720 NortH Carotina Troops, 1861-’65.

SALISBURY.

 

Shortly after our return to camp near Morganton, the reg-
iment was ordered to Salisbury, N. C., to guard a large num-
ber of Federal prisoners. Upon our arrival the ground
within the prison was covered with men and within three
days they had dug themselves holes in the ground covering the
entrance to each with a little mound, so that they were most
completely protected from the open air and weather. The
hardship, disease and death among that mass of human beings
this writer prays never to witness again.

We had no casualty or death in our ranks during the time
of our service around the Salisbury prison, save the accident
that occurred to James P. Roberts, of Company I, in the old
prison building. When on guard duty he unthoughtedly, with
his right arm resting on the muzzle of his rifle, with his foot
fired the rifle which shattered his arm and caused its amputa-
tion.

Remained at Salisbury until about the first of Decem-
ber, 1564, when we were ordered to the eastern part of the
State, the first stop, as the writer remembers, was at Halifax,
where we remained for a few days only. Thence the com-

mand was sent to Tarboro, N. C., but only remained a short
time.

 

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BUTLER’S BRIDGE, NEAR HAMILTON.

It being learned that the Federals were advancing from
the vicinity of Plymouth, N. C., to make an attack on the fort
at Rainbow Banks, near Hamilton, N. C., we were ordered
on a hasty march in the afternoon of 12 December, 1864,
and marched with an occasional rest till dark, when a beauti-
ful pine thicket was reached. Orders were given to rest, as
was supposed, for the night. The temperature was falling
to a low point; yet the weather was clear, and being very
tired, we were very soon snugly retired in beds of new pine
straw as comfortably as any squad of soldiers ever enjoyed;
but at the hour of midnight, our sound and happy slumbers
was disturbed by the beat of the long roll, which all knew
meant to be in readiness quickly, and then orders were given
to march. At that hour it had become very cold, the road-

ALINISIA GNV 39018¥g SYSTLNG JO dV

 

See ie tee tee

 

OR SE A AS NRE SE.