448 NortH Caroiina Troops, 1861-65.

The enemy quickly perceived and availed itself of this mis-
take, passed through the gap, and concentrated its attack upon
Anderson’s Brigade; where, after a heroic effort and sacri-
fices, the line was broken, Anderson was wounded, and the
command was compelled to retire. From the wound here re-
ceived, after lingering in much suffering, Anderson. yielded
up his life for the cause and the State he had so patriotically
served. After his death, Colonel Bryan Grimes, of the
Fourth North Carolina Regiment, was placed in charge of
the Brigade; but he had no opportunity to distinguish
himself in battle with the brigade before he was relieved by
Ramseur, who was placed in charge the ensuing Febru-
ary. During the time Grimes was its commander, we were
engaged chiefly in reinforcing its ranks, in drilling, and
preparing for the great events which were to follow. It is
true we took part in the very important and successful
battle of Fredericksburg (13 December) but being placed on
the right to support the cavalry and artillery, while eager and
anxious to participate in the great battle then going on, we
suffered but few casualties. For the brunt of the bat-
tle, the great slaughter inflicted on the Federals took place
near the town opposite Marye’s Heights, when Burn-
side crushed and demoralized, was glad to take cover of the
darkness of the night to withdraw his shattered army across
the river, beyond our reach.

In my sketch of the life and services of General S. D. Ram-
seur, I gave so full and comprehensive an account of the ser-
vices and operations of this brigade while under command of
this distinguished and accomplished officer, that it is unneces-
sary to prolong this sketch by repeating the recitals therein
given. More especially as this address has been given very
general circulation through the “Southern Historical
Papers” published at Richmond, and in that valuable and
important publication, edited by W. J. Peele, Esq., of Ral-
eigh, entitled “Lives of Distinguished North Carolinians.”
Suffice it to say that this brigade, while under the command
of Ramseur, suffered no abatement of its efficiency, but on
the contrary, attained its highest standard of usefulness and
its greatest distinction.

Tue ANpDERSON-RAMSEUR-Cox BRIGADE. 449

When Early advanced upon Washington in 1864, this bri-
gade, which was in the front, made a nearer approach to the
Federal Capital and suffered greater losses during the time it
was in action than any other similar command of his army.
The remains of my men who there fell have been collected
together by the patriotic women of that neighborhood, and
with the remains of other Confederate soldiers, have found
sepulture there, for they are now cared for in the beautiful
cemetery near Silver Springs.

When Lientenant-General R. S. Ewell was in command of
the corps in which were Rodes’ Division and Ramseur’s Bri-
gade, he sent his Aide-de-Camp, Campbell Brown, to me with
the following message: ‘‘That General Rodes had promised
him that on the first vacancy he would recommend me for a
Brigadier-Generalship.”” This message was a surprise, as I
was looking for the promotion of another. I therefore begged
Captain Brown to convey to the General my high apprecia-
tion of the compliment, and to say I was perfectly content
to leave the question of promotion to the authorities at Rich-
mond.

Soon thereafter, I called upon General Junius Daniel, a
grand soldier and ardent North Carolinian, and acquainted
him with the occurrence. He promptly replied, “You are
wrong. It is an unusual compliment, and you should show
your appreciation by giving him your co-operation. I will
cheerfully recommend you for promotion, and Ramseur will
do likewise; for I have heard him say so.” Thereupon I
forwarded my application through the usual channels to the
Secretary of War. After that series of engagements which
led up to our glorious achievements at Spottsylvania Court
House, when Ramseur was made Major-General, I was
given command of his brigade, together with such parts of
the First and Third North Carolina Regiments as escaped
capture with Edward Johnson’s Division. These regiments
were indeed among the best in our service, and now for the
first time were incorporated into a regular North Carolina
Brigade, under a North Carolina commander. And during
the time they served under me, I bear willing testimony to
their bravery and their intelligence and patriotic services in

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