I volunteered in June 1861 in Co. H 14 Reg. Age 17 with John L. Harris as Capt.¹ We went into Camp at Roxboro, N.C. for a short while, and from there we went to Bushy Fork² as the guests of the good Citizens of that Community who had prepared a most excellent dinner for us, and gave us many encouraging words. From here we took up a line of march to Hillsboro, N.C. and at that place first saw what War really means (Dead Dying). It was the remains of Col. Fisher who had been killed in the first battle of Manassas, Va and who was the first N.C. Colonel killed in the Civil War.³

From Hillsboro by Railroad we went to Weldon N.C. where our regiment was organized and where we were kept at drill practice for a few weeks, 'twas here our boys had measels and some few died. From here "On to Richmond Va" the Confederate Capital, where we were encamped to the East of the City on the Hill the noted "Rocketts", here it was first I saw a real battle, though the forces engaged were not Lee's and Grants. Our boys would roll empty Cracker barrels down the hill to Citizens for kindling. And in their eagerness for advantage "of position" two women got so mixed up that they had to fight it out which caused much amusement and laughter among our boys. Here we received orders to join Gen. John B. Floyd then operating in the vicinity of Gauley River WVa.

We remained at Jackson River about a week, thence on a march of a hundred miles or more over mountain roads, by way [of] White Sulphur Springs, Louisburg, and other places, joining Gen. Floyd in the Kanawha Valley.

On this march we had a taste of the "real article" Soldier life. Our boxes of edibles had to be left behind, yellow Corn bread and beef taking their place. On this march the hardships of "Soldier life" were keenly felt. After reaching Floyd's Command our marching continued and we came to Big Sewell Mountain, with the enemy facing us, here we built a very substantial breastwork of chestnut logs and remained during the Fall and Winter or early winter, 1861, and here things assumed gloomy proportions. So many of the Soldiers were sick and numbers of them died.⁴ We had no cooking utensils, made up our bread on our knapsacks twisting it around smooth sticks, then laying it in forked sticks stuck up on either side of the fire, Continually turning it to prevent burning. When baked it was eaten from off the sticks, thereby saving the washing of dishes. Our beef was likewise put through the stick process and "drawed over the Coals".

Here it was I first saw that ideal Officer and universally loved Robt. E. Lee, and truly he was an ideal officer with his long black beard and hair⁵ and stately Carriage. He was then Brigadier Gen.

From here we moved to Blue Sulphur Springs, and still Sickness was in the Camp, so much so that most of the regiment was in the Hospital. Sometime about the first of December 1861 the regiment was ordered to Petersburg Va for winter quarters, leaving me a convalescent with five sick men, one of them a brother.⁶ I stayed until the enemy was nearing, then the Citizens of that Community took their teams and carried us to Louisburg, then the Government wagons carried us to White Sulphur Springs, where we remained until March 12 1862.

Being a Convalescent in charge of five sick men to wait on and comfor[t], having been left without money or friends (save the sick ones) in a strange land among strangers, was I verily believe the hardest period in my Soldier life, which embraced the entire war.

March 12 1862 we started in a Stage Coach for Jackson River, a distance of ninety miles, there we boarded the train for Richmond Va from there to Garysburg N.C. where we found our regiment.⁷ My brother and I were then given a 30 day furlough. The thought of a good time was then uppermost in my mind, and naturally turned to the "Gals" as the young Ladies were wont and familiarly known in those days. When the furlough was out I returned to my regiment then stationed at Murfreesboro N.C., at which place we remained for a while, watching the enemy in eastern N.C. I will say here so as to explain that when we volunteered it was for one year, while at Murfreesboro the time had come for reenlistment and we enlisted for during the war. While the first one year Volunteers were serving their enlistment Ten regiments of troops had enlisted and organized for during the war. So when our boys reenlisted and reorganized we had to be pushed up ten numbers - making us the 24th N.C. Reg. and from the fact of our having served one year in marching and watching the enemy, doing active service, while these regiments were being formed, the act of pushing our boys up ten numbers caused right much chagrin among them, fearing probably they would never get a chance at the "Yank".

We now break Camp and go into Va again. On June 25, 1862, we went into the Seven Pines battle.⁸ This was the first battle I took an active part in. As we advanced into the battle it was over the Louisiana Dead who were killed in the Charge just before we went in. For the next six days it was a continual skirmish with the enemy. On July the 1st Gen McClellan began his retreat to Harrisons Landing on the James River. Ransom's Brigade was put in front to pursue the enemy. At a cross roads Gen Lee and Staff were watching, and we went by in double quick (which means as fast as you can) the Gen. lifted his hat to us and said to Col. Clark⁹ that McClellan has just passed. We followed on until nightfall and then was ordered into a swamp for hiding, to rest and sleep, something to eat was not mentioned. We stationed ourselves for the night upon tussocks with our feet in the water up to our knees. On the morning of the 2nd at the break of day orders were to out and charge in quick time. We were on a New York Brigade sleeping very nicely. We got every thing they had, those of them that ran we were capturing all day, and it was no trouble to recognize them, for they were all without their pants.

On the same day, July 2, 1862¹⁰ about 3 p.m. we were up against one of the hardest fought battle[s] of the war, the noted Malvern Hill, and here was killed and buried some of Person County's best men. If my memory serves me correct there were 23. One of my best friends Billy Wilkerson¹¹ was killed, the ball penetrating his Skull. I picked up his hat and sent it to his sister Mrs. A.R. Foushee. I think Mr. Foushee is still in possession of it. Recalling these friendships and their sad parting makes a strong man weak unto tears.

After victory, having run the enemy in the river we are feasting on the good things captured of them. Back to our camp at Seven pines for a few days rest, then to Petersburg east side near City point. About the first of September 1862 we reached Richmond again, and boarded the train for Gordonsville Va. Here we found the Railroad torn up and we had to march to Manassas reaching there too late for the 2nd battle, but in time to see the spoils, and they were many. We are now on the eve of the Maryland Campaign. From here on to Arlington thence to Buckettown Md, having to wade the Potomac river before reaching there. On the first night in the vicinity of Buckettown we were sent out in an effort to try and locate the enemy and on the Monocacy Bridge we had a picket fight. From here we formed a line of march, going to Frederick City Md on the B and O RR. We are now a part of Gen Jackson's Army Corps.

From here we go to John Brown's place, again crossing the Potomac river, informally "as you like it", wading with or without pants on. Coming in Contact with all these hardships and difficulties one would suppose that it would be hard for levity to exist, But I will say right here on an Island that we marched over in Crossing was one of the most laughable incidents I saw during the war. We had captured some Cattle and were driving them ahead of us. Among them was a small Male. The people on the Island had Cattle, among them was a larger Male. Ours had been with us long enough to get some of the Jackson eagerness to fight in him, so he makes no parley but right at the larger he goes, and a fight fierce and furious is on. Capt Bailey¹² whose heart was ever for the weaker side, takes a hand, with no pants on. Sword in hand he rushes through the thick cukleburrs, Comes along side the larger one Slashing him with his sword, at the same time giving a yell as a goarded Cow. This proves effective, and away the large one goes, and as the small one gives chase, the soldiers rent the air with Cheers. The Gen. Sent orders along the line that we must not cheer, as it would give the enemy a clue as to our manouvers.

We stayed at the Brown place 1 or 2 days and feasted on his apples, then on to Harpers Ferry. We captured this place on the 3d day, holding 13000 prisoners with all their munitions of war. It was now about the middle of September 1862. We came over the Blue Ridge Mts, crossed the Shenandoah River and on to Shepardstown Md, here we waded the Potomac river again (same old style), and camped for the night in front of Sharpsburg. Here we left our baggage and never saw it again.

The famous Sharpsburg battle is now on. We were ordered to the extreme right, then Ransom's Brigade was ordered to the extreme left, in double quick, (and now we were under fire.) Here we were ordered by Gen Stuart to dislodge some of the enemy behind a stone fence, which was done in good order though we lost many of our men.¹³ We remained here all day doing skirmish duty. Here I saw three of our men killed with an oak rail that had been struck with a cannon ball. I was right by there and was bespattered with their blood. Gen Stuart spoke in a most complimentary manner to Gen Ransom of our regiment, saying every one deserved to be an officer.

We remained on the battlefield a day or two under flag of truce, gathering up the wounded and burying the Dead. Here I recall so many of our boys and how they served, J. A. Long being the only other member of our Company now living in our town. Here I was barefooted and took a pair of Boots off a dead "Yank". They were too Small, skinned my heel, so I gave them to a comrade, and had to march to Fredricksburg without shoes, a distance of more than a hundred miles.

We leave Sharpsburg and cross the Potomac for the fourth time, ("same old style"), remaining on the bank all day. At night a line of march was formed towards Martinsburg. Here my Captain ordered me to take a squad of barefooted men and remain all night. We Camped in a straw stack. Next morning at day light I discovered the enemys Calvery right on us. I managed to wake all the Squad, and we slipped away before they found us out. We overtook our Command at Martinsburg and the officers were very glad to see us, they thought we might chance have located some part of the enemy, and had some anxiety, fearing the enemy might have located and entrapped us.

We left here and went to Winchester. Here we stayed awhile, resting and drilling. We left there for Culpeper Va, crossing the Shenandoah River only one way, wading, then over the Blue Ridge through Ashland Gap. On this march we feasted on apples and honey. Now on to Madison C.H., then to Fredricksburg. This was one of the hardest marches we had during the war. We were ragged and barefooted with but little to eat. The weather was cold and snowy.

We remained at Fredricksburg until the big battle, on Dec 13 - 1862. Here we gained the greatest victory of the war, in this battle I fired more shots than any other. We had the advantage by being on the hill behind rock fences and in deep hillside ditches. At that time I was color Corporal and was not supposed to do any Shooting, 'twas my business to watch the Colors and keep them always up. They enemys fire was so ineffective here that Colors needed very little attention, So I left it to others equally responsible and took up the guns and began firing. I went in battle with 105 rounds, came out with 12 rounds. Cartridges were continually being brought in the ditches and Scattered along for our use. I was shooting two and three guns. Two men were doing the loading of these guns and I the firing and I am Confident I fired at least two hundred rounds.

It was here we sent men home for clothing, shoes, and anything they could get that would be of use to us. Our box came just before Christmas. and in it was a pair of boots for me, filled with apples, all from home. Do you think I enjoyed them, eating the apples and having a new pair of boots to put on my feet so recently made sore by long marches & cold weather?

January 1863 we leave Fredricksburg, forming a line of march for N.C. Stopping at Petersburg to rest, and while here, a citizen came along carrying a Jug of O.B. Joyful, walking up to Gen. Bob Ransom with a familiar air inquired of the Gen. what was the news in the Valley. The Gen. said what have you in the Jug; whiskey, replied the citizen. Come here boys, called the Gen., handing us the Jug saying help yourselves, which we did without further delay or ceremony. When the Contents were all gone, the Gen. handed him the Jug, saying, your Jug is empty, thats the news in the Valley.

Leaving Petersburg we arrived at Weldon N.C. in March 1863. We were sent to N.C. to guard the Wil[mington] & Weldon R.R. We went to Goldsboro, Wilmington and Northeast river, then to Kenansville and back to Goldsboro. Here we were ordered to Kinston, doing picket duty below Kinston near Deep Gully. We had a skirmish with the enemy and drove them back in the direction of New Berne. From here we went back to Weldon, remaining there for a while, then were ordered to Blackwater Va and did picket duty around Windsor.

Near Blackwater river I had a Sweetheart and doubtless you will be surprised to know her name was Roxannah. On leaving here at Ivor station, while waving at some ladies, my foot slipped and I fell between the Cars, three of them running over me, breaking my gun to pieces and bruising me up quite severely. One finger was all the broken bones. We stopped at Petersburg for awhile.

Near the home of M W Ransom¹⁴ we had a fight at Boons Mill¹⁵ with Spears Calvary. They lost heavily, and we lost several. When they made their dash on us several were in the Pond swimming. The fired on us as we swam out. I got in my pants and shoes, leaving the balance 'till I had more time, grabbed the Colors, for at that time I was Color bearer, and at we went, whipped them back in fast order. After the fight Gen Ransoms wife had a pone of corn bread with a slice of fried bacon in it sent to every Soldier that was in the fight. Only five Companies of the 24th Reg were in this fight.

Now we go back to Drewry Bluff Va¹⁶ reaching there about the middle of June 1863. After being here a few days we were ordered to Bottoms Bridge. Here we fought Gen Dicks Calvary, and after causing them heavy losses we drove them back, and thus saved Richmond from the torch. Gov. Swanson last year in his address to the old "Vets", referred to Gen Ransom's Brigade as the soldiers who saved Richmond from Gen Dick's torches.¹⁷

From the victory at Bottoms Bridge we returned to our old Camp at Richmond and had to built scaffolds of of small poles to lay upon, owing to the very wet season of 1863. Then to Petersburg around the 15 or 20 of July; from there to Weldon N.C., known as the Jack Moody Camp. We had a great revival of religion conducted by the Rev Mr. Wills. In Oct. 63 we moved to Tarboro N.C. From here we went to Hamilton and other points in east Carolina, mostly doing picket duty, then back to Tarboro. I made this sixty mile march barefooted over icy roads, my boots having given out. Here I got a seven day pass to come home to get some shoes.

In Jan. Feb, and March [1864] we did picket duty in various sections and towns in eastern N.C., the names of which I can not recall in correct order. Sometime about the last of April 1864 we began the siege of Plymouth N.C. Gen Wessell with a Brigade of U.S. troops had possession of the fortifications, and it was the best fortified place we had to encounter during the War. He had nearly two hundred Seige Guns to play on us with. On the first day of the Seige we made a faint on the the place, and there lay around in ambush a day or two waiting for the Merimac¹⁸ to come down the river. We made connection with her on the east side to town, Cutting off all Communication, and driving in their skirmish lines. Gen Hoke established his lines on the river the west side of town. Gen Hoke was commanding officer, and Ransom's Brigade done the fighting.

On the night before the Capture of Plymouth we had to cross a creek in a small boat that carried only six men at a time. As we advanced on the for the Shelling was so heavy that it shook the earth. We got up in about 200 yards of the fort, and there dug holes with our bayonets and sheltered ourselves as best we could for the remainder of the night. To locate exactly where we were the enemy worked a Clever rouse [ruse], driving their Cattle before them. When the Cattle came to our lines they would turn and run back, and thus they successfully located our lines. They actually tore the earth up all about us with their Cannon Ball. The Merimac played on their forts and knocked great holes in them. At daybreak Gen Ransom orders Charge the Forts.

In this Charge I received a small flesh wound in the hand, the only wound I sustained during the War. This howe[v]er did not stop me from charging. Onward we go charging - even now the first fort surrenders. There has been some dispute as to who Captured the Fort. You can verify what I shall now relate by asking our townman Hon J.A. Long. As Company H 24th Reg. advanced on the Fort, I recollect J.A. Long, Jim Allen, J. T. Forde,¹⁹ and myself were all together. As we ran up the Yankee officers were on top, holding out their hands to us, said come up boys, and over we went, and we saw no other Confederate troops in there except Co. H men. One of our boys, Joe Mangum,²⁰ was killed at the entrance of the Fort. After we were in the Fort, we heard a mighty cheering and were informed that Fort No. 2 had surrendered. Then the firing began to abate. Fort No 3 held out several hours.

At this moment the Colonel ordered me to take Charge of a New York Capt. and carry him to the rear and place him under guard. As we were on our way, he asked me if I belonged to Lee's Command. I replied never mind, we came down here to lift you out of your band box, which we have done. As him and I were crossing the battle field, our wounded were Continually Calling to me John, how has she gone, and as I would answer, we have whipped them and captured their stuff, you could see ease and contentment in them, though they were wounded, down and suffering.

When I got back we went through the town Skirmishing and Capturing prisoners 'till we came to the upper side. In Fort No 3 they were Sharpshooting our men. Gen Hoke sent in a flag of truce with a message to Gen Wessells, Saying if there was another one of our men killed, that He would have all the Officers in the Fort tried for violating the rules of War. At this the White Flag was run up on the Fort, and another mighty Rebel Yell rent the Air.

At this place in the Yankee camps I found a small Gold Breastpin, which I Kept until married, presenting to my Bride who still holds on to it though seldom ever wearing it. We rested here a few days enjoying the good things we had Captured. We left here for Washington N.C. about the 6th of May 1864, from there to Greenville on to New Berne. Here on the south side of Trent River we had a little tilt with the enemy and Captured some prisoners. We had two men Killed here. Here Gen Ransom called to me, Corporal Burch, I want that Block house fired. Can you take a squad of men and do it? My reply was, I Can. After crossing a Creek (which was about 20 yds wide) and all the time the enemy firing on us, we made the point, Burnt up the blockhouse and five other Camp houses.

From here we marched to Kinston. It was now about the 8th of May 1864. From here we took the cars for Petersburg. From here we were sent down the James river to meet Gen Butler. We were then sent back to Drury's Bluff. Here the six months battle Commenced.

Ransoms Brigade was ordered to the west side of the Railroad. Here the enemy surrounded the 24th Reg. Here Gen Ransom was severely wounded and other officers were wounded & killed. The 25th Reg. drove the enemy back and made a gap so we could get out. The 24th Reg. was ordered to retreat. Say, were any of you ever Scared? Neither were I, though on this occasion I was real nervous, brought on by breathing impure air made so by too many men being in close trying to kill each other. Its said the breath of a mad man is poisonous, and I reckon breathing this mad air was what made me nervous. Anyway, as soon as I got a good start the air seemed to be purer, and this made me Stronger. Then it occurred to me that maybe running would assist circulation, so at it I went. And have never had so complete a restoration to normal conditions in so short a time. All brought on by Just a little run.

In our works on the east side of the railroad near Drewrys Bluff we fired on all night. On the 16th of May which was next day, we had a fierce Battle during which Col. Clark, then in Command of Ransoms Brigade was badly wounded, and never returned to the Army again.²¹ Ransoms Brigade lost heavily here. Here again I buried some more of Person Cos. best boys, the Bradshers and Glenns. (Young Glenn was a model Christian boy.²²

After burying the dead Sid Dixon and I were eating breakfast together. Suddenly his eyes flashed in mine, saying John: we will never eat together again. He was not in his usual cheerful humor and several times I made efforts to Cheer him. Fighting soon commenced and before 3 o'clock he was Killed dead on the battle field.²³

We are now at Bermuda Hundreds and here we have another hard fought battle, many of our boys being Killed, wounded, and Captured. Here our beloved Capt. J. C. Bailey was mortally wounded, though the ball did not go through his Shirt. It Struck him between the ribs just over the heart, and when he pulled out his Shirt, the ball fell on the ground. Frivolous as this may seem, in a short while sespsin [septic?] poison set in, and he was dead in 9 or 10 days. Before his death he appointed me Sergeant Co H 24th Reg.²⁴

When this battle was over I reported to Leut. Col Harris who was then Commanding the Brigade, that our Company (H) was cut all to pieces. He ordered me out to take Charge of what I could find of our Co. I succeed in getting 9 men together. Then Company H and Company I²⁵ were merged together, numbering 19 men. We remained here several days and then went to Bottoms Bridge doing picket duty, back to Chaffins Bluff then on to Petersburg, fighting every day.

Soon after our arrival the enemy charged us in double column. We mowed them down, as grain before the scythe, many throwing down their guns and surrendering. These were awful times. We had three cannon out of service. The Gunners had been killed or wounded. I had never fired a Cannon, But I had Comrades who I knew would help me to anything. I suggested seeing we could be more effective with Cannon than with Musket. I said, boys lets try the Cannons. I loaded them and after a few Shots we did effective work, keeping the enemy back for some time. W.G. Baird²⁶ succeed Capt. J.C. Bailey as Capt Company H 24 Reg.

Next morning at day light we heard cheering in our rear - the enemy had broken our lines and we were forced to give up our position, and as we were moving along the Turnpike, cheering again was heard. I stopped, turned and looked, and saw the enemy cheering over the Cannons that we were firing the day before. This nettled me, out in plain view I commenced to load my rifle. Capt Baird taking hold of my arm, saying, come on John, you will be killed. Replying, not 'till I have had my Shot. When I fired the cheering ceased and vollies were fired at me as I ran down the slope. I expect I was running about as fast now as when I had "that nervous spell".

I guess at this time there was nearly a bushel of bullets shot at me, and strange to say, not one hit me and the nearest to it was one through my pants leg near the foot. As the day closes another hard fight takes place, and in this, the noted Col J.C. Jones of Person County was killed.²⁷

On the next day we were fighting, sometimes victorious, sometimes retreating until findly we established a line that was never broken until the surrender. In this battle we lost one of Company H's best Soldiers, Reuben Long.²⁸ We remained here for the next six months under firing every day.

I can recall a great deal that transpired while here, But since my say borders on to lengthy, I will quit it.

Sometime the last of Sept 1864, I was ordered to report to Headquarters. I thought this meant more of that Strenuous service, so much of which I had done, until now I was sore about it. And on reaching headquarters I commenced to complain, not giving Col Harris a chance to Speak. Says I, Col Harris, I have done more duty as commissioned and noncommissioned officer than any one man in the Brigade. I am worn out at this perilous service. Says Col Harris, I know that, and if you will let me say a word, I want to tell you that I have something for your in lieu of line duty. He ordered me turn in my gun and ammunition to the ordinance Officer. Then it began to dawn on me that something good was coming after these long years of hard service.

[He] told me to report to Col. Faulkner at the boat landing on the Appomatox river. Here the Colonel gave me Charge of forty men, and gave us axes, wedges, etc. We got on the boat with the Colonel and went up the River Eight miles. Here we made our Camp. Then men were put to cutting and hauling wood to the river to be sent to the Army at Petersburg. I had to make a report each morning, and was required to have cut a cord of wood each day for each well man in my Charge. And with due respect to the men in my charge, I will say I had no occasion to record any failures.

I remained in this Section in Charge of this detail until the Surrender. I was never in prison nor ever Captured, when Capture seemed inevitable. I always had one of those "nervous Spells". All I now have of my belongings of the war consist of one tin cup (without bottom), one coffee pot (without top), two gun wipers, and a leather knapsack made by my Sister. All of which can be seen by visiting me at my home "Clifftree" North Main St.

In conclusion, I want to here say that I am proud of the Cross of Honor that the Daughters have deemed it proper that I was entitled to wear.

Now if you will excuse personality, I think you had in Company H 24th N.C. Reg. one of the best Companies in the Confederate Army, and with few exceptions as good men and brave Soldiers as ever moved to the order of forward march.²⁹

If you will excuse family reference, I might add that my Father done as much for the Confederate states as any man in the County. He had eight sons in the Army at one time, all full brothers When we stop and think, and but look back to remember our dear friends and loved ones, and the Flower of young manhood of our Southland that was butchered and killed in this Bloody War, we say the story is so sad, that we are truly glad that all of it can not be told.

John H.C. Burch Sergt.
Co. H. 24th N.C. Reg.

Feb. 1st 1908
Roxboro, N.C.

1. The men of Company H, 24th Regiment N.C. Troops, dubbed themselves the "Person Invincibles." The 24th was known originally as the "14th Regiment North Carolina Volunteers," a twelve month regiment, redesignated as the 24th in November 1861. John L. Harris resided in Person County, and was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the 24th North Carolina in May 1862. Company A of the 24th, known as the "Roxboro Grays," was also from Person County.
John Burch's service record reads as follows: "Resided in Person County where he enlisted at age 18, June 6, 1861. Mustered in as Private and was promoted to Corporal on June 1, 1864. Promoted to Sergeant on July 31, 1864. Present or accounted for through February, 1865." 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--), 7:322.

2. Community in southwest Person County.

3. Charles Frederick Fisher of Salisbury, colonel of the 6th Regiment North Carolina State Troops.

4. Disease claimed ten members of Company H between late October and late December 1861.

5. Lee's hair allegedly changed color during this campaign.

6. Presumably Hugh O. Burch. Hugh Burch was 19 when he enlisted in June 1861. He was present or accounted for until promoted corporal in August 1864, and to sergeant in October. He was hospitalized on March 26, 1865, with a gunshot wound, apparently suffered during the attack on Fort Stedman, and was captured at a hospital on April 3. Burch was confined at Point Lookout, from whence he was released in June 1865, after taking the Oath of Allegiance. North Carolina Troops , 7:322.

7. Four companies of the 24th North Carolina, including Company H, were actually at Murfreesboro at this time.

8. The battle of June 25, 1862, is known as the "Battle of King's School House." Although nearby, it should not be confused with the "Battle of Seven Pines," fought on May 31, 1862, and in which the 24th Regiment was not engaged.
On June 9, 1862, the 24th North Carolina had been assigned to Brigadier General Robert Ransom's Brigade, consisting, ultimately, of the 24th, 25th, 35th, 49th, and 56th Regiments North Carolina Troops.

9. William John Clarke, colonel of the 24th Regiment North Carolina Troops.

10.Burch's recollections are one day off: Malvern Hill was fought on July 1, 1862.

11. Corporal William L. Wilkerson was 18 when he enlisted in June 1861. He was wounded at Malvern Hill, and died in Richmond of his wounds on July 5-6, 1862. North Carolina Troops , 7:330. Five members of Company H were killed or mortally wounded at Malvern Hill.

12. Captain James C. Bailey of Company H.

13. Major General J. E. B. Stuart took an active part in directing the Confederate infantry on the extreme left at Sharpsburg. Two members of Company H were killed or mortally wounded in that battle.

14. Matt Ransom, formerly colonel of the 35th North Carolina, had been promoted to brigadier general and replaced his brother Robert as commander of Ransom's Brigade.

15. The Battle of Boone's Mill was on July 28, 1863. It is also known as the "Naked Battle," and was fought within two miles of of Matt Ransom's home, near Jackson in Northampton County. A portion of the 24th Regiment had been deployed at Boone's Mill as part of an effort by the Confederates to counter a raid by a combined arms force landed recently at Winton, the purpose of which was destroy the railroad bridge over the Roanoke River at Weldon.

"About 12:30 p.m Ransom left Jackson to return to Boone's Mill, where the pond and swamp would give him a defensive advantage over the enemy who were 'reported rapidly advancing'. When the General had gotten no more than a half mile out of town, he heard a great shout to his rear. He stopped to learn the cause, and suddenly the enemy cavalry charged into sight over a hill about 250 yards away. 'It was now a question as to whose horses were the fastest, as two miles or more lay between the Confederate commander and his men . . . ' Putting spurs to their rested mounts, Ransom and his staff stayed safely in front of their pursuers, 'though in reach of and subject to the enemy's fire all during the pursuit.'
"As the General came within sight of his position at Boone's Mill, he was dismayed to find most of his infantry bathing in the warm waters of the mill pond. So, ' no sooner had his horse thundered across the loose planking of the mill stream bridge', than he barked orders for the removal of the structure's planking. These commands, together with the appearance of the onrushing 'Yankees', brought the bathing infantrymen running from the pond."

29. A total of 201 men served in Company H, 24th North Carolina. Of that number, 51 died in service; 22 were killed or mortally wounded; 28 died of disease and unknown causes, and 1 was killed accidentally.