Well may North Carolina be proud of the part taken by her sons in the war between the States—proud of the large number of full regiments furnished, and of the promptness and willingness with which they were kept full, as shot, shell, and saber thinned their ranks; proud of their gallantry on the battlefield, of their patient endurance in camp, and on the march; of their steadiness and reliability under all circumstances. Truly she has good cause to be proud of her sons. But of the long list of gallant regiments which marched away from her soil, none shed greater luster on the mother State than the 46th NC Regiment the subject of this sketch.

Others may have been as brave, others as patient and true, but few, if any, united all these virtues, which, combined with the perfect harmony prevailing among its officers and men all through those bloody years, entitle it to a topmost place in the record of the many faithful ones.

The writer (a boy in the early 60's) has little more than memory to rely on in outlining the experiences of his regiment. A third of a century casts a mist of uncertainty about even these historic events of the long ago, which is his apology for any errors as to dates, or other inaccuracies which may appear.

Promoted to the line from the Quartermaster's Department after much of the history of the 46th NC Regiment was made, he gives, prior to that event, the story as heard from participants, not having been an eye-witness of some of the facts narrated.

The many acts of individual gallantry, then so brilliant and conspicuous, have in large measure, faded from his memory, leaving but a shadowy recollection of a group of heroes, bound together as a band of brothers, vying with eath other on the battlefield, affectionately helping each other on the march and in camp, or tenderly caring for each other in the hospital.

The memory, indistinct though it be, of the daily, hourly sacrifices of these gallant ones brings even now the tears to his eyes as he recalls how, on the weary march, the last crust or the blood warm contents of the canteen were divided with those less fortunate—how, in the winter, on the bleak hillsides of Virginia, those begrimed, unkempt knights sat in the blinding smoke about the camp fires, all through the long nights, lest if they lay on the threadbare blankets they should be frozen at reveille—and above all, how those thin, grey lines marched gallantly to their death in unbroken, unwavering ranks, closing up the gaps made by shot and shell, as they rushed onward to their graves.

Grand and glorious record is that of the hosts of the South which emblazons the page of history with a brilliancy surpassed only by that bloodless, but no less heroic battle of life, when returned to their blasted homes, they began the struggle for bread and raiment for loved ones, absolutely empty handed.

What success has crowned their efforts is best illustrated in the well-filled barns, the numberless tall factory chimneys, and the busy marts of numerous populous cities all over the once Southern Confederacy.

ORGANIZATION OF THE REGIMENT.

The 46th NC Regiment had its birth in March, 1862, at Camp Mangum, a camp of rendezvous and instruction four (4) miles from Raleigh, and was composed of ten (10) companies, as follows:

Company A—From Robeson County—Captain, Richard M. Norment.
Company B—From Rowan and Burke Counties—Captain, William L. Saunders.
Company C—From Warren County —Captain, William A. Jenkins.
Company D—From Richmond County—Captain, Colin Stewart.
Company E—From Granville County—Captain, Robert L. Heflin.
Company F—From Randolph County—Captain, Alexander C. McAllister.
Company G—From Randolph County—Captain, Obed W. Carr.
Company H—From Moore County—Captain, Neill McK. McNeill.
Company I—From Sampson County—Captain, Owen Holmes.
Company K—From Catawba County—Captain, Adolphus T. Bost.

The organization of the field and staff was as follows:

Edward D. Hall, Colonel, Wilmington.
William A. Jenkins, Lientenant Colonel, Warrenton.
Rush J. Mitchell, Major, Oxford.
Simon T. Green, Surgeon, Warren County.
Vines O. Thompson, Assistant Surgeon, Warren County.
James A. Marsh, Quartermaster, Randolph County.
Gabriel Holmes, Commissary, Sampson County.
Richardson Mallett, Adjutant, Cumberland County.
Thomas S. Troy, Sergeant Major, Randolph County.
John M. Waddill, Quartermaster Sergeant, Warrenton.
Oliver P. Shell, Commissary Sergeant, Warrenton.
Thomas C. Hussey, Hospital Steward, Missouri.

The changes occurring in the composition of the field and staff from the organization until the final end at Appomattox, VA were as follows:

Resignations—Col. Edward D. Hall, December 31, 1863; Lt. Colonel William A. Jenkins, January 21, 1863; Major Rush J. Mitchell, July 25, 1862; Simon T. Green, Surgeon, October 1, 1862;. James A. Marsh, Quartermaster, March 1864; Major Richard M. Norment, September 30, 1862.

Deaths—Adjutant Richardson Mallett, killed near Scottsville, VA on August 28, 1863 while attempting to arrest deserters.

Promotions—Capt. William L. Saunders, Company B, to be Major, September 30, 1862; to be Lt. Colonel, January 21, 1863; to be Colonel, January, 1 1864; Capt. Richard M. Norment, Company A, to be Major, August 4, 1862; Capt. Alexander C. McAllister, Company F, to be Major, March 21, 1863; to be Lt. Colonel on January 1, 1864; Capt. Neill McK. McNeill, Company H, to be Major, March 18, 1864; Surgeon E.M. Jenkins, of Charleston, SC appointed Surgeon on February 22, 1863 after the resignation of Surgeon Simon T. Green; Sergeant Major Thomas S. Troy, to be 2nd Lieutenant of Company on February 3, 1863, succeeded by Thomas H. Wright, of Wilmington; Quartermaster Sergeant, John M. Waddill, to be 2nd Lieutenant Company B on December 24, 1864.

For a few weeks after its organization the regiment remained at Camp Mangum, receiving instruction in the art of war at the hands of sundry drill masters, removing thence to Goldsborough, NC, when after a stay of a few weeks it was hurried to Richmond, VA, arriving there on the day of the battle of Seven Pines.

Near Richmond the 46th NC Regiment was brigaded with the following commands, under Brigadier General John G. Walker (TX), as follows: 27th NC Regiment, 48th NC Regiment, 3rd AK Regiment, 30th VA Regiment, 2nd GA Battalion, Cooper's Battery of Artillery.

Previous to the Seven Days' Battles the regiment was stationed at Drewry's Bluff in support of the batteries at that place, when it was recalled to Richmond and sent to strengthen the army already engaged in the struggle with Federal Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, which resulted in that officer's now historic "Change of Base."

During these trying days the regiment was but little under fire, being usually in reserve, though it sustained a few casualties at Malvern Hill from the shells of the gunboats in the river.

Pending the removal of the Federal army to its new field of operations in Maryland, the 46th NC Regiment occupied various positions around Richmond, mainly at Hanover Junction.

The larger portion of the Confederate army had proceeded northward before marching orders were received to follow, and thus was lost the opportunity of a participation in the brilliant victory at the battle of 2nd Manassas.

Following the main body, the regiment marched toward Rapidan Station, where it bivouacked for some days—thence on toward Culpeper, encamping on the battlefield of Cedar Run; thence on to Warrenton, passing over the field of 2nd Manassas, over which lay scattered hundreds of dead bodies, rotting in the sun—thence to Leesburg and beyond, crossing the Potomac River at ''The Upper Ford" to the music of "My Maryland" from hundreds of soldiers' throats.

At Buckeyetown, MD, a halt was made, at which place the tired and footsore men rested for three (3) days, moving thence to Frederick City, MD. Thence the regiment moved at night, in a southeasterly direction, for the destruction of something in the nature of an acqueduct or canal lock (the Monocacy Bridge), but exactly what it was, few in the regiment knew, as the night was pitch dark and the country totally unknown.

Nothing was accomplished, however, and at dawn a hurried movement southward, was begun, continuing all day and far into the succeeding night, when the Potomac River was again crossed at a ford near Point-of-Rocks just before daylight. This ford will ever be remembered as one of the many impossibilities triumphed over by General Roberrt E. Lee's foot cavalry.

The chill of the water, the multitude of boulders which literally covered the bottom of the river, coupled with the depth of the stream (which came to the shoulders of the shorter men) all served to impress this bit of experience indelibly upon the memories of those who took that early morning dip.

Here, in the early gray of the dawn, by some mistake, the 46th NC Regiment received a volley from one of Brig. Gen. Robert J Ransom's (NC) regiments, resulting in a few minor casualties.

Having rested for a day on the Virginia shore, line of march was taken up for Harper's Ferry, where the regiment took part in the operations, resulting in the surrender of that stronghold with 11,000 prisoners, with slight loss to the Confederates.

From Harper's Ferry the command moved to Shepherdstown, VA, arriving on September 16th, crossed immediately over into Maryland and was once more united with the Army of Northern Virginia.

In the great battle of September 17th, near Sharpsburg, MD, the 46th NC Regiment bore a conspicuous part, calling forth from the division commander especial mention of its gallant colonel and staff for distinguished bravery and coolness under fire, as well as for the line, which received the shock of battle like veterans of an hundred fields.

It was said by an eye-witness of one of the charges of the 46th NC Regiment, in which a force of the enemy was driven from its position and his guns captured, that "he hoped for their own sakes that the Forty-sixth North Carolina would soon learn the difference between the deliberation of a dress parade and a charge over an open field in the face of largely superior numbers." During the day the regiment occupied several different positions of importance and great danger, in which on every occasion it exhibited that steadiness and coolness which was to characterize its record all through the eventful years to follow. Space allotted to this sketch forbids details of this or other engagements in which the regiment participated. The losses for the day aggregated about eighty (80), being fully one-fourth of the number in line. It is proper to explain, in view of the small number of men in line at Sharpsburg, that this was the first forced march undertaken by the regiment, and in the mad rush from Harper's Ferry to Sharpsburg, many of the men were physically unequal to the task and fell by the wayside from exhaustion, rejoining the regiment, some during the engagement, others coming up during the next two or three (2-3) days.

The Potomac River was again crossed on the night of September 18th with the army in perfect order, and position taken up near Martinsburg, where for several days the men were engaged in destroying railway tracks and bridges in that vicinity.

The next stop of importance was at Winchester, where a stay of two or three (2-3) weeks was made. Here, in this then land of plenty, the men revelled in the best of fresh beef, vegetables, fruits, not forgetting the honey, needing nothing for the stomach's sake, save "salt," which commanded a price near its weight in gold.

A short time after Sharpsburg Brig. Gen. John G. Walker (TX), who had commanded the brigade, was promoted to a division in the West, and Brig. Gen. John R. Cooke (NC) was assigned to the command and held this position to the close of the war.

The men of the 46th NC Regiment parted with Brig. Gen. Walker with unusual regret, having learned, in the brief period in which he commanded the brigade, to regard him with the highest esteem, for his care of the force under his command, as well as for his courage and coolness under the most trying conditions.

Brig. Gen. John R. Cooke assumed command of the brigade almost a stranger to the men of the 46th NC Regiment, and many a doubt was expressed as to the ability of "that kid" (as he was at first called) to handle the brigade, being almost boyish in his appearance.

A year or less thereafter all doubts had vanished, for "that kid" had proven his ability on many occasions. It is doubtful if any general officer in the army, with the exception of General Robert E. Lee and Lt. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, was more beloved by the men of his command than was Brig. Gen. John R. Cooke. Young, brave, generous and kindly in his dealings with officers and men, there ever existed the strongest ties between commander and men, which lasted to the end. No braver cavalier ever rode to death than Brig. Gen. Cooke.

From Winchester the next move was down the valley and through Ashby's Gap, encamping for several days at Upperville, VA on the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

From Upperville, on October 31st, the command moved in the direction of Culpeper Court House, stopping for a brief rest at Orleans.

Marching by easy stages, pausing here and there for a day or two, the regiment made its way to Fredericksburg, arriving in front of that place November 22nd. The last five days (5) was a forced march in a continuous downpour of rain.

The experiences of the men on this march across Virginia were very severe—poorly clad, many barefooted—little or no camp equipage and with an almost unprecedented spell of bad weather, all conspired to the utterance of some bad language, which history does not require should be reproduced literally.

From March 22nd to December 11th. the regiment remained in camp two or three (2-3) miles from Fredericksburg, when it took position at the foot of the heights fronting the little city, and immediately behind the stone wall on Marye's Heights.

Here it awaited the attack of Federal Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, and bore a full share in that historic slaughter. In comparative security, protected by the wall about breast bigh, all day long it shot down the brave men who charged again and again across the level plain in front, vainly yeit most gallantly striving to accomplish an impossibility. The loss in the regiment in killed and wounded during the day was seventy-one (71). Among the wounded was Maj. William L. Saunders, shot by a minie ball through the mouth. It was related by those near the Major, that during a lull in the firing, he was enjoying a hearty laugh at some remark when the minie entered the wide open mouth, making its exit through the check. It was said to have been the most abruptly ended laugh heard during the war.

Among the lamented dead in this engagement was 2nd Lt. Samuel P. Weir of Company F, a young officer of great promise—a gentleman and a Christian.

The command remained in front of Fredericksburg until January 3, 1863, when orders were received to move to a new camp ground, a mile away, which had been carefully prepared the day before.

Accordingly, the men moved the next morning loaded down with rude benches, tables, tubs, etc.—such accumulation of conveniencies as come, no one knows how, in a camp of some days. Instead of moving a mile, as was expected, the next stop with any semblance of permanency was at Holly Shelter near Wilmington, NC, which found the men in much lighter marching order, having laid aside their burdens of benches, buckets, tables, etc. Holly Shelter proved a haven of repose after the Virginia campaign. Some weeks were spent in this vicinity, the time being divided between Holly Shelter, Burgaw, and Wilmington.

From this agreeable stay the regiment was called to Charleston, SC, on April 8th, where a stay of a few days was made at the "Four Mile House,'' whence the command moved to Pocotaligo, SC, a camp dubbed by the regimental wit as "The Devil's Misery Hole.''

Insects in millions invaded the camp by day and night, developing a biting and stinging power hitherto unknown to the up-country men composing the regiment.

Rations were scarce and Commissary Sergeant Oliver P. Shell made affidavit before Sergeant Major Thomas S. Troy that "thirteen typical South Carolina cattle yielded only eleven hundred (1,100) pounds of blue beef."

With shouts of joy, the regiment bade adieu to Pocotaligo about April 20th, proceeding to Topsail Sound, near Wilmington, where the usual army ration was totally disregarded for the luscious oyster, to be had in the sound for the getting.

On May 8th, camp was broken and the regiment moved to Goldsborough, from whence it took a bloodless part in the Kinston Campaign.

On June 6th, the command left North Carolina for Virginia, where it was stationed near Hanover Junction.

Various camps were occupied near Richmond, the brigade being stationed here for the protection of the city, while the main army marched to Gettysburg.

Nothing of interest occurred here except a most brilliant engagement at South Anna Bridge, between Company B, of the 46th NC Regiment, supporting a battery, and a force of Union cavalry, on June 26th, in which that company covered itself with glory. Thirty-three (33) fresh graves were counted on the Federal position of the engagement. Loss in Company B, four (4) killed and ten (10) wounded.

Late in July of 1863, found the regiment near Fredericksburg, where it remained until August 30th. During this time the death of Adjutant Richardson Mallett [August 28th near Scottsville, VA], at the hands of deserters from another regiment, whom he was endeavoring to arrest, cast a gloom over the entire regiment. This gallant young officer had endeared himself to every member of the regiment by his excellent bearing in the field, as well as the genial good nature manifested in his daily duties in camp. A detail under Adjutant Mallett had been sent in pursuit of the party of deserters. By some means he became separated from most of his small force and coming up with the refugees he, with his usual fearlessness, rode up to them, demanding their surrender, when one of the party shot the noble fellow dead. [His killers were hanged or shot on September 5, 1863.]

September, 1863, the regiment bade a final adieu to Fredericksburg, proceeding by the way of Guinea's Station to Taylorsville, where it remained some days, when on September 25th, orders were received to repair to Gordonsville, where a quiet sojourn was had until October 9th, removing on that day to Madison Court House, this being the first day's march in the fatal flank movement to Bristoe. On this date Brig. Gen. John R. Cooke's (NC) brigade (now composed of North Carolina regiments, as follows. 15th, 27th, 46th, 48th and 55th) was attached to Maj. Gen. Henry Heth's (VA) Division, and was thus attached until the close. The Division was composed of following brigades: Brig. Gen. John R. Cooke's North Carolina, Brig. Gen. William W. Kirkland's North Carolina, Brig. Gen. Joseph R. Davis' Mississippi, Brig. Gen. James J.Archer's Tennessee, Brig. Gen. Henry H. Walker's Virginia. Maj. Gen. Heth's Division formed a part of Lt. Gen. A. P. Hill's (VA) Corps, composed of the divisions of Maj. Gen. Heth, Maj. Gen. Cadmus M. Wilcox (NC) and Maj. Gen. Richard H. Anderson (SC).

From October 9th to 14th, the command made a series of most difficult marches over the ridges and across the rapid running streams which characterize the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the effort to reach Manassas ahead of Federal Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, who was being pressed toward that point by General Robert E. Lee. Much of the distance was covered at night, over such roads as language fails to describe.

On the morning of October 14th, Brig. Gen. John R. Cooke's (NC) Brigade took the advance and in the afternoon struck the Union forces in a strong position behind the railway embankment at Bristoe Station, with a number of field guns on the eminence in the rear. Before any support came up Brig. Gen. Cooke, under orders, immediately attacked with great gallantry. In the charge made by this devoted brigade, the gallant Brig. Gen. Cooke fell, shot in the forehead, when the connnand devolved on Col. Edward D. Hall, of the 46th NC Regiment.

The unequal struggle was waged, with no result, save the loss of valuable lives; indeed a disaster was only averted by a rapid change of front by the 46th NC Regiment under Col. Hall's immediate lead by which the enemy's left flank movement was checked. This movement, made under a heavy fire from both infantry and artillery, elicited great praise, and added new laurels to the record of the 46th NC Regiment for steadiness and deliberation. The effort to dislodge the enemy from his position proving futile, the command was withdrawn in good order, out of rifle shot, which position it held until the next morning, by which time the enemy had disappeared.

It was said that General Robert E. Lee most severely criticised Lt. Gen. A. P. Hill (VA) for this blunder—that of sending a force of only two small brigades (Cooke's and Kirkland's) against overwhelming odds strongly entrenched, with ten or twelve (10-12) regiments in reserve, who never fired a gun. Such a course was then, and is yet unaccountable, on the part of a commanding officer of undeniable ability.

In this unfortunate affair the 46th NC Regiment had about sixty (60) casualties—the configuration of the ground over which it fought only saving it from a much severer loss.

On October 18th, the command crossed the Rappahannock River on pontoons, which were necessary, the river being much swollen, and went into what was at the time supposed to be winter quarters.

About this time the 46th NC Regiment lost its brilliant Colonel, Edward D. Hall, who resigned to accept a civil office in North Carolina [elected Sheriff of New Hanover County]. Col. Hall had brought the regiment up to a high standard in every respect—a brave man, a good disciplinarian, the service lost, in his resignation, a most valuable and efficient officer—and it was with much regret that his regiment bade him farewell.

On the hillside, near the Rapidan River, huts were built and the men proceeded to make themselves comfortable, but the hope of a winter's rest was rudely dissipated by being suddenly ordered, on November 8th, to a position two (2) miles from Culpeper Court House to oppose Federal Maj. Gen. George G. Meade's threatened advance, who had already captured a large portion of Brig. Gen. Robert F. Hoke's (NC) and Brig. Gen. Harry T. Hays' (LA) Brigades. Expectations of a general engagement were not realized, and November 12th found the 46th NC Regiment in camp near Rapidan Station, on the south bank of the river, from which on November 27th it again moved to confront Maj. Gen. Meade at Mine Run. Here the army entrenched and awaited the attack, which never came. The artillery was at times engaged, and there were a few casualties in the brigade, but no loss in the 46th NC Regiment.

From this date until February 8, 1864, the regiment occupied its winter quarters near Rapidan, the monotony varied by one or two (1-2) bloodless and brief expeditions to tbe left wing of the army, caused by Federal cavalry demonstrations.

On February 8th, new quarters near Orange Court House having been constructed, the command again moved. This camp was the best yet occupied, in a well-wooded and watered section, and the severe winter of 1863-'64—what remained of it—was spent here in comparative comfort.

The monotony here was unbroken by any event worth recording save possibly the great battle of ''The Snow," which took place on March 23rd , the snow being about fifteen (15) inches deep and is thus chronicled. On the morning of this eventful day, the 27th NC Regiment challenged to mortal combat the 46th NC Regiment. As the two regiments were getting into position, a long line of gray skirmishers from the direction of Brig. Gen. William W. Kirkland's (NC) camp announced the fact that Brig. Gen. John R. Cooke's (NC) command was to defend itself from the onslaught of that gallant brigade. Hastily sending word to the other Cooke regiments to come to the support, the 27th and 46th NC Regiments rushed upon Brig. Gen. Kirkland's skirmishers.

For an hour the fight raged furiously, ending in the utter rout of the brave Kirklandites who were driven pell mell out of their quarters, the victors appropriating to their own use and behoof all the cooking utensils to be found therein. That evening orders were issued to company commanders to see that all such utensils were promptly returned. Diligent search was made, but as every man found in possession of a cooking vessel vowed that "he had owned it for many months," it is doubtful if a single article was ever returned. The Kirkland men being dissatisfied, sent a formal challenge to Cooke, for a "settlement" the next day, which was had in a ceremonious way in presence of an immense crowd of onlookers, including a number of general officers with their staffs from other commands.

The result was disastrous in the extreme, to Cooke's command, which was utterly routed, losing nearly one-half its officers and men as prisoners of war, who were confined and informed that they would be detained until the "skillets" were produced, but the approach of night and the increasing cold frustrated this purpose and all hands returned to their huts, good friends. A number of minor casualties resulted from this wholesale fun, but only one of a serious nature.

On March 30th, Governor Zebulon B. Vance addressed the brigade, closing with a series of anecdotes, which sent the men to their quarters in excellent good humor. It was observed that the Governor did not once allude to Holden and his adherents, these being the then absorbing topics in North Carolina.

The months of March and April witnessed a series of revivals of religion throughout the army. It was hoped that the 46th NC Regiment derived great and lasting good from these meetings, more to be prized than any earthly blessing.

May 1st found the regiment with comparatively full ranks, and by the restored health of the sick and wounded, numbering over 500 strong. The efficient Colonel, William L. Saunders, who had succeeded Col. Edward D. Hall, having lent his best energies during the winter to bring it up to a high state of discipline, it marched away from its comfortable quarters on May 4, 1864, in better condition than ever to meet the trials and struggles of its last and most terrible campaign.

On May 5th, in the dense undergrowth of the "Wilderness," the Union Army was encountered—the 46th NC Regiment being in line immediately on the plank road, Company B being in the road. The record of that day of butchery has often been written. A butchery pure and simple it was, unrelieved by any of the arts of war in which the exercise of military skill and tact robs the hour of some of its horrors. It was a mere slugging match in a dense thicket of small growth, where men but a few yards apart fired through the brushwood for hours, ceasing only when exhaustion and night commanded a rest.

The fight in Brig. Gen. John R. Cooke's front was opened by the gallant Capt. Francis M. Wishart [Company B] with his skirmishers, who in the dense brush, ran right into the enemy before he knew their whereabouts, receiving a volley at but a few paces distance, which laid low more than half our number, including their fearless commander severely wounded.

All during that terrible afternoon, the 46th NC Regiment held its own, now gaining, now losing—resting at night on the ground over which it had fought, surrounded by the dead and wounded of both sides. Early on the morning of May 6th, the battle was renewed with increased vigor by the enemy who had received reinforcements during the night, and it was not long before the heavier weight of the Union attack began to slowly press back the decimated Confederate line. Matters were assuming a serious aspect when Lt. Gen. James Longstreet's (VA) Corps, fresh from the west, with General Robert E. Lee at its head, trotted through the weakened line and forming under fire, soon had the enemy checked, driving him back to his original position. The writer had the pleasure of witnessing this glorious scene—the most soul-inspiring sight the imagination can conceive, and one never to be forgotten.

The night of May 6th the list of casualties was hastily made up—possibly not accurate—as follows: 46th NC Regiment, killed 39, wounded 251, total 200, out of an effective strength of 540 men. The following were instantly killed: Capt. Nathan N. Fleming, of Company B; 1st Lt. George Horah, of Company B; 1st Lt. John A. B. Blue, of Company H; 2nd Lt. Thomas S. Troy, of Company G. Wounded: Col. William L. Saunders, Capt. Adolphus T. Bost, of Company K; 1st Lt. Francis M. Wishart, of Company A; 3rd Lt. Thomas G. Jenkins, of Company C.

After May 6th, Federal Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's famous left flank movement began; the 46th NC Regiment on the front line almost daily until Appomattox.

On May 10th, the regiment was again engaged at Spotsylvania Court House, where Brig. Gen. John R. Cooke's (NC) Brigade made a most brilliant and successful charge on the enemy's batteries—loss not heavy, except in Company C, (Capt. Stephen W. Jones) who lost three (3) killed and eight (8) wounded. Officers wounded: Capt. Stephen W. Jones, of Company C; 1st Lt. Alexander Routh, of Company K, mortally.

Again on May 12th, was the 46th NC Regiment engaged—suffering slightly. From May 12th to 19th, the 46th NC Regiment was continuously in line, confronting the enemy—with small loss.

The continual lateral movement of both armies brought them near Mechanicsville [at Polegreen Church], on May 28th, being a series of skirmishings to this date.

On June 2-3, the entire brigade did some handsome work also near Mechanicsville, receiving the highest encomiums from the Richmond Examiner which was said to have praise only for Virginians.

From June 3rd to June 12th, the 46th NC Regiment well entrenched, confronted the enemy at very close quarters—so close that conversation could be carried on between the opposing forces.

On June 12th, the sidelong movement was resumed. On June 15th, the regiment was engaged in White Oak Swamp for some hours—losing about twenty-five (25) men. Here it was that 1st Lt. Robert A. Small, of Company G, was mortally wounded and soon met his death. Few nobler spirits "passed over the river" during those terrible years than that of Lt. Small—a Christian and one of nature's noblemen.

On June 18th, the command crossed the James River, above Drewry's Bluff, and occupied a position near Petersburg, in the entrenchments.

The line of march of the regiment, from the beginning of the campaign, was as follows: Along the Fredericksburg turnpike to "The Wilderness"—thence to Spotsylvania Court House, Hanover Junction via Brooke Turnpike to new Mechanicsville—thence via ''Nine Mile Road," Williamsburg Road, Charles City Road, Darbytown Road, River Road, across Drewry's Bluff" pontoon bridge to the Richmond and Petersburg Turnpike, thence to Petersburg—a path marked at almost every step with blood.

From June 19th to August 21st the regiment occupied various positions on the front lines near Petersburg, being moved hither and thither as emergency required.

On August 21st, the 46th NC Regiment took part in a brilliant affair, on the extreme right of the lines, on the Weldon Railroad, driving from their works two (2) lines of the enemy, but was checked in its mad rush at the third line by a withering fire of grape and canister—under which a number of gallant spirits sank to rise no more, among others Capt. Thomas A. Branson, Company F, shot through the body by a grape shot.

On August 25th, one of the most desperate actions of the year was fought at Reams Station, mainly by Brig. Gen. John R. Cooke's and Brig. Gen. William W. Kirkland's North Carolina Brigades. The enemy was strongly fortified with a quantity of artillery. Two (2) brigades of Maj. Gen. Cadmus M. Wilcox's Division had failed to drive them, when Cooke's and Kirkland's brigades were sent forward, and in a most terrific storm of thunder and lightning, steadily advanced over the lfeld, facing a deadly fire, and with a yell carried everything before them, capturing seven (7) stands of colors, nine (9) guns, 2,100 prisoners, and a large quantity of camp equipage.

The bayonet was freely used in this affair, and Lt. Col. Alexander C. McAllister distinguished himself by his daring in leading the regiment to the muzzles of tlie cannon. Loss in the 46th NC Regiment, seventy-three (73) killed and wounded. Among the wounded were: Capt. Henry R. KcKinney, of Company A; Capt. Adolphus T. Bost, of Company K; Capt. Robert P. Troy, of Company G; 2nd Lt. Thomas R. Price, of Company C; 3rd Lt. Marcus N. Smyer (Company K - both eyes shot out); 1st Lt. Ignatious W. Brock, of Company G.

After Reams Station the regiment returned to the lines around Petersburg, occupying different positions until December, when winter quarters were built on Hatcher's Run, near Burgess' Mill, about ten (10) miles from Petersburg and immediately in front of the enemy.

About December 7th took place the famous Belfield expedition [aka Stony Creek Raid], noted for the suffering endured by the men from cold and exposure, which continued for five (5) days.

From December 7, 1864 to February 4, 1865, the 46th NC Regiment remained in winter quarters, with little to vary the monotony.

On February 5, 1865, took place the affair at Hatcher's Run [aka Dabney's Mill], in which the regiment was engaged, with some loss, among the killed being 1st Lt. Ignatious W. Brock, of Company G, by a shell.

On February 27th, Lt. Col. Alexander C. McAllister was detached from the regiment and with the writer as Adjutant, assumed command of a force of about six hundred (600) men and was assigned to duty in the counties of Randolph, Chatham, Montgomery, and Moore, North Carolina. This force was composed of the 7th NC Regiment, Maj. James G. Harris commanding, and two (2) companies each from the 15th, 27th, 46th. 48th, and 55th NC Regiments, designed for the protection of that section from raiding parties of the enemy, as also to preserve order in enforcing the Conscript Act. This force was actively employed until General Joseph E. Johnston's (VA) army arrived near Greensborough, when it was attached to Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill's (NC) Division until paroled by Federal Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman.

An episode of this bit of service was a lively engagement in the streets of Greensborough with a portion of Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler's (MS) disorganized cavalry, which undertook to capture the Government stores in the warehouses, and incidentally the town generally. The cavalry was driven out, but not without a number of casualties to both sides.

By reason of the above mentioned detail service, the writer can give no particulars of the regiment's experience from Petersburg to Appomattox from personal knowledge. Those whose duties kept them at the front near Petersburg state that the morning when General Robert E. Lee's lines near Hatcher's Run were broken, the 46th NC Regiment, with the balance of Brig. Gen. John R. Cooke's (NC) Brigade, retired in its usual good order.

On the retreat to Appomattox its experiences were those of the army generally, continued fighting and starvation. Ever ready to do its duty, no apparent disaster, however great it seemed, shook its steady column, and up to the supreme moment at Appomattox its unity was preserved, its men, those whom the bullet and disease had spared, answering promptly "here," when the final roll call was had.

At Appomattox the remnant of this band of heroes laid down their arms to take them up no more forever, and the 46th NC Regiment passed into history with not one member who but feels a just pride in its record, upon which rests no blemish. At the surrender the regiment was commanded by Col. William L. Saunders. Its strength is not recorded, but the whole of Brig. Gen. John R. Cooke's (NC) Brigade numbered 70 officers and 490 men. Official Records Union and Confederate Armies, Vol. 95, p. 1278.

Its torn and tattered battle flag which waved in triumph over many a bloody scene, was never lowered until by order of the immortal General Robert E. Lee it was laid down forever, but not in disgrace or shame, for about its folds shone the glories of Malvern Hill, Harper's Ferry, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Bristoe Station, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Mechanicsville, Cold Harbor, White Oak Swamp, Petersburg, Reams Station, Davis' Farm, and Hatcher's Run.

Not many remain to tell the story of its bivouacs, marches and battles, its patience and endurance, its hardships and sufferings for three years of hard service. Soon none will remain, but its glory is as fadeless as is that of "Lee's Army," whose fortunes and misfortunes it shared to the end.

OFFICERS OF THE FORTY-SIXTH.
(Compiled mainly from memory.)

Company A—Richmond M. Norment, Captain, promoted, succeeded by 2nd Lt. Henry R. McKinney, a New Yorker by birth, but a staunch believer in States Rights, who served faithfully to the end, wounded several times. The regiment had no more capable or efficient officer. 1st Lt. Francis M. Wishart, for many months, was commander of the regimental skirmish line. (The writer, during the latter months of the war, was intimately associated with Lt. Wishart, then Captain of Company B, and testifies to his absolute indifference to danger and his total ignorance of fear, laughing and joking under fire as in camp, always wanting to ''get at 'em.") He survived the war only to be treacherously murdered by Henry Berry Lowry. Upon the promotion of Lt. Wishart to Captaincy of Company B, his brother, Wellington Wishart, became 1st Lieutenant [official records show he remained as 2nd Lt.). He is remembered as the most silent man in the regiment, and as brave as he was silent. Sergeant Joseph H. Freeman was promoted to be 3rd Lieutenant and John Hammond from Ensign [?].

Company B—Captain William L. Saunders having been advanced to a Majority, 1st Lt. Nathan N. Fleming became Captain and served as such until his death on the field at the Wilderness, when 1st Lt. Francis M. Wishart, of Company A, was elected Captain, serving in that capacity until the close. 2nd Lt. George Horah, having been advanced to 1st Lieutenancy, was instantly killed at the Wilderness. Sergeant William B. Lowrance was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and was transferred to another regiment as Adjutant. James T. Pearson and John J. Stewart were also promoted to Lieutenant. Quartermaster Sergeant John M. Waddill was promoted to be 2nd Lieutenant, serving; as such until sent on detached service under Lt. Col. Alexander C. McAllister.

Company C—Upon the promotion of Captain William A. Jenkins, 1st Lt. Stephen W. Jones became Captain, serving gallantly in that capacity until the close. Lieutenants, William A. J. Nicholson, Samuel M. Southerland, Leonard S. Mabry, Thomas R. Price, Robert H. Ford, and Thomas G. Jenkins. The latter two were several times wounded in discharge of duty.

Company D—Caiptain Colin Stewart was with his company in the one capacity from the organization to the final ending, and (I think) never received a wound [nope, wounded at Cold Harbor]. Daniel Stewart and Stephen M. Thomas were successively 1st Lieutenant, and Hugh Middleton, Malloy Patterson, Charles T. Haigh, and John W. Roper were 2nd Lieutenants; and John A. McPhaul was a 3rd Lieutenant.

Company E—Captain Robert L. Heflin resigned in January 1863, succeeded by 1st Lieutenant Jesse F. Heflin, who served as Captain until the close—a steady, brave, capable officer, ever at his post, in camp or field. James Meadows, 1st Lieutenant, resigned and was succeeded by 2nd Lieutenant John J. Walker. James T. Wheeler and Henry C. Latta became 2nd Lieutenants; John C. Russell was 3rd Lieutenant.

Company F—Captain Alexander C. McAllister, promoted to Major, 1st Lieutenant Thomas A. Branson was advanced to Captaincy, losing his life on the field at 2nd Weldon Railroad, near Petersburg, 1864, when Sergeant Meredith M. Teague, a gallant young fellow, was promoted to 3rd Lieutenant, then Captain. His Lieutenants were James A. Spencer and Richard D. McCotter. James A. Marsh, originally 1st Lieutenant, was made A.Q.M. on April 17, 1862. Samuel P. Weir, killed at Fredericksburg, was 2nd Lieutenant in this company. Simpson Russ was 3rd Lieutenant.

Company G—Upon the resignation of Captain Obed W. Carr, 1st Lieutenant Robert P. Troy was advanced to Captain, and remained in command until the close—always at the post of duty, alike in the service of his country or his God. Ransom H. Skeen, 1st Lieutenant, was succeeded by Robert S. Small, and Thomas S. Troy, who fell at the Wilderness and was succeeded as 2nd Lieutenant by Ignatious W. Brock, killed at Hatcher's Run (aka Dabney's Mill) on February 5, 1865, and 3rd Lieutenant Robert W. Stinson died at home on February 3, 1863.

Company H—The promotion of Captain Neill McK. Mc- Neill to Major, led to the advance of 2nd Lieutenant George Wilcox to a Captaincy, serving until the close. Charles C. Goldston, 1st Lieutenant, having resigned, John A. B. Blue succeeded him and fell at the Wilderness, being succeeded by Lieutenant Neill A. McNeill, who also shared the fortunes of the company to the end. John N. McNeill became 3rd Lieutenant on September 3, 1863.

Company I—Captain Owen Holmes commanded the company from beginning to the end—was in nearly every engagement, with never a wound, if memory is not at fault. 1st Lieutenant Oliver P. White has (I think) the same unusual record. John C. Wright, 2nd Lieutenant, was succeeded by John D. Herring, Minson McLamb, and Isaiah Herring. Thomas Owens was 3rd Lieutenant.

Company K—Captain Adolphus T. Bost (if memory be not at fault) fell mortally wounded at 2nd Reams Station, and was succeeded by his brother, Robert A. Bost, who, as Captain, receiving a severe face wound, was disabled thereby. No steadier men ever faced a firing line than these two. 1st Lieutenant Alexander Routh was mortally wounded while charging a battery at Spotsylvania on May 10, 1864. 2nd Lieutenant Marcus N. Smyer was mortally wounded at 2nd Reams Station on August 25, 1864. 2nd Lieutenants James M. Hoover and John Sidney Shuford were then in command until the close.

In commenting on certain names here mentioned, it will be borne in mind that by reason of longer acquaintance or closer intimacy, the writer knew more of certain ones than of others. Some company officers were appointed but a short time before the writer was called away from the regiment, and whom he knew only by name.

No invidious discrimination is intended, for it is distinctly remembered that no officer of the 46th NC Regiment was ever charged with doing less than his full duty.

J.M. Waddill
Greenville, SC
9 April, 1901