Captain Walter R. Bell Letters

Walter R. Bell, a 32-year-old merchant and former schoolteacher living in Duplin County, received a first lieutenant’s appointment from the state on February 15, 1862. He helped fellow merchant Caleb Hobson form an infantry company, the Warsaw Sampsons, which was assigned as Company B, 51st Regiment North Carolina Troops. In April 1863, Bell was promoted to captain when Hobson was promoted to Lt. Colonel. Bell was severely wounded in the arm during the first day’s fighting at Cold Harbor. The arm was amputated and Captain Bell retired to the Invalid Corps.

Transcripts by Kirk Ward.

Letter to Alfred W. Pollock, 6 Aug. 1863

Sullivans Island SC Augt 6^th 1863

A.W. Pollock
Dear Sir
You will verry much oblige if you will get the gun and accoutrements of that Johny Wilson had and carry them out to magnolia and put in charge of Henry Hollingsworth so that I can get them when there is passing.. Frances Merritt could Bring it down provided you could get it there in time.. I was verry sorry to hear of Johny’s Death he was a good Boy and made a splendid soldier but it was the will of God and must be so I have also lost two men killed Rabin J Ezelle & Paten Merritt & Lewis Thomas Ezelle is dangerously wounded we have a hard time of it here at present and the probability is that it will last a good while as the yankies are making regular approaches Give my respects to Mrs Wilson

I remain your most Respectfully, W.R. Bell

Notes: Private Frances Merritt was home on convalescence leave after being wounded at Battery Wagner on July 18, 1863. Privates Rabon Ezzell and Payton Merritt were killed at Battery Wagner the same day that Merritt was wounded. Lewis Thomas Ezzell was wounded at Battery Wagner and died from his wounds on August 19, 1863. Captain Walter Raleigh Bell commanded Company B, 51^st Regiment North Carolina Troops.