274 NortH Carotina Troops, 1861-’65.

their works, when they fled in much confusion to New Bern,
leaving behind several pieces of artillery and a good many
prisoners. In this battle our loss in killed and wounded was
heavy. Among the killed was Colonel Shaw, of the Eighth

North Carolina. We then moved on to New Bern, and
finding heavy reinforcements pouring into the city from
Plymouth and other points, it was not: deemed advisable
to make the attack just at this time, and our little army
withdrew; but not until much damage had been done to
the enemy. We then returned quietly to Kinston, and re-
mained there, drilling conscripts which were daily com-
ing in until 13 April, when our brigade moved in the direc-
tion of Goldsboro, Clingman’s and Corse’s going in a
different direction. This movement somewhat puzzled
us, as we knew not “what was up” until we reached Ply-

mouth, when some changes were made in our commands.

CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH.

The Forty-third North Carolina and Twenty-first Georgia
Regiments were temporarily attached to our brigades. Col-
onel Mercer, of the Twenty-first Georgia, being senior officer,
took command of our brigade (General Hoke commanding
the whole army). In the first charge on one of the advanced
forts, which was very strong, Colonel Mercer was killed,
and his men seeing no chance of getting in under this galling
fire, began to waver, when Lieutenant-Colonel W. G. Lewis,
of the Forty-third, promptly taking in the critical situation,
assumed command, and began to rally the men behind a bluff
in a few yards of the fort. He at once sent for two pieces of
artillery, which soon battered down one corner of the fort,
and we went in without the loss of a man. This movement
evidently saved the life of many a brave man.

From this time Colonel Lewis was in command of our bri-
gade and was soon made Brigadier-General for his heroic
conduct on this occasion.

We then moved on the town, and after a feeble demonstra-
tion by the enemy it was surrendered 20 April, 1864, with
2,500 prisoners, 100,000 pounds of bacon, 1,000 barrels of
flour and a vast amount of other stores. Among these prison-

Firry-Fourta Recuesn. 275

ers 22 had formerly belonged to our army, and had gone
over to the enemy and taken up arms against us. These pris-
oners were sent to Kinston, given a fair trial by court-mar-
tial, convicted of high treason, and duly executed by our
brigade. *

After this we went to Washington, N.C. The enemy soon
fled-destroying a vast amount of stores. At this place we re-
mained several days in perfect quietude. We then moved
back to New Bern, where General Hoke expected to add an-
other gem to the diadem of his military fame, but alas!
General Lee could no longer do without him and we were
hurried to Virginia.

BUTLER’S ADVANCE ON PETERSBURG.

Arriving at Weldon, N. C., it was ascertained that the
enemy had torn up the railroad and burnt two of our bridges,
and we were compelled to march fourteen miles and take the
cars again. On 9 May at 6 o’clock p. m., we arrived at
Petersburg just in time to save the city. Butler at that time
was in possession of the outer works of the city, and had de-
manded its surrender on the following morning. As soon as
we could get in position he was attacked in the most vigorous
manner, and soon fled in wild confusion to Drewry’s Bluff,
and we in hot pursuit until stopped by the heavy shelling
from his gunboats. We then crossed the James and took
position at Chaffin’s farm, and after some sharp picket fight-
ing we were withdrawn and sent to Richmond by steamers.
Arriving there, we were sent four miles east of the city, and
went into camp for the first time in several days. The next
day we again crossed the James river to check a column of
cavalry that was supposed to be moving on the coal field
railroad. The enemy made but a feeble demonstration, and
after some brisk picket fighting they withdrew.

13 July, 1864, we were ordered back to Drewry’s Bluff to

* After the war Secretary Stanton had in contemplation calling Gen.
Hoke to account but the latter took the initiative by going to Washing-
ton and calling on Gen. Grant who promptly stop the proceedings.
—Eb.