138 Norra Carotina Troops, 1861-’65.

a medal for conspicuous bravery in capturing a flag
of the Twenty first North Carolina Regiment in a charge
on our lines at Gettysburg 3 July. As I have just
stated above, a most frightful and determined conflict
raged on the night of the 2nd. The ground was strewn
with dead and wounded. Man after man went down,
among them Major Alexander Miller, who picked up the flag
after the first color-bearer fell. He soon shared the fate of
the former. It was soon taken up by J. W. Bennett, Com-
pany IF, who was, also, in quick succession, shot down. The
colors were then taken by the writer and very soon after this,
we fell back to the works, which we had just passed over a
few paces and continued such a terrific fire upon the enemy,
that their rifle fire was completely silenced, the enemy crouch-
ing behind their works. About this time Corporal Eli Wiley,
Company M, asked permission to take the flag, saying he
did not see it when it fell. It was given to him and after the
writer had gone a few paces along the line, orders were given
to retire at once, which was accomplished under a severe fusil-
lade. We had retreated about twenty-five yards when I saw
the flag for the last time. Corporal Wiley was killed, and
left, together with the flag, in the lines of the enemy. In the
darkness and confusion the flag was not missed until we had
rallied under cover about the distance of two hundred yards.
The enemy did not follow, or show any disposition to do so,
as stated above. Soon all firing ceased and the battle was
ended. This was 2 July, and as Private Rood claims to
have captured the flag in a charge on our lines, 3 July, it is
evident that he did not capture the flag in battle at all, as our
regiment was not engaged after 2 July. Therefore, it is
conclusive that he picked up the flag on the battle field on the
following day, the 3rd, and it is altogether probable that he
took the flag from the body of the dead hero who had been
cold and stark in death for many hours. The regiment, bri-
gade or corps, were not at any time charged by the enemy.
On the other hand, the charging was all done by the Confed-
erates and we reached Cemetery Heights, taking possession of
their works, and if the attack had been pressed on our right,

the enemy could have been prevented from concentrating upon

TwEntTy-First REGIMENT. 139

the brigades of Hoke and Hayes, compelling them to retire,
after having victory in their grasp. or details, see General
Early’s report. We do not wish to detract from an antago-
nist any distinction, but the records should be kept straight.
4 July we left Gettysburg, our division bringing up the
rear of Lee’s army. Halted at Hagerstown several days,
then retired across the Potomac.

THE BATTLE OF PLYMOUTH.

The regiment was engaged in the memorable battle of Ply-
mouth, N. C., 20 April, 1864, where it successfully assaulted
the enemy’s fortified position, the entire garrison surren-
dering to General Hoke. The enemy’s position here was a
very strong one, protected by forts and gun boats. About
dark we were ordered to make an assault upon one of the
outer forts up to which our brigade charged, time after time,
with persistent courage and stern determination. In the
third attempt the parapet was gained. Here the fighting
was desperate and at close quarters and deadly—waxing
hotter from beginning to finish. The commander of the fort,
though mortally wounded, refused to surrender, cursing his
lieutenant, (who had assumed command), for hoisting the
white flag and surrendering.

INCIDENTS OF DARING COURAGE.

It was indeed a gallant defense. The Twenty-first Georgia
and Twenty-first North Carolina Regiments, as at the first of
the war, again fought side by side in this fierce conflict—
mingling their voices together in the same deafening yell of
triumph. Many of them were stricken down on this bloody
field and many of them sleep in a common grave. In this
fight officers and men in both regiments, vied with each other
in deeds of unsurpassed courage. Where all acted as heroes,
it would seem invidious to make any special mention of
names, but I must call attention to the distinguished and dar-
ing courage of Captain James O. Blackburn, Company G, and
Private Francis Clinard, Company A. Both fell far in ad-
vance of our line in making the assault. The command then