For most of the war, Confederate troops were poorly equipped with arms, food, and uniforms. North Carolina did a better job equipping its soldiers than the other southern states, but Tar Heel troops still lacked for many of the items they needed. New clothing was issued periodically, but by 1864, the quality of the uniforms… Continue reading A Soldier Complains About Clothing
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51st North Carolina Officers on Duty by Month
I have spent the past few weeks refining PFD (Present for Duty) data for the regiment. The results for the officers are below. My apologies for the small size, but I wanted to publish it as one page. You can open it in a new tab to get a better view of the data. I… Continue reading 51st North Carolina Officers on Duty by Month
The Officers of the 51st North Carolina
Overview Sixty-six combat officers (does not include staff officers) served with the 51st North Carolina during the three years the regiment fought for Southern independence. Almost half of the men were farmers. The rest came from a variety of professions and trades. Almost all were wealthy, or they belonged to wealthy families. All but one… Continue reading The Officers of the 51st North Carolina
Organization of a Regimental Battle Line
Research Objective I was curious to see if I could determine the approximate location of individual soldiers during the Fifty-First’s battles. I studied Hardee’s 1862 edition of Rifle and Infantry Tactics, hoping to find enough information to satisfy my goal. Unfortunately, I came up with more questions than answers. I am unable to prove that… Continue reading Organization of a Regimental Battle Line
Visiting the Goldsboro Bridge Battlefield
I visited the Goldsboro Bridge Battlefield last week. It was interesting to walk on the same ground that my great-grandfather fought on 161 years ago. The park is owned and maintained by a non-profit, the Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield Association (www.goldsboroughbridge.org). The battlefield is free, is open 24/7, is unattended, and it has no facilities (gas… Continue reading Visiting the Goldsboro Bridge Battlefield
Chaos in Command: More Information
I know, I know! I keep posting on this topic. But I found more information in the Clingman Papers about the Fifty-First’s command debacle in 1863. Summary of the Situation in January 1863 On January 6, 1863, Lieutenant Colonel William Allen, commanding the 51st North Carolina, submitted his resignation [the letter is dated January 5].… Continue reading Chaos in Command: More Information
The Difference Between 2nd and 3rd Lieutenants
Q: My ancestor received a commission as a Second Lieutenant, but he is listed as a Third Lieutenant on muster rolls. Why? A North Carolina infantry company was led by four commissioned officers: a captain and three lieutenants. Among the lieutenants were a first lieutenant, a second lieutenant, and a third lieutenant (also referred to… Continue reading The Difference Between 2nd and 3rd Lieutenants
Cover-Your-Ass Basics: Document and Escalate
Anyone who has ever tried to accomplish an assigned task and hit a bureaucratic brick wall will appreciate the following letter. Those who served in the military will especially relate to Lieutenant Maurice’s predicament. Some things never change. Ordnance Office, Clingman’s Brigade, Sullivan’s Island, S. C., Nov. 12, 1863 [To:] Capt. Wm. F. Nance, A.… Continue reading Cover-Your-Ass Basics: Document and Escalate
“I don’t know what will become of me”: The James D. Williams Letters
An Unexpected Gift On Christmas Day, I received an unexpected and most welcome message from James Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence, a descendant of Private James Daniel Williams of Company I, has several letters written by his ancestor. He graciously sent scans of the letters to me. Notes on Transcription Transcribing the Williams letters took some effort.… Continue reading “I don’t know what will become of me”: The James D. Williams Letters
General Clingman’s Report to Governor Vance on Operations in Charleston
Transcript of report written by General Clingman for Governor Vance on August 4, 1863. The report appears to be a draft because of the numerous mark-throughs. [?] indicates an illegible word. Source: Clingman Papers, Folder 13, scans 3 to 15. Sullivans Island Aug 4 1863 Sir In accordance with your wishes I proceed to give… Continue reading General Clingman’s Report to Governor Vance on Operations in Charleston