70 NortH Carotina Troops, 1861-’65.

protected by the wall about breast high, all day long it shot
down the brave men who charged again and again across the
level plain in front, vainly yet most gallantly striving to ac
eomplish an impossibility. The loss in the regiment in
killed and wounded during the day was seventy-one. Among
the wounded was Colonel W. L. Saunders, shot by a minie
ball through the mouth. It was related by those near the
Colonel, that during a lull in the firing, he was enjoying a
hearty laugh at some remark when the minie entered the
wide open mouth, making its exit through the cheek. It was
said to have been the most abruptly ended laugh heard during
the war.

Among the lamented dead in this engagement was Lieu-
tenant Samuel P. Weir, a young officer of great promise—a
gentleman and a Christian.

The command remained in front of Fredericksburg until
3 January, 1863, when orders were received to move to a new
camp ground, a mile away, which had been carefully pre-
pared the day before.

Accordingly, the men moved the next morning loaded down
with rude benches, tables, tubs, ete.—such accumulation of
conveniencies as come, no one knows how, in a camp of some
days. Instead of moving a mile, as was expected, the next
stop with any semblance of permanency was at Holly Shelter
near Wilmington, N. C., which found the men in much
lighter marching order, having laid aside their burdens of
benches, buckets, tables, ete. Holly Shelter proved a haven of
repose after the Virginia campaign. ‘Some weeks were spent
in this vicinity, the time being divided between Holly Shelter,
Burgaw and Wilmington.

From this agreeable stay the regiment was called to
Charleston, S. C., on 8 April, where a stay of a few days was
made at the “Four Mile House,” whence the command
moved to Poeataligo, S. C., a camp dubbed by the regimental
wit as “The Devil’s Misery Hole.”

Insects in millions invaded the camp by day and night,
developing a biting and stinging power hitherto unknown to
the up-country men composing the regiment.

Rations were scarce and Commissary Sergeant Shell made