Yesterday, I had the good fortune to be able to visit a small, but very interesting collection of Civil War era rifles, swords and other artifacts at a highly secure storage area in Goldsboro.
Mr. Hamilton has been collecting for years, but at an advanced age was looking for a place that would display it instead of selling it off. He wants future generations to be able to see these weapons. He has turned the collection over to Old Waynesborough Historical Commission which is storing them until an adequate display area can be obtained.
Even better, not only was I allowed to look at the items, but, as long as I put on gloves, I could handle them. I've never been able to pick up a Civil War rifle until now.
I'll give a partial list of what I saw next entry.
Was That Ever Neat. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Missed It
The Nov. 22nd ENC Today had an article about Civil War Naval and Marine re-enactment that took place at the CSS Neuse State Historical Site on the 21st. It showed life in both the military and civilian life during the war and commemorated the CSS Neuse and Battle of Wyse Fork, the second largest land action during the war.
Andrew Duppstadt, who authors an excellent blog on the Civil War Navy was there portraying a Confederate Marine.
Sadly, I did not know about it and even sadder, I was just about 30 miles away from Kinston in Goldsboro, North Carolina while it was happening.
Sure Wish I Had Known. --Old B-R'er
Andrew Duppstadt, who authors an excellent blog on the Civil War Navy was there portraying a Confederate Marine.
Sadly, I did not know about it and even sadder, I was just about 30 miles away from Kinston in Goldsboro, North Carolina while it was happening.
Sure Wish I Had Known. --Old B-R'er
Confederate Camp Wyatt
This training camp was located about two miles north of Fort Fisher and also had a hospital and commissary according to North American forts.
The November 2009 issue of Our State had the Our State Quiz about North Carolina Military Camps. One of the questions was about this camp.
It was located in New Hanover County, about where Kure Beach is today. It was named for the first Confederate to be killed in battle, Henry Lawson Wyatt, at Bethel Church June 10, 1861.
See the earlier entry from this month on Wyatt (see Nov. 18th).
My Kingdom for a Camp. --B-Runner
The November 2009 issue of Our State had the Our State Quiz about North Carolina Military Camps. One of the questions was about this camp.
It was located in New Hanover County, about where Kure Beach is today. It was named for the first Confederate to be killed in battle, Henry Lawson Wyatt, at Bethel Church June 10, 1861.
See the earlier entry from this month on Wyatt (see Nov. 18th).
My Kingdom for a Camp. --B-Runner
Beery's Wilmington, NC Shipyard
The two entries yesterday talked about Benjamin Beery's Confederate money and the one dollar that returned home. He made his fortune on his shipyard and I wasn't able to find out too much about it.
Historical Marker Database had an entry on a marker located in Wilmington, Evidently he operated it with some of his brothers. The shipyard was located across the Cape Fear River from Wilmington on Eagles Island. The ironclad CSS North Carolina was built here in 1862. Mention was also made of some blockade runners constructed there as well.
Another shipbuilder in Wilmington was the J. L. Cassidey & Sons who built the ironclad CSS Raleigh in their shipyard as the foot of Church Street in the city. The iron for both of the ships came from Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond.
Both shipyards were burned in February 1865 when Wilmington was evacuated.
That's As Much As I Could Find. --Old B-Runner
Historical Marker Database had an entry on a marker located in Wilmington, Evidently he operated it with some of his brothers. The shipyard was located across the Cape Fear River from Wilmington on Eagles Island. The ironclad CSS North Carolina was built here in 1862. Mention was also made of some blockade runners constructed there as well.
Another shipbuilder in Wilmington was the J. L. Cassidey & Sons who built the ironclad CSS Raleigh in their shipyard as the foot of Church Street in the city. The iron for both of the ships came from Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond.
Both shipyards were burned in February 1865 when Wilmington was evacuated.
That's As Much As I Could Find. --Old B-Runner
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Save Your Confederate Money-- Part 2
Benjamin Beery's Confederate money went to family members after his death in 1907, but in 1997, one of them made it back to the house on Nun Street in Wilmington. Dennis Madsen and Charles Penington, current owners of the home, now called the Verandas Bed & Breakfast, hosted a 93rd birthday party for Beery's last surviving granddaughter, Marilyn Pierce who gave it to them as a memento.
It is now prominently displayed in the dining room with a short explanation.
CSA CURRENCY
The Confederacy produced seven issues of currency. The first dollars were issued from Montgomery, Alabama, but after Virginia joined the Confederacy, the capital was moved to Richmond where the other six issues were made. Except for the 50 cent issue, all CSA notes were hand-signed and numbered to thwart counterfeiters.
SEE IT YOURSELF
Verandas Bed & Breakfast
202 Nun Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-2212
www.verandas.com
A Dollar Comes Home. --Old B-R
It is now prominently displayed in the dining room with a short explanation.
CSA CURRENCY
The Confederacy produced seven issues of currency. The first dollars were issued from Montgomery, Alabama, but after Virginia joined the Confederacy, the capital was moved to Richmond where the other six issues were made. Except for the 50 cent issue, all CSA notes were hand-signed and numbered to thwart counterfeiters.
SEE IT YOURSELF
Verandas Bed & Breakfast
202 Nun Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-2212
www.verandas.com
A Dollar Comes Home. --Old B-R
Save Your Confederate Money-- Part 1
An interesting article in the November issue of Our State, the magazine of the state of North Carolina about a one dollar Confederate dollar bill that has found its way home.
It had been handed down through generations and at one time belonged to one of the richest men in Wilmington, NC. Captain Benjamin Beery carried a roll of Confederate money in his pocket, no doubt hoping that one day it would be worth something again after he had lost all his wealth supporting that doomed nation.
Before and during the war, he amassed a fortune as a ship builder and a blockade runner. His Wilmington shipyard produced the first ironclad built in the state as well as many other types of ships for the war effort.
At the age of 30, in 1853, he built the largest house in Wilmington at the time, 8,500 square feet on Nun Street. His family left Wilmington during the war and moved to Laurinburg and never returned."A Confederate Dollar Comes Home" by Susan Hance.
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
It had been handed down through generations and at one time belonged to one of the richest men in Wilmington, NC. Captain Benjamin Beery carried a roll of Confederate money in his pocket, no doubt hoping that one day it would be worth something again after he had lost all his wealth supporting that doomed nation.
Before and during the war, he amassed a fortune as a ship builder and a blockade runner. His Wilmington shipyard produced the first ironclad built in the state as well as many other types of ships for the war effort.
At the age of 30, in 1853, he built the largest house in Wilmington at the time, 8,500 square feet on Nun Street. His family left Wilmington during the war and moved to Laurinburg and never returned."A Confederate Dollar Comes Home" by Susan Hance.
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
Monday, November 23, 2009
Lighthouse Ruins Found at Fort Fisher-- Part 2
Col. Lamb, commandant of Fort Fisher, decided the remaining thirty feet was too much of a target for Union ships and ordered it torn down in 1863. There is a record of a 21-year-old private being killed by the falling lighthouse.
The wood frame lighthouse keeper's home served as Fisher's headquarters until it was destroyed during the first battle in December 1864. In 1962, state archaeologist Stanley South excavated the site of the house, but not the lighthouse.
A painting by Captain George Tait of the 40th North Carolina showed the lighthouse as standing close to the house, but since he was an amateur artist, no one was sure how close it really was.
In July and August, the Fort Fisher site received permission from North Carolina Office of State Archaeology to build a walkway and interpretive signage around the monument. This requires "compliant archaeology" to make sure nothing historically damaged by digging pits.
FOUND
Tuesday, November 17th, they struck something about 20 feet away from South's previous dig. The remains of a three foot thick circular wall was found. It had brick outer and inner walls with coquina between them. The outer wall also was covered with white stucco.
Quite a few artifacts were found. Remnants of the battles, mostly shell fragments, grape shot and cannister were also found.
These were found two feet down. After recording everything, the earth was pushed back in.
Always Great to Find Something Lost for All That Time. --Old B-Runner
The wood frame lighthouse keeper's home served as Fisher's headquarters until it was destroyed during the first battle in December 1864. In 1962, state archaeologist Stanley South excavated the site of the house, but not the lighthouse.
A painting by Captain George Tait of the 40th North Carolina showed the lighthouse as standing close to the house, but since he was an amateur artist, no one was sure how close it really was.
In July and August, the Fort Fisher site received permission from North Carolina Office of State Archaeology to build a walkway and interpretive signage around the monument. This requires "compliant archaeology" to make sure nothing historically damaged by digging pits.
FOUND
Tuesday, November 17th, they struck something about 20 feet away from South's previous dig. The remains of a three foot thick circular wall was found. It had brick outer and inner walls with coquina between them. The outer wall also was covered with white stucco.
Quite a few artifacts were found. Remnants of the battles, mostly shell fragments, grape shot and cannister were also found.
These were found two feet down. After recording everything, the earth was pushed back in.
Always Great to Find Something Lost for All That Time. --Old B-Runner
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Lighthouse Ruins Found at Fort Fisher-- Part 1
November 21st Wilmington Star-News "Fort Fisher dig uncovers pre-Civil War lighthouse" by Amy Hotz. For some reason, Amy Hotz always gets these really interesting articles.
Even though this was a land site, members of the North Carolina Underwater Archaeology team found the remains of a lighthouse on what today is called Battle Acre, but which was the site of Fort Fisher's headquarters during the Civil War.
It is located near the current Confederate Monument and at one time stood 40 feet tall. It no longer was standing at the time of the battles, but the former lighthouse keeper's wood frame house served as Fisher's headquarters.
It was built in 1816 after the federal government purchased an acre of land. A keeper's house was also built as was a boat ramp from which to bring supplies and fuel for the lamp.
It was remodeled some time after 1836 when there was a fire. The structure was damaged enough that workers left the top ten feet off.
We'll Leave the Light On. --Old B-Runner
Even though this was a land site, members of the North Carolina Underwater Archaeology team found the remains of a lighthouse on what today is called Battle Acre, but which was the site of Fort Fisher's headquarters during the Civil War.
It is located near the current Confederate Monument and at one time stood 40 feet tall. It no longer was standing at the time of the battles, but the former lighthouse keeper's wood frame house served as Fisher's headquarters.
It was built in 1816 after the federal government purchased an acre of land. A keeper's house was also built as was a boat ramp from which to bring supplies and fuel for the lamp.
It was remodeled some time after 1836 when there was a fire. The structure was damaged enough that workers left the top ten feet off.
We'll Leave the Light On. --Old B-Runner
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Henry Lawson Wyatt-- First Confederate Killed in War
There is a statue of Henry Lawson Wyatt on the grounds of the Capitol building in Raleigh, North Carolina. He became the first Confederate soldier to be killed in the war when he was shot at the June 10, 1861, Battle of Bethel near present-day Hampton, Virginia.
His death became the first part of the state's famous Civil War motto: "First at Bethel, Farthest at Gettysburg and Last at Appomattox.
This statue is going to be copies for exhibition at a museum in South Dakota that features the works of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, better known for his work on Mount Rushmore. Wyatt's statue was dedicated June 10, 1912. Borglum also did one of the state's Governor Charles B. Aycock, dedicated in 1924.
The site of Big Bethel essentially no longer exists as it is underwater in a reservoir.
First at Bethel. --Blockade-Runner
His death became the first part of the state's famous Civil War motto: "First at Bethel, Farthest at Gettysburg and Last at Appomattox.
This statue is going to be copies for exhibition at a museum in South Dakota that features the works of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, better known for his work on Mount Rushmore. Wyatt's statue was dedicated June 10, 1912. Borglum also did one of the state's Governor Charles B. Aycock, dedicated in 1924.
The site of Big Bethel essentially no longer exists as it is underwater in a reservoir.
First at Bethel. --Blockade-Runner
Live Oak Cemetery, Selma, Alabama
One of the few Southern cemeteries to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places with 8,000 burials. Dates back to 1833.
On April 26, 1878, the Confederate Soldiers memorial was dedicated. In 1879, live oak and magnolia trees were planted and the name of the cemetery changed from West Selma to Live Oak.
Famous People Buried Here:
WILLIAM RUFUS KING-- founder of Selma, US senator and vice president.
COLONEL N.R.H. DAWSON, US Commissioner of Education and his wife, ELODIE TODD DAWSON, sister of MARY TODD LINCOLN.
EDMUND WINSTON PETTUS-- Confederate general who later became US senator for whom the famous bridge is named.
JOHN TYLER MORGAN-- Confederate general who later became US senator.
WILLIAM HARDEE-- Confederate general
CATESBY AP JONES-- Commander of CSS Virginia and Confederate Ordnance Works in Selma.
REVEREND ARTHUR SMALL-- Presbyterian minister who died at the Battle of Selma.
Have to Check This Place Out Some Time. --Old B-R
On April 26, 1878, the Confederate Soldiers memorial was dedicated. In 1879, live oak and magnolia trees were planted and the name of the cemetery changed from West Selma to Live Oak.
Famous People Buried Here:
WILLIAM RUFUS KING-- founder of Selma, US senator and vice president.
COLONEL N.R.H. DAWSON, US Commissioner of Education and his wife, ELODIE TODD DAWSON, sister of MARY TODD LINCOLN.
EDMUND WINSTON PETTUS-- Confederate general who later became US senator for whom the famous bridge is named.
JOHN TYLER MORGAN-- Confederate general who later became US senator.
WILLIAM HARDEE-- Confederate general
CATESBY AP JONES-- Commander of CSS Virginia and Confederate Ordnance Works in Selma.
REVEREND ARTHUR SMALL-- Presbyterian minister who died at the Battle of Selma.
Have to Check This Place Out Some Time. --Old B-R
William L. Bradford, CSN
In Civil War Talk, a member wrote of a William L. Bradford, an Annapolis graduate who resigned from the Union Navy, joined the Confederate and at one time was assigned to Battery Buchanan at Fort Fisher in late 1864.
He had been executive officer on the CSS Tennessee and captured earlier in 1864.
The only other information I found on him is that he is buried in Barranquilla, Colombia, in South America. CSNavy.com is looking for a picture of his grave. They mentioned that he served on the CSS Ivy, CSS Selma and CSS Tennessee, was at battery Buchanan, the James River Squadron and the disaster at Sailor's Creek, April 6, 1865 which prompted Lee to surrender a few days later.
You also have to wonder why he was buried in Colombia.
I saw that there was a Bradford in command of the Mississippi Battery of Coit's Battalion. Perhaps that was him.
Never Heard of Him Before. --Old B-Runner
He had been executive officer on the CSS Tennessee and captured earlier in 1864.
The only other information I found on him is that he is buried in Barranquilla, Colombia, in South America. CSNavy.com is looking for a picture of his grave. They mentioned that he served on the CSS Ivy, CSS Selma and CSS Tennessee, was at battery Buchanan, the James River Squadron and the disaster at Sailor's Creek, April 6, 1865 which prompted Lee to surrender a few days later.
You also have to wonder why he was buried in Colombia.
I saw that there was a Bradford in command of the Mississippi Battery of Coit's Battalion. Perhaps that was him.
Never Heard of Him Before. --Old B-Runner
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Site of Civil War Battle Near Joplin Dedicated-- Part 3-- Sherwood, Mo. and the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry
SHERWOOD, MISSOURI
Sherwood could be considered a lost city. It was the third largest city in Jasper County in 1863 with a population of 250. Nearby Joplin did not even exist at the time.
Nothing at all remains of Sherwood other than old records and the Sherwood Cemetery which is overgrown. It does contain the grave of Katherine Sallinger, a first cousin of Abraham Lincoln.
1ST KANSAS COLORED INFANTRY
The 54th Massachusetts is often given credit as being the first black regiment, but the 1st Kansas was formed before it. All the members of the 1st Kansas had been former slaves. By the time the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry was mustered in, 13 days before the 54th, members had already been at the skirmish at Mound Island, Missouri, three months earlier in Oct. 28, 1862, in which ten were killed.
After Rader Farm, the 1st was involved in two actions in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma), July 2nd at Cabin Creek and July 17, 1863 at Honey Springs.
Sure Never Heard of It. --B-R'er
Sherwood could be considered a lost city. It was the third largest city in Jasper County in 1863 with a population of 250. Nearby Joplin did not even exist at the time.
Nothing at all remains of Sherwood other than old records and the Sherwood Cemetery which is overgrown. It does contain the grave of Katherine Sallinger, a first cousin of Abraham Lincoln.
1ST KANSAS COLORED INFANTRY
The 54th Massachusetts is often given credit as being the first black regiment, but the 1st Kansas was formed before it. All the members of the 1st Kansas had been former slaves. By the time the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry was mustered in, 13 days before the 54th, members had already been at the skirmish at Mound Island, Missouri, three months earlier in Oct. 28, 1862, in which ten were killed.
After Rader Farm, the 1st was involved in two actions in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma), July 2nd at Cabin Creek and July 17, 1863 at Honey Springs.
Sure Never Heard of It. --B-R'er
Site of Civil War Battle Near Joplin Dedicated- Part 2
This could be called the Battle of Rader Farm, but was more along the lines of a skirmish because of numbers involved. It definitely had racial overtones. It took place May 18, 1813, when a group of black soldiers was ambushed and killed by Confederate guerrillas while foraging.
The site was purchased thanks to a $25,000 donation from Joplin attorneys Edward and Alison Hershewe. It will be turned into a county park and is in time for the sesquicentennial of the war.
FORAGING
Forty members of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry were on a foraging expedition from a Union camp at Baxter Springs, Kansas, and had just begun gathering corn at the Rader Farm near Sherwood, Mo., when they were attacked by a group of about 70 Southern sympathizrs.
Fifteen blacks were shot and killed on the spot and most of the white escorts escaped, but three were chased down and killed.
Union forces from Baxter Springs arriving the next day found the bodies mutilated. The commander ordered the bodies placed in the Rader house and burned. A Southern sympathizer found nearby was killed and placed in the fire as well. The commander then ordered all communities and homes within five miles destroyed. The town of Sherwood, Jasper County's third largest community was one of these and was destroyed and never rebuilt.
There wasn't even a town of Joplin at the time.
A Little-Known Tale of brutality in the War. --Old B-Runner
The site was purchased thanks to a $25,000 donation from Joplin attorneys Edward and Alison Hershewe. It will be turned into a county park and is in time for the sesquicentennial of the war.
FORAGING
Forty members of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry were on a foraging expedition from a Union camp at Baxter Springs, Kansas, and had just begun gathering corn at the Rader Farm near Sherwood, Mo., when they were attacked by a group of about 70 Southern sympathizrs.
Fifteen blacks were shot and killed on the spot and most of the white escorts escaped, but three were chased down and killed.
Union forces from Baxter Springs arriving the next day found the bodies mutilated. The commander ordered the bodies placed in the Rader house and burned. A Southern sympathizer found nearby was killed and placed in the fire as well. The commander then ordered all communities and homes within five miles destroyed. The town of Sherwood, Jasper County's third largest community was one of these and was destroyed and never rebuilt.
There wasn't even a town of Joplin at the time.
A Little-Known Tale of brutality in the War. --Old B-Runner
Admiral "Fighting Bob" Evans at Fort Fisher
In my history blog, I came across a picture of the Great White Fleet in Venezuela. It was either that fleet that made its first stop in that country, or a naval squadron sent to show the flag.
Found out it was commanded by Rear Admiral Robley "Fighting Bob" Evans commanded it.
As a lieutenant, Evans had participated in the Naval Column attack on Fort Fisher and had been wounded four times on Jan. 15, 1865. Back on board ship, it was determined by the surgeon that his foot would have to come off, at which point he threatened to shoot anyone he caught trying to amputate his foot.
Outcome: the foot stayed on and no one got shot.
The Doctor is Not Always Right. --B-Runner
Found out it was commanded by Rear Admiral Robley "Fighting Bob" Evans commanded it.
As a lieutenant, Evans had participated in the Naval Column attack on Fort Fisher and had been wounded four times on Jan. 15, 1865. Back on board ship, it was determined by the surgeon that his foot would have to come off, at which point he threatened to shoot anyone he caught trying to amputate his foot.
Outcome: the foot stayed on and no one got shot.
The Doctor is Not Always Right. --B-Runner
Monday, November 16, 2009
Charles Pattison Bolles, CSA
The first artillery batteries at Fort Fisher were supervised by Charles Pattison Bolles. These batteries retained his name. Gen. W.H.C. Whiting was Bolles' brother-in-law. Both of these men were involved with engineering and based out of Wilmington before the war.
Before the war, Bolles was involved with the US Coast Survey for Virginia, North and South Carolina and Georgia. He resigned immediately after Fort Sumter and brought all his maps to the Confederacy, greatly enraging his former bosses.
He used them and his knowledge to begin the defenses of Wilmington.
He is buried in Wilmington's Oakdale Cemetery. Born May 13, 1823 and died December 19. 1909. According to Find-a-Grave, he also constructed a large battery on Oak Island, south of Fort Caswell.
He was transferred to the Fayetteville Arsenal and while there produced bolts for the English Whitworth guns which had arrived without ammunition or projectiles.
One of the Little-Knowns of the War. --B-R'er
Not having to do with Bolles, but I wanted to enter this before I forget. There was a Camp Wyatt training facility north of Fort Fisher.
Before the war, Bolles was involved with the US Coast Survey for Virginia, North and South Carolina and Georgia. He resigned immediately after Fort Sumter and brought all his maps to the Confederacy, greatly enraging his former bosses.
He used them and his knowledge to begin the defenses of Wilmington.
He is buried in Wilmington's Oakdale Cemetery. Born May 13, 1823 and died December 19. 1909. According to Find-a-Grave, he also constructed a large battery on Oak Island, south of Fort Caswell.
He was transferred to the Fayetteville Arsenal and while there produced bolts for the English Whitworth guns which had arrived without ammunition or projectiles.
One of the Little-Knowns of the War. --B-R'er
Not having to do with Bolles, but I wanted to enter this before I forget. There was a Camp Wyatt training facility north of Fort Fisher.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)