124 NortH CaroLina Troops, 1861-’65.

Cedar Run, Johnston’s North Carolina Brigade was the only
body of organized troops that left the field in order and which
kept firing in retreat until we reached a bridge over the creek
blocked up by wagons, ambulances, horses and men. In all
of the uncertain movements of this army we took part and
there were none who more faithfully discharged their duty.
The disparity in number between the armies contending,
both in infantry and cavalry, was the main cause of the de-
feat of the Army of the Valley. General Early was not a
great commander nor a great general, but brave, headlong and
risky. Leaving the valley we were assigned to picket duty on
the Roanoke river. We encamped on the premises of Mr.
House, and between the hospitalities of his house and that of
Mr. Wyatt (1 think that is the name) we spent an enjoyable
Winter. We returned to Hatcher’s Run, skirmished and ate
shad for a short time. On 25 March was fought the battle of
Hare’s Hill, or Fort Steadman, near Petersburg, Va. My
regiment led the charge on the works. It was a complete
surprise, many were killed coming out of their tents by our
men, using their guns as clubs. Why were we not supported q
It was reported to us that as soon as we broke the line Pick-
ett’s Division would support us.

About 9 o’clock we fell back to our lines after capturing a
good many prisoners. Adjutant Moore was wounded. Here
I fought my last battle, being desperately wounded, standing
on our breastworks rallying our troops to resist an expected
attack by the enemy. Dr. Schofield, of Petersburg, was kind
tome. He took me into his own house and my wounds were
tenderly dressed by soft hands now clasped in praise on the
other shore. I could not invoke good for myself were I not
to pray for better for those good people. My regiment re-
mained to the last and when the news of the surrender was
promulgated and our skirmishers ordered to halt, Major De-
Vane said: “TI hated to stop just then, for I was driving the
Yankee skirmishers like sheep.” On 9 April, at Appomat-
tox, hostilities ceased and the Twentieth Regiment laid down
their arms by order of their chieftain—R. E. Lee. We
fought not for slavery. Our rights were denied us. Slavery
was only one of the many aggravating circumstances which

TWENTIETH REGIMENT. 125

precipitated hostilities. Those who make history ought to
interpret their own acts and be considered the best authority
as to what is history.

The sharpshooters from the regiment deserve especial men-
tion, and acting as a Separate command justice requires it,
Under Plato Durham, Benj. Robinson, R. A. Smith, Oliver
Williams and McQueen Coleman, this corps did splendid ser-
vice, and was the most important arm of the service. Some
one belonging to this corps ought to write its history, and here
I will couple the name of Fred. D. Bryan with this request,
hoping he will do justice to this gallant corps. Mr. Bryan,
having passed through all of these scenes of conflict, can re-
call its history.

Imperfect as this sketch must be, I will close it, acknowl-
edging favors and help from the following soldiers, partici-
pants in the services of the Twentieth North Carolina: Rey.
Captain D. K. Bennett, Company G, who has passed over the
river since writing me on the subject ; Lieutenant Oliver Wil-
liams, Fair Bluff, N. C., a veteran of the sharpshooters corps;
Fred D. Bryan, Marion, S. C., the beardless boy, the daunt-
less hero of the same corps; Edwin S. Moore, Selma, N. ©;
Adjutant of the regiment; Captain Louis Hicks, Faisons,
N. C., a quiet, faithful soldier and a good friend; Rev. J.
Soles (Thirty-sixth North Carolina), Mount Tabor, N. Ops

Jesse J. Pounds, Company G, Hamlet, N. C. His company
ought to remember him with gratitude. Out of nearly fifty
letters written to some members of each company composing
the regiment these are all to which replies have been re-
ceived.

The following brief mention may not be amiss:

Thomas Fentress Toon was born in Columbus County N.
C., 10 June, 1840. Son of Anthony F. Toon, Esq., of Irish
and Welsh extraction, and Mary MeMillan Toon, daughter of
Ronald MeMillan, of Scotland. 20 May, 1861, he enlisted
as a private in Columbus Guards No. 2, a company raised by
his half brother, Captain William H. Toon, who was after-
wards Major and Lieutenant-Colonel of the Twentieth North
Carolina. After enlistment he returned to Wake Forest Col-
lege and graduated June, 1861. June 17, 1861, elected First