Even though it is not due until September, I’ve started working on a proposal for the symposium being held at North Carolina Museum of History in May 2011. I’ve got two ideas that I’m working on, and would really appreciate your thoughts. The first idea is one that I’ve talked a lot about here on this blog, and one that I am familiar with from my own books: the role of regimental histories (particularly ones written by North Carolinians) and the process of memory. If you have followed my scribbling for any time, you know that I spend a lot of time pondering what the veterans themselves wrote after the war.
The other idea I have is also a line of thought from some of my research and writing: the placement of monuments in western North Carolina commemorating Confederate (and Union) soldiers (or the lackthereof). Since I have produced formal or pictorial histories of Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, Caldwell, and Yancey, I’ve studied this idea somewhat.
So, of those two ideas, what do you think? Which one would you follow?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
News and notes...
Well, Monday has rolled around again and I guess it is time for a look around the Old North State.
Rob Neufeld picks up the story of Tom Dula in a piece in the Asheville Citizen Times. Check it out here.
Our friends in the 26th NCT and their recent living history at Appomattox are the subject of an article (which you can read here) in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Interesting article on the man who founded the town of Cary – check it out here at the Cary Citizen.
There is a new Civil War Round Table in Brunswick County – you can get more information here.
Tim Auten, author of a book on the battle of Wyse Fork, will be at the library in Concord in May. You can get more details here.
There is also an article on the life of Bryan Grimes on the Daily Reflector. Check it out here.
Rob Neufeld picks up the story of Tom Dula in a piece in the Asheville Citizen Times. Check it out here.
Our friends in the 26th NCT and their recent living history at Appomattox are the subject of an article (which you can read here) in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Interesting article on the man who founded the town of Cary – check it out here at the Cary Citizen.
There is a new Civil War Round Table in Brunswick County – you can get more information here.
Tim Auten, author of a book on the battle of Wyse Fork, will be at the library in Concord in May. You can get more details here.
There is also an article on the life of Bryan Grimes on the Daily Reflector. Check it out here.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Book review – “The Iron Hearted Regiment”
I got this book some time ago to review (from McFarland). I read it not long ago, and put it aside, thinking it might make a great post on a new blog I was working on about Civil War regimentals. I’ve still not decided what I’m going to do with this other idea, so I thought I would go ahead and post the review of the book. The book is Mark Silo’s The 115th New York in the Civil War: A Regimental History (McFarland 2007).
So, what does a history of the 115th New York Infantry have to do with a blog about North Carolina and the War? Well, the 115th New York was involved in the assault on Fort Fisher in January 1865, and would later spend seven weeks garrisoned in Raleigh after the close of the war. However, let’s back up a little and review the 115th New York’s service record.
The regiment was recruited from Hamilton, Fulton, Montgomery, and Saratoga Counties, New York. The men of the 115th were mustered into service in August 1862. From reading Silo’s book, one might tend to agree that they were a hard luck regiment. The regiment was positioned on Bolivar Heights near Harper’s Ferry. After less than a month in service, the regiment was surrendered with the rest of the garrison. After being paroled, the 115th traveled to Annapolis and then to Chicago, where the men were quartered at the fairgrounds. On November 20, they were finally paroled and ordered to Washington. As the regiment was leaving, their quarters caught fire and burned. The regiment went first to Washington, D.C., and then Yorktown, and then to Hilton Head. After disembarking at Hilton Head, the regiment found itself “under arrest” for the destruction of the barracks in Chicago. The 115th was later absolved of the crime. They spent much of the spring of 1863 involved in small raids into the interior of South Carolina and Georgia. In the summer of 1863, several junior officers attempted to have their colonel cashiered, but the charges were found to amount to nothing.
In early 1864, the members of the 115th New York found themselves involved in the Florida campaign. They lost 296 men in the battle of Olustee (about 51%). The regiment was in Florida until mid-April, then in embarked for Yorktown, joining the Army of the James at Bermuda Hundred. The regiment was involved in numerous battles revolving around the Overland Campaign, like Port Walthall Junction, and Drewrys Bluff, the Crater, and Second Deep Bottom. In December 1864, during the engagement at Chaffin’ s Farm, the regiment was hit by friendly fire coming from the 9th Maine. In early December, the 115th New York returned to the landing at Bermuda Hundred, and set sail for Wilmington, North Carolina. The men of the 115th participated in the December 25 assault on Fort Fisher, but were recalled after landing on the beach. The regiment returned to Virginia, but was back in North Carolina, assaulting Fort Fisher on January 15, where it lost 17 men. The next day, the 115th New York was close to the explosion of the powder magazine at Fort Fisher, losing 11 dead and 41 wounded. From April 14 to June 19, the 115th New York was stationed in Raleigh. By mid June the 115th was back in New York, and on June 26, paraded through the streets of New York City. The men were mustered out of service on July 3, 1865.
Mark Silo has done a splendid good reconstructing the history of the 115th New York. He has interwoven numerous letters and diary entries with official documents on the regiment, and has also included numerous photographs of the men themselves, and in some instances, their equipment. I would say that Silo’s history is one of the better regimentals that I have read recently and folks interested in the assault on Fort Fisher and the last days of the war will find this book of interest.
If you are interested in the book, contact McFarland at http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/ or at 800.253.2187.
So, what does a history of the 115th New York Infantry have to do with a blog about North Carolina and the War? Well, the 115th New York was involved in the assault on Fort Fisher in January 1865, and would later spend seven weeks garrisoned in Raleigh after the close of the war. However, let’s back up a little and review the 115th New York’s service record.
The regiment was recruited from Hamilton, Fulton, Montgomery, and Saratoga Counties, New York. The men of the 115th were mustered into service in August 1862. From reading Silo’s book, one might tend to agree that they were a hard luck regiment. The regiment was positioned on Bolivar Heights near Harper’s Ferry. After less than a month in service, the regiment was surrendered with the rest of the garrison. After being paroled, the 115th traveled to Annapolis and then to Chicago, where the men were quartered at the fairgrounds. On November 20, they were finally paroled and ordered to Washington. As the regiment was leaving, their quarters caught fire and burned. The regiment went first to Washington, D.C., and then Yorktown, and then to Hilton Head. After disembarking at Hilton Head, the regiment found itself “under arrest” for the destruction of the barracks in Chicago. The 115th was later absolved of the crime. They spent much of the spring of 1863 involved in small raids into the interior of South Carolina and Georgia. In the summer of 1863, several junior officers attempted to have their colonel cashiered, but the charges were found to amount to nothing.
In early 1864, the members of the 115th New York found themselves involved in the Florida campaign. They lost 296 men in the battle of Olustee (about 51%). The regiment was in Florida until mid-April, then in embarked for Yorktown, joining the Army of the James at Bermuda Hundred. The regiment was involved in numerous battles revolving around the Overland Campaign, like Port Walthall Junction, and Drewrys Bluff, the Crater, and Second Deep Bottom. In December 1864, during the engagement at Chaffin’ s Farm, the regiment was hit by friendly fire coming from the 9th Maine. In early December, the 115th New York returned to the landing at Bermuda Hundred, and set sail for Wilmington, North Carolina. The men of the 115th participated in the December 25 assault on Fort Fisher, but were recalled after landing on the beach. The regiment returned to Virginia, but was back in North Carolina, assaulting Fort Fisher on January 15, where it lost 17 men. The next day, the 115th New York was close to the explosion of the powder magazine at Fort Fisher, losing 11 dead and 41 wounded. From April 14 to June 19, the 115th New York was stationed in Raleigh. By mid June the 115th was back in New York, and on June 26, paraded through the streets of New York City. The men were mustered out of service on July 3, 1865.
Mark Silo has done a splendid good reconstructing the history of the 115th New York. He has interwoven numerous letters and diary entries with official documents on the regiment, and has also included numerous photographs of the men themselves, and in some instances, their equipment. I would say that Silo’s history is one of the better regimentals that I have read recently and folks interested in the assault on Fort Fisher and the last days of the war will find this book of interest.
If you are interested in the book, contact McFarland at http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/ or at 800.253.2187.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Regimental Histories
This morning I’m still pondering regimental histories, probably because of a post on the 81st Indiana on Dave Powell’s blog. It is a subject that I seem to spend a great deal of time pondering, probably because I’ve written two and would like to write a dozen more. A couple of questions: what is your favorite regimental history (US/CS), and why, or what makes it a good regimental history? I look forward to your comments.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Burnsville tour recap
Had a great time Saturday giving a tour of downtown Burnsville with an emphasis on the War. There was a group of about 25 people present, and we covered Burnsville prior to war, events during the secession crisis, like the hanging of Zeb Vance in effigy, and war-time events, like the raids in April 1864 and May 1865. It was a lot of fun, and we talked for a little over one hour. I hope you can make the next one (no, we’ve not set a time).
Friday, April 16, 2010
Burnsville Tour tommorow
Tomorrow (Saturday, April 17) I’ll be participating in a tour of historic downtown Burnsville in Yancey County. We’ll be talking about what was where during the War, and different events, like the hanging of Zeb Vance in effigy and a couple of different raids. This event is FREE and we will be meeting on the square in front of the library at 1:00 pm. Come and join us if you are in the area.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Harold Holzer speaks in North Carolina
Got a chance to go and hear renown Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer at Appalachian State University a couple of nights ago. Holzer was originally scheduled to speak back in February, and one of our numerous winter snow storms kept him off the mountain. Holzer did a really good job, and spoke to a crowd of about 150 students, faculty, and a few community members (like me).
The title of Holzer’s talk was “Why Lincoln Matters—To History, To Our Presidents, and To Us.” Most of 
the talk centered around the “To Our Presidents” portion of the title. Holzer started out talking about how Ronald Reagan once misquoted Lincoln during a speech at a convention. Funny, he did not bring up how Obama did the same thing the other day. Oh well, the talk was good and lasted about an hour. Then came the follow-up questions, including one about the claims of some regarding North Carolina as the birthplace of Lincoln, and Holzer’s views of the recent “debate” regarding the Virginia governor’s Confederate History Month proclamation, which Holzer supports.
the talk centered around the “To Our Presidents” portion of the title. Holzer started out talking about how Ronald Reagan once misquoted Lincoln during a speech at a convention. Funny, he did not bring up how Obama did the same thing the other day. Oh well, the talk was good and lasted about an hour. Then came the follow-up questions, including one about the claims of some regarding North Carolina as the birthplace of Lincoln, and Holzer’s views of the recent “debate” regarding the Virginia governor’s Confederate History Month proclamation, which Holzer supports. Then it was my turn (and I was the last question asker of the evening). My question: last year, C-Span, during the celebration of Lincoln’s birth, announced that there were 14,000 books on Lincoln: the short question is why, and the longer question, as a writer, as a historian, how do you sift through 14,000 books? Holzer, who has penned at least six Lincoln books himself, said he never really consulted anything after 1909.
Hmmm…. I’ll let you ponder that response.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Gates County
Gates County was formed in 1779 from portions of Chowan, Hertford, and Perquimans Counties. It was named in honor of Patriot general Horatio Gates. He was also honored with the naming of the county seat, Gates Court House, that was changed to Gatesville in 1831.
In 1860, the total population of Gates County was 8,443 people, including 3,902 slaves and 282 free persons of color. One article claims that Gates County was composed mostly of “subsistence farmers [who] did not hold many slaves.” Hmmm, I would think the census says otherwise. In the 1860 presidential election, Breckinridge received 338 votes, Bell received 394, and Douglas received a scant 12 votes. In the February 1861 vote on the question of calling a convention to consider the question of secession, Gates County men voted 367 for, with 141 against. Alfred J. Walton was the elected representative to the convention in May 1861. Walton was a farmer and a “strong secessionist after Lincoln’s call for troops.” He was a justice of the peace and chairman of the county court.
Gates County produced several companies for the Confederate cause. They included Companies B and H, 5th North Carolina State Troops; Company E, 33rd North Carolina Troops; Company C, 52nd North Carolina Troops; Company I, 68th North Carolina Troops; and, Company C, 2nd North Carolina Cavalry.
William P. Roberts, regarded as the “youngest Confederate general,” hailed from Gates County. He was born there in 1841, and prior to the war, was a teacher and a private in the local Militia. He enlisted on June 10
, 1861, in what would become Company C, 2nd North Carolina Cavalry. Roberts was mustered in as an orderly (or first) sergeant, and on September 30, 1861, was appointed a second lieutenant. By August 13, 1862, he was captain of his company and in February 1864, appointed major of the Second. Roberts was wounded in the head at Haw’s Shop, Virginia, in June 1864, and soon thereafter took command of the Second. He was officially promoted to colonel August 19, 1864. Roberts was promoted to brigadier general in February 1865, and assigned a brigade in Lee’s Divisions of the Army of Northern Virginia. Robert E. Lee is supposed to have presented Roberts with his own gauntlets in recognition of Roberts’s maturity and leadership. He was paroled at Appomattox on April 9, 1865. He later served as a Virginia legislator. Roberts died in Norfolk in 1910, one of the last living Confederate generals, and is buried in the Old City Cemetery in Gatesville.
Information regarding military activity in Gates County is scarce.
The US Navy landed in Gates County on May 9, 1862, and burned a warehouse containing “bacon, corn, lard, fish, &c.” They were attacked on their return to Elizabeth City.
June 5 through 7, 1863, found a US Navy reconnaissance through the county and down the Chowan River.
John A. (Jack) Fairless, a deserter from the 52nd North Carolina Troops, apparently caused much trouble for local citizens in the area. His band of men “pillaged, plundered, burned, and decoyed off slaves in their forays into Chowan, … Berties, Perquimans, Hertford, and Gates Counties.”
Like in so many counties in North Carolina, the citizens in Gates County erected a monument to local Confederates on July 8, 1915.
In 1860, the total population of Gates County was 8,443 people, including 3,902 slaves and 282 free persons of color. One article claims that Gates County was composed mostly of “subsistence farmers [who] did not hold many slaves.” Hmmm, I would think the census says otherwise. In the 1860 presidential election, Breckinridge received 338 votes, Bell received 394, and Douglas received a scant 12 votes. In the February 1861 vote on the question of calling a convention to consider the question of secession, Gates County men voted 367 for, with 141 against. Alfred J. Walton was the elected representative to the convention in May 1861. Walton was a farmer and a “strong secessionist after Lincoln’s call for troops.” He was a justice of the peace and chairman of the county court.
Gates County produced several companies for the Confederate cause. They included Companies B and H, 5th North Carolina State Troops; Company E, 33rd North Carolina Troops; Company C, 52nd North Carolina Troops; Company I, 68th North Carolina Troops; and, Company C, 2nd North Carolina Cavalry.
William P. Roberts, regarded as the “youngest Confederate general,” hailed from Gates County. He was born there in 1841, and prior to the war, was a teacher and a private in the local Militia. He enlisted on June 10
, 1861, in what would become Company C, 2nd North Carolina Cavalry. Roberts was mustered in as an orderly (or first) sergeant, and on September 30, 1861, was appointed a second lieutenant. By August 13, 1862, he was captain of his company and in February 1864, appointed major of the Second. Roberts was wounded in the head at Haw’s Shop, Virginia, in June 1864, and soon thereafter took command of the Second. He was officially promoted to colonel August 19, 1864. Roberts was promoted to brigadier general in February 1865, and assigned a brigade in Lee’s Divisions of the Army of Northern Virginia. Robert E. Lee is supposed to have presented Roberts with his own gauntlets in recognition of Roberts’s maturity and leadership. He was paroled at Appomattox on April 9, 1865. He later served as a Virginia legislator. Roberts died in Norfolk in 1910, one of the last living Confederate generals, and is buried in the Old City Cemetery in Gatesville.Information regarding military activity in Gates County is scarce.
The US Navy landed in Gates County on May 9, 1862, and burned a warehouse containing “bacon, corn, lard, fish, &c.” They were attacked on their return to Elizabeth City.
June 5 through 7, 1863, found a US Navy reconnaissance through the county and down the Chowan River.
John A. (Jack) Fairless, a deserter from the 52nd North Carolina Troops, apparently caused much trouble for local citizens in the area. His band of men “pillaged, plundered, burned, and decoyed off slaves in their forays into Chowan, … Berties, Perquimans, Hertford, and Gates Counties.”
Like in so many counties in North Carolina, the citizens in Gates County erected a monument to local Confederates on July 8, 1915.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Ramblings
Well, yet another busy day. I’ll spend much of the day in Watauga County. I’m being interviewed for a documentary on Shull’s Mill, and I’m sure the war will come up. Then, this evening, I’ll be speaking with the folks over in Cove Creek about a North Carolina Civil War Trail Marker.
I’ve added some blogs to my roll recently. Make sure you check out The Maryland Campaign – Tom has a letter from a member of the 23rd North Carolina Troops.
Three events I want you to know about.
There will be a discussion about Caldwell County and the War in Lenoir next Monday night (April 12). This event is at the library and is free and open to everyone.
Second, Harold Holzer will be speaking at Appalachian State University on Tuesday, April 13. The event will be at the Broyhill and starts at 8:00 pm.
And,
Next Saturday, April 17, there will be a tour of Civil War Burnsville in downtown Burnsville. We will meet on the square in front of the library at 1:00 pm.
I’ve added some blogs to my roll recently. Make sure you check out The Maryland Campaign – Tom has a letter from a member of the 23rd North Carolina Troops.
Three events I want you to know about.
There will be a discussion about Caldwell County and the War in Lenoir next Monday night (April 12). This event is at the library and is free and open to everyone.
Second, Harold Holzer will be speaking at Appalachian State University on Tuesday, April 13. The event will be at the Broyhill and starts at 8:00 pm.
And,
Next Saturday, April 17, there will be a tour of Civil War Burnsville in downtown Burnsville. We will meet on the square in front of the library at 1:00 pm.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
What’s your favorite?
New poll up on the right – tell us what your favorite War Between the States site in North Carolina is. Thanks!
Monday, April 05, 2010
I have the honor to tender…
Once a man joined the army, he had little opportunity to get out. If he was an enlisted man, he could be discharged for some medical ailment, or possibly because he was too young or too old. And of course, death would get a man out of the army.
Officers were given a choice. They were allowed to resign their commissions. (We could have a whole discussion about the origins of commissions, and how in other armies commissions could be purchased and sold, but we will leave that for another time.)
An officer wanting out of his commission had to simply write a letter. William Y. Farthing, captain of Co. E, 37th NCT, wrote on November 12, 1862: “In 1861 I brought into service my Co. and enlisted it for twelve months. Last April I re-enlisted ‘for the war’ and induced most of my company to follow me. I am fifty years old and have two sons; one of my sons is now a member of my Co. and the other is about to enter the army being subject to the Conscription law. I own no slaves, therefore my wife and daughter are left without any male assistance on the plantation.” Farthing’s letter then went up the chain of command – his colonel, William Barber, approved it; Brig. Gen. James H. Lane approved; A. P. Hill approved it; Stonewall Jackson approved it; and, finally, the adjutant general’s office approved it. Farthing had his answer on November 28: his resignation had been accepted and he was free from his responsibilities in the army. We don’t know if Farthing ever learned that news or not. He died that same day in a hospital in Winchester of “pleuritis.”
Officers submitted letters of resignation for every conceivable reason. The most obvious was due to wounds. Lt. Samuel J. Helper , Co. B, 14th NCT, was wounded in the left arm during the battle of Sharpsburg (September 17, 1862). He submitted his resignation on May 15, 1863, citing his wound as the reason, and his resignation was accepted on June 1. Lt. William W. Hall of Thomas’s Legion resigned on July 25, 1863, due to an attack of typhoid fever. The same reason, “a severe case of typhoid fever,” was the cause of the resignation of Lt. Col. James M. Lowry of the 29th NCT. Lt. George W. Thompson of Company A, 31st NCT, submitted his resignation on March 28, 1863, citing “chronic rheumatism of the feet & ankles” as his reason. Lt. Col. John C. Keener of the 58th NCT submitted his resignation on June 16, 1863, stating that was “near fifty years of age… [and] now consider it my duty to retire from the [service] for the purpose of going home to attend to the wants &c., of my family.” Keener’s case was helped by his commanding officer, Col. John B. Palmer, who wrote that Keener “is not competent to perform the duties of the office he holds…” Keener’s resignation was accepted on or about that same date.
Not all resignations were accepted. Probably the most famous would be when on August 8, 1863, Robert E. Lee, following the battle of Gettysburg, offered to resign. Of course, Davis refused. Other resignations were also refused. Lt. Col. Samuel Silver, 58th NCT, tendered his resignation on March 16, 1865, stating that he did not feel qualified to perform his duties as commanding officer of the 58th North Carolina Troops, and was concerned about his family back in Mitchell County. Silver’s resignation was originally rejected. Lt. Gen. Alexander P. Stewart writes that “The first reason assigned should have been [tested] by the Examining Board. The second is no reason. “ Stewart is saying that when Silver went before the examining board, they found him competent for the position assigned to him by his promotion, and his reason of incompetency will not stand. Stewart’s second remark needs no explanation. (Gen. Johnston also disapproved the resignation.)
So why was Keener’s accepted and Silver’s (initially) not? Possibly the point of the war (1863 vs. 1865). Age was probably the defining point. Keener was 50, Silver just 32. Had Silver’s resignation been accepted sooner, he would have been liable for service under the conscription law, and would have been put back in service. The same was true of William Blalock of the 26th NCT. He was given a medical discharge, but once the local enrolling officer saw that he was well, he attempted to get him back in service. Another case would be that of Lt. John Tipton of Co. G, 58th NCT. He submitted his resignation on March 26, 1862, considering himself to be “wholly incompetent for the duties and responsibilities of the office through a want of education.” His resignation was accepted on May 15, 1863, and he later served as a private in this same company.
These are just a few examples – there are hundreds from North Carolina alone.
Officers were given a choice. They were allowed to resign their commissions. (We could have a whole discussion about the origins of commissions, and how in other armies commissions could be purchased and sold, but we will leave that for another time.)
An officer wanting out of his commission had to simply write a letter. William Y. Farthing, captain of Co. E, 37th NCT, wrote on November 12, 1862: “In 1861 I brought into service my Co. and enlisted it for twelve months. Last April I re-enlisted ‘for the war’ and induced most of my company to follow me. I am fifty years old and have two sons; one of my sons is now a member of my Co. and the other is about to enter the army being subject to the Conscription law. I own no slaves, therefore my wife and daughter are left without any male assistance on the plantation.” Farthing’s letter then went up the chain of command – his colonel, William Barber, approved it; Brig. Gen. James H. Lane approved; A. P. Hill approved it; Stonewall Jackson approved it; and, finally, the adjutant general’s office approved it. Farthing had his answer on November 28: his resignation had been accepted and he was free from his responsibilities in the army. We don’t know if Farthing ever learned that news or not. He died that same day in a hospital in Winchester of “pleuritis.”
Officers submitted letters of resignation for every conceivable reason. The most obvious was due to wounds. Lt. Samuel J. Helper , Co. B, 14th NCT, was wounded in the left arm during the battle of Sharpsburg (September 17, 1862). He submitted his resignation on May 15, 1863, citing his wound as the reason, and his resignation was accepted on June 1. Lt. William W. Hall of Thomas’s Legion resigned on July 25, 1863, due to an attack of typhoid fever. The same reason, “a severe case of typhoid fever,” was the cause of the resignation of Lt. Col. James M. Lowry of the 29th NCT. Lt. George W. Thompson of Company A, 31st NCT, submitted his resignation on March 28, 1863, citing “chronic rheumatism of the feet & ankles” as his reason. Lt. Col. John C. Keener of the 58th NCT submitted his resignation on June 16, 1863, stating that was “near fifty years of age… [and] now consider it my duty to retire from the [service] for the purpose of going home to attend to the wants &c., of my family.” Keener’s case was helped by his commanding officer, Col. John B. Palmer, who wrote that Keener “is not competent to perform the duties of the office he holds…” Keener’s resignation was accepted on or about that same date.
Not all resignations were accepted. Probably the most famous would be when on August 8, 1863, Robert E. Lee, following the battle of Gettysburg, offered to resign. Of course, Davis refused. Other resignations were also refused. Lt. Col. Samuel Silver, 58th NCT, tendered his resignation on March 16, 1865, stating that he did not feel qualified to perform his duties as commanding officer of the 58th North Carolina Troops, and was concerned about his family back in Mitchell County. Silver’s resignation was originally rejected. Lt. Gen. Alexander P. Stewart writes that “The first reason assigned should have been [tested] by the Examining Board. The second is no reason. “ Stewart is saying that when Silver went before the examining board, they found him competent for the position assigned to him by his promotion, and his reason of incompetency will not stand. Stewart’s second remark needs no explanation. (Gen. Johnston also disapproved the resignation.)
So why was Keener’s accepted and Silver’s (initially) not? Possibly the point of the war (1863 vs. 1865). Age was probably the defining point. Keener was 50, Silver just 32. Had Silver’s resignation been accepted sooner, he would have been liable for service under the conscription law, and would have been put back in service. The same was true of William Blalock of the 26th NCT. He was given a medical discharge, but once the local enrolling officer saw that he was well, he attempted to get him back in service. Another case would be that of Lt. John Tipton of Co. G, 58th NCT. He submitted his resignation on March 26, 1862, considering himself to be “wholly incompetent for the duties and responsibilities of the office through a want of education.” His resignation was accepted on May 15, 1863, and he later served as a private in this same company.
These are just a few examples – there are hundreds from North Carolina alone.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
SCV FUNDS CONSERVATION OF BATTLE FLAGS
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS FUND CONSERVATION OFBATTLE FLAGS AT MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Three Confederate flags that were once carried into battle will now becarefully transported to West Virginia for specialized conservation treatment. These banners, the colors of the 24th, 34th and 38th N.C. Troops, are part of the flag collection at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh.
Restoration of these flags requires expensive textile treatment, and the N.C. Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans has helped make this possible. On March 18, the organization, which has 90 camps (chapters)across the state, presented a $28,361 check to staff members at the Museum of History during a brief ceremony. The funds will also be used to purchasea much-needed storage rack for the museum's conserved flags.
"The North Carolina Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans is very proud and honored to be a part of this flag restoration project," says Tom Smith, Commander of the N.C. Division. "I can state with assurance that our members are dedicated to the work of historic conservation and preservation. We have helped the Museum of History with several other projects and preservation efforts over the years and have enjoyed a productive relationship with the museum."
According to museum curator Tom Belton, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, along with other groups, have been instrumental in funding flag conservation for the Museum of History in preparation for exhibition during the N.C.Civil War Sesquicentennial. From 2011 to 2015, exhibits and programs will take place across the state in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in North Carolina.
After the conservation work is completed for the flags 24th, 34th and 38th N.C. Troops, the N.C. Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans will present the banners during a dedication ceremony at the Museum of History.
For details about the Museum of History, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org or Facebook(r). For information about the N.C. CivilWar Sesquicentennial, access http://www.ncculture.com
The Museum of History is located at 5 E. Edenton St., across from the State Capitol. Parking is available in the lot across Wilmington Street. The museum is part of the Division of State History Museums, Office of Archives and History, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, www.ncculture.com
Three Confederate flags that were once carried into battle will now becarefully transported to West Virginia for specialized conservation treatment. These banners, the colors of the 24th, 34th and 38th N.C. Troops, are part of the flag collection at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh.
Restoration of these flags requires expensive textile treatment, and the N.C. Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans has helped make this possible. On March 18, the organization, which has 90 camps (chapters)across the state, presented a $28,361 check to staff members at the Museum of History during a brief ceremony. The funds will also be used to purchasea much-needed storage rack for the museum's conserved flags.
"The North Carolina Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans is very proud and honored to be a part of this flag restoration project," says Tom Smith, Commander of the N.C. Division. "I can state with assurance that our members are dedicated to the work of historic conservation and preservation. We have helped the Museum of History with several other projects and preservation efforts over the years and have enjoyed a productive relationship with the museum."
According to museum curator Tom Belton, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, along with other groups, have been instrumental in funding flag conservation for the Museum of History in preparation for exhibition during the N.C.Civil War Sesquicentennial. From 2011 to 2015, exhibits and programs will take place across the state in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in North Carolina.
After the conservation work is completed for the flags 24th, 34th and 38th N.C. Troops, the N.C. Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans will present the banners during a dedication ceremony at the Museum of History.
For details about the Museum of History, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org or Facebook(r). For information about the N.C. CivilWar Sesquicentennial, access http://www.ncculture.com
The Museum of History is located at 5 E. Edenton St., across from the State Capitol. Parking is available in the lot across Wilmington Street. The museum is part of the Division of State History Museums, Office of Archives and History, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, www.ncculture.com
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Upcoming events
Spring has finally sprung here in western North Carolina and there is a lot going on that you might be interested in.
On April 5 there is a talk at Mars Hill College on Madison County Civil War regiments. You can learn more here.
April 10 is Park Day, an event sponsored by the Civil War Preservation Trust. Park Day is “an annual hands-on preservation event to help Civil War battlefields and historic sites take on maintenance projects large and small.” You can find a list of North Carolina sites looking for volunteers here.
On the evening of April 12, I will be involved in a Caldwell County and the Civil War program at the library in Lenoir. This will be a “round table” type of discussion and is open to everyone. Make sure you bring a friend.
On April 13, Abraham Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer will be speaking at the Broyhill on the campus of Appalachian State University (at 8:00 pm). This event is also free and open to the public.
And, on April 17, I will be leading a tour of downtown Burnsville and the Civil War. We will be looking at sites like the place where local people hung Zeb Vance in effigy and where the April 1864 Burnsville Raid took place. We will meet at 1:00 pm on the square in front of the library. This event is also free.
I hope to see you around!
On April 5 there is a talk at Mars Hill College on Madison County Civil War regiments. You can learn more here.
April 10 is Park Day, an event sponsored by the Civil War Preservation Trust. Park Day is “an annual hands-on preservation event to help Civil War battlefields and historic sites take on maintenance projects large and small.” You can find a list of North Carolina sites looking for volunteers here.
On the evening of April 12, I will be involved in a Caldwell County and the Civil War program at the library in Lenoir. This will be a “round table” type of discussion and is open to everyone. Make sure you bring a friend.
On April 13, Abraham Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer will be speaking at the Broyhill on the campus of Appalachian State University (at 8:00 pm). This event is also free and open to the public.
And, on April 17, I will be leading a tour of downtown Burnsville and the Civil War. We will be looking at sites like the place where local people hung Zeb Vance in effigy and where the April 1864 Burnsville Raid took place. We will meet at 1:00 pm on the square in front of the library. This event is also free.
I hope to see you around!
Monday, March 29, 2010
"Bloody Madison" continued
I was in Madison County this past Saturday, and I took a few photos to help illustrate the Madison County pieces. I hope you enjoy.
Marker speaking of the Shelton Laurel Massacre.
Home of Col. Lawrence Allen (64th NCT) in Marshall.
Robert E. Lee Trail Marker in front of the courthouse in Marshall.
North Carolina Civil War Trails Marker on the campus of Mars Hill College.
Site of the Shelton Laurel Massacre (almost seven miles from the marker).
Marker speaking of the Shelton Laurel Massacre.
Home of Col. Lawrence Allen (64th NCT) in Marshall.
Robert E. Lee Trail Marker in front of the courthouse in Marshall.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Bloody Madison
Madison County won a little poll that I put up a couple of weeks ago as the county that I would write about next in our survey of the Civil War and counties across the state. This is really only the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to the war and Madison County. Maybe some of my readers will contribute more information.
Madison County was created in 1851 from portions of Yancey and Buncombe Counties, and was named for President James Madison. The county seat, incorporated in 1863, was originally called Lapland, but was renamed Marshall in honor of Chief Justice John Marshall.
In 1860, Madison County had a population of 5,908 people, including 213 slaves and 2 free persons of color. The returns from the 1860 presidential election were thrown out. In February 1861, 345 Madison County men voted in favor of calling a convention while 532 voted against the idea. In May 1861, when the convention was held, Madison County’s representative was Dr. Joseph A. McDowell. McDowell later served as colonel of the 60th North Carolina Troops, and also owned the Warm Springs Hotel.
Madison County furnished men to the Confederate army that served in Company , 2nd North Carolina Battalion; Company B, 16th North Carolina Troops; Company D, 29th North Carolina Troops; Companies B and I, 60th North Carolina Troops; Companies A, B, D, F, G, I and L, 64th North Carolina Troops; Company I, 6th North Carolina Cavalry; and, Company D, 7th North Carolina Cavalry. Also, many Madison County men joined the 2nd and 3rd North Carolina Mounted Infantry (US). Terrell Garren, in his book Mountain Myth, believes that there were 1,969 Confederate soldiers from Madison County, and 135 Federal soldiers.
William Trotter described Madison County as the “most disputed and fought-over part of the mountains” during the war. So, we have much to talk about. A riot, followed by a shootout, broke out in May 1861 during the vote to electe McDowell to the secession convention. The sheriff, who was probably intoxicated, stood in the center of town shouting “Hurra[h] for Jeff Davis and the Southern Confederacy.” A Unionist in the crowd answered with a cheer for George Washington and the Union. The sheriff accused them of being “a set of Damd Black republicans and lincolnites,” drew his pistol, and fired into the crowd, wounding a young boy. The Sheriff was chased into a building, and was later shot and killed by the boy’s father. The father escaped and later joined a Kentucky regiment.
In January 1863, a band of Unionists and deserters raided Marshall, plundering houses and shooting local citizens. Also in January, there was a skirmish between militia and deserters in the Laurel Valley area. This led to the return of the 64th North Carolina, which were assailed from all sides as soon as they entered the county. A couple of skirmishes were fought in Shelton Laurel itself. When the Confederates could find no men in the area, they started interrogating and torturing the local women. Eventually, fifteen men, some old, others young, were captured. Two escaped before the column set out for Knoxville. Around January 13, the other 13 and the Confederates set out. At a pre-selected spot, the prisoners were halted, lined up, and executed. The commander of the 64th NCT, Col. James A. Keith, was arrested after the war, and spent two years in prison awaiting trial before escaping. This is known as the Shelton Laurel Massacre, and is the subject of a book by Phillip Paludan called Victims: A True Story of the Civil War.
Later that same month, Thomas’s Legion was in Madison County looking for deserters.
In mid 1863, Confederate forces commandeered portions of Mars Hill College and used it as a base and staging area for the rest of the war. Later in 1863, men from the 3rd North Carolina Mounted Infantry (US) attacked a meeting of the local Baptist Association not far from Mars Hill College, killing two men and wounding another.
There was a skirmish in October 1863 in Warm Springs (now Hot Springs). Federal forces captured the town and the resort. A few days later Maj. John W. Woodfin led his cavalry battalion into the area in an attempt to recapture it. He was shot from his horse. Brig. Gen. Robert B. Vance (the governor’s brother), then led several attacks to regain the area, and the Federals pulled out late in the month.
In April 1864, George Wiley Grooms and his brother Henry Grooms, along with Henry’s brother-in-law, Mitchell Caldwell, were captured while out working a field. They were marched across Mt. Sterling, on the Cataloochie side. As the family story goes, either Henry or George was forced to play the fiddle before being executed. George was a private in the 11th Tennessee Cavalry (US). All three are buried in a common grave in the Sutton Cemetery #1.
In March 1865, some men reportedly belonging to the 3rd North Carolina Mounted Infantry (US) burned the buildings at Mars Hill College.
On April 3, 1865, an expedition led by Col. Isaac M. Kirby of the 101st Ohio moved through Warm Springs (now Hot Springs) and Marshall, towards Asheville, with 1,100 men. This resulted in the battle of Asheville on April 6, and with the retreat of Kirby’s force back through Madison County.
There is going to be a program on Madison County and the regiments from the area at Mars Hill College on April 5. You can learn more here. If you would like more information on the events at Shelton Laurel, click here.
Madison County was created in 1851 from portions of Yancey and Buncombe Counties, and was named for President James Madison. The county seat, incorporated in 1863, was originally called Lapland, but was renamed Marshall in honor of Chief Justice John Marshall.
In 1860, Madison County had a population of 5,908 people, including 213 slaves and 2 free persons of color. The returns from the 1860 presidential election were thrown out. In February 1861, 345 Madison County men voted in favor of calling a convention while 532 voted against the idea. In May 1861, when the convention was held, Madison County’s representative was Dr. Joseph A. McDowell. McDowell later served as colonel of the 60th North Carolina Troops, and also owned the Warm Springs Hotel.
Madison County furnished men to the Confederate army that served in Company , 2nd North Carolina Battalion; Company B, 16th North Carolina Troops; Company D, 29th North Carolina Troops; Companies B and I, 60th North Carolina Troops; Companies A, B, D, F, G, I and L, 64th North Carolina Troops; Company I, 6th North Carolina Cavalry; and, Company D, 7th North Carolina Cavalry. Also, many Madison County men joined the 2nd and 3rd North Carolina Mounted Infantry (US). Terrell Garren, in his book Mountain Myth, believes that there were 1,969 Confederate soldiers from Madison County, and 135 Federal soldiers.
William Trotter described Madison County as the “most disputed and fought-over part of the mountains” during the war. So, we have much to talk about. A riot, followed by a shootout, broke out in May 1861 during the vote to electe McDowell to the secession convention. The sheriff, who was probably intoxicated, stood in the center of town shouting “Hurra[h] for Jeff Davis and the Southern Confederacy.” A Unionist in the crowd answered with a cheer for George Washington and the Union. The sheriff accused them of being “a set of Damd Black republicans and lincolnites,” drew his pistol, and fired into the crowd, wounding a young boy. The Sheriff was chased into a building, and was later shot and killed by the boy’s father. The father escaped and later joined a Kentucky regiment.
In January 1863, a band of Unionists and deserters raided Marshall, plundering houses and shooting local citizens. Also in January, there was a skirmish between militia and deserters in the Laurel Valley area. This led to the return of the 64th North Carolina, which were assailed from all sides as soon as they entered the county. A couple of skirmishes were fought in Shelton Laurel itself. When the Confederates could find no men in the area, they started interrogating and torturing the local women. Eventually, fifteen men, some old, others young, were captured. Two escaped before the column set out for Knoxville. Around January 13, the other 13 and the Confederates set out. At a pre-selected spot, the prisoners were halted, lined up, and executed. The commander of the 64th NCT, Col. James A. Keith, was arrested after the war, and spent two years in prison awaiting trial before escaping. This is known as the Shelton Laurel Massacre, and is the subject of a book by Phillip Paludan called Victims: A True Story of the Civil War.
Later that same month, Thomas’s Legion was in Madison County looking for deserters.
In mid 1863, Confederate forces commandeered portions of Mars Hill College and used it as a base and staging area for the rest of the war. Later in 1863, men from the 3rd North Carolina Mounted Infantry (US) attacked a meeting of the local Baptist Association not far from Mars Hill College, killing two men and wounding another.
There was a skirmish in October 1863 in Warm Springs (now Hot Springs). Federal forces captured the town and the resort. A few days later Maj. John W. Woodfin led his cavalry battalion into the area in an attempt to recapture it. He was shot from his horse. Brig. Gen. Robert B. Vance (the governor’s brother), then led several attacks to regain the area, and the Federals pulled out late in the month.
In April 1864, George Wiley Grooms and his brother Henry Grooms, along with Henry’s brother-in-law, Mitchell Caldwell, were captured while out working a field. They were marched across Mt. Sterling, on the Cataloochie side. As the family story goes, either Henry or George was forced to play the fiddle before being executed. George was a private in the 11th Tennessee Cavalry (US). All three are buried in a common grave in the Sutton Cemetery #1.
In March 1865, some men reportedly belonging to the 3rd North Carolina Mounted Infantry (US) burned the buildings at Mars Hill College.
On April 3, 1865, an expedition led by Col. Isaac M. Kirby of the 101st Ohio moved through Warm Springs (now Hot Springs) and Marshall, towards Asheville, with 1,100 men. This resulted in the battle of Asheville on April 6, and with the retreat of Kirby’s force back through Madison County.
There is going to be a program on Madison County and the regiments from the area at Mars Hill College on April 5. You can learn more here. If you would like more information on the events at Shelton Laurel, click here.
Monday, March 22, 2010
News and notes…
Yes, I know, I’ve just done a news and notes post. But I thought with the conclusion of the Bentonville event, we would look at some of the newspaper stories about North Carolina’s largest reenactment. There are many other articles out there. This is just a selection.
There is a short piece in the Goldsboro News-Argus, with a few photos. Check it out here.
There is a longer article in the Fayetteville Observer. Have a look at it here.
The Charlotte Observer also has a short article with a couple of photos, which you can read here.
The Los Angeles Times has a piece on the Joseph Johnston statue, which you can read here.
The Raleigh News and Observer has caught some flack because two thirds of their 106 photos are of Union soldiers. You can see all of the photographs here.
An article about the civilian side of things can be found here.
There is a short piece in the Goldsboro News-Argus, with a few photos. Check it out here.
There is a longer article in the Fayetteville Observer. Have a look at it here.
The Charlotte Observer also has a short article with a couple of photos, which you can read here.
The Los Angeles Times has a piece on the Joseph Johnston statue, which you can read here.
The Raleigh News and Observer has caught some flack because two thirds of their 106 photos are of Union soldiers. You can see all of the photographs here.
An article about the civilian side of things can be found here.
Friday, March 19, 2010
A return to Onslow County
Well, this is a first. I decided to revisit a county that I have already written about. Thanks to Andrew Duppstadt over at the blog Civil War Navy (et. al.,) I now have a copy of Manarin’s “Onslow County and the Civil War.” It is a small report of 30 pages. However, it provides details on some of the other events that occurred in Onslow County during the War. We’ll get to those in a minute. But for the next couple of minutes, I want to get on my horse again.
I’ve written a couple of times about how there is a serious lack of information regarding the different counties in North Carolina during the War. As look on my shelf that contains my North Carolina books, there are only a few. A while back, we developed this list:
Martin – Ashe County’s Civil War (2001)Casstevens – The Civil War and Yadkin County (1997)Thomas – Divided Allegiances: Bertie County (1996)Dillard – The Civil War in Chowan County (1911) Kell – Carteret County During the Civil War (1999)
McCallum – Martin County During the Civil War (1971)
So, out of 100 counties, only six have county histories. I have two or three that I am interested in myself. But, let me issue this challenge. As we sit here on the edge of the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War, let’s see if we can get every county a history of the War-time in print. No, someone else is not going to do it. The folks at the Department of Culture Resources do not have the time, nor the manpower, nor the money, and some professor at some college or University is not going to take the time. So my challenge is to you, historical or civic society member: put together some type of history of your county for future generations. I will be glad to help you in any way that I can. I might even consider being a co-author, or at least giving you a read. Drop me a line and let’s talk.
Ok, enough of that – back to Onslow County. Here are some other tidbits I gleaned from the Onslow County materials
January 1862 – the British brig York grounded on the beach near Bouge Inlet, and was burned by the Federals.
April 5, 1862 – expedition to Swansboro
April 13 – skirmish at Gillett Farm
August 14, 1862 – expedition up the White Oak River, including skirmish at Swansboro
August 17, 1862 – second expedition up the White Oak Rover, Swansboro taken and salt works destroyed.
October 1862 – Lt. William B. Cushing in Swansboro.
November 1862 – Cushing’s second expedition to Swansboro (mentioned in last post)
June 13-16, 1863 – Federal raid into Onslow County.
November 1863 – Northern schooner, Alice Webb, mistakenly arrives at Swansboro, runs aground, and is captured.
December 1863 – Federal Raid into Onslow County.
December 17, 1863 – schooner G. A. Bigelow, possibly a blockade runner, burned at Bear Inlet by Federal forces. Salt works also destroyed.
January 1864 – Confederate troops under Gen. J. G. Martin move through Onslow County and attack Federals at Newport Barracks.
February 4, 1864 – The blockade runner Nutfield was run aground near Bear Inlet and burned to prevent capture.
March 24-26, 1864 - Federal Naval raid into Onslow County. Force sent to Swansboro turned away after encountering Confederate cavalry. Federal force at Bear Inlet burned schooner, captured some slaves, but abandoned others.
April 1864 – Federal expedition to Swansboro that destroyed supplies and captured 12 Confederate soldiers. Part of town burned.
June 1864 – Federal raid at Swansboro and captured four or five pickets.
June 1864 – Raid at Jacksonville. Federals turned away by Confederates.
I’ve written a couple of times about how there is a serious lack of information regarding the different counties in North Carolina during the War. As look on my shelf that contains my North Carolina books, there are only a few. A while back, we developed this list:
Martin – Ashe County’s Civil War (2001)Casstevens – The Civil War and Yadkin County (1997)Thomas – Divided Allegiances: Bertie County (1996)Dillard – The Civil War in Chowan County (1911) Kell – Carteret County During the Civil War (1999)
McCallum – Martin County During the Civil War (1971)
So, out of 100 counties, only six have county histories. I have two or three that I am interested in myself. But, let me issue this challenge. As we sit here on the edge of the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War, let’s see if we can get every county a history of the War-time in print. No, someone else is not going to do it. The folks at the Department of Culture Resources do not have the time, nor the manpower, nor the money, and some professor at some college or University is not going to take the time. So my challenge is to you, historical or civic society member: put together some type of history of your county for future generations. I will be glad to help you in any way that I can. I might even consider being a co-author, or at least giving you a read. Drop me a line and let’s talk.
Ok, enough of that – back to Onslow County. Here are some other tidbits I gleaned from the Onslow County materials
January 1862 – the British brig York grounded on the beach near Bouge Inlet, and was burned by the Federals.
April 5, 1862 – expedition to Swansboro
April 13 – skirmish at Gillett Farm
August 14, 1862 – expedition up the White Oak River, including skirmish at Swansboro
August 17, 1862 – second expedition up the White Oak Rover, Swansboro taken and salt works destroyed.
October 1862 – Lt. William B. Cushing in Swansboro.
November 1862 – Cushing’s second expedition to Swansboro (mentioned in last post)
June 13-16, 1863 – Federal raid into Onslow County.
November 1863 – Northern schooner, Alice Webb, mistakenly arrives at Swansboro, runs aground, and is captured.
December 1863 – Federal Raid into Onslow County.
December 17, 1863 – schooner G. A. Bigelow, possibly a blockade runner, burned at Bear Inlet by Federal forces. Salt works also destroyed.
January 1864 – Confederate troops under Gen. J. G. Martin move through Onslow County and attack Federals at Newport Barracks.
February 4, 1864 – The blockade runner Nutfield was run aground near Bear Inlet and burned to prevent capture.
March 24-26, 1864 - Federal Naval raid into Onslow County. Force sent to Swansboro turned away after encountering Confederate cavalry. Federal force at Bear Inlet burned schooner, captured some slaves, but abandoned others.
April 1864 – Federal expedition to Swansboro that destroyed supplies and captured 12 Confederate soldiers. Part of town burned.
June 1864 – Federal raid at Swansboro and captured four or five pickets.
June 1864 – Raid at Jacksonville. Federals turned away by Confederates.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
More on Bentonville and Johnston Statue
Folks – check out this video on WRAL’s web site about the new Joseph Johnston statue at Bentonville.
http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/travel/video/7253174/
Are you going to the dedication? It is at 10:00 am this Saturday.
http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/travel/video/7253174/
Are you going to the dedication? It is at 10:00 am this Saturday.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
News and notes...
I guess since there is so much going on within the Tar Heel state right now concerning the War, it might be good to have one of our “look arounds”.
There is an article this morning in the Raleigh News and Observer about the new statue of General Joseph Johnston on the Bentonville battlefield. Check out the article here.
You can find information here about events commemorating the 148th Anniversary of the Battle of New Bern, and some special tours they are doing.
There is also a living history coming up in April in Raleigh on the grounds of the capital. Go to this link for more information.
In a article this morning this is a mention of a school group visiting the Bentonville battlefield today. Check it out here.
On ENC this is more discussion of events going on in New Bern this week. Learn more here.
The Fayetteville Observer reports that Bluecoats and Tar Heels: Soldiers and Civilians in Reconstruction North Carolina by Mark. L. Bradley has won the North Carolinian Society Book Award. You can read the article here.
And, there are numerous articles on the upcoming Bentonville Reenactment. You can check out two here and here.
There is an article this morning in the Raleigh News and Observer about the new statue of General Joseph Johnston on the Bentonville battlefield. Check out the article here.
You can find information here about events commemorating the 148th Anniversary of the Battle of New Bern, and some special tours they are doing.
There is also a living history coming up in April in Raleigh on the grounds of the capital. Go to this link for more information.
In a article this morning this is a mention of a school group visiting the Bentonville battlefield today. Check it out here.
On ENC this is more discussion of events going on in New Bern this week. Learn more here.
The Fayetteville Observer reports that Bluecoats and Tar Heels: Soldiers and Civilians in Reconstruction North Carolina by Mark. L. Bradley has won the North Carolinian Society Book Award. You can read the article here.
And, there are numerous articles on the upcoming Bentonville Reenactment. You can check out two here and here.
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