it found a
line of battle, and resisted the enemy's advance by that route.
During the night withdrew by the Luray road and crossed
the mountains at Snicker's Gap and came on to Orange
Court House, where it remained several weeks reorganizing
and drilling until the enemy threatened an advance, wh6n
it was sent to Martin's Ford on the Eapidan river to pre
vent their passing. On the 19th of October, 1863, it was
ordered to Orange Court House and around by Madison
Court House to flank the position of the enemy near Cul-
peper, which was done. The enemy made formidable re
sistance at Warrenton Springs and Auburn, which was
speedily overcome, and on the 14th the regiment reached
Bristoe Station, tore up and destroyed the railroad track
and fell back to Kelly's Ford on the Eappahannock. After
remaining there several days it returned to Martin's Ford
on the Eapidan river.
The Brigade Commanders of this regiment have been
Generals Clark, of Mississippi ; Featherston, of Mississippi ;
Anderson, of North Carolina, and Eamseur, of North Caro
lina. Division Commanders, D. H. Hid, E. E. Eodes.
Corps Commanders, Beauregard, Jackson and Ewell.
The companies composing this regiment at its organiza
tion were, viz. :
A. K. Simonton, of Iredell county, Captain Co. A.
James H. Wood, of Eowan county, Captain Co. B.
John B. Andrews, of Iredell county, Captain Co. C.
Junius P. Whitaker, of Wayne county, Captain Co. D.

15

David N. Carter, of Beaufort county, Captain Co. E.
Jesse S. Barnes, of Wilson county, Captain Co. F.
William F. Kelly, of Davie county, Captain Co. G.
Edwin A. Osborne, of Iredell county, Captain Co. H.
William T. Marsh, of Beaufort county, Captain Co. I.
Francis M. Y. McNeely, of Rowan county, Captain Co. K.

SKETCH OF THE SIXTH REGIMENT.
, [For further sketch of this Regiment, see Appendix A.]
The 6th Eegiment North Carolina Troops went into camp
of instruction at Camp Alamance, near Company Shops, on
the North Carolina Eailroad, June 1, 1861, with the follow
ing field officers :
Colonel, Charles F. Fisher.
Lieutenant-Colonel, W. T. Dortcb.
Major, Charles E. Ligbtfoot.
Adjutant, H. B. Lowrie.
Surgeon, A. M. Nesbitt.
Assistant Surgeons, J. A. Caldwell and C. A. Henderson.
Assistant Quartermaster, N. E. Scales.
Assistant Commissary Sergeant, W. H. Alexander.
The companies composing this regiment were commanded
by the following officers, viz. :
Co. A. — Eobert McKinney, Captain ; S. S. Kirkland, 1st
Lieutenant ; J. Calder Turner, 2d Lieutenant ; A. M. Kirk
land, Junior 2d Lieutenant.
Co. B.— Eobert F. Webb, Captain; W. K. Parrish, 1st
Lieutenant ; W. C. McMannon, 2d Lieutenant ; W. P. Man-
gum, Junior 2d Lieutenant.
Co. C. — W. J. Freeman, Captain; W. J. Durham, 1st
Lieutenant ; W. G. Guess, 2d Lieutenant ; E. Turner, Junior
2d Lieutenant.

16

Co. D— S. McD. Tate, Captain ; D. C. Pearson, 1st Lieu
tenant; N. E. Way, 2d Lieutenant; John Carson, Junior 2d
Lieutenant. Co. E.— Isaac C. Avery, Captain ; A. C. Avery 1st Lieu
tenant ; I. H. Burns, 2d Lieutenant ; J. A. McPherson, Jun
ior 2d Lieutenant.
Co. F — James] W. Wilson, Captain ; E. F. Carter, 1st
Lieutenant ; B. F. White, 2d Lieutenant; H. C. Dixon, Junior
2d Lieutenant.
Co. G. — James A. Craig, Captain ; B. E. Smith, 1st Lieu
tenant ; J. T. Eoseboro, 2d Lieutenant ; William B. Lewis,
Junior 2d Lieutenant.
Co. H. — A. A. Mitchell, Captain ; L. H. Walker, 1st Lieu
tenant ; J. A. Lea, 2d Lieutenant ; Q. T. Anderson, Junior
2d Lieutenant.
Co. I.— E. W. York, Captain ; M. W. Page, 1st Lieutenant ;
W. B. Allen, 2d Lieutenant ; M. B. Barbee, Junior 2d Lieu
tenant. Co. K. — J. W. Lea, Captain; J. S. Vincent, 1st Lieuten
ant ; Samuel Crawford, 2d Lieutenant; Samuel Eoney, Junior
2d Lieutenant.
The regiment remained in camp of instruction from June
1, 1861, until July 8, 1861, when it was moved to Ealeigh and
was detailed as funeral escort to His Excellency Governor
Ellis. Companies B and C were sent to Petersburg and
were escorted the body to Ealeigh N. C. The military honors
performed July 9, 1861. Here Lieutenant-Colonel Dortch
resigned. Major Lightfoot was promoted to Lieutenant-
Colonel, and Captain Webb to Major. July 10, 1861, the
regiment started to Virginia, and arrived at Winchester,
Va., July 16, 1861, and reported to Gen. Joseph E. Johnston,
commanding, and was assigned to the 3d Brigade, Gen.
Barnard E. Bee, and immediately placed in line of battle,
where it remained until the 18th of July, when it took up
the line of march for Manassas, where it arrived on the
morning of July 24, 1861. The regiment suffered severely

17

on the march, being forced, and without time to cook. For
three days the regiment had not eaten more than one day's
rations. On arriving at Manassas the regiment was marched
immediately to the field and participated in the battle with
severe loss, losing also Col. Charles F. Fisher, who was shot
down after having captured a section of Eickett's battery
and gaining the first foothold on the contested hill. The
regiment then camped for several days at " Camp Bee,"
near the battle-ground, and about August 1st moved to
" Camp Jones," near Bristoe, where it remained, suffering
greatly from sickness, until September 15, 1861, when
it moved to " Camp Hill," near Dumfries on the Potomac,
where it remained until taking up winter quarters at "Camp
Fisher," near Dumfries.
At Camp Jones, on the unanimous recommendation of all
the officers, Col. W. D. Pender, of the 3d North Carolina
Volunteers, was appointed Colonel of the 6th State Troops,
and took command about the 15th August, 1861. From
this time the regiment was placed in the 2d Corps in the
Army of Northern Virginia, under Major-General Gustave
W. Smith ; and about this time Brigadier-General W. H. C.
Whiting took command of the brigade, relieving Colonel
Faulkner, of the 2d Mississippi. The brigade consisted of the
4th Alabama, 2d Mississippi and 6th North Carolina Eegi-
ments, General Whiting commanding the division during the
winter of 1861-2. The regiment picketed on the Potomac
from Evansport to Freestone Point. March 8, 1862, the
regiment marched to Fredericksburg, arriving there on the
10th. Nothing of interest transpired while here. Lieu
tenant-Colonel Lightfoot was detached to take command of
the post of Fredericksburg, the 2d Alabama as provost-
guard, and was afterwards elected Colonel of the 22d North
Volunteers. April 8, 1862, the regiment took up the line
of march for Yorktown, where it was placed in the 1st Di
vision, 1st Eeserve Corps, Brigadier-General Whiting com
manding the division and Major-General Gustave W.

18

Smith commanding the corps. May 4, 1862, the regiment
took up the retreat to Williamsburg, arriving there the same
day and camping four miles beyond the town. The next
day took up the line of march for Eltban's Landing, making
a forced march of thirty -seven miles in one day over muddy
roads and through rain. May 7, 1862, the regiment par
ticipated in the action at Elthan's Landing, Colonel Pender
commanding, and on the Sth May, 1862, took up the line of
March for Eichmond, the regiment covering the retreat of
the army. Arrived at Eichmond, May 10, 1862, where
nothing of interest transpired until May 31, 1862, when the
regiment participated in the battle of Seven Pines, making
two gallant charges against the enemy's battery on the
railroad ; being entirely unsupported in the first charge, and
the enemy having greatly superior numbers, the regiment
was driven back ; but being supported in the second charge,
held the position until ordered out. On the 14th June the
regiment joined General Jackson at Staunton, and on the 18th
June took up line of march for Eichmond and participated
at Gaines' Farm, June 27, 1862, being one of the regiments
which charged. the enemy's works and captured eight pieces
of rifled cannon. July 1, participated at Malvern Hill. Ar
rived at Eichmond July 9, 1862. August 7, took up the
line of march for Maryland ; skirmished heavily at Hazel
river ; was engaged at Thoroughfare Gap, and on Friday
night was one regiment of the brigade which drove General
King's division back, and on Saturday participated in the
entire battle of Second Manassas ; participated in the battle
of Boonsboro, September 14, 1862, and on the 17th of that
month at Sharpsburg, Md., where the regiment lost over
one-half in killed and wounded, and entirely exhausted am
munition, and received the thanks of the brigade com
mander on the field; participated in the battle of Fred
ericksburg, December 13, 1862, but was not regularly en
gaged except in skirmish and other light firing, and par
ticipated in the battle of Chancellorsville or Second Fred-

19

ericksburg, May 3, 1863, making a gallant and successful
charge against Sedgwick. Was engaged in the capture of
Winchester June 14, 1863, and heavily engaged at Gettys
burg, Pa., July 1, 1863, driving the foe pell-mell through
the streets of Gettysburg, and on the night of July 2
stormed the heights of Gettysburg and silenced the enemy's
guns after an obstinate hand-to-hand fight of at least five
minutes duration with bayonets and clubbed muskets over
stone wall, and held the heights full two hours unaided.
Participated at Fairfield in covering the retreat July 5.
Skirmishes are too numerous to be mentioned in this sketch.
This regiment belonged to the " Old Third Brigade," and
followed its gallant Brigadiers Whiting and Lane through
all those engagements which rendered that brigade so
famous. When the regiment was detached from that brigade,
Generals Hood and Lane, in orders, pronounced the 6th
North Carolina Eegiment second to no regiment in the Con.
federate army. Its first commander was Gen. J. E. John
ston, commanding Army of the Shenandoah.
The following are its different commanders the in order
in which they come :
Corps Commanders. — Generals G. W. Smith, James Long.
street, T. J. Jackson and E. S. Ewell.
Division Commanders. — Major-Generals Whiting, J. B.
Hood, J. A. Early.
Brigade Commanders. — Brigadier-Generals B. E. Bee,
Whiting, E. M. Law, E. F. Hoke.
During the Pennsylvania campaign to Gettysburg, where
he was killed, the Brigade Commander was Col. Isaac E.
Avery, of the 6th, and from July 2, 1863, to the present
time, December 20, 1863, the brigade was commanded by
Lieut-Colonel Tate, of the 6th North Carolina. The regi
ment was commanded at the first battle of Manassas, July
21, 1861, by Col. Charles F. Fisher ; at Eltban's Landing,
May 7, 1862, by Colonel Pender; at Seven Pines, May 31,
1862, by Colonel Pender ; at Gaines' Farm, by Col. Isaac

20
E. Avery ; at Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862, Second Manas
sas, August, 1862, Boonsboro, Md., September, 14, 1862, by
Col. E. F. Webb; at Sharpsburg, September 17, 1862, by
Capt. R. W. York; at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862,
Chancellorsville or Second Fredericksburg, May 3, 1863, by
Col. Isaac E. Avery ; Winchester, June, 14, 1863, by Col.
R. F. Webb; at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863, Gettysburg
Heights, July 2, 1863, Fairfield, July 5, 1863, by Lieut-Col.
S. McD. Tate.

SKETCH OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
The 7th Regiment North Carolina Troops was organized
in August, 1861, at " Camp Mason," near Graham, Ala
mance oounty, as one of the infantry regiments of the ori
ginal ten thousand State troops, with
Reuben P. Campbell, of Iredell, Colonel.
Ed. Graham Haywood, of Wake, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Edward D. Hall, of New Hanover, Major.
The regiment left " Camp Mason " the 28th of August,
1861, and arrived at Newbern on the morning of the 29th,
at and about which point it remained until the 9th of Sep
tember, at which time it was ordered to Carolina City, and
remained there, or on Bogue Banks, or at Shepherdville,
until the 6th of March, 1862, when it was again ordered to
Newbern. On the 13th it was marched to the fortifications
near Newbern, and the artillery from the gunboats opened
on us that evening ; on the 14th the battle of Newbern was
fought, the regiment being under the immediate command of
Lieutenant-Colonel Haywood, Colonel Campbell having been
placed in command of several regiments, one of which was
the 7th. During this action seven companies of the regi
ment, by order of Lieutenant-Colonel Haywood, altered their
position and drove the enemy out of our breastworks at the

21

point of the bayonet, after they bad entered them at some
point on .our right, left exposed by the early flight of part of
our troops. Colonel Campbell, Lieutenant-Colonel Haywood
and Major Hall were all present, participating in the charge.
General Holmes sent a complimentary letter to the com
manding officer of the 7th shortly after, lauding the con
duct of his regiment in the affair at Newbern, and refusing
to let the exceptional cases of misconduct on the part of
some of the men come before a court-martial on account
of the gallantry of the whole regiment.
After this fight at Newbern, in which four thousand of
our men engaged thirteen thousand of the enemy's troops,
assisted by a fleet of gunboats, and with reserves of seven
thousand more, and held them at bay, with very heavy loss,
for more than four hours of incessant firing, the 7th Regi
ment retreated, with the rest of our troops, to Kinston,
which point we reached March 16, 1862.
For some time before the battle of Newbern this regi
ment was in the brigade of General L. O'B. Branch, and
was commanded by him in that battle, and continued in
his brigade and under bis command until his death in the
battle of Sharpsburg, September 17, 1862.
Before and at the battle of Newbern the whole Depart
ment of North Carolina was under the command of Briga
dier-General R. C. Gatling. Shortly after that battle he
was relieved of his command, and Major-General Holmes
was put in command of the Department of North Carolina.
The regiment remained in and about Kinston until May 4,
1862, when, with the rest of Branch's Brigade, it set out for
Gordonsville, Va., at which place it arrived on the 6th.
From Gordonsville the brigade was marched up the turn
pike beyond Madison Court House for the purpose of report
ing to General Ewell, but before reaching General Ewell's
command the order was countermanded and the brigade
returned to Gordonsville, where we arrived on the 20th.
The same day we left by railroad for Hanover Court House,

22
arriving there on the 22d. On the 26th we struck camp
and started on the march, camping that night near Peck's
Station, on the Central Virginia Railroad, in the neighbor
hood of the birthplace of Henry Clay, and on the next day
(27th) the battle of Hanover Court House was fought. The
7th regiment, under Colonel Campbell, was held in reserve
until the close of the fight, and then near nightfall received
orders to hold the enemy in check until the rest of the
forces would be withdrawn from the field. Colonel Camp
bell desired to detach three companies especially to perform
this duty, stated his purpose to Colonel Haywood, and left it
optional with him to accept the command or give it to Major
Junius L. Hill. Colonel Haywood took the command him
self and selected the three companies, viz., Company C,
Capt. R. B. MacRae ; Company E,., Capt. A. J. Taylor, and
Company A., Capt. John G. Knox, and with these three
companies, supported by Colonel Campbell, with the rest of
bis command, be engaged and held the enemy in check until
General Branch had withdrawn his command from the field.
The 12th regiment was, after some time, sent to Colonel Hay
wood's assistance as he was falling back to regain bis com
mand. They poured a volley into the enemy's advancing
columns, and then fell back, as ordered, behind the 7th,
which finally covered the rear. Lieutenant-Colonel Hay
wood and the officers and men under his command, were
especially7 complimented by Colonel Campbell for their skill
and bravery upon this occasion, and the whole brigade re
ceived the thanks of General R. E. Lee, transmitted in a letter
to General Branch for their gallant and distinguished
services. After the battle of Hanover Court House, the 7th, with
the rest of Branch's brigade, was removed to the vicinity
of Richmond, and it remained around that city doing picket
duty on the Chickahominy river until June 25, 1862. It
was just after this fight (Hanover Court House), and while
on their way to Richmond, that the brigade, then first

23

called the 4th brigade, was placed in Gen. A. P. Hill's divis
ion. This division was known as the famous " Light Di
vision," so prominent in the battles around Richmond and
in the Army of Northern Virginia.
On the 25th June, Branch's Brigade commenced its march
to the world-renowned struggle of seven days around Rich
mond ; on the 26th we crossed the Chickahominy river, we
being on the extreme left of General Hill's command,
crossed the river first and nearer its source than the rest of
the troops ; the 7th was the first to cross the bridge, and
Colonel Haywood, with Companies A, C and F, was de
tached to clear the road up to Mechanics vide, and crossed
the bridge a little in advance of the regiment. Shortly
after crossing this detachment encountered a squadron of
Yankee cavalry and put them to flight, capturing their
guidon. The most active part of the skirmishing was done by
Company F, and the flag was first seized by Captain McRae,
the same being the first flag captured in the fights around
.Richmond, and before the rest of the troops bad crossed the
river. These facts are, for the most part, authenticated by
General Orders, No. 6, Headquarters 4th Brigade, Light
Division, July 29, 1862. Lieutenant-Colonel Haywood's
command, supported by Colonel Campbell with the rest of
the 7th, and at one time assisted by Company B, com
manded by Captain Young, were actively engaged in skir
mishing and feeling the way for the march of the rest of
the troops until pretty7 late in the afternoon of the 26th.
The 7th was then united and marched directly to Me-
chanicsville, where they were in line of battle under heavy
fire that evening and on the morning of the 27th, although
not actively engaged ; on the 27th the enemy gave way
and fell back. In the afternoon of the 27th we encountered
the enemy at Cold Harbor, and, after a bloody battle, de
feated him ; the 7th being sent in advance by General
Branch, it suffered very severely. Colonel Campbell was
kdled while bearing bis flag forward ; First-Lieutenant D.

24

C. Haywood seized it next and shared the same fate ; seven
men in all were shot down in their efforts to carry it for
ward. Just at night, when the regiment was reduced to a
handful, the tattered flag and shattered staff were brought
out of the conflict by Corporal Lazarus Peavy, of Company
C, and the flag was transmitted to the Chief Executive of
North Carolina by Lieutenant-Colonel Haywood, who was
promoted to be Colonel from that date, Major Hill to be
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Capt. R. S. Young to be Major.
On the 29th of June we again encountered the enemy at
Frazier's Farm, where we again bad a bloody contest, and
on the 30th the regiment was under heavy fire at Malvern
Hill but was not actively engaged. We pursued the enemy
on the 1st of July and marched to the neighborhood of
Harrison's Landing, on James river, where we remained
until the 4th of July, when we removed to within three
miles of Richmond, where we remained until the 28th of
the same month. For a more particular and reliable account
of the part taken by the 7th Regiment in the seven days*
around Richmond, reference is made to the official report
of Lieutenant-Colonel Haywood to General Branch, made
soon after.
The 7th left Richmond with the rest of Branch's Brigade
on the 28th of July, 1862, and arrived at Gordonsville on
the 29th, near which place we remained until the 6th of
August, when we marched to Cedar Run, where we en
countered the enemy on the 9th and defeated him. At this
fight an incident occurred which deserves a place on the
"Roll of Honor." It was necessary to detail a color-guard,
which had been nearly destroyed around Richmond. Some
of those detailed, remembering the melancholy but glorious
fate of those who had carried the colors at Richmond,
showed a great indisposition to take so dangerous a post of
honor, when Sergeant Joshua W. Vick, Company E, of
Nash county, volunteered to the Colonel of the regiment for
that service, and his example was quickly followed by others,

25

tid a sufficient number was raised. The unwilling men
were returned to their companies, and the colors entrusted
to the volunteer guard. For this and for gallant and dan
gerous service performed at Harper's Ferry, Sergeant Vick
was made 2d Lieutenant of Company E, and he now com
mands as Captain that company.
The 7th regiment, after this, was ordered back with the
brigade to Orange Court House, where we arrived on the
12th of August, and remained until the 18th, when we
marched to Clark's Mountain, and from thence to a point
near Jefferson, where we arrived on the 23rd, and on the
25th marched towards Manassas Junction and encountered
a portion of the enemy there on the 27th and defeated
them. On the 28th, 29th and 30th, the second battle of
Manassas was fought. About midday on the 29th Captain
McRae commanded the regiment, the commanding officer
having been wounded about that time in the eye. On the
1st of September the battle of Ox Hill was fought, in which
the 7th, still under the command of Captain McRae, par
ticipated. On the 3rd of September the brigade marched
towards Maryland, the regiment being under the command
of Captain Knox, Captain McRae having been wounded
seriously at Ox Hill. On the 5th of September we crossed
the Potomac into Maryland, and Colonel Haywood having
rejoined the regiment, assumed command. We marched
from the State line of Maryland to Frederick City, and
thence via Boonsboro, Williamsport and Martinsburg, Va.,
to the neighborhood of Harper's Ferry, and advanced upon
that place along the railroad on the 14th. The 7th was
sent in front by General Branch to drive in the pickets, etc.,
and did considerable skirmishing on the evening of the 14th,
took several prisoners, and is believed to be the only regi
ment in the brigade that took an active part in the affair at
Harper's Ferry that suffered in killed and wounded, and
our loss was very small. Captain Knox commanded the
advance company of skirmishers, and that night first scaled

26

the heights, which we occupied the next day, overlooking
the enemy's works, which heights had been occupied by the
enemy as we advanced, and were supposed to be so occupied
when Captain Knox, supported by Colonel Haywood with
the rest of the 7th, first ascended them. General Branch,
with the rest of the brigade did not advance until notified
by Colonel Haywood that he bad scaled and occupied the
heights. On the 15th Harper's Ferry was surrendered by
the enemy, with all it contained, after a short but brilliant
artillery fight ; the 7th, with the rest of the brigade, were
part of the troops marched into the works to accept the
surrender. We remained in and about Harper's Ferry until the 17th,
when we made a forced march to Sharpsburg, arriving
about three o'clock in the afternoon ; were at once ordered
into the fight, the 7th being first sent in.by General Branch
to feel the position of the enemy, and encountered their
infantry in front and on our right flank, and was assailed
by a direct and enfilading fire of artillery at the same time.
We moved our position only so far as to keep our flank from
being lapped by the enemy, still engaging them until the
33d Regiment came rapidly in to our support, when we ad
vanced with them, changed our front so as to meet the
flanking party, and late in the evening broke the enemy's
lines in front of us as we were pouring in a vigorous fire to
protect the flank of the 18th Regiment, passing by our rear
to their position in the front line. We remained in line of
battle on the same ground until just before dawn on the
19th, when we recrossed the Potomac and went into bivouac
for food and rest, Branch's and Gregg's Brigades covering
the passage of the troops over the river, and were the last
to cross. General Branch was killed instantly in the action
at Sharpsburg, to the almost universal and bitter regret of
his command. The command of his brigade devolved, to
wards the close of the fight, upon Col. James H. Lane, who
has since been promoted to a Brigadier-General, and has
retained command of the brigade ever since.

27

On the 20th of September we fought the battle of Shep-
herdstown and drove the enemy back across the Potomac,
and on that night moved back into the vicinity of Martins-
burg, which point we left on the 29th, arriving at Bunker's
Hill the same evening. We remained at Bunker's Hill sev
eral weeks, and after several unimportant movements crossed
the mountains and inarched to the vicinity of Fredericksburg,
Va. On the 17th of December, the 7th was actively engaged
in the battle of Fredericksburg under command of Lieu
tenant-Colonel Hill, Colonel Haywood being absent from
threatened blindness, the result of a wound received in the
second battle of Manassas. Shortly after the 7th went into
winter-quarters a few miles from Guinea Station on the
Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad, where
we remained doing picket duty until the 29th of April, 1863,
when we moved near Fredericksburg to meet the enemy ;
on the 30th of April we remained stationary, building
breastworks. On the 1st 'of May we marched all day to
the Wilderness and arrived at Chancellorsville on the even
ing of the 2d. We were in the supporting line of the troops
who made the attack that evening and routed the 11th
Corps of the Yankee army. During that night an attack
was made on Lane's Brigade, which was so easily repulsed
that the 7th (who were ordered not to fire until the enemy
were distinctly visible in the darkness) did not have an op
portunity to fire a single volley ; we lost but one man killed,
but took many prisoners and small arms. On the morning
of the 3d of May we were ordered to advance and attack the
enemy's works ; this was gallantly done, Colonel Haywood
being severely wounded early in the conflict and was borne
from the field ; Major Davidson was also severely wounded
and was taken to the field-hospital ; Lieutenant-Colonel Hill,
who led the regiment during the greater part of the fight,
was killed on the field while cheering on bis men by voice
and example. The Southern Confederacy had no more loyal,
brave and patriotic soldier than be, The Adjutant of the

28

regiment, Ives Smedes, of Wake county, a faithful soldier
of the Cross and of bis country, fed covered with wounds
while manfully discharging his duty in the forefront of the
battle ; he died of his wounds a few days after. One-fourth
of the officers present were killed or mortally wounded,
and sixty-nine per cent, of the command lay dead or
wounded on the field when the fearful conflict was over.
In this battle Lieutenant-General Thomas J. Jackson was
mortally wounded. The 7th had been part of his com
mand before the battle at Cedar Run, and so continued up
to the time of his death. After the death of General Jack
son, General A. P. Hill was made Lieutenant-General and
Brigadier-General Pender was made Major-General, and the
7th, with the rest of Lane's Brigade, was placed in Pender's
Division, Hill's Corps. The 7th remained on the battle
field at Chancellorsville until the 6th of May, and then
returned to their camp, near Guinea Station, on the 6th, at
which place we remained until the 5th of June, when we
moved to Fredericksburg, and remained in line of battle
until the 13th, and on the 15th started on the Pennsylvania
campaign. On the 2d and 3d of July we were engaged in
the bloody battle of Gettysburg ; the 7th being under the
command of Major J. McLeod Turner, who was here
wounded by a ball through the body, which entered his
side, passed between the bowels and the spinal column, dis
abling him probably for life; he is now a prisoner in the
hands of the enemy. The 7th does not boast a braver
soldier or more efficient officer than Major Turner.
The official reports are referred to for the details of this
expedition, and the action at Gettysburg. Colonel Hay
wood and Lieutenant-Colonel Davidson had not yet recov
ered from their wounds received at Chancellorsville.
On the 14th of July the Army of Northern Virginia
commenced to fall back towards Virginia, and after a con
siderable skirmish at Falling Waters, and various move
ments of minor importance, arrived near Orange Court

29

House, Va., and camped there on the 4th of August, near
which point it remained until the 1st of October, 1863.
Major-General Pender died of wounds received in the
Pennsylvania campaign, and Major-General Wilcox was
placed in command of the division, so that the 7th was now
in Lane's Brigade, Wdcox's Division, and A. P. Hill's 3d
Army Corps, Army of Northern Virginia.
The companies composing this regiment at its first organ
ization were commanded by the following officers, viz. :
Junius L. Hdl, of Iredell county, Captain Co. A.
Robert S. Young, of Cabarrus county, Captain Co. B.
Robt. B. MacRae, of New Hanover county, Captain Co. C.
Wm. L. Davidson, of Mecklenburg county, Captain Co. D.
Alsey J. Taylor, of Wilson county, Captain Co. E.
J. McLeod Turner, of Rowan county, Captain Co. F.
Hiram Weatherspoon, of Wake county, Captain G.
James G. Harris, of Cabarrus county, Captain Co. H.
James R. McAuley, of Iredell county, Captain Co. I.
Matthew H. Peoples, of Alexander county, Captain Co. K.

SKETCH OF THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT.
[See Appendix B.]
The 1st Regiment North Carolina Volunteers (Bethel
regiment) having served on the Peninsula its term of six
months, and been disbanded, was reorganized at Raleigh as
the 11th Regiment North Carolina Troops, on the 81st of
March, 1862, by the election of
Col. Collet Leventhrope (34th N. C. Troops) as Colonel.
Major Widiam A. Owens (34th N. C. Troops) as Lieuten
ant-Colonel. W. A. Eleason, as Major.
The companies, taken in alphabetical order, were com
manded respectively, viz. :

30

Egbert A. Ross, Mecklenburg county, Captain Co. A.
Mark D. Armfield, of Burke county, Captain Co. B.
Francis W. Bird, of Bertie county, Captain Co. C.
Calvin S. Brown, of Burke county, Captain Co. D.
John S. A. Nichols, of Mecklenburg county, Captain
Co. E.
Edward A. Small, of Chowan county, Captain Co. F.
James R. Jennings, of Orange county, Captain Co. G.
William L. Grier, of Mecklenburg county, Captain Co. H.
Albert S. Haynes, of Lincoln county, Captain Co. I.
James M. Young, of Buncombe county, Captain Co. K.
Major Eleason, declining the position on the 28th of April,
Captain William J. Martin, of the 28th N. C. Troops, was
elected to fill the vacancy. On the 6th of May, Lieutenant-
Colonel Owens being elected Colonel of the 53d N. C.
Troops, Major Martin became Lieutenant-Colonel, and Capt.
Ross, Major by promotion.
The regiment was turned over to the Confederate service,
and left Raleigh for Wilmington May 4, 1862. It remained on
duty in various parts of the district of the Cape Fear until Oc
tober 5, 1862, during which time it acquired under its admira
ble commander that perfection in drill and soldierly bear
ing which always made it notable wherever its lot has been
cast. With the exception of sundry forced marches to and
from the coast, and sundry excursions to Kinston to meet
expected advances of the enemy, nothing stirring occurred
during these months, and they are still fondly remembered
by the regiment as the " bread and butter " days of their
soldier life. They have since learned to take the bread
without the butter — when they7 can get it. Leaving Wil
mington, the 11th was ordered to the Black Water, with
headquarters at Franklin, Ya. Here, with some cavalry
and artillery, and towards the last some other regiments of
infantry, Colonel Leventhrope guarded for three months a
line of forty miles against the force of the enemy, varying
at different times from five to fifteen thousand. In the

31

rapidity of its marches the regiment rivaled Jackson's
famous " foot cavalry," and though in the numerous skir
mishes in which it was engaged no great loss was sustained
on either side, yet the enemy never effected a lodgment on
the west side of the river.
Colonel Leventhrope deserved and received the commen
dations of his commanding Generals for the efficient man
ner in which he managed his defence. Just before leaving
with his regiment, he was relieved by Brigadier-General
Roger A. Pryor.
On the advance of the Federals from Newbern towards
Kinston, December 13, the 11th was ordered to the latter
point to reinforce General Evans, and arrived the night
after the place had fallen into the hands of the enemy. The
next day, in order to prevent a flank attack, General Evan's
sent the 11th — with portions of General Robertson's dis
mounted cavalry, and subsequently the 31st North Carolina
Eegiment and a section of Major Moore's artillery, the
whole under General Eobertson — to White Hall, with in
structions to burn the bridge on the approach of the enemy
and to prevent his crossing. The order was not given too
soon, for, after a forced march, there was barely time to set
fire to the bridge before the head of the Federal column
came up. They shelled the pickets about an hour that
night without damage. The next day (December 16) they
brought up their whole force and attacked with great fury.
Owing to the nature of the swamp on the north side of the
river only one regiment could be used to advantage, and
for four hours the gallant 11th stood such a hammering
from twenty pieces of artillery and regiment after regi
ment of infantry as has seldom been concentrated on so
short a front. As fast as one line of the Federals were
broken, another would come up in gallant style, only to be
shattered by the relentless bullets of our brave boys.
Owing to the trees and logs, behind which the men took
shelter, the loss in the regiment was small (seven killed

32

and twenty wounded.) Their loss in killed was more
than tenfold over ours. As they removed their wounded
in the night, the number is not known. Failing in their de
sign at White Hall, the Federal column kept up the south
side of the Neuse to Goldsboro, and the Confederate troops
were also ordered to that point the next day, but reached
it after the fight at that place was over.
The regiment was now assigned to General Pettigrew's
Brigade and has continued to form a part of it ever since.
The winter, until the middle of February, was spent at
Goldsboro, Weldon and Magnolia, without any occurrences
worthy of note. The 11th was then detached from the
brigade and sent to Greenville, N. C, to protect that coun
try from the Yankee raids and to draw commissary sup
plies. While here the regiment formed part of an expedi
tion under General Garnett, to collect bacon from within
the enemy's lines in the neighborhood of Plymouth, which
was successfully accomplished, and also took a prominent
part in the demonstration of General D. H. Hill against
Washington, N. C. On this the 11th gained new laurels at
Blount's Creek, where it met and signally repulsed a force
from Newbern of ten times its number. We had, however,
an almost impregnable position, and much of the credit of the
action is due to artillery — sections from Cumming's (N. C.)
and Graham's (Va.) Batteries. The remainder of the brigade
was also in supporting distance if it had been needed.
On the afternoon of May 1, 1863, General Pettigrew
with four large regiments took the cars at Kinston for Vir
ginia, doubtless intending to take part in the battles which
were about to occur near Fredericksburg, and which ended
sooner than either Hooker or Lee expected, by the precipi
tate retreat of the boastful Yankee General from the bloody
fields of Chancellorsville and the Wilderness. When the
brigade reached Richmond the fighting was over, and part
of it was sent to Hanover Junction and the remainder to
meet the " Stoneman raid." Subsequently this whole brigade

33

was ordered to the Junction, and from there to Fredericks
burg, where it arrived in time to form part of the expedi
tion into Pennsylvania. Henceforth our individuality is
lost, swallowed up in the great vortex of the Army of
Northern Virginia. But even in this vast throng the regi
ment maintains its pride, and has attracted not a few com
pliments for its courage, good discipline and soldierly bear
ing. On the fatal field of Gettysburg, July 1 and 3, the loss
of the regiment and of the whole brigade was fearful, and
its behavior not excelled by that of any other troops in
the action. Here the gallant Colonel Leventhrope was se
verely wounded and afterwards captured. Major Koss was
killed. Out of forty officers present fifteen were killed and
fifteen wounded or taken prisoners, and the loss among the
men was nearly as great in proportion to numbers.
At Bristoe Station, October 14, the 11th formed part of
the unfortunate two brigades sent in to engage a whole
corps of the enemy, strongly posted behind a railroad bank
with abundant artillery to support them. The regiment
passed through the deadly hail-storm of bullets to the rail
road, and drove the Yankees flying before it. But after
waiting in vain for reinforcements, and in danger of being
captured entire, the order to fall back was given, and the
hard-earned position surrendered. In the retreat Lieuten
ant-Colonel Martin was severely wounded, and the intrepid
Lieutenant P. B. Grier, lately promoted, was killed. Our
loss was four killed, eleven wounded and forty-three missing.
The skirmishing at Mine Eun, December 1st, ends the
history of the military movements of this regiment for the
year 1863, and it has signalized the opening of the new
year by a fresh girding up of loins for the strife, testifying
to their countrymen and to the foe their devotion to the
cause by a unanimous re-enlistment.

34

The following tabular statement shows how many have
belonged to the regiment from the organization to January
1,1864: Number of volunteers . .    1,108
Number of conscripts    50
1,158
Died of disease   - - 140
Killed in battle and died of wounds  115
Discharged    64
Transferred   7
Missing    - - 36
Captured by the enemy  218
Now with the regiment   578 1,158
Wounded in different battles 306.
Captured in different battles, 302.

SKETCH OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT.
The 2d Eegiment of N. C. Volunteers, now the 12th Eeg-
iment N. C. Troops, was organized at Garysburg, N. C, on
the 15th day of May, 1861, by electing
Solomon Williams, of Nash county, Colonel.
Edward Cantwell, of Wake county, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Augustus W. Burton, of Cleveland county, Major.
With these accomplished gentlemen and efficient officers
to guide and direct it, the old 12th was ready for the field,
and bidding the Old North State a reluctant farewell on the
22d day of May, 1861, took the cars for Eichmond. At
this important juncture of time all eyes were turned towards
the city of Norfolk, upon which an attack by the enemy
was momentarily expected. The regiment was ordered to
report to Brigadier-General Huger, then commanding the
department of Norfolk. Here it remained on picket duty

35

with General Mahone's Brigade until the evacuation of that
city on the 6th of May, 1862. The regiment was reorgan
ized on the 1st day of May, 1862, by re-electing its favorite
commander, Sol. Williams, as Colonel ; Captain Benjamin
0. Wade, of Company F, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Thomas
L. Jones, of Company C, Major. Immediately after the
evacuation of Norfolk the regiment was ordered to report
to Major-General B. S. Ewell, who temporarily assigned it
to duty Avith the command of General L. O'B. Branch at
Gordonsville, Va. It was then sent to the Eapidan Station
for picket duty, throwing out scouts and pickets in the
direction of Culpeper Court House. It was then ordered
to Hanover Court House, and participated in the battle of
that place on the 27th day of May7, 1862. Soon thereafter
it was ordered to rejoin Mahone's Brigade, which was then
before Eichmond, and with this brigade took an active
part in the several skirmishes with the enemy previous to
the seven days battles around the capital. On the 17th day
of June, it was transferred to General Samuel Garland's
Brigade, D. H. Hill's Division, and with this command it
passed through the fiery ordeal of the seven days sanguinary
battles around Eichmond, losing two hundred and twenty-
seven men and officers out of the four hundred and forty-
five carried into action. With the Army of Northern
Virginia it went through the first Maryland campaign, par
ticipating in the battles of South Mountain and Sharpsburg.
In the former battle its gallant Brigade commander, Gen
eral Garland, fell and instantly expired while in the
ranks of the regiment giving orders. General Garland was
pierced through the body by a minnie ball, while he was
resisting the enemy's passage of the mountain. The duties
of the command then devolved on Colonel D. K. McEae, of
the 5th N. C. Troops. We held possession of the Gap in
the mountain until after dark against the innumerable forces
of McClellan, and killed their celebrated General Eeno.
After the great fight at Sharpsburg the regiment crossed

over into the Valley of Virginia, and aided in the destruc
tion of the Baltimore and Ohio Eailroad. Eecrossing the
Blue Eidge it arrived in time to participate in the victori
ous battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862.
In the spring and summer campaign of 1863 it was con
tinually with the Army of Northern Virginia, undergoing
all the long and wearisome marches necessarily incident to
the second Maryland and Pennsylvania campaign. During
the year it participated in the battles of Chancellorsville,
Va., Gettysburg, Pa., -Hagerstown, Md., Martin's Ford, Va.,
besides various heavy skirmishes, among them the skirmish
near Warrenton and Mine Eun, Va. This regiment fought
with unparalleled bravery and gallantry in all of the above-
mentioned battles and skirmishes, eliciting the highest en
comiums and commendations of praise for its daring cool
ness and determination by its commanding officers. On the
first day's battle at Chancellorsville its gallant and meri
torious young leader, Major D. P. Eowe, fell mortally
wounded while at the bead of the column cheering his men
on to victory. At the time Major Eowe was shot he was
suffering from the effects of a gunshot wound received on the
27th day of June, 1862, in the battle of Cold Harbor. For
his coolness, bravery and intrepidity, Major Eowe had not
only won the confidence and esteem of his fellow-officers,
but also that of the whole command ; it was devotedly at
tached to him, and in his death the church has lost a faith
ful Christian and this army an efficient officer.
During the second day's fight at Chancellorsville the regi
ment was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Eobert D.
Johnson, of the 23d North Carolina Regiment (now Briga
dier-General.) At the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., it was led into action
by its efficient and accomplished young Lieutenant-Colonel
William S. Davis, assisted by Major Robert W. Alston.
The field officers at the present time are :
Henry Eaton Coleman, of Granville county, Colonel.

37

William S. Davis, of Warren county, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Robert W. Alston, of Warren county, Major.
Since the organization of the regiment it has been under
the following General officers :
Brigadier- Generals — Huger, Withers, Mabone, Garland,
Branch, Ivison and Johnson.
Maj or- Generals — Huger, Ewell, D. H. Hill and Rodes.
Lieutenant- Generals — Jackson and Ewell.
Generals — Joseph E. Johnston and R. E. Lee.
The companies composing this regiment at its first or
ganization were, viz. :
John Ray, of Catawba county, Captain Co. A.
Henry E. Coleman, of Granville county, Captain Co. B.
Thomas L. Jones, of Warren county, Captain Co. C.
George Wortbam, of Granville county, Captain Co. D.
A. W. Burton, of Cleveland county, Captain Co. E.
Benjamin 0. Wade, of Cleveland county, Captain Co. F.
J. H. Whitaker, of Halifax county, Captain Co. G.
William J. Williams, of Nash county, Captain Co. H.
Shugan Snow, of Halifax county, Captain Co. I.
Robert W. Alston, of Warren county, Captain Co. K.

SKETCH OF THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT.
The 13th North Carolina Regiment was organized on the
16th day of May, 1861, at Garysburg, N. C. The following
field officers were elected, viz. :
W. D. Pender, of Edgecombe, Colonel.
W. S. Gay, of Granville, Lieutenant-Colonel.
D. H. Hamilton, of Orange, Major.
This regiment was the third that left the State for Vir
ginia, then known as the 3d North Carolina Volunteers. It
was afterwards numbered the 13th, commencing from the

38

10th Regiment of State Troops which were organized to
serve during the war. The regiment remained in camp at
Garysburg about two weeks, being instructed in drilling,
etc., when it was ordered to Suffolk, Va., and remained
there four weeks. It was next ordered to Ben's church in
Isle of Wight county, five miles from Smithfield. At this
place it was thrown into Pemberton's Brigade, Huger's
Division. The regiment, while in this section of Virginia,
was not engaged in any battle or skirmish, but was required
to perform excessive guard duty, the posts of which
extended five miles along the James river, including Old
Town and Ragged Island. Fortifications were erected at
the last two places. While at Ben's church, or Camp Ruf-
fin, named in honor of the venerable Judge Ruffin, of North
Carolina, some changes were made in the field officers of
the regiment. General J. C. Pemberton was transferred to
Charleston, S. C, having been promoted to Major-General ;
Brigadier-General R. E. Colston took command of the
Brigade. Colonel W. D. Pender was transferred to the com
mand of the 6th North Carolina State Troops, to fill the
vacancy caused by the death of Colonel Fisher, killed at
Manassas. Captain Alfred M. Scales, of Company H, was
unanimously elected Colonel on the 10th of October, 1861.
The regiment remained at Camp Ruffin till April 4, 1862,
when it was ordered to the Peninsula. We marched to
Yorktown and were here engaged on picket duty. The regi
ment was reorganized on the 26th day of April, 1862, by
re-electing A. M. Scales, of Rockingham, Colonel.
Thomas Ruffin, junior, of Alamance, Lieutenant-Colonel.
J. T. Hambrick, of Caswed, Major.
The regiment, then in Longstreet's Division, took up the
line of march for Williamsburg. In the'engagement at this
place the regiment participated, and three companies fought
the enemy hand to hand, and were in close combat for the
short time that the Yankees stood their ground. In jus-

39
tice to the gallant men of these companies, it is not amiss
to particularize the courage shown in that short but bloody
struggle. The men locked bayonets, and there are now
a number of these heroes disabled, at home, who carry the
marks of sabres and bayonets upon their persons. The
loss sustained in this battle was seventy-five killed, wounded
and missing. The regiment then fell back with the army7 to
Richmond. On the 1st of June, 1862, it was engaged in
the battle of Seven Pines, and remained on that victorious
field from Saturday evening untd Monday morning. After
the battle it was attached to Garland's Brigade, D. H. Hill's
Division. In the battles around Richmond, viz. : Mechan-
icsville, Cold Harbor and Malvern Hill, it was engaged,
and sustained a loss of 187 in all these engagements.
On the 18th day of August, 1862, we took up the line of
march for Manassas, having been placed in Lieutenant-Gen
eral Jackson's Corps, but failed to reach there in time to
participate in that bloody battle. After several days hard
marching we crossed the Potomac into Maryland and took
part in the battle of South Mountain, September 14, 1862.
Here fell General Garland before the centre of the regi
ment ; an officer loved and admired by every soldier in his
command. Captain Glenn, of Company I, was also killed ; a
warm-hearted, true and accomplished officer, whose loss was
sorely felt by bis comrades in the line. On the 17th it par
ticipated in the battle of Sharpsburg, and bore no small
part in the struggle of that day. The loss sustained in both
these engagements was about one-half of those carried into
action. On the 19th we recrossed the Potomac and were
now attached to Pender's Brigade, A. P. Hill's Division.
After remaining in the Valley for some time, we marched
to Fredericksburg and participated in that battle (Decem
ber 13, 1862), losing sixty men in killed and wounded. The
regiment passed the winter upon the Rappahannock, eight
miles below Fredericksburg. On the 22d of February, 1863,
being at Gordonsville on provost-guard duty, we made a
forward march of fifty miles to Chancellorsville and arrived

40
at 6 p. m., Saturday, May 2, 1863. It was formed on the
second line, and on the front it opened the fight next morn-
ning. Here our loss was severe ; out of 375 carried in only
135 were brought out. Colonel Scales was wounded severely
in the thigh. On the 13th June, 1863, Colonel Scales was
made Brigadier-General, and Lieutenant-Colonel J. H.
Hyman was promoted to Colonel. On the morning of the
16th of June, the regiment took up the line of March for
Maryland ; on the 25th crossed the Potomac at Shepards-
town and proceeded to Fayetteville, Pa. ; here we rested for
several days. We participated in the great battle of Get
tysburg on the 1st, 2d and 3rd days of July, sustaining
another loss of 149 men ; began the retreat on the night
of the 5th ; arriving at Hagerstown, was immediately formed
in line of battle, where we remained until the 14th, when
we re-crossed the Potomac at Falling "Waters, with an addi
tional loss of twenty men. At Bunker Hill, Va., the regi
ment rested for nine days, when it marched to Culpeper
Court House, thence to Orange Court House, where it re
mained on picket duty until the 9th of October ; marched
to Madison Court House, and pursued Meade's retreating
army to Bristoe Station. On the night of the 16th we with
drew to Brandy Station, on the Orange and Alexandria
Railroad, at which place we are now encamped, October
28, 1863.
The companies composing this regiment at its organiza
tion were commanded as follows, viz. :
John A. Graves, of Caswell, Captain Co. A.
Albert IT. Erwin, of Mecklenburg, Captain Co. B.
James T. Mitchell, of Caswell, Captain Co. C.
John T. Hambrick, of Caswell, Captain Co D.
Thomas Ruffin, Jr., of Alamance, Captain Co. E.
Jesse A. Clements, of Davie, Captain Co. F.
Joseph H. Hyman, of Edgecombe, Captain Co. G.
Alfred M. Scales, of Rockingham, Captain Co. H.
Thomas Settle, of Rockingham, Captain Co. I.
Giles P. Bailey, of Rockingham, Captain Co. K.

41

SKETCH OFTHE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT.
The organization of the 14th Regiment North Carolina
Troops was completed on or about the 6th of June, 1861,
at Garysburg, N. C, by the assignment of companies :
A — Roanoke Minute Men, Captain W. A. Johnston.
B — Thomasville Rifles— Captain W. L. Miller.
C — Anson Guards, Captain C. E. Smith.
D — Cleveland Blues, Captain E. Dixon.
E — Oak City Guards, Capain G. H. Faribault.
F — Rough and Ready Guards, Captain Z. B. Vance.
G — Reid Guards, Captain S. S. Slade.
H — Stanly Marksmen, Captain R. Anderson.
I — Lexington Wild Cats — Captain Jesse Hargrave.
K — Raleigh Rifles, Captain William H. Harrison.
And the election of Junius Daniel, of Halifax county,
Colonel ; G. S. Lovejoy, Wake County, Lieutenant-Colonel ;
Paul Faison, Northampton county, Major.
The command left the State June 11, 1861, having been
ordered to Suffolk, Va., and established camp some two
miles from that place, which was designated Camp Bragg,
in honor of an ex-Governor of North Carolina, during the
afternoon of the same day. Here, occupied with the indoc
trination of that all-pervading system which is so necessary
to the complete assumption of duties devolving upon sol
diers, together with the performance of ordinary minutias
concomitant of the educational induction mentioned in this
connection, the regiment remained until the 9th of July,
when it moved to Camp Ellis, so called after the distin
guished Chief Magistrate of North Carolina, the intelli
gence of whose demise was announced to the command
while here.
As at former camp, the regiment pursued bere with the
enemy of novices the arduous and honorable requisites of
soldiers, and speedily became thoroughly competent in the
elements of the calling. But few days after reaching the

42
latter camp General Orders from Department Headquarters
assigned the regiment to the brigade of Pemberton, known
as the 1st. Orders were received on the 8th of August de
signating a point near Burwell's Bay as the position to be
occupied by the regiment. From August until November
profound quiet reigned in the Department of Norfolk, and
the regiment of course enjoyed repose commensurate with
the circumstances ; however, that vigilance which ever .
characterizes the effective discharge of duty, devolved upon
the regiment — annoying picket service. During this interim
the services of the present acceptable Governor of North
Carolina, whose voice has been heard upon the fire-girted
field and in the council chamber alike, behesting his citizen
cohorts to pass the Chickamauga of our conflict, and, if
necessary, die upon freedom's last rampart, were lost to the
regiment by bis promotion to the Colonelcy of the 26th
Regiment North Carolina Troops. P. W. Roberts succeeded
to the Captaincy. About this time Brown, of Company F,
was commissioned Assistant-Quartermaster, vice Lockhart,
resigned ; Power, Chaplain ; Hutchings, Surgeon ; Wingfield
Assistant Surgeon.
Early in November the regiment passed from camp to
garrison life — the fort retaining the name Bee which had
been given the camp on account of the excellent feeling
existing between Colonel Daniel and the lamented officer of
that name. The latter month of the winter of 1861 passed
away, and the last day found us in bivouac near Chuckatuck,
Va. The school of instruction soon, concluded, and the ¦
arrival of McClellan at Fortress Monroe, inaugurating the
Peninsula campaign, was the signal for transferring the
regiment and brigade to the Department of Magruder.
Along the banks of the Warwick river the pickets of the
confronting armies skirmished daily, and the regiment bore
its part in the geographical district of Mulberry Island.
Orders, consequent upon the partial abandonment of this
portion of the line placed us in the command of Early,
who was soon superseded by Major-General D. H. Hill.

43
The passage of the Conscription Act and the instruction
and orders of the Secretary of War for the execution of the
law devolved upon the command the task of reorganization
on the 25th and 26th of April, 1862. The regiment pre
sented the following as its new corps of officers :
William A. Johnson of Halifax county, Captain Co. A.
Joseph H. Lambeth, of Davidson county, Captain Co. B.
Eli Freeman, of Anson county, Captain Co. C.
William M. Weir, of Cleveland county, Captain Co. D.
William S. Poole, of Wake county. Captain Co. E.
James M. Gudger, of Buncombe county, Captain Co. F.
A. J. Griffith, of Rockingham county, Captain Co. G.
James R. DeBerry, of Stanly county, Captain Co. H.
Thomas B. Bead, of Davidson county, Captain Co. I.
Joseph Jones, of Wake county, Captain Co. K.
P. W. Roberts, of Buncombe county, Colonel.
R. Tyler Bennett, of Anson county, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Ed. Dixon, of Cleveland county, Major.
William C. Brown, of Buncombe county, Assistant Quar
termaster. R. A. Lilly, of Anson county7, Commissary.
R. B. Johnson, of Buncombe county, Acting Adjutant.
J. W. Hutchings, of Hertford county, Surgeon.
John E. Logan, of Guilford county, Assistant Surgeon.
W. C. Power, of South Carolina, Chaplaiu.
A pause at this juncture of the narrative, succeeded by a
quasi divergent contemplation of the destructiveness of
war, may not be considered improper by any, certainly ob
noxious by none. The morning reports and records of 1st
of May, 186_, attest the fact that more than one thousand
names had been borne upon the rolls of the 14th Regiment
North Carolina Troops, and of those an aggregate of nine
hundred remained. Since that time the retreat of Johnston
from Yorktown, followed by the brilliant engagement of
Williamsburg, has passed into history, and the participancy
of the regiment duly accredited. The engagement of Seven
Pines ; the bloody and victorious campaign of Seven Days

44
around Richmond, during which Lieutenant-Colonel John
ston commanded the march to Maryland ; Boonsboro,
with its heroic chief, D. IT. Hill ; Sharpsburg, where the
14th, with most stubborn obstinacy, withstood the shock of
triple its numbers, deserted upon the right by those upon
whom it relied (if under orders they have never shown it),
sustained by the 2d North Carolina Regiment on the left,
finally compelled by an overwhelming concentration to
retire with 215 men liors du combat of, say, 685, among
them the commanding officer ; Fredericksburg, with its glo
rious fruits ; Chancellorsville, the day of wilting for Hooker
and his mercenaries, where the 14th N. C. Troops won the ap
pellation, " Heroes of the day ;" the conquests of Ewell in
the Valley ; the carnage of Gettysburg, during which the
regiment, in conjunction with the 30th N. C. Troops,
charged the enemy's strong position of the first day, and
where the casualties of the engagement included the com
mandant of the regiment ; the pursuit of Meade from the
Rapidan to Manassas ; the heavy skirmish of the Brigade
at Kelly's Ford, where the position was saved by the timely
arrival of the 14th N. C. Regiment — these performances
have all become matters of record, and their bloody accom
paniments adminiculate the truthfulness of Burke's maxim,
" Liberty in its last analysis is the blood of the brave." The
human mind is ever ready to demonstrate the impression
of accumulated misfortunes when presented in their mag
nitude ; however, the province of troubling a deeper fountain
and exciting the entire susceptibility of grief is reserved for
the simple relation of their constituents in the order of
occurrence. Colonel Roberts, the gallant and Christian soldier, died
July 5, 1862, Major Dixon the daj7 after, and Captain Brown,
Assistant Quartermaster, on the Sth, all of disease con
tracted in the swamps of the Chickahominy. Lieutenant-
Colonel Bennett became Colonel ; Captain W. A. Johnson,
Lieutenant-Colonel ; Captain Lambeth, Major, and B. F.
Smith succeeded the former Quartermaster. The medical

45
department was represented by Drs. Tracy and Logan.
During the period commencing with May, 1862, and ending
with January 1, 1864, the following officers, besides those
already mentioned, fell : Lieutenants James M. Locke and
DeWitt C. Shankle, of Co. H; Lieutenant William M. Holt,
of Co. I ; Lieutenant Rufus R. Rourk, of Co. D; Lieutenant
Lamma Wellburn, of Co. B ; Lieutenant Frank M. Harney,
of Co. F; Lieutenant James A. Griffith, of Co. G; Lieuten
ant William G. Kearney, of Co. A, also Captain James J.
Cherry, of Co. A. These died in the prime of life, ardent
supporters of the country's cause. What shall be said of
the scores of enlisted men whose spirits have passed the
limit between time and eternity ? Shall their memories be
cenotaphed in this report, or shall the silence with which
their lives are too often passed characterize it? Heaven
forbid !
While the directing hand of a Lee must be conceded,
others must be present with the forces that sustain the
cause ; yet justice will accord the common soldier the credit
of inspiring all about him with enthusiasm and persever
ance, so necessary to success. True, the rank and file have
not the motives which incite the officers of most grades,
yet the scintilla of remembrance by the country is an anti
dote for many hardships braved. Their patriotism is pure
— their memories must be dear.

SKETCH OF THE NINETEENTH REGIMENT (Cavalry.)
This regiment was organized during the summer of 1861.
and consisted of the following companies :
A — Captain, G. W. Hayes, of Cherokee county.
B — Captain, C. M. Andrews, of Iredell county.
C — Captain, John Bootbe, of Gates county.
D — Captain, J. W. Strange, of Cumberland county.

46
E — Capt. C. A. Thomas, of Wilson county.
F — Captain, B. L. Cole, of Guilford county.
G — Captain, L. E. Satterthwaite, of Beaufort county.
H — Captain, John Randolph, of Northampton county.
I — Captain, Jesse L. Bryan, of Moore county.
K — Captain, Josiah Turner, Jr., of Orange county7.
The following field officers were appointed :
Samuel B. Spruill, Bertie county, Colonel.
William G Robeson, Wake county, Lieutenant-Colonel.
John W. Woodfin, Buncombe county, Major.
About the 1st of October the 2d Squadron (Companies B
and G) Captain Andrews commanding, were ordered to
Washington, N. C, where they continued on duty untd
March, 1862. Colonel Spruill with five companies (D, E,
F, I and K) was ordered to Edenton, N. C. These compa
nies were still dismounted. Lieutenant-Colonel Robeson
with the 3d Squadron (Companies C and H) was ordered
to Newbern where Company A reported to him in the
month of November. In December Major Woodfin, com
manding the five companies at Edenton (Colonel Spruill being
absent attending the State Convention, of which he was a
member), was ordered to Newbern. During the months of
January and February most of the men in these companies
were mounted. On the 14th of March the regiment (except
Companies B and G) under command of Colonel Spruill, was
present at the fight at Newbern but not engaged. Compa
nies A and K, being armed with long-range guns, were dis
mounted and acted as infantry under the immediate com
mand of Colonel Vance, of the 26th Regiment North Caro
lina Troops, but were not engaged, as the enemy did not at
tack the position held by them — the extreme right — though
the 26th was engaged. These companies retreated on foot,
under command of Colonel Vance, to Kinston. During
March, 1862, Companies B and G rejoined the regiment
near Kinston, and for the first time all the companies were
encamped together as a regiment. March 29, Colonel Spruill
resigned. April 12, Matthew L. Davis was appointed Col-

47
onel, but died April 23 at Goldsboro while en route to take
command of the regiment. April 13 Companies D, E, K
and I and parts of A and F, commanded by Lieutenant-
Colonel Robeson, engaged a party of Yankee infantry at Gil-
lett's bouse in Jones county, N. C. The infantry being in the
house and yard and our attack being made wholly on horse,
we, of course, were unable to get over a stake-and-rider
rail-fence and into the house on horseback, and were com
pelled to retire. Lieutenant-Colonel Robeson was severely
wounded and taken prisoner and has not since rejoined his
regiment. Captain Josiah Turner, Company K, was se
verely wounded in the head by a minnie ball, on account of
which he afterwards resigned November 8, 1862. During
the spring and summer of '62 the regiment continued to
picket on the south side of Neuse river around Newbern,
having almost weekly skirmishes with the enemy, but none
of much importance except at Foscue's, in Jones county.
May 15, Lieutenant Rogers, of Company A, and Lieu
tenant Graham, of Company K, the former with twenty-
five men, the latter with fifteen, engaged the Scl New York
Cavalry, numbering eight hundred men, and drove them
back to their supports of infantry and artillery, with dam
age, according to their own accounts, eleven killed, twenty
wounded and five prisoners, including a Lieutenant. Our
loss one killed, two prisoners and six wounded. The men
and officers engaged in this affair were complimented in
General Orders by Major-General Holmes, commanding
division. The picket duty performed by this regiment dur
ing this period was the severest ever performed by the regi
ment, though it has been over two years in the Army of
Northern Virginia, and we think we can say it was per
formed in a vjry creditable manner.
While the force at Newbern was much larger than it has
ever been since, they were confined to a much smaller space
than they have ever been since. Yet because one company
of cavalry, twenty-five miles from any support, could not
drive two or three thousand men into Newbern every time

48
they came out, they were most infamously slandered by
that class of people who remained at home and boasted very
largely of what " we can do."
On June 5, Colonel Sol. Williams' 12th Regiment North
Carolina Troops was, at the request of the officers of the
regiment, transferred to it. The latter part of June the
5th Squadron (Companies H and G, Captains Randolph and
Eure) was ordered to Martin county to picket the Roanoke
river. August 1 the 2d Squadron (Companies C and K) were
ordered to relieve the 5th Squadron, which was ordered to the
Chowan river. In September the regiment, except Compa
nies C and K, were ordered to Virginia, under command of
Major Andrews, formerly Captain of Companies B, Major
Woodfin having resigned Sept. 6. Having moved by way of
Franklin, "Va., the regiment reached Richmond October 23;
bere for the first time the regiment was fully armed and
equipped. On November 1 the regiment moved for Cul-
peper Court House, and on the 7th moved for Warrenton.
Shortly after reaching there a scout of 225 mounted men
and two pieces of artillery was ordered by Lieutenant-Col
onel Payne, 4th Virginia Cavalry, commanding post. The
party, commanded by Major Andrews, moved on the 16th
via, Bristoe Station, Manassas, and to the south of Center-
vide to Gainesville. Here the Major learned that a train
had passed a short time previous. Pushing on, he overtook
and captured the train at Hay Market, consisting of seven
wagons and teams, also thirty -nine prisoners, killed three
and wounded five Yankees. The regiment continued to
hold Warrenton until the 7th of December, when it returned
to the Rappahannock river, and picketed it from the Hazel
river to Fredericksburg. The regiment was present at the
Fredericksburg fight, December 13, 1862, under command
of Colonel Williams, engaged as sharpshooters on the
extreme right.
The regiment continued during the winter to picket the
Rappahannock from Fredericksburg to Centre Cross, in
Essex county. On April 1 it was ordered to Culpeper

49
Court House. May 1 it engaged Stoneman in bis raid at
Stone's Mdls. The regiment was commanded by Major
Andrews from December 14 to May 8, Colonel Williams
being detached as president of a court-martial. Major
Andrews then getting a " sick furlough," Lieutenant-Colonel
Payne was temporarily assigned to command it. Septem-
berr 6, 1862, the 2d squadron (Companies C and K) Captain
Boothe and Lieutenant Graham, participated in the attack
on Washington, N. C. Captain Boothe, commanding the
squadron, was severely wounded, on account of which he
resigned in March, 1863. In October the squadron was
ordered to Drewry's Bluff to picket James river, and was
attached to Daniel's Brigade. Remained here picketing the
James and arresting deserters on the Appomattox until
March 15, 1863, when, under command of Captain Graham,
Company K, it participated in the move against Suffolk, being
first attached to Pickett's Division, afterwards to Hood's.
It was engaged in numerous skirmishes with the enemy
with little loss. May 20 rejoined the regiment near Brandy
Station, Va. The regiment, commanded by Colonel Wil
liams, as a part of the brigade of W. H. F. Lee, to which
it was attached in December, 1862, participated in the
Brandy Station fight June 9, acting near Beverly's Ford,
and deported itself in a most creditable manner, both as
dismounted sharpshooters and in charging mounted. Our
loss was thirty-five killed and wounded, among the killed
our lamented Colonel — the gallant Williams. The Confed
eracy has lost many fine officers in this war, but few equal,
none superior, to Colonel Williams. On the field his bravery,
dash, and yet coolness, was the admiration of all who beheld
him. In camp his gentle, kind, affectionate, woman like
manners won the hearts of his entire command, both officers
and men. Surely may it be said of him —
" None knew him but to love him,
None named him but to praise."

50
Captain Andrews, of Company B, a most gallant officer,
lost a foot, and was thereby rendered unfit for service in the
field. Lieutenant Blasingame, Company I, was mortally
wounded while nobly leading a squadron of dismounted
sharpshooters. As a brave and gallant officer he had no supe
rior. There being no field officer present with the regiment,
Lieutenant-Colonel Payne was again assigned to the com
mand of the regiment.
On the 16th of June the regiment moved with the Divi
sion under General Stewart on the Pennsylvania campaign.
When we engaged the enemy on the 18th, 19th, 20th and
21st our brigade fought the enemy near Upperville, con
sisting of Buford's brigade regular cavalry, a brigade of
infantry and a battery of artillery. Here the regiment be
haved in a very creditable manner, and continued to fight
after every other regiment bad quit the field, and only left
when compelled by overwhelming numbers. Lieutenant
Cole, of Company I, was killed in this fight; Lieutenant Bryan
was badly wounded and taken prisoner. On the 24th we
moved near Dumfries, Fairfax Court House, and crossed the
Potomac on Saturday night, June 27th, then moved to
Rockville, Md. (where, on the 28th, the brigade captured
173 wagons, chasing them within six miles of Washington
City) ; then through Westminister to Hanover, Pennsylvania.
Here the regiment behaved in a most gallant manner, charg
ing a heavy force of Yankees, where two regiments, though
double the 2d in numbers, refused to charge. In this affair
we lost 22 men and 2 officers, out of 50 carried into action.
Captain Eure, Company G, was captured. The command
then devolved upon Captain Graham. We then moved via
Carlisle to Gettysburg, where we arrived Thursday, July
2, 1863, participated in Friday's fight, July 3, 1863. Captain
Graham was wounded here, and the command devolved on
Lieutenant Joseph Baker, Company D. The regiment
retreated through Cashtown to Wilbamsport, where Cap
tain Strange reported for duty, and assumed command of

51
the regiment, and commanded the " Teamsters' fight " at
Wilbamsport, July 6, 1863.
The regiment was afterwards engaged in most of the
cavalry fights in the retreat from Pennsylvania, and en
camped near Brandy Station in August. During the month
of September it was placed in the North Carolina Cavalry
Brigade, commanded by that gallant soldier and gentleman,
General I. B. Gordon, of Wilkes county, N. C, where it is
at the present time, October 1, 1863.

SKETCH OF THE TWENTIETH REGIMENT.
On the 18th day of June, 1861, the 10th Regiment North
Carolina Volunteers (which after the re-organization became
the 20th Regiment North Carolina State Troops) was com
posed of the following companies :
A — Cabarrus Guards, Captain N. Slough, of Cabarrus
county. B — Cabarrus Black Boys, Captain I. B. Atwell, of Cabar
rus county.
C — Fair Bluff Volunteers, Captain B. Smith, of Columbus
county. D — Columbus Guards, Captain J. B. Stanley, of Columbus
county. E — Confederate Grays, Captain C. B. Denson, of Chat
ham county.
F — Holmes Rifles, Captain 0. L. Chestnutt, of Sampson
county. G — Brunswick Guards, Captain J. S. Brooks, of Bruns
wick count}7.
H — Independent Blues, Captain W. W. Cox, of Sampson
county. I- — Sampson Greys, Captain J. A. Faison, of Sampson
county.

52
K — Columbus Guards, Captain W. H. Tom, of Columbus
county. Was organized by electing
Captain Albert Iverson, Colonel.
Captain F. J. Faison, of Sampson, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Captain W. H. Tom, of Columbus county, Major.
Was stationed at Fort Johnston, N. C, until June, 1862,
except a short time each at Wilmington and Camp Wyatt.
In the meantime the number of the regiment was, by order
of the Adjutant-General of the State, changed from the 10th
North Carolina Volunteers to the 20th North Carolina
Troops. The regiment, numbering 1,012 men, was ordered
to Virginia June 14, 1862, and was placed in Brigadier-Gen
eral Samuel Garland's Brigade, participating in the fight
around Richmond on the following fields: Mechanics vdle,
Cold Harbor and Malvern Hill. In the first Maryland cam
paign, in the battle of South Mountain and Sharpsburg, sus
tained quite a heavy loss. On the 12th of November, at
Strasburg, Va., Colonel Iverson was promoted to the rank
of Brigadier-General, and assumed command of the Brigade,
vice Samuel Garland, killed at South Mountain. Partici
pated in the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, and
spent the winter quietly in Caroline county, Va. On the
26th February, 1863, Captain Thomas F. Tom, Company K,
was promoted to the Colonelcy, vice Iverson promoted, and
Major Nelson Slough, promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, vice
W. H. Tom resigned. Assisted in the glorious victory at
Chancellorsville May 2 and 3, 1863. On the 16th of May,
Captain J. S. Brooks, Company G, was promoted to Major.
Was in the Pennsylvania campaign. Took an active part
in the battle of Gettysburg, and, though almost decimated,
sustained itself nobly. Was engaged at Hagerstown, Md.,
on the 6th of July, Morton's Ford on the 11th of October.
Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson Slough resigned November 2,
1863. The regiment was in the fight at Kelly's Ford
November 7, 1863. The loss sustained by the regiment on
the field is sufficient to show that it has discharged its duty.

53
In no engagement has it suffered so much as in that of Cold
Harbor. The gallant charge of the 20th North Carolina on
that field wdl be remembered as long as there lives a soldier
to admire gallantry, or historian to record deeds of the
worthy. Prominent on the long list of casualties of this
bloody field stands the name of Lieutenant-Colonel Frank
J. Faison, than whom there never lived a nobler man or
died a braver soldier. The character of this sketch is such
as not to allow me to notice many interesting particulars
worthy of record.

SKETCH OF THE TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT.
After the battle of Shepherdstown the 22d regiment was
marched to near Martinsburg, where it remained nearly
two weeks, recruiting, &c, thence to Bunker Hill, where it
remained a short time, when it marched to a place guard
ing Snicker's Gap in the Blue Ridge, near Berry vide, where
it had some severe skirmishing. While the camp was at
Bunker Hill, General Jackson with his corps moved north
ward, tore up the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and got
back without any loss. At the urgent solicitation of Major
Cole, I had myself detached from the Adjutancy of the
54th Regiment North Carolina Troops to that of the 22d,
and joined him on picket at Snicker's Gap, Nov. 6, 1862.
Lieutenant-Colonel Gray had just recovered from his
sickness and had rejoined the regiment. In all these move
ments the 22d had moved with its brigade and division.
While we were on picket at Summit Point, fifteen miles
north of Winchester on the 21st of November, the 22d regi
ment received orders to march ; broke camp on the 22d,
and, together with the rest of General A. P. Hill's Division,
commenced our march down the Valley for Fredericksburg.

54
We moved down the Valley, crossed Massanutton Moun
tain at New Market, crossed the Blue Ridge and arrived
at Fredericksburg on the 2d of December, having marched
over one hundred and eighty miles in eleven successive days,
or more than sixteen miles per day.
While pausing to rest one day during the march on the
turnpike, in the Valley, Major Cole asked General A. P.
Hill, who was sitting on his horse at the head of the 22d
regiment, if he knew General Burnside, the new Federal
commander for the Army of the Potomac. Laughing, he
said, " I think I ought to know him ; he owes me eight thou
sand dollars !" He also stated that be was more dashing
than McClellan, but had not his ability.
As we mounted the long zigzag winding roads running
over the Massanutton and Blue Ridge, the private soldiers
cracked their jokes, laughed and sang merrily, though many
of them were barefooted and were walking upon solid cakes
of ice.
Major Cole bad been in so many battles, and escaped unhurt,
it was thought by some that he had become used to it, but
he said he dreaded each succeeding one more than the
preceding. It was known that Burnside was concentrating his huge
army at Fredericksburg. This army was composed of
McClellan's " Peninsula Army," Pope's " Army of Vir
ginia," the armies which had operated in the Valley under
Shields, Banks and Fremont, and heavy reinforcements
from Washington and the North. It was believed that the
coming battle would be the most terrific and bloody of the
war, as Burnside had at least 150,000 men, and Lee about
80,000, unheard of numbers in this war previously.
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG.
Thursday morning, December 11, 1862, while in our camp,
three or four miles from Fredericksburg, we heard the
heavy booming of Burnside's artillery, as the huge missives

55
of destruction shattered the buildings and tore up the
streets and promenades of the old town. That night the
enemy commenced his crossing, opposed by Barksdale's
Mississippi Brigade only. Early Friday morning, the 12th,
the Confederate Army was in line of battle in a strong po
sition, waiting for the enemy's attack. Jackson commanded
the right wing, Longstreet the left, overlooking the town.
Lee occupied a high bluff near the centre of the line, over
looking the whole field. The Confederate army was drawn
up in three lines ; the first about one mile and a half from
the Rappahannock at the edge of the woods bordering the
wide river bottom ; the plain from the first line to the river
was almost perfectly level and unobstructed. The second
was two or three hundred yards in rear of the first and half
way up a considerable bill in the woods ; this line was
entrenched. The third line was on the top of the hill in
rear of the second, and was held well in hand to be moved
quickly to any portion of the field. A. P. Hill commanded
the first line, Talliaferro the second, and D. H. Hill the
third. A. P. Hill's Division occupied the front line of
Jackson's Corps — Pender's Brigade, the extreme left of the
division and corps, touched Hood, the extreme right of
Longstreet's Corps.
This description applies only to Jackson's Corps. Long-
street's first line was behind a stone fence, and the enemy
never got over that. This line was commanded by General
Robert Ransom, of North Carolina, and was supported by
the Washington Artillery.
The weather was very cold, and we suffered very severely7,
standing all day in line of battle, looking at the enemy
arrange his lines, station his artillery and prepare for the
attack. Everything was done with the utmost coolness and
precision, without any interruption from either side, except
skirmishing here and there, where, in the density of the fog,
our lines approached too closely. Thirty-six guns were
counted, planted just opposite Pender's Brigade, about

56
three-fourths of a mile, every piece being in plain view of
our line.
While standing in line, leaning on our muskets, gazing
seriously upon the grim preparations of the foe, we discov
ered a "solitary horseman" riding slowly up and down
the lines away out in the Valley, and for a while we could
scarcely tell to which side he belonged. But we soon noticed
that he always turned his face to the enemy, and then his
gray uniform and large black plume, indistinctly seen at
first, plainly told us who the cavalier was. About this time
we saw several horsemen, each one alone, advancing from
different directions to a little hillock in front of a Confed
erate battery, and directly in front of and facing the Fed
eral guns and line of battle. One by one, they assemble
and salute and raise their glasses until about half a dozen
are grouped together. The solitary horseman first de
scribed has left his perilous beat and rides back towards
the lines. One of the six on the hillock detaches himself
from the rest and rides away and shouts out, " Stuart, come
this way !" and together they join the other party. There
these seven men — giants of war — plan their action in the
great battle which is to result in a great victory. At last
they salute, wheel about, and ride back, each to his assigned
position. These men were Lee, Longstreet, Jackson, A. P.
Hill, Hood, Stuart and Pender.
During Friday the enemy cannonaded us from beyond the
river, and were replied to by our guns on the bluff. There
was the constant crack of musketry in our front as the skir
mishers engaged on either side.
Before daybreak next morning, we were up and our
breakfast was dispatched, and we were talking of " the old
folks at home," the probable results of the battle, and the
ease with which an attack might be made upon the enemy
under cover of the dense fog, when suddenly the musketry
opened immediately in our front. We leaped to our feet,
seized our arms and rushed forward, fearful that the enemy
had attacked our lines under the fog. Major Cole seized

57
the colors and the men rapidly fell into their places ready
to receive the onset.
The battle opened about 8 o'clock a. m. along Jackson's
Corps and varied in intensity until about 11 a. m., when the
huge glittering lines of Franklin's grand division rushed
down in overwhelming masses upon our brigade, and the
roar of musketry, swelling and reverberating backward and
forward, up and down the valley, thrown back by the hills
and woods and answered by the thundering sounds of a
hundred cannons and the yells of seventy thousand com
batants, made one of the grandest, most terrific scenes ever
beheld in the history of wars and nations. On they came,
staggering and falling before the storm of death and
slaughter of Stuart's " Horse Artillery " and Confederate
guns, but closing up and yelling, they rushed forward, fall
ing right and left, still rushing forward. Lane and Archer
first meet fiercely the massive onset, but reel, stagger, waver,
retreat. The triumphant enemy pursue — over the railroad,
over the plain, into the woods — they rush to their death.
Early comes sweeping down on the right ; Hoke dashes
into their advancing columns ; Gregg and Thomas rush
upon them in front ; Lane and Archer reform and madly
fall upon them again ; Pender closes in on the left, charging
in person at the head of his staff. Now the furies are at
work. The air is filled with hideous yells, screams, shrieks,
and thunder rolls from a hundred deep-mouth cannon while
the lightnings leap from the long lines of musketry and
clothe the field with fire. Death rides upon every shriek
ing shell. The hillside is clothed with bloody relics of
slaughter and the rocks are shaken from their deep founda
tions. Bold hearts yield the last quivering sigh of life and
giant strength fails before the simoom of destruction.
Bloody bayonets and flashing sabres clash and ring amid
the carnival of death and terror. The chivalric Gregg of
South Carolina has fallen to rise no more. Our own Pen
der, bloody and exhausted, has been carried from the field.
Hundreds are falling right and left — bloody martys to pride,

58
principle and patriotism. Hill, daring and furious, like an
enraged lion, is seen everywhere resisting the storm. The
great Jackson, with expanding nostrils like the excited war-
horse, sternly guides and governs the tempest and hurls his
dauntless legions upon the countless foe. Which side yields ?
Which gives way ? Neither ! Horses fly by. The sun begins
to turn away from the carnage and prepares to build " camp-
fires in the West." Still Stafford Hills and Marye's Heights
shake their heavy sides, and deep thunder peals from their
rocky caverns, while flashes of murderous fire leap from
more than fifty thousand roaring muskets. The tranquil
waters of the Rappahannock are flushed with the life-blood
of ten thousand American citizens. The old primeval for
est through which an hundred years ago Washington pur.
sued the fox and the deer, is now crumbling beneath the
awful tread of war. Where he blew the blast in the bunt
and chase, now is beard the roar of musketry, the booming
of cannon, the whistling minnie, the shrieking shell, the
bugle sounding the charge, the yell of the onset, the thun
der of the shock, the groan, wad, curse, and all the dread
voices of war. The son of his bosom friend leads the
Southern hosts. For three terrible hours Jackson has held
the enemy in his fearful embrace, and now the fire begins
to recede — a crowd of fugitives is seen flying from the
woods towards the river — still more and more, but without
order in wild flight; now come the Gray Confederates yell
ing and fighting, covering the valley with the dead and
dying. The victory is ours — the Federals are routed, five
thousand of them covered the plain, a bloodj7 testimonial of
the bloody onset and heroic defence. Scattered over the
field lie three thousand bleeding Southrons.
The enemy hurled upon our advancing ranks a great
storm of shell, grape, canister, and all the dreadful para
phernalia of war, and for two hours before sunset the furies
of the infernal regions seemed to be let loose. It was esti
mated that during these two hours one hundred and twenty

59
deadly missiles were burled over and through Pender's
ranks every minute.
The enemy having advanced with heavy force upon one
of our batteries, Major Cole was sent with one hundred
additional men from his regiment and assumed command of
the entire line in front of Pender's Brigade. Here he was
so heavily pressed that Lieutenant Young, of Pender's staff,
dashed by the 22d Regiment, and shouted to Colonel Gray
to " send two of bis best companies " to assist him and dis
appeared at full speed. As Adjutant of the regiment, I
immediately ordered Captain Odell and Lieutenant Clark,
with Companies H and A to report to Major Cole, and for
an hour the fight was close, sharp and continuous, but
finally the Confederates routed the enemy and pursued them
over the hill.
This was the last attempt on the right wing, and the bat
tle had ceased in front of Longstreet where thousands upon
thousands of lifeless Federals testified to the terrible fight
ing of the " Bull dog."
In a letter from " Camp 22d Regiment North Carolina
Troops, ten miles below Fredericksburg, Va., December 17,
1862," Major Cole speaks as follows :
" Of ad the battles I ever entered, I never so much
dreaded one. Burnside had once held Fredericksburg and
must know the advantage of position possessed by Lee.
Should he advance under this knowledge, as a good Gen
eral, he would, of course, bring men and appliances to
equalize our advantage of position. General Lee did not
try to prevent his crossing, only to worry him as much as
possible. Thursday night he crossed, Friday morning at 6
o'clock A. P. Hill's Division moved forward to take posi
tion. About 10 o'clock the vapor disappeared and the
enemy was discovered in line of battle only a few hundred
yards from our lines. Each side proceeded to plant their bat
teries and arrange their supports and lines of battle appa
rently as coolly as you would arrange a flower-garden,
marking the walks and planting the shrubbery.

60
" In the evening General Pender sent for me, and on re
porting he said there there were some houses and straw-
stacks in front which would obstruct the free play of our
batteries, and he wanted me to examine the ground suffi
ciently before night to take a party from my regiment and
burn them. I went forward to examine, and though I did
not hardly expect to be able to reach the houses before
dark, yet, as I was surveying the ground of approach, noting
the ravines, the ditches, the fences, etc., which would be fa
vorable or unfavorable to the party for approach or defence,
I found myself at the first house, then at another and another
until I had closely examined some eight or ten ; what points
would most easily ignite, etc. Lastly, I examined and
counted about fifteen stacks of straw in an open field im
mediately in front and in view of the enemy's line only
about three hundred yards distant. I watched the sentinels
as closely as they watched me ; but seeing no motions to shoot,
I continued to draw nearer until my plans were fully ma
tured. I went back to the regiment, selected my men, sup
plied some with matches to burn, some with muskets to
protect, and at the first darkness, which is the deepest dark
ness of the night, proceeded to make the approach. Every
man had his house or stack assigned him. Everything
ready, I snapped a pistol cap (the signal) and instantly
twenty streams of blaze dashed up lighting the heavens
with almost the brilliancy of the sun. It was the prettiest
sight, in the way of a fire, I ever saw. One house was an
immensely large barn, full of tobacco hanging upon the
sticks and perfectly dry. You may probably imagine such
a blaze as this would make. No doubt the Yankees were
perfectly astonished, and expected what next — and did not
fire upon us, as was somewhat expected by the ' burning
party.' Thus far our side was perfectly successful, and,
being much elated, I returned to the regiment and slept
soundly until morning.
" With such feelings I laid down to sleep Friday night,
and with such feelings I arose Saturday morning before

61
day. Suddenly7 rapid discharges of musketry were heard.
We rushed to arms and in a few minutes every man was
ready. The firing proved to be only skirmishing. Pender's
Brigade was Hill's extreme left, supported by Thomas,
of Georgia. Next Lane's North Carolina Brigade, then
Archer's Tennessee Brigade, supported by Gregg, of South
Carolina ; and Field's Virginia Brigade, supported by some
of E well's Division, was Hill's extreme right. Hill had but
six brigades in his division. The battle commenced on the
right — I mean the regular approach of the enemy's line and
the musketry engagement. Our brigade was the first fired
upon by the artillery, but the battle joined on the right. It
was terrible, and lasted for several hours. It gradually came
down the line, and nearly the whole front line on our right
was, more or less, driven back upon the supports. They did
not advance upon Pender. They made one effort but were
driven back by artidery. The woods that skirted the bot
toms marked our line and formed an ellipse. The enemy
formed the diameter. As we were about the centre, we
were, perhaps, the farthest from the line. Hence this gave
the enemy a longer distance in which to advance in open
field, say three-quarters of a mile. We had skirmishers,
however, advanced half a mile, and these were engaged,
more or less, all day, and several times drove back
advances from the enemy. About three o'clock our skir
mishers had expended nearly all their ammunition, besides,
when Lane's Brigade was driven back on their right they
were compelled to fall back also. This enabled the enemy
to advance his line of sharpshooters to the brow of a small
hill opposite to the one on which was placed our artillery,
and distant about eight; hundred yards. Gaining this posi
tion the sharpshooters annoyed the artillerymen so much
they could not handle their guns. Up to this time I had
been under a very severe cannonade, and when I was called
upon to take charge of a hundred men and run in the sharp
shooters, I did not conceive myself worsted in position a
very great deal. Five hundred yards in front of our batte-

62
ries, and three hundred in front of the sharpshooters was
the railroad, with a small cut for protection. I deployed my
hundred men and made the railroad cut at double-quick,
and soon the sharpshooters were over the hill. I had one
man killed and about a dozen wounded. All the men
wounded were at one exposed point where we joined Lane's
Brigade. His men did not advance, which left my right
flank exposed, and the men were shot from that direction.
Those not wounded were soon out of ammunition, when I
ordered them to cease firing unless the enemy advanced. It
was dangerous to go to the rear, so I ordered the wounded
to remain in the cut. I had their cartridges divided with
the men not wounded, and to fill the place so thinned out
in my line, loaded a musket myself and made the Captains
and Lieutenants under me do the same. This was the first
musket I ever loaded. We had about six rounds each, and
had the enemy advanced I do not think a man of us would
have escaped. Though conscious of our weakness, the
enemy did not know it, and we showed a brave front and
stood firm. At night I sent off the wounded and rear
ranged the line of defence and remained all night without
fire or blankets. Sunday morning A. P. Hill was relieved,
and we went back to our third line of defence. Sunday
there was but little fighting ; we thought it was merely an
observance of the Sabbath day. But Monday came and
still no fighting. Tuesday morning we were ready again to
go to the front line, but lo ! there was no enemy."
General Pender thus speaks, in bis official report, of the
battle of Fredericksburg:
•x- * * «jn ^g afternoon, however, when the enemy
advanced on the right, they opened a most tremendous fire
of artillery upon the batteries in my front, playing upon
them from the front and right from at least four batteries.
This fire was most destructive to my men. At about this
time a heavy line of skirmishers advanced within range of
Captain Davidson's battery and kept up a heavy fire upon
him. One of the balls at this time killed my Aid, Lieuten-

63
ant Sheppard, while he was very gallantly and coolly trying
to rally some men who had broken on our right and were
making to the rear. These skirmishers became so annoying
that additional companies had to be thrown out, under the
efficient Major Cole, to drive them back, which he did, and
held them in check long after his ammunition bad given
out." In his report of the same battle, Major-General A. P. Hill
says :
* * * " From the nature of the ground occupied by
Pender's Brigade, and the entire absence of all protection
against artillery, bis brigade received the greater part of the
terrible fire directed at Davidson and Latimer, and suffered
severely. General Pender was himself wounded and his Aid,
Lieutenant Sheppard, kdled, whilst gallantly rallying a por
tion of the 18th regiment of Lane's Brigade. During the
temporary absence of General Pender, the command of the
brigade devolved upon Colonel Scales of the 13th. The
two batteries suffered much by the fire of a heavy line of
skirmishers. Colonel Scales directed Major Cole, of the
22d North Carolina, to dislodge them, which was hand
somely done. * * * General Pender, though wounded,
resumed the command of his brigade as soon as his wound
was dressed."
In speaking of the battle, in bis official report, Lieuten
ant-General Jackson says :
* # * a 'Phg brigade of General Pender was immedi
ately in rear of the batteries of Captains Davidson and
Latimer, and was without any protection from the enemy's
artillery; and thus, notwithstanding the accuracy of the
batteries acting in conjunction with Major Cole of the 22d
North Carolina in dispersing the cloud of skirmishers and
sharpshooters that bung all that day upon that part of the
field, that brigade received much of the fire that was
directed at these guns and suffered severely. General Pen
der was himself wounded."
Monday evening after the battle, Major Cole, Lieutenant

64
Cole and myself, left our second line of works and strolled
to the front to survey the field. Out before us was our
front line — beyond them our strong line of skirmishers lying
upon the ground — a short distance from them the enemy's
skirmish line was spread out and lying down — a little
beyond them the enemy's line of battle and their numerous
batteries. A few of our pickets, bolder than others, were
standing up walking about exchanging papers with the
enemy. We noticed a great many stragglers, like ourselves,
looking over the field. Squads of infantry and horsemen
were moving about carelessly. Among them were some of
our Generals. All at once a white cloud arose from one of
the enemy's batteries and the roar of artillery and the
shrieking shell. Another followed, and then others, until
the field was cleared of ad who had no business there.
Lieutenant Cole and myself started off at a pretty brisk
walk, which rapidly increased to a run as the shells came
nearer and faster. Major Cole compromised with his dig
nity and fears and took tremendous strides in walking.
General Hood dashed by me at full speed on horseback, a
shell coming so near bis head as to knock off his hat. Gen
eral A. P. Hill disappeared in the thicket.
When, next morning, it was discovered that the enemy,
under cover of darkness and a storm had made his escape
across the Rappahannock, two feelings contended in our
breasts — joy7 that we were not to have another day of blood
and horror, and regret that we had not tried to crush the
enemy when we had him beneath our guns and in the val
ley before us cowed with defeat.

65

SKETCH OF THE TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
The regiment afterwards known as the 27th North Caro
lina Infantry, was first organized as the 9th North Carolina
Volunteers with the following companies, viz. :
A — Orange Guards, Orange county, Captain Pride Jones.
B — Guilford Greys, Guilford county, Captain John Sloan.
C — Goldsboro Rifles, Wayne county, Captain M. D.
Craton. D — Goldsboro Volunteers, Wayne county, Captain J. B.
Whitaker. E — Wilson Light Infantry, Wilson county, Captain Jesse
S. Barnes.
F — Pitt Volunteers, Pitt county, Captain G. B. Singletary.
G — Marlboro Guards, Pitt county, Captain W. H. Morrill.
H — Dixie Rifles, Wayne county, Captain Strong.
I — North Carolina Guards, Lenoir county, Captain G. F.
Whitfield. K — Tuckahoe Braves, Lenoir county, Captain W. F.
Wooten. The officers of this regiment were ordered to meet in
Newbern on the 22d of June, 1861 — I think it was — to elect
field officers. On the 9th of June Companies A, B and C
were taken from the Regiment and other companies substi
tuted in their places, viz. : Captain R. H. Drysdale's Com
pany, from Greene county; Captain B. T. Barden's Com
pany7, from Wayne county, and Captain W. P. Ward's Com
pany, from Jones county. June 22 the regiment organized
by electing Captain G. B. Singletary, Company F, Colonel ;
Pride Jones, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Captain Strong, Company
H, Major. Immediately after this organization, Companies
D, E and H, and Captain Drysdale's Company, volunteered
for the war — the regiment being only twelve months volun
teers — and were assigned to some of the regiments of State
Troops, the 3d and 4th, I think.
This left a battalion of only six companies, of which
5

66
Col. G. B. Singletary was elected Lieutenant-Colonel. Soon
afterwards, the " Perquimans Beauregards," Captain Wm.
Nixon, was added to it, and some time in September, 1861,
the Orange Guards, Guilford Greys and Goldsboro Rifles
were again assigned to this regiment, which was then called
the 17th North Carolina Volunteers, and was constituted as
follows :
A — Goldsboro Rifles, Captain M. D. Craton.
B — Guilford Greys, Captain John Sloan.
C — North Carolina Guards, Captain G. F. Whitfield.
D — Tuckahoe Braves, Captain W. F. Wooten.
E — Marlboro Guards, Captain Wm. H. Morrill.
F — " Perquimans Beauregards," Captain Wm. Nixon.
G — Orange Guards, Captain Joseph C. Webb.
H — Pitt Volunteers, Captain R. W. Singletary.
I— Captain W. P. Ward.
K — Captain B. T. Barden.
At the organization of this regiment in September, 1861,
Lieutenant-Colonel G. B. Singletary was elected Colonel;
Captain John Sloan, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Lieutenant
Thomas C. Singletary, Major. Seven companies of the reg
iment were then camped at Newbern, and the other three —
companies A, B and G — were on detached service at Fort
Macon, where they remained until February 28, 1862.
Colonel G. B. Singletary having resigned, an election was
ordered in December, 1861, when Lieutenant-Colonel John
Sloan was elected Colonel ; Major T. C. Singletary, Lieu
tenant-Colonel, and Adjutant John A. Gilmer, Jr., Major.
February 28, 1862, the three companies from Fort Macon
joined the remainder of the regiment, then camped at Fort
Lane on the Neuse river, below Newbern. The regiment
remained in camp at this place till March 14, 1862, when it
took part in the battle of Newbern, occupying the extreme
left of the line, with its left resting on Neuse river. As the
fighting was principally upon the right and right-centre we
were not much engaged, having only some skirmishing and
sharpsbooting. I deem it due to the regiment, however, to

67
state that twenty-seven of the men who worked Latham's
battery, which was in the middle of the fight and gained
great credit, were from this regiment, having been detailed
for that service by order of Brigadier-General L. O'B.
Branch, then commanding at Newbern. A certain number
of men in each company7 were ordered to be drilled in light
artillery, and Lieutenant Brown, of the Artillery, was
attached to the regiment for that purpose. How well these
detailed artillerists did their duty is evidenced by the fact
that about two-thirds of them were either killed or wounded.
Upon the retreat, we were ordered to fall back to the railroad
depot in Newbern. There we reformed, and, after the last
train had left, and when the enemy were landing in the Fair
Grounds from their gunboats, we continued our retreat up
the railroad, being the last regiment to leave Newbern, so
far as I saw, and reached Kinston late that night. Here
we remained in camp till May 31, 1862. Lieutenant-Colo
nel Thomas C. Singletary having resigned, Captain R. W.
Singletary, of Company H, was elected Lieutenant-Colonel.
At the reorganization of the regiment, April 16, 1862,
Major John R. Cooke, Chief of Artillery on General
Holmes' staff, was elected Colonel ; R. W. Singletary, re
elected Lieutenant-Colonel, and John A. Gilmer, Jr., re
elected Major. About the same time, or a little before,
Brigadier-General Robert Ransom was assigned to duty at
Kinston, and we were placed in his brigade. May 31, 1862,
we took the train for Virginia, and about noon of June 1,
reached Richmond. As we neared the city the guns of the
battle of Seven Pines could be distinctly7 heard. Immedi
ately on reaching the depot were ordered double-quick to
the battlefield, and passing rapidly through Richmond we
pressed on towards the firing, anxious to take part in the
fray, as the old saying is, " spiling for a fight." Before we
reached the battlefield, hoAvever, the battle of Seven Pines
was over.
We were assigned to J. G. Walker's Brigade and moved
to Drewry's Bluff, where we remained throwing up breast-

68
works, drilling, etc., until June 26, when we took up the line
of inarch for the seven days fight around Richmond. We
formed a part of the reserve under General Holmes and
were not actively engaged in any of those memorable bat
tles, though often near enough to the combatants to hear
every word of command, and to feel the force of the
enemy's fire.
On Monday, during the battle of Frazier's Farm, we were
moved to near Malvern Hill, and it was generally understood
among us that we were to attack that stronghold. For some
reason this was not done, and we lay nearly the whole after
noon in a piece of woods, subjected to a very severe shell
ing from seven gunboats and thirty-four pieces of light
artillery. As the enemy did not know our exact position,
and had to send their shot and shell at random, our loss
was not very heavy. About sundown a large force was
landed from the gunboats, and as soon as it was dark we
were withdrawn and placed in position a few miles up the
road. The next evening we were moved to Malvern Hill
and placed in position in a skirt of woods just on the edge
of the battlefield. Here we remained until the battle was
over. Though not actively engaged, yet we were in a posi
tion equally trying, as we got the benefit of the shells of
the enemy which passed over the heads of the troops en
gaged, and burst among the trees under which we were
lying, and we were expecting every minute to be ordered
forward to take our part in the dreadful carnage. The next
night it being reported that the enemy were crossing the
James, we were ordered back to our camp near Drewry's
Bluff. It had now been raining for nearly forty-eight hours
and the roads, cut up by the wagons and ambulances, were
nearly impassable. Broken down as we were by7 continuous
marching and loss of sleep, the march was a hard one.
When we were within a mile or two of camp our Colonel —
the gallant Cooke — ever mindful of the welfare of his men,
directing us to make our way to camp, dashed ahead and
aroused the men who bad been left there, and when we

69
came up bad a roaring log fire in front of almost every
tent, which was very consoling to us, muddy, wet and tired
as we were. By such little acts of kindness as this, as well
as by his gadantry aud daring, it was that he endeared
himself to bis men and made them ready and willing to
go wherever he would say without a murmur or complaint.
Remaining at Drewry's Bluff till July 6, 1862, we were
then moved, with the 2d Georgia Battalion of our brigade,
to Petersburg, and then on the Sth to Fort Powhatan, on
the James river below City Point. At daylight on the
morning of July 11, five companies of the 27th, with two
companies of the Georgia Battalion, and Brem's and
French's Light Batteries, we were placed in ambush on the
high bluff on the James river, with orders to fire upon any
boat that might pass. About 8 o'clock a. si. the " Daniel
Webster," a river steamer, was seen approaching. As she
passed a Federal gunboat stationed four or five hundred
yards below us, her captain inquired, " Any danger ahead ?"
The reply came from the gunboat, " Ncr danger, go ahead."
Hardly was this answer given when the boom of our artil
lery gave a different aspect to affairs. The first gun, fired
by Colonel Cooke, disabled the bow gun of the gunboat and
kept her from doing much damage, as she bad to turn around
every time she fired. Four pieces of our artillery played
upon the gunboat, and the other six, with the infantry, upon
the steamer, riddling her cabin and bull. She, however,
putting on ad steam made her escape, and we never knew
certainly the amount of damage done or the number killed
or wounded on the boat. Very soon the gunboats from
Harrison's Landing came down, and the woods were read}7
alive with shot and shell for a mile along the bank of the
river. Before they reached that point, however, we had
drawn off our artillery, which we had put in position by
hand, and were safe on our way7 to camp. The next day
the other five companies of the 27th and the rest of the
Georgia battalion tried the same game. A day or two

70
afterwards the enemy threw a force across the river to pre
vent any more raids of this sort.
We spent the remainder of the summer around Petersburg
and picketing up and down the James river, and formed
part of the support of the artillery which shelled McClellan
out of his camp at Harrison's Landing on the night of the
15th of August, 1862. Reaching this point on the evening
of the 14th we were unable to get the artillery into position
that night, and were compelled to keep concealed during
the next day, as the enemy had their balloons and other
appliances for observing our position in full play. On the
night of the 15th forty-nine pieces of artillery out of one
hundred and fifty that we had with us were placed in posi
tion along the banks of the James river, and at 1 o'clock
a. si. opened fire on McClellan's camp on the opposite bank of
the river. From what I learned from an artillery officer
engaged in this shelling — the infantry being held in reserve
about a mile from the river — it looked like a grand city ;
the lights of the shipping and the camps forming one bril
liant panorama. Before twenty shots were fired these
lights had disappeared and "darkness reigned supreme."
After firing for about an hour the artillery was withdrawn,
and was soon rumbling past us on its way back to Peters
burg. About daylight the last gun passed us, and we took
up the line of march. When we bad gone about five miles
— it being then about 8 o'clock a. m. — the enemy fired their
first gun, and in a few minutes it sounded as if the whole
thunders of the heavens had broken loose at that point, but
we were far out of range. We remained at Petersburg —
with the exception of a few clays picketing at " Merchant's
Hope" church, where we had a slight skirmish with the
enemy — until August 26, 1862, when we moved via Rich
mond to Rapidan Station, Va.
Here we remained till September 1, 1862, when we started
on tbe first Maryland campaign — General Robert Ransom's
Brigade having been previously assigned to our division,
and our Brigadier, J. G. Walker, having command of the

71
division, while Colonel Manning, of the 3d Arkansas Regi
ment, commanded our brigade — and formed the rear guard
of the Army of Northern Virginia. Our provost guard,
with Lieutenant Coleman, of the 30th Virginia, as Provost
Marshal, and Lieutenants J. A. Graham, 27th North Caro
lina ; Lowe, 3d Arkansas, and Temple, 30th Virginia, as
assistants, were charged with keeping up stragglers of the
whole army. Acting thus as rear guard we were not en
gaged in any of the battles of Northern Virginia in that
campaign. We crossed the Potomac at Nolan's Ferry, near
Leesburg, Va., September 8, 1862, and joined the main
army near Frederick City, Md., the next day, and were
attached to Longstreet's Corps. We camped near Bucket
Town, Md., and remained there all day of the 9th. On the
night of the 9th of September, 1862, our division was sent
to the mouth of Monocacy river, to destroy the aqueduct
where the canal crosses. This we were unable to do for
want of proper tools, and, from after events, it appeared
that the movement was but a feint to draw off the atten
tion of the enemy while the corps of " Stonewall " Jackson
and the division of McLaws started on their march to sur
round Harper's Ferry. About daylight on the morning of
September 10 we were drawn off and placed in line of bat
tle some four or five miles distant, in front and in full view
of another portion of the Federal army posted in a strong
position upon a range of hills, or little mountains, to the
east of Bucket Town.
Here we remained in line of battle all day. As soon as
night came we started in the direction of Frederick City,
but after going about two miles we countermarched and
took the road for "Point of Rocks." Just as we were
countermarching a squad of Federal cavalry dashed up to
us and immediately wheeled and retired before we could
fire. They were evidently scouting, and came upon us before
they knew it.
As the portion of our column which they struck was
moving in the direction of Frederick City, they were no

72
doubt deceived as to our movements which, I think, accounts
for our not being pursued during the night.
After a rapid march and very few halts Ave reached and
crossed the Potomac at " Point of Rocks " just as day was
breaking on the morning of September 12.
No one, except our division commander, knew whither
we were bound, and many an inquiry was made as to where
our course would lead. After a short halt to cook rations,
Ave again started, and by inquiry7 of a citizen learned that
we were on the road to Harper's Ferry, and some twenty
miles distant from it. In reply to another inquiry, made
an hour after, we learned that we were on the road to Lees
burg and a mile further from Harper's Ferry than when we
last asked. Several times during the day our course was
repeatedly changed and we would first approach and then
move off from Harper's Ferry.
That night we camped near Hillsboro, in Loudon county,
Va., and next morning, the 12th, passed through the village,
noted for the number of its pretty girls, if for nothing else ;
and about 12 o'clock the division, Avith the exception of three
regiments, Avent into camp at the foot of Loudon Heights,
on the eastern side of the mountain. Of these three regi
ments tbe 26th North Carolina was sent to guard a pass
around the base of the mountain on the bank of the Po
tomac, and the 27th North Carolina and 30th Virginia
began the ascent of the mountain.
Tired as Ave were this ascent was very difficult, as Ave
had several times to leave the road to avoid being seen by
the Federal troops in and around Harper's Ferry, and make
our way through the thick mountain undergroAvth, often
times having to clear a way with hatchets or knives. About
5 p. si. we took possession of Loudon Heights. McLaAvs'
Division bad by this time taken possession of Maryland
Heights, on the opposite bank of the river, and " Stone
wall " Jackson's Corps already occupied BoliArar Heights, a
range of low hills running from the Shenandoah to the Po
tomac, to the west and south Avest of the town ; so it was

73
completely encircled. We immediately endeavored to open
communication with Jackson and McLaAvs by means of our
Signal Corps. Very soon we were ansAvered by McLaws,
but being unable to get any answer from Jackson a courier
on horseback was dispatched to him, who, on returning,
about 9 p. sr., informed us that he was in position. Soon
after we had gained possession of the heights the enemy
opened fire upon us from their batteries in and around the
town. One shell burst immediately over our beads, but did no
damage ; and another passing clear over the mountain fell
in our division camp, some three miles distant. About 10
o'clock p. m. we Avere relieved by the 46th and 48th North
Carolina Regiments and returned to camp, taking a short
cut down the side of the mountain instead of the circuitous,
but more even, route by Avhich Ave ascended.
Next day tbe batteries attached to our division were car
ried up by hand and placed in position upon the top of the
mountain and did good work in the battle of the 15th, when
the garrison was compelled to surrender. As soon as the
surrender Avas knoAvn we crossed the mountain and started
for Sharpsburg, camped near Hall Town that night, and
starting before day crossed the Potomac at ShepherdstOAvn
on tbe morning of the 16th and went into camp near where
tbe battle of the next day was fought. Before day on the
morning of the 17th of September, 1862, Ave were moved
and placed in line of battle on tbe extreme right of the
Confederate lines, our left resting upon the yard of a man,
whose name I did not learn, who, to prevent our getting
water, broke off his pump-handle and destroyed his pump,
so that we Avere compelled to fill our canteens from a mud-
hole in his stable lot or do without Avater. Most of us filled
from this mud-hole, and I can testify that, Avhile not as
fresh and sweet as some I have seen, yet in the heat and
strife of that day its filth Avas almost forgotten and it served
very well to quench thirst. We remained in this position
till about 7:30 o'clock a. m., when Ave were ordered up to
near the centre. After double-quicking one and a half or

74
two miles Ave were placed in line about one mile to the left
of the town of Sharpsburg.
The 27th North Carolina infantry, Colonel John R. Cooke,
and the 3d Arkansas, Captain Ready commanding, were
detached from the rest of the division and fought as a little
brigade by themselves under the command of Colonel
Cooke of the 27th North Carolina ; Colquitt's Georgia Brig
ade being some 500 yards to our right, and tbe rest of our
division about the same distance to our left. Forming in a
corn-field Ave advanced under a heavy fire of grape and
cannister at a quick step, up a little rise, and halted at a
rail fence, our right considerably advanced. Captain
Greenough's battery, attached to General Kershaw's Brig
ade Avas placed on our left, but Avas soon withdrawn.
After holding this position for half an hour or more our
front was changed ; the left retiring about ten steps and the
right throAvn back considerably, so as to be upon a line with
the other troops. In the meantime we had suffered heavily
and, I think, had inflicted equally as much damage upon
the enemy. The Yankees getting possession of a piece of
woods upon our left, Companies F K and G, the three left
companies of the 27th, Avere directed to center their fire
upon that point ; and right Avell did they do their work, as
it appeared upon an examination of the field next day that
tbe enemy were piled two or three deep in some places.
About 1 o'clock, p. si., the enemy having retired behind the
hill upon which they Avere posted, and none appearing
Avithin range in our front, Colonel Cooke ordered us to fall
back some tAventy steps in the corn-field and lie down, so
as to draw them on ; he in the meantime, regardless of per
sonal danger from sharpshooters, remained at the fence
beside a small hickory tree. After remaining there some
twenty minutes the enemy attempted to sneak up a section
of artillery to the little Avoods on our left. Colonel Cooke,
watching the movement, ordered the four left companies of
the 27th North Carolina up to the fence and directed them
to fire upon this artillery. At the first fire, before they had

75
gotten into position, nearly every horse and more than half
tbe men fell, and the infantry line which had moved up to
support them showed evident signs of wavering. Colonel
Cooke seeing this, and having received orders to charge if
opportunity offered, ordered a charge. Without waiting a
second word of command both regiments leaped the fence
and " went at them," and soon we had captured these guns
and had the troops in f ront of us in full retreat. A battery
posted near a little brick church upon a hill to our left was
playing sad havoc with us, but thinking that would be taken
by tbe troops upon our left, who we supposed Avere charg
ing with us, we still pursued the flying foe. Numbers of
them surrendered to us and they were ordered to the rear.
Two or three hundred took shelter behind a lot of hay
stacks, and fastening white handkerchiefs to their muskets
and bayonets, held them out offering to surrender. We
pushed on, and soon wheeling to the right drove down their
line, giving them an enfilade fire, and succeeded in breaking
six regiments, Avhich fled in confusion. Only one Federal
regiment, that I saw, left the field in anything like good
order. After pushing on in this way, we found ourselves
opposed by a body of the enemy behind a stone wall in a
corn-field. Stopping to contend with these we found that
we were almost out of ammunition ; the cartridges Avhich
we had captured on the field, and of these there was a large
quantity, not fitting our guns.
Colonel Cooke, learning this fact, and seeing that Ave Avere
not supported in our charge, ordered us to fall back to our
original position. This, of course, Avas done at double-
quick. As we returned we experienced the perfidy of those
who had previously surrendered to us and whom we had
not taken time to disarm. They, seeing that we were not
supported, attempted to form a line in our rear and in a few
minutes would have done so. As it was, we had to pass
between two fires, a part of the troops having been thrown
back to oppose our movement on their flank and these sup
posed prisoners having formed on tbe other side. A bloody

76
lane indeed it proved to us. Many a brave man lost his life
in that retreat. At some points the lines Avere not sixty
yards distant on either side of us. ArriA7ing at our original
position both regiments halted and Avere soon reformed.
In this retreat Ave Avere Arery materially aided and pro
tected by Cobb's Brigade, then commanded by Colonel
William McRae, of the 15th North Carolina Regiment.
I deem it proper to state here that tbe colors of tbe 27th
Regiment in this action were carried by7 William H. Camp
bell, a private of Company G, from Orange county, N. C,
who afterwards fell at Bristoe Station, and that he was for
the greater part of that time the foremost man in the line,
and when ordered by Colonel Cooke to go slower, as the
regiment could not keep up with him, replied, "Colonel, I
can't let that Arkansas fellow get ahead of me."
I will also state that soon after Ave started the charge,
some drunken officer on horseback, who or of what com
mand I never learned, rode in front of the 27th North
Carolina, then commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel R. W.
Singletary, and pulling off and waving his hat, yelled out,
" Come on, boys ; I'm leading this charge." Lieutenant-
Colonel Singletary immediately ran up to him (the regiment
being then at double-quick) and replied, " You are a liar,
sir; Ave lead our OAvn charges."
As soon as the regiments could reform behind their rail
fence they opened fire with the few cartridges they had left
and soon checked the advance of the enemy who did not
come beyond the line which they had occupied in the morn
ing. In a short while all our ammunition was exhausted.
Colonel Cooke sent courier after courier for ammunition,
but still none was sent. Four or five times during the after
noon General Longstreet sent couriers telling Colonel Cooke
to hold the position at all hazards, that " it Avas the key to
the whole line." Colonel Cooke's reply was always, " Tell
General Longstreet to send me some ammunition. I haA7e
not a cartridge in my command, but will hold my position
at the point of the bayonet."

77
The rail fence, which Avas our only protection, Avas rid
dled Avith bullets and torn Avith shot and shell and our men
were falling fast, but still the 27th North Carolina and the
3d Arkansas flinched not. Imbued with tbe courage of
their commander, they stood firm to their post.
For about tAvo hours and a half they held the position
literally Avithout a cartridge. This fact is mentioned in
General R. E. Lee's report of tbe first Maryland campaign,
and also in Dabney's Life of " StoneAvall " Jackson.
Between 4 and 5 o'clock in the afternoon Ave were relieved
(I think by tbe 3d North Carolina and a Louisiana regiment),
and Avere moved about a mile to the rear to get ammunition
and fresh water. After resting about half an hour Ave were
marched again to the front and placed in position just
behind and in support of the troops who had relieved us.
Here Ave were subjected to a severe shelling, but had no
chance to return the fire. Tuesday had been a long one,
but the evening seemed longer ; the sun seemed almost to
go backwards, and it appeared as if night would never
come. As soon as it became dark we were moved to tbe
left, rejoined our division, and with them bivouacked upon
tbe battle-field.
Tbe regiment entered tbe battle Avith 325 officers and
men and lost in killed and wounded 203 ; about sixty-three
per cent. One company went in thirty strong and had but
five left at tbe end of the day. Another, with an aver
age company and a full complement of officers, lost its
Captain, First Lieutenant and Second Lieutenant killed,
and tAvo-thirds of its men kdled or wounded. This regi
ment remained with its division on the battle-field all day
of tbe 18th and retreated with the Army of Northern Vir
ginia on the night of the 18th, crossing the Potomac at
Shepherdstown about daylight on tbe morning of tbe 19th,
marched from there to Martinsburg, Va., where it remained
till the last of September, and then moved via Bunkerville
to Winchester. Remaining there till the latter part of
October we then moved via Millwood to Paris and Upper-

78
vide on the Blue Ridge mountains. After spending several
days at these places, and making a raid to near Aldie and
capturing a lot of beef cattle and flour, we moved via
Salem, Va., to Culpeper Court House, thence to Cedar Run
and then to Madison Court House, Va. After leaving
Madison Court House, we moved via Orange Court House
to Fredericksburg, Va., reaching tbe latter place about the
middle of November, 1862.
Tbe march to Fredericksburg was a hard one, as in con
sequence of the change of position from tbe extreme left
to tbe centre at Sharpsburg Ave. lost our knapsacks and
blankets, having piled them up by companies as we entered
the fight and being unable, on account of the change of
position, to get them, as we intended, on the 18th of Sep
tember, and many of our men, besides being short of cloth
ing, were also barefoot.
During the month of November, and before we reached
Fredericksburg, our Colonel, John R. Cooke, though the
junior Colonel of the brigade, Avas, for gallantry, promoted
to Brigadier-General, and assigned to the command of our
brigade in place of General J. G. Walker, Avho had been
transferred to the Trans-Mississippi Department. The brig
ade was also changed; the regiments from other States
being assigned to brigades from their respective States, viz. :
the 30th Virginia to Corse's Brigade, the 3rd Arkansas to
Robertson's Texas Brigade, and the 2d Georgia Battalion
to Wright's Brigade. The 15th North Carolina, formerly
belonging to Cobb's Brigade, was assigned to our brigade,
Avhich then comprised the 15th, 27th, 46th, and 48th North
Carolina Regiments.
Upon the promotion of Colonel Cooke, Lieutenant-Colo
nel Singletary having resigned on account of wounds, Major
John A. Gilmer, Jr., Avas promoted to Colonel ; Captain G.
F. Whitfield, Company C, to Lieutenant-Colonel, and Cap
tain Joseph C. Webb, Company G, to Major.
We were engaged in the first battle of Fredericksburg,
Va., December 13, 1862, and fought behind the rock wall at

79
Marye's Heights, on the telegraph road, just opposite the
town. On account of the protection afforded by this wall
our loss was slight, while the damage done the enemy in
our front was terrible.
January 3, 1863, Ave were ordered South, and after stop
ping for some time at Petersburg, Va., Goldsboro, BurgaAV
and Wilmington, N. C, reached Charleston, S. C, February
22, 1863. The next day we proceeded to Pocataligo, S. C,
and in a few days afterwards to CoosaAvhatchie. Here we
remained till April 26, 1863, when we Avere ordered to re
turn to North Carolina. After halting a feAv days at Wil
mington and Magnolia we proceeded via Goldsboro to Kin
ston, and formed a part of tbe troops that drove the Fed
erals back into Newbern after their attack on Ransom's
Bridge at Gum Swamp in May, 1863. We pursued them
within eight miles of Newbern ; then, after demolishing
some of their block-houses with our artillery, returned to
camp. About the first of June, 1863, Ave returned to Vir
ginia and expected to go on the Gettysburg campaign as a
part of Heth's Division, but when Ave reached Richmond
our brigade was, at the request of General Elzey, then com
manding there, stopped at that place, and Davis' Mississippi
Brigade assigned to Heth's Division in our stead.
We spent tbe summer of 1863 at Richmond and Freder
icksburg and points between those places, being moved from
place to place to meet and repel threatened attacks of the
enemy. During this summer we assisted in repelling an attack
made by tbe Federal General Getty with quite a consider
able force at the bridge over the South Anna river on the
Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad.
We were also engaged in a severe skirmish near the
" White House," when Ave, with Ransom's North Carolina
Brigade, met " Beast Butler " and his command and checked
one of their many attempts to move " on to Richmond."
About tbe first of October, 1863, Ave moved to Gordons-
vide, Va., and on the morning of October 8, took up the

so
line of march — having been reassigned to Heth's Division—
with the Army of Northern Virginia in the attempt to cut
Meade's army off. Passing near Salem, Va., and other
towns in that section, we reached Warrenton, Va., on the
evening of October 13, 1863. Leaving this place next
morning Ave reached a little place called Greenage about 10
o'clock a. si. Here Ave found tbe camp-fires of the enemy
still burning and evident signs of their departure in haste.
Throwing out our skirmishers some 200 yards ahead we
proceeded at a rapid pace, almost double quick, in pursuit
of tbe foe. Guns, knapsacks, blankets, etc., streAvn along
the road showed that the enemy was moving in rapid retreat,
and prisoners sent in every few minutes confirmed our
opinion that they Avere fleeing in haste. It was almost like
boys chasing a bare. Though the march was very rapid
not a straggler left the ranks of our regiment, every man
seeming in earnest and confident in the belief that we
would soon overtake and capture a portion of the Federal
army before us with their wagon train. After moving at
this rapid rate for about three hours or more Ave were filed
to the right and placed in line of battle on tbe right of the
road, Kirkland's North Carolina Brigade taking position
on the left of the road.
Soon the command "Forward" was given. Advancing
some 400 or 500 yards through a dense forest we halted
near a little branch in a hollow place in some cleared
ground. The 46th North Carolina, Colonel Hall, was on
the extreme right of our brigade, the 15th North Carolina,
Colonel William McRae next, the 27th North Carolina, Col
onel Gilmer next and the 48th North Carolina, Colonel
Walkup, on the left, Avith their left resting on the road.
We could then see about two brigades of the enemy upon
a hill a little to our left and about 600 or 800 yards in front,
while their wagon train Avas rapidly moving off. About
this time a heavy fire was opened by the enemy, in a pine
thicket upon our right flank. Just then a courier came
from General Heth to General Cooke, with orders from

81
General A. P. Hill, our corps commander, to advance. At
the same time a courier from Colonel Hall, commanding the
right regiment of our brigade, reported that the enemy had
driven in his skirmishers on his right flank.
General Cooke immediately went to General Heth and
told him there was a heavy force of the enemy on his right
flank and he must have it protected before be could advance,
and at the same time directed the courier from Colonel Hall
to tell him to throw out two companies on the right and feel
the force of the enemy. Very soon a courier returned from
General Heth with orders for General Cooke again to
advance, and about the same time a courier from Colonel
Hall reported that he had thrown out the tAvo companies
as ordered, who were immediately driven in, and that tbe
enemy were in very heavy force on his right flank. About
this time Captain Johnson, of the Engineers, of General Lee's
staff, rode up, and upon seeing the situation, remarked to
General Cooke that he would go to General Hill for him.
Very soon after he left, and before he had time to reach
General Hill, a courier came direct from General Hill to
General Cooke Avith the order : " General Cooke, General
Hill says advance at once." General Cooke replied, " Well,
I will advance, and if they flank me, I will face my men
about and cut my way out," and immediately gave the
command " Forward !"
Just then our artillery, posted upon a high hill on our
extreme left, opened upon the enemy in view and they fled in
confusion. At the same time the Federals, driven up the rail
road by Early's Corps, had arrived in our front, and they
immediately formed line behind the railroad embankment.
We advanced at quick-step up a little hill, and, passing
through a skirt of pines on its summit, came in full view of
the enemy. They seemed to have formed a trap for us, their
artillery being posted on the opposite hill some six hundred
yards distant, with some few troops appearing as a support
for them, and their skirmishers being on the opposite side
of the railroad and beyond the line of battle, which lay
6

concealed behind the embankment of the railroad. When
we had advanced some fifty yards, the 27th North Carolina,
Avhich had always been drilled in the quick-step, was some
twenty yards in advance and was ordered to halt till the
other regiments came up. Just then we perceived that the
line of battle of the enemy was behind the railroad. As
they fired up the bill nearly every one of their shots told.
Just at that moment General Cooke, commanding brigade,
and Colonel Gilmer, 27th North Carolina, were both shot
down, severely Avounded. The command of the brigade
then deA7olved upon Colonel Hall, 46th North Carolina, and
Lieutenant-Colonel Whitfield took command of our regi
ment. We were suffering terribly, and Lieutenant-Colonel
Whitfield seeing this, hurried clown the line to meet Colo
nel Hall, who Avas coming up from the right, and told him
that he would lose all his men if they remained Avhere they
Avere, and he must either move them back or make a charge.
Colonel Hall replied, "I expect Ave had better charge."
Lieutenant-Colonel Whitfield understood this as an order,
and gaA7e the command for the 27th to charge, and we were
soon double-quicking down the hill, our men falling at
almost every step. The point from which Ave started the
charge was distinctly marked; at least four, and in some
cases ten, men from each company lying dead or Avounded
in that line. The other regiments of tbe brigade, seeing us
charging, advanced at quick-step to our support. When we
came within about forty yards of the railroad, the enemy
arose and gave us a volley which cut doAvn more than half
the remainder of our regiment. Color-bearer Sumner, Ser
geant of Company F, fell at this fire, but before tbe colors
touched the ground they Avere caught by Corporal Barrett,
Company E, one of the color-guard. Before he had gone ten
steps he was shot down. As he fell, Corporal Story, Com
pany B, and Richards, Company G, both also of the color-
guard, caught the flag. Corporal Story carried it during
the balance of the fight and, for his gallantry upon this
occasion was afterwards appointed Ensign of the regiment,

under the act of Congress authorizing color-bearers of regi
ments to be appointed Ensigns with the rank of Lieutenant.
After going Avithin twenty steps of the enemy's line, Major
Webb, who had been thrown in command of the regiment
after the Avounding of Lieutenant-Colonel Whitfield, seeing
that Ave were the only regiment charging in our brigade,
ordered us to fall back. A murderous trip indeed it Avas
up that bill, and but for the action of the 15th North Caro
lina, who, bj7 orders of their Colonel — the gallant William
McRae, afterwards Brigadier-General — fed back by com
panies, pouring a continuous fire upon the enemy, so as to
keep them down to some extent, but few of us would have
escaped. As it Avas, our loss Avas severe. Out of 426 offi
cers and men carried into the action, 290 men were killed
or wounded, leaving only 136; of 36 officers in the fight,
but three remained unhurt. It may be well enough to state
here, though not exactly connected with the history of this
regiment, that Cooke's Brigade lost in that battle 700 men,
and Kirkland's Brigade 560, making 1,260 as the loss upon
our side, while it was reported that the enemy's loss was
only 35. The battle only lasted about forty minutes of
actual fighting, and I doubt if such carnage Avas ever known
in the same length of time.
We fell back beyond the brow of the hill and immediately
reformed. A battery of artillery, from Alabama, was
ordered into position at the broAv of the hill in our rear
after Ave began the charge ; but neither our Brigadier nor
any other officer in command knew anything of it, and as
we closed in to the right in falling back we saw nothing of
it, and Avere very much surprised the next day to learn that
one of our batteries had been captured. Although our
whole corps Avas right at hand, not a single regiment or
brigade Avas sent to our assistance, but these two North
Carolina brigades were left to contend alone, Avith the
whole 2d corps and one division of the 5th corps of the
Federal Army. As I passed back wounded from the bat
tle-field I met our troops along tbe road resting, while we

84
Avere fighting such fearful odds. One incident of this fight
I Avid mention, which shows the coolness of some men
under all circumstances. We had just drawn new clothing
— gray jackets and blue pants — and our men, anxious to
keep their clothing bright and neAv, had most of them put
on their old clothes during the march and had them on at
this fight. As Ave Avere falling back up tbe hill, Private
Laughinghouse, of Company E from Pitt county, finding
bis knapsack too hea\7y, determined to throAv it aAvay, but
as be did not wish to lose his neAv clothes — having his old
ones on — he stopped, changed clothes under this heavy fire,
and then picking up his blanket and gun made his way up
the hill unhurt. Another incident worth mentioning is this.
Private Flemming, Company H, came to Major Webb the
morning after the fight and told him that his gun had
kicked so much the evening before that his shoulder was
almost useless. Major Webb, looking at him, remarked,
" Why, ain't you shot ? There's a hole in your coat." Upon
examination if proved that he Avas indeed shot through the
shoulder and in the excitement of the fight had not noticed
it at all.
The enemy retreated during that night and the next day
Ave buried our dead upon the field. The day folloAving,
after sending off all our wounded in ambulances and wagons,
we started back towards Richmond and assisted in tearing
up the railroad as far doAvn as Rappahannock Station.
Crossing the Rappahannock river, we Avent into camp and
remained until November 4, tbe enemy, having relaid the
railroad track, advanced and we fell back to Culpeper
Court House.
A few days afterwards Ave retired across the Rapidan and
picketed along that river above Rapidan Station until No
vember 28, when Meade with his army, having crossed be-
Ioav the junction of the Rapidan and Rappahannock, Ave
were, with the remainder of our army, moved to meet him
at Mine Run. We had quite a skirmish that evening, losing
several men. The next day Ave Avere held in reserve and

S5
afterwards Avere moved from point to point along the line
Avherever troops seemed to be needed, until tbe morning of
December 3, Avhen tbe skirmishers of our brigade were
ordered to feel the enemy's position. As we advanced we
found that the enemy had fled during the night, leaving
their bivouac fires burning and their camping places filled
with plunder which they had taken from houses of citizens
living in the vicinity. A few prisoners Avhom we captured,
told us that the retreat began about 2 o'clock a. si., and
that the army was then far out of our reach and perhaps
across the river.
Returning to camp we continued our picket duty along the
Rapidan until February 4, 1864, when being relieved by Kirk-
land's Brigade, we moved back to our winter-quarters a few
miles beloAV Orange Court House. We had hardly got set
tled in them when it Avas reported that the enemy were ad
vancing, and Ave Avere on the 7th of February ordered to
return to the river to resist their crossing. After spending
two days and nights of bitter cold Aveather on the banks of
the Rapidan, we returned to camp and remained unmolested,
enjoying the first Avinter-quarters we had seen in two years,
until March 1, Avhen our rest was again broken into. Tbe
enemy having started some of their cavalry on a raid
through Madison, Greene and the adjoining counties, threw
a large force 'of infantry7 across the river to Madison Court
House as a support for them.
Our corps was ordered to drive them off. Leaving camp
about an hour or two before clay on the morning of March
1, we reached Madison Court House in the afternoon after
a toilsome march over muddy roads, and found that tbe
enemy had fled some two or three hours before.
Next morning we returned to camp, and as some of our
men were barefooted, their feet, cut by tbe sharp edges of
the frozen ground, left their bloody tracks along the route.
I had read of our soldiers in the Revolutionary war leaAdng
their tracks marked Avith blood, but had always regarded it as
rather too highly painted a picture until I saw the same thing

86
in this instance, and then I could realize it. After reaching
camp we remained in perfect quiet until May 4, 1864, when
we started for the Wilderness, where the memorable cam
paign of 1864 commenced. As Ave left our bivouac on the
morning of May 5, near where the battle of Mine Run had
been fought in the Avinter before, Kirkland's Brigade was
thrown in front and Ave acted as his support. About 11
o'clock our brigade relieved Kirkland, he becoming our sup
port. We were then driving the enemy down tbe plank
road leading from Orange Court House to Fredericksburg —
only cavalry as yet appearing in our front — and continued to
drive them back till about 3 o'clock p. si. Avhen, on reaching
Brock road, where it crosses the plank-road, Ave found the
main body of the enemy. Immediately our AA7bole brigade
Avas thrown into line, the 15th and 46th North Carolina
being on the right of the road, and the 27th and 4Sth
North Carolina on the left. Very soon the battle opened
in earnest, and Ave had to contend against large odds till
near sundown, when Ave were relieved by Kirkland's Brig
ade. The troops engaged on our side up to near sunset
numbered, by actual calculation, 3,0< 0, while the enemy
were said to have brought forward 40,000. Our loss was
severe ; I am unable to give the loss of the 27th, but out of
1,753 in the brigade for duty7, as appeared by the report of
the Inspector-General made the day before, about 1,080
Avere killed or Avounded. After being relieved by Kirkland,
Ave were moved to the rear, and after dark that night Avere
moved about one and a half or tAvo miles back to a bill,
Avhere the line of battle of our army was established.
The next morning (May 6, 1864,) soon after sunrise, the
enemy advanced, and were soon in full charge upon our
lines. The troops both to the right and left of us, having
no protection, broke and fled. Our brigade, thanks to the
breastworks which they had tbroAvn up contrary to orders
the night before, held their ground, as did Williams' battery
from North Carolina, commanded by Captain Arthur Wil
liams, a gallant young officer from Fayetteville, for whom

87
we Avere the support. Just as Ave were flanked on each side
and almost ready to retreat, from force of circumstances,
Anderson's corps came up and the gallant charge of the
Texas brigade was made. As they neared the position held
by our brigade, General Lee, our revered commander, rode
to tbe front and called out that he Avould lead the charge.
This, of course, was opposed by every true soldier, and
when he insisted upon going to the front his horse was
seized by the soldiers and officers, who told him he must go
back or they would not go forward. This fact was given
me by tbe Major of our regiment — a gallant officer — who
was wounded within fifteen steps of General Lee just as his
horse was seized to prevent his going forward.
From this time till September 12, 1864, I can only give an
outline of the movements of our regiment, and the engage
ments in which they took part, as I was severely wounded
on the 5th of May, at the battle of the Wilderness, and did
not return to duty till September 12, and I sincerely hope
that some of my old comrades of the 27th Avid supply this
blank, and give an account of the engagements during that
time. We were engaged in the battles of Wilderness, Spottsyl-
vania Court House, Gray's Farm, Pole Green Church, Cold
Harboro, second Gray's Farm, Weldon Railroad and Reams'
Station. About the middle of July, 1864, Ave found ourselves in
the trenches before Petersburg.
August 24 Ave Avere moved from the trenches and took up
the line of march from Reams' Station on the railroad be
low Petersburg — having been told before we started, that
as Ave had been in front in nearly all the fights during the
summer, we should simply be "lookers-on in Venice" on
this occasion. Soon after reaching Reams' Station a charge
was made upon the enemy's works by certain of our troops.
They failing to capture them, General A. P. Hill ordered
forward Cooke's, McRae's and Lane's North Carolina Brig
ades. A part of our brigade (Cooke's) having to pass

88
through the open field and the other through undergrowth
and fallen trees, General Cooke ordered his two left regi
ments, tbe 27th and 48th North Carolina, forward first, and
when they had gotten sufficiently advanced directed tbe
other two, the 46th and 15th to advance. Upon striking
the enemy's Avorks Ave found they Avould not give way, and
a hand-to-hand fight across the breastworks ensued for a
minute or two. Three times Captain Shade Wooten, Com
pany C, finding one of the enemy poking his gun up to shoot
him, grabbed a handful of dirt from the embankment and
dashed it in tbe eyes of his opponent and thus saved his
life. This state of affairs was ended when the 46th and
15th North Carolina, which charged through an open field
at double-quick, reached the Avorks when the brigade went
over in line. I have it from the mouth of General Cooke,
our Brigadier, that the first colors seen at the works were
those of the 27th North Carolina, carried by Sergeant
Roscoe Richards, Company G. The enemy immediately
fled in confusion, and turning their own artillery, Avhich we
had captured, we endeavered to use it upon them, but owing
to the want of friction-primers, etc., it Avas useless to us.
The troops engaged on our side numbered 1,750, and after
taking the enemy's works we found ourselves in possession
of over 2,100 prisoners, besides thirteen pieces of artillery,
which Ave forwarded that night to the headquarters of our
Corps Commander, General A. P. Hill.
In General Lee's dispatch to the War Department he
states, that the charge Avas made by Cooke's, McRais and
Lane's North Carolina Brigades. Our loss was severe in
proportion to our numbers. The 27th North Carolina only
numbered seventy, or about that ; certainly not over, after
this engagement. One company I know bad only one cor
poral and two men at the end of that fight. This was, un
doubtedly, the most brilliant dash — for indeed it Avas a
dash — of the Avar ; and be it remembered that North Caro
linians, alone, were engaged in it. After this fight we re
turned to our position in the trenches, where we remained

S9
until the latter part of September, 1864, Avhen we were
moved further to the right. September 20, 1864, leaving
the trenches we were moved to the right, and on the next
day took part in a skirmish — about half a fight — just below
Battery 45.
After this our brigade (Cooke's) occupied the extreme
right of our lines, being moved still farther to the right as
the lines were extended to meet tbe movements of the
enemy, and other troops put in to fill the vacancy until we
reached Hatcher's Run near Burgess' Mill about the 1st of
December, 1864. On the 15th of October, 1864, 1 saw a let
ter from General R. H. Chilton, Inspector General on Gen
eral Lee's staff, to General Cooke, in Avhich — although the
letter Avas written principally on other matters — he stated
that General Lee looked upon Cooke's North Carolina Brig
ade as the brigade and Cooke as the Brigadier of bis army.
October 27, 1864, the enemy attempting to turn our right
flank again Ave moA7ed still to the right, having to march
two miles behind our breastAvorks half bent, in order to
keep out of view of the enemy's sharpshooters who were
within seventy-five yards of our works, and made it almost
certain death for any man to show bis bead above the works.
That night we were relieved and moved up the creek
(Hatcher's Run) to Burgess' Mill, and were told that next
morning at daylight we would have to charge the enemy
across the creek. The only means of crossing was a narrow
country bridge, about twelve feet Avide, and it was not at all
a pleasant prospect to think of having to cross that place
in front of the enemy's artillery, posted on a hill about 100
yards off, and their sharpshooters and skirmishers within
twenty steps of the bridge. Just at daylight on the morn
ing of October 28, our sharpshooters Avere ordered forward,
and it was most Avelcome intelligence to us to hear their
shout as they marched up the hill and entered the enemy's
works which had been abandoned during the night. Again
Grant had failed in his flank movement and had returned
to his camp.
This Avas considered the end of the campaign of 1864.

90
Our brigade entered the campaign with 1,753 men for
duty, as was shown by the report of our Inspector General,
made May 4th, 1864, and lost up to this time 1,786 men
killed, wounded and missing. Of course, in order to make
up this number some men must have been Avounded two or
three times, each time of wounding counting as a separate
loss. During that time we had only lost thirty -five prison
ers, everyone of whom were captured from our skirmish
line ; not a single prisoner han'uuj been taken from our line
of battle; nor had we in that whole campaign yielded an
inch of ground to the enemy, ahvays coming out victorious
or, at least, holding our own.
Returning soon after to our position on the left of
Hatcher's Run, a mile and a half below Burgess' Mill, we
put up winter-quarters and remained quiet, perfoi-ming
picket duty and drilling, till December 8, 1864, Avhen the 2d
corps of the Federal army having started on a raid to Bel-
field, on the Petersburg and Weldon Railroad, our corps
was ordered to oppose them. Leaving camp on the evening
of the Sth of December Ave marched until about 2 o'clock
a. m., when we bivouacked. The weather Avas bitter cold
and that night it snowed and sleeted, making the marching
very rough. When Ave came Avithin a few mdes of Belfield
we found that the enemy had retreated and we were ordered
back to Jarrett's Station to try and intercept them. Just
as Ave reached this point Ave found the enemy's cavalry pass
ing. Immediately throwing forward our artillery, under
the gallant Pegram, and putting Cooke's Brigade in line for
support, we prepared for action. As we Avere in the woods,
the enemy did not see us and charged upon the artdlery
just as it got into position ; but our skirmishers, posted about
a hundred yards in front of the artillery, soon showed them
that they were supported. The enemy Avere driven back
without a gun being fired from the line of battle, and as
they retreated Ave pursued. Crossing the railroad we pushed
on for some three miles, hoping to intercept their infantry

91
who were going up the Jerusalem Plank Road. When we
reached this road we learned that they had passed about
three hours before. As it was about dark we bivouacked
for the night and next morning started on our return to
camp, which we reached on the afternoon of December
13. Our rest Avas not again broken into until Sunday, Feb
ruary 5, 1865, when Grant, making another of his forward
movements, was within 600 or 800 yards of our works before
his movements were seen. Immediately the "long roll"
was beaten and we were in line in a few minutes behind
our works.
About the middle of the day Gordon's Corps having been
brought to our side of the creek, Davis' Mississippi Brigade,
Avhich held a position about a mile to our left, was marched
down to our position and relieA7ed us. We then started up
the line, Cooke's Brigade being in the lead, and after going
a mile and a half or two miles crossed our works and
moved to the front.
Several times, as we passed up the lines, the question
was asked, " What brigade is that ?" and when we an
swered " Cooke's North Carolina," the reply always came
back, " Oh, yes ! you are the felloAvs that have got up such
a reputation for fighting. You'll get enough of it yet
before you are done. They'll keep you in front until the
enemy cuts you to pieces."
Passing a mile or more to the front, Ave turned to the
right and formed a line of battle. Our skirmishers being
immediately thrown out Avere soon moved to the right to
protect the flank, which left the skirmishers of some other
brigade in our front. Soon the order of advance was given,
and after going a short distance we struck tbe enemy's skir
mish line. The skirmishers in our front gave back through
our line, and we had to drive the enemy's skirmishers with
our line of battle for more than half a mile. When we struck
the enemy's line, posted behind a little earth Avork upon a
hill in a field beyond the wood through which we bad ad
vanced, tbe order was given to charge. As we started up

92
the hill and Avere within sixty y7ards of their works, the
command, " Dress to the left," which had been given all
tbe time, was repeated, and finding that the brigade on our
left did not come to time we fell back to the edge of the
woods and took position behind a fence. Again the order
to advance was given, and again starting up the hill and
getting near enough to the enemy to see their knapsacks
over the small embankment, behind which they were lying
flat, finding that our left was unsupported we Avere ordered
back. After a short while, the enemy making a strong
demonstration on our right flank, Ave were ordered to fall
back. When Ave reached our reserve line, about half a mile
to our rear, Ave halted, and soon after fresh troops Avere
ordered forward, Cook's Georgia Brigade taking the place
of ours. As they advanced, the three left companies of the
27th North Carolina (Companies H, G and B) thinking the
command Avas given by our Brigadier, went forward Avith
them and fought through the remainder of the afternoon,
losing several men. After dark Ave returned to our breast
works, and upon reaching them found that Ave had been
fighting not more than six hundred yards from and directly
in front of our camp. Why we were moved tAVO miles up
our line and then to the front to take the lead in the charge
immediately in front of our position, Avhich Avas then held
by other troops, I never could understand. The next morn
ing (February 6, 1865,) we again moved to tbe front and
passing quietly, about daylight, along a path on the bank
of the creek, formed a line some five hundred yards in front
of our works. We lay here in line of battle all day to pre
vent the enemy from crossing the creek and turning tbe
flank of Gordon's Corps, who Avere driving them from their
side of the creek. Although tbe enemy were very near we
had no engagement except a little skirmishing and picket
firing. Returning to camp that night Ave enjoyed about six
weeks of quiet and rest.
On the night of March 24, 1865, orders Avere gi\7en for us
to march. Leaving our sick and disabled to bold our picket

93
line Ave took tbe road for Petersburg — eight miles distant —
not knoAving whither we were bound beyond that point.
Reaching Petersburg about midnight we bivouacked near the
Water-works. Next morning about daylight the artillery
opened fire and soon it was reported that our troops had
carried the enemy's line and had possession of their works.
We were hurried into the trenches to take tbe place of the
troops who had advanced.
Soon after reaching the works we saw large bodies of the
enemy moving up their line from their left — our right — both
on foot and on the railroad, and soon our troops who had
charged Avere driven back, and we learned that the attempt
to carry "Hare's Hill" had failed. Our position being just
to the right of the troops engaged we had, for the first time
during the war, an opportunity of seeing a fight in which
we did not take part. The view, at a distance, looks worse
than the reality seems while you are actually in it. About
2 o'clock p. si. we were ordered back to camp. Before
reaching it, however, we perceived by tbe firing that there
was a fight going on at that point, and on arriving at our
camp found the enemy in possession of our picket line.
They had charged it in the morning and captured it from
our sick and disabled. McComb's Alabama Brigade Avas
then thrown into our lines and, charging, retook the picket
line and placed a heavy force there. In the afternoon the
enemy, charging Avith a heavier force, retook it from them
just before we arrived. General Cooke calling out our
sharpshooters — 100 men — ordered them to move quickly
down the bank of the creek, until they reached the picket
line and then to flank it and charge down it. As they
raised the yell for the charge, the reserve, or second corps
of sharpshooters, started from a gap in our works and soon
the whole of the picket line of our brigade was again in our
possession. Next morning (March 26) our sharpshooters
were relieved by a regular picket line. Tbe enemy had in
the meantime established their picket line, during the night,
Avithin fifty yards in front of the left of our line, while on

94
our left they Avere on a line Avith us ; the troops on our left
having failed to recapture their picket line. The next night
our line was thrown back a little on the left so as to prevent
any flank or enfilade fire, and thus we remained until
Thursday, March 30, 1865, Avhen several attacks were made
upon our picket line, then commanded by Captain John A.
Sloan, of Company B, 27th North Carolina, but we still held
our own. Next day, however, after frequent attacks by a
large force, our pickets Avere compelled to yield and fall
back to the main line.
The next morning, Saturday, April 1, about tAvo hours
before day Companies G and H, 27th North Carolina, with
a detachment from each of the other regiments of our brig
ade, and the 26th Mississippi Battalion, Avere ordered for-
Avard to driAre the enemy out of our picket line and to take
possession of it and hold it. A double line of skirmishers,
from another brigade, was in our front Avhen we advanced.
When near where our picket line had been we found noth
ing in our front but the enemy. It Avas pitch dark and
seeing the men quietly7 around the fires, Ave supposed our
skirmishers had captured them, when, all at once, Avhen we
were within twenty yards some one near one of the fires
called out in regular Irish brogue, "Where do you belong?"
" To tbe 48th !" was the reply. " Forty eight what ?" "48th
North Carolina!" was the answer. Immediately the poor
fellow was shot doAvn. The rest of us at that place dropped
behind some earthAvorks or pits Avhich Ave found there,
thinking it was our OAvn men, who had captured the pits and
Avere firing upon us by mistake. Tbe other troops with us
had turned to the right at a little branch, about 200 yards
back, and only four companies were bere present. Soon
tbe fire from six or eight pits to the right and left of us was
poured in upon us ; and Ave saAV that it was enemies instead
of friends who were firing upon us; but in the dark they
did but little damage. What became of the skirmishers in
our front Avho were to take the line which we were to
occupy Ave never knew. We found Yankees alone at anv

95
point where we struck the line. Finding Ave had no support,
and knoAving that four companies could not capture a picket
line more than half a mile long, we withdrew quietly as soon
as the firing slacked. Soon after we returned to our line
Captain McKinney of the 46th North Carolina, commanding
our sharpshooters, who were only ordered to protect the
right flank, reported, by courier, to General Cooke that be
had captured four pits and wanted reinforcements. Imme
diately7 our detachments Avere ordered forward again, but
before we bad proceeded far another courier announced
that Captain McKinney had been compelled to give up the
captured pits and we were not needed. All that day, (April
1,) we had a continuous picket and sharpshooter contest
with the enemy, losing several men Avho seemed to think
they could not be hit and exposed themselves unnecessarily.
Just before day Ave Avere relieved by Davis' Mississippi
Brigade, and crossing the creek took position in Fort Euliss.
Here the enemy were on three sides of us — our only pro
tected side being that from which Ave had just moved — and
as soon as day opened they began to fire upon us Avith both
infantry and artillery. Our breastworks Avere prepared in
such a Avay as, to some extent, to meet these flank fires ;
but they did not always suit, as some of our men were killed
during that morning by shots which, striking a limb above
them, glanced directly downward inflicting death Avounds.
We could distinctly hear the shouts of the troops fighting
between us and Petersburg, and our feelings Avould rise or
fall in proportion as we would hear the Confederate " yell " or
the Yankee "huzza" in the ascendency. After a Avbile the
" huzza " seemed to prevail, and soon a courier, private W. A.
Hayes, Company G, 27th North Carolina, came rushing into
our fort. Very shortly afterwards we were ordered out
of our works and in a few minutes Avere on the retreat from
Petersburg. After moving some four or five miles we threAV out first
one regiment and then another as skirmishers to retard the
enemy, who Avere pressing us hard, and on arriving at Suth-

96
erland's Tavern, a station on the Southside road, about ten
miles from Petersburg, we formed line of battle and threw
up breastworks of the rails and other stuff we could find
near at hand, adding such dirt as we could dig up with our
bayonets, tin cups, plates, etc. Soon the enemy charged us,
but were repulsed with heavy loss, and, as they started
back, our sharpshooters, rushing forward, captured many
prisoners. These prisoners told us that the next charge
would be made by the negro corps, supported by the Second,
and that they would show no quarter. We told them that,
having whipped the whites, we could Avhip the negroes.
The fighting was heavy till about 4 o'clock p. m., when
the enemy, largely outnumbering us, turned our left flank
and we were compelled to retreat. Falling back about four
or five miles the 13th, 22d, 27th and 49th North Carolina
regiments were thrown out to keep the enemy in check,
while the balance of our troops — Cooke's, Scales' and
McRae's North Carolina Brigades, and McGowan's South
Carolina Brigade, the troops on the right of the break in
our lines, forming the corps — endeavored to cross tbe river
so as to join the main army, from which we had been cut
off by the break. Finding that we could not cross, these
regiments were recalled and we pursued our way up the
river until 2 o'clock that night, when we halted for rest.
Next morning, April 3, we started at sunrise and, march
ing to Deep Creek, which point Ave reached about 9 a. si.,
we stopped to let our Avagon-train get far enough ahead for
its safety, and also attempted to throw a temporary bridge,
upon which we might pass, over the creek, Avhich certainly
deserved its name "Deep" at this point, for though not
very Avide, yet twenty-nine feet would not reach its bottom.
About 2 o'clock the cavalry, Avho had been our rear guard,
came rushing in and reported that the enemy were advancing
rapidly and were near at hand. McGoAvan's Brigade was
ordered to cross this temporary bridge, then but half pre
pared, and the balance of our troops took the route which
the wagons had gone, and crossed at a ford some three

97
miles above. Before we crossed the creek the enemy Avere
in full view, but did not approach near enough to attack us.
Passing on, we desired to cross the Appomattox river at
Goode's Bridge, but finding that the waters were very high,
and some 200 or 250 yards beyond either end of the bridge,
we turned up the river, and, as night came on, camped near
 Ordinary, at the cross-roads near Goode's Bridge.
As soon as Ave went into camp orders were given us to be
prepared to march at a moment's notice, and couriers were
sent out to find a place where Ave could cross the river so
as to join General Lee's army.
About 1 o'clock that night we got orders to march, and,
after passing through by-roads and open fields, about 3
o'clock a. si., April 4, 1865, came upon Anderson's Georgia
Brigade, tbe leading brigade of General Lee's army, which
had crossed the Appomattox upon a pontoon bridge, where
the whole army was then crossing. Passing down the line
we halted about daylight in a grove in front of the resi
dence of Dr. Southall. Soon after sunrise our beloved
General-in-Chief, R. E. Lee, was seen approaching. Upon
the suggestion of Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph C. Webb, com
manding our regiment, Ave rose as be neared us, and every
man raised bis hat and gave him three cheers. To rejoin
our main army, after having been cut oft for three days,
was indeed like getting home from a distant voyage, and I
don't think I ever saw men more rejoiced at anything than
Ave were at being again with our comrades. Directly after
we had cooked a little rations and eaten our breakfast, it
was proposed, as we had been so badly cut up during tbe
fights before the breaking of our lines, and on the retreat,
and numbered only about seventy men for duty, that Ave
should reorganize and form a battalion of two companies.
This was discussed and determined upon in a full meeting
of the officers and non-commissioned officers of the regiment.
The officers were to give up, temporarily, their rank, and
become non-commissioned officers, if necessary, and the
non-commissioned officers to go into the ranks. In accord-
7

98
ance Avith.tbis understanding the regiment was consolidated
into two companies, known as the 1st and 2d companies.
Lieutenant-Colonel Jos. C. Webb commanded the battalion.
Major Calvin C. Herring took command of the 1st Com
pany, and Capt. John A. Sloan, Company B, the senior
Captain, took command of the 2d Company.
I give a list of the officers and non-commissioned officers
of the two companies, and regret that I am unable to give
a list of the privates also :
FIRST COMPANY.
Captain Calvin C. Herring, Major.
Lieutenant Shade Wooten, Captain Co. C.
1st Sergeant H. F. Price, Captain Co. H.
2d " G. W. Jones, 1st Lieutenant Co. D.
3d " N. L. Whitley, 2d " " A.
4th " Jno. G. Parker, " " A.
SECOND COMPANY.
Captain John A. Sloan, Captain Co. C.
Lieutenant Robert W. Joyner, Captain Co. E.
1st Sergeant Jas. A. Graham, Captain Co. G.
2d " McG. Ernul, 1st Lieutenant Co. E.
3d " R. B. Gibson, 2d " " B.
4th " S. A. Whitley, " " " H.
This organization Avas maintained until the surrender. A
requisition Avas immediately made upon the Ordnance Ser
geant for guns to supply the officers who had just gone
temporarily into the ranks. This is the only instance that
I heard of during the Avar of a reorganization of this sort.
It shows a determination to stick by anything they under
take that is characteristic of North Carolinians.
That night Ave encamped at Amelia Court House, Va.,
and the next morning, just as Ave Avere leaving camp, the

99
enemy attacked and began burning our wagon train, some
tAvo miles distant. Our brigade was ordered, with other
troops, to drive them off, and going up the road at a quick
pace we soon passed burning ammunition wagons with
shells bursting, and cartridges popping continually. Then
we came to the provision train where roasted hams and
nicely browned crackers could be seen among the ruins, but
we had no time to stop to taste these tempting morsels.
Before we had caught up Avith the enemy they had given
up this work of destruction and fled, our only spoils being
about a dozen prisoners Avho Avere too drunk to stick to
their horses and had fallen off. One of them showed to
what good purpose a rock can sometimes be put, as he was
knocked off his horse by a rock thrown by one of the
teamsters, and from his appearance that day I expect be
yet bears the scar, and can testify that that teamster made
a " centre-shot."
We. were then moved back to our position in the main
army and continued with it, fighting by day and flanking
and retreating by night.
On Thursday, April 6, 1865, the enemy again attacked
our wagon train, some two or three miles in the rear of the
main line of our army, which was then actively engaged,
and our brigade having been acting as reserve that day, the
48th and 27th North Carolina were ordered to drive the
enemy off. The two regiments numbered just ninety-four
muskets. When Ave reached the position to which we had
been ordered Ave found the wagon train on fire, and that
we Avere opposed by a brigade of cavalry with a battery of
artillery. Forming line Ave attempted to advance, but were
met by a deadly fire and soon found ourselves flanked on
both sides by a portion of this cavalry Avho were dis
mounted and fought as infantry. Retreating to prevent
this, Ave were charged by the mounted men before Ave had
gone two hundred yards. Knowing that it was foolish to
run from men on horseback we immediately fell to the
ground and taking advantage of any little shelter that we

100
could get, gave them a fire. They soon retired and the dis
mounted men advanced, flanking us ; the same thing was
repeated two or three times until we reached a skirt of
woods some fiA7e hundred yards from where we first met
them. Just at this time a full regiment of cavalry came to
our support, and General Pendleton, who had come up, dis
mounted about half of them and ordered us forward again.
The enemy having burned a good portion of our train,
readily gave way before us. Just as Ave reached the AVagon
train orders were sent us to rejoin our brigade at once and
to take care that the enemy did not cut us off. Throwing
out some ten or twelve of our men as skirmishers upon our
flanks Ave started on our return, leaving the cavalry in our
rear. Before Ave bad gone a mile our own cavalry, closely
folloAved by the Yankees, came charging through us, and
before we could form the line the Yankees Avere upon us.
Taking to the Avoods, which were quite dense at that point
and full of ravines, so that the cavalry must keep the
road, we opened fire upon them and had quite a little
guerrilla fight for a few minutes. When they retired we
rejoined our brigade, and that night when rations were
issued we got a quart of corn per man, instead of meal, as
the Avagons burned were the provision train of our division.
We soon learned to fry corn with a little fat meat so as to
make it palatable. This fight was near Rice's Station, Va.
The next day Ave passed through Farmville, Va., and our
brigade, having been for more than a day the rear guard of
the infantry of the whole army, Avas here relieved by Scales'
North Carolina Brigade. It Avas not much of a relief, how
ever, as the enemy, having crossed the river both above and
below the town, pressed us closely and their shots fired at
Scales' line passed through our ranks. At one time during
the evening it seemed as though we were almost completely
surrounded. Our brigade, and I suppose it was the same
with the other troops, was ordered from place to place in
quick succession to meet threatened attacks. I saw one
sight that afternoon which showed what a trusted and be-

101
loved commander could do with troops. Our wagon train
was in a long lane in full view of the hill on which we were
then posted. With it was a large number of sick, wounded
and stragglers from all tbe brigades in the army, not one in
ten of them being armed. The Federal cavalry7 charged it,
when General Lee giving the command for them to forward,
a full line of battle as it were started forward from the
wagons, teamsters, sick, wounded and all joining in it, and
the enemy fled. Those who happened to be armed re
mained out as skirmishers until they were relieved by other
troops. After the enemy were driven off Ave moved on and
our regiment had no more fighting before the surrender.
Saturday7 night (April 6, 1865) we camped within about
three miles of Appomattox Court House, Virginia.
Leaving camp an hour or two before day next morning
we were moved farther to the front, and about daylight, a
little meal having been issued to us for the first time in four
days, we halted to cook rations. Before our bread was half
done we were ordered forward again. Passing rapidly up
the road, Avhich was filled Avith wagons and ambulances, we
soon came upon a Federal battery, fully equipped and
driven by their own men, in the midst of our Avagon train.
We did not understand this at first, but soon learned that it
had been captured that morning by our troops at the front
and sent in. As we approached Appomattox Court House
we could plainly see the Federal line of battle on the hill
at the Court House and beyond. Turning to the right we
were placed in line of battle on a hill opposite them and
some eight hundred yards distant, and expected to have to
advance in a few minutes.
About 9 o'clock a. m. it was whispered among our men
that a surrender was to be made. All talk of this kind was
soon hushed up by the officers. We still could not under
stand Avhy we did not charge until about 12 o'clock, when
we found out that Ave had indeed surrendered.
During the afternoon Ave learned tbe terms of surrender —
that we would be paroled and alloAved to go home.

102
Next morning General Lee's farewell address to his troops
was read to our regiment.
We remained in this position till Wednesday, April 12,
1865, when Ave marched over near the Court House and
stacked our arms in front of the enemy. Having received
our paroles Ave started that evening for home, the men of
the different companies forming into squads took the near
est route to their own sections, and the 27th Regiment of
North Carolina Troops passed out of existence.
We have served during the four years of our existence under
Brigadier-Generals R. C. Gatlin, L. O'B. Branch, J. G.
Walker, W. S. Walker and John R. Cooke ; Major-Generals
D. H. Hill, T. H. Holmes, Elzy, and H. Heth, and were at
different times attached to tbe corps of " StoneAvall " Jack
son, Longstreet, Gordon and A. P. Hill, most of our services
being in the corps of A. P. Hill.
Appended is a list of officers and men of the regiment
who Avere present and surrendered Avith General Lee at
Appomattox Court House on the 9th of April, 1865.
Lieutenant-Colonel, Joseph C. Webb ; Major, Calvin Her
ring ; Adjutant, Thaddeus E. Pittman ; Surgeon, E. Lloyd
Howard ; Sergeant-Major, William E. Ward ; Ordnance-Ser
geant, Andrew D. Lindsay; hospital steAvard, Charles M.
Parks. Company A. — 1st Lieutenant, John G. Parker ; Second
Lieutenant, M. Lafayette Whitley ; First Sergeant, Richard
B. Parker ; Corporal, Simon B. Kilpatrick ; Privates, Larry
Aycock, Joseph Peacock, George W. Steagall, Richard
Ward, John T. Roberts (courier).
Company B. — Captain, John A. Sloan ; First Sergeant,
Thomas J. Rhodes ; Sergeant, Joel J. Thom ; Privates, Peter
M. Brown, Lewis N. Isley, James IT. Hardin, Walter Green
(courier), E. Tonkie Sharp, W. A. McBride, George Lemons,
Silas C. Dobson ; Musician, Samuel M. Lipscomb.
Compang C. — Musician, John IT. Suggs ; Privates, L. H.
Fields, Jesse Grant, Henry Grant, Thomas Perdue and
Richard Sutton.

103
Company D. — First Lieutenant, George W. Jones ; Second
Lieutenant, Cornelius Harper; First Sergeant, Henry S.
Nunn ; Sergeant, J. R. HoAvard ; Corporal, J. R. Gray ;
Color Corporal, S. H. Kornegay ; Privates, A. B. Blizzard,
James Quinn, Samuel Strowd, James H. Thomas, Curtis
Worley, James Davis, Jesse Hardy.
Company E. — Captain, Robert W. Joyner; First Lieu
tenant, McG. Ernul ; First Sergeant, John R. Nixon ; Ser
geants, John E. Tyer, Albert S. Carr ; Corporals, Robert J.
Lang, Frank M. Kilpatrick; Color Corporal, John Wallston ;
Privates, Samuel R. Cason, William Corbett, Wm. Bryant
Edwards, Rufus R. Grimmer, William Gearner, Richard Har
ris, E. Isley, Matthew Jones (orderly), Peter H. Summers.
Company F. — Private Robert Lanning. This company
was on detached service in North Carolina and surrendered
with General Joseph E. Johnston's army.
Company G. — Captain, James A. Graham; Third Ser
geant, R. Richards ; Third Corporal, M. Adams ; Musicians,
W. H. H. Burroughs, S. A. Dickson ; Privates, J. Boggs,
W. BroAvn, J. N. Faucett, W. A. Faucett, A. W. Hedgepeth,
S. L. Nelson, W. H. Nunn, D. C. Parks (Commissary Ser
geant), C. M. Parks (hospital steAvard), E. Sharp, J. A.
Smith, S. G. Strayhorn, J. F. Thompson, William Thomp
son, G. W. Wadded, T. F. Ward, S. K. Woods, W. D.
Woods, W. A. Hayes.
Company IT. — Captain, Henry F. Price ; Sergeants, John
R. Rollins, J. H. Little ; Corporals, William C. Burney,
Robert Flemming ; Privates, A. Forbes, William H. Hum-
ber, Matthew James, R. James, Peter Lawrence, T. Ed.
Randolph, Erastus Rountree, A. Bevil, William H. Standi.
Gustavus H. Evans (courier).
Company L. — Privates, George Roberson, William Lovitt,
J. R. Miller, John Dees, Julius Mills, V. Civils.
Company K. — Captain Benjamin Parks ; Corporal, Ben
jamin S. Best; Privates William Bardin, E. M. Sauls,
Stephen W. Pate, Willie Thompson.
Sutler — Joseph J. Burgess. Total, 118.

104

SKETCH OF THE TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT.
In writing this short history it is not intended to go into
an extended notice of the prominent part this fine regiment
has borne in the most glorious and the most bloody cam
paigns of tbe Avar. The pen of the future historian must do
it that justice which, for lack of time, space and capacity, I
am unable to perform. Tbe 28th Regiment North Carolina
Troops organized at " Camp Fisher," near High Point, N. C,
on the 21st of September, 1861, for twelve months. Lieu
tenant-Colonel James IT. Lane, of the 1st North Carolina
Volunteers, was elected Colonel ; Captain Thomas L. Lowe,
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Capt. Richard H. Reeves, Major.
The regiment numbered about 900 men at the time of its
organization. On the 30th September the regiment left its
first camp, and, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel
LoAve, Avas transported to Wilmington, N. C, at Avhich city
it arrived on the 1st October, Avent into camp near the city,
on the Goldsboro railroad, and was incorporated into Briga
dier-General Joseph R. Anderson's command. Colonel
Lane arrived on the 1st October and took command of the
regiment. Here the men built handsome barracks, and here
they underwent the drill and discipline that Avas necessary
to prepare them for a more active service. Here the regi
ment did post duty and guarded the railroad bridges to the
Virginia line. At the camp seven companies of the ten
reorganized for " three years " or the " war," in February,
1862. Newbern Avas attacked, and the 28th Regiment was
ordered to that point. Lieutenant-Colonel Lowe, in com
mand, embarked his men on the train the 13th March, 1862,
and reached NeAvbern the 14th, only in time to assist in cov
ering the rear of our discomfited troops. He, Avith General
Branch's Brigade, then fell back on Kinston, N. C. Whilst
in this vicinity the 28th Regiment became a part of Gen
eral Branch's Brigade.
On the 12th of April, 1862, the regiment reorganized for

105
the war, and having received many recruits it was about
1,250 strong. Colonel Lane and Lieutenant-Colonel Lowe
were re-elected to their former positions by acclamation,
and Captain Samuel D. Lowe, of Company C, was elected
Major. Branch's Brigade was ordered to Virginia. The 28th
regiment took the cars at Kinston on the 2d of May with
1,199 men for duty. Arrived at Rapidan Station, Va.,
the 6th, where it did picket duty. The regiment then
returned to Gordonsville on the 15th, and marched through
Madison Court House, several miles above that place, on
the Robinson river, to join Ewell, then at New Market in
the Valley. An order recalled the Brigade to Hanover
Court House, where the 28th Regiment fought its first bat
tle on tbe 27th of May, 1862, with heavy loss. The Regi
ment here Avas cutoff from the brigade, and was engaged with
General Martindale's and Butterfield's brigades for over four
hours, inflicting greater loss than it received, and executing
one of the most difficult retreats of the war. Here began a
series of engagements in which this command bore an active
part. After a short respite it opened the battle in front of
Richmond, it being the first brigade to cross the Chicka
hominy on the 26th of June, on which day it fought at
Mechanicsvide, on the 2Sth at Cold Harbor, on tbe 30th at
Frazier's farm, and at Malvern Hill on the 1st of July, 1862.
After these exhausting battles tbe troops were allowed a
short time to rest, the 28th, with the other regiments of
the brigade, going into camp below Richmond till the 29th
of July, Avhen it took up the line of march Avhich ended in
the Cedar Run battle, the regiment bearing a conspicuous
part in the action which occurred on the 9th of August,
1862. On the 20th of August the brigade, now in the command
of the immortal Jackson, Avhom it followed the remainder
of- the hero's life, began the famous inarch to Pope's rear,
encountering heavy shelling at Warrenton Springs the 24th
of August,, and meeting the enemy at Manassas Junction,

106
on tbe 27th of August. Had a sharp fight at that place on
the 28th, 29th and 30th at Manassas plains, and at Ox Hill
on the 1st of September. The 28th Regiment fought in
all these battles, led in each of them by7 Colonel Lane, Avhose
cool courage on all occasions is proverbial with the brigade.
After tbe battle of Ox Hill tbe troops moved towards the
Potomac, the 28th Regiment crossed at Edwards' Ferry on
the Potomac River on the 5th of September, marched to
Frederick, Md., the 6th, then turned across the Blue Ridge,
recrossed the Potomac at Wilbamsport on the 11th of Sep
tember, and formed in line of battle investing Harpers' Ferry
on the 13th, and participated in the capture of that place.
The 15th of September crossed into Maryland a second
time, at Shepherdstown ; on tbe 17th took an actiAre part in
the battle of Sharpsburg same day. Major Montgomery
was iii command of tbe regiment, Colonel Lane was in com
mand of the brigade after the fall of General Branch. As
the army fell back, the 28th Regiment crossed the Potomac
on the 19th of September at Shepherdstown, forming a part
of the rear guard of the entire Army of Northern Virginia,
and was in the gallant charge on the 20th Avhich dr,ove the
enemy's troops which had followed our army to the south
bank back across the Potomac. Branch's Brigade, at and
after the battle of Sharpsburg commanded by Colonel Lane,
Avas quiet in camp near Bunker Hill, Va., after the Mary
land campaign — its numbers very much reduced, the 28th
Regiment numbering about 130 men — until the 15th of Octo
ber, Avhen the command was ordered to more up and destroy
the Potomac and Ohio Railroad which was most effectually
done, after which the brigade returned to Bunker Hill the
22d of Ootober. Various moves Avere now made near
Charleston and Snicker's Gap, and Camp Lee near Winches
ter, and on the 22d of November, 1862, the brigade, com
manded by General Lane (Colonel Lane had been promoted
to Brigader General), commenced tbe long march to Fred
ericksburg and arrived in time to meet Burnside at that
town. In the great battle of the 13th of December, 1862,

107
the 28th Regiment fought nobly and suffered severely. The
army immediately went into winter-quarters after the victory,
General Lane's Brigade at Camp Gregg ten miles below
Fredericksburg on the Rappahannock. Tbe Avinter passed.
The 29th of April, 1863, found the brigade marching to
Chancellorsville to a victory Avhich tbe 28th Regiment con
tributed largely to win, on the 3d of May, losing more
heavily than ever in any battle before in killed and wounded.
This done, it was marched back to Camp Gregg and there
remained until the 5th of June, 1863. Then the regiment
left the old camp for a destination which proved to be Get
tysburg, Pa. Crossing tbe Potomac for the fifth time, at
Shepherdstown, the 25th of June, reached Gettysburg the
1st of July and Avas precipitated upon the Heights which
rendered the Yankee General's position impregnable, losing
about two-thirds of the entire regiment in killed and
wounded. The fierce and desperate, but unfortunate, charge
was on the memorable (to North Carolinians) 3d of July,
1863. In the retreat the regiment was engaged in several
skirmishes at Hagerstown and Falling Waters, at which
point it was the last organized body of troops to cross tbe
Potomac into Virginia on the 14th of July. Without any
occurrences of striking importance after the date of those
above recorded, tbe regiment found itself encamped at Lib
erty Mills, near Orange Court House, Va., on the 1st day of
October, 1863, at which time the record ceases to correspond
with the " roll." The muster-rolls of this regiment footed
up at that date an aggregate of about eight hundred.
These notes, though supposed to be accurate, very im
perfectly express the sufferings of the regiment and the
immense value of the services it has rendered in this stu
pendous war. Forced marches, short rations, often no
rations at all for days together, marching over roads knee
deep in mud, wading rivers to armpits, lying in line of bat
tle in snow, rain and hail ; add to this sudden deaths of best
friends, brothers fallen by your side in the strife of deadly
conflict, all for love of liberty, and then a faint idea is

108
only given of tbe hardships, privations, bereavements and
services suffered and rendered by this veteran regiment.
Volunteer recruits have partially made up the heavy
losses of the regiment, a statement of which loss, in every
battle, will be appended to the accompanying roll. About
fifty conscripts have been enrolled in the regiment.
Richard E. Reaves, of Surry county, Captain Co. A.
Thomas H. Edwards, of Gaston county. Captain Co. B.
Thomas IT. Lowe, of CataAvba county, Captain Co. C.
William H. Montgomery, of Stanly county, Captain Co. D.
W. D. Barringer, of Montgomery county, Captain Co. E.
John H. Kingun, of Yadkin county, Captain Co. F.
William J. Martin, of Orange county, Captain Co. G.
William W. Wright, of Cleveland county, Captain Co. H.
William IT. A. Speer, of Yadkin county, Captain Co. I.
John A. Moody, of Stanly county, Captain Co. K.

SKETCH OF THE TWENTY-NINTH REGIMENT.
This regiment left Camp Vance in Buncombe county on
the 28th of October, 1861, for Raleigh, N. C, and arrived
at that place the 6th of November, 1861, where it Avas armed,
equipped and furnished with uniforms. Left Raleigh for
Jonesboro, Tenn., on the 25th of NoA7ember, 1861, and
arrived at Haynesville depot, on the East Tennessee and
Virginia Railroad, near Jonesboro, the 30lh day of Novem
ber, 1861. The regiment was immediately7 ordered by Col
onel Ledbetter (now General) to Cooke county, Tenn., to aid
in dispersing a band of tories Avho Avere collecting in that
section for treasonable purposes.
The regiment aided in doing this near Parrottsville, Tenn.,
on the 10th of December, 1861. Tbe regiment was then
stationed by detachments at different posts on tbe railroad
from Chattanooga to Haynesville depot as guards. The

109
regiment remained thus scattered until ordered to Cumber
land Gap, about the 20th of February, 1862. The garrison
of Cumberland Gap was at this time under command of
Colonel J. E. Raines (late General Raines). The garrison
being attacked by the Federals on March 24 and April 27,
1862, the 29th Regiment took an active part in repelling both
assaults. The regiment remained at this place until the
Yankees, under General Morgan, having crossed the moun
tain below at Big Creek Gap, were attempting to cut off
our supplies, when the Gap was evacuated by order of
General E. K. Smith on tbe night of the 17th of June,
1862, after destroying tents, heavy artillery, cooking uten
sils, etc.
At this time General C. L. Stevenson commanded the
brigade of Avhich the 29th Regiment made a part. The
brigade fell back to Beam's Station, ten miles from Morris-
town, and remained in this section until August.
General C. L. Stevenson having been promoted Major-
General, commanded the division and General J. E. Raines
commanded the brigade formerly commanded by General
Stevenson. General Stevenson's Division Avas now ordered to attack
the enemy at Tazewell, which was done on the 5th of August,
1862, routing and driving them back to Cumberland Gap
and besieging tbe place. The regiment, with one or two
others, was detached, and sent under Colonel R. B. Vance
to Baptist Gap, which is five miles south of Cumberland
Gap; remaining here until Cumberland Gap was evacua
ted by the Federals on the night of the 17th of September,
1862. Tbe command moved through the Gap into Ken
tucky on tbe 18th of September, but found nothing in the
Gap but the relics of the Federal army ; they had destroyed
tents, cooking utensils, etc., and left about four hundred of
their sick, who fell into our hands and were paroled.
On the 19th of September, 1862, the command took up
the line of march through Kentucky via London, Lancas
ter, Danville, Harrodsburg and LaAvrenceburg to Frankfort,

110
reaching the last named place October 2, 1862. On the
night of October 5 we fell back from Frankfort to Ver
sailles fourteen miles, camping there two or three days,
then resumed the march and came out of Kentucky through
Cumberland Gap, from thence to Bear Station, Tenn., Avhich
place we reached about dark on the 25th of October, 1862.
Here the command rested two or three days, and then
marched to Lenoir Station, on the East Tennessee and Geor
gia Railroad, having marched about five hundred miles in
forty days and nights. On the 15th of November, 1862,
the brigade of General Raines being ordered to Normandy
station, on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, we
took the cars and arrived at Normandy Station the 18th, a
distance of one hundred and seventy-five miles. Left Nor
mandy November 28, 1862, and marched seventeen miles to
Manchester; left that place December!, 1862, and marched
thirty-five miles to Reedyville in three days.
About this time Lieutenant-General E. K. Smith was sent
to the trans-Mississippi Department, and Major-General C.
L. Stevenson's Division to Vicksburg ; General J. E. Raines'
Brigade was transferred to Major-General McCown's Divi
sion ; Lieutenant-General Polk's Corps to General Bragg's
army. The 29th North Carolina Avas detached from the
brigade and left Reedyville December 18, 1862, and marched
to McMinnA7ille, Tenn., and from there to Murfreesboro.
Here we joined our old brigade and took an active part in
the battle of Murfreesboro, December 31, 1862, in which
the 29th Regiment lost about sixty men in killed and
wounded. By order of General Bragg tbe army fell back
to Shelbyville on the night of January 4, 1863, a distance
of twenty-five miles. During the battle General Raines
was killed and Colonel R. B. Vance Avas assigned to the
command of the brigade. General McCoAvn being relieved
from duty after the battle, the division Avas commanded by
General Stewart during our stay at Shelbyville. Brigadier-
General W. B. Bates was assigned to tbe command of Gen
eral Raines' old brigade, and Colonel R. B. Vance returned

Ill
to bis regiment, where he remained until about the first of
May, 1863, Avhen he was confined by sickness and left at
Shelbyville. Tbe regiment was then ordered to the Missis
sippi Department, was detached from General Bates' Brig
ade and sent by order of General Bragg to Jackson, Miss.
Left Shelbyville, Tenn., May 12, 1863, and arrived by rail
road at Jackson, Miss., May 18, 1863. From thence we
marched thirty7 miles to Canton. Here we took the train
to Vaughan's Station on the Jackson and Great Northern
Railroad. Here the regiment Avas attached to a Georgia
brigade commanded by Colonel C. C. Wilson. This brig
ade, constituting a part of Major-General W. Walker's Di
vision, General Walker's Division Avas ordered to Yazoo
City about the 1st of June, and from thence Avas ordered
to Vernon, Miss., June 12, 1863. General Joseph E. John
ston, commanding the Department, ordered the 29th North
Carolina Troops to remain and garrison Yazoo City. It
remained there until the 13th of July, 1863, Avhen a division
of Yankees came up Yazoo river in gunboats and compelled
us to evacuate the place. The regiment then marched across
the country about one hundred and fifty miles and joined
General Johnston's army at Martin, Miss., July 3, 1863.
The regiment was immediately ordered by General John
ston to Meridian, Miss., to do guard duty, etc. Arrived at
Meridian by rail July 27, 1863. On tbe 24th day of August,
1863, the regiment was ordered to General Ector's Brigade
and proceeded to Chattanooga, Tenn., to join Bragg's
army. The brigade arrived at Chickamauga Station, near
Chattanooga, August 30, 1863. Marched to and from Ring
gold, Lafayette, and other places, until the 19th of Septem
ber, 1863, Avhen the great battle of Chickamauga com
menced. The regiment was engaged the 19th and 20th and
sustained heavy losses on both days, losing eighty in killed
and wounded and about thirty missing. The regiment
fought in General Ector's Brigade, Walker's Division, Hill's
Corps. On the 23d of September, 1863, Ector's Brigade
was ordered back to Meridian, Miss., and arrived there Octo-

112
ber 2, 1863. Left Meridian, December 5, 1863, and came
South to Brandon, Miss., Avhere we now are. Since we re
turned to Mississippi Ector's Brigade, to which the 29th
North Carolina belongs, has been in Major-General S. G.
French's Division.
Companies composing this regiment at its organization
are thj following :
William C. Walker, of Cherokee county, Captain Co. A.
William B. Causman, of Yancey county, Captain Co. B.
James M. Lowry, of Buncombe county, Captain Co. C.
John A. Jervis, of Madison county, Captain Co. D.
Hiram Rogers, of Haywood county, Captain Co. E.
William A. Enloe, of Jackson county, Captain Co. F.
Melchesidec Chandler, of Yancey county, Captain Co. G.
John H. Robertson, of Buncombe county, Captain Co. H.
John C. Blalock, of Mitchell county, Captain Co. I.
Bacchus S. Proffitt, of Yancey county, Captain Co. K.

SKETCH OF THE THIRTIETH REGIMENT.
The 30th Regiment North Carolina Troops was organized
at camp, near Raleigh, on the 26th of September, 1861, by
the election of the following field officers :
John Bell, of Granville county, Colonel.
Walter F. Draughan, of Fayetteville, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Captain James T. Kill, of Mecklenburg, Major.
The Colonel-elect having declined to accept, and the Lieu
tenant-Colonel not having time to join the command, the regi
ment, under the command of Major Kill, was ordered to
report to Brigadier-General Jos. R. Anderson, commanding
the district of Cape Fear, and, in obedience to this order,
left Raleigh on the evening of the 28th and arrived in Wil
mington on the 29th of September, and camped at Camp

113
Lamb, at which place orders were received for holding an
election, which resulted in the promotion of Captain F. M.
Parker, of the 1st North Carolina Troops, to the Colonelcy
of the regiment. General Jos. R. Anderson ordered the
regiment to proceed to Smithville, where we arrived on the
evening of the same day and pitched our tents at Camp
Walker on the outskirts of the village. It was at this place
that the Colonel and Lieutenant-Colonel joined the com
mand. Remained in this camp until 1st November, when
orders were received to proceed to Charleston, S. C, but
before reaching Wilmington that order was countermanded
by an order to relieve the 18th North Carolina Troops
encamped at Camp Wyatt, near Fort Fisher, which was
done the 5th November. On the 15th a detachment of men,
under the command of Lieutenant Stephens, of the regi
ment, having been ordered to Anderson's Battery, about
three miles above Camp Wyatt, exchanged with tbe enemy
a few shot and shell, which was the first artillery duel
that occurred on the coast of Cape Fear. On the 18th of
March, 1862, the regiment was ordered to the relief of New
bern, but upon arriving at Wilmington was ordered to
await further orders, and remained at Camp Lamb and at
camps on the outskirts of the town until the 29th March,
when we moved to Camp Holmes on Mason boro Sound
five miles from Wilmington. Companies A H and D were
detached, and, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Draughan, left Camp Holmes on the 18th of April to pro
ceed to Onslow county, and on the 25th the Colonel was
ordered to join the Lieutenant-Colonel with the balance of
his command, after detaching one company for provost duty
in Wilmington. Accordingly, having detached Company
E, the regiment proceeded to Onslow county, leaving Camp
Holmes on tbe 25th and camping near White Oak river the
night of the 28th of April, and, in obedience to orders
of the Colonel, took command of the forces in Onslow,
consisting of the 3d Company of Cavalry, a detachment of
artillery and his own regiment. It was here that, in obe-
8

114
dience to orders from General Anderson, the regiment was
reorganized on May 1, 1862, by the unanimous re-election
of Colonel Parker ; Major Kell, Lieutenant-Colonel ; and
William W. Sillers, formerly First-Lieutenant of Company
A (but who at the time of his election was . not a member
of the regiment), Major. On the Sth of May Companies H
and D, with a portion of the 2d Company of Cavalry
and a detachment of artillery, were sent out on a scout
ing expedition to Swansboro under the command of Lieu
tenant-Colonel Kill, and on the morning of the 9th the
Colonel received orders to return Avith his regiment to Wil
mington, and to take all the boats and fishing-smacks that
could be found along the banks of the river, on the coast
from Jacksonville, on New river, to Fort Fisher, into the
Avaters of the Cape Fear. Having detached tAventy-five
men and one officer for the purpose, the Colonel took up a
line for Wilmington the evening of the 12th of May ; on the
15th, were ordered to Wrightsville Sound, eight miles, where
we remained until the 21st, Avhen Ave removed to Masonboro
Sound and remained at camp until the 27th, when we left
this camp and went to Wilmington Avhere we received or
ders to await orders, and quietly went into camp at Camp
Lamb. We left Wilmington on the 13th of June with orders
to report to General R. E. Lee, and arrived at Richmond,
Va., on the 16th and was assigned to General Featherston's
Brigade. General D. H. Hill's Division was engaged in a
skirmish near Seven Pines June 21, and there being assigned
to General G. B. Anderson's Brigade Avere engaged in the
battle of Mechanics vide the 26th, Cold Harbor the 27th
of June, and Malvern Hill the 1st of July. Among the
many casualties in these engagements were Major Sillers,
Avho received a flesh wound through tbe arm at Malvern
Hill, and Captain Arrington, of Company7 I, a brave, gener
ous-hearted man and good officer, was killed. At the battle
of Cold Harbor Lieutenant-Colonel Kell received a severe
wound through his hip from which he was forced to ten-

115
der his resignation, which Avas accepted September 3, 1863.
Left camp four miles beloAv Richmond the 19th of August
to re-enforce General Jackson, and joined him at Manassas
the 29th of August, having been detained seA7eral days at
North Anna river to check a cavalry raid on the railroad.
We were enthusiastically received by the ladies of Lees-
burg, Va., near the banks of the Potomac, on the evening
of the 4th of September and camped that night near the
town. On the morning of the 5th General Anderson's
Brigade, to Avhich this regiment belongs, Avas ordered to
move up tbe river fifteen miles and picket at a ford near
Lovettsville, in Loudoun county, which it did, and rejoined the
division the next day after a long and tiresome march. We
crossed the Potomac near Leesburg tbe morning of the 7th
and encamped that night near Frederick City, Md. ; then
marched in the direction of Hagerstown and encamped
near that place five days. We were engaged in the battle
of Boonsboro on the 14th, and retired to Sharpsburg on
the morning of the 15th and fought the battle of Sharps
burg the 17th, in Avhich engagement our loss Avas large.
Among the wounded Colonel Parker received a dangerous
one in the head. Recrossed the Potomac near Shepherds
town on the 19th.
After ascertaining that the enemy Avere forced to let us
alone for awhile, we went into camp near Banks' Hill, Va.,
and remained quiet for about a month, having nothing to
annoy7 us but numerous reviews and innumerable drills.
Then commenced the " tug of war " in the way of tearing
up railroads during the night and marching in the day. We
operated on the railroad in and around Strasburg, Charles
town and Harpers' Ferry, wading and rewading streams
and drying our clothes at night by fires made of cross-ties.
After crossing the Shenandoah a number of times we found
a line of battle at Paris, but there being no fight Ave marched
on in the direction of Front Royal and found another line
of battle, but finally, there seeming to be no necessity or
amusement in remaining there, we withdrew and went into

116
camp near Strasburg, Va., where we remained until
the 23d of November, at which time we made a forced
march from Stras*burg, leaving the Staunton and Winches
ter turnpike at New Market, taking the road via Massanutta
Gap, thence to Port Royal ; left Port Royal the night of
the 12th of December and reached Fredericksburg during
the night and participated in the battle on the 13th, our
brigade being commanded by Colonel Bryan Grimes, of the
14th Regiment North Carolina Troops.
After the battle of Fredericksburg the regiment went
into camp near Hamilton's Crossing and remained there
during the winter, doing picket duty and throwing up breast
works along the Rappahannock below Fredericksburg.
Having lost Brigadier-General George B. Anderson, who
died from the effects of a wound received at Sharpsburg,
it was about this time that Brigadier-General S. D. Rarn-
seur assumed command.
On the 25th of April, 1863, the regiment Avas ordered on
picket, and on the morning of the 29th the enemy crossed
the river a short distance above the line Ave picketed, which
resulted in our being withdrawn from the picket line and
thrown into line of battle with our division (then com
manded by Brigadier-General Rodes) subject to a series of
manoeuvres around Fredericksburg, and on the morning of
May 1 we were, with the balance of General Jackson's Corps
(to which belonged our regiment), witbdraAvn from our posi
tion from Fredericksburg and taken up the river in the direc
tion of Chancellorsville. We met tbe enemy's advance
force about five miles beloAv the Chancellorsville House and
supported our line of sharpshooters and artillery in a flying
skirmish for several miles, in Avhich Ave took a number of
prisoners Avithout any loss on our side. Accompanied Gen
eral Jackson in his flank movement on the enemy, and on
tbe morning of the 3d of May were ordered by General
Ramseur to the support of a battery but soon after received
orders to advance, which Ave did and met the enemy under
a most terrific fire, but Avith a heavy loss drove them from

117
their position and followed them until our forces succeeded
in holding their position on the plank road and Chancellors
ville House. It Avas on this field that our present Major-
General Rodes received his promotion, and it was here that
we lost our brave Corps Commander General T. J. Jackson.
Soon after tbe battle the army was divided into three
corps, to-wit, First, Second and Third. Our division com
prises part of the Second Corps, commanded by Lieutenant-
General R. S. Ewell.
On tbe 7th of May we returned to camp, haA7ing been
absent tAvelve days, during which time the men had not
pulled off accoutrements or shoes. On the 4th of June we
left camp near Hamilton's Crossing and marched in the
direction of Culpeper Court House, arriving there the 7th
and remaining there for the purpose of checking a cavalry
raid on the railroad which tbe enemy not only threatened
but attempted, and on the 10th took up our line of march
in the direction of Winchester via Flint Hill and Front
Royal, marching into Berryvdle on the 13th, the enemy
having fled on our approach ; and from the quantity of
Quartermaster's and commissary stores left behind, together
with the scenery of their camps, tents, muskets, rations on
the fire cooking, food on their tables ready for eating, but
yet untouched, Avith many other evidences of flight and
confusion, had a tendency to show that we Avere not only
unAvelcomed but unexpected visitors. After partaking fully
of their hospitality, and taking some prisoners " in out of
the wet," all of which was performed quietly, Ave continued
our march via Bunker Hill to Martinsburg on the Staun
ton and Winchester turnpike, arriving there on the even
ing of the 14th.
The enemy after making a feeble show of resistance fled,
leaving behind them one fine battery, with the entire
outfit of horses and men, with a number of prisoners, to
gether with some Quartermaster's and commissary stores,
which they did not have time to destroy. The next day
we crossed the Potomac and encamped near Wilbamsport,

118
Md., and on the 17th marched to Hagerstown, six miles,
and remained in camp three or four days. On the 22d we
continued our march through Cumberland Valley, crossing
the line into Pennsylvania, and advancing via Green-
castle, and keeping the direct route for Harrisburg, arrived
at Carlisle, eighteen miles from the capital, on the 27th,
where in ease and luxury we revelled in the United States
barracks until the 30th, when we marched in the direction
of Baltimore, passing through Paper Town and Petersburg,
reaching Gettysburg on the 1st of July, and Avith the rest
of our division, supported by troops from General A. P.
Hill's Corps on our right, attacked the 1st and 11th Corps
of the enemy and drove them through the city before
night. Though the loss in our regiment was comparatively
small, our Colonel was again among the unfortunate and
received a very severe and painful wound in the face. Our
regiment lost a number of choice men killed and wounded
in a heavy skirmish which lasted all day the 3d, and on
the 5th withdrew in the direction of Hagerstown, encamp
ing the night of the 6th in one mile of Waynesboro, and
on the next day renewed our march and camped two miles
from Hagerstown, where we remained until the 9th, when
we withdrew to within four miles of Wilbamsport and
formed a line of battle, and on the 12th and 13th the sharp
shooters from the regiment were engaged with the enemy's
skirmishers. We withdrew and crossed the Potomac into
Virginia on the night of the 13th of July ; on the 15th
marched to camp near Darksville and remained there,
marching and counter-marching on the turnpike to Martins-
burg, to destroy the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, until
tbe 22d, when Ave struck off for a long march.
We arrived at Manassas Gap on the 23d, a distance of
twenty-seA7en miles, and found tbe enemy in possession of
the Gap, and after a skirmish in Avhich tbe sharpshooters
of the regiment were engaged fell back during the night
through Front Eoyal and followed the meandering Shenan
doah. Marched ten miles in the direction of Luray, making

119
the distance marched that day thirty-seven miles. Next day
continued our march through Luray Valley and Thorns'
Gap, via Sperryville, Madison Court House, and thence to
Orange Court House, where we went into camp on the 31st.
We remained quietly in camp until the 14th September,
when we moved down to Martin's Ford and did picket
duty and built breastworks until the 9th of October, when
we left camp, making a circuitous flank movement, crossing
the Eapidan, Hazel, Robinson and Rappahannock rivers,
and moving into Bristoe Station, Avhere we arrived the 15th.
Our brigade having been left on picket duty our division
had a day's march the advantage, but General Ramseur
being anxious for the fray marched us so rapidly that we
overtook them the evening of the second day's march and
participated in the skirmish at Warrenton Springs and Cedar
Run. After assisting in destroying the Orange and Alex
andria Railroad from Bristoe Station to the Rappahannock,
we moved to Kelly's Ford and encamped there until No
vember 7, when our regiment, being the reserve picket at
the ford supporting the 2d North Carolina Troops, Avas
ordered to the front as the enemy had advanced in heavy
force and Avere about to cross the river.
The regiment, under command of Lieutenant Colonel
Sillers (who had been promoted upon the resignation of
Lieutenant Colonel Kell), advanced about one-fourth of a
mile through an open field and a heavy fire of the enemy's
infantry and artillery, attempting to take a position on the
bank of the river. In adA7ancing Ave had to cross a fence
that ran obliquely to our line of battle which kept the regi
ment very much broken, and together with the fact of there
being a residence immediately in our front encircled by
palings Avith a garden-fence of the same kind, Avhich while
it necessarily scattered tbe men afforded them but little
protection, the Lieutenant-Colonel after passing the ob
struction found it necessary to halt and reform, but before
he had time to accomplish his purpose he received orders to
withdraw. He ordered the men to fall back, and, though

120
wounded and lame, made every effort to get all the men to
tbe rear, as there were a number of buildings on the premises
into some of which men had been sent to annoy the enemy
by discharging their pieces from the windows, etc., while
behind others they had sought protection. The regiment
fell back from this position with a considerable loss, the
most of whom were captured. The enemy, consisting of
one corps, crossed the river. We fell back a short distance,
deployed as skirmishers for the protection of our artillery,
but in a short time Colonel Bennett of the 14th North Caro
lina commanding brigade ordered the regiment to be de
ployed in a line farther to the right Avhere the enemy was
advancing, and this time we stopped and held them in check
until night came to our relief. It Avas here that our Adju
tant (noAv Quartermaster) received a very painful wound
through his left thigh. Lieutenant-Colonel Sillers com
manding the regiment, received a wound through bis lungs
from which he died two days afterwards in Gordonsville.
It is with the deepest sorroAV that Ave record the death of
this christian citizen, noble soldier and generous friend.
Beloved by the entire command, he was a grave and earnest
adviser, a good disciplinarian and a kind friend. And per
haps the strongest sentiment of his good heart was his lo\7e
of country and devotion to duty. Gentle, quiet and unas
suming, his great affection for kindred, friends and country
was so much a part of himself that it seldom found an out
let in words, and a stranger would never have fathomed the
depth of feeling Avhich lay a deep and powerful current
beneath the surface of his christian character. But alas!
"he is lost alike to his country, his kindred and to us." The
regiment Avithdrew on the night of the 7th of November
from Kelly's Ford, and on the night ofthe Sth reached their
old camp at Morton's Ford Avhere we remained until tbe
25th, when the enemy, crossing the river at Germana and
Ely's fords, appeared in force on this side the Rapidan.
We moved doAvn the river and skirmished with them several
days about Mine Run, built breastworks and lay7 in line of

121
battle, and finally, on the 1st of December ; the enemy with
drew from the contest which be at one time seemed to court.
He crossed the river, we folloAving up to the river, capturing
a number of prisoners, and then returned to our old camp
at Morton's Ford the 3d of December, and remained there
until the 22d, when we moved to camp near Orange Court
House and built the winter-quarters Ave now occupy, We
have during the winter been doing our part of picket duty
at Morton's Ford, and engaged tbe enemy in a heavy skir
mish when they crossed at that ford on the 6th of Feb
ruary, 1864.
Companies composing this regiment at its organization
were as follows, viz. :
John C Holmes, of Sampson county, Captain Co. A.
Wm. C. Drake, of Warren county, Captain Co. B.
Joseph Green, of Brunswick county, Captain Co. C.
Eugene Grissom, of Granville county, Captain Co. D.
J. C. McMillan, of Duplin county, Captain Co. E.
Franklin G. Pitt, of Edgecombe county Captain Co. F.
Richard P. Taylor, of Granville county, Captain Co. G.
Wm. M. Swann, of Moore county, Captain Co. H.
Wm. T. Arrington, of Nash county, Captain Co. I.
James T. Kell, of Mecklenburg county, Captain Co. K.

SKETCH OF THE THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT.
You will find below a brief history of the 31st North
Carolina Troops, from its entrance into service September 19,
1861. This regiment was organized at Hill's Point, Beaufort
county, for twelve months. John V. Jordan, of Craven, was
elected Colonel; Daniel G. Fowle, of Wake, Lieutenant-
Colonel, and Jesse J. Yeates, of Hertford, was elected Major.
The regiment numbered about 950 men at its organization.
The regiment remained at Hill's Point as a support to Fort

122
Hill until the 4th of December, 1861, when it was ordered
to proceed to Roanoke Island to relieve the 3d Georgia
Regiment then doing duty at that point. Left Hill's Point
for Roanoke Island via Plymouth December 7, 1861.
Arrived at Plymouth December 9, near noon. Left Ply
mouth for Roanoke Island in transports on the eve of the
10th, and landed at Roanoke Island on December 12, 1861.
"W ent into camp at the northern extremity of the island.
Here the men completed the handsome barracks already
commenced by the 3d Georgia Regiment. All this time the
regiment Avas under command of Colonel J. V. Jordan.
While upon Roanoke Island our duties consisted chiefly of
building barracks, piling tbe Sound, filling schooners with
sand for the purpose of blockading the channel of the Sound
west of the island, and assisting in constructing the fortifi
cations on the island. After the arrival of the regiment on
Roanoke Island the post was put under the immediate com
mand of Colonel H. M. Shaw, of the Sth Regiment North
Carolina Troops, he being the senior officer present. The
district was under the command of Brigadier-General D. H.
Hill, and the department under tbe command of Major-
General R. C. Gatlin.
Nothing Avorthy of note transpired on tbe island until
about the 4th of February, 1862, when it Avas reported that
the United States fleet, numbering some twenty-four gun
boats, under tbe command of Commodore Goldsboro, and
forty-eight transports, containing a land force of between
18,000 and 20,000 men under the command of Brigadier-
General Burnside had arrived inside of Hatteras bar. Some
time prior to the event just stated there Avas a change of
district commanders. Brigadier-General D. H. Hill was
ordered to Virginia and Brigadier-General L. O'B. Branch
was placed in command of this district, which Avas then
called the District of Pamlico. A few Aveeks anterior to
the United States forces appearing inside of Hatteras bar,
Roanoke Island and all the country north of it was placed
in the department of Major-General Huger, and the district

123
embracing Roanoke Island Avas called Albemarle, and Avas
under the command of Brigadier-General Henry A. Wise.
In vieAv of an attack being made on Roanoke Island by tbe
enemy, every preparation was made that could be with the
means at hand to meet the enemy. Our defences consisted
of the following works : Fort Bartow, which was located
about three miles from the north end of the island and
commanded by Major G. H. Hill and garrisoned by a por
tion of the 17th Regiment ; Fort Blanchard was located about
the fourth of a mile north of Fort Bartow and commanded
by Lieutenant Isaac Pipkin, Company G, 31st North Caro
lina Troops, and garrisoned by forty men of the same regi
ment; Fort Huger, which was about five hundred yards
north of Fort Blanchard, and under command of Captain
Cobb, 8th Regiment North Carolina Troops, and garrisoned
by a force from the same regiment. All the works were
on the west side of the island. In addition to the above
there was a breastAvork thrown across the island (length
about one hundred and twenty-five feet), about a mile south
of Fort Bartow. This work contained three embrasures for
tbe use of light artillery. There was also a two-gun bat
tery on the east side of the island at a point called
Midgett's Hammock, about two miles from the north end of
the island. This battery was commanded by Lieutenant
Wm. Puller, Company H, 31st Regiment, and garrisoned by
twenty men from tbe same regiment.
There were but three field-pieces on the island, and they
consisted of one 6-pound field-gun, one 18-pound field-gun,
and one 24-pound Dahlgren navy howitzer. On the morning
of the 6th at an early hour the enemy came in sight, and laid
to about tAvo miles beloAv the south end of the island. There
being no light artillery company on the island, the field-pieces
before named were disposed by Colonel Shaw as follows : the
6-pound field-gun Avas placed under the command of Lieut
enant Selden of the Engineer Corps, with a gun detachment
from the 8th North Carolina Troops, and on the approach
of the enemy he was instructed to take position at Pugh's

124
Landing, which was about three miles below Fort Bartow
on the west side of the island. The 24-pound howitzer
and the 18-pound field-gun were placed under the command
of Captain E. R. Liles of Company B of this regiment, and
the gun detachments Avere taken from Companies B and F
of this regiment. This battery was also supported by Com
panies B and F under command of Captain C. W. Knight,
of Company F 31st North Carolina Troops. The battery
and its support were ordered to take position at Ashby's
Landing, which Avas about one mile south of Fort Bartow
and two miles north of "Pugh's Landing." All of the
infantry force not engaged in or attached to any of the bat
teries, and which consisted of 1,050 men, were ordered
to take position Avithin easy support of the batteries, and on
the 6th the Avhole force moved clown to a point called " Sup-
pie's Hill, " Avhich was about three-fourths of a mile from
"Ashby's Landing" and to the north side of this point.
Early on the morning of tbe 7th the enemy commenced
moving up the Sound and passed the marshes about 12
o'clock m., and at fifteen minutes to 2 o'clock p. si. they
opened a brisk fire on Fort Bartow. Tbe Confederate fleet
under Commodore Lynch engaged the enemy at about 3
o'clock p. si. During the whole afternoon there was tre
mendous firing kept up by tbe enemy on Fort Bartow and
our fleet. At about 4 p. m. the enemy sent a boat from one
of their transports (all of Avhich Avere laying abreast of
Ashby's Landing but beyond the reach of the light guns sta
tioned at that point), with twenty-five men. The boat imme
diately on leaving the transports made directly tOAvards the
island, and when Avithin a mile and a quarter of tbe shore
turned up the Sound; there being a small creek about a half-
mile south of Fort Bartow its course Avas directed to that
point. Immediately on discovering that the enemy Avas
endeavoring to effect a landing I ordered twenty-five men
under the command of Captain E. R. Liles to intercept
them. This detachment and the boat above referred to
arrived at the creek about the same time, and had it not

125
been for a man not belonging to my regiment I am well
assured that the party would have been captured. The
enemy finding that they were discovered made a hasty
retreat ; Captain Liles fired into them, killing four of their
men. The boat, however, succeeded in getting back to tbe
transports. At about 5 o'clock p. m. the enemy commenced
sheding the island immediately in the vicinity of Ashby's
Landing, at the same time barges were seen to drop rapidly
astern of the transports filled Avith men. They were evidently
making preparations to effect a landing with their whole
force, and shortly afterwards the whole of the fleet of
transports moved up the Sound and at 6 o'clock p. m. effected
a landing at a point called " Haymond's Landing," which
was three-quarters of a mile north of Ashby's Landing.
It being no longer necessary to keep a force either at
Pugh's or Ashby's Landing, Captain Liles and Lieutenant
Selden withdreAv their commands and were ordered to fall
back to tbe breastworks, Avhich they did (although under a
heavy shelling) in good order. Being in command of the
whole force on this part of the island (Colonel H. M. Shaw
being at Fort BartOAv), on arriving at the breastworks I
ordered the guns to be immediately put in position. The
24-pound howitzer was placed upon the right ; the 6-pound
gun in the centre, and the 18-pound field-gun on the left of
the redoubt. Companies B and F were under the command
of Captains Liles and Knight, and together with two compa
nies from tbe 8th North Carolina Regiment were ordered
to support the battery at the redoubt. The remaining seven
companies of this regiment under command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Daniel G. Fowle, and eight companies of the 8th
under Lieutenant-Colonel Price were ordered to take posi
tion at Supple Hdl as a reserve. In front and on the flanks
of the redoubt there was an advance guard thrown out and
pickets stationed upon all the avenues of approach. At
about 7 o'clock p. m. there arrived from Nags Head six
companies of "Wise Legion," under the command of Lieu
tenant-Colonel Anderson. At 8 o'clock p. m. Colonel H. M.

126
Shaw arrived at the redoubt and took command of the bat
tery and forces at that point. I returned to Supple Hill
under orders to await tbe arrival of Lieutenant-Colonel
Anderson, with whom I Avas to co-operate to prevent an
attack on Fort BartOAv. I waited until 12 o'clock p. m. ; Col
onel Anderson failing from some cause to join me, I was
ordered by Colonel Shaw to remain at Supple Hill until day
light. On the arrival of Colonel Shaw at the redoubt there
was no change made in the disposition of the troops at that
point. Early on the morning of the 8th the enemy appeared
in front of the breastworks in force. Four regiments were
deployed in front and four in rear of these and eight upon
the flanks of the redoubt ; at 7 o'clock they opened upon us
a heavy fire of musketry and artillery, and we returned
their fire with vigor. The two Companies B and F of this
regiment fought with great coolness and determination,
and there was not a single man who attempted, nor do I
believe even desired, to shirk his duty. There were no
other companies of this regiment brought into action ; they
Avere, as before stated, kept as a reserve, but they would have
been perfectly useless bad their services been required, for
they Avere armed with nothing but double-barrel guns and
country rifles, and for which they had no ammunition.
The Sth Regiment was well armed, and from tbe two com
panies that were placed in Fort Huger I had to arm compa
nies B and F of this regiment.
Great credit is due both to Captains Liles and Knight
of this regiment for their coolness under fire and the desire
they manifested to do their whole duty. As the day wore
on the action increased in intensity, and there was scarcely
a moment during the engagement that shot and shell did
not fall thick around us. I am pleased to say, hoAvever,
that the men never faltered " Avhile there Avas a shot in the
locker." The enemy made charge after charge against the
works, but each effort to storm it proved ineffectual and
they Avere repulsed with great slaughter. At 12 m. it was
found that the enemy had by a circuitous route flanked the

127
redoubt and Avere rapidly approaching our rear. Our ammu
nition almost to the last round was gone and Colonel ShaAV
seeing our situation immediately ordered the guns to be
spiked and the whole command to retire to the north end
of the island, Avhich was done in good order, and being dis
appointed in not finding transports to convey us to the
mainland (Avhich bad been promised in the event of our
being driven from the redoubt), the Avhole force, under
the command of Col. H. M. Shaw, were compelled to sur
render unconditionally to the United States forces under
General Burnside. We remained on the island until the
11th of February, when all officers were conveyed to the
steamer S. R. Spaulding, on which vessel Ave remained
until the 21st, when we were carried to Elizabeth City
and paroled. Here, under the authority of the Con
federate States, Major Austin disbanded the regiment
until exchanged. I neglected to mention in the proper
place that Company A of this regiment was sent on the
morning of tbe 6th of February to Fort Forrest. This
work was situated on the Tyrrell side of the Sound imme
diately opposite the north end of Roanoke Island. Late on
the evening of the 8th Fort Forrest was blown up and this
company (with the exception of fifteen men sick on the
Island) escaped. They returned to Lumberton, Robeson
county, N. C, and from thence were ordered to Wilming
ton and there, together with others Avho were at home sick
and who had succeeded in getting off the island, were or
dered by General French to organize themselves into two
companies, which they did, electing Captain C. GodAvin as
commander of Company A. I will also here state that
Lieutenant William Pulley, of Company H, and the men
under his command who Avere stationed at the battery
of Midgett's Hammock, on the island, also escaped. Lieu
tenant Pulley, after reported himself at Wilmington and was
elected Captain of the second company above referred to.
The regiment remained on parole until the 21st of August,
1862, when they were exchanged and ordered to reorganize

128
at Camp Mangum, near Raleigh, N. C. On the 17th of
September, 1862, the regiment was reorganized. J. V. Jor
dan was elected Colonel ; Captain Liles, of Company B,
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Jesse J. Yeates, Major. The regi
ment left Camp Mangum October 23, 1862, for Kinston,
N. C. ; arrived at that place October 24 ; established our
encampment on the plantation of John Tull, Esq., one
mile north of Kinston, • and called it Camp Martin. Left
Camp Martin November 4 in light marching order in com
pany with the whole force in and about Kinston, under
command of Colonel R. M. Shaw, of the Sth North Caro
lina Troops, for Greenville, it being reported that the
enemy were advancing in that direction. Arrived at Green
ville on the 5th, a distance of twenty-five miles. Marched
tAventy-two hours, finding no enemy7 there or in its vicinity.
On the 6th received orders to return to Kinston. This
march was accomplished under a pitiless storm of snow and
rain ; most of the men Avere without blankets and shoes and
suffered terribly. On tbe evening of tbe 8th arrived at our
old camp. On the morning of the 9th received orders to
take up line of march for the vicinity of Newbern, N. C.
On tbe night of the 9th bivouacked at Shady Grove Church,
Jones county, N. C. ; on the night of the 10th opposite
Trenton, Jones county, N. C. ; on the 11th we marched to
Rocky Run, six miles from Newbern. Here we met a Yan
kee force of cavalry and infantry, supposed to be 1,000
strong. They were driven across the Run, destroying the
bridge in their retreat. On the night of the 11th we
returned and encamped on Darden's farm, two miles west
of Rocky Run ; returned to the Run on the morning of the
12th, and finding no enemy we received orders to move to
wards Kinston ; arrived at that place on the evening of
the 13th.
Some time in the latter part of November, 1862, we were
assigned to General Clingman's Brigade and ordered to
report to him at Wilmington, N. C. Left Camp Martin for
Wilmington December 7, 1862, arrived there next day ; left

129
Wilmington for the vicinity of Kinston December 15 at 3
o'clock a. si., arrived at Falling Creek, seven miles west of
Kinston, at 4 o'clock p. m. ; remained here until 9 o'clock
that night, when Ave received orders to move tOAvards White
Hall, N. C. ; arrived Avithin one mile of White Hall at 4
a. m. on the 16th. At 8 o'clock a. si. was ordered by Brig
adier-General G. W. Robertson to take position Avithin one
hundred yards of the bank of Neuse river, opposite White
Hall on the main road leading from the bridge. We
remained in this position under a most terrific fire of shot
and shell until 3 o'clock p. si., when a portion of the regi
ment was ordered by Lieutenant-Colonel Liles (Avithout
authority) to move out of line of the enemy's fire. We
lost at this place two killed and twenty-two wounded. At
4 o'clock p. si. I ordered two companies, I and F (without
orders from General Robertson), to move to the river bank,
Avhich they did in good order.
I Avid here state that I had but two companies armed
with rifles. It would have been a perfect Avaste of ammuni
tion to have engaged the remaining part of my regiment,
as they were armed entirely Avith the altered muskets, which
were not of sufficient range to reach across the river.
The men and officers of this regiment deserve the high
est praise for their great coolness under fire on this occa
sion. The tAvo companies above referred to kept up a brisk
fire upon the enemy until dark. At 7 p. m. I received orders
from Brigadier-General Robertson to place the Avhole regi
ment on picket on the river bank opposite White Hall ; at
4 o'clock a. m. on the morning of the 17th received orders
to leave two hundred men on picket, and with the remain
ing portion of the regiment to move in rear of the artillery
towards Best Station on the Atlantic and North Carolina
Railroad. I left two hundred men under command of Lieu
tenant-Colonel E. R. Liles at the river bank opposite White
Hall, and Avith the remaining portion of the regiment (in
accordance with instructions) proceeded to Best Station.
On the morning of the 17th, at daylight, Lieutenant-Col-
9

130
onel Liles (the enemy having entirely disappeared from
White Hall), sent a detachment across the river for the pur
pose of burying the dead and collecting the stores left
behind. Lieutenant-Colonel Liles succeeded in getting
eighty Enfield rifles, ninety oil-cloth blankets, and several
overcoats, canteens and haversacks.
The regiment arrived at Best Station about 2 p. m. on the
17th. Orders were received here to march to Spring Bank,
eight miles from Goldsboro ; arriving at that place on the
morning of the 18th went on picket at Spring Bank, remain
ing on picket until the 19th, when we Avere relieved and
returned to our old camp about one-fourth of a mile from
Spring Bank. Here on the morning of the 20th Lieutenant-
Colonel Liles Avith a detachment ordered to join the regi
ment, on the evening of the 20th received orders to proceed
to Goldsboro. Arrived at that place at dusk and bivouacked
one mile from town on Little river. On the evening of the
21st moved near the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad
bridge, and here the regiment joined the brigade. The
regiment left for Wilmington on Sunday, December 29,
1862, arriving there January 2, 1S63, after a long and
tedious march.
The companies comprising this regiment at its first organ
ization Avere as follows, viz. :
Cardary Godwin, of Robeson county, Captain Co. A.
Edward R. Liles, of Anson county, Captain Co. B.
Andrew W. Betts, of Wake county, Captain Co. C.
Langdon C. Manly, of Wake county, Captain Co. D.
Jesse Miller, of Orange county, Captain Co. E.
Charles W. Knight, of Edgecombe county, Captain Co. F.
Julian Picot, of Hertford county, Captain Co. G.
Willis D. Jones, of Wake county, Captain Co. H.
John A. D. McKay, of Harnett county, Captain Co. I.
Joseph Whitty, of Craven county, Captain Co. K.

131

SKETCH OF THE THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
The 37th Regiment was organized at High Point, N. C,
on the 20th of November, 1861. Prior to the battle of New
bern and before the Conscript Act was even talked of nearly
six hundred members of this regiment re-enlisted for three
years or the Avar, and shortly afterwards the regiment reor
ganized. I do not deem it necessary to give a minute account of
the part taken by this regiment in the many bloody battles
in which so many of its gallant members have yielded up
their lives in behalf of our common cause. To give a par
tial history of its action on the battlefield Avould be injus
tice to tbe gallant dead ; to give a full history would in
volve so many events in which I have taken part myself
that the reader might think I desired some little noto
riety. I therefore content myself Avith the simple state
ment, so far as its conduct on the battlefield is concerned,
that it was engaged at NeAvbern, Hanover Court House,
Mechanicsvide, Gaines' Mills, Frazier's Farm, Malvern Hill,
Cedar Run, Manassas Junction, Manassas Plains, Ox Hill,
Harper's Ferry, Sharpsburg, ShepherdstoAvn, Fredericks
burg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Falling Waters, be
sides some skirmishes of minor importance. Those Avho
desire to know how the regiment behaved on these bloody
fields can ascertain what they desire to know by re
ferring to the impartial official reports of Generals Branch
and Lane and official lists of killed and wounded now on
file in the office of tbe Adjutant-General of North Carolina.
As I do not desire to claim for my regiment more than it
deserves, I desire to state that neither my regiment nor the
other regiments of this brigade were actively engaged at
Mechanicsvide or Malvern Hill, although they were all sub
jected to a terrible fire of artillery and lost a good many
valuable' men. The capture of Harper's Ferry was achieved
almost entirely by the artillery, and the infantry had com-

132

paratively little to do ; now I consider the fight with Tay
lor's New Jersey Brigade at Manassas Junction and the
fight at Falling Waters as not entitled to be considered
anything more than severe skirmishes.
The regiment has lost one hundred and fifty men killed,
seventy who have died of wounds, three hundred and two
who have died of disease, and three hundred and thirty-
two have been Avounded and recovered. Total loss killed
and wounded, five hundred and fifty-two; to Avhich add
three hundred and two Avho haA7e died of disease, and we
have a total of casualties amounting to eight hundred and
fifty-four men. Fourteen commissioned officers of this
regiment have been killed or mortally wounded, and ten
others permanently disabled by wounds. This does not
embrace the names of those officers who have been wounded
but were not disabled by their wounds. There are but six
officers in this regiment who have not been Avounded, and a
large number (both officers and men) have been wounded
several times.
Notwithstanding the heavy loss of my regiment in battle
I noAv have present four hundred and forty-tAvo officers and
men, and am able to give the enemy a good fight whenever
it is necessary.
The companies composing this regiment at its first organ
ization were as follows, viz. :
John Hartsog, of Asbe county, Captain Co. A.
Jonathan Horton, of Watauga county, Captain Co. B.
James M. Potts, of Mecklenburg county, Captain Co. C.
John B. Ashcraft, of Union county, Captain Co. D.
William Y. Farthing, of Watauga county, Captain Co. E.
William M. Barbour, of Wilkes county, Captain Co. F.
John G. Bryan, of Alexander county, Captain Co. G.
William R. Rankin, of Gaston county, Captain Co. H.
John K. Harrison, of Mecklenburg county, Captain Co. I.
John Ross, of Alleghany county, Captain Co. K.],

133

SKETCH OF THE THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT.
This regiment Avas composed of the following compa
nies, viz. :
A — " Spartan Band," Duplin county, A. G. Moseley, Cap
tain. First Lieutenant, D. G. Morrisey ; Second Lieutenant,
Alsa I. Brown ; Junior Second Lieutenant, D. M. Pearsall.
B— "Men of Yadkin," Yadkin county, C. L. Cook, Cap
tain. First Lieutenant, R. F. Armfield ; Second Lieutenant,
A. W. Blackburn ; Junior Second Lieutenant, L. F. Haynes.
C — " Sampson Farmers," Sampson county, I. Trouble-
field, Captain. First Lieutenant, R. F. Allen ; Second Lieu
tenant, John T. Wilson.
D — "Sampson Plowboys," Sampson county, John Ash
ford, Captain. First Lieutenant R. Bell ; Second Lieuten
ant, A. D. King ; Junior Second Lieutenant, H. C. Darden.
E — " Richmond Boys," Richmond county, Oliver H.
Dockery, Captain. First Lieutenant, S. M. Ingraham ;
Second Lieutenant, D. G. McRae ; Junior Second Lieuten
ant, M. W. Covington.
F — " CataAvba Wildcats," Catawba county, Joshua B.
Little, Captain. First Lieutenant, D. McD. Yount ; Second
Lieutenant, H. L. Roberts ; Junior Second Lieutenant, F.
D. Roseman.
F — "Rocky Face Rangers," Alexander county, G. W.
Sharpe, Captain. First Lieutenant, G. W. Flowers ; Second
Lieutenant, O. H. Patterson ; Junior Second Lieutenant, J.
W. Stephenson.
H — "Uwharrie Boys," Randolph county, Noah Rush,
Captain. First Lieutenant, L. D. Andrews ; Second Lieu
tenant, J. N. Kearns ; Junior Second Lieutenant, N. H.
Hopkins. I — " Cleveland Marksmen," CleA7eland county, 0. P. Gar
rison, Captain. First Lieutenant, G. Blanton ; Second Lieu
tenant, D. Magness ; Junior Second Lieutenant, O. Beam.
K — " Carolina Boys," Cumberland county, M. McR. Mc-

134
Laughlin, Captain. First Lieutenant, Angus Shaw ; Second
Lieutenant, A. M. Smith ; Junior Second Lieutenant, D. A.
Monroe. The 38th Regiment was organized at Camp Mangum on
the 17th of January, 1862 (Company K being absent), by
electing William J. Hoke, of Lincoln county, Colonel.
Captain Oliver H. Dockery, of Richmond county, Lieu
tenant-Colonel. Captain George W. Sharpe, of Alexander county, Major.
The Colonel recommended for appointment —
Lieutenant Horace L. Robards, Quartermaster.
Benjamin H. Sumner, Lincoln county, Commissary.
Miles M. Cowles, Yadkin county, Adjutant.
Which appointments were approved; and he requested
that Dr. Peter W. Young be assigned as Surgeon of the
regiment, Avith Dr. J. Stewart Devane as Assistant Surgeon,
which request was granted.
D. M. Mclntire, of Company A, Sergeant Major.
Marion Roseman, CataAvba county, Quartermaster Ser
geant. William C. Webb, Company I, Commissary Sergeant.
John O. Walters, Company I, Color Sergeant.
J. J. Johnson, Company H, S. B. Herring, Company C,
P A. Clifton, Company C, J. H. Irving, Company G, and
D. A. Black, Company K, Color Guard.
Rev. Julian P. Faison, Company A, Chaplain.
Lieutenant R. W. Capell was elected Captain Company
E, to succeed Captain Dockery.
Lieutenant J. E. Rheim Avas elected Captain Company G,
to succeed Captain Sharpe.
Geo. M. Yoder was elected 2d Lieutenant Company F, to
succeed Lieutenant Robards.
O. H. Patterson Avas elected 2d Lieutenant Company G,
to succeed Lieutenant Rheim, promoted.
D. G. McRea was elected 2d Lieutenant Company E, to
succeed Lieutenant Capell, promoted.

135
On the 8th .February, 1862, the regiment was mustered
into the Confederate service by Lieutenant  , of
General Gatlin's Staff, and on the 10th February left Camp
Mangum, under orders to proceed to Washington, N. C. ; at
Goldsboro the orders were changed and ordered to Halifax,
N. C. ; from thence the regiment Avas ordered to Hamilton.
On reaching Clarks vide, 12th February, a dispatch reached
me ordering me back to Halifax, thence to Weldon, where
the regiment remained until 21st March, when we Avere
ordered to Goldsboro, and on the 22d placed in the 3d
Brigade, Army of North Carolina, General J. R. Anderson
commanding. The brigade Avas composed of 1st South
Carolina, Colonel Hamilton ; 34th North Carolina, Colonel
Leventhorpe; 38th North Carolina, Colonel Hoke; 2d
Georgia Battalion, Captain Doyle ; 3d Louisiana Battalion,
Lieutenant-Colonel Bridford. April 8, 45th Georgia, Colo
nel Hardiman, and on the 10th, 49th Georgia, Colonel Lane,
were added to the brigade.
By an act of Congress the twelve months regiments were
ordered to reorganize. The 38th reorganized at Camp
Mason, near Goldsboro. This order, as must necessarily be
the case, created much feeling and confusion. The follow
ing is the final result of the reorganization, which com
menced on the 18th and Avas finally concluded on the 24th
April :
Colonel — Wm. J. Hoke, elected on the 24th April
Lieutenant-Colonel — R. F. Armfield.
Major — L. D. Andrews.
A — A. G. Moseley, Captain; D. G. Morrisey, First Lieu
tenant; N. Armstrong, Second Lieutenant; A. J. Brown,
Junior Second Lieutenant.
B — C. L. Cook, Captain ; A. W. Blackburn, First Lieuten
ant ; L. F. Haynes, Second Lieutenant ; I. B. Hare, Junior
Second Lieutenant.
C — J. T. Wilson, Captain; R. F. Allen, First Lieutenant ;
 Hudson, Second Lieutenant ; Edward Brewer, Junior
Second Lieutenant.

136
D — John Ashford, Captain; R. R. Bell, First Lieutenant ;
H. C. Darden, Second Lieutenant ; J. W. Darden, Junior
Second Lieutenant.
E — D. G. McRae, Captain; S. M. Ingraham, First Lieu
tenant; Alfred Dockery, Second Lieutenant; M. T. Cov
ington, Junior Second Lieutenant.
F — D. McD. Yount, Captain ; F. D. Roseman, First Lieu
tenant; J. A. Yount, Second Lieutenant; Alonzo Deal,
Junior Second Lieutenant.
G — G. W. Flowers, Captain ; 0. H. Patterson, First Lieu
tenant ; W. A. Stephenson, Second Lieutenant ; Abner Har
rington, Junior Second Lieutenant.
H — W. L. Thornburg, Captain ; J. N. Kearns, First Lieu
tenant ; Marley Crawford, Second Lieutenant ;  Mur
doch, Junior Second Lieutenant.
I — O. P. Gardner, Captain, resigned, and D. G. Magness
Avas elected Captain ; B. F. Hunt, First Lieutenant ; O. P.
Beam, Second Lieutenant; W. C. Webb, Junior Second
Lieutenant. K — M. McR. McLaughlin, Captain; Angus Shaw, First
Lieutenant; A. M. Smith, Second Lieutenant; D. A. Mon
roe, Junior Second Lieutenant.
Miles M. Cowles, Adjutant.
B. H. Sumner, Commissary.
Sergeant  Mclnniss, Ordnance Sergeant.
On the 24th April the regiment left for Richmond, arriv
ing on the 26th, thence on the 27th to Guinea Station near
Fredericksburg. On the 29th April was transferred to
General Maxcy Gregg's (2d) Brigade and ordered to Mil
ford Station. At Milford the 3Sth was joined by 14th
South Carolina, Colonel McGoAvan, General Gregg arriving
1st May. The 38th remained at Milford and guarded the
bridges on tbe Mattaponi, Wildcat, North and South Anna
Runs until the 9th May, Avhen relieved by Colonel Tansil,
3d Virginia Artillery, and the 38th ordered to report to
General Gregg at the Summit. Monday morning, May
12th, the regiment Avas ordered to near Fredericksburg, at

137
Hamilton crossing. That Avas the first time the regiment
was in line expecting a fight.
The troops near Fredericksburg fell back tOAvards Rich
mond on the evening of the 24th May, 1862.
The 38th remained in Gregg's Brigade until the 14th
June, 1862, when it was placed in W. D. Pender's Brigade,
which Avas composed of the 38th North Carolina, Colonel
W. J. Hoke ; 34th North Carolina, Colonel R. H. Riddick ;
23d North Carolina, Colonel James Connor ; 16th North
Carolina, Colonel McElroy. In the winter of 1862 the 13th
North Carolina, Colonel A. M. Scales, was added to it. The
38th participated in all the fights that Pender's (afterwards
Scales') Brigade were in, and the brigade Avas the 6th of ""he
Light Division, General A. P. Hill commanding.
On the 26th June, 1862, the division crossed the Chicka
hominy at MeadoAv Bridge (except Branch's, which crossed
above at Deep Sink, or Brook Turnpike Bridge) and struck
the enemy at Mechanicsvide, the 38th being ordered against
the battery at Ellison's Mill, just below. The regiment
numbered four hundred and twenty, a portion of the men
being left on picket. This being a very strong position the
regiment Avas repulsed after a loss of 152 men in killed and
wounded. Among the number of the Avounded Avas the
Colonel of the regiment.
The 1st North Carolina, Colonel Stokes, and the 44th
Georgia, Colonel Smith, of Ripley's Brigade, attacked an
hour after and were repulsed with immense loss, Colonel
Stokes and Major  mortally, and Lieutenant-Colonel
McDoAVell severely Avounded ; Colonel Smith killed. This
point Avas turned on the morning of the 27th and the
enemy retreated.
In this attack of the works at Mechanicsvide Colonel
Connor (22d) and Colonel McElroy (16th) were severely
Avounded. Through this day's fight all behaved gallantly.
Particular attention was called to the conduct of the Adju
tant, Miles M. Cowles, of Yadkin ; his bearing Avas most
noble. He received a wound in the thigh, from which he

138
died. His loss Avas a severe bloAv to the regiment. Lieu
tenant Covington, Company E, and Lieutenant Darden,
Company D, Avere instantly killed. The color bearer, John
0. Waters, behaved most gallantly ahead of the regiment
and was severely Avounded. He bore his colors through the
fight, and in safety he gave them to another.
The report of the Colonel to General Pender speaks
highly of the conduct of Captain B. H. Sumner, Acting
Commissary Sergeant, Sergeant-Major D. M. Mclntyre,
John Young, an attache to tbe regiment, and Edward Gold
man, a drill-master of the regiment. He belonged to Com
pany A, 2d Georgia Battalion.
It would give me great gratification to give the nam^s of
the killed and Avounded, but fear it would make my account
too long.
The brigade was engaged in the fights at Gaines' Mill,
Cold Harbor and Frazier's Farm.
At Malvern Hill tbe brigade Avas under fire but not en
gaged. The brigade Avas engaged in the following battles : Cedar
Run, 9th August ; Manassas Junction, 27th August ; Ma
nassas, 30th. In the battle of Gaines' Mill Lieutenant-
Colonel R. F. Armfield commanded the regiment. Cold
Harbor, Frazier's Farm and Malvern Hill, Major L. D. An
drews commanded, the Lieutenant-Colonel being sick.
Cedar Run, Manassas Junction and Manassas, the command
devolved on Captain John Ashford, who was wounded on
the 30th. The command now devolved on Captain M. McR.
McLaughlin, Avho commanded at the battle of Ox Hill 3d
September, Harper's Ferry, 14th, Sharpsburg, Shepherds
town, Fredericksburg.
On 27th December, 1862, Colonel Hoke rejoined his regi
ment, which, together with the brigade, encamped below
Fredericksburg and picketed near Moss Creek Church.

139
I Avid give a copy of an order of General A. P. Hill :
Headquarters Light Division,
Camp Branch, Sept. 24, 1862.
Soldiers of the Light Division : You have done Avell, and
I am well pleased Avith you. You have fought in every
battle from Mechanicsvide to Shepardstown, and no man
can say that the Light Division was ever broken. You held
the left at Manassas against overwhelming numbers, and
saved tbe army. You saved the day at Sharpsburg, and at
Shepardstown you were selected to face a storm of round
shot, shell and grape such as I never saw before. I am
proud to say to you that your services are appreciated by
our General, and that you have a reputation in this army
which it should be the object of every officer and private to
sustain. Official: (Signed) A. P. Hill, Major General.
(.Signed) R. J. Wingate, A. A. A. G.
R. H. Brewer, A. A. A. G.
The Light Division AA7as composed of Thomas' Georgia
Brigade, Gregg's (afterAA7ards McGowan's) South Carolina
Brigade, Archer's Tennessee and Alabama Brigade, Field's
Virginia Brigade, Branch's (afterwards Lane's) North Caro
lina Brigade, composed of the 7th, 18th, 28th, 33d and 37th
North Carolina Regiments, and Pender's (afterwards Scales')
Brigade, composed of 13th, 16th, 22d, 34th and 38th Regi
ments North Carolina Troops.
Sergeant-Major was promoted to the Adjutancy July 9,
for gallantry and efficiency.
Captain W. R. Edwards appointed Quartermaster June
7, 1862.
The Brigade remained in Camp Gregg, beloAv Fredericks
burg, until 28th April, when it went into the second line
near Fredericksburg and remained until the morning of 1st
May, 1863, when Jackson's Corps moved upon Chancellors-
vide. The brigade was in the dank movement on the 2d

140
May, and formed the first line Sunday morning, 3d May,
on the left of the plank road.
The losses in this engagement in the regiment were
heavy7 — two officers, Captain McRae and Lieutenant Hare,
killed ; seven officers Avere Avounded, among them Major
McLaughlin ; sixteen privates killed, eighty -one wounded,
twelve missing.
In this battle the brigade skirmishers were commanded
by Lieutenant-Colonel Ashford, Avhose gallantry, and that
of Lieutenants Brown and Robinson, of my regiment, met
Avith the approbation of the Brigadier-General. General
A. P. Hill being Avounded, the command of the division
devolved on General W. D. Pender, Colonel Hoke in com
mand of the brigade. On tbe Sth General Pender was
slightly wounded.
I here give a copy of Order 38 :
General Order } Headquarters Pender's Brigade,

No. 38. j May 13, 1863.
Upon resuming command of the brigade, it affords me
great pleasure to express to you my high appreciation of
your conduct and services in the late battle of Chancellors
ville. Troops could not have fought better or more gal
lantly7; opposing successfully7 such fearful odds, strongly
posted and offering stubborn resistance, as evidenced by
your loss — greater that of any brigade in the army in pro
portion to the numbers engaged.
I may be exacting, but in this instance you may rest
assured that I am perfectly satisfied. I am proud to say
your services are known and appreciated by those higher
in command than myself.
Let your conduct on the 3d instant be tbe noble guarantee
of your future services, not only on the battle-field, but also
in camp and on the march. Let us arrest the disgraceful
desertion from our ranks, reflecting as it does, not only on
the brigade and on our State, but also detracting from the
well-earned laurels of every individual in the command,

141
making the trials and hardships of the service more severe
on the true and brave.
(Signed) W. D. PENDER,
Brigadier- General.
Desertions from North Carolina Troops Avere, in a great
measure, caused by ill advice from home.
By an act of the Confederate Congress badges were to
be given to enlisted men whom the company might desig
nate as entitled to them for gallantry in each battle. The
following are those voted in each company after the battle
of Chancedorsville, in the 38th Regiment :
A — Private Jesse A. Nethercutt, Duplin county.
B — Private Thomas Dinkins, Yadkin county.
C — Private Benjamin Sutton, Sampson county.
D — First Sergeant David A. Thompson, Sampson county.
E — Private William J. Hutcheson (killed), Richmond
county. F — Private William S. Huffman, Catawba county.
G — Private W. F. Matheson, Alexander county.
H — Corporal D. P. Wood burn, Randolph county (killed
at Gettysburg).
I — Private Thomas J. Ramsey, Cleveland county.
K — Private W. H. McPhail, Cumberland county.
Medals Avere also recommended to be given to Adjutant
Mclntire and Lieutenant A. J. Brown.
On the morning of the 6th of June, 1863, the brigade
went into line below Fredericksburg in front of the Ber
nard house, the enemy being in the Port Royal road and in
the valley behind the house — Colonel W. J. Hoke in com
mand of the brigade, General Pender a short time previous
having been made Major-General. Colonel Hoke was
ordered to advance his skirmishers and feel if the enemy
occupied the Port Royal road. Lieutenant Alsa J. BroAvn
took command, assisted by Lieutenant Robinson (38th) and
the other officers of the skirmish corps, about two hundred
men. Instead of feeling he charged the enemy and drove

142
from the road the 6th Vermont, killing and wounding about
thirty-five, and holding the road until the enemy recrossed
the Rappahannock. Lieutenant BroAvn (afterwards Captain
Company E) was as gallant a young officer as the service
had. Colonel A. M. Scales being the senior Colonel of the
brigade, and a gallant officer, was promoted to the com
mand of the brigade on tbe promotion of General Pender,
and rejoined tbe brigade near Maryland, being absent from
a Avound received at Chancellorsville. General Pender
taking his staff with him, Colonel W. J. Hoke organized
the Brigade Staff by the appointment of Captain James
Riddick Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, and Captain
John Young, Aid-de-Camp, which appointments were con
tinued by General Scales.
On the 1st July, 1863, the brigade Avas placed in the
second line in front of Gettysburg in folloAving order from
the left : 38th Colonel Hoke, on the left, his left resting on
the Chambersburg Pike; 13th, Colonel Hayman ; 34th,
Colonel Lorance; 16th, Captain Cloud; 22d, Lieutenant-
Colonel Jno. Ashford of the 38th, commanding. The first
line being exhausted, the 6th (Scales') Brigade, with
McGowan's (South Carolina) charged the town, carrying
it, but, to the 6th, (Scales') at great sacrifice — the Brigade
losing in wounded, General Scales, Adjutant General Rid
dick, Colonel Hoke (38th), Lieutenant-Colonel Ashford
(38th), Captain Thornburg, acting Major (38th) slightly,
Colonel Lorance slightly, Major Clarke (34th) killed, and, in
fact, every field officer Avounded except Lieutenant-Colonel
Gordon, (34th) on Avhom the command devolved. The
brigade, under the command of Colonel Lorance (34th) was
in the fights of the 2d and 3d, and the loss Avas immense;
loss 109 1st day July7, in killed, Avounded and captured, in
the 38th regiment.
The brigade was through the retreat from Gettysburg,
and was in all the events through which the army passed,
and during the winter of 1863 and 1864 encamped near
Orange Court House.

143
On the 7th February an advance was made on the brig
ade picket line at Barnett's Ford on the Rapidan. In the
absence of General Scales, Colonel Hoke commanded. The
brigade maintained its position, and about midday of the
7th the enemy retired. Casualties few — Lieutenant-Col
onel Grier, 13th regiment, severely Avounded.
The brigade took part in the stormy events of 1864 from
5th May to the close of the Avar. The Light Division
engaged the enemy in the Wilderness 5th and 6th of May ;
again at Spotsylvania Court House and Noel's Station 23d
of May; and again at Riddle's Shop 13th of June, 1864,
and in all the battles of the Light Division to the close of
the war, always sustaining its hard-earned reputation.
On the 18th of June, 1864, Colonel W. J. Hoke, from
wounds received, was disabled for field service, and ap
pointed to the Post at Charlotte, North Carolina, which he
surrendered on the 9th of May, 1865, to Major Olcott, U. S.
Army. Lieutenant-Colonel John Ashford Avas promoted to
the command of the 38th — a position he well deser\7ed for
his gallant conduct. Major G. W Fknvers was promoted
to Lieutenant-Colonel, and Captain J. T. Wilson to be Major.
It would afford me great pleasure to speak of each of the
gadant men of the command, but I must suffice to mention
as noble specimens of gallantry Captain A. J. Brown of
Duplin, and Captain John Robinson of Sampson county.
The wound received by the gallant Major McLaughlin at
Chancellorsville deprived him of any further command.

SKETCH OF FIRST BATTALION HEAVY ARTILLERY.
The following is a correct history of the 1st Battalion
Heavy Artidery up to January 31, 1864:
Under an ordinance passed by the Convention on the 5th
of February, 1862, authorizing the organization of three

144
companies of heavy artillery, the Governor commissioned
Alexander McRae, Charles D. Ellis and Robert G. Rankin,
of New Hanover, to raise the companies provided for un
der the ordinance. Tbe companies thus raised were mus
tered into the service of the State by Colonel John L.
Cantwell, A7iz. :
Company A — Alexander McRae, Captain, April 9, 1862.
Company B— Charles D. Ellis, Captain, May 2, 1S62.
Company C — Robert G. Rankin, Captain, May 5, 1862.
Under orders from the Adjutant-General's office these
companies reported for duty to Brigadier-General S. G.
French, commanding the District of Cape Fear, and were
assigned by him to the following forts :
Company C to Fort St. Phillip at Old Brunswick on the
Cape Fear river. The company remained at this point until
the 17th day of May, 1862, when it was removed to Fort
Fisher, a heavy work on Confederate Point, commanding
the neAv inlet to the Cape Fear river ; bere it participated
in several engagements with the blockading fleet of the
enemy until February 18, 1864, when it was removed to
Fort Pender at Smith vide.
Company B Avas assigned to Fort Strong, near Wilming
ton, Avhere it remained for tAvelve months, afterAvards per
forming garrison duty at Wilmington, and was then sent
to Fort Campbell at the mouth of the river.
Company A Avas assigned to the fortifications around
Wilmington, where it remained until the Sth of September,
1863, when it was sent to Fort Holmes on Bald Head,
Smith's Island, at the mouth of the river ; on the Sth of Feb
ruary, 1864, it AA7as removed to Fort Pender, Smithville.
On the 25th March, 1863, these three companies were organ
ized into the 1st Battalion of North Carolina Heavy Artil
lery. Captain McRae Avas appointed Major ; William Cal-
der, Adjutant, and A. A. Harts field Assistant Quarter
master. Major McRae Avas assigned to duty in Wilming
ton until February 16, 1864, when he assumed command of

145
Fort Pender, Avhere the three companies of the battalion
were stationed.
On January 14, 1864, in accordance with Special Orders
No. 6, Adjutant-General's office, a fourth company was or
ganized from the other three and attached to the other
three as Company D, Avith James L. McCormic, of Robe
son, as Captain.

SKETCH OF THE SECOND N. C. BATTALION.
This battalion was organized near Richmond, Va., on the
15th of November, 1861, by Lieutenant-Colonel Wharton J.
Green, under authority of the Secretary of War of the Con
federate States. It was composed of the following com
panies :
Co. A — W. J. Allen, of Madison county, Captain.
Co. B — Milton Smith, of Stokes county, Captain.
Co. C — . .  Overby, of Mecklenburg county, Captain.
Co. D — Edward Smith, of Forsyth county, Captain.
Co. E —  .. DuBois, of Georgia, Captain.
Co. F — H. L. Andrews, of Randolph county, Captain.
Co. G — W. H. Wheeler, of Forsyth county, Captain.
Co. H — D. M. Cooper, of Surry county, Captain.
The Field and Staff Officers were as follows :
Wharton J. Green, of Warren county, Lieutenant-Colo
nel. Marcus Erwin, of Buncombe county, Major.
 McNutt, of Missouri, Adjutant.
A. H. Shuford, of Georgia, Assistant Quartermaster.
Frank Patterson, of Warren county, Surgeon.
Samuel Young, of Granville county, Assistant Surgeon.
H. E. Brooks, of Georgia, Chaplain.
On the 12th of December, 1861, the battalion was ordered
to Wilmington, N. C, near which place it remained until
10

146
the 1st of February, 1862, when it was ordered to Roanoke
Island. The island, then under command of Brigadier-
General Wise, was at that time seriously threatened by a
large and poAverful land and naval force, and was attacked
a feAV days afterwards. The battalion, owing to delays, did
not reach the island in time to participate in the general
engagement, but landed on the morning of the 8th of Feb
ruary, 1862. Immediately on landing it Avas carried into
action, but in a few moments tbe island Avas surrendered by
tbe officer in command, and nearly tbe whole force captured.
In this engagement the battalion lost five men killed and
seven Avounded. On tbe 21st of February, 1862, the
prisoners Avere paroled at Elizabeth City, and were ex
changed on the 18th of August, 1862. Soon after their
exchange the officers and men were ordered to rendezvous
at Drewry's Bluff, near Richmond, Va. Here on the 25th
of September, 1862, the battalion being composed of twelve
months volunteers was ordered to be reorganized in accord
ance with tbe act of Congress. In its reorganization many
changes took place, as will readily be seen from the follow
ing roster of officers :
Captain Chas. E. Shober of the 45th Regiment appointed
Lieutenant-Colonel, vice Wheeler declined.
Captain H. L. Andrews of Co. F appointed Major.
A. W. Green, of Warren, appointed Adjutant, vice McNutt
resigned. Captain D. M. Cooper of Co. H appointed Assistant
Quartermaster, vice A. H. Shuford resigned.
Dr. C. F. Robinson, of Georgia, appointed Assistant Sur
geon, vice Samuel Young resigned.
Co. A— Milton Smith Captain.
Co. B — L. J. Norman Captain, vice D. M. Cooper
appointed Assistant Quartermaster.
6. (J— Henry Wood Captain, vice Overby resigned.
S"£lf,TSnnmithCai,tain- • J- Tucker Captain, vice DuBois resigned.

147
Co. F — J. M. Hancock Captain, vice H. L. Andrews pro
moted. Co. G— W. H. Wheeler Captain.
Co. H — Van BroAvn Captain, vice Allen resigned.
Soon after the reorganization Company C was transferred
to a Virginia command. The battalion Avas then attached
to Brigadier-General Daniel's Brigade, in Avhich it has
remained ever since, and in January, 1863, followed that
portion of the brigade which had been ordered about a
month previous to Goldsboro. It remained in camp near
Goldsboro until early in February, 1863, Avhen the brigade
was ordered to Kinston, N. C. Here it remained until May,
1863, in the meantime, however, participating in the mo\7e-
ments against Newbern and Washington under General
D. H. Hill.
In May the brigade joined the Army of Northern Vir
ginia, and was assigned to Rode's Division, Ewell's Corps.
Early in June this corps commenced its memorable march
to Pennsylvania. At Brandy Station, near Culpeper Court
House, our division was ordered out to support the cavab'y,
which was being driven in by the enemy7, but they retired on
the approach of the infantry. The battalion was Avith the
division during the long march to Carlisle Barracks, Pa.
At Hagerstown, Md., Colonel Shober having resigned, Major
Andrews became Lieutenant-Colonel and Captain John M.
Hancock, of Company F, Avas appointed Major. From
Carlisle Barracks the corps marched to Gettysburg, arriv
ing near that place on the memorable 1st of July, 1863.
About midday of the 1st a line of battle was formed and
our brigade advanced immediately into action. Shot, shell
and bullets flew thickly around, killing and Avounding men
at every step of their adA7ance, but steadily the brigade
moved forward with unAvavering front until within close
rifle-range of the enemy. Here the line was baited and the
45th Regiment and the 2d Battalion ordered to charge the
enemy which was formed in three lines just in our front.

148
Colonel Andrews most gallantly led his command, though
he bad been a short time previously Avounded by a shell.
In this charge, after breaking two lines of the enemy,
the battalion found itself on the verge of a deep radroad
cut which Avas not before seen. Thus checked (though some
of the men had scrambled into this cut and were proceed
ing up the opposite side), Colonel Andrews received orders
to fall back. On doing this the enemy poured a most
deadly fire into the ranks of the battalion.
At this time fell the gallant Andrews killed, and our gal
lant Major Hancock wounded. Out of two hundred and
forty men, exclusive of officers, nearly three-fourths had
fallen ; nearly all the officers were killed or Avounded. Never
did troops make a more gallant charge. The remnant of
this noble band — a mere handful — Avere reformed on the
original line by Adjutant Green, Avho had borne himself
with the greatest gallantry throughout the charge, and by
orders from General Daniel, Avho complimented the beha
viour of the battalion, were formed on the left of the 45th
Regiment. This charge was made directly under the eye of Geueral
Daniel, who complimented the behavior of the battalion in
the highest terms. Soon after this charge the enemy com
menced to give way, and the brigade moved forward cap
turing prisoners. It Avas halted near the town for the night.
Under Captain Van Brown, of Company H, the battalion
participated in the actions on the two succeeding days. On
the 5th of July the army commenced its retreat. On the
6th Daniel's Brigade formed the rear guard of the army,
and near Fairfield were in line of battle to meet the advance
of the enemy. The battalion Avas here deployed as sharp.
shooters, and lost two men captured. At Hagerstown, Md.,
the army awaited Meade's advance, but he declining to at
tack recrossed the Potomac and moved slowly back to Orange
Court House, Va. At Front Royal, Rodes' Division Avas
sent to the support of Wright's Brigade, Avhich Avas holding
the enemy in check until our army had recrossed the Blue

149
Ridge. Here it lay in line of battle until night, and then
moved by way of Luray to Orange Court House. Soon
after its arrival at Orange Court House Major James J. Ire
dell, of the 53d Regiment, was ordered to the command of
the battalion, Major Hancock having been wounded and
captured in Pennsyh7ania. Here it remained nearly a
month drilling and recuperating from the disasters of the
recent campaign ; its strength very slowly recruited. In
September (about the 10th) it was ordered to Morton's Ford,
the enemy haAring advanced into Culpeper county ; here it
did picket duty for nearly a month, Avhen it took part in
the movement towards Manassas, which caused Meade's
hasty7 retreat towards Washington City. Though formed
in line of battle once it Avas not engaged in battle.
After assisting to destroy the railroad from Bristoe Sta
tion to the Rappahannock river, the battalion crossed the
river and went into camp near Kelly's Ford. Here it re
mained quietly until the 6th of November, Avhen the enemy
suddenly advanced and effected a crossing at Kelly's Ford.
The division formed in line of battle but only a small por
tion became engaged. The battalion was ordered by Gen
eral Daniel to the right near Mountain Run to support a
battery, but was cut off by the enemy and had to make a
most tedious and circuitous march to rejoin the brigade.
Major Boggan, of the 43d Regiment, commanded the bat
talion on this occasion, Major Iredell being absent on leave
during the Avhole of November. The next night the army
crossed the Rapidan and Daniel's Brigade was again sent
to Morton's Ford. About the last of November, 1S63, the
enemy crossed the Rapidan and our army formed along
Mine Run awaiting an attack ; the enemy would not attack
but hastily retreated back into Culpeper. The battalion
Avhile lying in reserve had two men wounded from the
bursting of a shell in the ranks ; one sharpshooter of the
battalion Avas killed ; while lying in reserve the battalion
Avas subjected to a considerable shelling, but sustained only
the loss above mentioned. After an ineffectual pursuit of

150
the enemy the brigade returned to Morton's Ford, Avhere
Major Iredell Avas again ordered to the command.
Early in January, 1864, the brigade moved back from the
river into winter-quarters ; since then it has gone at short
intervals on picket at Morton's and Raccoon Fords on the
Rapidan. The battalion has recruited quite rapidly and is
now quite as strong as when it Avent into the battle of Get
tysburg. Companies D and E are from Georgia ; they are
composed of a gallant set of men, and they acted their part
in the bloody drama at Gettysburg with unflinching cour
age; they have made application for transfer to Georgia
commands, and orders are daily expected severing their
connection Avith this command. Both officers and men acted
nobly in the battle of Gettysburg and deserve the high en
comiums bestowed upon them by their Brigadier-General.
The folloAving tribute to the late Colonel Andrews is from
the pen of one who kneAV him intimately and Avho Avas by
his side in the gallant charge in which he fell :
" Our late esteemed commander, Lieutenant-Colonel H.
L. Andrews, who so gallantly led the battalion in the aAvful
charge on the memorable 1st of July7, 1863, although pre
viously wounded by a fragment of shell in the hip, refused
to quit his post and seek medical aid Avhen urged by his
Adjutant, to whom his disabled condition was apparent,
but urged his men right onward to victory or death, himself
always in the \7an, where he fell, willingly yielding his
manly spirit and life's blood upon the altar of freedom in
defence of his suffering and mourning country. His glorious
conduct was the inspiration of his command to emulate his
example in the performance of deeds of daring. Although
the first engagement of note in which he had ever partici
pated, he did not fail to Avin the admiration and confidence
of his Commanding General who scrutinized his brave and
unselfish conduct. North Carolina has lost one of her
brightest gems and most deserving supporters, and the Con
federacy one of its most faithful and efficient officers. His
sun has set to rise no more, but a halo of glory surrounds
him still."

151

APPENDIX A.
FLAG OF THE "NORTH CAROLINA GRAYS."
Upon the organization of the " North Carolina Grays, "
June 1, 1861, and before leaving for the seat of war, the
ladies of Cedar Fork, who had been so very instrumental
in fitting out the company for soldier life, decided that the
gallant boys must carry their colors with them. In order ,
to accomplish that purpose a Ladies' Society was organized
Avith Mrs. Lou. F. York, Chairman.
Miss Lizzie Weatberspoon, Secretary.
Miss Fannie Lyon, Treasurer.
In a feAv days the money was in hand, received from the
fodowing contributors : Mrs. Lou. F. York, Mrs. Virginia
Barbee, Mrs. Martha H. Hopson, Miss Fannie Lyon, Miss
Lizzie Weatherspoon, Miss Rebecca Weatberspoon, Miss
M. E. Weatberspoon, Mrs. Mollie Page Williams, Miss Mar
garet Scott, Miss Eliza Green, Miss Winnie Stone, Mrs. Sarah
Stone, Miss Lou. Christian, Mrs. Sue Carlton and Mrs. Emma
Scott. The material secured, the ladies soon had the flag,
of beautiful blue silk with Avhite square in upper corner,
upon which Avas painted (by Miss Sophia Partridge, of Ral
eigh) on one side the coat of arms of tbe State and on
the other the name of the company and date of organiza
tion. The day soon came Avhen orders were received for
the company to leave their homes and friends. The line
was formed and the boys moved off in martial style Avith
the flag floating proudly over them. It Avas held sacred,
every man being Avilling to lay doAvn his life to protect his
flag from desecrating hands.
During the fall of 1862, while in camp on the Potomac
river, the company was sent on an expedition against a force
of Federal troops, and Avhile on this duty the house Avherein
was stored the company's baggage, etc., Avas captured by

152
the 73d Ohio Regiment under command of Major T. W.
Higgins, and thus the flag fell into the hands of the enemy.
Major Higgins sent the flag to his home in Ohio where it
was preserved as a trophy of Avar.
At the close of tbe struggle the remnant of tbe company
returned to their homes ; the loss of their flag resting heav
ily upon their hearts, it was resolved to try and trace it up
and recover it if possible. This work was assigned to Major
Richard Watt York, Avho after considerable correspondence
. located it in the possession of Major Higgins. A great deal
of correspondence ensued, its identity proven, and Major
Higgins decided to return the flag to those of the company
Avho had survived the bloody struggle, and it was forwarded
to Major York for that purpose.
Upon its receipt the survivors were called together to
arrange for a public meeting, Avhen it was decided to have
a last reunion of the " North Carolina Grays," Co. I, 6th
Regiment North Carolina Troops on October 7, 1892, at
Cedar Fork, Durham county, Avith appropriate ceremonies,
and then turn the flag over to the State for preservation.
A letter was addressed to His Excellency Thomas M. Holt,
Governor, inviting him to be present and receive it on
behalf of the State, to which he replied, viz. :
Executia7e Department,
State of North Carolina,
September 29, 1892.
R. W. York, Secretary, Cedar Fork, N. C.
Dear Sir: Yours of the 28th instant, requesting that I
should receive the flag of the "North Carolina Grays, "
Company I, 6th North Carolina Regiment, which was borne
so gallantly through four years of Avar in the service of this
commonwealth, when re-presented by Colonel Higgins of
the 73d Ohio Regiment, on October 7, has been received.
It will give me much pleasure on behalf of the State to
receive from the survivors of your honored company this
flag, and I will deposit it Avhere it will be most carefully

158
preserved as a monument to the memory of those who so
courageously7 folio Aved it through the ma'ny battles of the late
war. It would give me much pleasure to receive this flag
in person, but as I have to make a speech on that day at
Lexington, North Carolina, I have appointed Colonel Eugene
Harrell, Quartermaster General, to receive the flag for me.
With sentiments of highest esteem,
I am, very truly yours,
' THOS. M. HOLT,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief .
The day set for the reunion was beautiful, not a cloud to
disturb the pleasures of the meeting ; several hundred per
sons gathered on the same ground where the company was
organized and received their first lessons in the manual of
arms. Major Higgins being unable from the press of busi
ness to attend the reunion, had requested Mrs. Fannie L.
Lowe to represent him and present the flag to the survivors.
At the sound of the bugle the crowd gathered around the
stand where seats had been provided in tbe large grove.
After music by the Durham band, Mrs. Lowe was intro
duced and read the following paper, giving a history of the
company and flag :
Mr. President and Survivors of the North Carolina Grays.
Thirty-one years ago, in behalf of the ladies of Cedar
Fork, I presented to tbe " North Carolina Grays," then a
company in Colonel Fisher's 6th North Carolina Regiment,
this flag. It was on the eve of war ; a war that raged
fiercely for four long years. In that terrible struggle your
company did its duty ; Ave were proud of you then, as over
one hundred strong Ave gave you this beautiful banner, and
with our prayers for your success on the field of battle. We
are prouder of you to-day, though only a remnant, but
veterans of many hard-fought fields, where immortal glory
was won for North Carolina Soldiers. The fame of the
soldiers from the Old North State for gallantry in the field,

154
patience on the weary march, and suffering in hospital is
world-wide, and no company contributed more to achieve that
fame than that company to whom this banner, consecrated by
woman's love and tears and prayers, Avas presented on June
1, 1861.
The incendiary's touch has burned tbe old academy where,
as students, from the upper story the girls watched the
boys taking their first lessons in military matters. Major
York, then the principal of the academy, was the drill-master.
How little did Ave think that those boys almost in an instant
Avould be transformed into soldiers, and the little cadet corps
expand into a regular company. Nearly every one of the
boys in Cedar Fork Academy went off in the company and
proved good soldiers.
The quiet of the school-room Avas disturbed by the news
of the firing on Fort Sumter ; every train that passed gave
fuller and further particulars of the opening of the first
great contest of the war. The academy suspended its lite
rary exercises, and in a day7 or two a large company had
gone from the little cadet corps ; the academy was used as
barracks ; the drilling went on Avith great earnestness and
vigor to prepare themselves all the better for the conflicts
of Avar.
The ladies entered into this struggle with as full a deter
mination to do a Avoman's duty in the war as the men. A
Ladies' Aid Society was formed, to which nearly every lady
in the community belonged ; its officers were Mrs. Lou. F.
York, President ; Miss Lizzie Weatherspoon, Secretary, and
Miss Fannie Lyon, Treasurer, all of whom are dead except
myself (now Mrs. LoAve), and nearly all the members, too,
have "crossed over the river to rest under the shade of the
trees." The company had to be equipped, the uniforms for
nearly one hundred and twenty men to be made ; the tents
that were to shelter them, the haversacks that were to hold
their rations. All this Avas done b)7 our society of ladies,
and more, such as military blouses and covering the canteens
for the men ; this was all done by tbe ladies lovingly and

155
cheerfully with their own fingers, for there was not a
sewing-machine at that time in all this country ; all this
heavy7 stitching of military suits, tents and canteens was
done with our fingers. Besides this, Ave prepared an abund
ance of lint and bandages for the Avounded, which doubt
less was of great service to the wounded on the many fields
of battle where your gallantry helped to fill the measure of
North Carolina's military fame. In tbe fall of 1861 we
made nearly all the overcoats for the company, and through
out the war we tried to do our duty and our whole duty as
women at home ; while the boys Avere doing their duty on
the tented field, the ladies of our Society tried to be as brave
in their duty at home as the soldiers in the war.
By the 1st of June, 1861, the company had drilled enough
to be ready for the regimental camp of instruction, and by
the vigorous use of our fingers we had them equipped for the
field. It then came into our hearts that we would present the
company with a beautiful banner ; quickly the forty dollars
was raised. Miss Partridge, of Raleigh, was selected to
make it, and it is all her handiAvork. With hearts full of
devotion to the cause and sincere affection' for the soldiers,
this banner was presented on the 1st of June, 1861, by
myself in behalf of the ladies of Cedar Fork. In a day or
two the company Avith that banner left. Through the vicis
situdes of war, after an absence of thirty-one years, it
comes back to-day to the old home of the company; it floats
in North Carolina breezes to-day ; here are still the old drill
and parade grounds ; these colors were captured in war, but
not in oattle. After the battle of Gettysburg the Federal
troops occupied Manassas and Bristoe. Down on the Po
tomac, in the same country where the company spent the
winter of 1861-'62, Ketcheloe's Battalion of Partisan Ran
gers had their home ; they were were about 150 strong and
were a terror to the Federal picket-posts in their foraging
expeditions. In the fall of 1863 a strong force of Federal
infantry, cavalry and artillery were sent against them under
the command of Major T. W. Higgins, of the 73d Ohio Regi-

156
ment. Unfortunately, the house in which the officers'
trunks were stored had become the headquarters and ren
dezvous of Ketcheloe's Battalion ; there it was captured.
Captain York's trunk, in which the flag was, shared the fate
of everything captured in Avar ; thus the flag passed into
the possession of Major Higgins, the commander of the
expedition against Ketcheloe on the Potomac. Major Hig
gins Avas brave and gallant on the other side; he was as
honest as you ; he gallantly fought to prevent the dismem
berment of this grandest Union of States ; he as fully
recognizes your gallantry and your devotion to a cause you
love. "But the Avar is over with me," said Major Higgins. "I
shall return the flag to the surviving veterans of the North
Carolina Grays." I am commissioned by him to present
the beautiful banner made sacred in war, made sacred by
the memory of the dead soldiers who once marshaled under
its folds, made sacred by the high aspirations and the blasted
hopes of the dead cold hands that once bore it.
What a change in a third of a century since I first pre
sented this banner to you. Then the company numbered 120
men, all in young, vigorous manhood, the flower of the land ;
to-day only thirty or forty veterans of many Avell-fought
fields greet that "Bonnie blue flag with a single star."
Nearly all the ladies who commissioned me to present this
banner to you thirty-one y7ears ago, are now sleeping in their
graves. Survivors of the North Carolina Grays, veterans of Com
pany I, 6th North Carolina Regiment, in behalf of Major
Higgins I present you to-day with your flag, captured in
war, but not in battle. Ye veterans of the Old North State,
whose gallantry has helped to emblazon Carolina Avith glory,
receive your colors again in your old home; they come from
those who were once your enemy, now your friend. Mine
is only the poor, frail, but proud and Avilling hand that bears
these colors from the soldiers of the North to the soldiers
of the South, all citizens again of one common country.

157
My sad but pleasant duty is done in giving you this
banner. At the conclusion of Mrs. Lowe's address the flag was
received by Lieutenant D. C. Gunter, on behalf of the
company.Fellow Comrades and Friends.
It is only with feelings of sadness and sorrow that I to
day receive from your hands, on behalf of Major Wiggins,
the colors of our company captured in war, but not in bat
tle. These colors come for the first time to float over the
old home of the company — their old parade and drill-ground.
The flag was presented June 1, 1861, at Morrisville, Avhere
the company was encamped for a few days before going to
Burlington, the rendez\7ous of the regiment and camp of
instruction. The flag has travelled to Burlington, thence
to Raleigh, where it floated at the Governor's Mansion
while the company stood guard over the dead body of Gov
ernor Ellis for a day and a night ; thence to Virginia, down
the Shenandoah Valley, around Manassas' fields, and on the
hills of the Potomac below Mt. Vernon. Here the officers'
baggage, trunks, and everything except necessary baggage,
had to be left (March, 1862) Avhen the evacuation of the
line of Manassas and the Potomac took place preliminary
to the concentration of the army at YorktoAvn ; its evacu
ation; the Peninsula campaign, with the battles of Wil
liamsburg, Eltban's Landing and Seven Pines, folloAved in
quick succession by the Seven Days below Richmond, in
which the company participated — the 6th Regiment spe
cially distinguishing itself in the memorable charge at
Gaines' Farm, and equally so for its stubborn, faithful duty
at Malvern Hill under the combined fire of artillery from
both the 'and and water-batteries. Thence over the plains
and hills of Manassas, over the very ground where Fisher,
Bee and Bartow fell, and Avhere this flag once floated in
drill, for it floated in company drill for several Aveeks over
that portion of the field where Jackson's Brigade Avon its

158
name of " StoneAvall ; " where Imboden's six brass 6-pound-
ers stood alone and unsupported, and over the wreck of
Rickett's and Griffin's batteries, silenced by the fire of Com
pany C (from Durham) and Company I (from Cedar Fork)
and Company F (from Mebane). Over these historic places
these colors waved in drill in 1861. Thence throughout the
Maryland campaign and sharing in the battles of Boons
boro and Sharpsburg; then Fredericksburg, the series of
fights knoAvn as Chancellorsville, the campaign to Gettys
burg, where on the night of July 2 the 6th North Carolina
Regiment and the 9th Louisiana Regiment entered and held
the Cemetery until forced to abandon it for Avant of support.
The company then, in the winter of 1863-'64, with the
6th Regiment, participated in Pickett's campaign against
Newbern, where the regiment took part in the battle of
Batchelor's Creek, and also Hoke's campaign against Ply
mouth, Avhere Ave were part of the storming column that
captured Fort Wessel. Returning to Virginia, Ave rejoined
General Lee's army and participated in all the engagements
down to June 18, 1864, Avhen we were detached to look
after Hunter in the Valley7. Driving him from Lynchburg
we followed him to the environs of Washington.
We were with Early in almost innumerable skirmishes
and the heaA7y battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and
Cedar Creek. After the Valley campaign we rejoined Gen
eral Lee at Petersburg. Avhere we shared all the labors and
ceaseless drudgery of the long bombardment, besides par
ticipating actively in the battle of Hatcher's Run and the
storming of Hare's Hill. Then on the long and doleful
retreat, where we Avere almost all the time engaged in fight
ing until the fatal clay of April 9 at Appomattox, Avhere we
had about forty men and stacked twenty-seven muskets in
the final surrender.
A little o\rer thirty years ago these colors Avere presented
to us at Morrisville in behalf of the ladies of Cedar Fork ;
you performed that duty. Of the 120 men then belonging
to the company not more than thirty survived ; of the

159
nearly 250 men who from first to last belonged to the com
pany7 not more than forty remain. On the night of the 7th
of November, 1863, nearly all the company was captured
and had to be recruited anew.
Death on the battle-field and in tbe hospital sadly thin
ned our ranks ; long imprisonment in a cheerless climate
sapped the vigor of many. Wasted with disease, impaired
in health from Avounds and exposure, death has been busy
among our comrades since the war.
We recall to-day the patriotic devotion of the ladies of
Cedar Fork and vicinity. This flag is but a reminder of
their generosity and liberality. With their own fingers,
for there Avere no sewing-machines then, they made up the
uniforms of the company and all their tents. Throughout
the Avhole Avar these noble ladies, unexcelled by any on the
earth, contributed in every way to tbe soldiers' comfort and
success of the cause. In any history of the war, in any
eulogy of the Southern soldiers and people, the patriotic
devotion and self-sacrificing labors of the ladies should not
be forgotten.
In the hearts of the soldiers their names will ever be fresh
and green. But few of the ladies Avho aided the company
so much, and who presented us with that banner thirty-one
years ago, are now living. I have said that the flag floats
here to-day at the old home of the company for the first
time. The old parade ground is here still, and the old drill
ground is here. A few surviving veterans are here. But
the old church is gone. The old academy that served as
barracks for the two companies has been burned down by
incendiaries. It was that academy where you and I Avere
students then that caused this company7 to be the first to be
tendered to and accepted by Governor Ellis. A cadet corps
bad been organized in tbe academy by Major York, who
was the principal of the academy, with about forty boys.
When the bombardment of Fort Sumpter took place the
school stopped of itself. The young men of the country
flocked in and joined the company, Avhich was tendered to and

160
accepted by Governor Ellis on the 17th of April, 1861.
From the 17th of April, 1861, to the final surrender at Ap
pomattox, April 9, 1865, the company was in continuous
military duty for four3rears, lacking just one week, as Gen
eral Lee's fareAvell orders were delivered on tbe 10th to the
troops, and we took our sad departure from that ill-fated
field to our homes. Thirty-one years ago, when we received
this flag from your hands on behalf of the ladies of Cedar
Fork, Ave were enlisted for the war. Some forty students
in the academy and other young men from the surrounding
country made it up. We sent back from Burlington, the
regimental camp of instruction, some twenty or tAventy-five
men to organize the second company, which was Company
G, 7th Regiment, so justly distinguished and celebrated in
the annals of war. We received tbe flag at Morrisville,
knoAving that we were entering a death struggle in the war.
The company took these colors for the war. We promised
the ladies of Cedar Fork to do our duty by that banner.
Let the record of the company from Cedar Fork to Appo
mattox Court House, Va., be our answer to that pledge.
The few surviving comrades here to-day7 receive the colors
again. For four years that beautiful banner waved in Avar. For
OA7er a quarter of a century it has been in the possession of
the victors. Captured in war, but not in battle, we receive
it to-day in peace. " The Avar is over with me," said Major
Higgins, in returning the flag. So the war is over Avith us.
We reciprocate the kind feelings of Major Higgins, and
shake hands in peace after the battle is over. We admire
the patriotism, the soldierly generosity that prompted Major
Higgins in its return.
We shall have no more reunions. We turn the flag over to
the Governor of North Carolina to be preserved by the
State in Avhose service it Avas received. We receive it for
the last time in peace. On this day, receiving these colors
again, no war-cloud hovers OA'erus; no soldiers parade now;

161
no Avomen Avith ey7es dimmed with tears stitch uniforms and
tents, and as they stitch pray from the bottom of their hearts
for victory to perch on that banner, given by beautiful
women to brave men.
May peace, blessed white-winged peace, always prevail.
May this banner in the halls of the State teach those who
gaze upon it a lesson of the patriotism and devotion of
North Carolina women that equals anything in Greece or
Rome, in ancient or modern times.
I receive the flag in behalf of the survivors of the North
Carolina Grays, Company I, 6th North Carolina Regiment.
We recall the memory of the ladies Avho are dead that were
so true to the company. Around the colors cluster the memo
ries of the gallant dead, who fell in field and hospital from
Cedar Fork to Appomattox.
Major R. W. York, the first captain of the company, was
introduced, and delivered the following historical address of
Company I and the 6th Regiment :
Mr. President, Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen.
After the Presidential election of 1860, the South was all
at once compelled to face a new state of affairs. With
South Carolina leading off in secession from the Union, six
other States rapidly followed. North Carolina did not cut
loose from her moorings from the Union, but resolutely
and patriotically determined not to leave that government
which she had helped to establish. While there was much
division over the question as to whether a convention should
be called, yet North Carolina voted down the proposition.
Many strong Union men regretted that they had voted
against the call, and the great and good Badger regretted
that even after 12 o'clock on the day of election he had not
from the steps of the court-house in Raleigh called upon
his friends to vote for the call. Tbe States South of us
organized the Confederacy, whde Virginia led the way of
pacification by calling the Peace Congress, to which North
Carolina sent delegates, and also an embassy to the Confed-
11

162
erate Congress to bring about a reconciliation and thus pre
serve the Union of the States. In this section of the coun
try (Wake, Orange and Chatham, that formed Company I,
6th North Carolina Regiment) the predominant sentiment
Avas for the Union ; there were none in favor of the dis
memberment of the Union for causes then existing. The
people, Avith great unanimity, Avere intensely, patriotically
and passionately attached to the Union. After the failure
of the Peace Congress and the embassy to the Confederate
Congress, a change came over the people ; they became
more serious, and recognized that the Union was dismem
bered ; that the Confederacy was established. All party
lines had vanished, and a strong and wise conservatism
prevailed. In the first Convention this section of country voted for
the Union ticket of George E. Badger, W. W. Holden and
Quenten Busbee ; Orange voted for William A. Graham and
John Berry7 — these tAvo counties making a ticket out of the
old parties ; Avhile Chatham voted for a straight Whig
ticket — John Manning, James H. Headen and L. J. Merritt,
Avho fell at Malvern Hill. While this spirit of conservatism
and aversion to secession existed, there was a universal sen
timent among the people that if matters came to a rupture
and civil Avar ensued, that North Carolina would make com
mon cause with the other States of the South.
Thus matters stood until that cannon-shot went booming
over the Avaters of Charleston harbor at 4 o'clock on the
morning of April 12, 1861 — that shot inaugurated the
severest war of modern times. As the trains passed this
place printed slips, giving accounts of the progress of the
bombardment, were thrown off and eA7erybody Avas kept
informed of that struggle and Anderson's surrender. There
was no excitement, the people calmly recognized the fact
which they had been struggling to prevent, that civil Avar
existed between the North and the South. They very
quietly but firmly went to work to fight it out ; there were
no speeches made, no meetings held, but the movement was

163
solid and firm. The boys in the academy had been organ
ized into a little cadet corps, and had been drilling an hour
each day for a few weeks. Immediately after the shot
against Sumter the young men from the surrounding coun
try came in, and Avith this nucleus a company grew so rapidly
that on the 17th of April it was tendered to Governor Ellis
and accepted by him, and the academy Avas used as bar
racks until the 1st of June. Hardly were we gone before
the second Cedar Fork company took the building and did
their drilling on the same ground. This second company
became Company G of the 7th Regiment, with Hiram
Weatherspoon as its Captain.
The shot fired at Sumter severed the connection of North
Carolina with the Union, and in the twinkling of an eye
the State was out of the Union, and became as rapidly as
possible one vast collection of camps. Yet the conser\7atism
of the people did not forsake them, and to the Convention of
May 20, 1861, this section of country voted (in Wake) for
George E. Badger, Kemp P. Battle and W. W. Holden ; in
Orange, for William A. Graham and John Berry, and in
Chatham for John Manning, James H. Headen and L. J.
Merritt. These were the same delegates that were elected
before, except that Mr. Battle had been substituted for Mr.
Busbee. From tbe middle of April to June 4 the company Avas
subsisted and equipped for the field by volunteer contribu
tions, which came in spontaneously and liberally of the free
wdl and accord of the people. We never drew a cent or a
cents worth of anything from the State ; being fully equip
ped when we joined the regiment in the shape of clothing
and tents. There are some names that ought to be recalled
to-day : Judge Badger contributed §200, W. W. Holden
$200, while William George, Cannady Lowe, Hiram Weath
erspoon, Robert T. Weatherspoon, Williamson Page and
Marmaduke Williams gave in cash and supplies over §200
each. After drilling about a month at Company Shops, the regi-

164
mental camp of instruction, under Major Charles E. Light-
foot, we left for Virginia on the 14th of July. At Raleigh
we participated in the funeral obsequies of GoArernor Ellis,
and tbe company was the guard of honor over bis remains
at tbe Executive Mansion. At Richmond President Davis
addressed tbe regiment standing on the steps of the Wash
ington monument, in which be used the expression, " that
North Carolina was generally the last to engage in a quar
rel and the last ever to quit it when once engaged."
We arrived at Winchester July 17 and were placed in
line of battle at once, as General Johnston was expecting
an attack by Patterson. Reaching there by a forced march,
and having no Avagons, we had no cooking utensils. Colonel
. Fisher took tbe negroes back to town and had our supper
prepared and brought to us about 10 o'clock at night. There
amid the shocks of new-mown wheat we ate our first meal
in line of battle. Colonel Fisher got our breakfast the
same way next morning. Two traits were predominant
with him — gallantry and devotion to his men. He never
bad command of the regiment until we started for Virginia
and had never even drilled it.
On the night of the 19th Ave took up our line of march
for Manassas, where we arrived Sunday morning and
marched at once to the battlefield to the music of the roar
ing battle ; we halted a short time at Portici or Lewis house,
when we moved by the flank to the extreme left. We had
no guide or staff officer, as it was doubtless expected we
would form on the line of battle Avhich was then being
established on Jackson's Brigade, but Jackson was far to
our right and out of sight. We went in at the time of the
lull in the battle of a half hour or more. We soon saw the
7th and Sth South Carolina Regiments under Cash and
Kershaw to our left, but no line of battle to our right. Still
pushing forward by the right flank we passed to our right
tne remnants of Liddell's two companies ofthe 11th Missis-
S'S wu;-,they Were alone and had *° ^oops on
either flank. While moving on, and just before entering

165
the oak thicket, an officer on horseback told Colonel Fisher
to " carry his regiment right on and put it in up there, and
we have got them." At this time there were no troops
about us ; we were marching by the flank at right angles
across any line of battle that Johnson would have formed ;
we had left Cash and KershaAv far behind, if that Avas the
line on which we Avere to form, but obeying the officer on
the black horse we entered the oak thicket, going up the
little ravine, when suddenly we beheld a 12-gun batter}7 and
a Zouave regiment with red breeches. The Durham com
pany, under Captain Freeland, Avho fell at Seven Pines, was
leading, next the Cedar Fork company under me, and then
the Mebane company under Captain Wilson. Colonel Fisher
called out "halt!" "front!" "fire on that battery!" If we
had obeyed his order literally to front, we would have
turned our backs to the Federals ; but Ave faced to the rear,
the file-closers passing rapidly to the new rear, and a deadly
volley at forty yards was poured into Rickett's and Griffin's
batteries — twelve guns in all, with one of them choked, so
General Logan says. General Sherman in his official report
says the battery was "destroyed," and all the Federal
reports affirm just Avhat every Confederate in that part of
the field knows, that the battery never fired a shot or turned
a wheel afterwards. These tAvo batteries had clone excel
lent service all the morning on the other side of Young's
branch. The military critics censure McDowell for moving
both batteries at once and massing them together in front
of the Henry house only to be annihilated. General
McDowell says " their officers mistook the 6th North Caro
lina for one of their OAvn regiments, and alloAved them to
approach so near without firing on them that it disabled
the battery." McDowell's Rep., p. 320*
General Porter, commanding the Second Division, p.
385,* says: "That Griffin's and Rickett's batteries Avere
ordered to the top of the hill, supporting them with the 11th
NeAv York Fire Zouaves, and Marines, Avbile the 11th Brook
lyn Regiment entered the skirt of woods on the right of
*War of the Rebellion— Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies.

166
the batteries, but so soon as they (the batteries) Avere in
position, and before the flanking supports bad reached theirs*
a murderous fire of musketry and rifles, opened at pistol
range, cut doAvn every cannoneer and a large number of
horses. The fire came from some infantry Avhich had been
mistaken for our own forces, an officer on the field having
stated that it was a regiment sent by Heintzelman to sup
port the batteries."
General Franklin says, p. 406 : " The battery was entirely
crippled in a few minutes and its remains drawn off, all the
guns being left on the field."
The 11th New York Fire Zouaves had gotten into posi
tion and gave a deadly fire into the regiment, but were
driven back by the fire from the centre of the 6th Regi
ment. With the field in our front cleared of both infantry
and artillery, one naturally asks why Colonel Fisher did
not advance ; how it was that then and there he did not
advance the very short distance, and at least put his hands
on the guns ? The Durham company could haA7e put their
hands on the first guns by advancing thirty yards. It will
be remembered that Colonel Fisher was carried there by a
Federal staff officer of Heintzelman' s through mistake ; that
there Avas no Confederate line of battle on that part of
the field ; the 6th regiment was not near any7 other troops ;
he was far in advance of where the line of battle Avas after
wards formed ; his regiment Avas nearly7 at right angles to
the Federal line and also the Confederate. The battery
was destroyed, because we assailed it before the 14th Brook
lyn Regiment had gotten into position. Had they been in
position Ave could not haA7e approached the battery so near,
but they quickly debouched from the Sudley road, far and
completely outflanking Fisher, and its left companies poured
a deadly fire into the Durham company, inflicting a loss
of sixteen killed and wounded, far the heaviest of any com
pany — the Cedar Fork company losing two killed and three
Avounded ; John Wilder and Joseph Morris killed, and Har
mon Sears, J. H. Moring and J. D. Ausley Avounded, our

167
first to fall in battle. This flanking of the 6th, and the en
filade fire to which it was exposed, of necessity forced Colo
nel Fisher to give the order to retreat, as he was entirely
alone and unsupported. It was in this disorder when every
body on both sides became so mixed up. " Friends and
enemies," says General Franklin, "were mixed together
around Rickett's battery." General Wilcox (pages 408-9)
then advanced through the woods, passing over our dead
and wounded, to the fence in the edge of the old field ; there
he was met by Cash and Kershaw, and a little later by
Kirby Smith's Brigade of three regiments. Then the shat
tered and scattered troops, without much formation, assailed
the centre, passed over the destroyed and dismantled bat
teries, swept the Henry house plateau and drove the Fed
erals into a new line. At this juncture General Early ap
peared Avith his brigade, Beckham's artillery and Stuart's
tAvo cavalry companies at Chinn's house, completely out
flanking their right ; then commenced the Federal retreat.
General Early says he scared the Federals worse then he
hurt them, but his gaining their right flank and rear of
course ended all hope of further Federal resistance.
The official reports say that Griffin's and Rickett's bat
teries were taken and retaken three times, first by Fisher's
6th North Carolina, second by tbe Federals when they ad
vanced through the woods over our Avounded, and third,
when the final charge was made, and the guns Avere finally in
the Confederates' possession. But after Colonel Fisher's regi
ment got through with them they were perfectly harmless
for that battle, for they never fired another shot that day on
that field. It was about 2:30 p. m. when Fisher destroyed
the batteries, and about 3:30 p. m. when he Avas killed by a
rifle ball through his forehead, beyond the batteries in the
charge that cleared the plateau of the Henry house.
Further to his right fell Bee, our first Brigadier General,
whom we neA7er saw that day ; he was checking the Federal
advance far beyond, in the early morning, six miles away,
when we were getting off the cars at Manassas. Colonel

168
Fisher has never received justice for his work at Manassas.
I shall not attempt his vindication here. I will ask only
one question, recalling the fact that he destroyed a 11-gun
battery (one gun being choked, says General Logan), and
drove the supporting regiment (11th N. Y. Zouaves) off the
field. The question is this : If Kirby Smith's Brigade of
three regiments and Cash's and Kershaw's two regiments
bad met a well-formed infantry and this 11-gun battery,
what would have been the result ? It has been the fate of
North Carolina troops never to receive their dues from
Southern writers. The complaint is just that North Caro
lina troops have never had justice. Colonel Fisher was a
good man, most intensely devoted to his men, and beloved
by them all.
The summer and early fall were spent at and near the
field of Manassas, when Ave moved to the hills overlooking
the Potomac between Dumfrees and Mt. Vernon. On the
10th of March, 1862, we evacuated the line of Manassas,
moving by Fredericksburg and finally reaching Yorktown,
Avhere the army was concentrated to resist McClellan's
advance. We participated in the battles of Elthan's Land
ing and Seven Pines (commanded by Colonel Pender), both
of Avhich were inscribed upon our battle-flag by General
Orders. Thence we Avere transferred to Staunton under
" Stonewall" Jackson, and took part in the flank movement.
At that time we were in Whiting's Light Division of two
brigades, the "Old Third," consisting of the 2d and 11th Mis
sissippi, 4th Alabama and the 6th North Carolina, the brig
ade AAras commanded by Colonel E. M. Law of tbe 4th Ala
bama (General Whiting being killed at Fort Fisher com
manding the division), the other brigade was the Texans
under General Hood.
We Avere in most of the engagements of the Seven Days,
Gaines' Farm and Malvern Hill, all being inscribed on our
battle-flag by General Orders. I shall call your attention
only to Gaines' Farm. There we were detached from "Stone-
Avall, " and moved over a mile under a terrible fire to make

169
part of the memorable storming column which carried the
strongly entrenched position of the Federals. They occu
pied a steep bluff, at its foot Avas a deep gully, on its sides
were two lines of breastworks composed of the great oaks
Avhich they had felled. In the gully was a line of battle and
two on the bluff — one above the other — behind the log breast
works; the summit Avas crowned Avith a tAvelve-gun battery
of 12-pound Napoleons. Three lines of infantry and one
twelve-gun battery were to be dislodged ; eleven attempts,
it is said, had failed to take it. From a small ravine, going
up a steep little bluff that sheltered us we passed over sev
eral lines of battle hugging closely to the sides of the bluff.
Near to the summit we laid down to avoid their fire. No
artillery was to help the little storming column that was to
advance. Passing over the crest of the little bluff one saw
a gentle declivity, smooth and sandy, that stretched to the
entrenched position we Avere to storm about 300 yards off.
We advanced Avith trailing arms at a double-quick ; General
Whiting going in with us on his horse, Avaving his hat and
cheering on bis men — he was the impersonation of gallantry.
General Law was just as Whiting The battery and the lines
of infantry opened upon us ; the men fell thick and fast, but
the storming column halted not — the double-quick merged
into a run ; then the wild yell as we leaped the gully, and the
trailed arms opened fire, and we swept onward and upAvard
until the hot and smoking Napoleons were in our posses
sion. Lieutenant T. M. Jenkins, of Chatham, was the first
man to put his hands on the guns, and for this he was pro
moted to Second Lieutenancy.
Jefferson Davis has done us justice about Gaines' Farm,
in his "Rise and Fall of the Confederacy," but Pollard
barely mentions the " Old Third," and gives most of the
credit to Hood's Texans, but the "Youth's History of the
Great Civil War," published by a New York firm, and
which has had an immense sale, does not mention us at all,
but gives the whole credit to Hood's Texas Brigade. The
book has a full-page picture, pretty accurate, of the storm-

170
ing column, but says it is Hood's Texans. Hood's Brigade
passed through the old-field pines to our left where they
fought from tree to tree ; their left rested on the 7th North
Carolina Regiment, Branch's Brigade, in which was the
second Cedar Fork company. The 7th greatly distinguished
itself; five color-sergeants Avere shot down; Colonel Campbell
seized them Avith his left band, his right arm having been
shattered by a grape-shot ; still leading on his men he fell
pierced through the head by a musket ball and his body
covered Avith the colors he bore.
General Law, in the Century, has an admirable article on
this storming column, written in his elegant style. I had
copied it, intending to give that for Avhat I had to say of
the storming column at Gaines' Farm, but I have not used
it for fear I might be charged with exaggerated laudation
of my OAvn regiment instead of a plain statement of facts.
Our losses in the Seven Days were far heavier in killed
and Avounded than the Federals. McClellan's splendid army
had pitched their camps Avithin hearing of the church bells
of Richmond, while his pickets, in the strong glare of the
morning and evening sun, could descry the tall steeples of the
beleagured capital of tbe Confederacy, whose early fall had
been as confidently predicted as it Avas earnestly desired.
At the end of the Seven Days, after a Confederate loss in
killed and Avounded about double that of the Federals, the
capital of the Confederacy was still threatened from three
different points. McClellan Avas on the James river, less
injured than Lee from the week of battles, and on the base
AA7hich eventually proved the only available one to strike
Richmond. At Fredericksburg, about forty miles away,
lay 40,000 effectiA7e veterans under McDowell, Avhose superb
strategy and matchless execution — for a time — of his
splendid manoeuvres on the field of first Manassas, failed
from no fault of his nor of his men ; at Culpeper lay still
another army under General Pope. Thus three armies
threatened the Confederate Capital from three different
points. McDowell and Pope could easily combine, but

171
neither McDowell or Pope could combine with McClellan,
he Avas beyond reach.
The problem for the imperial genius of Lee to solve was
to beat McDowell and Pope, Avho easily combined their
armies, before they would be reinforced by McClellan.
This problem Avas successfully and most brilliantly solved
on the fields of Manassas and Chantilly, and not only
Richmond relieved, but tbe Federal armies Avere driven
across the Potomac and military operations carried on in
Maryland. So successful was this manoeuvre of Lee, that
Pope swore before a committee on the conduct of the war
"that 21,500 of McClellan's army Avere all that eA7er drew
trigger under his command." There were five days battle
at Second Manassas, ended with a sixth at Chantilly,
which was fought in a drenching rain. After the fighting
was over, and the rain still falling, we sought shelter in the
porch of an old-fashioned country store. There were only
tAvo benches in the porch, but these were cheerfully given up
Avhen the dead bodies of Generals Kearney and Stevens
were both brought by our boys from the field just in front
of the old store. The dead bodies of the tAvo Federal Gen
erals were laid in state on these two benches, and reverently
tenderly, with uncovered heads, many in the drenching rain,
we silently watched the last sleep of our two gallant foemen ;
both were old soldiers and both had been Governors of
States. General Kearney's AvidoAV afterwards wrote General
Lee, requesting that his horse and sword might be returned
to her. General Lee promptly asked authority of the Sec
retary of War to do so ; it Avas readily granted, the sword
was returned, but it had become impossible to restore the
horse. Both bodies were sent through the lines the next
night to their friends.
The event on which the invasion of Maryland hinged,
and by which not only was Richmond to be relieved, but
Virginia cleared of all Federal forces, had turned out most
grandly, and fording the Potomac, east of the Blue Ridge,
we entered Maryland. As we reached the Maryland shore,

172
wild huzzas rang out ; the bands and drum corps gave us
"Maryland, my Maryland," while the soldiery sang it,
whistled it and hummed it until it was literady " worn to
a frazzle." Tbe column took up the line of march for Fred
erick City and encamped. From this place Lee's army
could have threatened Baltimore, Washington City and
Pennsylvania. While resting there it was impossible to
diA7ine which way the column would move, but a circum
stance, not at all expected, one that had never been pro
vided for, now confronts Lee's army. An army of 11,000
men under General Miles at Harper's Ferry had not evacua
ted that place, as was confidently expected when the river
was crossed. Preparations Avere made at once to capture
this force, which Avas successfully done by Stonewall
Jackson. The remains of the armies of Pope, McClellan and Mc
Dowell had been combined at Washington under McClel
lan — a very formidable army. General Lee's army had
been divided, and the various divisions had taken separate
positions to aid in the capture of Harper's Ferry. Long-
street was sent to Hagerstown, thus threatening Pennsyl
vania, as Avell as blockading an escape in that direction
(and we were with him) ; D. H. Hill was at Boonsboro to
guard the passes in the Blue Ridge and prevent escape by
way of Pleasant Valley, at the foot of the mountain;
McLaw was sent to seize Maryland Heights, overlooking
Harper's Ferry, Avhile Walker took possession of Loudon
Heights on the Virginia side, both overlooking the doomed
garrison of Harper's Ferry.
Jackson crossed the Blue Ridge, marched rapidly by
Wilbamsport, where he crossed the Potomac and moved
down to complete the circumvallation of the garrison.
This Avidely-dispersed condition of Lee's army had suddenly
become necessary, from the fact that Harper's Ferry had
not been evacuated, as was expected. The white flag was
raised by the Federal commander at 7:20 on the morning
of September 15. Under this capitulation Ave received

173
seventy-three pieces of artillery, 13,000 small arms, 11,000
prisoners, according to Jackson's official report. Another
incident changed the whole face of affairs — that was the
lost order of battle of General Lee, detailing minutely the
positions of the army for the reduction of Harper's Ferry.
Colonel Walter H. Taylor, who was on General Lee's staff,
gives this account of the "Lost Order" in his " Four Years
with General Lee" : " It Avas the custom to send copies of
such orders marked 'confidential' to commanders of separate
corps or divisions only, and to place the address in the loAver
left-hand corner of the sheet containing the order. General
D. H. Hill was in command of a division which had not
been incorporated with either wing of the Army of North
ern Virginia ; a copy of the order was therefore sent to
him. After the evacuation of Frederick City by our forces,
a copy of General Lee's order was found in a deserted camp
by a soldier, and was soon in the hands of General McClel
lan. This copy of the order, it was stated, was addressed
to General D. H. Hill, commanding division. General Hill
has assured me that it could not have been his copy, because
he still has the original order received by him in his posses
sion." Colonel Taylor adds the following note : " Colonel
Venable, one of my associates on the staff of General Lee,
says in regard to this lost order : ' This is very easily ex
plained. One copy was sent directly to General Hid from
headquarters. General Jackson sent him a copy, as he re
garded General Hill in his command. It is General Jack
son's copy in his own handwriting, Avhich General Hill has.
The other was undoubtedly left carelessly by some one at
General Hill's headquarters.' "
General Colgrove, who was at the time Colonel of the
27th Indiana Regiment, states in Century Magazine, Novem
ber, 1886: "That before noon of September 13, the 12th
Army Corps camped where D. H. Hill's Division had left
the evening before. The 27th Indiana stacked arms, and it
was McClellan's intention to rest until he could reconnoitre,
to remain at least until the next day, the 14th. Private

174
Mitchell of the 27th Indiana found the order where the
stack of arms was and wrapped three cigars in it ; First
Sergeant John M. Bloss accidently read it — ' Special Order,
No. 191 ' — and carried it to Colonel Colgrove. Colonel Pit
man who had been intimate Avith Colonel Chilton of Lee's
staff while in Chicago instantly and certainly identified
Chilton's handwriting, and thus McClellan was assuredly
put in possession of information, direct from Lee himself, of
every disposition and order of battle relative to Harper's
Ferry." McClellan says in his report on the conduct of the
war : " Upon learning the contents of this order, I at once
gave orders for a vigorous pursuit." His army Avas allowed
to rest one hour instead of a day or two. So on the evening
of the 13th McClellan approached the gap in the Blue Ridge,
known as Boonsboro Gap, and also Crampton's Gap, nearest
to Harper's Ferry, for tbe purpose of breaking through,
relieving the beleagured garrison of Harper's Ferry, and
crushing Lee's army in detail, one by one, Avhile widely
scattered and before they could be concentrated. Early on
the morning of the 14th McClellan opened the battle at
Boonsboro and Crampton's Gap. General Hood had been
placed under arrest by General Evans about some ambu
lances which he had captured and refused to turn over to
Evans' Division, thus leaving Hood's men without ambu
lances for the Avounded and sick. I do not remember who
had nominal command of the division ; but after passing
Boonsboro on a forced march from HagerstoAvn we crossed
a little creek ; the men were greatly incensed at going into
battle Avithout Hood. Directly we passed General Lee in a
fence-corner, holding his horse by tbe bridle, as he stood
reclining against the fence, accompanied by Colonel Chilton.
Hood was dismounted with his hat off, theshells were burst
ing over us, and far up tbe mountain side was the roar of
musketry. Suddenly the neAvs swept up the column, amid
the crash of battle, " Hood is released." Then rose a loud,
wild cheer from the little division that echoed far above the
noise of battle, as General Hood quietly said, " Boys, I am

175
going into battle with you.*' Generals Lee and Hood have
passed over the river and now rest under the shade of the
trees. McClellan was checked, but on the morning of the 15th
we were compelled to fad back, listening to the distant
thunder of Jackson's guns, which opened at daylight on
Harper's Ferry. We began our march to Sharpsburg to
concentrate the scattered army. Sharpsburg was ten miles
north of Harper's Ferry and eight west of Boonsboro.
McCledan, in possession of the Blue Ridge, had ample oppor
tunity to count our even7 man, and no manoeuvre or move
ment could be concealed from him in daylight. Longstreet
and D. H. Hid reached Sharpsburg on the morning of the
15th ; Hood covered the rear, and on arriving at Sharps
burg in the evening was placed in position across the main
pike to Boonsboro, and overlooking the famous Stone Bridge
which is immortalized by Burnside's struggles to hold and
the desperate attempts by the Confederates to take it. On
the hills opposite to us, with the little sluggish Antietam
between us, the head of McClellan's army arrived about
3 o'clock in the morning and commenced deploying his col
umns. Light artidery duels took place from the crests of
the hids ; the positions on each side being about equal.
On the morning of the 16th of September Hood's Divi
sion was sent to the left and took position across the Hagers
town pike, one brigade resting in the grove of giant oaks
around the little Avbite Dunkard church, called by some
mistake in the official reports " Saint Mumma's church."
Across from this church in a fair level field the tide of bat
tle was to roll in all its fury on the next day.
The Antietam was easily forded anyAvbere on our left.
By these fords the great masses to turn the Confederate
left crossed on the 16th and formed a line of battle extend
ing from the Potomac to the Antietam and at right angles
with the main line of battle.
Hooker, commanding their right, immediately swung
round so as to touch the horse-shoe bend of the Potomac,

176
filling the space to the river with an abundance of cavalry
and artillery. Late in the evening of the 16th Hood's two
little brigades advanced from the Dunkard church and en
gaged the advance of Hooker's masses. We bad already
contested every inch of the ground from Boonsboro Gap to
Sharpsburg, and occupied the whole of the 15th and till
noon of the 16th, and rested two or three hours, when we
again engaged Hooker's advance and held it in check for
several hours until dark. He formed his line of battle in
the dark on our immediate front, and the Avords of com
mand and their formation were distinctly and easily heard
by us. We laid in tbe clover and rested. It was very cool
after dark, and I slept between Hood and Law, and we
made ourselves comfortable in tbe fence corner by using all
the saddle blankets. About 10 o'clock General Hood went
to the rear to get us relieved, when General Lawton, com
manding Ewell's Division, relieved us, and we fed back to
the grove around St. Mumma's church. While there in
early dawn of the morning we were subjected to a terrible
artillery fire from the rifle guns across the Antietam, while
our flanks were enfiladed by tbe grape and canister that had
already crashed through the ranks of Jackson's Division.
Against this front and enfilade fire Ave bad no protection
except the scattered oaks in the strip of woods around the
so-called St. Mumma's church. Of course our loss Avas
heaAry. Then came the message from General Lawton to
come to his rescue ; that the Federals Avere beating him
back. At the word the troops, scattered all over the grove,
formed line instantly along tbe pike and started across the
level clover field to meet two corps in line and a third in
reserve, leaving General Early's Brigade alone in reserve to
support our advance. We were advancing to grapple with
over 10,000 men in our immediate front. How many mus
kets glittered in the line of the advancing two " little giant
brigades, " as Hood calls them in his official reports ? All
hinged on these tAvo little brigades. When they are swept
away Early's little Virginia Brigade is the sole force to

177
check the Federal advance. Not 15,000 troops Avere in line
on the whole field at that time ; the troops from Harper's
Ferry were not yet up, though courier after courier had
hastened their march. It was very hot, dry and dusty,
and the men tired, hungry and sleepy. General Hood says
in his official report that his division approximated 2,000
muskets. The Texas brigade had five regiments ; the " Old
Third" had four. General Law, in his official report,
says the brigade could not have carried over 1,000 muskets.
I think there were about 800 in our brigade and 200 in our
regiment. We advanced at a run and reached a little ter
race that ran across the clover field close to the corn-field,
where their line lay. Here Ave halted and were tolerably
sheltered by laying down behind the little swell or terrace.
In passing over this ground Colonel Webb had his right
arm shattered and Colonel Tate was shot through the neck.
We were lying doAvn nearly at right angles to the Federal
line, in the edge of the corn-field, the 6th North Carolina
being on the extreme left. Major Sellars, of Hood's staff,
rode up to me and first informed me that Colonels Webb
and Tate were wounded, and gave me orders to wheel the
regiment and strike the line, and directed me to commence
the movement, and the other regiments would conform to me.
It was a very hazardous movement, as the regiments Avould
move one at a time to strike the enemy's line. The 6th
North Carolina being the pivot, and very close to the Fed
eral line, would necessarily suffer, and if it broke all was
lost, as the other regiments could be struck in flank and
annihilated. I passed up my line and explained the move
ment and urged the men to stand firm, as all depended on
our regiment. I then went to the left company ^from Dur
ham), Captain Lowrie commanding, and gave the word.
We rushed over the little terrace and met the Federal line
in the corn-field. They stood up most gallantly; it was
point-blank firing. I thought we would be annihilated,
but at the word forward the thin line obeyed and the
Federals gave way. Here Captain Lowrie fell dead. Mean-
12

178
while, the Avhole line came up and Avere striking deadly
blows ; they were routed and never rallied. We then struck
Porter's Corps, routed and drove it back, regaining the line
from Avhich Lawton had been driven, passed through the
woods and beyond to a fence, Avhere Ave halted. Our ad
vance had forced them to withdraw all their artillery on
our left that all the morning had given us such a pitiless
enfilade fire of grape. We could advance no further, our
ammunition was exhausted ; we picked up all we could from
the dead and wounded around us. Meanwhile, our muskets
had become so heated that they dripped with filth from the
muzzles, and if Ave had had cartridges Ave could not have used
them. We were ordered to fall back to St. Mumma's
church, from where we started. Passing back through the
clover field, we Avere again raked by the artillery from be
yond Antietam, and the batteries on oui left again opened
on us.
Arriving at the Dunkard church the little handful formed
line and offered the bayonet to the slowly and cautiously
advancing Federals, but not a cartridge. General Early's
Brigade Avas at this time the only troops on the left to check
the advancing enemy, and he Avas not disposed to hurl his
little Virginia Brigade into the jaws of destruction. The
Federals advanced into the clover field just across the pike
from St. Mumma's church and brought up artdlery. But
McLaws had come up from Harper's Ferry, and being una
ble to come to our position to form his line, formed on the
next range of hills in rear of the church, when we Avere
ordered to tbe rear to clean our guns and rest. AsAveAvere
passing out McLaws Avas forming at a double-quick on
right into line. The enemy had advanced beyond the
church and planted their artillery in the grove and advanced
their infantry to assault McLaws, but were repulsed. Gen
eral Early then threAv bis brigade forward and drove them
back. McLaws moved forward, supported by General
Walker. Our lines were all re-established, and this ended
the struggle on our left, Avhere the main battle was fought.

179
At night Ave returned to St. Mumma's church and took
position in reserve a little to the right of the centre, but
there was no further engagement, they bad failed to turn
our left flank and crush it.
More than a mile away to our right was the desperate
struggle against Burnside for the possession of the Stone
Bridge. There the 7th North Carolina Regiment of
Branch's Brigade greatly distinguished itself, and had
"Sharpsburg" inscribed upon its battle-flag by General
Orders. At the surrender the boys tore up the flag rather
than surrender it ; one fragment Avith the legend " Sharps
burg" you see here to-day. The second Cedar Fork com
pany was Company G of that regiment.
You naturally expect me to say something in praise of
those men whose names are peeled and chimed on every
trump of fame — Lee, Longstreet, Jackson, Hood, the Hills,
etc. I have none for them so far as any generalship or
strategy was concerned. It was a plain, simple battle that
any intelligent Sergeant could fight. Sharpsburg was pre
eminently7 and most emphatically the battle of the private
soldier. It was a plain, open field — a fair, square fight, and
was Avon by the valor of the Southern soldiers. No genius
supplied the place of numbers ; the man that looked with
out a tremor along the barrel of his musket and pointed
his bayonet, and the man that stood by the thundering
artillery and sent the shot, shell and grape crashing through
the colossal columns opposed to us won the day. All the
praise for Sharpsburg is due to the private soldier, for it
was emphatically his battle, and Avas the hardest fought and
longest of any field during the war.
During tne 18th the lines remained all day looking at
each other in the open field Avithout firing a shot ; neither
being able to assume the offensive. An informal truce was
established and Confederate and Federal passed through
each others line collecting their dead and wounded. On
the night of the 18th General Lee retired to the Virginia
side, and the Potomac again rolled between the hostile
armies.

180
During this campaign the suffering of our soldiers was
very great from marching over rocky turnpikes without
shoes. They were literally bare-foot heroes, so eloquently
described by General Rodes. As for rations, they were
green corn and apples, and were drawn without any help
from the Commissaries from the orchards and fields of the
farmers. General Hood in his official report, said "that
during five days of hard marching and fighting we drew
flour for two days and meat for one day." This is a fair
instance of Confederate privation.
The battle of Sharpsburg brought peace to the tAvo armies
until December 13, when we met Burnside on the plains of
the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg. During the winter
there were no operations until May, when the series of bat
tles known as Chancellorsville took place, in which the 6th
Regiment participated, behaving very gallantly on May 4,
when Sedgwick Avas attacked and driven back, night sav
ing him from Avorse consequences. Fredericksburg, Decem
ber 13 and May 4, Avas inscribed on our battle-flag. It Avas
at Chancellorsville, in the Wilderness, where Stonewall
Jackson recei\7ed his death-wound, and EAvell was made
corps commander, just before the first battle of Fredericks
burg, that the " Old Third " brigade was broken up, and the
regiment sent to form a new brigade under the policy of
brigadiering by States. Our new North Carolina Brigade'
was the 6th, 21st, 54th and 57th regiments, and our first
Brigadier-General was R. F. Hoke, who so greatly distin
guished himself afterwards, and was promoted Major-Gen
eral on the field at Plymouth, N. C. Our little division
of two brigades, known as Hood's Division, Avas. also broken
up. We were placed in Early's Division and Hood's Texans
sent to a neAv and larger division under Hood.
The next operations were the Pennsyh7ania campaign,
Avhere our division was in the lead, capturing Milroy's
army at Winchester. Here the 54th North Carolina was
sent to Staunton to guard the prisoners of Milroy's army,
and did not participate in the Gettysburg campaign. Gen-

181
eral Hoke had been severely wounded at Fredericksburg
May 4, and the brigade Avas under the command of Colonel
I. E. Avery. Colonel Webb, after Winchester, going to the
rear on account of the wound received at Sharpsburg. tbe
command of the regiment deArolved on Colonel Tate. We
went to York, Pa., at Avhich place our brigade garrisoned ;
from there to Gettysburg, coming on the Heildersburgroad,
arriving on the field July 1, and were immediately placed
in action as the extreme left brigade and drove the Fed
erals through the Avheat-field to the edge of toAvn, Avhere
the York railroad depot stood. A battery of Napoleons
was captured in our charge. The Federals took position
on Cemetery Hill, and formed those lines from which it was
impossible to dislodge them after two days of most heroic
efforts and feats of valor unsurpassed on any field of either
ancient or modern times. I shall call to your attention
only one in which the 6th participated. The Federal line
of battle at Gettysburg Avas shaped like the letter V, or, in
other words, it was an acute angle, Avith the apex pointing
to the town about a mile off. Perched upon the little
mountain top in the apex formed by tAvo turnpikes coming
together, or, to use a homely expression, in the forks of the
road, was Gettysburg's city of the dead — the cemetery —
hence known as Cemetery Hill, or Heights. Rode's Di\Ti-
sion held the town facing the cemetery, and to approach
from the town over the level valley was totally7 impossible.
Early's Division came next, . facing the side of Cemetery
Hill, and Ed. Johnson's, facing Culp's Hill, ended the short
arm of the prong V, or the short side of the triangle. The
remainder of the army, on the other side of the mountain,
faced them and us along the long arm of the triangle.
A little before sunset of the 2d Colonel Avery called me
to him near a little apple tree, and informed me that his
brigade and Hays' Louisiana Brigade had been chosen as
a storming column to carry Cemetery Hill Avithout any sup
ports. Colonel Tate then was called, and it was the opinion
of both of us that all that possibly could be done Avould be

182
to gain the outer wall of the cemetery, when supports ought
to take our place, but there were no supports Almost im
mediately tbe order Avas given to commence tbe movement,
when forty-odd pieces of artillery opened on us, and we had
three lines of infantry to dislodge. Several manoeuvres had
to be performed before we got in the proper position to
move directly forward. When we had gotten the position
Colonel AA7ery told me to keep well closed to the right, and
passed to my left to the 21st and 57th regiments. It was
here that be was killed, and thus caused, I think, the failure
of these regiments to come up on our left. While I was
standing on the rock wall, the last guns were fired from the
heights above me, and illuminated everything around, and
I saw plainly that there was no troops on our left, and that
the Federal line of battle just outside Avas unbroken and
unassailed. Between us and them was a stone wall at right
angles to the one we had just crossed, and the last of the
three that Ave had carried. I immediately informed Colonel
Tate of it, and the line was so disposed as to meet this state
of affairs. MeanAvhile, the right of the regiment had gone
up into the cemetery and Avere engaged in a hand-to-hand
fight over the batteries. They were clubbing muskets Avhen
I reached them and delivered Tate's orders to re-form on
the remainder of the regiment. The remains of the 9th
Louisiana formed on our right. We sent a messenger to
find General Hays, who commanded the storming column,
but he could not be found. A second messenger was sent
to the rear to find Early. This messenger found Gordon's
(Ga.) Brigade, but Gordon said he Avas under strict orders
not to advance to our support. I have forgotten the names
of these two messengers. A third was sent to the left to
inform General Ed. Johnson. Of course he did not go far
before he found his Avay blocked by the enemy ; this last
messenger was Lieutenant J. E. Lyon, of Durham. They
Avere closing all around us, and no hope of supports, of
course it was impossible for the 6th North Carolina and 9th
Louisiana to hold the position, and we were lucky enough

183
to evacuate without being either captured or destroyed. I
think we held Cemetery Hill for an hour after Ave carried
it. The official report of General Lee, page 319 ; Ewell,
447 ; Hays, 480 ; Godwin, 484, and Tate, 486, do us full
justice.* The Century gives us full credit, but in the picture in
The Century Ave are represented as advancing directly in
front of the Cemetery gateway, the gateAvay was to our
right. The Century's cut illustrating the hand-to-hand
fight over the batteries is correct ; Ave silenced them all.
Just there, in failing to support us, all hopes of carrying
the Federal lines vanished. General Rodes gives his rea
sons for not advancing in his official report, p. 556, and
also Ramseur's, page 587.*
It was not the intention of General Lee to fight a general
battle at Gettysburg at all. General Meade had chosen
Pipe Clay creek, twelve miles in tbe rear, as bis defensive
battle-ground. Such are the chances hoAvever, on which
battles hang — " Gettysburg " Avas ordered to be inscribed
on our battle-flag.
The retreat from Gettysburg was in drenching rains and
over muddy roads ; our regiment assisting in covering the
retreat, being engaged in the skirmish at Fairfield.
In the fall we were in the Bristoe campaign and partici
pated in the battle of Bristoe Station. On the 17th of
November, 1863, the larger portion of the regiment was
captured at the Rappahannock Railroad bridge and remained
prisoners to the close of the war. In the winter Ave were
in Eastern North Carolina taking part in Pickett's expedi
tion to Newbern, being engaged at Batchelor's Creek, after
wards in Hoke's expedition to Plymouth, Avhere we Avere a
part of the storming column that captured Fort Wessell.
There were nearly as many of our men in the fort when it
surrendered as of the enemy — they had most gallantly7
scaled the walls. On this field General Hoke Avas made a
Major-General by telegraph.
*War of the Rebellion— Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies.

184
Returning to Virginia we joined the Army of Northern
Virginia at HanoA7er Junction, and were in the engagement
at Cold Harbor, and Avere then sent to Lynchburg to strike
Hunter's column, and then down the Valley towards Wash
ington City. At the battle of Monocacy we were again
the storming column, this time by the flank over the rail
road bridge, Avhose farther end was guarded by two block
houses Avith a piece of artillery in each. The Federal wri
ters say that this battle gave us the Capital if we had only
pressed forward.
After the Valley campaign the regiment rejoined General
Lee at Petersburg and distinguished itself at Hatcher's
Run. Then for seA7eral months was in that hardest of duty
¦ — manning the breastworks during the siege of Petersburg.
On March 25, 1865, the regiment Avas again a part of the
storming column that carried Fort Steadman, but the con
centration of the Federals forced us back with great loss.
This demonstrated that General Lee's arm}7 was no longer
able for offensive operations. Then came the disastrous
battle of Five Forks, when Lee's flank Avas turned, the
evacuation of Petersburg becoming a necessity, and the
doleful retreat to Appomattox began. At Appomattox the
regiment stacked about one hundred and tAventy muskets
on the 9th of April ; on the 10th the " boys " turned their
faces homeward, after four years of toil, privation and
fighting rarely if ever equalled in the annals of war — the
6th Regiment having been five times a part of a storming
column : at Gaines' Farm, Gettysburg, Fort Wessell Monoc
acy Bridge and Fort Steadman. When the "bo}7s" set
out from Appomattox for their home more than half of
their comrades Avere in prison.
Let no one here to-day make the mistake that I claim
superiority for the 6th Regiment OA7er other regiments. I
have tried to tell the story of that regiment because I know
it ; I cannot tell the story of other regiments, because I do
not knoAV it. That the heroism of our regiment was equaled
by other regiments in the Confederate army, I do not doubt;

185
but we may claim for Carolina's soldiers that they are tbe
equal of any in the world, either in ancient or modern times.
The praises of Leonidas and his Spartans have been spe
cially sounded because they drove back the Persian " Bat
talion of Immortals," but the 6th North Carolina drove
back in the open field the New York Fire Zouaves, and
again the Pennsylvania Bucktails. The Persian " Battal
ion of Immortals " were the subjects of an Asiatic despot,
and had behind them a line of file-closers, armed Avith raw
hide Avhips made from the back of the rhinoceros. The
6th North Carolina, the " Fire Zouaves " and the " Buck-
tails " had no file-closers ; they Avere American soldiers and
American citizens.
Some few examples may serve to illustrate the character
of North Carolina's soldiers in contrast with those of other
climes. At Platea the comrades gathered around a dying
Greek soldier, pierced by three darts. Asking him what
they could do for him, bis reply was, " Carry my shield
back to my mother." In the spring of 1863, Jim BroAvn
Williams, a strippling of a lad, joined Company I, 6th Reg
iment. The other " boys " helped him to carry his musket.
In the storming column at Gettysburg be Avas struck by a
cannon-shot that shattered his leg. With a firm voice, in
dying, he said, " Tell my mother I died in defence of her
home." At Gettysburg Avery had his right arm shattered
and the ball passed through his neck. In his pants pocket we
found on an envelope this message : " Major Tate, tell my
father I died with my face to the foe." From these you
may learn the history of the Southern soldier.
Not less gadant than the sons were the Avomen of Caro
lina. It has been handed down through the centuries how
the Spartan mother gave her soldier boy, on departing for
war, his shield and the terse, laconic advice, " Tan hayn
epitan " — " This on this." The Spartan mother Avas only a
type of all patriotic Avonien, and Carolina was full of such,
and in every great and patriotic Avay the equal of the
Spartans.

186
My comrades, last May Colonel Charles Marshall, Chief
of General Lee's staff, standing at the grave of General
Grant on Decoration Day, said " that Grant was great as a
statesman, unquestionably great as a master in war, but he
was greater as a peace-maker." In his last days his great
desire was to get the " Blue " and the " Gray " together.
Such was General Lee. Giving to a ragged Federal soldier
some money for which he had asked, some one expressed
surprise. General Lee promptly replied : " I must not for
get that he was once a soldier."
When the women of Mississippi, on their Decoration Day,
strewed the graves of the " Blue " and " Gray " alike, it
waked a responsive chord in the hearts of the Federals. A
poet of the North voiced that sentiment beautifully and
tenderly : " From the silence of sorrowful hours,
The desolate mourners go,
Lovingly laden with flowers,
Alike for the friend and the foe —
Under the sod and the dew,
Waiting the Judgment day :
Under the roses the Blue;
Under the lilies the Gray.
" No more shall the war-cry sever,
Or the winding rivers be red ;
They banish our anger forever,
When they laurel the graves of our dead —
Under the sod and under the dew,
Waiting the Judgment day;
Love and tears for the Blue:
Tears and love for the Gray."
I do not believe that tbe return of this flag to-day voices
the sentiment of Major Higgins alone, but it voices the sen
timent of the soldiers on the Union side, and it is the begin
ning of a perpetual truce betAveen the sections.
My comrades, the ranks of the veterans on both sides are
thinning rapidly. The artillery and musketry of disease
and death play havoc still in our ranks. By the end of

187
this century, only eight years ahead, reunions will be nearly
if not quite over. Of the 4,000,000 soldiers of the " Blue "
and " Gray " that took part from first to last in the late
civil war, three-fourths have already crossed over the
river — their snoAV-white tents gleaming forever on the
eternal camping-ground of the hereafter. No such flag as
ours floats there. There is no " Blue " and no " Gray," but
the snow-white battalions touch elbows to the centre, and
align on the snoAvy flag of truce that flutters in heaven's
breezes over the eternal parade-ground forever and forever.
Only a feAv more years and the last of the veterans shall
have reached his last camp. Most of us are on the shady
side of life, and need not be surprised to bear the bugle
sound to come over to the eternal parade-ground and keep
step to the drum-taps of heaven forever hereafter.
" We wait for the bugle, the night dews are cold,
The limbs of the soldiers feel jaded and old,
The field of our bivouac is windy and bare,
There is lead in our joints, there is frost in our hair,
The future is veiled and its fortunes unknown,
As we lie with hushed breath till the bugle is blown,
' ' At the sound of the bugle each comrade shall spring
Like an arrow released from the strain of the string;
The courage, the impulse of youth shall come back
To banish the chill of the drear bivouac,
And sorrows and losses and cares fade away
When that life-giving signal proclaims the new day.
" Though the bivouac of age may put ice in our veins,
And no fibre of steel in our sinew remains;
Though the comrades of yesterday's march are not here,
And the sunlight seems pale and the branches are sere;
Though the sound of our cheering dies down to a moan,
We shall find our lost youth when the bugle is blown."

188
Comrades, may we all so live
" That we stand ready,
Ready, one and all,
To answer that final bugle call.
No weary sentinel's lonely tread
Guards the heavenly home of heroes dead;
No stern challenge, " Halt! who comes there?"
Will be the echo of your dying prayer.
But welcome, sweet welcome waits
At the threshold, aye, at the gates
Ajar. Melodious voices sound
Of comrades assembled all around:
' Parade the colors!'
¦ Roll the drums!'
' Turn out the guard !'
' A Veteran comes!'"
After an intermission and dinner, tbe croAvd re-assembled,
when Major York tendered the flag to Colonel E. G. Har-
rell, as folloAvs :
" Colonel Harrell, I have been directed by tbe survivors of
the North Carolina Grays, Company I, 6th North Carolina
Regiment, to tender this flag to his Excellency Governor
Thomas M. Holt, Commander-in-Chief of the military forces
of this State, to be by him placed in the State Library, or
elsewhere, as he may direct, or as may7 be prescribed by
laAv. To you, as the accredited representative of his Excel
lency, I tender this stand of colors, received by this com
pany when they were in the military service of the State,
and which Avas carried to the war by them, Avhere it was
captured, but not in battle. I need not repeat its history,
for you have heard that ; I need not tell you that we have
no need for it, for you have heard their last roll-call on
earth. You see how few their numbers ; how Avhite are
their locks of hair ; how frail their forms. They are no
longer soldiers, and never can be again. With them all
war is forever over. To them this beautiful banner is con
secrated by the most tender memories of the fair and patri
otic ladies avIio presented it, and the brave and gallant sons

189
who have trained under its folds. As you look, Colonel
Harrell, at this consecrated banner waving in full swell and
pride in this stiff breeze, as if instinct with life, it repre
sents those once connected with it a third of a century
ago. When it shall bang limp and lifeless in some ball
of this commonAvealth, it will typify the great majority of
those beautiful and patriotic ladies Avho gave it to us,
nearly everyone of whom are folded in the arms of death ;
so, too, of the vast majority of those soldiers who trained
under it and fell so gallantly on many a field of battle
from Plymouth on the Albemarle, to the heights of Ceme-
etery Hill at Gettysburg. It is no longer the banner of
living but of -dead soldiers, whose dull ears shall hear only
once more the long-roll of the drums that shall call up the
battalions of the blanketed dead. But it has a history that
is common to all soldiers of North Carolina, and as the pres
ent and future soldiers of this State shall gaze on its folds,
may they recall its history. We now know but one flag,
the Stars and Stripes, which the veterans carried in the pro
cession this morning. Under that starry flag, a gallant
soldier of the 73d Ohio Regiment, Thomas W. Higgins, law-
fudy captured this beautiful banner. When it first floated
here this morning it Avas the property of a gallant Federal
officer, who, from a generosity born of gallantry, returned
it to its original owners.
To you noAv, Colonel Harrell, as the representative of the
State of North Carolina, I formally tender these colors."
Colonel Harrell, in receiving the flag, said he was proud
of being the representative of the Governor and the great
State of North Carolina, sent to receive this flag Avhich
was carried by Company I, 6th North Carolina Regiment
on so many long and hard marches, and which is still held
sacred by the survivors of that company. He thanked the
survivors for the banner, assuring them that it would be
properly preserved in the State Library at Raleigh, where
it will be a reminder to the future soldiery of the State of

190
the gallant and heroic soldiers who gave their lives for
Southern Independence.
State Librarian James C. Birdsong, of Company B, 12th
Regiment Virginia Infantry, being introduced by Major
York, said :
Survivors of Company L, Ladies and Gentlemen :
It was a surprise to me when I received an invitation to
be present at this reunion and speak to the surviving mem
bers of Company I, 6th Regiment North Carolina State
Troops in the war for Southern Independence. It Avas my
purpose to attend this meeting Avhen I first learned of the
reunion, but simply to meet the old veterans of our " Lost
Cause," and no intention of speaking, until Major York told
me if I came I would be expected to say something, and I
might come prepared.
After what has already been said, I am at a loss AA7hat to
say to you. In looking over the records in tbe State Library
I find the 6th Regiment has received much praise in a
sketch prepared by Major R. W. York and incorporated in
" Foote's Roll of Honor." As has already been said, your
company Avas organized on the 28th of May, 1861, with 120
men rank and file. After remaining in Camp of Instruc
tion at Burlington until June you Avere assigned to the 6th
Regiment, Colonel Fisher commanding.
The first public service the regiment performed was act
ing as funeral escort to the lamented Governor John W.
Ellis, who died at the White Sulphur Springs in Virginia,
Avhere he had gone Avith the hope of restoring his failing
health ; Companies B and C being sent .to Petersburg, Va.,
as a guard of honor to escort the remains to Raleigh.
Soon after this the 6th Avas on its way to Yirginia, where
it reported for duty to General Joseph E. Johnston, and at
once took its place in the grandest army this country has
ever known — " Army of Northern Virginia" — and was as
signed to the Third Brigade, under the gallant Bee. Its
first engagement was at First Manassas, where, by its gal-

191
lantry and bravery, it gained the first foothold on that
memorable field. It Avas here that the brave Fisher was
shot down at the head of his regiment after the capture of
Rickett's and Griffin's batteries.
On the 15th August following William D. Pender was
chosen to succeed Colonel Fisher. The brigade, composed
of tbe 4th Alabama, 2d Mississippi and 6th North Caro
lina, was attached to the Second Corps under Gustave Smith,
where its record for courage and bravery soon made itself
felt and feared, and second to no other regiment in that
grand army. It Avould be useless and a Avaste of time for
me to enter into a detailed history of this regiment in the
many engagements in which it participated, from First Ma
nassas to Appomattox, ahvays maintaining the good name
won by your regiment against the heavy odds it had to
contend. Suffice it to say, its braA7e deeds and heroic ac
tions are known to our people, and when the future histo
rian comes to put upon record the deeds of the soldiers of
North Carolina, the Old Sixth will be enrolled as the
bravest of the brave, never faltering when duty demanded.
In looking over the Southern Historical papers, I find
that only twenty -four of Company I surrendered at Appo
mattox Court House, viz :
Sergeants — C. L. Williams and R. G. Stallings.
Corporals — T. C. Barbee, R. W. Andrews and G. W.
Davidson. Privates— W. Bostick, Q. H. D. Ford, G. W. Harward,
Elbert Henderson, Q. L. Hudson, Calvin Jenkins, W. A.
Jenkins, Charley Jenkins, A. T. Morris, L. Pickard, W. S.
Parker, E. Sikes, John Shipp, R. D. Stone, J. H. Stone,
J. F. Williams, J. H Williams, Sandy Williams and G. S.
Williams, and only thirteen of these were of the original
company (see italics), and the entire regiment surrendered
25 officers and 175 prisoners. Captain Dickey, of Company
I, 57th Regiment, made the following certificate at the
surrender :
" I hereby certify, upon honor, that of the number of men

192
on the roll, only seventy-two (72) were armed on the morn
ing of the 9th instant."
Another fact worthy of mention, is that every officer that
first Avent out Avith the company is still living and honored
citizens of this grand old CommonAvealth. I refer to
R. W. York, Captain.
M. W. Page, 1st Lieutenant.
W. B. Allen, 2d Lieutenant.
M. B. Barbee, Junior 2d Lieutenant.
In conclusion, ladies, gentlemen and old comrades, let me
say that I thank God for the record made by tbe Old Sixth,
which stands out in letters of gold to the admiring world.
May those of you who are still living enjoy the pleasures
of a long and happy life, and Avhen the final roll-call shall
be heard, may every member of Company I answer, " Here !"

ADDENDA.

Note A. — Relative to the capture of a battery7 of Napo
leons on the first day at Gettysburg in the Avheat-field, Col
onel Tate, in his report, claims that, in general, injustice is
done the North Carolina troops. He says : " In this charge
we lost a number of gallant men and officers — more than
the balance of the brigade — and captured a battery near
the fence ; this battery Avill be credited to Early's Division
— see if it don't." Page 486* Brigadier-General Godwin
in his official report says : " Two Napoleon guns were taken
by the 6th North Carolina Regiment." Page 484.* General
Hays says : ¦' My skirmishers keeping well to the front
captured two pieces of artillery." Page 479* General
Early says of this capture, " Two pieces of artillery (Napo
leons) were also captured outside of the town, the capture
being claimed by both brigades (Hays' Louisiana and Ave
ry's North Carolina), but it is unnecessary to decide which
*War of the Rebellion— Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies.

193
reached these pieces first, as the capture was unquestiona
bly due to the joint valor of both brigades." Page 469.*
Colonel Tate and General Godwin are undoubtedly right
in saying the Napoleons were captured by the 6th North
Carolina. Hays' skirmishers were not, and could not have
been, on our front, the tAvo brigades being side by side ;
the 6th North Carolina being the right regiment of Ave
ry's, and the 9th Louisiana being the left regiment of Hays'
Brigade. OFFICIAL NOTICES OF THE DEAD COMMANDERS OF THE SIXTH
NORTH CAROLINA REGIMENT.
Note B. — There is no official report of Bee's " Old Third
Brigade." General Bee Avas not near the regiment during
the fight at Manassas ; he had come up Saturday night on
the train and brought with him the 2d Mississippi, 4th Ala
bama and two companies of the 11th Mississippi. Bee
was engaged near Sudley Ford while we were getting off
the cars at Manassas some six or seven miles distant. In
the official reports of Generals Johnston and Beauregard
it is merely stated that Colonel Fisher fell at the head of
his torn and thin regiment beyond Rickett's and Griffin's
batteries. They seemed not to have known that Fisher's
men had destroyed these batteries an hour before, but- not
under the eye of any General. The Avild huzzas that Avent
up along the line when it Avas announced that the so-called
"Sherman Battery" had been taken, was about 3:30 p. m.
It Avas the capture, hoAvever, of a " destroyed " and " aban
doned" battery, whose last cannoneer had been drawn off
an hour before. General Bee's death Avas doubtless the
cause of no official report, and Colonel Fisher's death Avas
equally unlucky. This emphasizes again that Colonel Fisher
has never received his just due for the destruction of those
two batteries, and really saving the day at First Manassas.
It was certainly the first substantial check the Federals
received, and the most serious blow. This is plainly evi-

*War of the Rebellion— Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies.
13

194
denced by the Federal official reports, for every General
from McDowell down mentions the serious disaster done by
Colonel Fisher's Regiment in clearing the Henry house
plateau on his front, and thus making success easy and cer
tain for Kirbj7 Smith, and still later for Early.
General W. D. Pender was our second Colonel, and com
manded the regiment in the battles of Elthan's Landing
and Seven Pines, when he was promoted Brigadier-General.
The following is the official notices of his death by General
Lee, page 325:* "The loss of Major-General Pender is
severely felt by tbe army and the country. He served with
this army from the beginning of the Avar, and took a dis
tinguished part in all engagements. Wounded on several
occasions, he never left his command in action until he
received the injur}7 that resulted in his death. His promise
and usefulness as an officer were only equalled by the purity
and excellence of his private life."
Colonel Isaac E. Avery succeeded Colonel Pender, and
was one of the original Captains of the regiment. He
commanded Hoke's Brigade through the Gettysburg cam
paign, taking command upon the wounding of General
Hoke at Fredericksburg, May 4, 1863. He fell leading his
storming column on the night of July 2.
Colonel Robert F. Webb Avas the fourth and last Colonel
of the 6th North Carolina regiment. He Avas captured on
the night of November 7, 1863, and was a prisoner until
after the close of the war. Lieutenant-Colonel Tate com
manded during his imprisonment. He died in Durham a
year or so ago.
W. T. Dortch, of Goldsboro, was our first Lieutenant-
Colonel. For a short time before we left the State he was
in command of Camp of Instruction at Burlington. He
died a few years ago at Goldsboro.

*War of the Rebellion— Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies.

195

FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS OF THE SIXTH N. C. REGIMENT.
Note C. — Colonels — Charles F. Fisher, killed at Manassas,
July 21, 1861 ; W. D. Pender, Brigadier and Major General,
died from Avound received at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863;
Isaac E. Avery, killed at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863; Robert
F. Webb, died at Durham.
Lieutenant-Colonels — W. T. Dortch, resigned July, 1861,
died at Goldsboro ; Charles E. Lightfoot, promoted Colonel
of Artdlery, died at Warrenton, Va., 1888 ; Isaac E. Avery,
promoted Colonel, killed at Gettysburg July 2, 1863 ; Robert
F Webb, promoted Colonel, died at Durham, 1890; Samuel
McD. Tate, promoted for gallant and meritorious conduct
at Gettysburg.
Majors — Charles E. Lightfoot, promoted as Lieutenant-
Colonel and Colonel of Artillery ; Robert F. Webb, promo
ted Lieutenant-Colonel and Colonel; Samuel McD. Tate,
promoted Lieutenant-Colonel; R. W. York, promoted for
gallant and meritorious conduct at Gettysburg.
Adjutants — B. R. Smith, promoted Captain ; Neill Ray,
promoted Captain ; Houston B. Lowrie, promoted Captain,
killed at Sharpsburg ; J. A. Roseboro, promoted to Pender's
staff, killed in action ; Cornelius Mebane.
Surgeons — A. M. Nesbitt, promoted ; J. A. Caldwell,
resigned ; P. A. Holt, promoted Chief Surgeon of Pender's
staff. J. G. Hardy.
Assistant Surgeons — J. A. Cakhvell, promoted Surgeon;
C. A. Henderson, W. A. Collett, promoted ; W. M. Bickers.
Chaplains — A. W. Mangum, died at Chapel Hill, 1890 ;
K. J. SteAvart.
Generals under whom the 6th Regiment served — Joseph
E. Johnston, Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, James
Longstreet, Richard S. Ewell, Jubal A. Early, John B. Gor
don, W. H. 0. Whiting, Gustave W. Smith, John B. Hood,
Robert F. Hoke, J. A. Walker, Bernard E. Bee, E. M. Law,
A. C. GodAvin, W. G. Lewis.

196
Note D. — On General Imboden's map of the battle of
First Manassas, Century Magazine, May, 1885, the edge of
the " oak thicket," next to the twelve guns, " Rickett's and
Griffin's second position," marks the position of Fisher's 6th
Regiment. We advanced by tbe road laid down as leading
to the thicket, falling into it as we marched from Lewis'
house. It Avas a plantation path, a mere trail through the
open old- field.

APPENDIX B.
FIRST CONFEDERATE MARTYR.
The very first life lost in the final direct struggle over
secession was on the Federal side at Fort Sumter, in an
accidental explosion, after the fort had surrendered, April
13, 1861. But the first Confederate to be killed in line of
battle was Private Henry Lawson W}7att, a soldier in Com
pany A, 1st North Carolina Regiment, infantry. His life
Avas lost in the battle known as that of " Big Bethel," fought
June 10, 1861, near Yorktown, Va.
The conflict at Big Bethel Avas the first land battle of the
Avar. Though on a minor scale, it was a brilliant victory
for tbe Southern arms. The Confederate troops engaged
belonged to the command of General John B. Magruder,
the infantry force being chiefly the First North Carolina
Regiment, under the immediate command of Colonel D. H.
Hill, Avho was afterwards a Lieutenant-General in the Con
federate service, and who has been quite universally regarded
as the hero of the battle. The Lieutenant-Colonel of the
regiment was C. C. Lee, and the Major was James H. Lane,
both of Avhom subsequently rose to the rank of Brigadier-
General in the Confederacy. The regiment passed into his
tory as the "The Bethel Regiment" of North Carolina
Troops.

197
Tbe Federal troops engaged in the action were under the
immediate command of General B. F. Butler.
Henry Lawson Wyatt was a native of Virginia, born in
Richmond February 12, 1842, a son of Isham and Lucinda
Wyatt, the latter of whom had but recently died. Henry
had learned the carpenter's trade, and was Avorking in Tar-
boro, N. C, Avhen the Avar broke out — his father having
moved from Virginia to Pitt County, North Carolina, in 1856.
Young Wyatt was one of the very first men to enlist as a
soldier for the Southern cause Avhen the Governor of North
Carolina called for volunteers in April, 1861, after the Lin
coln proclamation declaring Avar against the Southern States.
He entered the Edgecombe Guards under command of
Captain John L. Bridgers. Fifty-four days after he was
mustered into the service, Henry Wyatt fell in battle, at the
age of twenty. He Avas buried near the foot of the Corn
wallis monument, Yorktown, Va.
Young Wyatt lost his life under circumstances of great
gallantry and heroism. In the beginning of the battle in
which he fell, the sharpshooters of the enemy occupied a
house betAveen the two opposing lines, Blue and Gray. A
call Avas made for ATolunteers to advance across the inter
vening distance, through an open field 200 yards Avide, and
fire the building. Corporal George W. Williams, Privates
Henry LaAvson Wyatt, John H. Thorpe, Thomas Fallon and
Robert H. Bradley responded to the call and attempted to
perform the duty. They had proceeded but a short dis
tance into the field, when Henry Wyatt fell with a bullet
in his brain in a volley fired from the building. The other
four soldiers dropped to the earth and remained until they
could with safety rejoin their command, went through the
entire war and are yet living.
Very soon after the cannonading' of the house began.
Major Winthrop, a gallant and noble son of Connecticut,
endeavored to lead his men into the action ; but as he came
to the front waving his sword about his head, the North
Carolinians fired a volley at him and he fell dead, his body

198
riddled with bullets — he, I believe, was the first victim among
the Federal officers in the Avar. His native State has long
ago well perpetuated his memory.
The State of North Carolina has at last determined to
treasure in perpetuity tbe features and name of the daring
and noble Wyatt. Through the efforts of J. C. Birdsong,
State Librarian, a photograph of the dead hero was secured,
and at the session of the Legislature of 1891, the Librarian
secured an appropriation to have a life-size painting made
from the only existing picture of the young man, and a
handsome oil portrait made from it now adorns the walls
of the North Carolina State Library. Persons who had
knoAvn the living youth say that the artist has, in most
striking degree, caught the very spirit of the daring, gener
ous soul and fixed its expression brilliantly in the dark lus
trous eyes that gleam out upon the speaking canvass.

SKETCH OF LANE'S NORTH CAROLINA BRIGADE.
Lane's Brigade Avas organized at Kinston and left the
State for Virginia as a North Carolina Brigade under Gen
eral L. O'B. Branch, and Avas never reorganized. After
reaching the "Old Dominion" it Avas ordered over the
mountains ostensibly to reinforce Jackson, but it did not
cross the Blue Ridge. It was marched backwards and for
wards between the foot of the mountain and a little town
called Cuglesville, to deceive the enemy, Avhose signal sta
tion was in full view and whose flag was kept constantly
waving during the day. It Avas then suddenly ordered
back to Gordonsville, from which point it was moved rap
idly by rail to Hanover Court House. Shortly afterwards
it made a gallant fight at Slash Church and Kinney's Farm
against an overwhelming force of infantry, artillery and
cavalry under Fitz John Porter, and was handsomely com-

199
plimented by General Lee in a written communication,
which was read on parade. It was then assigned to A. P.
Hill's Light Division.
It was the first brigade of Lee's army to cross the Chick
ahominy, which it did near "Half Link," and sweeping
down its eastern bank it cleared the Avay for the division to
cross at Meadow Bridge. The official reports tell Iloav
nobly it fought and hoAv terribly it suffered in those memo
rable Seven Days' fights around Richmond.
At Cedar Run it was the first brigade of Hill's Division
to go into action, and it there gallantly repulsed the enemy's
infantry and cavalry and restored Jackson's disordered left.
At Manassas Junction, in rear of Pope's army, it chased,
with rebel yell, Taylor's New Jersey Brigade, after it had
been broken by the artillery fire, and made many amusing
captures in the swamps of Bull Run.
On the extreme left at Manassas Plains, it and McGoav-
an's splendid. South Carolinians fought repeatedly over the
same ground while Jackson anxiously awaited the arrival
of Longstreet.
It Avas one of the brigades that met the enemy at Ox
Hill and fought them successfully in a pouring rain.
It was this brigade that scaled, at midnight, the cliffs on
the Shenandoah, and lay7 concealed in the Avoods on the left
and rear of the enemy on Bolivar Heights, read}7 and eager
to charge, but Harper's Ferry having soon surrendered
under our concentrated murderous artillery fire it had no
opportunity to do so. It was also in that noted rapid
march of the Light Division from Harper's Ferry to Sharps
burg, where it arrived just in time to help hurl back the
fresh troops of the enemy and save the right of Lee's grand
but bard-pressed army. Here it was that the peerless
Branch gave up his life in defense of the cause he loved so
well, and Lane was called upon to take command of his
heroes upon the battle-field.
It was one of the three brigades that formed the rear
guard of the Army of Northern Virginia when General

200
Lee retired from Sharpsburg and recrossed the Potomac.
There, bravely facing the enemy, it held its ground until
every wagon and ambulance had safely crossed, its own
litter corps hauling an ambulance of brave wounded Geor
gians across that turbulent river, as the drivers and others
had mounted the mules and cowardly deserted them.
It was this brigade that chased the finely-dressed Penn-
syh7ania Corn Exchange Regiment over the banks of the
river near Shepardstown, and under a heavy artillery fire
from the opposite side of the river made the Potomac red
with Yankee blood at the old dam just above the ford.
It was also this brigade that fought so stubbornly on the
right at Fredericksburg, driving back tAvo lines of battle
after a large force of the enemy had penetrated the unfor
tunate opening left between Archer and itself, turned its
right and caught its support Avith their arms stacked.
It was this North Carolina Brigade that Avas ordered to
the front to make a night attack in that matchless flank
movement of Jackson at Chancellorsville, but the attack
was abandoned on account of the wounding of Jackson and
Hill. This brigade and Pender's braves constituted the
front line that terrible night until after 12 o'clock, and it
was Lane's men that repulsed Sickles' formidable midnight
attack on their right.
This brigade Avas charged by some of the heroes of the
war Avith being unduly excited on that occasion because the
18th, under a misapprehension caused by the darkness, had
fired upon its friends ; and yet it stood its ground under
three terrific and prolonged artillery fires, which doubtless
made those self-constituted critics of the war quake, and it
gallantly repulsed that formidable attack of Sickles, taking
from him the colors of the 3rd Maine Regiment, and a
number of prisoners, officers and men. It Avas this censured
brigade that carried the enemy's works early next morning
in a direct assault, but was forced to retire because its in
tended support broke under the tremendous fire, in the teeth
of which Lane's men had so intrepidly advanced.

201
At Chancellorsville this brigade lost nearly one-third of
its strength in killed and wounded, and of its thirteen field
officers carried into action all were shot down — killed or
wounded — except the gallant young Barry. Here the
noble and fearless Purdie, of the 18th ; the gentle but cour
ageous and dashing Hill, of the old 7th ; the heroic boy Cap
tain, Johnnie Young, of the same regiment ; Captain Kerr,
Lieutenants Campbell, Bolick, E. Mack, Weaver, Bouchelle,
Babb, Callias, Ragin, and other noble spirits lost their lives
in the gallant discharge of their duties, as also did General
Lane's boy brother, J. Rookes Lane, Avho Avas acting Aid
at the time.
In the first day's fight at Gettysburg Lane's Brigade was
ordered from the centre of Hill's line, put in the right and
charged Avith the responsible duty of protecting that flank
of the army. In the second day's fight its skirmishers un
der the daring young Major Brown, of the 37th, elicited by
their dauntless bearing a written compliment from General
Ewell, who was in command of other troops. Next day
it Avas on the extreme left of the so-called Pickett's charge,
and though flanked by a large force it retired in order and
reformed in rear of the artillery, by order of the battle-
scarred and experienced Trimble. How many of the brig
ades in that bloody charge reformed as close and stood
ready to repulse the expected counter-charge %
A Northern military writer informs General Lane that
bis brigade has never had justice done it for its valiant part
in that great battle.
After boldly confronting tbe enemy at Hagerstown, while
the Potomac was " on a tear " in its rear it withdreAV in a
rain, and after a weary night's march Avas ordered to act
as rear-guard to that portion of the army which crossed the
Potomac on the pontoon bridge at Falling Waters. There
it stood alone, Avith the spirited young Crowed, of the 28th,
in charge of the skirmish line, unerringly picking off every
man that dared show himself too close, until every other
command had crossed safely. Then it retired to the Vir-

202
ginia shore in perfect order, and General Heth, in honor of
such unusual fortitude and success, doffed his hat to those
veterans as they proudly marched by him in column of fours.
Next day Avhen Heth greeted Lane in the rain, while on the
march, he told him it Avas an unexpected pleasure, as he
feared Avhen be ordered him to cover the rear that his whole
command Avould be killed, wounded or captured.
It was the guns of this brigade, as it went into action in
the Wilderness late in the afternoon on the 5th of May,
that caused Colonel Venable to remark to Colonel Palmer:
" Thank God ! I will go back and tell General Lee that Lane
has just gone in and will hold his ground until other troops
arrive to-night." The brigade not only held its ground, but
drove the enemy some distance.
It Avas this brigade that left the works, formed a neAv
line and piled the Yankees in front of it at Spottsylvania
Court House early in the morning of the 1 2th of May after
they had broken through Johnston's front. Its gallantry
on that occasion caused a London correspondent to write
to his paper that " Lane's North Carolina veterans stopped
the tide of Federal victory as it came surging to the right."
Later it was this brigade that General Lee selected to cross
the works and strike Burnside's corps in flank, in Avhich
assault it captured between 300 and 400 prisoners, three
flags and a battery of six guns, but was unable to bring off
the latter, as they were without horses and could not be
dragged through the woods. General Lee acknoAvledged
the receipt of the flags in a complimentary note, Avrittenon
the battle-field, Avhich was read to the command by the
Brigadier in person, and was received with the Avildest of
rebel yells. Still later in the day it was that splendid body
of tried men — the sharpshooters of Lane's Brigade — under
the dashing and accomplished Nicholson, who were "re
quested " by General Lee, through their Brigadier, to make
an important reconnoissance for him in front of Spottsyl
vania Court House, though they had been fighting all day,
and there were fresh troops at hand.

203
At Jericho's Ford this brigade advanced as far, if not
farther, than any other troops, and held its ground until
relieved that night.
At the second Cold Harbor it behaved as it did at the
first. Here General Lane was severely wounded — it Avas
feared at the time mortally — and had to be borne from the
field. Around Petersburg it was not kept in the trenches, but
as "flying infantry" or "foot cavalry," under Colonels
Barry and Spier, it behaved with its accustomed bravery in
the fights at Riddle's Shop, Petersburg, Gravel Hill and
Fupell's Mill.
Under General Conner it was one of the three North
Carolina Brigades that handled Hancock so roughly in his
entrenched position at Reams' Station, after the failure of
the first attack by other troops. It was this fight that
caused General Lee to write that handsome letter to Gov
ernor Vance about the gallantry of Cooke's, MacRae's and
Lane's Brigades, and also caused that grand old chieftain
to tell General Lane, Avhen he rejoined his command just
before the battle of Jones' Farm, that those three brigades
by their gallantry at Reams' Station, had placed not only
North Carolina, but the whole Confederacy, under a debt of
gratitude which could never be repaid.
In the Jones' Farm fight this brigade occupied the right,
soon routed the enemy in its front and on its right flank
and captured a large number of prisoners. It was in the
Pegram House fight the next day that the modest but dar
ing young Wooten Avith his sharpshooters dashed into the
enemy's works, which were being shelled by Brander's
artillery, and returned with more prisoners than he had
men in his command. It was around that beleaguered city
Petersburg that the sharpshooters of this brigade became
still more famous, and Wooten's name Avas made so famil
iar on the enemy's skirmish line by his frequent and most
unexpected "pop calls." It was Wooten's brilliant Davis
House surprise that elicited congratulatory letters from his

204
corps, division and brigade commanders; all of Avhich
were embodied in a General Order and read on parade. It
was this North Carolina Brigade that after its attenuated
line on the right at Petersburg had been broken by Grant
in the spring of 1865 stubbornly fought the enemy from
behind the winter-quarters, in real Indian style, as it slowly
fell back towards the interior lines, some of the men being
ordered to Battery Gregg and others to the dam near Bat
tery 45. It was chiefly the braA7e men of this brigade who
were in Battery Gregg, assisted by the supernumerary artil
lerists, that made the stubborn defence of that little earth
work one of the most brilliant events of the war.
From Petersburg to Appomattox this brigade of brave
and starving North Carolinians fought by day and marched
by night, without a murmur, and Avhen at Appomattox it
was ordered back from the front and told that General Lee
had surrendered, officers and men burst into tears, and
some were heard to remark most feelingly , " And have we
endured all this for nothing? "
There were other minor engagements all through the Avar
in which this brigade took an active part, but they were
not of importance enough to demand particular notice.
In a recent letter from a Northern military historian, ask
ing General Lane for information about the battle of Chan
cellorsville he closed with the folio Aving playful, but gratify
ing Avords : " If Lane's Brigade had remained at home many
NeAv England regimants would have been happier. It is
admitted here that Lane's boys Avere a bad, quarrelsome set
of fellows, and too fond of fight altogether."
General Lee's complimentary letters and note about the
battles at Slash Church, Kinney's Farm and Reams' Sta
tion, and the capture of the flags at Spottsylvania Court
House, have been published in the Southern Historical Soci
ety Papers, also General Trimble's admiration of the con
duct of this brigade at Gettysburg. Copies of the congrat
ulatory letters to Major Wooten are on file in the War
Record Office in Washington. Most of the official reports

205

relating to this brigade have been published in the South
ern Historical Society Papers, and in the " War of the Rebel
lion," a Avork authorized by the United States Government.

CORPS OF SHARPSHOOTERS— LANE'S NORTH
CAROLINA BRIGADE.
Lane's Brigade had no organized corps of sharpshoot
ers until it Avent into Avinter-quarters at Liberty Mills,
Orange county, Virginia, in 1863. There a number of
picked officers and men were detailed from all the regiments
in proportion to their strength. The various details having
been consolidated, Captain John G. Knox, of the 7th Regi
ment, was selected by the Brigadier to command them, and
thus originated the corps of sharpshooters. The choice of
Knox proved to be most fortunate. He was not only cool,
brave and popular, but he was at the same time a most ac
complished tactician. To him was largely due the efficiency
of the corps.
The sharpshooters were excused from all duties of camp
or picket, and under the skillful guidance of Captain Knox
very soon became signally proficient in the kind of tactics
suitable to their duties. As soon as they had thoroughly
mastered the movements of the drill it became necessary
for them to acquire nice notions of location. For this pur
pose they were daily draAvn up in line, and one of their
number having been sent forward it was their duty to guess
how far distant he was. When the first guesses Avere read
aloud and the correct distances were made known, loud
laughter and amusing remarks soon convinced many that
their untrained eyes Avere anything but accurate. The use
of the sight was next taught ; that was followed by practice
at the target. After the exercise the targets were brought
to brigade headquarters, and there, with the names of the

206
best shots written conspicuously on them, were publicly dis
played. When the following campaign opened this corps
was as fine a body of soldiers as the world ever saw. It dis
tinguished itself in the first fight.
On the 5th of May, 1864, in the Wilderness, the brigade
was assigned a position on the left of the plank-road, near
the house of a Mr. Turning. The sharpshooters had pushed
far to the front, where orders were received to form the
brigade at right angles to its original position for the pur
pose of sweeping the woods in front of another command.
On being notified of this change, the corps, at a double-
quick, closed intervals and returned and deployed in front of
the brigade while it was changing direction. They then
advanced promptly and the enemy opened on them. The
fire Avas returned with deadly effect, and in the charge that
followed the corps captured 147 prisoners, including eight
commissioned officers. Just as the brigade was ready to
advance, it Avas ordered to hurry back to the support of the
hard-pressed troops on the right of the plank-road. Then
the corps fought in line on the right with the 18th Regi
ment, and Captain V. V. Richardson, a most reliable officer
of oft-tried gallantry, and second in rank, was severely
Avounded. This fight in the dense undergroAvth in the
woods continued after nightfall, the contending lines were
very close to each other, and when the enemy attempted to
turn the right of the 18th Knox Avas captured.
The accomplished and fearless Captain William T. Nich
olson, of the 37th Regiment, was then selected to take
charge of the corps, and he continued in command untd he
was dangerously Avounded on the 18th of May.
On the 12th of May, while the brigade occupied that part
of the line between the salient and the brick-kiln a little to
the left of Spottsylvania Court House, this corps Avas ordered
over the Avorks to reconnoiter the ground in front of the
salient, and it there behaved Avith conspicuous coolness and
bravery in the presence of General Lee. An instance :
When it had advanced some distance, two of its number

207
saw a Yankee peeping and trying to fire on them from be
hind a tree. The two rebs at once agreed that on the next
peep one of them should fire, and when the unsuspecting
Yank should step forth for a better aim upon him whose
gun was empty the other should " plug him." The scheme
was successful, and soon another soldier Avas added to the
list of the dead in Grant's great army. That afternoon,
after the brigade bad attacked the 9th Corps under Burnside,
in flank, General Lee sent for General Lane. When that
officer reported, General Lee told him that he had Avitnessed
the gallantry of his sharpshooters, as well as the alacrity
with which they had borne the hardships of the day, and
that he did not have the heart to order them forward again,
and he Avanted just such a body of Avell-tried men to make
an important reconnoissance on the Fredericksburg road,
and he would be glad to have them make it for him. When
Lane told him he knew they would cheerfully do whatever
he wished, be replied, " I will not send them unless they
are willing to go." Nicholson was then introduced. Gen
eral Lee repeated what he had said to Lane ; told Nicholson
more explicitly what he wished done, and enjoined him to
let his men know that he did not order them, but " re
quested" them to make the reconnoissance for him. Lane
was elated, Nicholson was elated, the whole corps was ela
ted. It was a grand sight when those brave men marched
by their beloved chieftain. Every cap Avent off and Avas
twirling in the air, yell followed upon yell. General Lee,
superbly mounted, gracefully doffed his hat but said not a
word, and the troops in the Avorks on each side of the road
made the welkin ring with cheers as those tired and hun
gry heroes deployed handsomely to the right, pushed rap
idly to the front, and soon disappeared.
On the 18th of May, General Early who was in command
of A. P. Hill's Corps, Generals Wilcox and Lane, and a
number of staff officers were standing talking in the field
near the brick-kiln and not far from the right of the corps
of sharpshooters, Avhen the enemy espied them through the

208
opening in the salient and honored them with a short but
rapid artillery salute. The group was scattered but no one
was struck. Nicholson, however, Avho Avas on the right of
his line, was badly wounded and was borne from the field.
Major Thomas J. Wooten, of the 18th Regiment, was
then ordered to take charge of the corps, and he continued
in command until the surrender at Appomattox Court
House. Young, cool, brave, but modest as a girl, Wooten
was Avortby to succeed two such dashing, fearless and effi
cient commanders as Knox and Nicholson. He soon won
the confidence and affection of those brave sharpshooters.
This corps rendered splendid service from Spottsylvania
to Petersburg. It began its brilliant career around Peters
burg by surprising and capturing the eiemy's videttes and
reserves at the Davis House Avithout losing a man. In
recognition of its gallantry on this occasion, the following
complimentary letters, addressed to Major Wooten, were
embodied in a General Order and read on parade to all of
the regiments in the brigade :
Headquarters Lane's Brigade,
September 9, 1864.
General Orders, No. 21.
The folloAving communications are published to the Brig
ade, not only as an act due the distinguished merit of their
gallant recipient, but Avith the hope it Avifl encourage officers
and men to emulate this noble example :
Headquarters Third Army Corps,
September 7, 1864.
General : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt
of the report of Major T. J. Wooten, commanding the
skirmishers from Lane's Brigade, containing an account of
his surprise of the enemy's videttes at the Davis House,
and the attendant capture. The Lieutenant-General com
manding desires thai you will congratulate Major Wooten
for him upon his handsome success, and to assure him that

209
he highly appreciates the activity, ability and gallantry
which he has displayed in his present responsible position.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed.) W. N. Starke, A. A. G.
Headquarters Wilcox's Light Division,
September 7, 1894.
Major : The Major-General commanding-desires me to
express his gratification in transmitting the enclosed letter
from Major Starke, Assistant Adjutant-General Third
Army Corps, conveying the congratulations of Lieutenant-
General Hill to you upon your handsome capture of the
enemy's videttes at the Davis House, and also to acknowl
edge his own appreciation, not only of this affair, but of
the valuable services rendered by you and the gallant offi
cers and men under your command during the arduous
campaign of the last four months.
I am, Major, very respectfully,
(Signed.) Jos. A. Englehard, A. A. G.
Headquarters Lane's Brigade,
September 9, 1864.
Major T. J. Wooten, Commander Sharpshooters.
Major : The Brigadier-General commanding feels a proud
pleasure in transmitting to you the congratulatory notes of
Lieutenant-General Hill and Major-General Wilcox. And
while he adds to these Avell-earned compliments his own
hearty congratulation upon the brilliant accomplishment
of your well-conceived purpose, he rejoices that you have
furnished him this fitting opportunity formally to thank
you and your ejallant command for the steady performance
of every duty, whether of dangerous enterprise or labori
ous watching, which has distinguished your action since the
campaign began.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
(Signed.) E. J. Hale, Jr., A. A. G.
By command of Brigadier-General James H. Lane.
(Signed) E. J. Hale, Jr., A. A. G.
13

210
After this, in his frequent surprises of the enemy's skir
mishers or pickets Major Wooten adopted a tactics of his
OAvn Avhich was known in the brigade as "Wooten's seine-
hauling." With the Avhole or a part of his command he
would move by the flank in double ranks tOAvards the ene
my's line, taking adArantage of all natural features, and some
times the command would crawl until Avithin easy running
distance. Then they Avould quickly rush forward, Wooten
would halt his command on the line of pits, and Avhen the
rear of his command reached him, he would order both
ranks to face outward and wheel. Wheeling on Wooten as
the pivot, they Avould return at a run in single rank, empty
every pit before them and never fire a gun.
The Major was never as happy as at hen engaged in his
"seine-hauling." After prowling around the enemy's line,
he would repair to brigade headquarters for permission to
make another "catch." Whenever the General reminded
him that nothing definite Avas to be accomplished by such
attacks, that he Avas endangering the lives of his men,
and that he (the General) would not give one of those noble
fellows for a hundred Yankees, Wooten would assure him
that no one could loAre his men more than he did, and he
would promise not to let any of them get hurt. It was
always on this condition that permission was granted, Avith
the further understanding that his exploits would cease just
as soon as he lost a man, killed, Avounded or captured. Not
a man was ever lost.
On the morning of the 30th of September troops were or
dered from the right of Petersburg, by General Lee, to the
north side of the James to reinforce those already7 engaged
there, and the neAv works at the Pegram house Avere left to
be defended by a Aveak skirmish line of dismounted cavalry.
After crossing the Appomattox aud marching beyond Et-
trick's, the order was countermanded, as the right was
threatened. That afternoon Lane's Brigade was ordered
to form line of battle on the right of the road leading to
the Jones house. The enemy was forcing the cavalry skir
mishers back so rapidly that Wooten was compelled to de

211
ploy bis sharpshooters at a double-quick and push hurriedly
forward. He did it so quickly, so dexterously, and with the
capture of so many prisoners, that it elicited the outspoken
admiration of a group of general officers who Avitnessed the
movement and brilliant dash. One of the group remarked
to General Lane that it was the handsomest thing of the
kind he had ever seen during the war.
Next day, the 1st of October, Brander's artillery enfila
ded the works at the Pegram house with a demoralizing
and destructive fire, and as the enemy sought -shelter in a
depression, tbe watchful Wooten rushed over the Avorks
with his brave sharpshooters and captured twice as many
prisoners as he had men. Brander's artillery seeing dimly
through the smoke so many prisoners going to the rear,
thought the enemy was advancing, and turning their guns
upon them they fired several times before they discovered
their mistake. Some of the prisoners Avere wounded, and
a feAv of them were killed, but, strange to say, all of the
sharpshooters escaped. General Wilcox, who Avas near,
also made a narrow escape.
After Gordon's attack on Fort Steadman, the enemy sAvept
the whole Confederate skirmish line from Hatcher's Run to
Lieutenant Run, and got possession of a hill from which
they could fire into the winter-quarters of Lane's Brigade.
General Wilcox was sick at the time, and General Lane was
in command of the Division. Early next day General Lee
sent- for General Lane to enquire Avhether he had re-estab
lished his part of the line. When told that he had, except
the hill, the old chieftain asked if he could take that. "Yes,
sir; I will take it to-night if you say so," was the reply.
General Lee then ordered him to reconnoitre the line and de
termine where and how to make the attack. As General Lane
and Major Wooten inspected the line that beautiful Sunday
morning and were pointing and discussing how best to ac
complish the work before them, some of the most observant
men were heard to remark : "Look yonder, fellows, at the
General and the Major ; that means something. It looks
like somebody will get hurt soon." General Lane had de-

212
termined to take the hill that night with the sharpshooters
of the entire division, with Major Wooten in command, to
be supported by Lane's Brigade if necessary. Wooten car
ried the hill a little after dawn Avithout losing a man.
Later in the day a squad of Yankees were seen pulling some
thing through the bushes, and when one of the men yelled
to them to know what they Avere doing, he received the
ready answer : " Your Major Hooten is so fond of running
up these hollows and breaking our line, we are pulling a
gun here to giA7e him a warm welcome the next time he
comes." The Major had used the ravine or hollow in
making his attack. This brave officer was generally known
on the enemy's skirmish line as Major Hooten. On two or
more occasions when there was a real flag of truce between
the contending armies, some of the Federal officers asked
for Major Hooten, and requested to be introduced to him.
During that winter General Lane received a note from
General Wilcox asking if he could " catch a Yankee " for
General Lee; as some of the enemy were in motion, and
General Lee had not been able to get the desired informa
tion through his scouts. Wooten Avas sent for at once and
Wilcox's note placed in his hand. After sitting in silence
for some time, with his eyes upon the tent floor and his
head betAveen his hands, he looked up with a bright face
and said, "I can get him." The whole corps wanted to go
" seine-hauling" that night, but it was thought best to take
only a part of the command. It was a moonlight night,
the woods proved to be further from the enemy's line than
Avas expected, and the men had to craAvl some distance
through the grass and woods, when Wooten, at the head of
his small crawling column, sprang to his feet, excitedly
uttering a questionable ejaculation — a most unusual thing
for him. The men laughed and said, " Listen at our Major !"
and away they all rushed for the promised Yankee. Early
next morning Wooten, followed by a crowd of laughing,
ragged rebels, marched seven prisoners to brigade head
quarters, and with a merry good morning he reported, " I
couldn't get that promised Yankee for General Lee, but I

213
caught seven Dutchmen." Not one of the seven could
speak a word of English. They were at once sent to divi
sion, headquarters with a note from the Brigadier giving
the credit of the capture to Wooten and his men, and sta
ting that if General Lee could make anything out of their
"foreign gibberish " it was more than he could.
After the line had been broken by Grant in the spring
of 1865 and the brigade driven from the works, this corps
fought in the regular line and helped to clear the works as
far as the Jones farm road, when the brigade was confronted
by two long lines of battle and a strong line of skirmishers.
To escape destruction or capture the brigade retired under
orders to Battery Gregg and Howard's Dam.
In the retreat to Appomattox Court House the corps was
necessarily kept very busy, and on several occasions it
bravely encountered the enemy when not a single shot Avas
fired by any of tbe regiments.

The compiler of these sketches dreAV largely upon papers
furnished Major James H. Foote — who was appointed by
the State to make a "Roll of Honor" of North Carolina
Troops — by General W. R. Cox, Colonel S. D. Thurston,
General Bryan Grimes, Major R. W. York, Colonel W. J.
Martin, Adjutant Thomas J. Gregory, Colonel R. T. Ben
nett, Colonel John H. Hyman, Captain W. A. Graham, Col
onel Thomas J. Toon, Lieutenant J. R. Cole, Colonel S. D.
Lowe, Colonel B. S. Proffitt, Adjutant P. W. Arrington,
Colonel W. M. Barbour, Colonel W. J. Hoke, Major James
J. Iredell, and General James H. Lane. Those troops who
entered the Confederate States service prior to 1864 are
the only regiments referred to in these sketches. Some of
the sketches are, therefore, not complete to the end of tbe
war. There was no available data from which sketches
of the missing regiments could be drawn.
Tbe sketches relative to the 22d, 27th and 38th Regiments
were secured too late for insertion in the list as printed on
title-page.

YALE UNIVERSITY

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