* aka Battle of Kinston, or Wise's Fork (Wyse's Fork, Wyse's Forks). Includes Tracy's Swamp, Cobb's Mill, Wilcox's Bridge, 2nd Southwest Creek, Kelly's Mill Pond, Jackson's Mill (6th), Wyse's Forks (8th-10th).

Immediately above written by former Drummer of Company H, H. T. J. Ludwig on April 26, 1900, and provided as Pages 387-415, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume I," edited by Walter Clark.

Immediately above written by former 2nd Lt. Wilson G. Lamb on April 26, 1901, and provided as Pages 1-13, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume II," edited by Walter Clark.

They then marched to Kinston to check Union Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield's advance from New Bern. After participating with Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill (NC) in an engagement at Cobb's Mill [aka 2nd Kinston, aka Wyse's Fork], they marched through Goldsborough, to Bentonville, in Johnston County, where they joined the army under General Joseph E. Johnston.

Immediately above written by former Colonel William Lamb on April 9, 1901, and provided as Pages 629-651, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume II," edited by Walter Clark.

On May 8th we attacked the enemy again in a fortified position at Wyse's Forks, where we charged them, but were repulsed with a heavy loss. At this time the 40th NC Regiment (3rd Artillery) was attached to Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood's (SC) Brigade. On May 12th we withdrew from Kinston and marched to Goldsborough.

Immediately above written by former Sergeant Thaddeus C. Davis on April 9, 1901, and provided as Pages 745-765, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume II," edited by Walter Clark.

In a short time the Confederates reached Goldsborough, which was apparently the objective point of the three (3) Union armies. Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman was approaching from the South with an enormous army; an army was coming from Wilmington, and also an army from New Bern. These commands, if united, would overwhelm and crush our little body of Confederate troops.

It was seen that these armies must be fought separately, for their forming a junction meant ruin to the small army of the Confederates. Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke's (CSA, NC) Division, supported by the 67th and 68th NC Regiments, met the army from New Bern just below Kinston on the southeast shore of the Neuse River near Wyse's Fork. It was commanded by Union Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox.

On March 8th, the 17th and 42nd NC Regiments left their line of battle during the night and at dawn were on the enemy's flank, driving him back to the rear. Between 1,500 and 1,800 Federal prisoners and four (4) batteries of artillery were captured. On March 10th, an assault was made on their breastworks, but this proved unsuccessful.

Immediately above written by former Major Thomas J. Brown on April 26, 1901, and provided as Pages 788-807, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume II," edited by Walter Clark.

Immediately above written by former 3rd Lt. Augustus A. McKethan on April 26, 1901, and provided as Pages 205-221, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume III," edited by Walter Clark.

Immediately above written by former Capt. Nathan A. Ramsey on April 26, 1901, and provided as Pages 503-514, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume III," edited by Walter Clark.

On March 9th, a similar attempt was made upon the left flank, but for some reason it was not carried out; I suppose, because the situation of the country would not permit of it. We, therefore, retired at night to our old position in the line near the railroad and slept comfortably, dreaming of what would be before us on the morrow.

On March 10th, another attack was made upon the enemy's left flank, at or near Wyse's Fork. For some reason our lines were not extended sufficiently far to our right and his left, and an order was given too soon to charge the enemy's line, and when the charge was made we found that the enemy had prepared for us with his breastworks facing both ways, and the same protected by small pines, which had been cut down, lapped over each other and their limbs trimmed and pointing in our direction. When the 66th NC Regiment was within about fifty (50) yards of the enemy, it was ordered to lie down to protect itself from the galling fire from the breastworks. The troops on the left of our line did not seem to take in the situation, and did not come to our support, and we were compelled to fall back, leaving a large number of the men of the regiment dead and dying on the field. How many were killed or how many were taken prisoners, we were never able to find out. We only know that at least one-half of the regiment was left upon that field, and the balance of it, under the command of Maj. David S. Davis, was cut off from the rest of the army and was in the rear of the enemy's position. But for his knowledge of the line and the knowledge of others who were with us, we would evidently have been captured. However, by taking the swamps and by-paths we avoided meeting any considerable armed force of the foe, and late in the night made our way back to Kinston, to which place the army had retired.

Immediately above written by former Adjutant George M. Rose on April 26, 1901, and provided as Pages 685-701, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume III," edited by Walter Clark.

General Braxton Bragg (CSA, LA), with such Confederate troops as could be spared from other points, was sent to meet him. The two (2) armies met at Southwest Creek four and a half (4-1/2) miles east of Kinston, where for two days, March 8-9, 1865, there was sharp fighting and several hundred prisoners captured, mostly by the division of Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke (CSA, NC), to which the 67th NC Regiment was attached. On the first day of the battle Maj. Gen. Hoke, with his command, the 67th NC Regiment, being in front, executed quite a brilliant maneuver by which he surprised and after a short fight captured about 700 Federals.

The next day Maj. Gen. Hoke made another attempt to outflank and surprise the enemy on another part of his lines. This time the Federals were on the alert and gave him such a warm reception that he withdrew to his own side of the creek. After contesting the advance of the enemy four (4) days, General Bragg withdrew to the north side of the Neuse River, destroyed the bridge over the same and marched in the direction of Goldsborough. Maj. Gen. Hoke with his division, remained in the vicinity of Kinston two or three (2-3) days longer and then joined General Bragg at Goldsborough. At Goldsborough, the 67th and 68th NC Regiment, the latter commanded by that brave officer and excellent gentleman, Lt. Col. Edward C. Yellowley, were formed into a brigade and placed under command of Col. John N. Whitford, of the 67th NC Regiment. At that time the 67th NC Regiment reported 700 for duty and the 68th NC Regiment 300: total 1,000.

Immediately above written by former Lt. Col. Rufus W. Wharton on April 28, 1901, and provided as Pages 703-711, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume III," edited by Walter Clark.

Immediately above written by former Corporal John W. Evans on May 30, 1901, and provided as Pages 713-724, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume III," edited by Walter Clark.

There we first joined the 68th NC Regiment and found it under the command of Edward C. Yellowley, Lieutenant Colonel, of Pitt County. Remaining there for a few days the regiment was ordered to Williamston, NC, to gather in some commissary stores at that point; from there the regiment was ordered to Tarborough, thence to Goldsborough, and from Goldsborough to Kinston, NC, where we met the advance of Union Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield's army on their line of march from New Bern to Goldsborough to form a junction with Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman. We met Maj. Gen. Schofield at Wyse's Fork or Cobb's Mill, a few miles from Kinston, on the New Bern Road, and the regiment was engaged in that fight on March 8-9, 1865. We suffered some losses. I do not remember all of them. Edwar Sasser, of our company, was wounded in the arm; William Taylor, of Wilson, in the leg, and William H. Reid, of Company I, was wounded. They were on the sharpshooter line with the writer. There were other casualties. Our regiment was then brigaded with the 67th NC Regiment, 65th NC Regiment (6th Cavalry) and some other unattached troops, and placed under the command of Brig. Gen. Laurence S. Baker (NC), and in that battle was on the extreme left wing of our army, which was commanded by Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke (NC). We then fell back to Goldsborough.

Immediately above written by former Sergeant William T. Caho on April 26, 1901, and provided as Pages 725-728, in the compilation known as"Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume III," edited by Walter Clark.

Immediately above written by former Sgt. Thomas A. McNeill on May 2, 1901, and provided as Pages 303-313, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume IV," edited by Walter Clark.

The Union forces poured into Kinston on the very heels of the retreating Confederates, and in a few moments fires were burning in the streets in the destruction of cotton and other government stores. The forces holding the left of our line, including part of Starr's Battery, under command of Col. Stephen D. Pool of the 10th NC Regiment (1st Artillery), retreated to Goldsborough, destroying the bridges behind them as they advanced.

The few men left of Adams's Battery (Company D in the 13th NC Battalion-Light Artillery) were attached to Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood's (SC) Brigade and fought as artillerymen at 2nd Kinston and Bentonville and surrendered with General Joseph E. Johnston's (VA) army.

[Although not mentioned, Company C and Company E were also at 2nd Kinston and Bentonville and under Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood (SC).]

Immediately above written by former st Lt. James H. Myrover on April 26, 1901, and provided as Pages 341-354, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume IV," edited by Walter Clark.

Companies C and E were particularly exposed by being in the road without any shelter, and suffered considerable loss in wounded; Capt. William C. P. Lane, of Company C, was shot through the breast and seriously wounded; 2nd Lt. A. Joseph Liner, of Company C, received two slight flesh wounds; 1st Lt. James B. Douthit (who is named in Major Moore's "Roster" as Lieutenant Danthel), and 3rd Lt. Edwin C. Lineberry, of Company E, were both mortally wounded. This company, E, had nine (9) men wounded in this engagement. Corporal William R. Hill, of Company D, was mortally wounded and several others of that company wounded. The other companies had some of their men wounded, but I am not able now to give names and number. Maj. David T. Millard, being absent from the battalion since leaving Wilmington, Capt. Charles M. Hall, a brave and courageous officer was in command.

Immediately above written by former Hospital Steward Erastus R. Hampton on April 26, 1901, and provided as Pages 385-396, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume IV," edited by Walter Clark.

After being encamped with the brigade for some three (3) weeks at Kinston (about one mile west of the John C. Washington residence), news came that the enemy was advancing from New Bern in force. The brigade was placed under command of Brig. Gen. Laurence S. Baker (NC), and attached to Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke's (NC) Division, and on March 6th, we crossed the river and marched down to Southwest Creek, where we lined the bank of that stream, the right of our brigade (the 1st NC Regiment-Junior Reserves) resting on the county road where it crosses that stream north of the railroad. The morning of March 8th we heard the heavy fighting and joined in the cheering as the news came down the line that Maj. Gen. Hoke had captured 1,600 prisoners and a general officer on the right. About 3 p m. we were ordered to cross the stream before us, which we did on an improvised bridge under firing going on between our skirmishers and those of the enemy. On the other side the brigade formed line of battle in the same order as before, the 1st NC Regiment-Junior Reserves on the right. On orders from Brig. Gen. Laurence S. Baker (NC) the brigade moved handsomely forward, and drove the enemy from behind their temporary breastworks of fence rails and logs. We captured some prisoners and the loss in the brigade was not very heavy.

Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill (NC), writing a month after, says in his report of this battle, speaking from hearsay, for he states therein that the Reserves were not under his command, as follows, 98 (Serial Vol.) Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, 1087. "The Reserves advanced handsomely for a time, but at length one regiment (the First, I think), broke and the rest lay down and could not be got forward." Had Maj. Gen. Hill been writing of troops under his own command, or of matters of his own knowledge, his statement would be accepted. But by the very reason of his high character this statement by him on hearsay cannot be allowed to go down in history uncorrected. I, who saw the whole matter, must say, and all others who were present (of whom hundreds are still living), among them the editor of this work, will concur with me that this statement is a gross injustice to our gallant boys.

The facts are that the whole brigade went forward handsomely, as Maj. Gen. Hill says, and while closely engaged, a portion of the 1st NC Regiment-Junior Reserves (not all) misconceiving a command that was given to the skirmish line, did break and fell back some 150 yards to the stream. They did not attempt to cross it by the bridge or otherwise and were readily and promptly rallied and immediately went forward again. They were much chagrined at misunderstanding the orders which alone had caused them to fall back. No part of the brigade at any time lay down and refused to go forward. Those who commanded the Junior Reserves or saw them in action know that there were no troops who had more enthusiasm or were more easily led than they.

About dark Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke (NC) placing himself at the head of our brigade, some other troops being added, marched us down the road towards the Neuse River with the intention of turning the enemy's flank, but about midnight the scouts brought in news which induced Maj. Gen. Hoke to retrace our steps and at daylight we had recrossed the creek and were back in our breastworks.

The enemy in front were repulsed, but Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman's army was coming up from South Carolina and we were in danger of being" "in a strait betwixt two." On March 10th, we retreated through Kinston, thence through Goldsborough to Smithfield, where we saw General Joseph E. Johnston (CSA, VA), who was in chief command. There one morning the Junior Reserves Brigade was drawn up on three (3) sides of a square to witness the execution of three (3) men from Zachary's Georgia Regiment, who were to be shot for mutiny. There were threats of rescue, hence this precaution. The men were tied to stakes and shot by a detail, half only of whose guns were loaded with ball, the other half with powder (the loading being done by others) so no man would know that he fired the fatal shot. It was a painful scene.

Immediately above written by former Col. Charles W. Broadfoot on May 2, 1901, and provided as Pages 8-23, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume IV," edited by Walter Clark.

As news came that Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman was coming up by way of Fayetteville on March 11th, we were withdrawn, passing through Kinston. We marched through Goldsborough on to Smithfield, where we united with the Western Army and saw General Joseph E. Johnston (VA). En route, on March 15th, the brigade which at the battle of Southwest Creek was commanded by Brig. Gen. Laurence S. Baker (NC), was placed under Col. John H. Nethercutt, of the 66th NC Regiment, and that gallant officer and good fighter remained with us to the close.

Immediately above written by former Captain David E. McKinne on May 2, 1901, and provided as Pages 24-34, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume IV," edited by Walter Clark.

The nest day the enemy made their appearance on the other side of the stream and established a line of skirmishers and sharpshooters. During the day our skirmishers were engaged and occasionally a minie ball would whistle over the breastworks as each individual boy of the regiment believed, "just by my ear." On the morning of March 8th, Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke, whose troops were also stationed along the line of the creek, was relieved by the arrival of Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill's (CSA, NC) troops. Maj. Gen. Hoke's Division crossed the creek and made a detour down the lower Trent Road which crossed the British Road at Wyse's Fork, about three (3) miles in our front. The lower Trent Road runs in a southeasterly direction to Trenton. The British Road runs in a northeasterly direction towards the river. Maj. Gen. Hoke with his usual dash surprised a Union brigade, captured it, and sent it to the rear. The Reserves held the breastworks throughout March 8th. On the morning of March 9th, the Reserves crossed Southwest Creek on an improvised bridge constructed by them about 200 yards above the bridge on the Dover Road which had been destroyed. This bridge was made by felling trees across the creek and covering them with lumber taken from Jackson's Mill in the vicinity. Line of battle was formed on the east side of the creek on swampy ground and the brigade was ordered forward under fire through fallen trees, brush, brambles, and bullets—making it difficult to preserve the alignment.

Battle of 2nd Kinston, NC - March 8, 1865

They advanced as steadily as veterans driving the enemy who were fresh troops from New Bern, well dressed, well fed, well armed, and well liquored, as was evidenced by the condition of some prisoners captured. The 3rd NC Regiment-Junior Reserves suffered the loss of a number of brave officers and men, among them 3rd Lt. John W. Harper, a gallant young officer of Company G, from Caldwell County, was mortally wounded. Here also 1st Lt. Frank M. Hamlin, of Company K, was wounded in the arm. That night Maj. Gen. Hoke imdertook a flank movement down the British Road and the Neuse River Road, the Junior Reserves being a part of his command. We could plainly hear the enemy at work on their fortifications. The night was rainy and so dark you could not see your hand before you. After marching through slush and rain about six (6) miles, we counter-marched and returned. On the afternoon of March 10th all of our troops fell back to the entrenchments on the British Road, and later in the day we re-crossed the Neuse River, burning the bridge behind us, and marched through Kinston, our brigade camping at Moseley Hall [now LaGrange, in Lenoir County]. This retrograde movement was the consequence of the arrival of Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman's army in North Carolina.

The operations near Kinston, most often called the Second Battle of Kinston, but sometimes the Battle of Southwest Creek [aka Wyse's Creek], were upon the whole a Confederate success, and when the disparity in numbers between the contending forces is considered, were very creditable to the Confederates. General Braxton Bragg (CSA, LA) in general orders thanked the troops for their heroism and valor and complimented them upon their achievements.

The arrival of Maj. Gen. Sherman in Fayetteville and the approach of the troops from Wilmington to form a junction with Maj. Gen. Sherman at Goldsborough, made it necessary for us to withdraw to prevent being cut off and in order to form a junction with General Joseph E. Johnston's (VA) Army, which was moving in the direction of Smithfield. On March 15th, Col. John H. Nethercutt, of the 66th NC Regiment, was placed in command of our brigade which was then permanently assigned to Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke's (NC) Division.

Immediately above written by former Colonel John W. Hinsdale on April 26, 1901, and provided as Pages 35-63, in the compilation known as "Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume IV," edited by Walter Clark.

After bringing the Union advance to a halt with artillery fire on March 7th, Maj. Gen. Hoke's division and a smaller force under Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill (CSA, Army of Tennessee) attacked the Union's left and right respectively on the morning of March 8th. Two (2) isolated Union regiments were overrun and captured by Maj. Gen. Hoke, and Maj. Gen. Hill made good progress on the right. However, Gen. Bragg made a major tactical error at this juncture by sending Maj. Gen. Hill's division away from the fighting, and the Confederate advantage was lost.

The next day was one of "warm skirmishing" highlighted by a feeble Confederate probe against Union lines. On March 10th, Gen. Bragg attempted another double envelopment with Maj. Gen. Hoke and Maj. Gen. Hill. After marching through "swamps and pocosons and dense pine forests" in an unsuccessful attempt to get in the enemy's rear, Maj. Gen. Hoke's men delivered a "resolute and determined" assault that was smashed by cannon fire and a flank attack by Union infantry. Maj. Gen. Hill's "less vigorous" and slightly mis-timed assault was called off by Gen. Bragg after the repulse of Maj. Gen. Hoke. They all then withdrew through Goldsborough to Smithfield, where his force was united with that of General Joseph E. Johnston (CSA, Army of Tennessee) on March 17th.

While Maj. Gen. Hoke was achieving a significant success agains the Union left, Maj. Gen. Hill made good progress against the right. However, at that critical juncture, Gen. Braxton Bragg (CSA) made a major tactical error by sending Maj. Gen. Hill away from the fighting. By the time the blunder was discovered, the day was waning and the Confederate advantage was lost.

On March 9th, Brig. Gen. William W. Kirkland's (CSA, NC) Brigade (which included ther 66th NC Regiment) delivered a "resolute and determined," if ill-advised assault that was halted by cannon fire and a flank attack by Union infantry. Brig. Gen. Kirkland's attack was made, in fact, contrary to Maj. Gen. Hoke's orders "to feel the enemy, but not to attack breastworks." Brig. Gen. Kirkland's seeming disobedience was the inadvertent result of excessive zeal on the part of his men and poor visibility in the dense woods and undergrowth. According to Assistant Adjutant General (Capt.) Charles G. Elliott of the 66th NC Regiment, "The brigade made a charge through the woods, which were very thick, with great spirit and drove the skirmishers before them... As soon as our line emerged from the woods we ran up against a very strongly-intrenched line of the enemy, obstructed by trees they had cut down, and supported by artillery. They poured a hot fire into us and we made our men lie down."

The 66th NC Regiment had 2 men mortally wounded, 14 men wounded, and 76 men captured. Accodring to Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood (CSA, SC), casualties of the 66th NC Regiment and in Brig. Gen. Kirkland's other two (2) regiments, the 17th NC Regiment and the 42nd NC Regiment, were the "chief loss" sustained by the Confederates at Southwest Creek.

"Sometime after midnight [on the night of March 7-8] Genl. Hoke marched out from the works by a circuitous route and threw his men between a brigade of the enemy and Schofield's main army, and [also] in the rear of the brigade. This brigade was posted... at a bridge crossing the Creek, and it was necessary to drive them away so that the Confederates might cross the creek to attack Schofield. The 67th Reg was ordered forward to deploy and open the fight. The regiment... left the main line and proceeded in columns about two hundred yards toward the enemy. It was then... ordered... forward about one hundred yards... and... deployed as skirmishers. All the other regiments... were veterans... and the 67th Regiment had never yet participated in a general engagement... Their reputation in the opinion of these veterans was not very high, and their bearing and conduct was narroty watched, while many disparaging predictions concerning them were indulged. It soon gave evidence that such predictions were not prophecy. It [the 67th] now encountered... an ordeal altogether unexpected for it fell into an ambuscade [by] greatly superior numbers. The Regiment had taken but a few steps... when the enemy heretofore silent and unseen rose from the bushes about fifteen or twenty yards in front and opened fire... with musketry and artillery along the whole line. For one moment there was wild confusion, and conflicting orders from the officers. The line scattered toward the rear... but the cry "Rally-Rally" was heard near the colors... Very soon the whole Regiment was dressed upon its advancing flag... The enemie's fire was returned, the Regiment rushed forward... and upon the rest of the divisions coming up, assisted in routing and capturing the enemie's brigade, arms and artillery... One distinguished officer... threw up his hat... and exclaimed "By Heaven, they fight like devils."

The 67th NC Regiment suffered at least eight (8) casualties on March 8th. On March 9th, the 67th NC Regiment was transferred to Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill (CSA, Army of Tennessee) and took part in the latter's "less vigorous" and slightly mis-timed attack. Maj. Gen. Hill reported, "General Bragg informed me that he had ordered General Hoke to make a flank movement to our right, and directed me to co-operate with him by a strong demonstration in our front, but not to attack the main line of the Yankee earth-works... The skirmish line was ... directed to move forward at the sound of firing on ouor right, followed by the line of battle, except [Col. John G.] Coltart [commanding Maj. Gen. Hill's division] and [Col. John N.] Whitford, holding the intrenchments nearly parrallel to the railroad." Maj. Gen. Hill quickly overran an "intrenched line of Yankee skirmishers," but then found that he had outpaced the Confederate troops on his left, leaving his flank exposed. Three hundred of Col. Coltart's men were ordered forward to cover Maj. Gen. Hill's left, but the units supporting Maj. Gen. Hill's right were then observed retreating. The troops on Col. Coltart's left followed suit shortly thereafter, and Maj. Gen. Hill, under orders from Gen. Bragg, fell back as well. During the fight, the 67th NC Regiment apparently remained in the entrenchments to which it had been assigned but was under fire of some description and sustained seven (7) casualties. Maj. Gen. Hill reported, "That night we crossed the Neuse and encamped near Kinston, in order to co-operate with the forces [of General Joseph E. Johnston] covering Raleigh.

We met Maj. Gen. Schofield at Wyse's Fork or Cobb's Mill, a few miles from Kinston, on the New Bern Road, and the regiment was engaged in that fight on March 8-9, 1865. We suffered some losses. I do not remember all of them. Edwar Sasser, of our company, was wounded in the arm; William Taylor, of Wilson, in the leg, and William H. Reid, of Company I, was wounded. They were on the sharpshooter line with the writer. There were other casualties. Our regiment was then brigaded with the 67th NC Regiment, 65th NC Regiment (6th Cavalry) and some other unattached troops, and placed under the command of Brig. Gen. Laurence S. Baker (NC), and in that battle was on the extreme left wing of our army, which was commanded by Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke (NC).

The Confederates knew that Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman was now in North Carolina and targeting Goldsborough to link up with the rest of the Union army coming from New Bern and Wilmington. General Joseph E. Johnston (CSA, Army of Tennessee) had only recently been given command over all Confederate troops in North Carolina, and he wrote to General Braxton Bragg (CSA, Department of North Carolina) if his troops could block Union Maj. Gen. Schofield's troops long enough to allow Lt. Gen. William J. Hardee (CSA, GA) to come up from South Carolina. Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill (CSA, Army of Tennessee) was already at Smithfield, NC (Johnston County) with the remnants of Lt. Gen. Stephen D. Lee's (CSA, Army of Tennessee) corps. On March 7th, Gen. Johnston ordered Maj. Gen. Hill to "co-operate with General Bragg" at Kinston. These orders were probably unwelcome to both Gen. Bragg and Maj. Gen. Hill, who hated each other from Maj. Gen. Hill's earlier perior as a corps commander under Gen. Bragg and his role in the anti-Bragg intrigues among the officers of the Army of Tennessee's officers in the Fall of 1863, which led to Maj. Gen. Hill's relief. Maj. Gen. Hill departed by train with his own former division under Col. John G. Coltart and Brig. Gen. Edmund W. Pettus's brigade from Maj. Gen. Carter L. Stevenson's (CSA, Army of Tennessee) division. The defense of Kinston would be shared with veteran troops under experienced, if controversial, leaders.

On the afternoon of March 6th, Union Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer's advance guard encountered well-positioned Confederates at a place called Tracy's Swamp. They steadily drove the rebels back, reaching Wyse's Forks, just southeast of Kinston, around 4:30 p.m. The next day, Brig. Gen. Palmer's troops drove back Confederate skirmishers as they advanced towards Southwest Creek. Here they captured a few rebels who alerted Union Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox for the first time that he was facing a much larger Confederate force than merely Col. John N. Whitford's brigade. He then ordered Brig. Gen. Palmer and Brig. Gen. Carter to advance and to secure the crossings of Southwest Creek, but when they reached the creek they found the bridged destroyed and the stream unfordable. The Confederates were posted in earth-works on the opposite bank, with the crossings protected by field artillery. Maj. Gen. Cox then sent out cavalry to guard his flanks, while cautioning his troops to be alert in case the enemy should make a counter-move.

The North Carolina Junior Reserves Brigade included the 1st NC Regiment-Junior Reserves, the 2nd NC Regiment-Junior Reserves, the 3rd NC Regiment-Junior Reserves, and the 1st NC Battalion-Junior Reserves, and this brigade was assigned to NC Brig. Gen. Laurence S. Baker just before the 2nd Battle of Kinston. On March 6th, this brigade was ordered out of its camps near Kinston and sent to Southwest Creek; they were placed on the left of the Confederate posiltion, withg the brigade's right resting on the Neuse Road. On March 7th, this brigade was brought up to the creek as the Union army arrived and it "lined its banks," which means they were presumably sheltered by existing earth-works that the Union officers later reported were on the Confederate side of Southwest Creek.

During that day, the Junior Reserves fired at the Union forces across Southwest Creek as the Union forces tested the Confederate forces in return. During March 6-7, this brigade was evidently under the command of Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke (CSA, Department of North Carolina). The night of March 7th, Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill (CSA, Army of Tennessee) arrived and camped near Kinston. On the morning of March 8th, his men relieved most of Maj. Gen. Hoke's division in the earthworks at Southwest Creek. Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood's (CSA, SC) brigade of Maj. Gen. Hoke's division was left with Maj. Gen. Hill, as was Brig. Gen. Baker's Junior Reserves brigade. By 8:00 a.m. that morning, Maj. Gen. Henry D. Clayton's (CSA, Army of Tennessee) division arrived; and instead of joining Maj. Gen. Hill in the trenches, it was detached to operate with Maj. Gen. Hoke.

Maj. Gen. Hoke planned to sweep around the Union army's left and rear, and Maj. Gen. Hill was instructed to advance across the creek against the Union army's right when he heard the sound of fighting. Once Maj. Gen. Hoke seized the Lower Trent and Dover Roads, Maj. Gen. Hill would prevent a retreat up the Neuse Road and British road. South of the creek these two (2) routes ran parallel to each other, and were connected by the Lower Trent Road; Maj. Gen. Hill would have to gain control of the Neuse Road first, then move south along the Lower Trent Road where it intersected with the British Road. This would place Maj. Gen. Hill's troops north of Wyse's Forks, where the Dover Road and the Lower Trent Road came together. Maj. Gen. Hill's force numbered just over 2,000 men, including the NC Junior Reserves, and they would face Union Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer's division on the Neuse Road, the Atlantic & North Carolina Railroad bridge crossings, and the majority posted about a mile back from Southwest Creek.

Maj. Gen. Hoke's target was Col. Charles L. Upham's 2nd Brigade of Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter's (U.S. Army, District of Beaufort, 2nd Division) division. Col. Upham's brigade occupied a somewhat isolated position near Jackson's Mill on Southwest Creek; the remainder of Brig. Gen. Carter's division was camped back at Wyse's Forks. Maj. Gen. Hoke's division got across and into position to strike the Union army's left-rear, however, his presence was detected shortly before his attack. Col. Upham adjusted his deployment to face the oncoming assault, but it was not enough, as he was flanked by Maj. Gen. Hoke on the left. One member of the 1st NC Battalion-Junior Reserves later reported that this battalion supported Maj. Gen. Hoke's left, indicating that the battalion was probably held in reserve or had a screening position.

When the action began on March 8th, Brig. Gen. Laurence S. Baker's Junior Reserve Brigade advanced across the creek. The 3rd NC Regiment-Junior Reserves crossed at a spot nearly 200 yards above the site of the destroyed Dover Road bridge, using a makeshift span assembled from felled trees covered with lumber from nearby Jackson's Mill. Union Col. Upham's men heard the chopping of the trees, but they weren't sure what the sounds meant. It is assumed that the remainder of the Junior Reserves, along with the remainder of Maj. Gen. Hill's troops crossed at the same point. His skirmish line moved out in front of the now unoccupied earth-works; and it is most likely that the NC Junior Reserves led his initial attack.

"Line of battle was formed on the east side of the creek on swampy ground and the brigade was ordered forward under fire through fallen trees, brush, brambles, and bullets—making it difficult to preserve alignment," wrote Col. John W. Hinsdale (3rd NC Regiment-Junior Reserves). He added, "They advanced as steadily as veterans driving the enemy who were fresh troops from New Bern, well dressed, well fed, well armed and well liquored, as was evidenced by the condition of some prisoners captured." These were most likely Union troops from Brig. Gen. Palmer's skirmish line, although it may have included a portion of Col. Upham's right. Col. Hinsdale failed to mention that his attack ran out of steam and into trouble under heavy fire as the Union defense stiffened. "The North Carolina Reserved advanced handsomely for a time, but at length one regiment (the First, I think) broke, and the rest lay down and could not be got forward," wrote Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill (CSA, Army of Tennessee) a few days after the battle. This was strongly denied by officers of the Junior Reserves after they learned of Maj. Gen. Hill's account.

After Maj. Gen. Hill ordered Brig. Gen. Baker to hold his ground, he took Col. John G. Coltart's division, and Brig. Gen. Edmund M. Pettus's and Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood's brigades on a sweeping move around what he termed "the Yankee right," routing the Union forces and capturing nearly 300 prisoners. Maj. Gen. Hill later reported "that with little loss we would have captured several thousand men." It is unclear if "the Yankee right" meant Col. Upham's right or Brig. Gen. Palmer's right. The former seems most likely based on the number of prisoners captured, and the fact that Col. Upham reported that troops from across the creek hit him on his right flank. The advance against Col. Upham's right utilized the bulk of Maj. Gen. Hill's attacking force and potentially exposed him to a flank attack from Union Brig. Gen. Palmer or Brig. Gen. Ruger, which had been brought up from Gum Swamp to plug the hole that had developed between Brig. Gen. Palmer and Brig. Gen. Carter. Perhaps Maj. Gen. Hill felt safe enough to make such a move after Brig. Gen. Palmer pulled back to the British Road area. Brig. Gen. Laurence S. Baker and the Junior Reserves were more than likely left behind to watch the situation in Brig. Gen. Palmer's front.

Gen. Bragg then issued orders to Maj. Gen. Hill to move up the Neuse Road and over to the British Road, then push back southwest down the latter route, a maneuver that would supposedly enable him to capture much of the Union forces. Unfortunately, the instructions did no specify exactly where Maj. Gen. Hill should cross the British Road—its conjunction with the Neuse Road was almost five (5) miles away. Maj. Gen. Hill complied and moved up the Neuse road until it intersected with the British Road near the house of a Mr. West—the Junior Reserves were included in this movement. Maj. Gen. Hill later noted, the Junior Reserves "seemed to be in the highest spirits and ready to renew the conflict."

Around 4:30 p.m. on the afternoon of March 8th, Maj. Gen. Hill reached the cross-roads and he immediately sent out pickets—he saw no Union soldiers, fleeing or otherwise. The sound of heavy firing indicated that the Union forces were putting up a stiff fight with Maj. Gen. Hoke, with the 1st NC Battalion-Junior Reserves, which was struck by a Union counter-attack, probably Brig. Gen. Ruger's troops. Maj. Gen. Hill saw only one option—move south to Tracy Swamp, three to four (3-4) miles away, and advance up the Dover Road and along the track of the Atlantic & North Carolina Railroad into the Union army's rear. He discussed the situation with his officers and all but one thought it too risky and too late in the day for such a move. The exception was Brig. Gen. Baker, perhaps eager to give his brigade another chance to prove itself.

At this time another message was received from Gen. Bragg—if it was too late to attack, Maj. Gen. Hill should return to his starting point. The afternoon had been wasted. By now, Maj. Gen. Hill was aware that Union cavalry had gotten between his command and their crossing point at Southwest Creek, nearly five (5) miles away and held only by a picket. Fortunately for his troops, they encountered no problems on their return march. Along the way, Maj. Gen. Hill met another staff officer from Gen. Brag with a new set of orders—once Maj. Gen. Hill crossed the creek, he was to cross it again at Jackson's Mill and join Maj. Gen. Hoke via the Dover Road. The Junior Reserves were left behind in the earth-works on the Kinston side of Southwest Creek.

Around midnight, the forces under Maj. Gen. Hoke and Maj. Gen. Hill united. Maj. Gen. Henry D. Clayton's (CSA, Army of Tennessee) division was returned to Maj. Gen. Hill, whose forces (including Brig. Gen Hagood's Brigade from Maj. Gen. Hoke's division) occupied a line of earthworks paralleling the British road, then turning right angles to run along the railroad track until it reached Southwest Creek. The NC Junior Reserves continued the line on the opposite side of the creek, yet they did not function under Maj. Gen. Hill's command for the rest of the battle.

On March 9th, Maj. Gen. Hoke attempted a flank attack on the Union right, but declined to launch a full-scale assault when it was found that the Union forces were entrenched and waiting for him. As part of Maj. Gen. Hoke's effort, the 1st NC Battalion-Junior Reserves advanced down either the Neuse Road or the British Road. Although reports for the day emphasize only light skirmishing, one Junior Reserve Private later recounted that their movement seemed like a full-fledged charge with his battalion in the road taking heavy casualties. Following the failure of Maj. Gen. Hoke's advance, his troops moved to Maj. Gen. Hill's right.

On March 10th, the Confederates were joined by Maj. Gen. Edward C. Walthall's Division of Lt. Gen. Alexander P. Stewart's Corps from the Army of Tennessee. Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood's (CSA, SC) brigade was returned to Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke (CSA, Department of North Carolina), replaced by Col. John N. Whitford's Brigade, including most of the 65th NC Regiment (6th Cavalry), which just arrived that morning. Gen. Bragg's new plan was for Maj. Gen. Hoke to attempt to flank the Union left while Maj. Gen. Hill demonstrated in front of the enemy position. Maj. Gen. Hoke's attack was repulsed. Maj. Gen. Hill's men advanced and captured the trenches of Union pickets and pushed ahead, but per Gen. Bragg's instructions did not attempt to assault the main earth-works further back. Maj. Gen. Hill was forced to withdraw, however, as Maj. Gen. Hoke's retirement left his flank unprotected. The Confederates pulled back to their original positions, although Gen. Bragg ordered Maj. Gen. Hill to retain the captured picket trench. They then marched back across Southwest Creek and the Neuse River that night, camping near Kinston.

In his history of the 1st NC Regiment-Junior Reserves, Lt. Col. Charles W. Broadfoot hotly disputed Maj. Gen. Hill's account of his men's conduct on March 8th, although he was careful not to accuse the "popular and colorful" (and, by then deceased) general of falsehood. He claimed that Maj. Gen. Hill had written hearsay and characterized his comments as "a gross injustice to the gallant boys. Lt. Col. Broadfoot asserted "that the whole brigade went forward handsomely, as General hill says, and while closely engaged, a portion of the First Regiment (not all) mis-conceiving a command that was given to the skirmish line, did break and fell back some 150 yards to the stream. They did not attempt to cross it by the bridge or otherwise," an issue which Maj. Gen. Hill never accused them of to begin with, "and were readily and promptly rallied and immediately went forward again. They were much chagrined at misunderstanding the orders which alone caused them to fall back. No part of the brigade at any time lay down and refused to go forward. Those who commanded the Juiors or saw them in action know that there were no troops who had more enthusiasm or were more easily led than they."

There are no surviging official records of the losses suffered by the Junior Reserves at the 2nd Battle of Kinston. Newspaper lists of casualties and hospitalizations around the time of the battle document that the 1st NC Battalion-Junior Reserves, the 1st NC Regiment-Junior Reserves, and the 2nd NC Regiment-Junior Reserves suffered 1 man wounded apiece; the 3rd NC Regiment-Junior Reserves lost 1 man mortally wounded and 9 men wounded. Accounts of the various survivors noted 3 company officers killed or mortally wounded and 2 men wounded; another account noted that Company E alone lost 9 men wounded. It may be assumed that these figures are by no means complete given that Maj. Gen. Hill's statement that the Junior Reserves suffered heavy losses.

The Junior Reserves Brigade was returned to Maj. Gen. Hoke's Division on March 10th and by March 11th they were heading to Smithfield. Brig. Gen. Laurence S. Baker was given new orders to go defend the town and railroad at Weldon, and the Junior Reserves Brigade was re-assigned to Col. John H. Nethercutt of the 66th NC Regiment (State Troops), whose troops were under Brig. Gen. William W. Kirkland (CSA, NC). Col. Nethercutt was a semi-invalid officer, having been hospitalized almost continuously since an injury at Petersburg, VA in June of 1864; at the battle of 2nd Kinston he was temporarily assigned as Chief of Staff to Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke (CSA, NC).

+ On March 6th, Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox advanced to Wyse's Forks, about a mile and a half below Southwest Creek, where he met the Confederates under Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke and a small body of reserves. Maj. Gen. Cox sent two (2) regiments under Col. Charles L. Upham to secure the crossing of the creek on the Dover Road. The enemy was re-inforced by a portion of the Army of Tennessee; they re-crossed the creek some distance above Dover Road, came down in the rear of Col. Upham's position and surprised and captured nearly his entire command, about 700 men.
+ The Confederates then advanced and attempted to penetrate between Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter's and Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer's divisions, occupying the Dover Road and the railroad respectively, but they were checked by Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Ruger's division, which just arrived. There was no general engagement, only light skirmishing with minimal casualties. He sent orders for Maj. Gen. Cox to await the arrival of Maj. Gen. Darius N. Couch, who was marching from Wilmington—but his troops did not arrive until March 11th, after the fighting had ended.
+ On March 9th, the Confederates pressed the Union lines strongly, mostly on the flanks; heavy skirmishing but no assault.
+ On March 10th, the Confederates had apparently learned that Maj. Gen. Couch was on his way, and Maj. Gen. Schofield asserted they were largely re-inforced, but the only new rebels arriving that day were eight (8) companies of the 65th NC Regiment (6th Cavalry), which joined Col. John N. Whitford's brigade.
+ On that day, the Confederates made a heavy attack on Maj. Gen. Cox's left and center, but was decidedly repulsed with heavy losses. Both attacks were met primarily by Maj. Gen. Ruger's division, a portion of that division having been rapidly transferred from the center to the left to meet the attack there, then returned to the center in time to repel the second attack. The Confederates retreated in confusion, leaving his killed and wounded, along with a large number of arms and entrenching tools.
+ The official Return of Casualties in the Union Forces for the 2nd Battle of Kinston show that they suffered 65 killed, 319 wounded, and 953 captured or missing.

+ On March 6th, his troops were at Gum Swamp, where the Dover Road crossed the Atlantic & North Carolina Railroad. Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Ruger's division was left at Core Creek.
+ On March 7th, Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer's division moved to Wyse's Forks and drove out the enemy's pickets. Brig. Gen. Palmer's division was brought up to the railroad, and Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter's division was brought to the other side of the wagon road on the left of the railroad. The enemy opened up with field artillery at both crossings of Southwest Creek. He sent cavalry to guard each flank with orders to watch the enemy closely. He reported that Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield arrived from Wilmington to New Bern on this day. His men were repairing the railroad at Core Creek.
+ On March 8th, he called today the "Battle of Kinston." Maj. Gen. Schofield arrived about 10:00 a.m., and both generals started for the front. About half-way they met a rebel prisoner who said that Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke's division was all over the creek and pushing for the Union left flank. He ordered up Brig. Gen. Ruger's division. He also ordered Brig. Gen. Palmer to extend his left to connect with Brig. Gen. Carter, then rode to meet Brig. Gen. Carter. He found that the cavalry has been surprised and one brigade had been routed. He ordered Brig. Gen. Carter's other brigade to move then ordered one of Brig. Gen. Palmer's brigades to the left to check the enemy and to cover the retreat of Col. Charles L. Upham's brigade, which had been routed. He hastened up Brig. Gen. Ruger. The Confederates pushed steadily, but Brig. Gen. Ruger arrived in time to fill the gap between Brig. Gen. Carter and Brig. Gen. Palmer. He estimated that his losses for this day appeared to be about 600 captured from Col. Upham's brigade and one (1) field gun. His cavalry lost 50 men and two (2) mounted howitzers.
+ On March 9th he found the enemy to be strong and apparently increasing. He reported that he only had ten (10) wagons for each division and this made it very difficult to get enough rations for his troops. The railroad was progressing at the rate of about one (1) mile per day.
+ On March 10th about 11:30 a.m. he heard picket firing on his left and soon learned that the enemy was pushing on that flank in force. He ordered Col. John C. McQuiston's brigade over to the left to repel that assault, then a brigade from Brig. Gen. Palmer. These troops moved at double-quick. He then placed three batteries in position on that flank, and their fire was very rapid. The Confederates apparently could not move their field artillery through the woods and swamp, so they had to rely upon their infantry alone. In about an hour, the enemy was beaten with severe loss.
+ The fight in the center was more obstinate than on the left. The troops he had earlier sent to the left now double-quicked back again, and one battery was moved on the Dover Road, while a second battery was placed on Brig. Gen. Ruger's right. This action took about two (2) hours, and the enemy retreated slowly, then they formed again and waited for another Union attack. Maj. Gen. Cox did not feel strong enough and decided to be content with repulsing them. He pushed out his skirmish line and a warm fight was kept up until night. Just at dark, he and Maj. Gen. Schofield learned that Maj. Gen. Darius N. Couch was now at the crossing of the Trent River, and Maj. Gen. Schofield ordered him to come through by forced marches.
+ On March 11th, he reported that the Confederates had evacuated the night before. He asserted that his losses the day before were about 50 killed and 250 wounded. He asserted that the Maj. Gen. Hoke's losses were about 600 and the rest of the Confederate force's losses must have been much larger. He claimed the Confederates left less than 100 men dead and wounded on the field, having carried most of them off.
+ On March 12th, Maj. Gen. Hoke sent a flag of truce from Kinston asking for an exchange of prisoners; Maj. Gen. Schofield refused.

+ His division was required to carry entrenching tools—100 axes, 100 shovels, and 20 pick-axes for each brigade. He named his primary officers.
+ On March 8th, he received orders from Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox around 11:30 a.m. to move up from Gum Swamp to Wyse's Cross-Roads [Forks], but to leave one regiment at Gum Swamp. At Wyse's Forks his division was placed to the right of Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter's division, which was covering the Dover Road and Trent Road.
+ He moved his 1st Brigade and 2nd Brigade to attack the Confederates and drove in their skirmishers, but soon found that the enemy was more to his left than anticipated, or had changed direction. He deemed this situation to be inexpedient to attack unless his comrades to his right should also attack simultaneously, so he halted and reported this to Maj. Gen. Cox. It was nearly dark and he received orders to entrench strongly so the line could be held.
+ Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer's division joined on his right, Brig. Gen. Carter's division erected breastworks on his left. His 3rd Brigade now arrived was placed on his left. He ordered up his two (2) batteries to park in the rear of the left of Brig. Gen. Carter's position. During that night, the enemy made a few dashes at the skirmish line of his 1st and 2nd Brigades, without success.
+ At around 10:00 a.m. on March 9th he received orders from Maj. Gen. Cox to send a much of his 3rd Brigade to report to Brig. Gen. Palmer on his right. "Nothing of particular importance occurred during this day." The enemy pressed the skirmish line pretty severely a number of times. Around 11:00 p.m. the 180th OH Infantry was directed to the extreme left and to extend the skirmish line from Brig. Gen. Carter's left sufficiently far enough to cover the hospital, some half a mile down the Dover Road toward the railroad.
+ At around 10:00 a.m. on March 10th, the enemy attacked his left in strong force. The Union cavalry had been driven off, so they provided no early warning. Brig. Gen. Ruger sent his 2nd Brigade toward the left as soon as relieved by Col. John M. Orr and his 1st Brigade. He also placed his two (2) batteries in position on the Trent Road, which soon opened up on the enemy. Col. John C. McQuiston reported his left met with no opposition, it was on the right where he found the enemy's line. He was ordered to advance on the left, double up the skirmish line of the enemy, and attack his flank if possible, which was done. The result was a quick and disorderly flight of the enemy, with considerable losses.
+ The Confederates then attacked the center, held by the 1st Brigade. He moved the 5th IL Light Artillery battery to the right near the right of the 1st Brigade. The enemy in this attack drove in the skirmish line and finding the Union fire too severe they retired precipitously and did not renew their assault. Skirmishing continued, sometimes quite spirited, until dark. The Confederate attack was a failure and they retreated during that night.
+ Brig. Gen. Ruger reported that the number of enemy turned over to the Provost Marshal was a total of ten (10) officers and 235 enlisted men. At the division hospital, there was one (1) officer and 21 enlisted men severely wounded.

+ On March 8th his brigade moved into position near Wyse's Forks, on Trent Road, making front of three (3) regiments, with his 180th OH Infantry held in reserve. His right connected with Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer's left; his left connected with Col. John C. McQuiston's 2nd Brigade. Four (4) companies, one from each of his regiments, were deployed as skirmishers and they immediately engaged the enemy as skirmishers as the remainder of his troops built earth-works.
+ On March 9th, he advanced his skirmish line 300 yards and found the enemy's pickets; built barricades on the skirmish line; strengthened his main line of earth-works; and placed a strong palisade along his entire front. Occasional sharpshooting was kept up until 4:00 p.m. when the Confederates made a strong but unsuccessful attack upon his line. Sharp skirmishing continued until after dark. At midnight, his 180th OH Infantry was ordered to report to Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Ruger, who sent them to extend and strengthen Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter's left; their company of skirmishers remained at the front of his brigade.
+ Around 11:00 a.m. on March 10th, the 2nd Brigade moved out and he was ordered to extend his lines. At noon, the enemy advanced on his whole front line of battle, driving his skirmishers before them. When the enemy was within 100 yards of his earth-works, his entire line opened fire and after a brief struggle their line was broken and they fell back in disorder. His men pursued and captured 1 lieutenant and 34 enlisted men. He eventually retook his original line of skirmish pits and after dark the firing ceased.
+ Then two (2) regiments of the 2nd Brigade reported to him and he assigned them a position on his line. One more regiment and one section of the Elgin Battery reported to him and he had them assigned to a position on his line. At 4:00 p.m. one more regiment came to relieve an earlier one. At dusk, he was ordered to send three of these regiments back to the 2nd Brigade. During this time, his men captured another 31 rebels.
+ He recorded that his 1st Brigade suffered 15 men killed and 88 men wounded during this engagement.

+ On March 10th, his men captured 33 prisoners. His casualties for the three (3) days were 3 enlisted men killed, 2 officers and 11 enlisted men wounded. Lt. Col. Hiram McKay was dangerously wounded on March 9th. Lt. T.C. Hirst was severely wounded on March 8th.

+ He reported that his brigade suffered 9 men killed and 35 men wounded. It was broken down by regiment, officers, and enlisted men.

+ He recorded the names of the brigades under his command and their commanders, as well as his key staff members. He recorded his casualties as 18 men killed, 82 men wounded, and 28 men missing.

+ He named the regiments and their commanders assigned to his brigade and noted that some did not join his command in time for the 2nd Battle of Kinston. He also named his key staff members.
+ On the morning of March 6th his command marched up the Atlantic & North Carolina Railroad from Core Creek to Gum Swamp and they bivouacked for the night.
+ On the morning of March 7th, Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer ordered him to move his brigade up the railroad to the intersection of the Trent Road, then down the Trent Road to the junciton of the Trent Road and the Neuse Road, and then up the Neuse Road to the crossing of Southwest Creek. He was directed to wait until the 3rd Brigade was first established at Southwest Creek. His advance guard met Confederate pickets near the British Road. By 2:00 p.m., his skirmishers had driven the enemy across Southwest Creek and into their earth-works on the west side of the creek. The Confederates had a very strong work with two (2) guns, and they opened fire upon his advance with a 3-inch rifled piece and a 12-pounder smooth-bore.
+ He sent one section of his battery up the railroad to about halfway between the British Road and the Trent Road to silence the enemy's guns. This had no effect so he withdrew the section. He then sent a second section of artillery through the woods on the right of the railroad, which joined the Trent Road where it crossed the railroad—this section plus skirmishers from the 9th NJ Infantry succeeded in silencing the enemy's guns.
+ He sent the 2nd MA Infantry out on his left just beyond the junction of the Trent Road and the British Road. Around 6:00 p.m., Brig. Gen. Palmer ordered him to place his brigade on the right of the railroad and to instruct the 3rd Brigade to occupy the left of the railroad, connecting with his left flank. He withdrew the 2nd MA Infantry and sent it down the British Road to picket the extreme right. The 23rd MA Infantry was sent to the Trent Road on the right of the railroad to connect with the 2nd MA Infantry. The field artillery was withdrawn from the Trent Road after dark. Everything was quiet during the night.
+ In the morning of March 8th, the 9th NJ Infantry was relieved by a portion of the 2nd Brigade. About 10:00 a.m., the enemy attacked his pickets on Trent Road. His line was necessarily long and fairly weak, so he ordered the 23rd MA Infantry to withdraw from the Trent Road to the British Road. He also directed the 2nd MA Infantry to fall back to the British Road near the railroad, but he was directed to send them to report to the 3rd Brigade, which he did, and they remained with the 3rd Brigade during the rest of the battle.
+ On the afternoon of March 10th, Brig. Gen. Palmer ordered him to send the 9th NJ Infantry to report to Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox on the left of the line; it was returned to him later that same day.
+ On the morning of March 11th, he pushed his pickets up to and across Southwest Creek; they reported the works of the enemy abandoned.

+ His command included five (5) companies (C, D, F, I, and M). On March 6th, his detachment marched with the 1st Brigade up the line of the Atlantic & North Carolina Railroad to Gum Swamp. On March 7th, he broke camp at 8:30 a.m. and marched up the railroad five (5) miles and his troops were ordered to support Battery C of the 3rd NY Light Artillery. After two (2) hours, his men were relieved and ordered to picket the British Road on the right of the railroad, with one company on the Neuse Road. All was quiet that night.
+ Around 10:00 a.m. on March 8th, he was ordered to advance a portion of his troops up the Neuse Road to reconnoiter and connect with the right of the 23rd MA Infantry's line of skirmishers. He met the Confederates on the Neuse Road and had a severe skirmish; he lost 3 men killed and 1 wounded. He was ordered to bring his entire command to brigade headquarters, then ordered to support Battery D of the 3rd NY Light Artillery on the left of the British Road near the railroad.
+ When the Confederates made an attack upon the 2nd Brigade he was ordered to proceed immediately to the left of the 3rd Brigade to fill a gap. His command lay in the line under fire while supporting Battery D until it retired after three (3) of its horses were killed. At dark, he advanced until his connection was perfect between the 2nd and 3rd Brigades, and the stormy night brought almost constant skirmishing.
+ On March 9th, all was quiet along the lines with occasional firing from the skirmishers on both sides; the weather was again stormy. During that night, the picket firing was very heavy.
+ During March 10th there was very heavy skirmishing along the whole line, particularly on the left of the line. This ceased around dark, then all was quiet again. The next morning it was found that the Confederates had withdrawn and abandoned their earth-works.

+ At 7:00 a.m. on March 6th, he marched the balance of the 132nd NY Infantry up the Atlantic & North Carolina Railroad tracks from Core Creek to Gum Swamp, where it met four (4) earlier companies that had been sent the day before. Here, a rest was ordered after establishing strong pickets. He left his second regiment to repair the roads. Soon thereafter, Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer and staff arrived, and he was directed at 2:30 p.m. to march towards Wyse's Forks to a point called Tracy's Swamp, where they met the enemy in a strong position where the Dover Road crossed the railroad. Capt. Graham's howitzers drove the enemy from position to position until they finally reached Wyse's Forks at around 4:30 p.m. He posted men in all directions, and during that night the enemy "felt of me at all points, but finding that every approach was strongly guarded, he, not knowing what force I had at Wise's Forks, no doubt concluded not to molest me."
+ At 2:00 p.m. on March 7th, Brig. Gen. Palmer ordered a reconnaissance toward Southwest Creek, and he was soon joined by part of the 12th NY Cavalry at 9:00 a.m. by the Trent Road, and they determined that the Confederates had a fairly large force. After returning to Wyse's Forks around 4:00 p.m., he was ordered to take his brigade on the British Road about a half a mile north, where he encamped for the night as a reserve.
+ At around noon of March 8th, heavy musket firing was heard on the left towards Wyse's Forks, and much of his brigade was ordered by Brig. Gen. Edward Harland to take a position in line of battle on the right of the railroad. At 1:00 p.m., Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox requested that much of his brigade (except his battery and his pickets, as before) to move on the neighborhood road towards Jackson's Mill, but after proceeding half a mile encountered the enemy moving in force down the Dover Road. The enemy attacked with artillery and infantry, but was repulsed after a brisk fight; his battery, however lost three (3) horses killed). He was soon joined by his pickets and his position was maintained until night, when his brigade was moved farther to the left on the same line. Earth-works were thrown up and a line of skirmishers advanced in conjunction with the brigade on his left.
+ On March 9th, his brigade remained in the same position, unchanged. Nothing of much importance occurred except occasional brisk firing on the skirmish lines.
+ At about noon on March 10th, the enemy suddenly attacked in the direction of Wyse's Forks, and the units on his left and right were drawn off, leaving his troops to defend the entire line. One returned in about an hour just when the enemy made a heavy demonstration on his immediate front, but were repulsed due to assistance from the 5th IL Light Artillery (Elgin Battery). The fire of the sharpshooters was very annoying and destructive and resulted in many casualties in his brigade.
+ Toward evening, the enemy gained possession of a portion of the skirmish line, but after re-inforcements arrived, his troops retook the line under protection of artillery fire.
+ His report concluded with an enumeration of his casualties: 3 men killed, 21 men wounded, and 4 men missing.

+ He identified the units under his command.
+ At around 9:00 a.m. on March 7th he was ordered to move from Gum Swamp towards Southwest Creek at the crossing of the Atlantic & North Carolina Railroad. He soon found that the Confederates were to be entrenched there in force and supported by artillery, so it was deemed impracticable to attempt to carry the position. Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer directed him to deploy his brigade with the 18th WI Infantry on the right, the 1st Battalion of Provisional Troops (TN) in the center, and the 2nd Battalion of Provisional Troops (TN) on the left, on the south side of the railroad at the British Road crossing. His line was perpendicular to the railroad and his right rested about 100 yards from the railroad, about one (1) mile from Southwest Creek. His left connected with Col. Charles L. Upham's brigade and his right connected with Brig. Gen. Edward Harland's brigade. All remained quiet except for an occasional shot on the picket line until the following day.
+ Around 11:30 a.m. on March 8th, the Confederates suddenly attacked Col. Upham's brigade and captured the greater portion of it, dispersing the remainder. Col. Boughton directed his troops to construct a barricade of rails, which was quickly done. Soon thereafter, Col. Peter J. Claassen's brigade entered the woods in front of his troops, then about 500 men of the 2nd MA Heavy Artillery, serving as infantry, reported to him and he placed them on his left line.
+ Col. Claassen's brigade came in contact with the enemy and he was forced to retire from the woods, closely followed by advancing rebels, and they appeared at the edge of the woods within 400 yards of Col. Boughton's front and in plain sight. The rebels apparently did not like his hastily-constructed defenses and they simply turned around. Two sections of artillery then arrived and he placed one on the British Road and the other near his right flank, covering the open field in his front.
+ At 2:00 p.m. he ordered a few shots from the section which had been placed on the British Road to open on the enemy, who appeared to be getting into position in his front. A Confederate battery in front of his troops promptly replied with such effect as to silence his own artillery. He then directed the second battery near his right flank to open on the rebels' artillery, but they could not silence the enemy, so he ordered them to cease firing at around 5:00 p.m. The Confederate battery ceased at about the same time and all remained quiet.
+ He was ordered to send out a reconnaissance party to determine the left flank of the Confederates, and the detachment returned, having lost one (1) man killed and one (1) man wounded. In the evening, the front lines were altered, so he had to construct a new line—this was done without entrenching tools, but with shovel made from boards.
+ On March 9th, nothing but skirmishing occurred. In the evening, it was quite brisk, then continued at intervals all night, but with very little effect. He ordered a few shots from his field artillery on his right and this quieted the enemy for a short time.
+ The morning of March 10th heavy firing was heard on his left, which gradually approached but did not reach his position. That night, the enemy disappeared from his front, and at daylight of March 11th, his skirmishers found no enemy on this side of Southwest Creek. His losses included 2 men killed, 5 men wounded, and 2 men missing.

+ On March 7th, his command moved from Gum Swamp toward Wyse's Forks. Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox directed him to send his 2nd Brigade down the British Road where it entered Trent Road to relieve another brigade, which held the east bank of Southwest Creek near Jackson's Mill. This was about two (2) miles west of Wyse's Forks on the Dover Road. One section of Battery I, 3rd NY Light Infantry, was ordered to report to Col. Upham and assist him in maintaining his position. He was directed to advance his skirmishers as close to Southwest Creek as possible and throw-up rifle pits for protection and their right to connect with the left of the skirmishers of the 1st Division. Maj. Gen. Cox also directed that a detachment of the 12th NY Cavalry to scout the area to the left of Col. Upham's brigade and to protect his flank.
+ The Confederates occupied the west bank of Southwest Creek at Jackson's Mill and had several field pieces in strong earth-works, a little to the rear of where their infantry was well placed. His 1st Brigade was placed some 200 yards west of Wyse's Forks with their left resting on the Dover Road and perpendicular to it. His 3rd Brigade was on the south side of the same road nearly in line with his 1st Brigade, both throwing up earth-works in their front and on their flanks. The night passed quietly.
+ On the morning of March 8th, Col. Upham reported that he had advanced his skirmish line during the night to within a short distance of the creek, yet his men were well protected by rifle-pits. There was occasional artillery firing. That morning he rode up the Dover Road and examined part of Col. Upham's line. While there he received a note from Maj. Clarkson of the 12th NY Cavalry with a report that some 2,000 rebels had passed down the Trent Road earlier that morning; he showed the note to Col. Upham and advised Maj. Gen. Cox of this news.
+ He then ordered 200 men of the 17th MA Infantry to be moved up to strengthen the intersection of the British Road and the Dover Road, and then advised all of his brigades to throw up works for their protection. He started on his return to Wyse's Forks, but was overtaken by Maj. West of the 12th NY Cavalry, who reported that his pickets were being driven in at the bridge. A note was sent to Col. Upham, but since the orderly did not return he was assumed to have been captured.
+ He sent the 85th NY Infantry up the Dover Road with instructions to be ready for immediate action. Soon thereafter, a staff officer from Col. Upham rode up and reported that their brigade had been attacked and nearly all of it killed, wounded, or captured, and one gun of Battery I, 3rd NY Light Artillery, lost. He immediately started up the Dover Road, and when near the intersection of the British Road and the Dover Road he came in sight of the abandoned gun, which had been retaken by men of the 17th MA Infantry, but before they could unhook the dead horses they were attacked by a heavy force and driven back towards Wyse's Forks. After falling back a short distance they reformed on each side of the road and regained some of the lost ground.
+ The 85th NY Infantry failed to join up with Col. Upham and returned through the woods with a small loss. A strong line of skirmishers were thrown out well in his front, connecting on his right with those of the 1st Division, XXIII Corps, and extending to his left across the Trent Road; the enemy's advance was checked. During that afternoon and night nothing beyond occasional skirmish firing took place.
+ On March 9th, he extended and strengthened his works. Once, the enemy drove his skirmishers from their advance rifle-pits, but these were soon retaken. The works on his left, east of the Trent Road, were so strong they helped materially in repulsing the rebel attack the following day. Around noon on March 10th, his left skirmish line was driven in by the enemy, who advanced in strong force up the Trent Road and attacked his left with vigor. His men took less than an hour to repulse this attack and the enemy was driven back with loss and confusion.
+ Soon thereafter, the enemy attacked his right, but it was easly repulsed. Between 200 and 300 prisoners were captured in front of the lines of his division. When his skirmishers advanced on the morning of March 11th, they found that the Confederates had retreated during the night.

+ On March 7th, his brigade was ordered into position, his left resting on the Dover Road and his right crossing and resting about 200 yards to the right of the Trent Road. That evening, his troops constructed their earth-works.
+ At 4:00 p.m. on March 8th, Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter ordered him to advance his skirmishers and line of battle in connection with the brigade of Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Ruger's division on his right and to be governed by the movement of that command. After advancing about 400 yards, that command halted and began erecting works, and he immediately followed the example.
+ On the morning of March 9th, he was ordered to erect works on the Trent Road; 150 men were detailed for that purpose. About 5:30 p.m. the enemy advanced a heavy line and attacked his skirmishers, who drove them back in confusion. The enemy attacked again after a few minutes and drove in his skirmishers on his right and left. Discovering that the enemy had flanked his right, the Captain of his skirmishers ordered his men to retire to the pits dug the previous night. Col. Malloy was ordered to regain those advance rifle-pits, which was accomplished about 9:00 p.m.
+ About 1:30 o'clock of March 10th, the enemy attacked and again drove in his skirmishers on his right and left, compelling them to fall back to the inner line of rifle-pits to avoid being out-flanked. Col. Malloy ordered his artillery to sweep the front with shell, which checked the enemy's advance. About 2:30 o'clock the enemy charged again and succeeded in driving in his skirmishers, who fell back to their main works. He ordered the artillery on the Dover Road to open with shell and two (2) companies to the right and left of it to open with musketry, which completely repulsed the enemy, who did not attack again.

+ On March 7th, his command was ordered to Jackson's Mills to relieve a portion of the 1st Division, 2nd Brigade and his troops arrived about 4:00 p.m. Soon after, a section of Battery I, 3rd NY Light Artillery, reported to him and he placed them such that they were commanding the bridge and enemy works beyond.
+ On March 8th, after receiving new information, he directed the 27th MA Infantry across the British Road about 400-500 yards from the Dover Road. Around noon, brisk skirmishing erupted along Southwest Creek, then the Confederates made a sudden attack from the east side of the British Road and in a few minutes had possession of the cross-roads. Simultaneously, the Confederates crossed the creek on his right, driving in his pickets, and almost completely surrounding his command.
+ He concluded this brief report with his brigade's casualties: On March 8th—23 officers and 861 men killed, wounded, and missing; On March 10th— 2 men killed and 4 men wounded.

On April 15, 1865, Col. Upham sent a slightly longer report to Brig. Gen. H.J. Morse, the Adjutant General for the State of Connecticut. Highlights not provided above include:

+ His regiment marched from New Bern on March 2nd with 20 officers and 700 men and reached Core Creek on March 3rd. He was given command of the 2nd Brigade, which included the 15th CT Infantry that he split into two separate battalions because he had received a large number of temporary new recruits from Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, and the 27th MA Infantry.
+ On March 6th, his troops marched towards Kinston on the Dover Road, which was through swamps and heavily blocked by felled trees. His men had to cut through the debris to allow passage of the artillery and supply wagons. He met no enemy until he was near Southwest Creek, where the Confederates had well-entrenched artillery and infantry.
+ At 2:00 p.m. on March 7th, he was ordered to the left to relieve other Union troops at Jackson's Mills. He sent out two (2) companies as skirmishers, while other brigades in the 2nd Division went into camp at Wyse's Forks, a mile and a half in his rear, and his left covered by cavalry. There was occasional firing from artillery on both sides and on the skirmish line until dark. He sent one (1) battalion forward to within 100 yards of the enemy's works during that night.
+ At 10:00 a.m. on March 8th, the enemy opened up with artillery, which was returned by his guns, and the skirmish line became briskly engaged. The remainder of this report repeats much of his earlier report above.

+ On March 8th, one of his companies, which had been stationed on the British Road behind the 2nd Brigade, was attacked by the enemy in force. After making "a stout though prudent resistance retired," having lost 2 non-commissioned offiers and 3 privates. This company returned to his command the next day. About 10:00 a.m., he was ordered to send a battalion of 200 men to assist in checking the enemy's advance; and this battalion moved promptly and engaged the enemy with much spirit and effect.
+ One of his officers suggested an attempt to recapture a piece of artillery recently lost; he reached the gun but had trouble cutting the dead horse's harnesses, and as the enemy got close he was forced to abandon this attempt. The enemy pressed, with several short stands by his troops, but his works were eventually reached by the enemy.
+ During the remainder of that day his skirmish line was kept busily engaged, and the enemy's artillery poured a steady fire on his works, killing a non-commissioned officer and seriously wounding one (1) private.
+ On March 9th, his skirmish line was again busily engaged all day, sometimes driven by the enemy and sometimes driving him.
+ On March 10th, his skirmish line was hotly engaged offering a stubborn resistance to superior numbers. That afternoon, the enemy made an attack in force on his front line between Trent Road and his center. In this fight, his men were assisted by all of Battery A, 3rd NY Artillery. During this assault, the 25th MA Infantry (under his command) lost one (1) officers severely wounded, 2 privates killed, and 4 men wounded.
+ In conclusion, he included an account of all casualties: 8 killed, 19 wounded, and 16 missing.

"General Bragg reports that he attacked the enemy yesterday four miles in front of Kinston and drove him from his position. Hi disputed the ground obstinately, and took a new line three miles from his first. We captured 3 pieces of artillery and 1,500 prisoners. The number of enemy's dead and wounded on the field is large; ours comparatively small. The troops behaved most handsomely, and Major-Generals Hill and Hoke exhibited their accustomed zeal and gallantry.

"R.E. Lee."

On March 11, 1865, General Lee sent another report to John C. Breckinridge:

"General Bragg reports that enemy intrenched himself in the position to which he was driven on the 8th, and therefore had not been dislodged; also that a heavy forces was moving from Wilmington on his right and rear, which would oblige him to return....

"R.E. Lee."

"We attacked the enemy to-day about four miles in front of Kinston, and drove him from his position. He disputed the ground obstinately, and now confronts us about three miles from his original line. We captured three pieces of artillery and several hundred prisoners. The number of his dead and wounded left on the field is large. Our loss, under Providence, is comparatively small. Major-Generals Hill and Hoke have exhibited their usual zeal, energy, and gallantry in achieving this result. Our troops behaved most handsomely.

"(The above portion of this dispatch sent to General Lee, Petersburg, Va., and Colonel Sale, assistant adjutant-general, Department of North Carolina, Goldsborough. The whole sent to General J.E. Johnston.)

"Schofield is not in our front. Major-General Cox, from Western Virginia, is reported by prisoners to be in command, with three divisions.

"Braxton Bragg."

On March 10, 1865, General Bragg sent another three (3) reports to Gen. Joseph E. Johnston:

"3:45 p.m.,

"The enemy is strongly intrenched in the position to which we drove him. Yesterday and to-day we have moved on his flanks, but without gaining any decided advantage. His line is extensive, and prisoners report large re-enforcements. Under these conditions I deem it best, with the information you give, to join you, which I shall proceed to do, unless otherwise directed.

"Braxton Bragg."

"5 p.m.,

"My cavalry is retreating before a heavy column of the enemy now in Onslow County, moving from Wilmington on my right and rear. Deserters from Wilmington confirm this report.

"Braxton Bragg."

"6 p.m.,

"There is no dooubt about the movement of a heavy column from Wilmington in this direction. Will you have any means of delaying Sherman so as to enable me to save supplies, or must the junction be immediate?

"Braxton Bragg."

+ He was temporarily in command of Lt. Gen. Stephen D. Lee's (CSA, Army of Tennessee) and on March 7th, General Joseph E. Johnston (CSA, Army of Tennessee) ordered him to co-operate with General Braxton Bragg (CSA, Department of North Carolina) in an attack against Union forces near Kinston, NC. His division was led by Col. John G. Coltart (50th AL Regiment); his troops and Brig. Gen. Edmund M. Pettus's brigade were at once placed on railcars and sent to the Neuse River below Kinston that night, where they encamped.
+ Before daylight on March 8th, his troops relieved Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke's (CSA, Department of North Carolina) division in the trenches on Southwest Creek, while Maj. Gen. Hoke made a flank movement to the Union left. Maj. Gen. Henry D. Clayton's (CSA, Army of Tennessee) arrived at about 8:00 a.m. and was sent to co-operate with Maj. Gen. Hoke.
+ Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood's (CSA, SC) brigade and the North Carolina Junior Reserves brigade under Brig. Gen. Laurence S. Baker (CSA, NC) were added to Maj. Gen. Hill's command, and he was ordered to cross the creek and to co-operate with Maj. Gen. Hoke as soon as firing was heard.
+ When firing opened up, Brig. Gen. Baker crossed Southwest Creek, and the Junior Reserves advanced handsomely... The rest of his statement about the Junior Reserves has been disputed. He then directed Brig. Gen. Baker to hold his position, while the remainder of his command would go around the swamp, which constituted the Union right. The enemy ran in the wildest confusion. He nothing more to do but to press forward rapidly and intercept the enemy fleeing Maj. Gen. Hoke's division.
+ One company with 45 skirmishers took about 300 Union prisoners and the captain reported that the Union rout was more complete than he had ever seen.
+ He then received a note from Gen. Braxton Bragg's Adjutant General directing him down the Neuse Road until it struck the British Road. He pushed on rapidly to West's house around 4:30 p.m. and threw a picket across to the British Road, but saw no enemy. He needed to move over to Tracy Swamp and get upon the railroad and the Dover Road. By now, Brig. Gen. Baker and a battery of artillery joined him, and he now had a little over 2,000 men.
+ The firing was heavy in his rear, which indicated that Maj. Gen. Hoke was not driving the enemy. A consultation was held with his officers and all but Brig. Gen. Baker thought it too late and too hazardous to march three or four (3-4) miles farther to reach Tracy Swamp. He soon received a message from Gen. Bragg to return, if too late to strike a blow. He made the march without loss.
+ On the road, another staff officer from Gen. Bragg directed him to recross at Jackson's Mill and go down the Dover Road and unite with Maj. Gen. Hoke; this junction was formed about midnight. Maj. Gen. Clayton, who had been operating with Maj. Gen. Hoke, once more joined his corps under Maj. Gen. Hill.
+ As of the morning of March 9th, he reported that he now had a line of breast-works along the British Road, and another at nearly right angles to it, covering the railroad down to Southwest Creek. These were held by fragments of the Army of Tennessee and Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood's brigade, all under his command. The NC Junior Reserves were in the works on Southwest Creek and no longer under his command.
+ Maj. Gen. Hoke attempted a flank movement on his left but found the Union troops strongly entrenched and did not attack; he returned and took position on Maj. Gen. Hill's right.
+ On March 10th, Maj. Gen. Edward C. Walthall arrived with a portion of Lt. Gen. Alexander P. Stewart's (CSA, Army of Tennessee) corps. Brig. Gen. Hagood's (SC) brigade was relieved by Col. John N.Whitford's (NC) brigade, which was then placed under Maj. Gen. Hill. Gen. Bragg informed him that he had ordered Maj. Gen. Hoke to make a flank movement to his right and directed Maj. Gen. Hill to co-operate with him on his front. At the appointed signal all moved forward with alacrity and the entrenched line of Union skirmishers was taken.
+ This threw his line of battle so far forward that he called upon Col. Coltart for 300 men to cover his left flank, and this was promptly accomplished. He then learned that Maj. Gen. Hoke was retiring after finding the Union forces strongly entrenched with Brig. Gen. William W. Kirkland's (NC) brigade getting roughly handled.
+ Gen. Bragg directed his line to fall back to the entrenchments on the British Road, which was effected without loss. That night, he crossed the Neuse River and encamped near Kinston. The Union forces did not follow.
+ Maj. Gen. Hill concluded with identifying his casualties: 11 men killed, 107 men wounded, and 16 men missing.

General Braxton Bragg — Commanding Officer,
Assistant Adjutant General (Maj.) F.S. Parker,

Hoke's Division — Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke,
Temp. Chief of Staff - Col. John H. Nethercutt (of the 66th NC Regiment),
Assistant Adjutant General (Maj.) T.B. Venable
Assistant Adjutant General (Maj.) A. Vanderhorst,

Baker's Brigade — Brig. Gen. Laurence S. Baker (most xferred to Maj. Gen. D.H. Hill),

1st NC Battalion-Junior Reserves: — Capt. Charles M. Hall (not xferred),
Company A — 1st Lt. J.J. Culberson,
Company B — Capt. J.L. Eaves,
Company C — Capt. William C.P. Lane (wounded),
Company D — Capt. John A. Stephenson,
Company E — Capt. Sydney A. Conrad,

1st NC Regiment-Junior Reserves: Col. Frank S. Armistead,
Lt. Col. Charles W. Broadfoot,
Maj. Walter M. Clark,
Adjutant Alexander T. Loudon,
Company A — Capt. Charles Price,
Company B — 1st Lt. Richard H. Andrews,
Company C — Capt. Alfred M. Heitman,
Company D — Capt. Cornelius J. Richardson,
Company E — 1st Lt. Thomas C. Neal,
Company F — 2nd Lt. Winfield S. Lineberry,
Company G — Capt. Thomas L. Lea,
Company H — Capt. James A. Faison,
Company I — 1st Lt. William F. Hargrave,
Company K — Capt. Frank S. Faison

2nd NC Regiment-Junior Reserves: — Col. John H. Anderson,
Lt. Col. William F. Beasley,
Maj. Nathaniel A. Gregory,
Company A — Capt. David E. McKinne,
Company B — Capt. William H. Overman,
Company C — Capt. James Q. Holland,
Company D — Capt. John H. Wells,
Company E — 1st Lt. William G. Hunter,
Company F — 1st Lt. Bartley H. Benton,
Company G — Capt. Jesse W. Grainger,
Company H — Capt. Joseph J. Laughinghouse,
Company I — 3rd Lt. John Q. Adams,
Company K — Capt. William R. Williams,

3rd NC Regiment-Junior Reserves: — Col. John W. Hinsdale,
Lt. Col. William F. French,
Maj. Alfred B. Ellington,
Company A — Capt. John W. Pitts,
Company B — 1st Lt. A.M. Craig,
Company C — 1st Lt. Glaucus Mason,
Company D — Capt. John D. Kerr, Sr.
Company E — 2nd Lt. James M. Bandy,
Company F — 1st Lt. George R. White,
Company G — Capt. Lambert A. Bristol,
Company H. — Capt. Daniel S. Byrd,
Company I — Capt. Angus B. McCallum,
Company K — Capt. Frank M. Hamlin,

Clingman's Brigade — Col. William S. DeVane,

8th NC Regiment — Lt. Col. Rufus A. Barrier,
Company A — Capt. Daniel A. Sawyer,
Company B — "Shaw Guards" — Capt. Thomas J. Jarvis,
Company C — Sgt. Nathan D.D. May,
Company D — 2nd Lt. James C. Cooper,
Company E — "Manchester Guards" — 1st Lt. Benjamin R. Hargrove,
Company F — Capt. John E. Dugger,
Company G — "General Bragg Guards" — Capt. Amos J. Hines,
Company H — Capt. Jonas Cook,
Company I — 2nd Lt. Wilson S. Caffey,
Company K — Capt. Pinkney A. Kennerly,

31st NC Regiment — Lt. Col. Charles W. Knight,
Adjutant Edward K. Bryan,
Company A — 1st Lt. William W. Freeman,
Company B — "O.K. Boys" — 3rd Lt. Joseph W. Allison,
Company C — "Chalybeate Guards" — Capt. William J. Long,
Company D — Capt. Ruffin L. Bryant,
Company E — Capt. Julius F. Allison,
Company F — 2nd Lt. Arthur B. Knight,
Company G — Sgt. C.C. Furguson,
Company H — Capt. John W. Smith,
Company I — "Cape Fear Boys" — 1st Lt. Edmund J. Williams,
Company K — Capt. Joseph Whitty,

51st NC Regiment — Capt. James W. Lippitt,
Company A — Capt. Edward Southerland,
Company B — "Warsaw Sampsons" — Capt. Thomas J. Herring,
Company C — "Duplin Stars" — Capt. Edward Watson,
Company D — "Scotch Tigers" — 1st Lt. Hector McEachern,
Company E — "Clay Valley Rangers" — 3rd Lt. Hiram V. Houston,
Company F — "Ashpole True Boys" — Capt. William S. Norment,
Company G — 1st Lt. Jacob A. Evans,
Company H — "Columbus Light Infantry" — Capt. Samuel W. Maultsby,
Company I — 2nd Lt. Charles T. Guy,
Company K — "Confederate Stars" — 3rd Lt. Eli Dudley, Jr.,

61st NC Regiment — Lt. Col. Edward B. Mallett,
Adjutant John W. Mallett,
Company A — "DeVane's Company" — 3rd Lt. Francis M. Carroll,
Company B — "Harding's Company" — 2nd Lt. John T. Wilkinson,
Company C — "Neuse Guards" — 2nd Lt. James C. Lanier,
Company D — "Vance Guards" — Capt. Nathan A. Ramsey,
Company E — "Eastern Stars" — 3rd Lt. Henry H. Rasberry,
Company F — "Trio Guards" — 2nd Lt. John B. Belcher,
Company G — "Moore's Company" — Capt. Augustus D. Lippitt,
Company H — "Hill Guards" — Capt. John D. Biggs, Sr.,
Company I — "Alleghany Rangers" — Capt. George Grimsley,
Company K — "Koonce's State Guerrillas" — Capt. Stephen W. Noble,

Colquitt's Brigade — Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Colquitt,
Lt. Hugh H. Colquitt — Aide-de-Camp,
Lt. Harry Estill — Ordnance Officer,

6th GA Regiment — Col. John T. Lofton,
19th GA Regiment — Col. James H. Neal,
23rd GA Regiment — Col. Marcus R. Ballenger,
27th GA Regiment — Capt. Elisha D. Graham,
28th GA Regiment — Capt. John A. Johnson,

Kirkland's Brigade — Brig. Gen. William W. Kirkland (NC),
Acting Assistant Adjutant & Inspector General (Maj.) Lucius J. Johnson (POW),
Assistant Adjutant General (Capt.) Charles G. Elliott,
Aide-de-Camp (Lt.) Albert Stoddard,

17th NC Regiment (State Troops) — Col. William F. Martin,
Lt. Col. Thomas H. Sharp,
Company A — "Roanoke Guards" — Capt. William Biggs,
Company B — "Stonewall Rifles" — 1st Lt. James H. Wahab,
Company C — "Hertford Light Infantry" — Capt. Lewis F. Everett,
Company D — Capt. Norman L. Shaw,
Company E — Capt. John L. Swain,
Company F — Capt. George B. Daniel,
Company G — "Morris Guards" — Capt. Thomas J. Norman,
Company H — "Liberty Guards" — Capt. Stuart L. Johnston,
Company I — Capt. William H. Powell,
Company K — "Tar River Boys" — Capt. Howard Wiswall, Jr.,
Company L — "John Harvey Guards" — Capt. Thomas H. Gilliam,

42nd NC Regiment (State Troops) — Col. John E. Brown,
Lt. Col. Charles W. Bradshaw,
Maj. Thomas J. Brown,
Company A — 2nd Lt. Alpheus E. Siceliff (POW),
2nd Company B — Capt. James R. Crawford,
Company C — Capt. Robert A. Carter,
Company D — 3rd Lt. A.M. Foster,
Company E — Capt. Spencer J. Hanes,
Company F — Capt. Wiley A. Clement,
Company G — Capt. James A. Blackwelder,
Company H — Capt. Jackson M. Hartsell (POW),
Company I — Capt. Thomas W. Redwine,
Company K — Capt. Sydenham B. Alexander,

66th NC Regiment (State Troops) — Maj. David S. Davis,
Adjutant George M. Rose,
Company A — "The Orange Boys" — 2nd Lt. George B. Pearce,
Company B — Capt. Winfield S. Mitchell,
Company C — 1st Sgt. Benjamin W. Herring,
Company D — Capt. Windal T. Robinson,
Company E — "Cockade Rifles" — 3rd Lt. John Hall,
Company F — 1st Lt. Samuel S. Carter (wounded),
Company G — "The Rough & Readys" — 1st Lt. William C. Brandon,
Company H — 1st Lt. Willis W. Cherry,
Company I — Capt. Jesse P. Williams,
Company K — 1st Lt. Alvin Bagley,

10th NC Regiment (1st Artillery) Detachment:
2nd Company I — "Wilmington Horse Artillery" — Capt. Thomas J. Southerland.

Hagood's Brigade — Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood (SC) (xferred to Maj. Gen. D.H. Hill, then back),

7th SC Battalion — Lt. Col. James H. Rion,
11th SC Regiment — Col. F. Hay Gantt,
21st SC Regiment — Col. Robert F. Graham,
25th SC Regiment —
27th SC Regiment — Capt. Thomas B. Allston,

2nd SC Cavalry Detachment — Col. Thomas J. Lipscomb,
Unidentified Companies led by Unknowns,

Independent Company — Capt. John W. Galloway, Jr.'s (absent) Company;
2nd Lt. Washington Holden,

Independent Company — Capt. William J. McDugald's Company (Infantry),
Capt. William J. McDugald,

Artillery Detachments — Col. John J. Hedrick (wounded),

36th NC Regiment (2nd Artillery) Detachment: — Lt. Col. John D. Taylor,
2nd Company F — "Pamlico Artillery" — Capt. Samuel B. Hunter,
Company K — "Brunswick Artillery" — Capt. William F. Brooks,

40th NC Regiment (3rd Artillery) Detachment — Col. John J. Hedrick (wounded),
Maj. William A. Holland,
Adjutant James B. Hancock,
Company A — "Lenoir Braves" — Capt. Ancram W. Ezzell,
Company B — "McMillan Artillery" — 1st Lt. Selby Hardenberg,
Company C — "Bridger's Artillery" — Capt. John E. Leggett,
Company F — "Robertson's Battery" — Capt. John C. Robertson,
2nd Company H — "Barnes' Battery" — Capt. Calvin Barnes,
Company I — "Whitehurst's Artillery" — Capt. Charles C. Whitehurst,

1st NC Battalion-Heavy Artillery Detachment: — Maj. Alexander McRae,
Company A — "Clark Artillery" — Capt. Robert G. Rankin,
Company B — "River Guards" — Capt. John W. Taylor,
Company C — "Brown's Battery" — Capt. William H. Brown,
Company D Remnants — Cpl. James W. Allen,

3rd NC Battalion-Light Artillery Detachment:
Company A — "Northampton Artillery" — Capt. Andrew J. Ellis,
Company B — "Albemarle Artillery" or "Edenton Bell Battery" — Capt. William Badham, Jr.,

13th NC Battalion-Light Artillery Detachment: — Col. Stephen D. Pool,
Lt. Col. Joseph B. Starr,
Company B — "Starr's Battery" — Capt. George B. Atkins,
Company C — "Cumming's Battery" — Capt. James D. Cumming,
Company D — "Adams's Battery" — 1st Lt. Samuel H. Forbes,
Company E — "Dickson's Battery" — Capt. Henry Dickson

Independent Company — Capt. Abner A. Moseley's Company (aka Sampson Artillery) — Capt. Abner A. Moseley,

Independent Company — Chesterfield Light Artillery (SC) — Capt. James I. Kelly,

Whitford's Brigade — Col. John N. Whitford (xferred to Maj. Gen. D.H. Hill on March 10th),

65th NC Regiment Detachment (arrived March 10th) — Col. George N. Folk,
Lt. Alfred H. Baird,
Maj. John J. Spann,
Company B — Capt. William B. Councill,
Company C — Capt. James S. Folk,
Company D — Capt. R.C. Evans,
Company E — Capt. William E. McDowell,
2nd Company G — Capt. James Cansler,
Company H — Capt. Junius C. Tate,
Company I — 3rd Lt. David V. Smith,
Company K — 1st Lt. Romulus W. Brown,

67th NC Regiment — Lt. Col. Rufus W. Wharton,
Maj. Edward Whitford,
Adjutant Samuel G. Schenck,
Company A — Capt. James H. Tolson,
Company B — Capt. Stephen G. Barrington,
Company C — Capt. Owen J. Pate,
Company D — Capt. Daniel A. Cogdell,
Company E — Capt. Joseph M. White,
Company F — Capt. David P. Whitford,
Company G — Capt. Asa W. Jones,
Company H — "Tecumseh Scouts — Capt. Christopher D. Foy,
Company I — Capt. Edward F. White,
Company K — Capt. Joseph D. Myers,

68th NC Regiment — Lt. Col. Edward C. Yellowley,
Maj. Willis B. Sanderlin,
Adjutant Joseph N. Hinton,
Company A — Capt. Thomas H. Tamplin,
Company B — Capt. Fred M. Halstead,
Company C — 1st Sgt. Alexander G. Barco,
Company D — Capt. Levi Askew,
Company E — Capt. Langley Tayloe,
Company F — Capt. William M. Sutton,
Company G — Capt. Willis W. Morrissette,
Company H — Capt. Richard Keogh,
Company I — Capt. William M. Daughtry,
Company K — Capt. Simon B. Pool,

Army of Tennessee Detachment — Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill,
Assistant Adjutant General (Maj.) J.W. Ratchford,
Assistant Inspector General (Maj.) William Elliott,
Acting Aide-de-Camp (Capt.) W.A. Gibbes,
Aide-de-Camp (Lt.) J.A. Reid,

Clayton's Division — Maj. Gen. Henry D. Clayton,

Stovall's Brigade — Col. Henry C. Kellogg,
40th GA Regiment —
41st GA Regiment —
42nd GA Regiment —
43rd GA Regiment —

Jackson's Brigade — Lt. Col. James C. Gordon,
1st-66th GA Regiment —
25th GA Regiment —
29th-30th GA Regiment —
1st GA Battalion-Sharpshooters —

Pettus's Brigade — Brig. Gen. Edmund M. Pettus,
20th AL Regiment —
30th AL Regiment —

Hill's Division — Col. John G. Coltart,

Manigault's Brigade — Lt. Col. John C. Carter,
10th SC Regiment —
19th SC Regiment —

Deas' Brigade — Col. Harry Toulmin,
22nd AL Regiment —
25th AL Regiment —
39th AL Regiment —
50th AL Regiment —

Stewart's Corps Detachment (Mar. 10th) — Maj. Gen. Edward C. Walthall,

Scott's Brigade — Capt. John A. Dixon,
12th LA Regiment —
25th-35th-49th AL Regiment —

Quarles's Brigade — Brig. Gen. George D. Johnston,
1st AL Regiment —
17th AL Regiment —
29th AL Regiment —
42nd-46th-49th-53rd-55th TN Regiment —

Featherston's Brigade — Maj. Martin A. Oatis,
1st MS Regiment —
3rd MS Regiment —
22nd MS Regiment —
31st MS Regiment —
33rd MS Regiment —
40th MS Regiment —
1st MS Battalion —

Lowry's Brigade — Lt. Col. Robert Lawrence,
6th MS Regiment —
14th MS Regiment —
15th MS Regiment —
20th MS Regiment —
23rd MS Regiment —
43rd MS Regiment —

Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield — Commanding Officer (3/8-3/10),
Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox — Commanding Officer (3/6-3/8),
Brig. Gen. George S. Greene — Staff Volunteer,
Bvt. Brig. Gen. Israel N. Stiles — Staff Volunteer,
Assistant Adjutant General (Maj.) Theodore Cox,
Inspector General (Maj.) T.T. Dow,
Aide-de-Camp (Capt.) E.E. Tracy,
Aide-de-Camp (Capt.) Hobart Ford,

XXIII Corps, 1st Division — Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Ruger,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General (Maj.) Joshua Healey,
Assistant Adjutant General of Volunteers (Capt.) Henry A. Hale,
Aide-de-Camp (Capt.) Andrew Davis,

1st Brigade — Col. John M. Orr,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General (Lt.) John W. Walker,
120th IN Infantry — Col. Allen W. Prather,
124th IN Infantry — Lt. Col. H.H. Neff,
128th IN Infantry — Lt. Col. Jasper Packard,
180th OH Infantry — Col. Willard Warner,

2nd Brigade — Col. John C. McQuiston,
123rd IN Infantry — Lt. Col. Dewitt C. Walters,
129th IN Infantry — Capt. David Bennett,
130th IN Infantry — Col. Charles S. Parrish.
28th MI Infantry — Col. W.W. Wheeler,

3rd Brigade — Bvt. Brig. Gen. Minor T. Thomas,
8th MN Infantry — Maj. George A. Camp,
174th OH Infantry — Col. J.S. Jones,
178th OH Infantry — Col. J.A. Stafford,

Artillery:
1st MI Light Artillery, Company F — Capt. B.D. Paddock,
5th IL Light Artillery (Elgin Battery) — Capt. A.M. Wood,

District of Beaufort, 1st Division — Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer (wounded),
Assistant Inspector General (Lt. Col.) Strong,
Assistant Adjutant General (Capt.) J.A. Judson,
Aide-de-Camp (Lt.) Goodrich,
Aide-de-Camp (Lt.) Ketcham,

1st Brigade — Brig. Gen. Edward Harland,
Acting Inspector General (Lt. Col.) Burnham,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General (Capt.) J.D. Parker, Jr.,
Aide-de-Camp (Lt.) Arms,
Aide-de-Camp (Lt.) Hyde,
9th NJ Infantry — Col. James Stewart, Jr.,
23rd MA Infantry — Col. John W. Raymond,
2nd MA Heavy Artillery (serving as Infantry) — Lt. Col. Augustus B.R. Sprague,
Company B —
Company C —
Company F —
Company I —
Company M —

2nd Brigade — Col. Peter J. Claassen,
132nd NY Infantry — Lt. Col. Hitchcock,
Meagher's Provisional Infantry/Convalescents — Lt. Col. Curtiss,

Artillery:
3rd NY Light Artillery Detachment:
Battery D — Capt. Stephen Van Heusen,

3rd Brigade — Col. Horace Boughton,
18th WI Infantry —
1st Battalion of Provisional Troops (TN) —
2nd Battalion of Provisional Troops (TN) —

Artillery:
3rd NY Light Artillery Detachment:
Battery C — Capt. W.E. Mercer,

Cavalry:
12th NY Cavalry Detachment — Maj. Floyd Clarkson,

District of Beaufort, 2nd Division — Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter,
Acting Inspector General (Maj.) Gratz,
Assistant Adjutant General (Capt.) H.H. Thomas,
Acting Aide-de-Camp (Capt.) Devine,
Aide-de-Camp (Lt.) Bell,

1st Brigade — Col. Adam G. Malloy,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General (1st Lt.) W.P.L. Muir,
Acting Assistant Inspector General (Capt.) Charles H. Haskin,
85th NY Infantry — Capt. King,
1st Battalion of Provisional Troops —
2nd Battalion of Provisional Troops —
3rd Battalion of Provisional Troops — Capt. Howard,

2nd Brigade — Col. Charles L. Upham,
15th CT Infantry-1st Battalion — Lt. Col. Samuel Tolles,
15th CT Infantry-2nd Battalion — Maj. Osborne,
27th MA Infantry —

3rd Brigade — Lt. Col. Henry Splaine,
17th MA Infantry —
25th MA Infantry —

Artillery:
3rd NY Light Artillery Detachment —
Battery A — Capt. Samuel P. Russell,
Battery G — Capt. William A. Kelsey,
Battery I — Capt. James R. Angel,

Cavalry:
12th NY Cavalry Detachment — Col. James W. Savage,
NC Independent Cavalry Troop — Capt. Graham.

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Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume I, edited by Walter Clar, PP.387-415.
Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume II, edited by Walter Clark, PP.1-13, PP.629-651, PP.745-765, PP.788-807.
Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume III, edited by Walter Clark, PP.205-221, PP.503-514, PP.685-701, PP.703-711, PP.713-728.
Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65 - Volume IV, edited by Walter Clark, PP.8-23, PP.24-34, PP.35-63, PP.303-313, PP.341-354, PP.385-396.

North Carolina Troops: 1861-1865, A Roster, Volume I, PP.373-374.
North Carolina Troops: 1861-1865, A Roster, Volume II, P.456.
North Carolina Troops: 1861-1865, A Roster, Volume IV, P.520.
North Carolina Troops: 1861-1865, A Roster, Volume VI, P.203.
North Carolina Troops: 1861-1865, A Roster, Volume VIII, P.428.
North Carolina Troops: 1861-1865, A Roster, Volume X, P.190.
North Carolina Troops: 1861-1865, A Roster, Volume XII, P.273.
North Carolina Troops: 1861-1865, A Roster, Volume XIV, PP.641-642.
North Carolina Troops: 1861-1865, A Roster, Volume XV, PP.304-306, PP.421-423, PP.523-524.
North Carolina Troops: 1861-1865, A Roster, Volume XVII, PP.99-105.

Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume XLVII, Part I, P.62, P.912, PP.932-933, PP.939-944, PP.948-950, PP.980-1001, P.1045, P.1052, PP.1078-1079, PP.1086-1089.

Battle of Wyse's Fork, NC — Wikipedia,

3rd NY Light Artillery