From the July 4, 2004 Pilot.
The North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh acquired the battle flag of the 18th North Carolina regiment, the ones responsible for shooting Stonewall Jackson May 2, 1863 at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
The following day, the flag was captured by Federal soldiers when the regiment's color-bearer, Corporal Owen J. Eakins on New Hanover County was killed.
Its existence was unknown until 1992 when the current owner sent a letter to the museum. The flag's post-war history is largely unknown, but apparently there was a succession of owners until Dr. Tom Walsh got it in the early 1970s.
In 1993, it was loaned to the museum where it was conserved and put on exhibit. Dr. Walsh later offered to donate part of the value and the museum found funds to buy the rest.
Good to have It Home. --Old B-R'er
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
Showing posts with label 18th NC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 18th NC. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Colonel Purdie's Uniform at Averasboro Battlefield
From the Averasboro Battlefield site.
On May 21, 2001, the Averasboro Battlefield Commission was presented a uniform worn by Colonel Thomas James Purdie while a junior officer in Confederate service. His nephew Thomas James Purdie made the presentation on behalf of the Purdie family.
The uniform was made by the Purdie family and had been in many different locations over the years, but now has a permanent home at Averasboro Battlefield in North Carolina.
It consists of a frock, trousers, vest and is accompanied by a medicine chest, valise, sword and a canteen with a bullet hole in it. The last item probably has an interesting story to go with it.
Colonel Purdie was in command of the 18th North Carolina regiment may 2, 1863, when General Jackson was wounded. The next day, he was killed in battle.
The uniform was at the Purdie home from 1861 to 1863, then to the North Carolina Museum of History. Then to Dunn and then Bladen County. In 1976, it was loaned to the Bladen County Historical Society where it remained until the 1990s. During this time it was not cared for.
The Purdie family has been in Harnet County for many years. Family members at the presentation: Thomas James Purdie, John Wesley Purdie, John Alexander Purdie, David Boyce Purdie, Elaine Pudie and Alice Purdie.
The article also has a picture of Col. Purdie, a picture of the uniform and a short history of him.
The Story of a Uniform. --B-R'er
On May 21, 2001, the Averasboro Battlefield Commission was presented a uniform worn by Colonel Thomas James Purdie while a junior officer in Confederate service. His nephew Thomas James Purdie made the presentation on behalf of the Purdie family.
The uniform was made by the Purdie family and had been in many different locations over the years, but now has a permanent home at Averasboro Battlefield in North Carolina.
It consists of a frock, trousers, vest and is accompanied by a medicine chest, valise, sword and a canteen with a bullet hole in it. The last item probably has an interesting story to go with it.
Colonel Purdie was in command of the 18th North Carolina regiment may 2, 1863, when General Jackson was wounded. The next day, he was killed in battle.
The uniform was at the Purdie home from 1861 to 1863, then to the North Carolina Museum of History. Then to Dunn and then Bladen County. In 1976, it was loaned to the Bladen County Historical Society where it remained until the 1990s. During this time it was not cared for.
The Purdie family has been in Harnet County for many years. Family members at the presentation: Thomas James Purdie, John Wesley Purdie, John Alexander Purdie, David Boyce Purdie, Elaine Pudie and Alice Purdie.
The article also has a picture of Col. Purdie, a picture of the uniform and a short history of him.
The Story of a Uniform. --B-R'er
The 18th North Carolina at Chancellorsville-- The Wounding of Stonewall Jackson-- Part 2
Back on June 28th, I picked up on a story I started back in December. I'm continuing.
"Lane's ambulance corps was in our immediate rear and was called into use. A blanket was placed over General Jackson to keep his wounding from being known, as he was carried to the rear.
"About a half an hour after the wounding of Jackson, another firing took place along the line and A. P. Hill, who had gone back on foot to look for something that was left where Jackson was wounded, was hit in the calf of his leg. Hill was much displeased, and was reproving us for the firing at noise, etc.."
Wikipedia mentions that Hill was temporarily put in command of Jackson's corps after the wounding, but was then wounded himself. That wound was minor.
You'd think General Hill would have known better to go out in front of the lines, especially in front of the 18th, by the time of his wounding. I imagine there might have been a few expletives in what Hill had top say.
Don't Go Wandering Around in Front of the Lines!! --Old B-Runner
"Lane's ambulance corps was in our immediate rear and was called into use. A blanket was placed over General Jackson to keep his wounding from being known, as he was carried to the rear.
"About a half an hour after the wounding of Jackson, another firing took place along the line and A. P. Hill, who had gone back on foot to look for something that was left where Jackson was wounded, was hit in the calf of his leg. Hill was much displeased, and was reproving us for the firing at noise, etc.."
Wikipedia mentions that Hill was temporarily put in command of Jackson's corps after the wounding, but was then wounded himself. That wound was minor.
You'd think General Hill would have known better to go out in front of the lines, especially in front of the 18th, by the time of his wounding. I imagine there might have been a few expletives in what Hill had top say.
Don't Go Wandering Around in Front of the Lines!! --Old B-Runner
Monday, June 28, 2010
The 18th North Carolina at Chancellorsville-- Wounding of Jackson
Back in December, 2009, I had several posts about the 18th North Carolina and the wounding of Stonewall Jackson that led to his death.
COMPANY F was called "The Scotch Boys" and had 94 officers and men. Of that number, 60 were 6 feet to 6 feet four inches in height, a very tall group for that time.
Nine companies of the 18th moved to Camp Wyatt, named for H.L. Wyatt, the first Confederate soldier killed in battle during the war (who was from North Carolina).
Camp Wyatt was located on James Burris' land near the head of the sound about a mile from present-day Carolina Beach, North Carolina. I have also seen it located about two miles north of Fort Fisher, about where Kure Beach is today. There is a Camp Wyatt Court in Kure Beach today.
On July 1, 1861, the regiment elected officers and was reorganized April 24, 1862. At that time, Private John D. Barry was elected captain of Company I.
THE WOUNDING OF GENERAL JACKSON
At Chancellorsville, Col, Purdie and Adjutant McLaurin were out in front of the 18th's lines when they heard a few shots fired. They headed back to the lines as fast as they could, when the 18th "fired a terrific volley. How we escaped was wonderful. Horses with riders and horses without, came into lines with us.
We are friends, Cease firing! rang out, but too late. Stonewall Jackson and some of his staff wounded and some two or three couriers killed, was the result of the volley. I pulled the cape of his overcoat over the head of one of Hill's couriers."
Report of Adjutant William H. McLaurin.
To Be Continued. --Old B-Runner
COMPANY F was called "The Scotch Boys" and had 94 officers and men. Of that number, 60 were 6 feet to 6 feet four inches in height, a very tall group for that time.
Nine companies of the 18th moved to Camp Wyatt, named for H.L. Wyatt, the first Confederate soldier killed in battle during the war (who was from North Carolina).
Camp Wyatt was located on James Burris' land near the head of the sound about a mile from present-day Carolina Beach, North Carolina. I have also seen it located about two miles north of Fort Fisher, about where Kure Beach is today. There is a Camp Wyatt Court in Kure Beach today.
On July 1, 1861, the regiment elected officers and was reorganized April 24, 1862. At that time, Private John D. Barry was elected captain of Company I.
THE WOUNDING OF GENERAL JACKSON
At Chancellorsville, Col, Purdie and Adjutant McLaurin were out in front of the 18th's lines when they heard a few shots fired. They headed back to the lines as fast as they could, when the 18th "fired a terrific volley. How we escaped was wonderful. Horses with riders and horses without, came into lines with us.
We are friends, Cease firing! rang out, but too late. Stonewall Jackson and some of his staff wounded and some two or three couriers killed, was the result of the volley. I pulled the cape of his overcoat over the head of one of Hill's couriers."
Report of Adjutant William H. McLaurin.
To Be Continued. --Old B-Runner
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Interesting 18th North Carolina Story
While stationed in South Carolina, Corporal William H. McLaurin, standing corporal of the guard along a coastal stream, received word about Yankees assembling nearby.
They could not be seen, but their splashing could be heard as they came ashore.
Tension among the troops were increasing and preparation for battle under way until it was discovered that the noise came from porpoises splashing along the banks.
Something Mighty Fishy Here. --Old B-R
They could not be seen, but their splashing could be heard as they came ashore.
Tension among the troops were increasing and preparation for battle under way until it was discovered that the noise came from porpoises splashing along the banks.
Something Mighty Fishy Here. --Old B-R
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Chancellorsville Rough on Lane's Brigade
The 18th North Carolina was in Brigadier General James Lane's Brigade at the Battle of Chancellorsville as a part of A. P. Hill's Light Division and Jackson's Second Army Corps.
The battle was quite hard on the brigade's officer corps.
7th NC
Col. Edward G. Haywood (wounded)
Lt. Col. Junius Hill (killed)
Major William L. Davidson (wounded)
18th NC
Col. Thomas J. Purdie (killed)
Lt. Col. Forney George (wounded)
33rd NC
Col. Clark M. Avery (wounded)
37th NC
Col. William M. Barbour (wounded)
Every colonel was put out of service.
War is Hell. --Old B-Runner
The battle was quite hard on the brigade's officer corps.
7th NC
Col. Edward G. Haywood (wounded)
Lt. Col. Junius Hill (killed)
Major William L. Davidson (wounded)
18th NC
Col. Thomas J. Purdie (killed)
Lt. Col. Forney George (wounded)
33rd NC
Col. Clark M. Avery (wounded)
37th NC
Col. William M. Barbour (wounded)
Every colonel was put out of service.
War is Hell. --Old B-Runner
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Battle Flag of the 18th North Carolina-- Part 2
The battleflag has the names of the following engagements written in white:
Cedar Run, Mechanicksville, Hanover, Manassas, Cold Harbor, Frazier's Farm, Ox Hill, Harper's Ferry are on the front.
On the back: Manassas Junction, Sharpsburg, Shephedstown, Malvern Hill.
Of interest, in early 1863, the five North Carolina regiments of the Branch-Lane Brigade received new battle flags which had battle honors painted in white instead of the usual blue or black. They were also on both sides.
Forward the Flag!! --Blockade-R
Cedar Run, Mechanicksville, Hanover, Manassas, Cold Harbor, Frazier's Farm, Ox Hill, Harper's Ferry are on the front.
On the back: Manassas Junction, Sharpsburg, Shephedstown, Malvern Hill.
Of interest, in early 1863, the five North Carolina regiments of the Branch-Lane Brigade received new battle flags which had battle honors painted in white instead of the usual blue or black. They were also on both sides.
Forward the Flag!! --Blockade-R
Battle Flag of 18th North Carolina Infantry-- Part 1
On May 3, 1863, the day that Col. Purdie died, the flag of the 18th North Carolina was captured by the 7th New Jersey at the Battle of Chancellorsville. It is currently on display at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh.
At the Battle of Chancellorsville, the 18th lost 34 killed, 99 wounded and 21 missing.
The NC Museum of History had this press release June 18, 2008 which also included pictures of the front and back of the 18th's flag.
It was captured May 3, 1863, when the regiments color-bearer, Corporal Owen J. Eakins of New Hanover County was killed.
Its existence was not known until Dr. Tom Walsh, a New Jersey college professor wrote the museum a letter. He had gotten it in the 1970s and it is believed it had several owners before that.
He loaned it to the museum which conserved it and put it on display in 1993. He then offered to donate part of the value of it and the museum paid the remainder of it. It is currently on display in "A Call to Arms: North Carolina Military History Gallery."
Fly That Flag!! --Old B-Runner
At the Battle of Chancellorsville, the 18th lost 34 killed, 99 wounded and 21 missing.
The NC Museum of History had this press release June 18, 2008 which also included pictures of the front and back of the 18th's flag.
It was captured May 3, 1863, when the regiments color-bearer, Corporal Owen J. Eakins of New Hanover County was killed.
Its existence was not known until Dr. Tom Walsh, a New Jersey college professor wrote the museum a letter. He had gotten it in the 1970s and it is believed it had several owners before that.
He loaned it to the museum which conserved it and put it on display in 1993. He then offered to donate part of the value of it and the museum paid the remainder of it. It is currently on display in "A Call to Arms: North Carolina Military History Gallery."
Fly That Flag!! --Old B-Runner
Colonel Purdie's Burial
The commander of the 18th North Carolina, Colonel Purdie was shot dead the day after Jackson was wounded. By coincidence, he was buried the same day that Jackson died from pneumonia brought on by his accidental wounding back on May 3, 1863 at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ellis Robeson wrote in her diary May 11, 1863, "I hear today that Col. Purdie was killed in battle last Sunday, 3rd of May. I spent the day with Mrs. Purdie, she is in great trouble. I deeply sympathize with her family. 9th-the Col's remains were brought up by the Hurt and were interred on Sunday the 10th- a large congregation attended...."
A Brave Leader. --B-R
Mrs. Elizabeth Ellis Robeson wrote in her diary May 11, 1863, "I hear today that Col. Purdie was killed in battle last Sunday, 3rd of May. I spent the day with Mrs. Purdie, she is in great trouble. I deeply sympathize with her family. 9th-the Col's remains were brought up by the Hurt and were interred on Sunday the 10th- a large congregation attended...."
A Brave Leader. --B-R
Monday, December 14, 2009
General Jackson's Wounding
I have been writing about the 18th North Carolina, Colonel Purdie and John Decatur Barry lately, and a lot of that was tied up with the wounding of General Jackson, so I decided to go into some detail on the event.
According to Wikipedia, as Jackson and his staff were returning to camp on May 2, 1863, they passed in front of the 18th North Carolina, who mistook them for Union cavalry in the darkness. They challenged with, "Halt! Who goes there?". Before the reply could be evaluated, shots rang out.
The staff frantically tried to identify themselves when Major Barry replied, "It's a damned Yankee trick! Fire!" A second volley and Jackson received three wounds, two to his left arm and one to his right hand.
Several other staff members were killed as were some horses. Darkness and confusion prevented General Jackson from getting immediate care. Dr, Hunter McGuire amputated Jackson's left arm, and he was taken to a local plantation where he died on May 10th of complications from pneumonia.
A Sad Time for the South. --Old B-Runner
According to Wikipedia, as Jackson and his staff were returning to camp on May 2, 1863, they passed in front of the 18th North Carolina, who mistook them for Union cavalry in the darkness. They challenged with, "Halt! Who goes there?". Before the reply could be evaluated, shots rang out.
The staff frantically tried to identify themselves when Major Barry replied, "It's a damned Yankee trick! Fire!" A second volley and Jackson received three wounds, two to his left arm and one to his right hand.
Several other staff members were killed as were some horses. Darkness and confusion prevented General Jackson from getting immediate care. Dr, Hunter McGuire amputated Jackson's left arm, and he was taken to a local plantation where he died on May 10th of complications from pneumonia.
A Sad Time for the South. --Old B-Runner
18th North Carolina Infantry-- Part 2
On Saturday's entry, I began telling about the 18th NC Infantry regiment.
The regiment was then sent to South Carolina on March 14, 1862, and returned to Wilmington, then Kinston, NC. At a reorganization, Robert Cowan was elected colonel and Thomas Purdie Lt.-Colonel.
It was Purdie that gave the order to fire at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863 that resulted in the wounding of General Jackson.
The following day, May 3rd, Colonel Purdie was shot in the head and died on the spot. After the battle, First Sergeant Evander Roberson escorted Purdie's remains to Wilmington and then up the Cape Fear River on the steamer A. P. Hurt to his home in Bladen County near Tarheel. He was buried in the family cemetery on the same day Jackson died, May 10, 1863.
The steamer A. P. Hurt was a steel hull, 118 foot long, 6 foot draft, sidewheel ship.
Don't Shoot. --B-Runner
The regiment was then sent to South Carolina on March 14, 1862, and returned to Wilmington, then Kinston, NC. At a reorganization, Robert Cowan was elected colonel and Thomas Purdie Lt.-Colonel.
It was Purdie that gave the order to fire at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863 that resulted in the wounding of General Jackson.
The following day, May 3rd, Colonel Purdie was shot in the head and died on the spot. After the battle, First Sergeant Evander Roberson escorted Purdie's remains to Wilmington and then up the Cape Fear River on the steamer A. P. Hurt to his home in Bladen County near Tarheel. He was buried in the family cemetery on the same day Jackson died, May 10, 1863.
The steamer A. P. Hurt was a steel hull, 118 foot long, 6 foot draft, sidewheel ship.
Don't Shoot. --B-Runner
Saturday, December 12, 2009
8th and 18th North Carolina-- Part 1
The 8th North Carolina Regiment was formed at Camp Wyatt near Carolina Beach, north of what became Fort Fisher near Wilmington, North Carolina.
It consisted of men from Wilmington as well as Robeson, New Hanover, Bladen, Columbus and Richmond counties.
John Decatur's Company I was also called the Wilmington Rifle Guard.
18TH NORTH CAROLINA
The 8th NC was redesignated as the 18th North Carolina at Camp Wyatt and elected as officers Col. James D. Ratliff, Lt.Col. O. P. Mears and Major George Tate.
In early October, the regiment with the exception of Co. K, was moved to Confederate Point and helped construct Fort Fisher. In November, it was ordered to Port Royal.
Company K manned a battery at Zeke's Island off the southern point of Fort Fisher.
The History of a Regiment. --Blockade-R
It consisted of men from Wilmington as well as Robeson, New Hanover, Bladen, Columbus and Richmond counties.
John Decatur's Company I was also called the Wilmington Rifle Guard.
18TH NORTH CAROLINA
The 8th NC was redesignated as the 18th North Carolina at Camp Wyatt and elected as officers Col. James D. Ratliff, Lt.Col. O. P. Mears and Major George Tate.
In early October, the regiment with the exception of Co. K, was moved to Confederate Point and helped construct Fort Fisher. In November, it was ordered to Port Royal.
Company K manned a battery at Zeke's Island off the southern point of Fort Fisher.
The History of a Regiment. --Blockade-R
Monday, March 2, 2009
Who Gave the Order?
Back on Feb. 27th, I wrote about General Jackson being shot at Chancellorsville by men commanded by Major. John Decatur Barry. here's a followup on the story.
He was born in Wilmington, NC, on June 21, 1839 and went to the University of North Carolina. He enlisted at the outbreak of the war in Co. I, 18th NC and in April 1862, was elected captain of his company and later wounded at the Battle of Frayser's Farm.
After Antietam, he was promoted to major, and it was he who gave the order for his men to fire at what they thought to be Union cavalry at Chancellorsville, but ended up being General Stonewall Jackson and his staff. Jackson lost his arm and later died from complications of the wound.
Even so, Barry was promoted to colonel and commanded the 18th NC at Pickett's Charge July 3, 1863. The 18th also participated in the Overland Campaign. When Gen. Lane was wounded at Cold Harbor, June 2, 1864, Barry was promoted to brigadier general, but was wounded bu a sniper at Deep Bottom, resulting in the loss of two fingers. The generalship was rescinded with the wound and Lane's return to action, and Barry was given a command of a department in North Carolina.
He only survived the war by two years. With his heath in bad shape because of the war, Barry edited a Wilmington newspaper before dying at age 27 in 1867. Friends said he died of a broken heart for having given the order to fire at Jackson. He is buried at Wilmington's Oakdale Cemetery.
I'll have to look up his grave the next time I'm there. Many of Fort Fisher's defenders, including Gen. Whiting, are buried there.
A Hard War for Everyone Concerned. --Old B-Runner
He was born in Wilmington, NC, on June 21, 1839 and went to the University of North Carolina. He enlisted at the outbreak of the war in Co. I, 18th NC and in April 1862, was elected captain of his company and later wounded at the Battle of Frayser's Farm.
After Antietam, he was promoted to major, and it was he who gave the order for his men to fire at what they thought to be Union cavalry at Chancellorsville, but ended up being General Stonewall Jackson and his staff. Jackson lost his arm and later died from complications of the wound.
Even so, Barry was promoted to colonel and commanded the 18th NC at Pickett's Charge July 3, 1863. The 18th also participated in the Overland Campaign. When Gen. Lane was wounded at Cold Harbor, June 2, 1864, Barry was promoted to brigadier general, but was wounded bu a sniper at Deep Bottom, resulting in the loss of two fingers. The generalship was rescinded with the wound and Lane's return to action, and Barry was given a command of a department in North Carolina.
He only survived the war by two years. With his heath in bad shape because of the war, Barry edited a Wilmington newspaper before dying at age 27 in 1867. Friends said he died of a broken heart for having given the order to fire at Jackson. He is buried at Wilmington's Oakdale Cemetery.
I'll have to look up his grave the next time I'm there. Many of Fort Fisher's defenders, including Gen. Whiting, are buried there.
A Hard War for Everyone Concerned. --Old B-Runner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)