his duties while at West Point he formed many valued friendships
both among his fellow-students and in the corps. After graduating,
Ramseur entered the light artillery service and was commissioned
Second Lieutenant by brevet. He was in the United States army but
a short time prior to the breaking out of hostilities, and during
that time was assigned to duty at Fortress Monroe. In April, 1861,
he resigned his commission in the old army and promptly tendered
his sword to the Provisional Government of the Confederate States,
then assembled at Montgomery. By this government he was commissioned
First Lieutenant of Artillery and ordered to the department of
Mississippi. About this time a battery of artillery was being formed
at Raleigh, whose membership was composed of the flower of the
patriotic youth of the State. It was called "the Ellis Artillery,"
in honor of our then very able and patriotic Governor, whose early
death from phthisis was an irreparable loss to our State in the
early days of the war. The officers were Manly, Saunders, Guion
and Bridgers, who, owing to our long peace establishment, were not
familiar with even the rudiments of the drill. Therefore, with more
patriotism than selfish emulation, they promptly applied through
Lieutenant Saunders to their friend the Governor for some suitable
and reliable commander. With a pardonable pride in so fine a
company, Governor Ellis had doubtless previously considered this
subject in his own mind. At all events, so soon as the request was
made known he promptly replied: "I have the very man. You couldn't
get a better. It is Lieutenant Ramseur." Thereupon a dispatch was
sent tendering him the command, which reached him on his way to
his new field of duty. He accepted the unsolicited, but none the
less coveted distinction of repelling the invasion of his native
State in command of her own sons, and repaired at once to Raleigh.
On arriving at the camp of instruction near this place, he found a
first-class command of raw recruits without equipments or discipline
or the remotest conception of the magnitude of the great contest
before them. Many had joined the artillery because it was known to
be one of the higher and more attractive branches of the service.
They concurred with Secretary Seward, that the war was a matter of
a few months, or else with Vice-President Stephens, that for the
defense of their firesides gentlemen should not be kept in camps
of instruction and discipline, but permitted to remain at their
homes, for they were capable of judging when the enemy should be
met, and by what methods most easily defeated. If they had read
of war, it was in books which gave it such gloss and glamour as
made every battle magnificent, if not positively delectable, for
such, indeed, is the general current of popular history. Not so
Ramseur, who had been taught in the school where the art of war
is thoroughly explained, the discipline and drudgery of soldier
life daily seen, and the distinctions and advantages of rank
recognized and respected. His education and experience led him to
concur with Viscount Woolsey, who, in speaking of war, declares
that active service teaches us some painful lessons: "That all
men are not heroes; that the quality as well as quantity of their
courage differs largely; that some men are positively cowards;
that there always is, always has been, and always will be, a good
deal of skulking and malingering; it teaches us not to expect too
much from any body of men; above all things to value the truly
brave men as worth more than all the talkers and spouters who
have ever squabbled for place in the arena of politics." Ramseur
was well satisfied with the _esprit de corps_ of his command, and
resolved to employ it to the best advantage. To do this his men must
have a knowledge of tactics and discipline; and subordination was
indispensable. He had considered all this, and determined what was
right; and whether it consorted with the wishes and inclinations
of those who belonged to the command or not was not material with
him. Indeed, duty was his polar star. He did not willingly sever his
connection from the old army, but when called on to elect whether
he would fight for or against his people and his State, there was
no hesitancy, no doubt as to where his duty lay; he threw his
whole soul and energies into the cause of the South. This company
was composed of twelve-months men. Ramseur wanted soldiers, and
wanted them for the war. This being known, a few members of the
company began to become discontented. They feared they were to
be treated as regular soldiers, and insisted that, inasmuch as
they had volunteered only for twelve months, should the company
be reorganized for the war, they were entitled to withdraw. They
were good men and did not desire to leave the service; they were
allowed to withdraw, and in other fields made valiant soldiers.
The reorganization of the battery was soon completed, all elements
of discord eliminated, and, under the skillful management and
discipline of its new captain it made admirable progress. The
great thing now was to secure its guns and equipments, and in this
the company was aided by its name and the patriotic ardor of the
citizens of Raleigh. At this time there was only one field battery
available, and for it another company was applying. The name
and _personnel_ of the Ellis Artillery won the prize, while the
voluntary subscriptions of our citizens supplied it with horses.
Being without tents or suitable parade grounds, Mr. William Boylan
tendered it his residence and out-buildings for shelter and ample
grounds as a camp for instruction. The offer was accepted, and here
the company received that impress which, when called to Virginia and
brought in comparison with others, carried off the palm for their
soldierly bearing, their splendid drill and handsome equipment.
In the latter part of the summer of 1861 the company was ordered
to Smithfield, Va., where the fall and winter months were spent
without graver duties than occasional reconnoissances to and from
Norfolk. McClellan's army was now near Washington, confronted by
that of General Joe Johnston, while the public mind of the North was
becoming very impatient at its inaction, and began to renew the cry
"On to Richmond!" which had been so popular before the inglorious
defeat of the Federal army at Manassas. McClellan, unable to resist
this clamor, determined to endeavor to reach the Confederate capital
by way of the lower Chesapeake, transferred his army on transports
to the Peninsula and sat down before Yorktown. It is estimated that
McClellan at this time had an army of not less than one hundred and
twenty thousand men fit for duty. This force was to be confronted
and delayed--until Johnston could arrive--by thirteen thousand
Confederates under J. B. Magruder, who, in order to accomplish
this purpose, was compelled to cover a front of thirteen miles
with his small force. The work was done with consummate ability,
and it is no disparagement to others to say there was no officer
in either army better qualified to play such a game of bluff than
the genial, whole-souled Magruder. Ramseur was ordered to report
with his battery at Yorktown. When he arrived Magruder, who had
known him in the old army, detached him from his battery and placed
him in command of all the artillery on his right. Here Ramseur saw
his first active service in the field, and received the promotion
of major. On the arrival of the forces of McClellan a campaign of
maneuvering commenced which delayed advance for over a month. In
the meantime Ramseur had been elected Lieutenant-Colonel of the
Third Regiment of Volunteers, but declined to leave his battery.
Subsequently, and before serious demonstrations had begun, he was
elected Colonel of the Forty-ninth Regiment of Infantry. He was
still reluctant to leave his battery, but appreciating the fact that
Manly and its other officers were then well qualified for any duties
that might be required of them, through the persuasion of friends
he was induced to accept the promotion. Subsequent events soon
justified his confidence in this artillery company. At the battle
of Williamsburg, where it received its first baptism of fire, it
gathered fadeless laurels which it was destined to wear throughout
the war with a fame still augmenting.
The Forty-ninth Regiment was composed of raw recruits who were
gathered together in the camp of instruction at Raleigh, organized
into companies and regiments and instructed as to its duties in the
field. With his accustomed energy and ability Ramseur immediately
addressed himself to the labor of making soldiers out of these
new recruits. By constant drill he soon had his regiment in fair
condition; and, as the emergency was pressing, he moved with it
to the point of danger. The regiment was assigned to the brigade
of an old army officer, General Robert Ransom, who was soon to
become a distinguished major-general of cavalry in the Army of
Northern Virginia, and thence to be assigned to the command of all
the cavalry under Longstreet in his operations in the West. In
the series of battles around Richmond, known as the "Seven Days'
Fight," Ramseur, while gallantly leading his regiment in the battle
of Malvern Hill, received a severe and disabling wound through the
right arm, but declined to leave the field until the action was
over. This wound necessitated his removal to Richmond, where he was
detained for over a month before his injury permitted him to enjoy
the much-coveted pleasure of a visit to his home. Indeed, the arm
was broken, and he was ever afterwards compelled to wear it in a
sling.
In his report General Ransom speaks of the conspicuous gallantry
of Ramseur and his men, and it was by reason of his soldierly
qualities mainly, displayed upon this occasion, that his promotion
to the rank of brigadier-general soon followed. While still at home
wounded Ramseur received notice of his unexpected promotion. At
first he doubted whether one so young should accept so responsible
a position, and was disposed to decline the promotion. His friends
did not coincide in his views, and through their persuasion he
was induced to accept it. In October, 1862, with his arm still
disabled, he went to Richmond to make a decision in regard to
the brigade offered him. While there he called upon Mr. Davis,
alike distinguished as a soldier and a statesman, to whom he
expressed the fears then agitating his mind. In that affable and
engaging manner peculiar to himself, Mr. Davis at once dismissed
any suggestion of his declining, and on the contrary urged him to
accept the command, return home and remain until he had entirely
recovered his health and his strength. But Ramseur obeyed only in
part the suggestions of his commander-in-chief. He accepted the
command of the brigade and went at once to the Army of Northern
Virginia, and, with his wound still green, entered upon the
discharge of his duties. This brigade was then composed of the
Second Regiment, organized and instructed by that able tactician,
scholarly and accomplished gentleman, Colonel C. C. Tew, who was
killed at Sharpsburg; the Fourth by the chivalrous and lamented
Brigadier-General George B. Anderson, who died of wounds received at
Sharpsburg; the Fourteenth, before its reorganization, was commanded
and instructed by that soldierly and ardent North Carolinian,
Brigadier-General Junius Daniel, who fell in the Spottsylvania
campaign ere his commission as a major-general had reached him;
and the Thirtieth by Colonel F. M. Parker, the brave soldier and
courteous gentleman, of whom further mention will be made during the
course of this narrative. Ramseur was fitly chosen the commander
of this distinguished brigade, and immediately addressed himself
to its reorganization. His admirable qualifications for his duties
and his pure and chivalrous character were soon recognized and
appreciated, and infused new life and spirit into the command. As a
disciplinarian he was rigid; as a tactician, skillful; as a judge
of men, good; as a redresser of wrongs, prompt; as an officer,
courteous and urbane; as a soldier, fearless and chivalrous. He
early commanded the respect and ultimately won the hearts of all
over whom he held command. This brigade at the time he took it was
in Rodes' Division of Jackson's Corps. Ramseur remained in command
without events of any particular importance occurring until he
entered upon his Chancellorsville campaign. His report of that
famous battle is so full and complete, and so clearly displays his
unselfish and chivalrous nature, that I am confident I cannot do
better than to incorporate it as a part of this sketch. It reads as
follows:
"MAY 23, 1863.
"SIR:--In obedience to Order No. --, dated May 7th, 1863, I have the
honor to submit the following report of the operations of my brigade
in the series of skirmishes and battles opening at Massaponax Creek
and ending in the splendid victory at Chancellorsville:
"Wednesday, A. M., April 29th, the brigade was placed below
Massaponax Creek to dispute the enemy's crossing, and remained in
that position, occasionally annoyed by their artillery (by which
I lost a few men) and kept on the alert by picket firing until
Thursday evening, when we were withdrawn to a point near Hamilton's
Crossing.
"Friday, May 1st, at 3 A. M., we were aroused for the march and led
the advance of Major-General Rodes' Division in the direction of
Chancellorsville. At a distance of seven miles from Fredericksburg
we were detached from our own division and ordered to report to
Major-General Anderson, when we advanced upon the enemy, who fell
back in confusion before our sharpshooters for several miles,
strewing the way with their arms and baggage, this brigade, with
General Posey on our right and General Wright on our left, for
upwards perhaps of two miles, being in advance. About 6 P. M. we
found the foe in force upon our front and supported by batteries
that poured grape unsparingly into the woods through which we were
still advancing. Night approaching, a halt was ordered, and we slept
on our arms with a strong picket line on the outposts.
"Saturday, May 2d, we were relieved about sunrise and shortly
thereafter marched by a series of circuitous routes and with
surpassing strategy to a position in the rear of the enemy, whom at
about 5 P. M. we were ordered to attack.
"This brigade was directed to support Brigadier-General Colquitt,
with orders to overlap his right by one regiment, and was placed
accordingly. At the command we advanced with the division,
preserving a distance of about one hundred yards in the rear of
General Colquitt. Brisk firing was soon heard upon our front and
left, indicating that General Doles had encountered the foe. At this
point General Colquitt moved by the right flank, sending me word by
an officer of his staff that the enemy was attempting to turn his
right. I immediately moved by the right flank, but heard no firing
in that quarter. Again he sent his staff officer to inform me that
the enemy was passing by his right flank, when I directed him to
say to General Colquitt (in effect) that the firing indicated a
sharp fight with General Doles, and that my impression was that his
support was needed there, and that I would take care of his right
flank. General Colquitt moved to the front, with the exception of
one regiment, which continued to the right. I then pressed on by the
right flank to meet the enemy that General Colquitt's staff officer
twice reported to me to be in that direction, and prosecuted the
search for half a mile perhaps, but not a solitary Yankee was to
be seen. I then came up to the division line and moved by the left
flank to the support of General Colquitt, whose men were resting in
line of battle on the field General Doles had won.
"Saturday night our divisions occupied the last line of battle
within the intrenchments from which the routed corps of Sigel
had fled in terror. My brigade was placed perpendicular to the
plank-road, the left resting on the road, General Doles on my
right and Colonel (E. A.) O'Neal, commanding Rodes' Brigade, on my
left. I placed Colonel (F. M.) Parker, Thirtieth North Carolina,
on the right of my brigade; Colonel (R. T.) Bennett, Fourteenth
North Carolina, on right centre; Colonel (W. R.) Cox, Second North
Carolina, left centre, and Colonel (Bryan) Grimes, Fourth North
Carolina, on left.
"Sunday, May 3d, the division, being as stated, in the third line
of battle, advanced about 9 o'clock to the support of the second
line. After proceeding about one-fourth of a mile I was applied to
by Major (W. J.) Pegram for support to his battery, when I detached
Colonel Parker, Thirtieth North Carolina, for this purpose, with
orders to advance obliquely to his front and left and join me after
his support should be no longer needed, or to fight his regiment
as circumstances might require. I continued to advance to the
first line of breastworks, from which the enemy had been driven,
and behind which I found a small portion of Paxton's Brigade and
Jones' Brigade, of Trimble's Division. Knowing that a general
advance had been ordered, I told these troops to move forward. Not
a man moved. I then reported this state of things to Major-General
Stuart, who directed me to assume command of these troops and
compel them to advance. This I essayed to do, and, after fruitless
efforts, ascertained that General Jones was not on the field and
that Colonel (T. S.) Garnett had been killed, I reported again
to General Stuart, who was near, and requested permission to run
over the troops in my front, which was cheerfully granted. At the
command 'Forward!' my brigade, with a shout, cleared the breastworks
and charged the enemy. The Fourth North Carolina (Colonel Grimes)
and seven companies of the Second North Carolina (Colonel Cox)
drove the enemy before them until they had taken the last line of
his works, which they held under a severe, direct, and enfilading
fire, repulsing several assaults on this portion of our front. The
Fourteenth North Carolina (Colonel Bennett) and three companies of
the Second were compelled to halt some one hundred and fifty or two
hundred yards in rear of the troops just mentioned for the reason
that the troops on my right had failed to come up and the enemy was
in heavy force on my right flank. Had Colonel Bennett advanced the
enemy could easily have turned my right. As it was, my line was
subjected to a horrible enfilading fire, by which I lost severely.
I saw the danger threatening my right, and sent several times to
Jones' Brigade to come to my assistance, and I also went back twice
myself and exhorted and ordered it (officers and men) to fill up the
gap (some five or six hundred yards) on my right, but all in vain. I
then reported to General Rodes that unless support was sent to drive
the enemy from my right I would have to fall back. In the meantime
Colonel Parker of the Thirtieth North Carolina, approaching from the
battery on the right, suddenly fell upon the flank and repulsed a
heavy column of the enemy who were moving to get in my rear by my
right flank, some three or four hundred of them surrendering to him
as prisoners of war. The enemy still held his strong position in the
ravine on my right, so that the Fourteenth North Carolina and the
three companies of the Second North Carolina could not advance. The
enemy discovered this situation of affairs and pushed a brigade to
the right and rear of Colonel Grimes and seven companies of Colonel
Cox's (Second North Carolina), with the intention of capturing their
commands. This advance was made under a terrible direct fire of
musketry and artillery. The move necessitated a retrograde movement
on the part of Colonels Grimes and Cox, which was executed in
order, but with the loss of some prisoners, who did not hear the
command to retire. Colonel Bennett held his position until ordered
to fall back, and, in common with all the others, to replenish his
empty cartridge-boxes. The enemy did not halt at this position, but
retired to his battery, from which he was quickly driven, Colonel
Parker of the Thirtieth North Carolina sweeping over it with the
troops on my right.
"After replenishing cartridge-boxes I received an order from
Major-General Rodes to throw my brigade on the left of the road to
meet an apprehended attack of the enemy in that quarter. This was
done, and afterwards I was moved to a position on the plank-road
which was intrenched, and which we occupied until the division was
ordered back to camp, near Hamilton's Crossing.
"The charge of the brigade, made at a critical moment, when the
enemy had broken and was hotly pressing the centre of the line in
our front with apparently overwhelming numbers, not only checked his
advance but threw him back in disorder and pushed him with heavy
loss from his last line of works.
"Too high praise cannot be accredited to officers and men for their
gallantry, fortitude, and manly courage during this brief but
arduous campaign. Exposed as they had been for five days immediately
preceding the fights on the picket line, they were, of course,
somewhat wearied, but the order to move forward and confront the
enemy brightened every eye and quickened every step. Under fire all
through Wednesday, Wednesday night and Thursday, without being able
effectually to return this fire, they bore all bravely, and led the
march towards Chancellorsville on Friday morning in splendid order.
The advance of the brigade on Friday afternoon was made under the
very eyes of our departed hero (Jackson) and of Major-General A. P.
Hill, whose words of praise and commendation, bestowed upon the
field, we fondly cherish. And on Sunday the magnificent charge of
the brigade upon the enemy's last and most terrible stronghold was
made in view of Major-General Stuart and our division commander,
Major-General R. E. Rodes, whose testimony that it was the most
glorious charge of that most glorious day we are proud to remember
and report to our kindred and friends.
"To enumerate all the officers and men who deserve special mention
for their gallantry would be to return a list of all who were on
the field. All met the enemy with unflinching courage; and for
privations, hardships, and splendid marches, all of which were
cheerfully borne, they richly deserve the thanks of our beautiful
and glorious Confederacy.
"I cannot close without mentioning the conspicuous gallantry and
great efficiency of my regimental commanders. Colonel Parker of the
Thirtieth North Carolina was detached during the fight of Sunday
to support a battery, and, having accomplished that object, moved
forward on his own responsibility and greatly contributed to wrest
the enemy's stronghold at Chancellorsville from their grasp as
well as prevent their threatened demonstrations upon the right of
my brigade; the gallant Grimes of the Fourth North Carolina, whose
conduct on other fields gave promise of what was fully realized on
this; Colonel Bennett of the Fourteenth North Carolina, conspicuous
for his coolness under the hottest fire, and last, though not
least, the manly and chivalrous Cox of the Second North Carolina,
the accomplished gentleman, splendid soldier, and warm friend,
who, though wounded five times, remained with his regiment until
exhausted. In common with the entire command, I regret his temporary
absence from the field, where he loved to be.
"Major Daniel W. Hurtt, Second North Carolina State Troops,
commanded the skirmishers faithfully and well.
"To the field and company officers, one and all, my thanks are
due for the zeal and bravery displayed under the most trying
circumstances.
"To the gentlemen of my staff I owe especial thanks for services
rendered on the march and upon the field. Captain Seaton Gales,
Assistant Adjutant-General, and Lieutenant Caleb Richmond,
Aid-de-camp, were with me all the time, promptly carrying orders
under the very hottest fire. I take pleasure, too, in speaking of
the bravery of private James Stinson, courier, a youth of twenty,
who displayed qualities a veteran might boast of, and of the conduct
of private J. B. Beggarly, also a courier to headquarters.
"To Dr. G. W. Briggs, Senior Surgeon of the brigade, my thanks are
due for his zeal, skill, and care of the wounded.
"I am, sir, very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
"STEPHEN D. RAMSEUR,
"_Brigadier-General Commanding_."
In the report of this battle by Major-General Rodes he makes the
following remarks as to the part borne by Ramseur's Brigade: ...
"While these movements were taking place on the left, Ramseur
and Doles pushed forward on the right, passed the first line of
intrenchments, which had already been carried, passed the first
and second lines of our troops, and became fiercely engaged. Doles
deflecting to the right, passed up a ravine behind the graveyard
on Chancellor's Hill, and finally came out in the field nearly
opposite the house, driving the enemy before him as he advanced,
actually getting several hundred yards to the rear as well of those
troops opposing the rest of my division as of those opposing General
Anderson's Division. Subsequently he was compelled to fall back,
and was directed by General Lee to take a large body of prisoners.
Ramseur, after vainly urging the troops in the first line of
intrenchments to move forward, obtained permission to pass them,
and, dashing over the works, charged the second intrenchment in
the most brilliant style. The struggle at this point was long and
obstinate, but the charge on the left of the plank-road at this time
caused the enemy to give way on his left, and this, combined with
the unflinching determination of his men, carried the day and gave
him possession of the works. Not being supported, he was exposed
still to a galling fire from the right, with great danger of being
flanked. Notwithstanding repeated efforts made by him, and by myself
in person, none of the troops in his rear would move up until the
old 'Stonewall Brigade' arrived on the ground and gallantly advanced
in conjunction with the Thirtieth North Carolina Regiment, Colonel
F. M. Parker, of Ramseur's Brigade, which had been detached to
support a battery, and was now on its return. Occupying the works
on the right of Ramseur, and thus relieving him when his ammunition
was nearly exhausted, the Stonewall Brigade pushed on and carried
Chancellorsville heights, making the third time that they were
captured."
In this battle Ramseur, though severely wounded, declined to leave
the field, and is especially mentioned by Rodes as one who was
"distinguished for great gallantry and efficiency in this action."
It will be remembered that it was here that that great ideal soldier
of the Army of Northern Virginia, who stood second only to Lee,
Stonewall Jackson, fell mortally wounded, and was carried from the
field. His command then devolved on A. P. Hill, who was wounded,
and then upon General J. E. B. Stuart, whose plume, like that of
Henry of Navarre, was always seen conspicuous in the thickest of
the affray. While each of these generals mentioned Ramseur and his
brigade in the most flattering terms, I will not stop to quote from
their reports. I prefer to hasten on and call your attention to
what will be recognized by every soldier of that army as one of the
highest compliments and most distinguished tributes that could have
been paid. I beg you to pause and reflect upon the force and power
of each expression. It emanates from one not given to compliments,
but who, in all his public communications, seemed to weigh and
carefully consider each word. I am confident that the existence of
this letter was not known either to Ramseur or to any of his command
when written, and came to my notice for the first time only very
recently.
It reads as follows:
"HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
"June 4th, 1863.
"HIS EXCELLENCY ZEBULON B. VANCE,
"_Governor of North Carolina, Raleigh_:
"GOVERNOR:--I have the honor to call the attention of your
Excellency to the reduced condition of Brigadier-General Ramseur's
Brigade. Its ranks have been much thinned by the casualties of
the battles in which it has been engaged, in all of which it has
rendered conspicuous service. I consider its brigade and regimental
commanders as among the best of their respective grades in the
army, and in the battle of Chancellorsville, where the brigade
was much distinguished and suffered severely, General Ramseur was
among those whose conduct was especially commended to my notice by
Lieutenant-General Jackson in a message sent to me after he was
wounded. I am very desirous that the efficiency of this brigade
should be increased by filling its ranks, and respectfully ask that,
if it be in your power, you will send on recruits for its various
regiments as soon as possible. If this cannot be done I would
recommend that two additional regiments be sent to it if they can be
had. I am satisfied that the men could be used in no better way to
render valuable service to the country and win credit for themselves
and their State.
"I am, with great respect,
"Your obedient servant,
"R. E. LEE,
"_General_."