The Regiment was composed of the following Companies: Company A, "Roanoke Minute Men," W.A. Johnston, Halifax County, Captain; Company B, "Thomasville Rifles," Wm. L. Miller, Davidson County, Captain; Company C, "Anson Guards," R.T. Hall, Anson County, Captain; Company D, "Cleveland Blues," Edward Dickson, of Cleveland County, Captain; Company E, "Oak City Guards," George H. Fairbolt,8 Wake County, Captain; Company F, "Rough and Ready Guards," Zebulon B. Vance, Buncombe County, Captain; Company G, "Rockingham Rifles," Thos. T. Slade, Rockingham County, Captain; Company H, "Stanley Marksmen," Richard Anderson, Stanley County, Captain, Company I, "Davidson Wild Cats," Jesse Hargrave, Davidson County, Captain; Company K, "Raleigh Rifles," W. H. Harrison, Wake County, Captain. This Regiment was composed of fourteen hundred (1400) men, including commissioned officers and privates. Soon after its organization, the Regiment was ordered to move from Garysburg to Suffolk, Va., where it went into Camp Ellis about the middle of June, '61.
The arrival of the Fourth Regiment North Carolina troops in the town of Suffolk marked an important era in the history of Company A. They had now left their native State, and had gone to aid a sister State in driving back the invading enemy from her borders. They had left home and loved ones with brave and hopeful hearts, determined to do their whole duty as soldiers, and, if need be, to give their lives in defence of Southern Rights and Southern Independence. The good people of Suffolk appreciated this patriotic sentiment and gave a warm welcome to their town and to their homes. The soldiers enjoyed greatly the open-handed hospitality of the people. The social visits to the beautiful young ladies, the nice dinners, suppers and musicals given in their honor were long remembered. Forty years have passed away, but memory still loves to linger around those old scenes, and the good people who were so kind to the "soldier boys". The names of Norfleet, Judge Prentiss, Judge Riddick, Mrs. Ellis, the Pinners, the Revs. W.W. and J. B. Wellons, Rev. Mr. Bernard and others are still in the memory of the old veteran. During the summer, there was much sickness at Camp Ellis. Many contracted fever and the kind ladies of the place would take the sick to their own cool, pleasant homes, nurse and care for them until they were well. It was at this time that the Roanoke Minute Men had the misfortune to lose one of their comrades. Willis Johnston, a fine looking young man, and brother of Capt. Wm. A. Johnston, was stricken down with the fever and lived but a short while.9 His body was sent home for burial, accompanied by a military escort, and suitable resolutions were passed in his honor. While at Camp Ellis, several of the Company were put on special detail, some in the commissary, others in the quartermaster department. The Fourth Regiment remained at Suffolk until about the middle of September, when it was ordered to move to Stone Horse Wharf, near Smithfield, on the James, and prepare to go in winter quarters. Mr. A. M. Johnston was selected to assist in planning the camp, and in building the houses for the men. The houses were built of pine poles set upright (the lower end being buried in the ground and were covered with pine boards. These were the most comfortable houses that Company A had during the long war. This Camp was named Camp Bee, in honor General Bee, who was killed while gallantly leading a charge at the first battle of Manassas. The Fourth Regiment spent the winter very pleasantly at this Camp. They had good shelters, good fare, having all the fresh fish, oysters and crabs that they wanted, - and here they had rest and peace. While here, friendships were formed and cemented. Alas! how few of the same old band are now on this side of the River.
When I remember all
The friends so link'd together,
I've seen around me fall -
Like leaves in wintry weather -
I feel like one who treads alone,
Some banquet hall deserted,
Whose friends are fled,
Whose garlands dead,
And all but he departed.
Col. Junius Daniel, who was a graduate of West Point, and who has seen active service in the West, was a rigid disciplinarian, and a fine military officers. With the aid of the efficient officers, Col. Lovejoy, Maj. Faison and Capt. Seaton Gales, he soon had the Regiment so well trained and drilled that in all their manoeuvers they moved in perfect unison. When on dress parade, a thousand men moved as one man. Indeed, no troops on the American Continent were better drilled and disciplined than they. While at Camp Bee, the Company did picket duty at Burwells Bay, Stone House and Bidgood's Wharf. In March 1862, the command was ordered to report for service on the Warwick River, near York Town. They crossed the James River, landing at the old historic town of Jamestown, and thence via Williamsburg to the Warwick. Here they were put on picket duty and were under fire for the first time. The River being very narrow and the Yankees on the opposite side, made it rather unpleasant, but the men stood the trying ordeal with the coolness and bravery of veterans. If a man dodged when shot at, he was laughed at and ridiculed by his comrades. While here, the weather was exceedingly cold, snow and rain both fell, and the men, not having any tents, were obliged to shelter themselves as best they could with their blankets and pine bushes. It was not long, however, before they received orders to return to Camp, and with glad hearts and willing feet, they trampled back to their comfortable quarters at Camp Bee. Thus ended the first campaign of the Roanoke Minute Men.
Battle of Seven Pines, or Fair Oaks
The Combat deepens - On ye brave,
Who rush to glory or the grave!
Wave, Munich, all the banners wave!
And charge with all thy Chivalry!
After the battle at Williamsburg, the Fourteenth Regiment remained in Camp on the Chickahominy, resting and recruiting, until the 31st day of May. On the preceding day, the weather was extremely hot and sultry, the men suffering severely from the heat. About nigh, a fearful thunder storm arose, and raged with great fury nearly all night. The rain poured in torrents and the men, poorly sheltered, some of them having only small fly tents, while others had only one blanket on a pole, were drenched to the skin. The next morning (31st) dawned bright and clear, a lovely May morning. the men were early astir and soon after breakfast, received orders to prepare to march; while rumors were rife that an engagement was imminent. After starting on the march, orders were given, quick and sharp, "Hurry up! Close up!" and all knew what that meant. Soon the booming of the cannon and the rattle of musketry were heard in the front, and couriers were constantly dashing up with orders to "hurry, our men are being pressed back." The Regiment was soon on the field of action, and formed into line of battle just in rear of two Confederate Regiments (not Carolinians) who had refused to charge a line of breastworks occupied by the enemy, in their immediate front.16 The Fourteenth was given the order to "Charge," and with a wild "Rebel" yell, they sprang over the prostrate bodies of those in front and charged with such fury that the long line of Yankees was seen to waver and fall back, when they were driven from the breastworks, and back to the Chickahominy. As it was getting late and darkness coming on, our brave boys were now ordered to halt, retire to the rear and go in camp, when they soon sought that rest and sleep which they so much needed. This was the second general engagement of the Fourteenth Regiment, and, although it was a fierce and bloody battle, they lost comparatively few in killed and wounded. Company A had only a few wounded. There were many North Carolina Regiments engaged in this battle, and they lost more or less according to their position, or exposure to the guns of the enemy.
The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold,
And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold.
The Grand Army of the Potomac, arrayed in all the pride and panoply of war, and commanded by General McClellan, lay intrenched behind their strong fortifications in the vicinity of Richmond, on which, at a moment's notice, they were ready to spring like a lion on his prey. They were finely and handsomely equipped in every way, having the United States Government and Treasury to supply their every want, and the whole world from which to draw their resources. McClellan had boasted before leaving Washington City, that the would take Richmond, put down the rebellion, and get back to Washington in time for breakfast. He had yet to learn, in many hard fought battles, that he would have to face, in mortal combat, a "foeman worthy of his steel" and that every step forward would be contested by grim, determined men, than whom no clime or country has ever produced a braver, more heroic race. The Confederate army at that time was composed principally of the best blood in the South, the very flower of chivalry. Descended in a long line from brave and noble ancestry, born to command and not to obey, imbibing with his infantile sustenance the instincts of freedom and independence, inhaling its spirit in every zephyr that wafted over his native hills and valleys, hearing it warbled in silvery tones by the birds of the forest, and murmured by the rippling streams as they glided over their rocky beds, his fiery Southern nature could brook no insult; but on the slightest provocation, would challenge his opponent to the "field of honor". Imagine then the feelings of such a man when his land was invaded by a powerful and cruel enemy, ready to devastate his home, desecrate and destroy even his "Lares and Penates"17 and wrest from him all his inherited rights and liberties. President Davis, realizing that Richmond, our Capitol, was the keystone of the Confederacy, and that should if fall, the Confederacy must follow, was making every preparation for its defence.
Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Northern Virginia, being severely wounded in the battle of Seven Pines, Gen. Robert E. Lee was sent from Richmond to take command. He was now busily engaged in drawing maps, building fortification, planning batteries and throwing up breastworks. In order to ascertain the strength and position of the enemy, on the 12th of June, Gen. Lee sent the intrepid J.E.B. Stuart, with his dashing cavalry, around the rear of McClellan's army. Gen. Stuart, on this dangerous expedition, had many thrilling and narrow escapes. He came hilt to hilt with the enemy in many fierce encounters, but he bore, seemingly, a charmed life, and no Yankee bullet could touch him. He captured many prisoners and damaged the Yankee army to the extent of several millions worth of property; losing only one man. On his return trip, the Federals made a desperate attempt to capture his command, and the Fourteenth Regiment was sent to his relief. Their orders were to guard the fords of the Chickahominy at which he was expected to cross. While bivouacking here in the swamps, the men had more trouble with malaria than with Yankees. Many of the Regiment, including Col. Bennett, were taken down with fever and had to be sent to the hospital in Richmond. Nearly all were under some complaint. Lieut. Col. W.A. Johnston, and Lieut. W.T. Jenkins, both suffering with malaria, went to Richmond, but finding the hospitals so crowded with the sick and the wounded from Seven Pines, they went over to Petersburg, where they were kindly cared for in the family of an old friend, and attended and skillfully treated by Dr. Hines. As soon as they were able to travel, against the protest of their Doctor and the advice of their good friends, they returned to camp, and were there in time to take part in the seven days battles around Richmond.
In June 1862, camp life in the army had lost its novelty and fascination. Stern reality with rigid discipline, scant rations, no tents and many hardships, were the order of the day, and night. Some of the Company who had left friends and loved ones at home had never been back to visit them; and now that all furloughs and passes had been countermanded, the former cheerfulness of the men began to wane, and sadness and gloom like the fogs of the swamps began to settle down on them. But this state of affairs was of short duration. On the 25th day of June, the order came to prepare three days rations and be ready to march at a moment's notice. Colonel Bennett, Captain Cherry, of Company A, with many others of the Regiment were still absent in Richmond, sick. On the 26th, the Regiment moved with the army and were en masse at Mechanicsville, ready to meet the "Grand Army" which was so near Richmond. While here, Company A had the honor to be selected to guard the bridge to prevent the Yankee cavalry from charging into Richmond. The Fourteenth Regiment took its place in the advance on the enemy's lines, Lieut. Col. Johnston taking command, and bravely leading the Regiment through the Sunday's fighting. Company A remained at the bridge several days, but seeing nothing of the enemy, and believing that their services were needed more at the front than where they were, decided to leave the bridge and join their comrades on the field of battle. On the 29th, they overtook the army at White Oak Swamp. They were soon engaged in the fight at that place and afterwards stood in line of battle all night in mud and water. On the 1st day of July, after a forced march, the Regiment reached Malvern Hill.
Battle of Malvern Hill
Then shook the hills with Thunder riv'n;
Then rush'd the steed to battle driv'n;
And louder than the bolts of Heav'n
Far flash'd the red artillery.
On the 26th day of June, the army crossed the Chickahominy to Mechanicsville, and after waiting all day for Stonewall Jackson to arrive from the valley, in the evening Gen. Lee ordered an advance. Gen. McClellan had his army in readiness for an advance on Richmond, with no thought of defeat, or a retreat in the opposite direction. But the grim soldiers under Lee and Jackson had determined that they would all die in the swamps of the Chickahominy before they would allow the Yankee invaders to enter the Capitol city of the South. The Fourteenth Regiment, led by Col. W.A.Johnston, had been fighting day and night, marching and counter-marching, and in line of battle all the time, arrived at Malvern Hill on the 1st day of July, about one o'clock P.M. McClellan who had been defeated and driven back, had now reached his gunboats at Harrison's Landing on the James, and had massed his troops and artillery on the heights of Malvern Hill. He had a commanding position, was strongly intrenched, and now well prepared to meet the scattered forces of Gen. Lee. This battle, like nearly all the others fought for the last six days, seems to have been without any general plan, each Brigade fought by the order of its own commander. The Fourteenth Regiment was on the left of Anderson's Brigade,18 and charged and drove in the infantry, then charged the batteries on the heights. This was one of the most gallant charges of the war. The men pressed on and on under the most terrific fire of shell, shrapnel, grape and canister; but still on they pressed up the slope until they had almost reached the batteries, when they were ordered to retire. In this battle, the Roanoke Minute Men lost very heavily. In the beginning of the fight, Lieut. Tom Kearney, who was in command of the Company, was killed while leading in the charge. Lieut. W. T. Jenkins then took command. Isaac House was also killed in this battle. It was reported next morning by the Ambulance Corps that he was found nearer to the enemy's batteries than any other man, and having fallen with his face to the front.19 Among those who were seriously wounded were R.J. Lewis, W.E. Brown, Richard Lynch, R.T. Jenkins and J.H. Harper.20 Nearly every man in the Company was struck, or slightly wounded in some way, and but for the fact that the enemy shot too high, every man would have been killed on the fields.21 It was in this battle that "Historian" lost an only brother, Lieut. G.W. Harper, who was in charge and gallantly leading his Company I, Twelfth Regiment North Carolina Troops.22
From Richmond on the James to Sharpsburg on the Antietam.
After the defeat of Gen. McClellan, Gen. Pope was put in command of an army corps, and he boasted that with his army, he could take Richmond and then march through the South to New Orleans. He also issued a very cruel and wicked order that peaceful citizens at work in their fields in the rear of his army, should be treated as spies and shot. President Davis promulgated a retaliating order from Richmond in regard to Pope and his men, which caused Pope's order to be rescinded by the Government at Washington. Pope moved on Richmond by way of Culpepper, and he and Jackson first met at Cedar Run, where Pope was defeated. Jackson pushed forward to Manassas and destroyed the large commissary stores at that place. Gen. McDowell hastened with his division to Manassas to meet Jackson, and Pope followed. Longstreet came to the support of Jackson, and on the 30th day of June, 1862, was fought the second battle of Manassas, on the same field as the first, except the armies occupied exactly reverse positions. This was a very desperately fought battle, but the Confederates were again victorious. After this, Gen. Lee decided to enter Maryland, and crossed the Potomac near Leesburg. Jackson was sent to Harper's Ferry, and the other troops passed on to Frederick City, the bands playing and the soldiers singing "Maryland, my Maryland!" Gen. D.H. hill was sent to Boonesboro to prevent McClellan from going to the aid of Harper's Ferry, and held the enemy in check at that place until Jackson had captured Harper's Ferry. This was a very severe engagement, and the Fourteenth Regiment, led by Col. Bennett, did their whole duty. Searg't N.E. Jenkins led Company A.23 Gen. Garland, commanding a North Carolina Brigade, was killed at Boonsboro.24 After the capture of Harper's Ferry, Jackson and Gen. D.H. hill moved on after Gen. Lee, and joined the army near Sharpsburg, reaching that place on the 16th of September. On the morning of the17th, about 35,000 Confederate troops, far from their base of supplies, and with no hope of reinforcements, were to meet on the field of battle and on their own territory, the Federal army of about 100,000 men. What a difference in numbers, and what a contrast in appearance these two armies presented! McClellan's magnificent and well equipped army had been transported by boat down the James River, while Lee's little army had been fighting and marching all the way, were tired and foot-wore, dirty and ragged, and in poor plight to meet such overwhelming numbers and engage in the desperate battle that every one felt was now imminent. The correspondence of a Northern Journal thus wrote of the appearance of Lee's army at this time: "I had heard much of the decayed appearance of the Rebel Soldiers, but such a looking crowd! Ireland in her worse straits could present no parallel, and yet they glory in their shame!"
Battle of Sharpsburg, or Antietam
On the morning of the 17th of September, 1862, General Lee, with his army of 33, 000 Confederates met General McClellan, with an army of 87,074, on an open field near Sharpsburg. Neither had time to throw up breastworks, fortifications, or make any preparations for a general engagement. Each army was busy trying to get the best positions on the field. Before the Confederates were in line of battle, Gen. Hooker, with 18,000 men, made a desperate attack on their left, and Jackson with 4,000 men held him in check. Soon the battle became general all along the line. The Yankees came on the field with banners waving, drums beating and bands playing; but soon the scene changed, and in place of martial music was heard the booming of the cannon, the bursting of shells and the clatter of musketry. A command was passed down the line, "Hold your fire until within thirty paces." On they came. Meagher's celebrated New York Brigade,25 the flower of the Yankee army, was met by Anderson's North Carolina Brigade, which, though few in numbers, gave them such a deadly volley that they wavered and fell back, but soon rallied and came again with the same result. The battle raged all day with terrific force. This was the most deadly single day's fight of the war, General Anderson was mortally wounded and carried from the field. Col. Tew of the Second Regiment then took command, and was soon killed. Col. Parker, of the 30th Regiment hastened to take command, and was soon severely wounded and had to be carried to the rear. Col. Bennett of the 14th then took command and was wounded, but remained on the field until night. Col. Bryan Grimes, of the 4th, was wounded a few days before at Boonesboro, so the brigade was without a commander. This was also the case with the regiments and companies. In this battle, Orderly Sergeant N.E. Jenkins had command of Company until nearly all the Company were either killed or captured. In this battle Company A carried on the field 28 men. Nine were killed dead on the field, viz: Ezekiel Hardister, Jas. H. Edmonds, Cornelius Gardson; Curtis Hardy, Whit A. Johnston, Felix Scarlett, R.A. Shearin, J.J. Turner and George Camp.26 Eighteen were wounded or captured, leaving only two men to return with General Lee. The other regiments of the Brigade suffered as much perhaps as the 14th. Anderson's Brigade occupied what was afterwards known as "Bloody Lane," and its valor and heroism is not only recorded in history, but is indelibly inscribed on a tablet which marks the place where Anderson's North Carolina Brigade met Meagher's New York Brigade and drove him back at thirty paces. Another tablet nearby bears this inscription: "Here Meagher's New York Brigade charged, and after a bloody and desperate encounter at thirty paces, was obliged to retire."
The war is o'er, and Father Time has cleared the strife away,
And scattered golden sunbeams where once dark shadows lay,
Our heroes sleep; oh! let them rest, nor take their fame away,
For glory marks each sacred spot where sleep the Blue and Gray.
Return of the Army to Virginia. In camp at Front Royal. Scouting in the mountains.
After the battle of Sharpsburg, the Confederate army went in camp at Winchester. This town, one of the oldest in that vicinity and beautifully situated in the rich and fertile valley of the Shenandoah, might well be termed the capitol of the "Valley." On the west, nearly in full view, rise the Alleghanies, and on the East, the Blue Ridge Mountains. On all sides lay beautiful towns and clustering villages, which made Winchester appear as a rich gem set in emeralds.
D.H. Hill's Division of North Carolina troops was ordered to go in camp at Front Royal for the purpose of rest and to recruit the diminished ranks of his army.While here, Hill's Division was very much annoyed by marauding parties of the enemy; and not knowing their strength and position, Hill, decided to send out a scouting party to investigate. Accordingly, volunteers were called for, and soon a large number of both officers and privates responded and had collected at headquarters, all anxious for service. Gen. Hill selected First Lieutenant W.T. Jenkins of Company A, 14th North Carolina Troops, and Lieutenant E.K. Bryan, of Company I, 2nd Regiment as the officers to take command of the expedition, which was composed of the bravest and best of the Division. After being furnished with couriers and funds, Gen. Hill sent them over the mountains with instructions to find the position of the enemy, keep on his flanks and prevent any raiding parties from surprising him and getting into his camp.
The scouts moved down the Manassas Gap Road, in the direction of Washington City. After being out several days, they encountered the enemy's cavalry near Little Petersburg, but they retired without any engagement. That night the scouts went in camp near the main road behind a farm house, with Bat Shearin27 as guard in front of the house. About midnight, the Yankees, thinking to surprise an capture the Confederates, made a dash for the house, but the vigilant Shearin was on the alert, gave the alarm, and soon had the camp aroused and out of danger. The next day the command moved on the town of Little Petersburg, and after a skirmish with the enemy, captured the town, taking about 300 prisoners, many horses, ambulances and medical supplies. The prisoners were paroled, and the Confederate scouts learning that a squad of Yankee cavalry was in the direction of Snicker's Gap, hastened to meet them at that point; arriving in time to occupy the Gap and prevent the Yankees from crossing the Blue Ridge. The scouts remained on the East side of the Blue Ridge until October, when Gen. Hill ordered them to meet him at Sperryville, and rejoin their commands. Gen. Hill personally thanked the scouts for their good service, and stated that he was sure they had kept the enemy from getting into or obtaining any information about the camp.
Battle of Fredricksburg. Camp on the Rappahannock.
After the arrival of the army at Fredricksburg, early in the fall of 1862, the 14th Regiment was sent down the river some distance below the city on guard duty. The weather was extremely cold, and the men poorly clad and shod, suffered much. Having nothing to do but picket duty, some of them amused themselves by wading or swimming the river and exchanging tobacco and other things for sugar and coffee, which was very scarce in the Confederate camp. Others fished in the river and swamps to supply their wants for meats.
On the 12th of December, the Regiment had orders to move in the direction of Fredricksburg, as the Federals, under General Burnside were crossing the river for a general advance on Richmond. Early on the 13th, the brigade moved by way of Hamilton's Crossing, and took position in line of battle just in rear of front line, supporting a battery commanded by gallant Maj. Pelham. As the men were very much exposed to the heavy firing of shot and shell directed at the battery, Gen. Jackson ordered Col. Bennett to put his men out of danger. Accordingly a portion of the regiment, including Company A, was detached and sent to the right to re-establish a line that had been broken by the enemy, and they remained on the firing line until night. General Burnside finding that the had been defeated, escaped to the river and was then relieved of his command.
After the battle of Fredricksburg, the regiment went in camp on the Rappahannock, where they prepared winter quarters and did picket duty until spring. Camp life was cold, dreary and monotonous, with but few furloughs and permits. During the winter and early spring, the Chaplains of the Brigade (W.C. Power, A. D. Betts, Col. Osborn and others) commenced revival services, which resulted in the conversion of many of the officers and men, and these spread to other commands until there were great revivals in all our camps. The old songs of Zion could be heard in every company, and many nights after "taps" when the order was that all should be quiet, some happy one would commence singing in low, melodious tones, "When I can read my title clear," or "How firm a foundation," then others would gather, and they would have a regular old camp meeting.
Capt. W.R. Bond, of Scotland Neck, a fine writer and well informed historian, says of this brigade: "This famous brigade consisted of the 2nd, 4th, 14th and 30th North Carolina. it was first commanded by Gen. Geo. B. Anderson, who was killed at Sharpsburg. Then by Ramseur, who was promoted and killed at Cedar Creek. Then by Cox. The fondness of this brigade for prayer meeting and Psalm singing, united with an ever readiness to fight, reminds us of Cromwell's Ironsides. It fought well at Seven Pines, when one of its regiments, having carried in six hundred and seventy-eight officers and men, lost fifty-four killed and wounded.28 At Malvern hill, it met with great loss. It occupied "Bloody Lane" at Sharpsburg. At Chancellorsville, out of fifteen hundred and nine, it had one hundred and fifty-four killed, and five hundred and twenty-six wounded, or forty-five per cent. On the 12th of May, at Spottsylvania, it acted probably the most distinguished of any brigade in the army. It did the last fighting at Appomattox, and about twenty-five men of the 14th, under Capt. W.T. Jenkins, of Halifax County, fired the last shots.29 To see these poor devils, many of them almost barefooted, and all of them half starved, approach a field where a battle was raging, was a pleasant sight. The crack of Napoleons, the roar of Howitzers and crash of musketry always excited and exhilarated them, and as they swung into action, they seemed supremely happy.
1. This claim would be difficult to sustain. There were several companies of volunteer militia in North Carolina at that time (November 1860), and while some were organizations that had existed for several years, others, such as the "Buncombe Rifles" and the "Rowan Artillery," had been formed following John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry, and thus surely could be said to have
organized "for the defense of the South." However, it is also true that the "Roanoke Minute Men" was the first company to enlist for state or Confederate service from North Carolina. The compiled service records of this this company indicate that the first members enlisted at Littleton on March 30, 1861. Louis H. Manarin and Weymouth T. Jordan Jr., comps., North Carolina Troops, 1861-1865: A Roster, (Raleigh: Division of Archives and History, North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, 1966-- ), 5:396-404. (Hereafter cited as "North Carolina Troops").
2. Myrick and Jenkins served later as officers when the company was in Confederate service. Johnston served as a private, while Hervey did not serve with this company.
3. These were the officers under whom the company enlisted in March 1861. William A. Johnston was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the 14th North Carolina in July 1862. He was wounded at Chancellorsville and Petersburg and paroled at Appomattox. William A. Pearson, Burge B. Bobbitt, and Robert A. Myrick were defeated for reelection when the Regiment reorganized in 1862. North Carolina Troops , 5:396-97.
4. 1860.
5. Competition was keen to be in the 1st Regiment North Carolina Volunteers. It is likely the "Minute Men" were not yet as advanced in drill as some of the older companies which were included in the Regiment.
6. Junius Daniel was a West Point graduate who saw seven years in the U.S. Army. He served as colonel of this regiment until September 1862 when he was promoted to brigadier general and given command of another brigade. He was mortally wounded at Spotsylvania Court House.
North Carolina began accepting two kinds of regiments in the summer of 1861: "State Troops," which enlisted for three years, and "Volunteers," which enlisted for twelve months. Each type of regiment was numbered consecutively, beginning with "1", so there was a "2nd Regiment N.C. State Troops," a "2nd Regiment N.C. Volunteers," and so forth. This caused confusion, and in the fall of 1861 the "Volunteer" regiments were renumbered, with 10 added to their designation. Thus the "4th Regiment N.C. Volunteers," to which "Roanoke Minute Men" belonged, became the "14th Regiment N.C. Troops," and remained so for the duration of the war.
7. "A.Q.M." refers to the assistant quartermaster, whose name was Benjamin F. Lockhart. E. A. Daniel was the assistant commissary of subsistence, which is usually abbreviated "A.C.S." The surgeon's name was John W. Hutchings. The assistant surgeon, James W. Tracy, was subsequently promoted to surgeon. William Skinner was commissary sergeant; the abbreviation "Q.M.L." is unknown.
8. Faribault.
9. Willis R. Johnston was a 20 year old schoolteacher when he enlisted on March 30, 1861. He mustered in as a sergeant, and was present or accounted for until he died of "congestive chill," on November 1, 1861. North Carolina Troops , 5:400.
10. Gudger was second lieutenant of Company F, the "Rough and Ready Guards," the company of which Vance was captain. Gudger was ultimately promoted to captain before being disabled by a wound at Spotsylvania Court House
11. John Bankhead Magruder.
12. Volunteer regiments, such as the 14th North Carolina, were permitted, at this stage of the war, to elect their field and company officers. Bennett, Johnston, Lambeth, and Powers retained their respective ranks until the end of the war. Johnston and Powers were present at Appomattox, while Bennett and Lambeth were captured at Third Winchester.
13. Kearney was killed at Malvern Hill. Cherry was killed at Chancellorsville and was succeeded as captain by Jenkins, who was paroled at Appomattox. Pugh was promoted first lieutenant and was captured at Petersburg on April 3, 1865. North Carolina Troops , 5:396-97.
14. Brigadier General George Burgwyn Anderson.
15. Actually, May 5, 1862.
16. This was the famous "Soreback" incident, about which Jenkins is rather reticent. William A. Smith, a member of Company C of the 14th North Carolina, gives a fuller account: "General Hill then ordered up the Thirteenth and Fourteenth North Carolina. The Virginians were lying down in line formation. When we got to them General Hill was within a few feet of the writer. He was asked how we were to pass these troops. He replied, 'Step on them and go forward.' We hesitated no longer, set our feet on their backs or sides as the case might be, leaving the imprint of our shoes on their backs, soiling their new uniforms. Ever afterward the Virginians bore the pseudonym of 'Sorebacks'. Dolph Waddle, speaking afterward, said, 'I did my best to mash him into the ground.' This incident is not related to disparage the Virginians, but as a simple fact occurring in our experience." William A. Smith, The Anson Guards , (Charlotte: Stone Publishing Co., 1914), 76.
17. The "Lares and Penates" were the personal gods present in every Roman household; the reference would be clear enough to those whose education was based upon the classics.
18. On June 9th, the 14th North Carolina had been assigned to the brigade of Brigadier General George Burgwyn Anderson, consisting of the 2nd and 4th Regiments N.C. State Troops, and the 14th and 30th Regiments N.C. Troops. Its brigade affiliation remained the same for the rest of the war. Anderson was succeeded as brigade commander by Stephen D. Ramseur, and then William R. Cox.
19. House was a 17 year old farmer when he enlisted on March 30, 1861. North CarolinaTroops , 5:399.
20. All Privates in Company A.
21. The 14th North Carolina's casualties at Malvern Hill amounted to 112 men: 35 killed or mortally wounded, 70 wounded, and seven captured (of whom four were also wounded). Mast, chronology and statistical profile, 14th Regiment North Carolina Troops.
22. The identity of "Historian" is unknown. George W. Harper, of Halifax County, was a sergeant, not a lieutenant, when he was killed on his twenty-second birthday at Malvern Hill. North Carolina Troops , 5:221.
23. Newsom Edward Jenkins was probably Wilson Jenkins' brother. He was a twenty-four-year-old schoolteacher when he enlisted as first sergeant on March 30, 1861. He was wounded at Chancellorsville, and in January 1864 promoted to sergeant major of the 14th North Carolina. Paroled at Appomattox. North Carolina Troops , 5:400.
24. Brigadier General Samuel Garland of Virginia commanded a brigade comprising the 5th Regiment N.C. State Troops and the 12th, 20th, and 23rd Regiments N.C. Troops.
25. The Irish Brigade.
26. In fact, Hardister was not killed at Sharpsburg, but survived the war. Scarlett and Turner were not killed at Sharpsburg, but died of disease in the fall of 1862. North Carolina Troops , 5:396-404. Casualties of the 14th North Carolina at Sharpsburg totaled 202 men: 58 killed or mortally wounded, 41 wounded, and 103 captured (of whom 27 were also wounded). Mast, chronology and statistical profile, 14th Regiment North Carolina Troops.
27. Probably Private Sebastian C. Shearin. Shearin enlisted at 22 on March 30, 1861, and was present and accounted for until wounded at Harpers Ferry, July 4, 1864, following which he was retired to the Invalid Corps. North Carolina Troops , 5:403.