324 Nortu CaRoLina Troops, 1861-65.

W. M. Vickers, of Orange, and Miles Nelson, of Henderson
county.

A courier from General D. H. Hill about sundown reached
the four companies at the upper Trent river crossing to warn
them that they were now cut off, when Major Schenk drew in
his pickets, and avoiding the column by a circuitous march,
had all at Wise’s Forks within the lines about sunrise. This
was the Major’s last field service. He had long fought
against failing health, but was now completely broken down
and was at once sent to the hospital, from which he was even-
tually retired by the board of examining surgeons, with the
respect and sympathy of his many friends.

16 May, Cooke’s North Carolina Brigade has come to Kin-
ston from the vicinity of Charleston. 17 May, the Fifty-
sixth relieves a regiment of Daniel’s North Carolina Brigade
on outpost duty at Gum Swamp, which is eight miles below
Kinston, on the Dover road. The line of defense has been
improved by Colonel Rutledge with his Twenty-fifth Regi-
ment of Ransom’s Brigade. The breastwork, already noted,
extending out of the east side of the swamp at a point on the
south (right), and continuing around to the north to the fatal
railroad embankment, (here running back through the swamp
at a right angle,) is now carried across it, extending the are
of the circle northwest until it enters the swamp again. The
railroad embankment thus becomes a traverse, while others
are added against the enfilade from the east and south. The
country road from New Bern to Kinston here winding like
the letter S crosses the railroad three times, and thus with it
completes a dollar mark ($) within two miles behind us. A
redoubt with one gun commands the first crossing immedi-
ately in our rear.

21 May. Scouts late this afternoon report an advance of

the enemy from New Bern, four companies of eavalry having
crossed Core Creek.

SECOND GUM SWAMP.

22 May. While the regiment is in line of battle, seven
companies occupying the circular earthworks, with the other
three posted at gaps in the swamp occurring on the right

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