Tarheels and Tigers
by Ed Mantell
On the night of July 2, 1863 after one of the fiercest
artillery duels of the war, the 21st NC took part in some of the worst
fighting seen at Gettysburg. It was reported that Major J.W. Lattimers
16 confederate guns fired 1,147 rounds at the federals entrenched on Cemetery
Hill, over 60 Federal guns
returned fire.
Hays' Louisiana Tigers anchored the right of the
Confederate line on Winebrenner's Run, with the 6th, 21st, and 57th NC
on the left. Formed up in the front yard of the Culp family farm under
the command of Col. Isaac Avery. Around 6:30pm Gen. Ewelll gave Hays and
Avery the order to advance. The whole Confederate line proceeded to right
wheel into battle. Hay's Tigers slammed into the Federal Line first,
torn by double canister. The Tigers proceeded forward over fence
and wall advancing as the artillery fire intensified. The 21st in the center
of the North Carolina regiments ran into the federals advance pickets,
the 41st NY, and the 33rd MA, who after firing a volley or
two fell back to the right of the main federal line. The 21st pressed forward
crossing two stone walls under heavy fire both cannon and musket, advancing
toward the federals.
In front lay the 68th and 54th NY regiments, newly
formed and not yet tested in battle crouched behind a stone wall on Brickyard
Lane. The NC units now only yards away surged forward with a spine tingling
rebel yell! Here the fighting intensified as men fought with bayonets and
rifle butts. Due ot the steepness of the hill the federal batteries could
not depress their cannon to support the infantry andy longer. Overwhelmed
by the gray clad Tarheels, the 68th and 54th NY units broke and ran toward
the gatehouse on Cemetery Hill. Seeing this hole open in the Federal line
the 21st charged up the hill towards Rickett's
battery of guns. Sometime during this phase of the battle, Col.
Avery fell, shot in the back of the neck while turning to give orders
to his men. His last act on the field was to write a note in his own blood,
it read: "Please tell my father I died with my face to the enemy". The
21st now overran Rickett's Battery capturing
some of its guns. Darkness had now fallen and small battles raged everywhere
as small pockets of men engaged each other in close deadly combat, illuminated
only by musket and cannon fire. About 9:00pm Federal reinforcements consisting
of the 14th ID, 4th OH, and the 7th WV, the "Gibraltar Brigade" arrived.
Advancing with fixed bayonets into the battle, forward toward Rickett's
Battery and the 21st NC, after brief hand to hand fighting the Confederates
were pushed back down the hill in much disorder followed by the 7th WV
which halted at stone wall originally held by the NY units. The battle
for the most part was now over, with small skirmishes continuing through
the night as the Confederates made their way back to the safety of their
own
lines. It is very possible that the 21st North Carolina actually went
the furthest at Gettysburg! Three Cheers for the "OLD NORTH STATE"!
Gettysburg Campaign 21st NCT June-July 1863
by Clark Fox
Following the defeat of the Federals at Chancellorsville and the death of Jackson, the Army of Northern Virginia returned to Fredericksburg, where it was reorganized into three corps. Hoke’s brigade, under Col. Avery, remained in Early’s Division, which was assigned to Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell's corps. On the march into Pennsylvania, which followed in June and culminated in the battle of Gettysburg, the 1st Battalion NC Sharpshooters was detached from Hoke’s (Avery’s) brigade and attached to Ewell’s headquarters.
June 4, 1863- Hoke’s (Avery’s) brigade left its camp near Hamilton’s Crossing as Early’s division moved with Ewell’s Corps toward the Shenandoah Valley.
June 13th, 1863- The Division went into position in front of the enemy at Winchester, Va.
June 13-14, 1863- During the fighting at Winchester, Hoke’s (Avery’s) brigade was held in reserve behind the front and ordered to support the artillery. The brigade was not actively engaged as a unit in assaulting the enemy positions.
June 14-15, 1863- The Federal forces at Winchester retreated during the night and the brigade occupied Winchester on June 15th. At Winchester the 54th NC Troops was detached from the brigade to escort prisoners back to Staunton.
June 22, 1863- The 21st NC (Hoke’s Brigade) forded the Potomac River at Shepardstown, Md, and entered Pennsylvania the next day. The Brigade now consisted of the 21st NC, 6th NC, and the 57th NC.
June 24th, 1863- Early’s division moved through Quincy and Altondale to Greenwood, where it remained in camp on June 25th.
June 26th - July 1st, 1863- The 21st NC marched with the division to the outskirts of Harrisonburg , Pa. where on July 1st the Division was ordered to countermarch and rendezvous at Gettysburg, Pa. The 21st made this march towards Gettysburg on the Heidlersburg road.
July 1st, 1863- The Division came on the field at Gettysburg
as Genl. Rodes division was engaging the enemy, and after forming a line
of three brigades (with Hoke’s / Avery’s men on the left) and placing his
fourth brigade behind, Early ordered his right brigade forward to the aid
of Rodes. As soon as the right brigade engaged the enemy, Early ordered
his other two front-line brigades forward. Col. A.C. Godwin, 57th NCT who
commanded the brigade after Col. Avery was mortally wounded, reported the
activities of Hoke’s / Avery’s brigade on July 1-3 as follows.....
O.R., S. I. vol. XXVII, pt. 2, pp. 484-485
July 1, 1863
“Skirmishers were deployed in front of our lines, and at 3 pm
the order to advance was received. The enemy had formed a line of battle
on the hillside in front of the town under cover of a strong fence, portions
of which were made of stone. Our advance was made with great deliberation
until we approached a sluggish stream or slough, about 200 yards in front
of the enemy's lines, when the batteries opened upon us with grape and
canister, seconded by a very destructive fire from the infantry.
Col. Avery now gave the order to double-quick, and the brigade
gallantly dashed through the stream and up the hill to the fence, the enemy
stubbornly holding their position until we had climbed over into their
midst. Two Napoleon guns were taken by the 6th NC. A large number of prisoners
taken at this point were sent to the rear. The enemy now fled into the
town, many of them being killed in retreat. The brigade continued
to advance toward the town, but while yet in the outskirts, was wheeled
to the left and reformed on the railroad. The enemy had now succeeded in
planting a battery upon a high sloping spur on the mountain side (Cemetery
Hill) immediately on our front. Under cover of the railroad cut, we were
moved by the left flank
about 400 yards to the left, and again moved forward. The shells from
the enemy proving very effective, we were soon after halted in a depression
on the hillside, and the men ordered to lie down. Skirmishers were thrown
forward, and this position held through the night and until 8 pm on the
next day, July 2nd, when the brigade moved forward to the attack.”
July 2, 1863
Hoke’s / Avery’s brigade was ordered to sleep on arms near a
railroad cut during the night of July 1-2 and continued to occupy
this position throughout the day on Thursday, July 2nd. Having received
orders to attack, Genl. Early ordered a cannonade of the Cemetery Hill
fortifications. At 6:30 pm Hoke’s / Avery’s brigade and Hay's brigade were
ordered to the advance. Hoke’ brigade held the left of the line and
therefore had the longer march, covering 400+ yards, most of which under
heavy artillery fire from Union batteries that literally swept the field
with cannister, grape and shot. Hoke’s brigade advanced in a battle line
with the 6th NC on the right, 21st NC in the center, and 57th NC on the
left. Consequently, due to the line of march, the 57th NC took the brunt
of the artillery bombardment and were literally cut to ribbons... while
receiving cannon fire from the front and being enfiladed by the 5th Maine
battery on a knoll to their left. The brigade also had to make a right
wheel while under fire and in the process of crossing 2 creeks and
rock walls and rail fence.
Col. Godwin reports......
“As soon as the summit of the hill was gained, it was discovered
that the batteries which we had been ordered to take were in front of Hay's
brigade, and considerably to the right of our right flank. We continued
to advance, however under a terrific fire,
climbed a rail fence and still farther beyond descended into a low
bottom, and dislodged a heavy line of infantry from a stone wall running
parallel with our front. The enemy's batteries now enfliaded us and a destructive
fire was pored into our ranks from a line of infantry formed in rear of
a stone wall running at right angle with our line of battle and immediately
below the batteries.
Col. Avery now ordered a change of front, and succeeded in wheeling
the brigade to the right, a movement which none but the steadiest veterans
could have executed under such circumstances. In swinging around, three
stone walls had to be surmounted. The ground was rocky and uneven, and
these obstacles prevented that rapidity of movement and unity of action
which might have insured success. The men now charged up the hill with
heroic determination and drove the enemy from his last stone wall. In this
charge the command had become much separated, and in the darkness it was
now found impossible to concentrate more that 40 or 50 men at any point
for a farther advance. Major Tate with a portion of the 6th NC aided by
a small number of the 9th Louisiana Regt. succeeded in capturing a battery
on the right. No supports were at hand, and the approach of the enemy in
overwhelming force compelled him to retire.
The scattered fragments of the brigade now withdrew,
and were reformed near the position which it had occupied through the day.
Here I learned for the first time that our brigade commander Col. Avery
had been mortally wounded. In his death the country lost one of her truest
and bravest sons, and the army one of its most gallant and efficient officers.
In the desperate struggle through which we had just passed, the officer
and men of Hoke’s brigade fulfilled all the expectations which their gallantry
on former occasions had excited. No body of men of equal number could have
accomplished greater results
against such overwhelming odds. “
During the night fighting on Cemetery Hill, visibility
was near zero as the darkness and gun smoke combined to make the men fire
at gun flashes only. In several instances hand to hand fighting broke out,
and as Col. Godwin reported, fighting devolved
into groups of small pockets of men. As the 21st NC withdrew from this
position the color bearer was shot down (the 4th) and the colors were left
on the field...later to be picked up by a union soldier. He later claimed
that he captured them in a charge on the Confederate lines on July 3rd.
Indeed , the 21st NC was not engaged at all on July 3rd. He did nevertheless
receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for “capturing” the 21st NC Regimental
Flag. Although this flag was supposed to have been turned into the Fed.
Govt., it was not done so, but was taken / delivered to his home... reportedly
destroyed in
a fire later in the 19th century.
Evening, July 2, 1863
Due to heavy reinforcements of the Federal line,
and since no Confederate support from Rode’s Division materialized, the
small fighting groups of the 21st NC slowly withdrew from the Cemetery
Hill fight and found their way back to the railroad cut position of July
1st. All units in the brigade (especially the 57th NC) has suffered tremendous
casualties and many brave soldiers in the 21st NC would never see home
in the North Carolina Piedmont again.
During the attack on Cemetery Hill on July 2, the
21st NC lost 9 killed, 65 wounded, and 37 missing (presumed dead
or captured). Although heavily engaged for the past 18 months, the 21st
had not experienced this heave a loss since the first Battle of Winchester
in May of 1862. The loss rate of 102 men is estimated to constituted
over a 40% loss... A look at the roster of the 21st NC shows the tremendous
loss of officers as they lead the troops on the advance and wee particular
targets of Union marksmen.
Col. Godwin in his official report states.....
“the command of the brigade now devolved,
and before daylight (on July 3rd) by order of Major General Early, I moved
into position in the railroad cut on the outskirts of the town. Later in
the day I was ordered to form on the left of Hay's brigade , in one of
the upper streets of the town, and in advance of the position on the railroad”.
Thus, the brigade spent the 3rd day of the battle of Gettysburg in reorganizing from the Cemetery Hill fight. The men were able to get some very badly needed rest...after having marched from Harrisburg and going directly into battle on July 1st, enduring an off and on artillery bombardment all day on the 2nd and finishing up with an evening assault on Cemetery Hill.
July 4th, 1863
Col. Godwin reports...
“At 2:00 am, on the morning of July 4th by
order of Major General Early, I moved the brigade bye the right flank to
a position west of Gettysburg, and formed line of battle on the left of
Hay's brigade. This position was maintained throughout the day”.
“At 2:00 am, on the morning of the 5th, the
brigade moved off with the Division in the direction of Hagerstown.”
Early’s division served as the rear guard
of the Army of Northern Virginia as it marched back to Virginia.
July 5th, 1863
The Division marched toward Fairfeild
July 6th, 1863
The Division moved to the front of Ewell’s Corps as Rodes’ Division became the rear-guard of the Army.
July 6th-7th, 1863
The night of July 6th-7th the 21st NC spent
the night near Waynesboro.
July 7th, 1863
Very early on July 7th, the 21st NC moved toward
Hagerstown, and Early’s Division encamped about a mile north of the town
on the Chambersburg Road. There it remained until July 10th when it was
moved through Hagerstown to a position southwest of town on the Cumberland
road. At Hagerstown the 54th NC rejoined the brigade. The division was
again moved to the right the next day, remained in position until after
dark on July 12th, when it was moved to the right across the Williamsport
road to support Genl. A. P. Hill's line. At dark on July 13th the division
was withdrawn to Williamsport, and on
July 14th it re-crossed the Potomac. Hoke’s brigade forded the river
above Williamsport. A few weeks after the army returned to Virginia, the
1st Battalion NC Sharpshooters rejoined Hoke’s brigade, which was thereby
restored to it's full complement of units.
Major Beall's account of the 21st NCT at Gettysburg
We then passed over the Potomac and went to Little
York, Pa., 1 July the two armies again encountered each other, at Gettysburg.
On this day the regiment assisted in gaining a very decided victory over
the enemy, driving him back in great confusion, through Gettysburg.
On the second day we made an assault on the enemy's fortified line and
failed.
In the general history which will go down to posterity,
of course nothing more than a brief and cursory reference can or will be
made, to the service of any small command. Yet it is due this gallant brigade
(then Hoke's) as also to those who lived not to see the clouds and darkness
of other days, to refer briefly to the glorious service of as brave a set
of men as the sun ever shone upon. I will in my feeble way, attempt to
show how those indomitable patriots demeaned themselves amid the wild carnage
of that stricken field. The impressions of the writer, of that memorable
day are not a picture of mere fancy, but one of actual experience. Methinks
I still hear, through the long vista of years, the rolling echo of those
awful accents of battle. After a lapse of thirty-seven years, I recall
not without emotion, the incidents of the battle which occurred on that
second day at gettysburg, and while life last, will cherish my remembrance
of the magnificent courage displayed by our command.
The following is a list of men of the 21st NCT reported killed, wounded, captured, or missing at Gettysburg. For more information refer to "North Carolina Troops 1861-1865"
Field and Staff::
Major Alexander Miller
Co. A , Davidson County:
Corporal Michael Evans
Privates
Jonathan Hains
C. H. Jackson
Willaim A. Leach
Henry Motherly
John H. Smith
Co. C, Surry County
2nd Lt. Frank V. Banner
2nd Lt. William Graves Foy
1st Sgt. Samuel T. Sandefur
Clp. Davis M. Holder
Privates
N. M. Green
Hohn H. Hunley
B. F. Kidd
S. W. Linthicum
Albert Low
Daniel McGee
Stephen Parrish
Linsey Robins
Ira Dred Wall
Thomas Jefferson Wicker
Co. D, Forsyth County
1st Lt. John M. Hauser
2nd Lt. Albert Aspaugh
1st Sgt. James C. Webb
Sgt. William Henry Voss
Clp. Williaim H. Thomas
Privates
Alexander Miller
James R. Moore
Sanford Moss
George Ransom
Columbus L. Reynolds
John Tuttle
James W. White
W.C. White
Co. F, Stokes County
Capt. John W. Beard
1st Sgt. John W. Williams
Sgt. William M. Bennett
Privates
Martin Darnell
John H. King
Lockey Morris
George W.Mounce
John W. Newsom
John H. Roberts
G. A. Wall
Isaac H. Wall
William Wall
William D. Wall
Company G, Stokes County
1st Lt. William F. Nelson
Sgt. Obadiah W. Ligon
Privates
Hugh Pettis Fulton
Samuel Fulton
Levi Kiser
Tandy Kiser
Alexander Moore
Thomas D. Neal
James M. Tuttle
Salathiel Tuttle
William Watford
Company H, Surry County
1st Lt. Daniel J. Cockerham
1st Sgt. Jesse C. Idol
Sgt. Robert William Brinkley
Sgt. William Jekins
Clp.John Holyfield
Clp. Larkin Logan
Musician William C. Revels (African-American)
Privates
Denson A. Ashburn
Rural A. Doss
Andrew J. Glassco
William Holyfield
W. T. Jones
William Miller
James O'Neal
William H. Roberts
J.G. M. Walters
Company I, Surry County
Sgt. Enoch M. Stone
Sgt. J. J. Stone
Privates
James W. Mickey
Thomas Poore
William J. Pritchet
H.M. Scott
Edward F. Shelton
John Zebulon Vaugh
John A. Whittington
Company K, Forsyth County
1st Sgt. R. H. Crews
Sgt. Wiliam W. Fansler
Sgt. J. F. Idol
Clp. William Henry Burner
Privates
Joseph H. Brewer
Henry H. Elliott
Peter Mooney
Jacob Warner
Company L, Rockingham County
Capt. William J. Pfohl
1st Lt William E. Goolsby
1st Lt. John T. Martin
Sgt. P. B. Ray
Clp.James M. Amos
Clp. Joseph P. Plummer
Privates
William Alley
Wryland Alley
Charles M. Baker
John W. Joyce
William C. Mays
Adam M. Mitchell
William Perdew
James L. Pirtle
George W. Wrenn
Company M, Guildford County
Lt. John A. Cobv
Sgt William W. Coe
Clp. Wesley Adolphus Elliott
Privates
Henry Monroe Black
J. R. Duggins
William W. Duggins
Joshua Joyce
Joseph M. McLean
Will H. Stewart
Wilson Walls
Francis M. Watson
J.C. Chapman
I would like to very much thank, Ed Mantell Clark Fox and Bob McCanless for their help on this project. back