460 Norru Carorina Troops, 1861-65.

‘The command then devolved on W. T. Ennett, Major of
the same regiment, a physician by profession, highly ac-
complished, a brave soldier and a warm friend. He led his
command in the last charge at Appomattox.

Upon my promotion to the command of the brigade, W. 8S.
Stallings sueceeded to the Coloneley of the Second Regi-
ment. He was ardent in his temperament, an excellent sol-
dier and much beloved by his men. In the brief and severe
engagement at Snicker’s Gap, while in the fore-front of bat-
tle, he was mortally wounded and yielded up his life to the
cause he loved so well.

John P. Cobb, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Second, was pro-
moted to the Coloneley of the regiment. He was cool, fear-
less, intrepid and where the battle was thickest you might
expect to find him. In the battle of Winchester, he had one
of his feet torn off by a cannon ball, but so enthused was he
with the intrepidity of his men that he hopped about on his
remaining foot and cheered them forward.

Now, the command passed to Major James T. Scales,
whose coolness and philosophical bravery was ever noticeable
and exercised great influence over his men, whom he likewise
led in the last charge at Appomattox.

Following the promotion of Grimes, Lieutenant-Colonel
James A. Wood succeeded to the command of the veteran
Fourth Regiment and in camp and field showed himself to
be eminently qualified for the position. He was attractive in
person, refined and scholarly, faithful in the observance of
every duty he gave promise of great future usefulness both
as a soldier and a citizen. But like Stallings, he was mor-
tally wounded at Snicker’s Gap and his spirit passed through
the morning gates while “our needs were the rarest.”

Lieutenant-Colonel E. A. Osborne was next in rank, and
the command of the regiment devolved upon him. Osborne’s
polar star was duty, and though quiet and undemonstrative,
he never forgot what was due to himself, to officers, or men.
His constitution was greatly shattered by severe wounds pre-
viously received in battle, which would have caused one less
courageous and zealous to have retired from the service. A
single instance of the courage and resourcefulness of this

 

REE AE hei epi hilt om

Tue Anprrson-RamMsrevur-Cox Briagapr. 461

officer under the most trying circumstances will illustrate the
character of Osborne. While shot down and left upon the
battle field, he observed an armed, prowling Yankee ap-
proaching. Drawing his gun he ordered him to surrender,
which the Yankee did, when Osborne, by the assistance of his
prisoner, was enabled to reach his friends. Further com-
ment is unnecessary.

Major J. F. Stancill, who several times commanded the
regiment, was a brave and faithful officer, who bore the scars
of many wounds.

R. T. Bennett, Colonel of the Fourteenth Regiment, was
of imposing presence, strong individuality, and an able com-
mander. His voice was clear and sonorous and there was no
mistaking or disobeying his commands. When I was
placed in command of the brigade, he was suffering from an
unhealed wound, yet he promptly returned to duty. In the
battle of Winchester, after having two horses shot under him,
he on foot pressed so far to the front, when the brigade was
changing its position to one of more effectiveness and the
movement was so rapidly executed that he, with a few others
on the right were taken prisoners.

Lieutenant-Colonel W. A. Johnston, who was then on

’ wounded furlough, subsequently returned and took charge of

the command. He was a fine specimen of man and soldier,
brave, dashing and impetuous. In the battles around Peters-
burg, seeing the sharpshooters in front of the works sorely
pressed by the enemy, he ordered his regiment over the breast-
works and rushed to their assistance, where I found him gal-
lantly contending on equal terms. He likewise was with his
command at Appomattox.

F. M. Parker, the courteous and refined Colonel of the
Thirtieth Regiment, was a brave, cool, and excellent officer
and ever observant of his duties to the cause and to his com-
mand. He was severely wounded in nearly every important
engagement in which he participated, which so impaired his
health that, to the general regret of all, he was compelled to
resign. :

Thereupon, Lieutenant-Colonel W. W. Sellers was pro-
moted to the Coloneley. An officer, singularly quiet, and un-