Nothing is mentioned about the beginnings of this regiment in the write-up below. Maj. George. C. Gibbs assembled (or was assigned) four (4) companies in December of 1861 to serve as prison guards at the newly-established Salisbury Confederate Prison in Salisbury, NC. All four (4) of the companies in the Gibbs' Prison Guard Battalion served as the genesis of the 42nd NC Regiment as described below.

FIELD AND STAFF

George C. Gibbs, Colonel, April 22, 1862; Florida; resigned January 7, 1864.
John Edmunds Brown, Colonel, January 7, 1864; Davie County, promoted from Lieutenant Colonel (April 22, 1862).
Charles W. Bradshaw, Lieutenant Colonel, January 7, 1864; Davidson County; promoted from Major (November 20, 1862).
Davidson A. Underwood, Major, April 22, 1862; Davie County; resigned November 11, 1862.
Thomas J. Brown, Major, January 7, 1864; Davie County; promoted from Captain of Company E.
William H. H. Gregory, Adjutant, April 22, 1862, Rowan County.
Benjamin F. Wilson, Adjutant, August 1863, Mecklenburg County
J. J. Prather, Ensign, August 16, 1864; Lincoln County.
William C. Brown, M.D., Surgeon, Davie County, April 22, 1862.
William E. Kemble, Surgeon, Virginia, January 20, 1863.
John R. McCorkle, Assistant Surgeon, April 22, 1862, Rowan County, resigned October 14, 1862.
Joseph W. Wiseman, M.D., Assistant Surgeon, Davie County, September 1, 1863; was 1st Lieutenant in Company F.
Rev. Samuel J. Hill, Chaplain, Iredell County, May 16, 1863.
Ransom P. Bessent, Assistant Quartermaster (AQM), October 14, 1862, Rowan County; was 1st Lieutenant in 2nd Company B..
Robert McCoy, Assistant Quartermaster (AQM), April 22, 1862; resigned on September 29, 1862.
John V. L. Rodgers, Assistant Commissary of Subsistence (ACS), April 22, 1862.

OFFICERS

Company A—Captains: Charles W. Bradshaw - promoted to Major then Lieutenant Colonel; Jacob H. Koonts. 1st Lieutenants: Samuel B. Johnston, Jacob H. Koonts, Joseph T. Conrad, Jr. 2nd Lieutenants: William A. Hicks, Joseph T. Conrad, Jr., Alpheus E. Siceliff, William S. Brown, Edwin D. Earnhardt - promoted to Captain of Company I. 3rd Lieutenants: Alpheus E. Siceliff, John F. Sink, William R. Chesson.

1st Company B—Captain: John R. Lanier. 1st Lieutenant: John Manning. 2nd Lieutenant: Henry Williams, Richard W. Rufus. This Independent Company was assigned to the 42nd NC Regiment on April 22, 1862, but never reported for duty. It remained an Independent Company until September 5, 1862 when it was assigned as Company H of the 61st NC Regiment with mostly new officers. It never served in the 42nd NC Regiment, but was only assigned on paper.

2nd Company B—Captains: William H. Crawford, James R. Crawford. 1st Lieutenants: James R. Crawford, Ransom P. Bessent - promoted to AQM, Allen B. Wright. 2nd Lieutenants: W.L. Lyerly, John L. Lyerly, Robert W. Price, Daniel W. Rhine, Allen B. Wright, James R. Crawford. 3rd Lieutenants: Robert W. Price, Allen B. Wright, James F. Dotson.

Company C—Captains: Davidson A. Underwood - elected Major, James A. Howell, Robert A. Carter. 1st Lieutenants: James A. Howell, Robert A. Carter. 2nd Lieutenants: Robert A. Carter, Samuel D. Mann, William A. Morton. 3rd Lieutenants: Martin L. Efird, David M. Hatley.

Company D—Captains: Joseph M. Roark, resigned on November 25, 1862, Robert R. Crawford. 1st Lieutenants: William Howard - created his own company on May 1, 1862, Robert R. Crawford, Leonidas W. Crawford. 2nd Lieutenants: William Barker, Leonidas W. Crawford, Edward A. Rusher. 3rd Lieutenants: Henry L. Gill, A.M. Foster.

Company E—Captains: Thomas J. Brown - promoted to Major on January 7, 1864, John H. Peebles - resigned on June 10, 1864 due to disability, Spencer J. Hanes. 1st Lieutenants: John H. Peebles, Mercer J. Davis, William J. Ellis. 2nd Lieutenants: Spencer J. Hanes, Mercer J. Davis. 3rd Lieutenants: William J. Ellis, Edwin M. Anderson, James V. Brock, Benjamin T. Naylor.

Company F—Captain: Wiley A. Clement. 1st Lieutenants: Joseph W. Wiseman - became Assistant Surgeon, John H .Clement. 2nd Lieutenants: John H. Clement, William C. Willson, William H. Bailey. 3rd Lieutenant: Calvin C. Sanford.

Company G—Captain: James A. Blackwelder. 1st Lieutenant: Augustus Leazer. 2nd Lieutenants: Henry W.A. Miller, William L. Atwell. 3rd Lieutenant: Charles A. Miller.

Company H—Captain: Jackson M. Hartsell - POW at 2nd Kinston. 1st Lieutenants: Brooks Alexander, Joseph E. Hartsell, Eli M. Huneycutt. 2nd Lieutenants: Eli M. Hunycutt, Alfred W. Crisco, Joseph E. Hartsell, Jonathan Mann. 3rd Lieutenants: Alfred W. Crisco, James B. Turner.

Company I—Captains: Edwin D. Earnhardt - resigned on October 9, 1862 due to ill health, Thomas W. Redwine. 1st Lieutenants: Thomas W. Redwine, Henry M. Alford. 2nd Lieutenants: Charles Hunt, David H. Reid, Emsley L. Harris. 3rd Lieutenant: Green D. Redwine.

Company K—Captains: John Y. Bryce - resigned on July 9, 1862, Sydenham B. Alexander. 1st Lieutenants: Sydenham B. Alexander, Benjamin F. Wilson. 2nd Lieutenants: William W. Hendrix, Adam M. Rhyne. 3rd Lieutenants: Joseph H. Wilson, Jr., William Hendrix, Adam M. Rhyne, William J. Willeford.

Many of the officers of the 42nd NC Regiment had entered the Civil War at its beginning, so that they were well versed in military science at the time of the organization of the regiment. Among these were Major Thomas J .Brown and Lieutenant James R. Crawford, of the 4th NC Regiment; Lieutenant Colonel John E. Brown and Captain William H. Crawford, of the 7th NC Regiment; Captain Wiley A. Clement, Captain Sydenham B. Alexander, Captain Robert R. Crawford, Lieutenant Adam M. Rhyne, and Lieutenant Benjamin F. Wilson, of the 1st NC Volunteers (Bethel) Regiment.

The 42nd NC Regiment was a splendid aggregation of men, composed of many of the best men of Mecklenburg, Catawba, Iredell, Rowan, Davie, Davidson, and Stanly counties. The personnel was excellent and the troops were well equipped.

Immediately upon organization, the men entered upon military life and great stress was laid upon thorough drilling in company, regimental, and brigade tactics. Right readily did the men respond for they had enlisted to do yeoman's service for their invaded land.

The camp was located on the Crawford Farm south of Salisbury, and here part of the regiment saw its first active duty in guarding the Federal prisoners.

About June 1, 1862, the 42nd NC Regiment was ordered to Petersburg, VA. Thence it was sent to Lynchburg, VA, to guard several thousand Federal prisoners—the fruits of Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's (VA) Valley Campaign. These were enclosed in the fair grounds.

At Lynchburg the regiment continued its daily, systematic drilling under Lt. Col. John E. Brown, and its efficiency was largely owing to his untiring efforts. It was a common saying among the troops that "Lt. Colonel Brown would rather drill than eat."

In the 16th Century there was a word "predie" in the English navy much stronger than our "ready." It meant not only ready, but that the ship was cleared and thoroughly prepared for action. And this was just Lt. Col. Brown's idea of what the regiment should be—thoroughly prepared for the terrible struggle before them. By constantly drilling his men, they were indeed made "predie," for never did his gallant troops miscarry an order through ignorance and in every way they reflected credit upon their commander.

The Federal prisoners were exchanged and about August 1st the regiment was ordered to Richmond. On the way they met several train loads of General Robert E. Lee's veterans who were being hurried forward, preparatory to the Maryland Campaign.

In Richmond it remained but two (2) days, when it advanced to Drewry's Bluff. Here, being without rations for thirty-six (36) hours, tested the endurance of the men.

The next move was along the turnpike to Petersburg, where it encamped on the same field with the 44th NC Regiment. Brig. Gen. James J. Pettigrew (NC) inspected the 42nd NC Regiment and highly complimented its soldierly bearing. It remained here drilling and performed outpost duty at City Point and Blackwater River until late in the Fall of 1862.

The next move was to Tarborough, NC, to meet the advance of the enemy from Little Washington, which resulted in a slight skirmish by the advance guard. The enemy having retired, the regiment was ordered to Franklin, VA, with headquarters at Blackwater Church. There it did outpost duty along the Blackwater River from Ivor Station on the Norfolk & Petersburg Railroad, to Franklin, engaging in skirmishes with the enemy frequently.

In January of 1863, the regiment boarded the train at Franklin for Garysburg, where it was quartered until Spring, with the exception of Companies B, E, and F. These were detached and sent under Lt. Col. John E. Brown to the Chowan section of North Carolina to rid the country of the "Buffaloes." This organization was composed of thieves and cut-throats who claimed to be Union men and under the protection of Federal gunboats, had established a fortified camp on the Dillard Farm, and named it Camp Wingfield. From this point they pillaged the country, and carried their booty to the entrenched blockhouse. Several attempts had been made to wipe out these Buffaloes, but each one had proven futile. Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill (NC) had ordered that their fortifications be destroyed without fail, and this Lt. Col. Brown determined to do at all hazards.

A force of pickets was stationed at Harrellsville, another near Coleraine, and he established headquarters at Merry Hill with pickets extending almost to Plymouth. A plan was soon formed for the capture of the Buffalo camp—crossing the Chowan River just above Edenton after dark, Lt. Col. Brown started with 150 men in small row boats to surprise the enemy at daybreak. The distance (about twenty miles), however, proved too great, and at dawn his weary soldiers were not in striking distance, but too near to retreat. Calling a council of his officers, it was decided to conceal the men in the woods and watch the enemy's movements until night, when an attack would be made.

The Buffaloes spent the day—Sunday—in target shooting and general carousal. Towards sunset they began going to their homes, and the pickets, with orders not to fire, picked up a number of them. However, one fellow spied the pickets, dashed back to the blockhouse, and gave the alarm.

Immediately the long-roll rang out, and the plan was frustrated for the time being. In a few moments the gunboat began dropping shells around Lt. Col. Brown's men, and they set out for camp, crossing the Chowan River before day. Though foiled, Lt. Col. Brown was by no means discouraged, and planned another expedition. Within three (3) weeks he had surprised and captured the camp at daylight. After driving off the stock and burning the buildings, the men were withdrawn.

Making for the row boats, Lt. Col. Brown hoped to recross the Chowan River before the Federal gunboats suspected his presence. These were patrolling the river, and to be caught in the enemy's country with one day's rations was a gloomy prospect to the Confederates. However, the first detachment under 3rd Lt. William J. Ellis (Company E) effected a landing on the Bertie County shore, within easy range of the gunboat. The second, composed of about fifty (50) men of Company F, with Capt. Thomas J. Brown, of Company E, and Lt. Col. John E. Brown, was forced to put back into the Rocky Hock Creek. They were cut off by the gunboat anchoring in the mouth of the creek. Next morning 200 Federal cavalry, sent from Gatesville, were in hot pursuit, and with the gunboat dropping shells all around him, Lt. Col. Brown reluctantly abandoned his boats and set out to meet 450 Federal marines. These had landed from the gunboats to assist in Lt. Col. Brown's capture.

Upon learning that the marines had landed, and were coming up to the row boats, Lt. Col. Brown planned an ambuscade. But the surprise was for the Confederates, who were fired upon before they knew the whereabouts of the enemy. Lt. Col. Brown formed his men on one side of an old field not more than 150 yards from the Federal troops, who were concealed in the woods on the other side of the field. The Confederate advance was as cool as if on dress parade. The Federals held their fire until the Confederates were within 60 or 70 yards and then fired a volley. Fortunately, their fire was too high and a storm of bullets sped over the heads of the Confederates. A charge was made, with the "Rebel Yell," which struck terror into the hearts of the Federals, and they fell back into the swamp. Here 2nd Lt. William C. Willson (Company F) and Private Ezekiel Collett were wounded, apparently mortally. Both, however, reovered from their wounds. Lt. Willson became a minister of the Gospel and still survives. It was learned afterwards that sixteen (16) Federals were killed in this fight. Here for the first time the men charged with the "Rebel Yell" and one Federal marine swore that there must have been 500 Confederates charging, as no fifty (50) men could make such an awful noise.

A relief expedition was formed by the men on the other shore of the river, and Lt. Col. Brown and his men were brought out in safety by midnight.

This serious affair was not lacking in the ludicrous. Captain Leggett (a plain boatman) had been carefully instructed as to the mode of passing the sentry. If challenged he must answer "A friend," when he would be permitted to give an account of himself. Being in citizen's garb and unarmed, undoubtedly he would have been permitted to pass. Having concealed his boats, he set out to find a Mr. Davis, who would notify Lt. Col. Brown that the boats were ready to bring him over. Leggett had not gone 300 yards before the keen click of a rifle and the sharp challenge of a sentinel stopped him so suddenly, that he forgot his instructions. In his extremity he cried out, "Where's Colonel Brown?" Fortunately for both sides, Leggett had fallen into the hands of Lt. Col. Brown's sentinels, who at once conducted him into the swamp to Lt. Col. Brown, and he delivered his welcome message in person.

From Bertie County the 42nd NC Regiment marched to Richmond, VA. On the Darbytown Road it threw up a heavy line of breastworks under many disadvantages, being constantly exposed to the enemy's fire, whose repeated charges were repulsed without difficulty.

During the early part of the Fall of 1863, the 42nd NC Regiment was stationed at Petersburg. It made many long marches on the Blackwater River under Brig. Gen. Roger A. Pryor (VA), watching the enemy and preventing their committing any depredations along the eastern coast. It was engaged in many skirmishes and small battles.

In October the regiment was ordered to Wilmington, NC, under Brig. Gen. James G. Martin (NC). Here it was brigaded with the 17th, 50th, and 66th NC Regiments, all being under the command of Brig. Gen. Martin. They were under the most rigid discipline, and were systematically drilled in all the manoeuvres of military tactics. Brig. Gen. Martin was a West Pointer and was noted for the great efficiency and rapid movement of his troops in brigade drill.

On January 7, 1864, Colonel George C. Gibbs resigned as Colonel, and Lt. Col. John E. Brown was promoted to his position. [Charles W. Bradshaw was promoted to Lt. Colonel, and Thomas J. Brown was promoted to Major.] About February 1, 1864, Brig. Gen. Martin's brigade was ordered to Shepherdsville, NC, which was reached after a long march. On February 2nd, with the Paris Battery and a few companies of cavalry, the brigade attacked the enemy at what was then called Newport Barracks, capturing and destroying his blockhouse. Driving in the Federal pickets, a long and gallant charge was made through thickets and swamps across a plain under a galling fire. Reaching their last line of trenches, they were driven into their fort and a general engagement brought on. They resisted stubbornly, every inch of ground being fiercely contested, vet they were routed in great dismay and did not cease running until under the protection of their guns at Fort Macon. In this fight were captured ten (10) pieces of artillery, seventy-eight (78) prisoners and all the enemy's ammunition and provisions.

As Maj. Gen. George E. Pickett's (VA) movement on New Bern was unsuccessful, Brig. Gen. James G. Martin's (NC) Brigade was ordered to withdraw from Shepherdsville, and returned to Wilmington loaded with the fruits of victory.

In April orders came to proceed to Weldon, NC, and then to Plymouth, NC, to relieve Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke (NC), who was threatening Little Washington. After two (2) weeks the brigade was hurried off via Tarborough to Petersburg, VA, which was threatened by Federal Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler on the north side of the Appomattox River.

Federal Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant crossed the Rapidan River with a very large force. Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler with a force of 40,000, crossed the James River to Bermuda Hundreds, threatening both Richmond and Petersburg. On May 17th, the 42nd NC Regiment was engaged in a battle near Swift Creek. Maj. Gen. William H.C. Whiting commanding, in which the enemy was forced back to his base of operations at Bermuda Hundreds.

On May 20th, under Lt. Gen. Daniel H. Hill (NC), an attack was made on the Federal breastworks at Bermuda Hundreds. The 42nd NC Regiment took part in a gallant charge of long distance, emerging from a strip of woods in which a line of battle had been formed on the brow of a hill. Under a heavy fire of artillery the regiment advanced at double quick. From breastworks the enemy's infantry poured a galling fire upon the Confederates, but on they marched down a valley into an open field in full view of the enemy, all the advantage of numbers, position, and fortifications was on the side of the enemy, but he was driven from his works, over which the flag of the 42nd NC Regiment proudly waved. The loss in killed and wounded was heavy, being more than 15 percent of the men engaged. Among the wounded was Colonel John E. Brown, who received a severe scalp wound while reconnoitering the enemy's position. This occurred just after the capture of the works. He was carried to the rear under a heavy fire, his faithful body servant, Dave Brown (colored), assisting in removing him from the field. He never entirely recovered from this serious injury, and it contributed largely to his death in later years. Lt. Col. Charles W. Bradshaw assumed command of the regiment.

At Bermuda Hundreds a new division was formed, consisting of the following brigades: Brig. Gen. James G. Martin's (NC), Brig. Gen. Thomas L. Clingman's (NC), Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood's (SC), and Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Colquitt's (GA). These were now under the command of Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke (NC).

Federal Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant had ordered Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan's cavalry, supported by Maj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren's Corps, to seize the heights of New Cold Harbor, so on June 1st, Maj. Gen. Hoke's Division was ordered to Richmond and then moved into the fighting line at Cold Harbor.

On the same day, Lt. Gen. Richard H. Anderson (SC), with Brig. Gen. Joseph B. Kershaw's (SC) and Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke's (NC) Divisions, attacked Maj. Gen. Sheridan and drove him back to Old Cold Harbor and secured the heights around New Cold Harbor and Gaines' Mill—an all-important movement for the approaching battle. These positions he at once fortified, for they were the key to Richmond. The troops were halted under the fire of an unseen enemy, but a line of skirmishers was quickly thrown out and the enemy's picket line was driven out of reach.

Brig. Gen. James G. Martin (NC) formed his brigade en echelon, which enabled his command to take the most dangerous position on the line and hold it under heavy fire. Had it not been for this well directed movement at the opportune moment, the brigade might have been repulsed or captured. The skirmishers of the 42nd NC Regiment had captured the crest of the hill, which position they fortified during the night, using their bayonets and pans, and were ready for the conflict.

It is stated that General Robert E. Lee learned that the enemy's main effort would be directed against Brig. Gen. Martin's part of the line, and sent to Brig. Gen. Martin to replace his brigade with a brigade of veterans. To this Brig. Gen. Martin replied with his compliments, saying that while his brigade were not veterans, they were trained soldiers and would hold their part of the line. That day's conflict showed the stuff the 42nd NC Regiment was made of, for they held their line without flinching or wavering. In this battle the Confederates gained a decisive victory. In many places in front of the line of battle the dead and wounded were thick enough to walk on. It is reported that the enemy lost 10,000 men in twenty (20) minutes.

At the close of the day (June 3rd) Company E, under 3rd Lt. William J. Ellis, and Company D, under Capt. Robert R. Crawford, were ordered on the picket line, and a general engagement was brought on at nightfall. The Federals had thrown up two lines of earth works along and in the woods about fifty (50) feet apart. As the picket moved forward, George Hanes, of Company E, of Davie County, was killed. He was only 18 years old and had been with the regiment but a few months. Company D, in the darkness, caused by the heavy foliage of the trees at that season of the year (June), mounted the enemy's breastworks and fell into their lines without knowing they were so close at hand, so that 1st Lt. Leonidas W. Crawford and eighteen (18) men were captured. Sergeant Joseph Baker, of Iredell County, and Private Moses Thomas, of Mecklenburg County, captured a Federal soldier and brought him out of his own line of battle. The Confederate picket was established on the field of battle with the dead and dying all around.

The Confederate line of battle was held until June 12th, when the enemy moved in the direction of the Chickahominy River. A few hours later the Confederates abandoned their trenches, and, crossing the Chickahominy River, marched by the shortest route to New Market Heights, near Malvern Hill.

After resting there a day and no enemy appearing, the James River was crossed on a pontoon bridge below Drewry's Bluff. By a forced march the troops were hurried to Petersburg, arriving there at 2 a.m. on June 17th, and taking position east of the Hare House. A line of rifle pits was completed and this constituted the only defense of the city against the invaders. The Confederates now numbered about 12,000 men fit for duty. Next day Federal Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside's Corps came up and increased the Federal force to 65,000.

Maj. Gen. Winfield S. Hancock, as ranking officer, had assumed command of the Federals. He threw his entire army in line of battle, charging the thin line of the Confederates, and after hard and stubborn fighting he succeeded in breaking through the lines of Wise's Legion, which was completely exhausted. They had fought for two (2) days without sleep or rest, and, now overpowered, fell back.

At this moment Brig. Gen. Matthew W. Ransom's (NC) Brigade came up and drove the Federals back over the works, thus re-establishing the broken lines. Two (2) charges were made by the Federals, but repulsed. Maj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren's Corps (Federal) about this time arrived, increasing the enemy's force very largely. As yet General Pierre G.T. Beauregard (LA) had sent no relief to the Confederates, and this was indeed a trying condition of affairs. But the thorough discipline and unwavering courage of ihe men were almost unconquerable.

General Beauregard's engineers had selected a shorter and better line of defense of the city (Petersburg), as the Confederate force was not sufficient to hold the old and longer line. The picket line was put under the command of our Maj. Thomas J. Brown, who was instructed to hold the old line of defense until the army could take position in the new line in front of the city. This he did, the move beginning about midnight and being completed at daybreak, when the picket line was withdrawn. As they fell back, they were constantly skirmishing with the enemy. During the morning the Federals attacked in solid columns, about 100 yards apart, advancing in the open field. The Confederates had only one line of battle to withstand their repeated attacks. The 42nd NC Regiment held a high position on the brow of a hill alongside of the artillery and received the constant fire of the enemy's artillery and infantry. At this time their loss was quite heavy.

Very fortunately Lt. Gen. James Longstreet's (VA) Corps came up to the relief of the Confederates, reducing the great odds against them.

Federal Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, defeated in his attempts to capture Petersburg by fighting, began to starve out the Confederates by his overwhelming numbers of troops. The hardships through which the men had to pass were far greater and more disastrous than the battles they had fought. It was simply awful.

The Confederate line of battle was enfiladed on the flank by a direct fire of the enemy. Shells were falling all around constantly. The troops were on picket duty or defending the breastworks every night. There was no shelter from heat or cold, except an oil-cloth stretched on four (4) upright sticks. The graveyard was in the rear and the dead were buried daily. There were no arrangements for cooking on the line and all food was cooked and brought from the rear, or eaten raw. On this line the regiment spent nearly four (4) months, alternating weekly with Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Colquitt's (GA) Brigade, in order that the men might rest and wash their clothes.

The duty of the 42nd NC Regiment was to defend the salient on Hare's Hill—the most difficult and dangerous position on the entire line. It was exposed to the constant fire of the mortars, with no chance to retaliate. Their endurance was most severely tried, but they displayed the fortitude so characteristic of the North Carolina troops, for they never faltered nor wavered. At this point Capt. Spencer J. Hanes (Company E) received a severe wound, which afterwards caused his death. 2nd Lt. Edward A. Rusher (Company D) was mortally wounded. The loss in the regiment was very heavy.

About two days before the "Crater" explosion, the regiment was on the exact spot, defending that portion of the line. On the day it occurred (July 30th) it had been ordered to this point again, but the order was countermanded before the position could be taken. At the time of the explosion, it was on the left (at Hare's Hill) repulsing the charges of the Federals, and, being in a position to enfilade their line, a deadly fire of rifle balls was poured into them by us.

In October the regiment was sent north of the James River to aid in the reduction of Fort Harrison, but was not ordered into action. It was then placed on the lines on the Darbytown Road, where it constructed winter quarters and enjoyed a much needed rest. There were several skirmishes, but no serious fighting done.

While in camp on the Darbytown Road, the regiment received a well-deserved compliment. Brig. Gen. Archibald Gracie, Jr., of Alabama, had been killed at Petersburg and it was decided to inter his remains in Hollywood Cemetery at Richmond. General Robert E. Lee sent a request to Lt. Gen. James Longstreet (VA) for the best drilled regiment in his corps to perform the last sad military honors at the funeral of the dead hero. The 42nd NC Regiment was detailed for this purpose. Under their brave leader, with the Eutaw band of Charleston, SC, the regiment set out for Richmond. Brig. Gen. William W. Kirkland (NC) went with our Col. John E. Brown, as the regiment now belonged to Brig. Gen. Kirkland's Brigade. The movements and evolutions of the 42nd NC Regiment were pronounced faultless—proving its superiority on parade as it had done in line of battle. The congratulations and praise of military men in the city were generously bestowed, some saying that it was the best drilled regiment ever seen in Richmond.

On December 23, 1864, the regiment was ordered to Wilmington, NC, and the men were packed in box cars with the thermometer at zero. They kept from freezing by building fires in the centers of the cars and closing the doors, compelled to endure the smoke in order to keep warm.

Wilmington was reached on December 24th. After being fed by the good women of Wilmington, the regiment hastened its march towards Sugar Loaf, where a lively Christmas was spent, as it was under the incessant fire of about 3,600 shells an hour from the Federal gunboats.

The Federals having effected a landing at Battery Gatlin on the ocean side, were driven back to their gunboats, after a brief engagement. Thinking that they would not return, General Braxton Bragg (LA) ordered the troops back to Wilmington. While Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke's (NC) Division was on dress parade, the Federals again appeared at Fort Fisher, and their troops were landed before the Confederates could get back to Sugar Loaf. Under the cover of night, the Federals pushed their forces across the peninsula and cast up a line of works from the ocean to the Cape Fear River, thus cutting off all land communications between Maj. Gen. Hoke's army and Fort Fisher to the south.

About 4 o'clock in the afternoon, on January 15, 1865, Brig. Gen. William W. Kirkland's (NC) Brigade was ordered to drive back the enemy's pickets, so that Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke (NC) and General Braxton Bragg (LA) could examine his position. This was only partially successful. That evening after a desperate fight, Fort Fisher surrendered and thus was closed the last port of the Confederates.

Federal Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman was rapidly approaching from the South and this necessitated the speedy evacuation of Wilmington. Brig. Gen. William W. Kirkland's (NC) Brigade formed the rear guard of the retreating army. The 42nd NC Regiment occupied the place nearest the enemy, and was attacked on right, left, and rear by their cavalry.

In a short time the Confederates reached Goldsborough, which was apparently the objective point of the three (3) Federal 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 (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 Federal 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.

As Federal Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman had reached Averasboro, it became necessary to concentrate all the available Confederate troops in his front. Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke's (NC) Division was withdrawn and sent to Bentonville via Smithfield.

Maj. Gen. Sherman's army was advancing in two (2) wings from Averasborough to Goldsborough on parallel roads about eight (8) miles apart. The Confederate army was increased by Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke's (NC) Division, while Maj. Gen. Sherman had several times as many troops. General Joseph E. Johnston (VA) was now in command and on the morning of March 19th, the Confederates attacked Maj. Gen. Jefferson C. Davis's XIV Corps and Maj. Gen. Henry W. Slocum's Army of Georgia at Bentonville, and driving them back, captured about 1,000 prisoners and several guns. Next day Maj. Gen. Sherman's other corps was thrown upon our left flank, which had been in the advance the day before. On account of this movement and increase of the enemy, it was necessary to change the position of the army. In order to accomplish this, Brig. Gen. William W. Kirkland (NC) deployed his brigade as a skirmish line in front of Maj. Gen. Sherman's entire army, holding it in check until the Confederate army changed front to meet the enemy. After this Brig. Gen. Kirkland's Brigade occupied the center.

Many times the Federals charged the Confederates, but each time they were repulsed with heavy loss. The battle was stubbornly and fiercely fought, at one time being in open field with the odds greatly in favor of the enemy. But the brave Confederates held their own nobly, and the flag of the 42nd NC Regiment waved proudly over the line of battle in this, the last great struggle for Southern independence.

Soon after this battle General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, and General Joseph E. Johnston withdrew his troops. Passing through Raleigh on April 13th, and Chapel Hill, he surrendered to Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman at Center Church, in Randolph County, three (3) miles from High Point on April 26, 1865. The regiment was officially disbanded on May 2, 1865, and the men were sent home.

Such are some of the facts in regard to one of the best regiments ever sent forth by the South and never did the world see finer soldiers than the Confederate army. Without clothing, food and ammunition—but with gallant leaders and brave hearts, they kept at bay an overwhelming foe until crushed.

We say—and we say it advisedly—that the superiors of the North Carolina troops have never lived. The watchword of the 42nd NC Regiment was "Duty," and wherever duty called, they always responded cheerfully.

Some of the characteristics of the regiment have been spoken of and before concluding this sketch, we must say something in regard to the officers.

Colonel John Edmunds Brown was born in Caswell County in 1830, and was educated at Hampden-Sidney College, VA, read law under Judge Richmond Pearson and began practice at Charlotte, NC. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in the 7th NC Regiment, of which he was Adjutant and 1st Lieutenant. He next became Lieutenant Colonel of the 42nd NC Regiment, but was in reality Colonel of the regiment almost from its organization, though he was not commissioned as full Colonel until January 7, 1864.

Col. Brown possessed many of the qualities of a great soldier. His troops were drilled until they had attained the utmost proficiency in the manual of arms and when ordered to execute a difficult movement at a critical moment, they never faltered nor blundered. He demanded of his men exact obedience, and though he kept them under the strictest discipline, every man in the regiment loved him and would have followed him anywhere. But he could have accomplished comparatively little had he not had such a splendid set of men under him. He was a meek and lowly Christian—one who practiced just what he professed, and his influence in this respect was widely exerted throughout his command, for in the 42nd NC Regiment swearing was strictly forbidden. Matters might be as desperate as possible as when the men were on the most strenuous duty before Petersburg. He believed fully in what a recent commander said in battle, "Don't swear, boys, but fight'" and fight the 42nd NC Regiment did! After the war he successfully resumed the practice of law at Charlotte.

Col. Brown was the second of three brothers, the eldest of whom was Dr. William C. Brown, the Surgeon of the regiment. Capable and skilful, he performed his duties well, many times exposing his life for the men. When a large part of the regiment was sick with measles at Petersburg, he attended them day and night. So great was the strain and exposure that his health was wrecked, and he died in Davie County before the close of the war [on July 25, 1863].

The third brother, Thomas J. Brown, was Captain of Company E, then Major of the 42nd NC Regiment, and the writer of this sketch.

Lieutenant Colonel Charles W. Bradshaw made a capable and brave officer. Charlotte, NC, is his home.

Adjutant William H. H. Gregory made an excellent officer.

Rev. Samuel J. Hill was an excellent Chaplain; Quartermaster Ransom P. Bessent and Assistant Surgeon Jospeh W. Wiseman were faithful and efficient officers.

Company A—Capt. Jacob H. Koonts, a good officer, and after the war was a successful farmer; 1st Lt. Joseph T. Conrad, Jr. became a mechanic; 2nd Lt. Alpheus E. Siceliff and 3rd Lieutenant John F. Sink engaged in farming.

2nd Company B—Capt. William H. Crawford, an efficient officer, was a farmer, and served as a member of the Legislature for years; Capt. James R. Crawford, a courageous and capable officer, is a successful farmer; 1st Lt. Allen B. Wright, a printer and farmer; 3rd Lt. Robert W. Price has been a successful business man in Salisbury, NC; 3rd Lt. James F. Dotson a very successful farmer, has served in the Legislature twice.

Company C—Capt. James A. Howell, a gallant officer, was killed at Cold Harbor; Capt. Robert A. Carter, a successful merchant at Concord; 2nd Lt. Samuel D. Mann became a merchant.

Company D—Capt. Robert R. Crawford, a most capable officer, engaged in business in Salisbury and Winston; he is a very enthusiastic veteran and an excellent citizen; 1st. Lt. Leonidas W. Crawford, a fine officer, went to the University of Virginia after the war. He is a member of W. N. C. Conference and editor of the Christian Advocate. He has received the degrees of Doctor of Divinity. 3rd Lt. Henry L. Gill, a successful merchant in Iredell County.

Company E—Capt. Spencer J. Hanes was an efficient and brave officer, a successful farmer and tanner. He was a splendid citizen and died a few years after the war from wounds received in battle. Capt. John H. Peebles became a farmer. 1st Lt. William J. Ellis, a gallant soldier, has been a tobacco manufacturer and assistant postmaster in Winston. 3rd Lt. James V. Brock was a brave officer, a sterling man. He was a farmer, as was also 3rd Lt. Benjamin T. Naylor.

Company F—Capt. Wiley A. Clement, a fine officer and did his duty well. He became a merchant and farmer. He lived in Mocksville. 1st Lt. John H. Clement, a courageous and capable officer, became a farmer. He has occupied a prominent position in Davie County, having served in the State Senate for a number of terms. 3rd Lt. Calvin C. Sanford is a successful merchant in Mocksville and a most excellent citizen. 2nd Lt. William H. Bailey also became a merchant in Davie County.

Company G—Capt. James A. Blackwelder, a brave officer, was a successful farmer. 1st Lt. Augustus Leazer, an efficient officer, is one of the most prominent men of his section of the State. He has served in the Legislature, and as superintendent of the State Penitentiary.

Company H—Capt. Jackson M. Hartsell, 1st Lt. Eli M. Huneycutt, 2nd Lt. Jonathan Mann, and 3rd Lt. James B. Turner all became farmers.

Company I—Capt. Thomas W. Redwine became a commercial salesman. 1st Lt. Henry M. Alford was a successful physician in Greensboro, NC. 2nd Lt. Emsley L. Harris and 3rd Lt. Green D. Redwine both farmers.

Company K—Capt. John Y. Bryce, a prominent citizen of Charlotte. Capt. Sydenham B. Alexander, a gallant officer, is one of the most prominent men engaged in farming in the State, He has served in the State Senate and for two (2) terms represented the Sixth Congressional District in the House of Representatives. He is the father of the famous Mecklenburg "no fence" and "good roads" laws. 1st Lt. Benjamin F. Wilson, a splendid officer, was an excellent man. 2nd Lt. Adam M. Rhyne became a tinner. 3rd Lt. William J. Willeford was a farmer. 3rd Lt. Joseph H. Wilson, Jr. still resides at Charlotte.

T. J Brown.
Winston, NC,
26 April, 1901.