268 NortH Carotina Troops, 1861-65.

blurring the scenes that were long so clear and sharply cut
that it seemed they must abide with us forever. But the
writers have garnered what little could be saved before it was
too late, grieving that the harvest should be so poor.

Many a gallant deed has passed into oblivion with him who
performed it and the few who witnessed it. Of some individ-
uals a’ good deal is recorded, of many, nothing. This must
not be taken to mean that the men whose gallant deeds are
given are the only worthy or even the most worthy. Largely
owing to chance, the memory of some brave acts and of the
men who performed them survives; while others, perhaps
even more gallant, have been lost. Such authentic ones as
could be collected the writers have given, deploring none the
less that time should have been so partial in his treatment of
these comrades in arms, preserving the deeds of some, casting
to oblivion the deeds of others.

Vines E. Turner,
Rareien, N. C.

H. Cray Watt,

Rockinenam, N. C.

Norr.—In rewriting Sergeant Wall’s sketch of the regi-
ment, it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the valuable
assistance of Mr. O. W. Blacknall (son of the late Colonel
Chas. C. Blacknall), who has visited the important battle-
fields of the Army of Northern Virginia and has given much
study to Lee’s campaigns.

He also has had access to the private letters and papers of
his gallant father which have enabled him to rescue from
oblivion many interesting and important facts relating to the
history of the regiment.

V. E. Turner.

Rarzien, N.C,
9 April, 1901.