[On November 14, 1861, North Carolina Adjutant General James G. Martin issued his order for all Volunteer regiments to change their numerical designation by adding ten (10) to their existing regiment number. Therefore, the 10th NC Volunteers was to be renamed as the 20th NC Regiment (of State Troops). However, this was not embraced by any of the regiments until their one-year enlistment was up and the officers were allowed to elect new leaders. This regiment was officially re-organized from March 26 to April 26, 1862, almost a year after the first company was commissioned.]

I will not attempt to make a display of imaginary history, embellished by thirty-odd years of afterthought, or supply the deficiencies of facts or memory by substituting circumstances which are more pleasing than actual. Such facts as I can collect I desire to arrange in some order consistent with happenings. I cannot do justice to a single brave soldier of the regiment, and can only recollect the smallest part of that which ought to be written of the noble 20th NC Regiment. The 20th NC Regiment began as the 10th NC Volunteers regiment in June of 1861, comprised of companies from the counties of Brunswick, Cabarrus, Columbus, Duplin, and Sampson, stationed at Smithville (now Southport) and nearby Fort Caswell on Oak Island.

The regiment remained on duty at Smithville (now Southport), Fort Caswell, and Wilmington, detailed by companies or as a whole, until May of 1862. The duties were neither dangerous or burdensome, in fact the men of the regiment became restless under their inaction and urged to be sent where they could take part in the glorious triumphs which made famous the Army of Virginia, for they, too, longed to snatch from the shock of battle, the clash of resounding arms, the sulphurous canopy and din of courageous conflict, glimpses of the bright laurels the future historian would weave around the ensanguined brow of those who for their country "dare to do or die."

We left North Carolina and arrived at Richmond a few days before the battle of Seven Pines, one thousand and twelve (1,012) strong, rank and file. Placed in Brig. Gen. Samuel Garland's (VA) Brigade, camping on the left of the Williamsburg Road, we were soon initiated into the realities of a soldier's life.

Inspired by Brig. Gen. Robert Rodes (AL) on our right and Brig. Joseph R. Anderson (VA) supporting and protecting our left, the regiment entered into the fight at Seven Pines with spirit and unflinching courage. The first man wounded was Alonzo Williamson of Company K, the ball passing through him and striking Capt. Thomas F. Toon of Company K, slightly wounding him. W. R. Williamson was also wounded. During this fight Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill's (NC) Division did the greater part of the fighting, he losing more than one-third of his effective strength.

The scene around Mechanicsville on June 26th, was not such as is calculated to cheer raw troops, by any means—dead or dying artillery horses, booming cannon, shot, shell bursting, and some large white eyes, and occasionally some requests: "Captain, if I am killed, you will find money in my left-hand breeches pocket to send my body home," showing an interesting realization of surrounding circumstances, but no fear.

Gaines's Mill, June 27, 1862, Corporal Kiah P Harris, Company A; Alfred Litaker, Company B; Corporal W. B. Collins, Company D; Corporal Caleb M. Spivey, Company D, were killed. Sergeant J. Peterson, Company E; C. C. Little, Company G, were wounded. Col. Alfred Iverson was wounded, as well.

Cold Harbor, on June 28th—Fought Federal Brig. Gen. George Sykes' regulars. Brig. Gen. Samuel Garland (VA) occupied the left of our line, entered in good order and style, charged and captured a battery twice—turned it upon the enemy with telling effect.

I recall the names of Lt. Col. Frank J. Faison, Capt. Burwell Smith, 1st Lt. Arthur N. Jones, Calvin Meares, Elisha Bullard, Elias Bullard and others of Company C; Mc Shaw, Donnie Stephens, George S. Reaves, and T. T. Mclntire, killed on June 27, 1862, at the battle of Gaines's Mill. Capt. John S. Brooks, Col. Alfred Iverson, Capt. Thomas F. Toon and W. D. Cherry, wounded.

In the Century, Vol. II, "Battles and Leaders of the Civil War," it was noted that Brig. Gen. Samuel Garland (VA) accorded to the 20th NC Regiment the honor of deciding the fate of the day by this charge and capture. After the various conflicts mentioned the regiment returned with the division to camp on the York River Railroad below Richmond. Left there by General Robert E. Lee to watch the remaining force of Federal Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan we joined the army on the march against Maj. Gen. John Pope as soon as those troops left Westover. In July or August we left camp for the Army of Northern Virginia and were engaged watching Federal Brig. Gen. Andrew Porter and holding his force in check while the Second Battle of Manassas was being fought.

On September 14, 1862, was fought the battle of South Mountain, or Boonsboro Gap, which Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill (NC) called a battle of delusions. When ready to make disposition of his small force to dispute the passage of the Union Army at that Thermopylae, he found Brig. Gen. Samuel Garland (VA) at the Mountain House. He was directed to the summit of the mountain at Fox's Gap, his force less than one thousand (1,000) men. About 9 o'clock he encountered Federal Brig. Gen. Jacob D. Cox's Division, about three times as many. In this battle the 20th NC Regiment was unflinchingly suffering from the deadly fire of a Union battery. Capt. James A. Atwell, of Company B, with his skirmishers, killed the commanding officer of the battery, but were unable by reason of the character of the ground and the force opposed to them to secure the guns. In this fight Capt. Atwell, of Company B, was killed. He was an intelligent, high-toned gentleman, an able officer and brave soldier. Brig. Gen. Samuel Garland's (VA) death renders the place solemnly historic to our brigade. Capt. Louis T. Hicks, of Company E, says the enemy came within fifteen (15) feet before the regiment retreated down the mountain, which being so steep the enemy fired over our heads.

A part of this company, and several from other companies of the 20th NC Regiment, were separated from the command, during which time their rations were green corn from the cob. Capt. Louis T. Hicks, by permission, attached this mixed crowd, of which he had assumed command, to Brig. Gen. Harry T. Hays' (LA) troops, and they faithfully did their duty as brave soldiers. A pet dog belonging to one of Brig. Gen. Hays' men was crazed with the noise and confusion of battle. A cannon ball cut the top out of a large oak, which in falling, imprisoned a skulker behind the tree. His cries for help were answered by the dog. I never saw a poor man's pants torn so badly since. He suffered more than he would have had he gone into the fight.

At the battle of Sharpsburg on September 17th, we were at the Bloody Lane which tells its own story. Assisting our commanding general to do all he set out to do, worn out with marching, fighting, starving and suffering, we re-crossed the Potomac River and went into camp at Bunker Hill. Leaving Bunker Hill on October 30th, we arrived at Upperville on November 3rd, and at Front Royal on November 5th; waded the Shenandoah River at night on November 6th, heavy snow on the ground; then operating between the forks of the Shenandoah River, guarding the passes in direction of the enemy, and threatening Federal Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan's flank and rear.

Those friends who so kindly cared for the sick Confederate soldiers ought to be remembered wherever they were, but we especially ought to thank Mr. G. W. Timberlake, near Winchester, for special service to members of my regiment. While sick at his house and threatened with capture by an advancing enemy, he risked his own safety to pilot us through a mountain road to our army. To her, that noble wife and mother of that Christian household, to her sweet child and daughter "Evelyn," a sick soldier's heart will ever turn with warmest affection and gratitude. Florence Nightingale may have more praise, but was never truer or more devoted than were these fit representatives of the women of the Shenandoah Valley. Leaving the Valley by route indicated above, we crossed the Blue Ridge Mountain, probably at Brown's Gap, and marched to Fredericksburg, thence to Port Royal at Corbin's farm.

We spent the Winter, or part of it, resting, eating government rations and luxuries at sutler's prices when we could afford it, with an occasional box from loved ones at home, when that box could thread the intricacies of transportation then in vogue, and escape the ravages of hungry employees. On December 12th, we began to cook two days' rations and have them in our haversacks to move at a moment's warning. Hurrying from camp near Port Royal we arrived during the night of December 13th in front of Fredericksburg. At Hamilton's Crossing our division was held in reserve. The first man wounded here was W. H. Enzor, of Company C, by a shell. My regiment filled part of the space which was occasioned by Brig. Gen. James J. Archer's (TX) repulse. The regiment was commanded by Maj. Nelson Slough. After months of careful preparation and upon a field of his own selection, Federal Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside was forced to acknowledge General Robert E. Lee master of the situation. General Lee in turn generously gave the credit to his brave soldiers and the honor to God. Back into winter quarters again to rest as best we could. Corbin's farm camp was the scene of some changes in our regiment.

Lt. Colonel William H. Toon resigned on February 26, 1863. Maj. Nelson Slough, Senior Capt. John S. Brooks of Company G (Brunswick County) and Capt. Thomas F. Toon of Company K (Columbus County), were ordered before a Board of Examination, composed of Col. Daniel H. Christie and Lt. Colonel Robert D. Johnston of the 23rd NC Regiment, and Col. Thomas M. Garrett of the 5th NC Regiment. Maj. Slough and Capt. Brooks waived their rights to promotion and requested the board to recommend Capt. Thomas F. Toon for Colonel of the 20th NC Regiment. After the examination was over, the appointment was accordingly made. When this recommendation and appointment was endorsed by the officers of the regiment, the office was accepted, for it was held that the regiment had a right to elect their own officers, notwithstanding the effort of the Brigadier General to have one of his own selection appointed. The advice and firm support of Brig. Gen. Alfred M. Scales (NC) and Lt. Colonel William P. Bynum, of the 2nd NC Regiment, as legal advisers are hereby acknowledged in behalf of the officers of the regiment. Camp duty, drill, picketing the Rappahannock River and an occasional general inspection, varied with snow fights between companies and sometimes regiments, occupied the remaining Winter and early Spring days. On Wednesday morning, April 29th, we moved from the camp near Grace Church to Hamilton's Crossing.

We remained here until Friday morning, when we began to move in the direction of Chancellorsville; had a skirmish that day; on Saturday morning relieved Brig. Gen. Stephen D. Ramseur's (NC) Brigade, and in doing this came near marching in column into the Yankee line, caused by thick woods. A volley of small arms and canister from a gun caused us to change our course to the left. We remained in line until 10 o'clock; then followed the Catharpin Road and overtook the division about 4 p.m. We immediately formed line for that charge which made Maj. Gen. Robert E. Rodes' (AL) Division the recipient of unqualified praise from Lt. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson (VA), and our regiment favorably mentioned by our Brigadier General. We here occupied the extreme left of our line on the left of and at right angles to the plank road, with the 23rd NC Regiment deployed and marching by right flank protecting our left. Jesse J Pounds of Company G, asks that this incident be mentioned. He writes: ''I started when you took your cap in your hand, waving it and calling on the men to follow you, led the charge. My gun got out of order and I ran to you and reported it. You said: 'This is a bad place to be without a gun. Get another and go ahead." Just then George Turner, of Company A, found a gun. He gave it to me and I overtook you, still in the lead." I remember the circumstances and the brave, inspiring conduct of Jesse J. Pounds. After the battle, we rested at the Little Church at the forks of the road in rear. We were relieved by Maj. Gen. A.P. Hill's (VA) troops. On May 3rd, about sunrise, we moved forward with the second line, and soon became engaged, owing to our front becoming uncovered. This was furious fighting, a perfect storm of shells and a mist of minie balls.

Here I saw the two Wilsons, of Company F, killed; the brother saving the watch from his brother just killed, falls on his body dead; twins in birth, twins in death. I received one wound early in the morning and before 10 o'clock two others, and left the field and regiment in command of Lt. Col. Nelson Slough. I was there long enough to witness the cool and daring bravery of Lieutenants
Oliver Williams of Company C and McQueen Coleman of Company K; 2nd Lt. Elisha W Collins of Company D; Maj. John S. Brooks, Sergeant Hawes, Corporal M. M. Harrelson, McD. Ward, Dan Coleman, George Goodman, 2nd Lt. Archibald Lawhon of Company F, and many others. Yea, all on that battle field deserved honorable memory and mention for they stood only where men can be found. In addition to the above named, Corporal C. A. Patterson of Company A; Corporal Richard Faulk of Company C; D. R. Ellis of Company B; Josiah Hudson of Company H; Newberne Tew of Company I; and Thomas A. Morris of Company K, were placed upon the roll of honor.

The next movement led us to the field of Gettysburg on July 1st, 2nd and 3rd of 1863. The reports of the battle give twenty-nine (29) killed and ninety-three (93) wounded in the 20th NC Regiment. Brig. Gen. Alfred Iverson (NC) reports 500 men of his brigade killed, lying in as good order as if on dress parade. Why these men were kept in that position when they could only die without being able to inflict injury on the enemy, I have been at a loss to understand. Lt. Oliver Williams says: "I was wounded early in the fight. I believe every man who stood up was either killed or wounded." Nearly 200 of the regiment were captured, with the colors. Capt. A. H. Galloway of the 45th NC Regiment recaptured the flag and a number of our men. Lt. Gen. Richard S. Ewell (VA) complimented the troops, who stood till the greater part had fallen in line of battle.

After Gettysburg the regiment was engaged in an affair at Hagerstown, MD, while guarding a wagon train. Maj. Gen. Robert E. Rodes (AL), in his report for 1863, says: "Those soldiers from Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina, who for weeks kept their ranks with swollen, bloody and bare feet, are the heroes of the campaign." We camped near Madison Court House in July and near Orange Court House in August, September, and October, on the Rappahannock River, near Morton's Ford. At the latter place on October 11th, a detachment from Brig. Gen. Robert D. Johnston's (NC) Brigade, consisting of the 20th NC Regiment and five (5) companies of the 12th NC Regiment, under Col. Henry E. Coleman, the whole under command of Col. Thomas F. Toon of the 20th NC Regiment, had a very brilliant affair with part of Buford's Cavalry, Brig. Gen. Lunsford L. Lomax (VA) arrived and took command. We repulsed the enemy and drove him back across the river. The brigadier was pleased to report our part in the affair as worthy of honorable mention. The following names were forwarded as worthy to be placed on the roll of honor: Charles W Yousts, Benjamin F. Blackwelder, Company A; Paul Faggart, John R. Bradford, J A. Bradford, M. C. Cline, Company B; 2nd Lt. Oliver Williams, Company C; John Killet, Company E; W. J. Gotten, Company F; William Simmons and A. S. Carney, Company G; Ransom G. Hawley, Company H; Charles H. Hall and Sergeant B. A. Brown, Company I.

On November 26th, we remained in the trenches at Morton's Ford; on November 27th, we moved out of camp, marched to Locust Grove, skirmished all day near Payne's Farm. By order from Brig. Gen. Robert D. Johnston (NC), I threw out two (2) companies to protect our left, there being a gap between our left and Maj. Gen. Edward Johnson's (GA) right. In the Mine Run affair (aka Payne's Farm), both sides wasted a great deal of powder, but did very little execution. The remainder of the Winter was spent at Taylorsville, near Hanover Junction, guarding the railroad bridges over the North and South Anna rivers; we had quite a pleasant time at this camp, good country, hospitable people, charming young ladies, all conspired to this end. On May 5, 1864, we started to the Wilderness, arriving on May 6th. We supported Brig. Gen. John B. Gordon (AL) in an attack on Federal Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's right; sharply engaged for a short while. Lt. B. Watson was killed; Federal Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour of the Sixth Army Corps, United States of America, was captured. On May 7th, we marched through dust and heat from burning woods; reached Spotsylvania Court House a short time before sunset. About this time our brigade (Brig. Gen. Robert D. Johnston's NC) was placed in Maj. Gen. Jubal A. Early's (VA) Division. On May 8th and 9th, we made unimportant moves for position. On May 10th, about 5 o'clock, Brig. Gen. Johnston's (NC) Brigade with the other brigades of the division, charged to recapture the works taken from Brig. Gen. George P. Doles (GA) by massed lines of the enemy.

How we succeeded and the credit due my regiment on that occasion is best shown by General Robert E. Lee's letter to the Secretary of War, James Seddon, a copy of which was sent to my regiment afterwards, and which is as follows:

Headquarters,
Army Northern Virginia,
May 16, 1864.

Sir:—Yesterday evening the enemy penetrated a part of our line and planted his colors upon the temporary breastworks erected by our troops. He was immediately repulsed, and among the brave men who met him the Twentieth North Carolina, under Colonel T. F. Toon, of the brigade, commanded by General R. D. Johnston, captured his flag. It was brought to me by Major Jno. S. Brooks, of that regiment, who received his promotion for gallantry in the battle of Chancellorsville, with the request that it be given to Governor Vance. I take great pleasure in complying with the wish of the gallant captors, and respectfully ask that it be granted, and that these colors be presented to the State of North Carolina as another evidence of the valor and devotion that have made her name eminent in the armies of the Confederacy.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. Lee, General.

Hon. Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.

It is just, in this connection, to bear witness to the daring bravery of Brig. Gen. Robert D. Johnston, Lt. Col. William S. Davis, and Maj. Robert W. Alston, of the 12th NC Regiment, in that same charge. On May 11th, it was raining, muddy, disagreeable, under ordinary circumstances, but especially so to a soldier with very scanty means of comfort. On May 12th, aroused before light, precipitated into the battle before we could see, we met the successful enemy in the first moments of his temporary triumphs, the first volley we fired the sheet of flame made doubly visible by the darkness and fog, met that of the enemy and lighted up the space between. I can now see George Stepps in the mortal combat, with the color bearer of one of the advancing regiments, and Maj. John S. Brooks leap wildly into the air, grasp his side, and fall while urging the 20th NC Regiment to the hottest conflict we ever engaged in. We lost no ground, however, but, with others of our attacking column, regained our breastworks and remained fighting until 9 o'clock at night, when we were withdrawn. Late that evening, Brig. Gen. Johnston was wounded. I also received a shot in the leg, after it passed through Lt. George Bullock's coat sleeve without wounding him. This, however, disabled me only for a few days. Adjutant Edward S. Moore was also wounded.

On May 19th, we advanced against the right of the enemy and had a severe skirmish; we fell back to our line that night. Our brigade brought up the rear. My regiment was rear guard. The reconnoissance in force delayed Federal Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant for two (2) days and was of great benefit to General Robert E. Lee. On May 20th, we moved to Hanover Junction, thence with the army to Cold Harbor, where we were under artillery fire and some skirmishing. I was assigned command of Brig. Gen. Johnston's Brigade on June 4th. [Col. Thomas F. Toon was commissioned a Brigadier General, back dated to May 31, 1864 - but, it was only a temporary promotion - he was returned to the rank of Colonel in August of 1864.] I think about June 15th, Maj. Gen. Jubal A. Early (VA) was detached and sent to meet Federal Maj. Gen. David Hunter at Lynchburg. We arrived there on the evening of June 18th, skirmished with the enemy. I never could see why we did not attack the enemy at once. The next day we pursued the enemy to Liberty, VA. Here Bryan White was wounded. In spite of heat and dust almost insupportable the troops marched on an expedition against Washington down the Valley, Maj. Gen. Hunter having left it open by his retreat in the wrong direction. Passing White Sulphur Springs and Natural Bridge without much time to try the health-giving nature of the one or enjoy the beauty and sublimity of the other, on July 4th, we enjoyed a public dinner at Harper's Ferry spread by General Weber for his command and friends. We fought and defeated Federal Maj. Gen. Lewis Wallace at Monocacy Junction. This was a hard-fought battle on the field in which we were engaged. Guilford Edwards, one among the best soldiers in the regiment, lost his leg here. This, I think, was on July 9th. On July 10th, we passed through Rockville, saw the Dome of the Capitol Building, and pushed the skirmish line, capturing soldiers in long, dress, broadcloth coats.

One Yankee prisoner said they were counter jumpers, clerks in the War Office, hospital rats, and stragglers. I know one thing, I could have easily taken everything in my front if I had been allowed to continue my advance. Maj. Duncan J. DeVane, a gallant spirit, urged me to disregard the order to fall back and rush forward, whatever the consequences might be. I hated to withdraw, but always tried to obey orders. On the night of July 12th, we retreated across the Potomac River, bringing the accumulated proceeds of the campaign in horses, beef cattle, cannon, etc. For some time we destroyed railroads and marched a countermarch. On July 20th, we had an affair with Federals Brig. Gen. William W. Averell and Brig. Gen. George Crook, in which we were literally run over. This was near Winchester at Stephenson's Depot. I think both retreated from the battle field. Parts of August and September eating apple butter and doing picket duty, with just enough skirmishing to break the monotony of soldier's life. On September 19th, we fought the battle of 3rd Winchester, and in the battle, although Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early (VA) was defeated, Maj. Gen. Stephen D. Ramseur's (NC) division was not. We held our own until ordered to retreat. Early in the morning the Federal cavalry attacked our pickets. I moved the 20th NC Regiment to their support. Charge after charge were repulsed. When closely pressed with cavalry on both flanks, I formed a square and retreating in this manner, prevented capture, until Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton, III (SC) came to my rescue by charging in column those on my left and driving them back, he enabled me to get my regiment back to the line of battle.

The "thin gray line" which Bradley Johnston saw on September 19, 1864, was the 20th NC Regiment, a part of Brig. Gen. Robert D. Johnston's North Carolina Brigade.

James E. Kelly, of Company K, was the hero of the hour. When the regiment was formed in a square almost surrounded, hard pressed, a shell killed the horse of Colo. Thomas F. Toon. He directed Kelly to take charge of his belongings on the horse. Kelly at that moment was struck in the shoulder joint, which caused the loss of his right arm, yet he, when Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee (VA), by a charge on our left, relieved us, carried everything, saddle, bridle, blanket, and his own gun and accoutrements, to the hospital, all safe. James E. Kelly enlisted from Columbus County and lived in that county for years after the war. He raised a large family. Some years since he moved to Wilmington. Little did the old veterans of that patriotic city think that in the breast of that one-armed hack driver beat a heart as brave as the bravest; as true as tried steel to his beloved Southland. Such was James E. Kelly, a Yankee boy; a Southern volunteer; a drummer boy hero of many a hard-fought battle.

October came with its triumphs and defeat in one day. At Belle Grove (aka Cedar Run or Cedar Creek), Brig. Gen. Johnston's North Carolina Brigade was the only body of organized troops that left the field in order and which kept firing in retreat until we reached a bridge over the creek blocked up by wagons, ambulances, horses, and men. In all of the uncertain movements of this army we took part and there were none who more faithfully discharged their duty. The disparity in number between the armies contending, both in infantry and cavalry, was the main cause of the defeat of the Army of the Valley. Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early (VA) was not a great commander nor a great general, but brave, headlong, and risky. Leaving the Valley we were assigned to picket duty on the Roanoke River. We encamped on the premises of Mr. House, and between the hospitalities of his house and that of Mr. Wyatt (I think that was the name) we spent an enjoyable Winter. We returned to Hatcher's Run, skirmished and ate shad for a short time.

On March 25, 1865, was fought the battle of Hare's Hill, or Fort Stedman, near Petersburg, VA. My regiment led the charge on the works. It was a complete surprise, many were killed coming out of their tents by our men, using their guns as clubs. Why were we not supported? It was reported to us that as soon as we broke the line Maj. Gen. George E. Pickett's (VA) Division would support us.

About 9 o'clock we fell back to our lines after capturing a good many prisoners. Adjutant Edward S. Moore was wounded. Here I fought my last battle, being desperately wounded, standing on our breastworks rallying our troops to resist an expected attack by the enemy. Dr. Schofield, of Petersburg, was kind to me. He took me into his own house and my wounds were tenderly dressed by soft hands now clasped in praise on the other shore. I could not invoke good for myself were I not to pray for better for those good people.

My regiment remained to the last and when the news of the surrender was promulgated and our skirmishers ordered to halt, Maj. Duncan J. DeVane said: "I hated to stop just then, for I was driving the Yankee skirmishers like sheep." On April 9th, at Appomattox, hostilities ceased and the 20th NC Regiment laid down their arms by order of their chieftain—General Robert E. Lee. We fought not for slavery. Our rights were denied us. Slavery was only one of the many aggravating circumstances which precipitated hostilities. Those who make history ought to interpret their own acts and be considered the best authority as to what is history.

The sharpshooters from the regiment deserve special mention, and acting as a separate command justice requires it. Under Plato Durham, Benjamin Robinson, R. A. Smith, 2nd Lt. Oliver Williams (Company C) and 2nd Lt. McQueen Coleman (Company K), this corps did splendid service, and was the most important arm of the service. Someone belonging to this corps ought to write its history, and here I will couple the name of Fred. D. Bryan with this request, hoping he will do justice to this gallant corps. Mr. Bryan, having passed through all of these scenes of conflict, can recall its history.

Imperfect as this sketch must be, I will close it, acknowledging favors and help from the following soldiers, participants in the services of the 20th NC Regiment: Rev. Capt. Daniel K. Bennett of Company G, who has passed over the river since writing me on the subject; 2nd Lt. Oliver Williams of Fair Bluff, NC, a veteran of the sharpshooters corps; Fred. D. Bryan of Marion, SC, the beardless boy, the dauntless hero of the same corps; Edwin S. Moore of Selma, NC, Adjutant of the regiment; Capt. Louis T. Hicks, Faisons, NC, a quiet, faithful soldier and a good friend; Rev J. Soles (36th NC Regiment) of Mount Tabor, NC; Jesse J. Pounds of Company G, Hamlet, NC. His company ought to remember him with gratitude. Out of nearly fifty letters written to some members of each company composing the regiment these are all to which replies have been received.

The following brief mention may not be amiss:

Thomas Fentress Toon was born in Columbus County, NC, on June 10, 1840. He was the son of Anthony F. Toon, Esq., of Irish and Welsh extraction, and Mary McMillan Toon, daughter of Ronald McMillan, of Scotland. On May 20, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Columbus Guards No. 2, a company raised by his half brother, Capt. William H. Toon, who was afterwards Major and Lieutenant Colonel of the 20th NC Regiment. After enlistment he returned to Wake Forest College and graduated in June of 1861. On June 17, 1861, he was elected 1st Lieutenant of his company. On July 22, 1861, he was elected Captain of his company, vice Capt. William H. Toon who was elected Major. On February 26, 1863, he was elected Colonel of the 20th NC Regiment. On May 31, 1864, he was appointed Brigadier General, and on June 4th, he was assigned to command of Brig. Gen. Robert D. Johnston's North Carolina Brigade. He followed the fortunes of General Robert E. Lee, Lt. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, Brig. Gen. James B. Gordon, Maj. Gen. Jubal A. Early, and Lt. Gen. Richard S. Ewell in all important engagements, unless deterred by some of the five (5) wounds received in battle. He lived in Robeson County, NC, from 1891 until elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 1900.

Lieutenant Colonel Nelson Slough was a veteran of the Mexican War, 1st Lieutenant in January of 1847, and honorably discharged on August 7, 1848. He was severely wounded in the leg, the effects of which were evident in his halting step. When North Carolina called for troops he promptly raised a Company in Cabarrus County and offered his services for her defense. When the 10th NC Volunteers regiment was organized, which regiment was afterwards re-organized to become the 20th NC Regiment (State Troops), Capt. Nelson Slough was given the post of honor as Company A. He followed the fortunes of the regiment ably and faithfully discharging his duty; beloved by his men and respected by his fellow officers for his generous, genial, and gentlemanly deportment and for his unflinching bravery in battle. He was promoted to Major of the regiment, afterwards to Lieutenant Colonel, and resigned on account of wounds and failing health on November 2, 1863. He was afterwards sheriff of his county for many years; popular, beloved, and respected. To those who knew Lt. Colonel Nelson Slough, I would say "now that is to say simply for instance" I know no braver soldier or more faithful officer than this hero of two wars. He died at the residence of his daughter in Anderson, SC, in 1900.

John S. Brooks, Captain of Company G, was born in Greenville, Pitt County, NC, on October 20, 1840; he was killed on May 12, 1864, at Spotsvlvania Court House, VA. At the opening of the war he raised a company and was elected Captain. On February 26, 1863, he was promoted to Major. When Lt. Colonel Nelson Slough resigned on November 2, 1863, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, which position he held at the time of his death. He was signally honored by General Robert E. Lee on May 10, 1864, as will appear by correspondence published. Loved by all who knew him; honored in death, his dirge was sadly, sweetly chanted by his comrade in arms, Brunswick County's Bard, Rev. Daniel K. Bennett.

Names deserving to be written on the same page: Lieutenant J. H. Dosier and Lieutenant Oliver Mercer, both of Company G; Lieutenant Oliver Williams, Company C, now living at Fair Bluff, Columbus County, NC.