In writing this brief sketch nothing more than a short out- line is intended. A volume would be too small to contain all that could be said of this illustrious regiment. Many of the facts connected with it and the part in the gigantic struggle for Southern Independence can not now be written. But it may not be amiss for living witnesses to give their testimony; otherwise much that is valuable to history, may be lost.
OGANIZATION AT DANVILLE
Early in June, 1861, the Twenty-First North Carolina Regiment was organized and mustered into the Confederate service at Danville, Virginia. W. W. Kirkland was elected Colonel. This efficient and accomplished officer, with vigorous efforts, brought the regiment to a state of perfection in discipline and drill, which was afterwards properly appreciated by those of us who became intimately acquainted with the stern realities of war. Just prior to the departure of the regiment from Danville, it was drawn up into line, with its silken colors, (given by the Ladies) waving over them, presenting as fine a body of men as one ever beheld--all young and enthusiastic. Alas! how many of those noble forms now lie mouldering in the dust--on almost every battlefield from Gettysburg, Pa., to New Bern, N.C.? And how many we meet with missing limbs and honored scars upon them, telling of death and danger dared! The Twenty-First Regiment was engaged in the bloodiest battles of the war--some of the greatest in history. It had for it's Major-Generals those noble heroes--- Ewell, Early, Pegram, and Ramseur. For it's Brigadiers--Trimble, Hoke, Godwin, and Lewis. It's Field and Staff, Company Officers--rank and file-- were inferior to none.
THE REGIMENT ARRIVES AT MANASSAS
The regiment left Danville 15 July mid cheering and waving of handkerchiefs by the Ladies, arriving at Richmond the same evening; 17 July it was ordered to report to General Beauregard, at Manassas. While en route to Manassas, we had a considerable wreck--caused by the treachery of the engineer, who derserted his engine--leaving the train standing on the track in the night, where another train soon came crashing into it, disabling about twenty of the regiment. Without further incident, the regiment arrived at Manassas early on the morning of the 18th. Immediately the regiment moved in double quick time to our position at Mitchell's Ford on Bull Run--this being the centre of the Confederate line of battle. Here the regiment was vigorously shelled by the enemy's batteries, but was not actively engaged. We continued to hold the same position on 21 July--when the first battle of Manassas was fought and a victory won for the Confederates, which electrified the whole country. After the rout, we pursued the enemy several miles, thinking we were going right into Washington, but were halted and ordered to retrace our steps.
IN CAMP AT BULL RUN
After this battle, we went into camp on Bull Run, where the regiment suffered greatly from sickness. In September the regiment was sent to Broad Run Station to recuperate. In October it went into winter quarters at Manassas, and there Trimble's Brigade was formed of the following regiments, viz: Twenty-First Georgia, Twenty-First North Carolina, Fifteenth Alabama, Sixteenth Mississippi. Shortly afterwards, the latter regiment was transferred-- the Twelfth Georgia Regiment taking it's place. The Twenty-First Regiment after doing arduous picket duty all winter, in March broke up winter quarters and took up line of march to Gordinsville, Va. From there it was ordered to the Valley of Virginia by way of Swift Gap, to report to General Jackson, when the immortal "Valley Campain" was begun, which made General Jackson and his command famous. His great deeds have been expressed by orator, sung by the poet, immortalized it statuary, and emblazoned on canvas.