428 _ Nort Carorina Troops, 1861-65.

were able, cool and very efficient officers and were universally
beloved in the command.

John D. Barrier, another member of Company F, though
a mere boy, was distinguished for his cool courage and at
the battle of Hatcher’s Run Captain Beard selected him to
bear the colors of the regiment, which he did through most
trying circumstances and most heroically.

Sergeant J. F. Pace, of Company C, from Salisbury, was
only 16 years of age at the organization of the regiment, and
was a private in Company ©. His courage was so conspicu-
ous at the battle of Fredericksburg that he was made First
Sergeant of his company and in many of the later battles he
commanded his company with great courage and skill. Ser-
geant J. M. Muse, of Company H, of Union county, was a
most gallant soldier. In the retreat from Fisher’s Hill,
Hoke’s Brigade covered the rear, marching all day in line of
battle. On this retreat Sergeant Muse commanded his com-
pany and in one of the many attacks made upon the rear
guard, he was killed, hat in hand cheering his men.

Richard VanEaton, of Davie county, a private of Company
A, was also a most gallant soldier.

Among those most conspicuous for, his gallantry and who
fell at the head of his company at Gettysburg, was Captain
S. W. Gray, of Company D, from Forsyth county. He had
been in all the battles in which the regiment had taken part
and in all save the battle of Fredericksburg he had com-
manded his most excellent company.

THE FIFTY SEVENTH DID ITS DUTY WELL.

In conclusion, the writer has only to say that when in the
course of time history of this great civil struggle comes to be
written by able and impartial historians, it is not to be ex-
pected that any one regiment can be designated among so
many as specially distinguished for courage or efficiency;
but in justice to the men and officers of the Fifty-seventh Reg-
iment the writer can conscientiously say that few, if any,
contributed more to the imperishable renown that surrounds
the memory of the Confederate soldier. They did their duty

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Firtry-SEventTH REGIMENT. 429

well and valorously, and in fighting, in common with their
comrades, they have fixed a standard for the American sol-

dier below which it is hoped he will never fall.
Hamitton C. Jonzs.

Cuartorts, N. C.,
9 Apri, 1901.