Organization of the Grays--General Joab Hiatt--Original members--
Election of Officers--Drill--Arms received--First public parade
--"Jake Causey"--Exercises at Edgeworth--May Queen; presentation
of banner.
CHAPTER II.
The Greys celebrate Fourth of July--Visit the Orange Guards at
Hillsboro--Dinner and Ball--Celebrate 22d February at Greenboro--The
"boom" of War--Secession of the Gulf States--Correspondence between
Gov. Ellis and Secretary Holt--Organization of the Confederacy at
Montgomery--We celebrate our own Anniversary--Our Visitors--The
Ladies--Feasting and Dancing--"Call" on Gov. Ellis for troops--Ellis'
Response.
CHAPTER III.
Effect of Lincoln's call for troops--Gov. Ellis convenes the
Legislature--The Greys ordered to report at Goldsboro with three
days rations--Ordered to report at Fort Macon--Ladies' Aid Society
--Political excitement--North Carolina Secedes--New recruits--The
Greys sworn in--Arrival at Fort Macon--Latham's Woodpeckers--Assigned
to the 9th Regiment--Assigned finally to the 27th Regiment--Deaths
--New recruits--Routine duty at the Fort--Sports and Past-times.
CHAPTER IV.
Election of Regimental Officers--Ordered to New Berne--Burnside
approaches--Fleet arrives on the 12th--The morning of the 14th--The
Battle--The retreat--At Kinston--Changes and promotions--Expiration of
enlistments--Regiment reorganized--Grays reorganized as Company B--
Election of commissioned and non-commissioned officers.
CHAPTER V.
More recruits--Sam'l Park Weir--Leave North Carolina for Virginia--The
Seven Pines--The seven days fight--Malvern Hill.
CHAPTER VI.
Marching in the rain--From Drury's Bluff to Petersburg--Riddling the
"Daniel Webster"--Shelling McClellan's camp--Ordered to Richmond--At
Rapidan Station--Discharges and deaths--Regimental Band formed--First
Maryland campaign--Across the Potomac--Two Grays captured--Lost in
the woods--Turn up in Loudon County, Va.--At Harper's Ferry--Surrender
of Harper's Ferry.
CHAPTER VII.
Battle of Sharpsburg--The 27th Regiment in the fight--Complimentary
notice by President Davis, Gen. Lee and others--Cook's heroism--
Casualties--Captain Wm. Adams--Recross the Potomac--Rest at Occoquan
--Election of Officers to fill vacancies--Deaths.
CHAPTER VIII.
McClellan moves Southward--Our march through the Valley--At Upperville
--Return to Paris--Cedar Mountain--Col. Cooke promoted--Major J. A.
Gilmer made Colonel--On to Fredericksburg--Incidents on the march--
Burnside advances--Battle of Fredericksburg--Casualties.
CHAPTER IX.
Muster Roll of Grays in December, 1862--Ordered to Richmond--To
Petersburg--Take cars for North Carolina--At Burgaw--The sweet potato
vine--On to Charleston, S.C.--The Alligators of Pocataligo--In camp
at Coosawhatchie--More deaths--Return to North Carolina--On the old
grounds near Kinston.
CHAPTER X.
The affair at Bristow Station.
CHAPTER XI.
The affair at Bristow--Gallant conduct of Color-Guard W. C. Story--
Losses of the Grays--Lieut. McKnight killed--Sergeant-Major R. D.
Weatherly mortally wounded--The affair a criminal blunder--President
Davis' comments--The surprise at Kelly's Ford--Meade crosses the
Rapidan--Lee advances--Meade's retreat--In winter quarters near
Orange Court-House.
CHAPTER XII.
Company promotions--Our "Fighting Parson" appointed Chaplain--New
recruits--Transfers--Deaths--Virginia Xmas hospitality--Visited by
Rev. J. H. Smith, of Greensboro.
CHAPTER XIII.
Relative strength of the two armies in May--Their respective positions
--The Wilderness--Private Williams receives a wound--Casualties.
CHAPTER XIV.
The enemy re-enforced by Burnside's Corps--Heth and Wilcox overpowered
--Critical situation--General Lee charges with the Texas Brigade--Enemy
routed--Longstreet wounded--Night march--Moving towards Spottsylvania
Court-House--Fortifying at Spottsylvania.
CHAPTER XV.
Barlow's attack upon our left--The little brick church--The enemy's
advance on Ewell at the salient--Gen. Lee exposes himself--Terrific
conflict--Heth's Division moved to the left--The enemy repulsed--Rest
for a few days--Grant's desperate attack on the 18th.
CHAPTER XVI.
Grant abandons his plans--Moves towards Bowling Greene--On the road to
Hanover Junction--Weary marches--A. "Georgy" soldier's costume--His
idea of Music and Medicine--Anecdote of General Grant--Grant changes
his tactics--Engagement at Attlee's Station--Brush at Tolopotomy
Creek--Skirmish at Pole--Green Church--Lieut. Campbell mortally
wounded.
CHAPTER XVII.
The army at Cold Harbor--Battle at Pharr's farm--Casualties--At Cold
Harbor--Lieut. Frank Hanner's death.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Marching towards the James--Our Brigade in the Chickahominy Swamps--
Cavalry skirmish at Hawe's Shops--Sergeant W. M. Paisley mortally
wounded--Ordered to support the cavalry on the 21st.--Fighting under
difficulties--On the lines near Petersburg.
CHAPTER XIX.
The Crater--Warren's corps seize the Weldon Railroad--The 27th at
Ream's Station--The Grays lose heavily--Warren holds the railroad.
CHAPTER XX.
In the trenches before Petersburg--Casualties--The Federals cross
to the north side of the James--Skirmish near Battery No. 45--At
Hatcher's Run--At Burgess' Mill--In line of battle--Building winter
quarters--On a raid at Bellfield--The enemy in full flight--Grant
creeping up on our lines.
CHAPTER XXI.
In winter quarters at Hatcher's Run--A midnight tramp--An affair at
Hare's Hill--Our picket line in the hands of the enemy--Recaptured--
At Fort Euliss--Our lines broken--The retreat--Fight at Sutherland's
Tavern--Sorely pressed--Reach Deep Creek--Camp near Goode's Bridge
--We celebrate--Reorganization of the regiment--A halt at Amelia
Court-House--Wagon trains attacked and burned--Every man for
himself--Reach Appomattox--In line of battle--Awaiting orders.
CHAPTER XXII.
To the reader--The morning of the 9th--Preparations to attack--A flag
of truce--Negotiations between Generals Grant and Lee--The surrender
--The Guilford Grays present at Appomattox--Comrades--Closing scene
--Retrospect.
CHAPTER XXIII.
The names of all who were at any time on our rolls, and a sketch of
the military record of each member--Battles fought.
Preface.
I hope no one will think that I aspire to the severe dignity of a
historian in these rambling reminiscences which are to follow. I am
well content to take an humbler part. With the political questions of
the past, with the conduct of politicians and statesmen, with the
skill of military leaders, with the criticism of campaigns, with the
causes and effects of the civil war, I have here no concern, much less
with the personal interests and rivalries of individuals. But for
all this, the writer hopes that these contributions will not be
unfavorably received by those who were actors in the scenes which are
here recalled. He hopes that what is lacking of the general history of
those eventful times will be compensated for in the details touching
the history of the Guilford Grays themselves.
From the period when our company was called into the field by Gov.
Ellis, down to the surrender at Appomattox, the writer kept a record of
those events which came under his own observation, and which he thought
might prove useful and interesting in future time. "_Forsan et haec
olim meminisse juvabit._"
These records up to the capture of Newberne were lost, and for this
period of our history I have relied principally upon my memory. From
the battle of Newberne to the final catastrophe, I have accurate notes
of the most important events and incidents in which the Grays
participated and shared.
To the memory of my comrades who fell, and as a testimonial to those
who survive, these reminiscences are dedicated. To the derelict in
duty, if such there may have been, the writer will have naught to say.
Let their names stand forever in the shadows of oblivion.
JOHN A. SLOAN.
REMINISCENCES OF THE GUILFORD GRAYS.
CHAPTER I.
In the year eighteen hundred and sixty the military spirit was rife in
the South. The clouds were threatening. No one knew what a day would
bring forth. The organization, the equipment and drill of volunteer
companies was, accordingly, the order of the times. The first assembly
to perfect the organization of the Guilford Grays was held in the
court-house in Greensboro, N.C., on the evening of the 9th of
January, 1860. The meeting was presided over by General Joab
Hiatt--now deceased--a favorite and friend of the young men. Gen.
Hiatt won his military laurels as commander of the militia, in the
piping times of peace. Whoever has seen him arrayed in the gorgeous
uniform of a militia brigadier on the field of the general muster
cannot fail to recall his commanding presence. He was the proper man
to fill the chair at our first meeting. James W. Albright (who is
still in the flesh) acted as secretary. The usual committees were
appointed. A constitution and by-laws were drafted and adopted. The
constitution provided for a volunteer company of infantry, to be known
as the Guilford Grays. Each member was required to sign the
constitution and by-laws. The following is a complete list of the
signers, in the order of their signatures:
John A. Sloan, William P. Wilson, Thomas J. Sloan, Jos. M. Morehead,
John Sloan, David Gundling, Henry C. Gorrel, William U. Steiner, Otto
Huber, James R. Pearce, Jas. T. Morehead, Jr., P. B. Taylor, Chas. A.
Campbell, J. H. Tarpley, William Adams, James W. Albright, Maben Lamb,
James Thomas, Edward G. Sterling, Jos. H. Fetzer, William P. Moring,
Wilbur F. Owen, George H. Gregory, David N. Kirkpatrick, Andrew D.
Lindsay, John Donnell, Benjamin G. Graham, W. W. Causey, William L.
Bryan, Chas. E. Porter, John D. Smith, James R. Cole, John H.
McKnight, Jed. H. Lindsay, Jr., W. C. Bourne, John A. Gilmer, Jr.,
Samuel B. Jordan.
The foregoing persons signed the constitution and by-laws on the 9th
of January, 1860, when the company was first organized, and are
entitled to the honor of being the "original panel."
The company was organized by the election of the following
commissioned and non-commissioned officers, viz.:
John Sloan, Captain; William Adams, 1st Lieutenant; James T. Morehead,
2d Lieutenant; John A. Pritchett, 3d Lieutenant; Henry C. Gorrell,
Ensign (with rank of Lieutenant); W. C. Bourne, Orderly Sergeant;
William P. Wilson, 2d Sergeant; Samuel B. Jordan, 3d Sergeant; Geo. W.
Howlett, 4th Sergeant; Thos. J. Sloan, Corporal; Benjamin G. Graham,
2d Corporal; George H. Gregory, 3d Corporal; Silas C. Dodson, 4th
Corporal.
The following musicians were selected from the colored troops:
Jake Mebane, fifer; Bob Hargrove, kettle-drummer; Cæsar Lindsay,
base-drummer.
The anniversary of the battle of Guilford Court-House is an honored
day among the people of old Guilford. It was the turning point in the
future of Lord Cornwallis. When the Earl of Chatham heard the defeat
announced in the House of Parliament, he exclaimed: "One more such
victory would ruin the British." This battle was fought by General
Greene on the 15th of March, 1781. On this anniversary, the 15th of
March, 1860, our officers received their commissions from Governor
Ellis. This is the date of our formal organization.
Friday night of each week was set apart for the purpose of drill and
improvement. Our drill-room was in the second story of Tate's old
cotton factory, where we were instructed in the various manoeuvers
and evolutions, as then laid down in Scott's tactics.
Early in April we received our arms, consisting of fifty stand of old
flint-and-steel, smooth-bore muskets, a species of ordnance very
effective at the breech. They were supposed to have descended from
1776, and to have been wrested by order of the Governor from the worms
and rust of the Arsenal at Fayettsville. By the first of May we had
received our handsome gray uniforms from Philadelphia. These uniforms,
which we so gaily donned and proudly wore, consisted of a frock coat,
single-breasted, with two rows of State buttons, pants to match, with
black stripe, waist belt of black leather, cross belt of white
webbing, gray cap with pompon.
Our first public parade was a day long to be remembered. It occurred
on the 5th day of May, 1860. The occasion was the coronation of a May
queen in the grove at Edgeworth Female Seminary. The Grays were
invited by the ladies to lend their presence at the celebration, and
it was whispered that we were to be the recipients of a banner.
It will be readily imagined that we were transported with the
anticipation of so joyous a day. We did our best to make ourselves
perfect in the drill and manual--for would not all eyes be upon us?
The day came at last, and at 10 a.m. we assembled in front of the
court-house. The roll was called and no absentees noted. The uniforms
were immaculate, our officers wore the beautiful swords presented to
them by the fair ladies of Greensboro Female College, the musket
barrels and bayonets flashed and gleamed in the glorious May sunshine,
and with high heads in jaunty caps, and with the proud military step,
as we supposed it ought to be, we marched now in single file, and now
in platoons, down the street towards the Edgeworth grounds, keeping
time to the music of "Old Jake," whose "spirit-stirring fife" never
sounded shriller, and whose _rainbow-arched_ legs never bore him with
such grandeur.
When we arrived at our destination, we found the beautiful green
grounds, which were tastefully decorated, already filled with happy
spectators. The young ladies, whose guests we were to be, were formed
in procession, and were awaiting the arrival of the Queen and her
suite. The appearance of this distinguished cortege on the scene was
the signal for the procession to move.
The following was the order of procession:
First. Fourteen of her maids of honor.
Second. Ten Floras, with baskets of flowers, which they scattered in
the pathway.
Third. Sceptre and crown-bearer.
Fourth. The Queen, with Lady Hope and the Archbishop on either side.
Fifth. Two maids of honor.
Sixth. Ten pages.
Seventh. The Military (Grays).
As the Queen advanced to the throne, erected in the centre of the
grove, the young ladies greeted her with the salutation:
"You are the fairest, and of beauty rarest,
And you our Queen shall be."
Lady Hope (Miss Mary Arendell) addressed the Queen:
"O, maiden fair, with light brown hair!"
The Archbishop (Miss Hennie Erwin) then proceeded to the crowning
ceremony, and Miss Mary Morehead was crowned Queen of May.
After these pleasant and ever-to-be-remembered ceremonies, the Queen
(Miss Mamie) in the name of the ladies of the seminary, presented to
the Grays a handsome silk flag, in the following happy speech:
"In the name of my subjects, the fair donors of Edgeworth, I
present this banner to the Guilford Grays. Feign would we have
it a "banner of peace," and have inscribed upon its graceful
folds "peace on earth and good-will to man;" for our womanly
natures shrink from the horrors of war and bloodshed. But we
have placed upon it the "oak," fit emblem of the firm heroic
spirits over which it is to float. Strength, energy, and decision
mark the character of the sons of Guilford, whuse noble sires
have taught their sons to know but one fear--the fear of doing
wrong." * * * * * *
Cadet R. O. Sterling, of the N.C. Military Institute, received the
banner at the hands of the Queen, and, advancing, placed it in the
hands of Ensign H. C. Gorrell, who accepted the trust as follows:
"Most noble Queen, on the part of the Guilford Grays I accept this
beautiful banner, for which I tender the thanks of those whom I
represent. Your majesty calls to remembrance the days of 'Auld
Lang Syne,' when the banners of our country proudly and
triumphantly waved over our own battle-field, and when our
fathers, on the soil of old Guilford, 'struck for their altars and
their fires.' Here, indeed, was fought the great battle of the
South; here was decided the great struggle of the Revolution; here
was achieved the great victory of American over British
generalship; here was evidenced the great military talent and
skill of Nathaniel Greene, the blacksmith boy, whose immortal name
our town bears.
"If any earthly pride be justifiable, are not the sons of Guilford
entitled to entertain it? If any spot on earth be appropriate
for the presentation of a "banner of peace," where will you find
it, if it be not here, five miles from the battle-field of
Martinsville; here at Guilford Court-House in the boro of Nathaniel
Greene; here in the classic grounds of old Edgeworth, surrounded
with beauty and intelligence; in the presence of our wives, our
sisters, and our sweethearts. And who could more appropriately
present this banner than your majesty and her fair subjects? You
are the daughter of a Revolutionary mother to whom we would render
all the honor due--
'No braver dames had Sparta,
No nobler matrons Rome.
Then let us laud and honor them,
E'en in their own green homes.'
"They have passed from the stage of earthly action, and while we
pay to their memories the grateful tribute of a sigh, we would
again express our thanks to their daughters for this beautiful
banner, and as a token of our gratitude, we, the Guilford Grays,
do here beneath its graceful folds pledge our lives, our fortunes,
and our sacred honor, and swear for them to live, them to love,
and, if need be, for them to die.
"Noble Queen, we render to you, and through you to your subjects,
our hearty, sincere, and lasting thanks for this entertainment;
and to the rulers, in your vast domain, for the privilege of
trespassing upon their provinces which lie under their immediate
supervision.
"In time of war, or in time of peace, in prosperity or adversity,
we would have you ever remember the Guilford Grays--for be assured
your memories will ever be cherished by them."
This beautiful banner was designed by Dr. D. P. Weir and executed in
Philadelphia--the size is 6 feet by 5, being made of heavy blue silk.
On the one side is a painting in oils, representing the coat-of-arms
of North Carolina encircled by a heavy wreath of oak leaves and
acorns. Above is a spread eagle with scroll containing the motto, "E
Pluribus Unum," a similar scroll below with words, "Greensboro, North
Carolina." The other side, similar in design, except within the wreath
the words, "Presented by the Ladies of Edgeworth Female Seminary, May
5th, 1860;" on the scroll above, "Guilford Grays," and on scroll
below, "Organized March 5th, 1860," all edged with heavy yellow silk
fringe, cord and tassel blue and gold, the staff of ebony, surmounted
with a heavily plated battle axe. This flag is still preserved and in
the writer's possession.