Forty-SEconD REGIMENT. 801

buried daily. There were no arrangements for cooking on the
line and all food was cooked and brought from the rear, or
eaten raw. On this line the regiment spent nearly four
months, alternating weekly with Colquitt’s Brigade, in order
that the men might rest and wash their clothes.

The duty of the Forty-second was to defend the salient on
Hare’s Hill—the most difficult and dangerous position on
the entire line. It was exposed to the constant fire of the
mortars, with no chance to retaliate. Their endurance was
most severely tried, but they displayed the fortitude so char-
acteristic of the North Carolina troops, for they never fal-
tered nor wavered. At this point Captain Spencer Hanes
received a severe wound, which afterwards caused his death.
Lieutenant Rusher was mortally wounded. The loss in the
regiment was very heavy.

About two days before the “Crater” explosion, the regi-
ment was on the exact spot, defending that portion of the
line. On the day it occurred (30 July) it had been ordered to
this point again, but the order was countermanded before the
position could be taken. At the time of the explosion, it
was on the left (at Hare’s Hill) repulsing the charges of the
Federals, and, being in a position to enfilade their line, a
deadly fire of rifle balls was poured into them by us.

In October the regiment was sent north of the James to aid
in the reduction of Fort Harrison, but was not ordered into
action. It was then placed on the lines on the Darbytown
road, where it constructed winter quarters and enjoyed a
much needed rest. There were several skirmishes, but no
Serious fighting done. :

While in camp on the Darbytown road, the regiment re-
ceived a well-deserved compliment. General Gracie, of Al-
abama, had been killed at Petersburg and it was decided to
inter his remains in Hollywood Cemetery at Richmond. Gen-

.. FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT. eral R. E. Lee sent a request to General gee me

; Sacchi zander, Captain, Co. K. 8. R.R Crawford, Captain, Co. D. best dril i in his corps to perform the last sa
oe vrig. A. Laser, ninco Bieut., Co. military gar meek funeral of the dead hero. The Forty-
second North Carolina was detailed for this purpose. Under
their brave leader, with the Eutaw band of Charleston, S. C.,
the regiment set out for Richmond. General Kirkland went

51