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
Category: 51st North Carolina
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
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
The Court-Martial of Dugald Hammonds (part 5 of 5)
This is the final post of the Dugald Hammonds series. Below is the trial transcript from Hammonds’ court martial. Other posts in this series: Part 1: Early life Part 2: Confederate service Part 3: Union service Part 4: Court martial and death Transcript of Proceedings in Court Martial of Private Dugald Hammonds Proceedings of a… Continue reading The Court-Martial of Dugald Hammonds (part 5 of 5)
The Court-Martial of Dugald Hammonds (part 4 of 5)
Articles of War ART. 7. Any officer or soldier who shall begin, excite, cause, or join in, any mutiny or sedition, in any troop or company in the service of the United States, or in any party, post, detachment, or guard, shall suffer death, or such other punishment as by a courtmartial shall be inflicted.… Continue reading The Court-Martial of Dugald Hammonds (part 4 of 5)