North Carolina, 153 Years Ago: January 1863

From the North Carolina Sesquicentennial Timeline.

JANUARY 1--  Emancipation Proclamation issued "all persons held as slaves" within rebellious states "are, and henceforth shall be free."

During the month of January, Thomas' Highland Legion hunts for bushwhackers in French Broad Valley.

JANUARY 8--  Shelton Laurel Massacre, showdown between Unionist and Confederate forces in Laurel Valley.  Unionists attack Marshall, stealing salt, merchandise and foodstuffs.

They ransack the house of Colonel Lawrence Allen, commanding the 64th North Carolina Regiment.  They harass his wife and three sick children.  Colonel Allen and James Keith (also of the 64th N.C.) attack from East Tennessee with 500 men.

They go to Marshall and Laurel Valley and execute 13 "prisoners."

--Old Secesh