62nd Georgia Volunteer Infantry


62nd Georgia Regiment of Volunteers
(Infantry Mounted/Partisan Rangers/Cavalry)
Confederate States of America (CSA)
A Regimental History

Information gathered by John Griffin

It seems that there are no other links on the internet to information about this regiment. I am posting some brief information from Confederate Military History and a bibliography on this regiment. I do this in honor and remembrance of the men who served with this regiment, lest they be forgotten.

Before it was the 62nd Regiment, this unit was formed as the 15th Georgia Cavalry Battalion-Partisan Rangers, organized with six companies on 18 June 1862. Major Joel R. Griffin was the commander, later promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. This battalion was assigned to the Cavalry Command, Department of North Carolina (June-July 1862).

Next in the evolution of the regiment came the designation of 62nd Georgia Regiment organized to serve as the 62nd Georgia Cavalry Regiment-Partisan Rangers also known as the 62nd Mounted Infantry and as the 62nd Georgia Cavalry Regiment. The later is the most frequently found references. Some references to this unit can be attributed to the 2nd Georgia Partisan Ranger Regiment. With the various designations and changes in title, this regiment can be very difficult to follow through the war. I will try to identify the various components and actions of this group of men. A majority of men appear to be recruited from Georgia were from Dougherty, Liberty, and Baker Counties. In December 1863, it reported 408 effective men.

This regiment was organized with seven Georgia companies and three North Carolina companies via the increase of the 15th Cavalry Battalion Partisan Rangers to a full regiment on 1 August 1862. Later this regiment would be broken up with the seven Georgia companies going to form the 8th Georgia Cavalry Regiment and the three North Carolina companies becoming part of the 16th North Carolina Cavalry Battalion. These changes were authorized by Special Order #161 issued by the Adjutant and Inspector General's Office on 11 July 1864. Based on looking at the official records it does not appear that the orders were completed until the end of October (about October 25) 1864. The 8th Cavalry also merged with the 20th Battalion Georgia Cavalry for the last months of the war.

The 62nd listed organization with the following field officers: Colonel Joel R. Griffin, Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Towns, Major John T. Kennedy, Commissary T. Meara, Adjutant B. B. Bowers. The Company Captains were: (A) John P. Davis, (B) James W. Nichols, (C) William L. A. Ellis, (D) William H. Faucett, (E), W. A. Thompson, (F) S. B. Jones, (G) Pat Gray, (H) Thomas A. Jones, (I) John A. Richardson, (K) E. W. Westbrook, (L) Theodore T. Barham.

The following are some of the officers who succeeded those first named some showing increased rank between the original formation in 1862 and then surrender (as the 8th Regiment) in 1865.: Lieutenant Colonel John T. Kennedy, Major William L. A. Ellis, Commissary W. R. Baldwin, Adjutant W. A. Holson; Captains (B) B. B. Bower, (D) R. Duvall, (H) A. P. Newhart, (K) S. L. Turner.

The Regiment locations can be verified through official records at two camps. One is Camp Hedrick near Wilmington in New Hanover Co, NC 23 July 1862 (Co E) and the other is Camp D.H. Hill near Garysburg in Northampton Co, NC 22 September to 2 November 1862. (CSR 254/15) Companies of this unit were in and out of this camp at different times.

Assignments of the 62nd Georgia Mounted Infantry (Cavalry):

Cavalry Department of NC (April-July 1863)

District of North Carolina, Dept. of NC (July-Sept 1863)

Cavalry Department of NC (Sept 1863- May 1864)

Dearing's Cavalry Brigade, Dept of NC and Southern VA (May-October 1864)

1st Military District, Dept of NC and SVA (Co H) (Aug-Sept 1864)

2nd Military District, Dept of NC and SVA (Co G) (Aug-Oct 1864)

Dearing's Cavalry Brigade, Cavalry Corps, ANV (October 1864)

Battles

New Bern Campaign (January-February 1864)

Windsor (January 30 1864)

Petersburg Siege (June 1864- April 1865)

Bibliography- 62nd Georgia Infantry (Mounted Partisan Ranger Cavalry)

The Compiled Service Records of the members of this battalion may be found in microfilm roll series M266. These film are available from the Georgia Archives

Roll # CSR-67 Surnames A-D
Roll # CSR-68 Surnames E-J
Roll # CSR-69 Surnames K-R
Roll # CSR-70 Surnames S-Z

Confederate Military History, Extended Edition. Vol. 7: Georgia. Wilmington, NC: Broadfoot, 1987. See pp. 130-31 for a brief unit history.

Crute, Joseph H., Jr. Units of the Confederate States Army. Midlothian, VA: Derwent Books,1987. Ref. See pp. 115-16 for a concise summary of the regiment's service.

Georgia State Division of Confederate Pensions and Records. Roster of the Confederate Soldiers of Georgia, l86l-l865. Vol. 6. Hapeville, GA: Longino & Porter, 1959. pp. 276-368. Unit roster.

Jones, Charles E. Georgia in the War, 1861-1866. Atlanta, GA: Foot & Davies, 1909. See p. 45 for an incomplete list of unit officers.

Sifakis, Stewart. Compendium of the Confederate Armies:...Georgia. NY: Facts on File, 1995.pp. 164-65

8th Georgia Regiment Georgia Cavalry

Confederate States of America (CSA)

This regiment of cavalry was authorized by Special Order #161 issued by the Adjutant and Inspector General's Office on 11 July 1864. Based on looking at the official records it does not appear that the orders were completed until the end of October (about October 25) 1864. Seven companies of the 62nd Georgia (called the Mounted Infantry or Partisan Rangers depending on source) were transferred to the 8th Cavalry while first three companies (A, B, C) of the old 20th Battalion Georgia Cavalry also joined this new regiment. The 62nd service had most recently been serving in North Carolina and Virginia, while the 20th Battalion had been serving in Georgia and Virginia. Go to 20th Battalion Georgia Cavalry Partisan Rangers for further information on this unit.

Some of the last dispatches show that the 8th Cavalry was in the area of Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia April 1965. Learning of the planned surrender of General Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, this regiment refused to take part in the surrender and fled the area to form up with the army commanded by General Joseph E. Johnston. The regiment was forced to surrender two weeks later with General Johnston's troops at Durham Station in Orange Co, NC 26 April 1865. A majority of Company A members were actually detailed to Worth County, Georgia trying to secure more mounts for the regiment. When they learned of Johnston's surrender of forces, they traveled to Tallahassee, FL to surrender, thus ending the war service of these Georgia horse soldiers.

The Eighth Georgia Cavalry Regiment was organized with the following officers: Colonel J. R. Griffin, Lieutenant Colonel J. M. Millen, Major J. M. Millen, Adjutant T. J. Pond; Cars. (A) J.P. Davis, (B) B. B. Bower, (C) W. L. A. Ellis, (D) T. R. Duval, (E) W. H. Thompson, (F) S. B. Jones, (G) P. Gray, (It) T. A. James, (I) A. J. Love, (K) S. L. Turner, (L) T. G. Barham. Some of the officers who succeeded those in command at the organization were: Majors. W. G. Thomas and S. B. Spencer, Adjutant M. E. Williams; Captains (A) T. S. Paine, H. L. Norfleet and R. Towns, (B) B. L. Screven, W. G. Thompson and J. N. Nichols, (C) J. C. Smith, (D) M. J. Smith, S. B. Spencer and W. H. Harrett, (E) J. G. Cress, J. M. Turpin and W. J. Deas, (F) M. E. Williams, (G) J. R. Harper, (I) J. B. Edgerton, J. A. Richardson, W. A. Lamand and J. T. Kennedy, (K) E. W. Westbrook.

The 8th Georgia was camped at Camp Hampton in Greenville Co, VA in August 1864 and later from 17-31 December 1864 and at Camp Johnson near Hawkinsville in Pulaski Co, GA 20 March 1865 (source CSR M266, Roll 539)

Assignments of the 8th Georgia Cavalry Regiment:

Dearing's Cavalry Brigade, Cavalry Corps, ANV (October-November 1864)

2nd Military District, Dept of NC and SVA (Co G) (October 1864)

Dearing's Cavalry Brigade, W.H.F. Lee's Division, Cavalry Corps, ANV (November 1864 to April 1865)

2nd Sub-district, 2nd Military District, Dept of NC and SVA (Co G) (January-February 1865)

Battles

Petersburg Siege (June 1864- April 1865)

Peebles' Farm (29 September-2 October 1864)

Jones' Farm (September 30 1864)

Harman Road (2 October 1864)

Appomattox Campaign (March-April 1865

Bibliography- 8th Georgia Cavalry

The Compiled Service Records of the members of this regiment may be found in microfilm roll series M266. These film are available from the Georgia Archives.

Roll # CSR-40 Surnames A-J
Roll # CSR-41 Surnames K-Z

Confederate Military History, Extended Edition. Vol. 7: Georgia. Wilmington, NC: Broadfoot, 1987. See p. 153 for a brief unit history.

Crute, Joseph H., Jr. Units of the Confederate States Army. Midlothian, VA: Derwent Books, 1987. Ref. See p. 88 for a concise summary of the regiment's service.

Jones, Charles E. Georgia in the War, 1861-1866. Atlanta, GA: Foot & Davies, 1909. See p. 42 for an incomplete list of unit officers.

Sifakis, Stewart. Compendium of the Confederate Armies:...Georgia. NY: Facts on File, 1995. p. 158


Memoirs of this regiment by Charles Paine Hansell and James Reid Jones are on microfilm reel #283-27 and 29 at the Georgia Department of Archives and History. There is a 8 May 1864 letter of T. R. Reddick, in the Civil War Miscellaneous Collection. These items would be of value to the researcher

62^nd Georgia Regiment (Mounted Infantry/Partisan Rangers/Cavalry) in the OR’s


General S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va: HEADQUARTERS CONFEDERATE STATES FORCES, Chattanooga, Tenn., August 28, 1862.
GENERAL: I have been placed by General Bragg in command of the base of operations of his army, my authority extending more than 100 miles and on both sides of the Tennessee River, headquarters at this place. He instructs me among other things to scour the country thoroughly in my front. My cavalry force is not as large as desirable for that purpose; I therefore telegraphed you this morning, suggesting that if the six companies of Partisan Rangers (Maj. [Joel R.] Griffin) at Augusta, four similar companies (Maj. [Charles T.] Goode) at Macon, several other companies at or near Savannah and for which I am told General Mercer says he has no use, were ordered to report to me here promptly they could be usefully employed in North Alabama, South and Middle Tennessee. I respectfully recommend that if there is no more important service for those companies they be ordered to report to me without delay. General Maxey, who is under my command, crossed the river yesterday (with a small force of infantry and cavalry), had a skirmish with the enemy's cavalry and routed it. During yesterday and last night, by a judicious use of his artillery posted on this side of the river, he drove away the small body of the enemy from their entrenchments on the other side. They left in confusion, burned most of their subsistence stores, and a good deal of property fell into our hands. Respectfully, SAM. JONES, Major-General. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVI/2 [S# 23] CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, MIDDLE AND EAST TENNESSEE, NORTH ALABAMA, AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FROM JUNE 10 TO OCTOBER 31, 1862.CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#5)


SPECIAL ORDERS No. 203. ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Richmond, August 30, 1862.
* * * * * * * * * *
XI. The six companies of rangers at Augusta, Ga., under Maj. J. R. Griffin, the four companies of cavalry at Macon, Ga., under Maj. C. T. Goode, and the several companies of cavalry at Savannah, Ga., which can be spared by Brigadier-General Mercer, will proceed at once to Chattanooga, Tenn., and report to General B. Bragg, commanding, &c., for duty with Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones. By command of the Secretary of War: ED. A. PALFREY, Assistant Adjutant-General. (O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME LII/2 [S# 110] Confederate Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Southwestern Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, West Florida, And Northern Georgia.--#14)


General Winder, Commanding District, Richmond, Va. WELDON, N. C., September 21, 1862.
GENERAL: I send under guard in charge of Sergeant Epting a prisoner named James Smith, who states that he is a stove molder by profession; supposed to be a deserter from the army--a spy or a bridge-burner, judging from appearances, conduct and contradictory statements. He appears to be well informed of the position of our armies, well acquainted with the locality of Richmond, and the fact of his having been loitering in this neighborhood for some time past creates the impression that he is a bridge-burner. He is of an age subject to conscription. Taking into consideration his conflicting statements, conduct, &c., I believe him not to be right. I therefore send him to you for further examination. I am, respectfully, general, your most obedient servant, JOEL R. GRIFFIN, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Post at Weldon, N. C. (O.R.--SERIES II--VOLUME IV [S# 117] CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, ETC., RELATING TO PRISONERS OF WAR AND STATE FROM JUNE 13, 1862, TO NOVEMBER 30, 1862.--#5)


Major-General Dix, Fort Monroe, SUFFOLK, December 2, 1862.
Our expedition, of which I advised you yesterday, has been a great success. Spies were sent in and a trap was sprung, but the rebels were caught. They attacked the advance this morning beyond Carrsville. We repulsed them, capturing the famous Petersburg Rocket Battery, and drove the whole force over the river. We are now shelling Franklin, having no means of crossing.
General Roger A. Pryor in command at Franklin; Col. Joel R. Griffin commanding the cavalry and Major Boggs the artillery; thirty odd prisoners now, more being found in the woods; many of the enemy killed and wounded. Our loss trifling. Colonel Spear led his cavalry most gallantly upon the enemy's advance. JOHN J. PECK, Major-General.


Maj. Gen. John A. Dix, Commanding Department of Virginia &c, SUFFOLK, VA., December 3, 1862.
On the morning of the 1st, contrabands reported that the rebels were throwing up works near the railway, 4 miles this side of Franklin. I ordered Colonel Spear to proceed there during the night with portions of the Thirty-ninth Illinois, Colonel Osborn; Sixty-second Ohio, Colonel Pond; One hundred and thirtieth New York, Colonel Gibbs; Sixth Massachusetts, Colonel Follansbee; One hundred and third Pennsylvania, Lieutenant-Colonel Maxwell; two sections of Davis', one of Howard's artillery, and a portion of his cavalry--in all 3,100--for information, and to drive off any force that he found there.
No works were found, but while breakfasting his pickets were driven in and a furious charge was made by some 500 cavalry, with a section of a rocket battery.
Colonel Spear took 300 of his cavalry and gallantly led them upon the head of the column, which recoiled under this impetuous attack. Confusion ensued; many jumped off and fled into the woods, while others put about for Franklin.
The cannoneers and horses being disabled, the gallant Pennsylvanians made quick work with the battery, and chased the Georgian squadrons to their floating bridge under the guns of Franklin. Besides driving the enemy over the river and capturing his section, 10 or 12 were killed and 20 made prisoners. Fourteen horses, harness, 7 saddles, 42 rifles, 70 rockets of 12 and 15 pound, and other minor articles fell into our hands.
No portion of the artillery or infantry was called upon, and I am happy to say that no loss of men or horses was sustained. Col. J. R. Griffin and Major Boggs commanded. General R. A. Pryor had just assumed command and was making his reconnaissance toward Suffolk.
This brilliant affair entitles Colonel Spear to great credit and adds to his already high reputation. He mentions favorably Major Stratton and Lieutenants Buttz and Roper.Very respectfully, JOHN J. PECK, Major-General. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVIII [S# 26]
DECEMBER 2, 1862.---Skirmish on the Blackwater, near Franklin, Va. No. 2.--Reports of Maj. Gen. John J. Peck, U. S. Army.)


Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, General-in- Chief. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Fort Monroe, Va., December 4, 1862.
GENERAL: I sent you a message the day before yesterday, by telegraph, in regard to an action near the Blackwater between a party of the enemy and a portion of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, sent out from Suffolk by Major-General Peck the previous day.
Colonel Spear, of that regiment, who commanded the expedition, returned last night, bringing back his entire force, consisting, in addition to a part of his own regiment, of portions of the Thirty-ninth Illinois, Colonel Osborn; Sixty second Ohio, Colonel Pond; One hundred and thirtieth New York, Colonel Gibbs; Sixth Massachusetts, Colonel Follansbee; One hundred and third Pennsylvania, Lieutenant-Colonel Maxwell; two sections of Davis' Massachusetts Light Battery and one section of Howard's battery, Fourth U.S. Artillery; in all, about 3,100 men.
The expedition was sent out in pursuance of the object, heretofore explained to you, of keeping a part of my force in constant motion, and also to ascertain the truth of information reported to Major-General Peck in regard to the movement of the enemy in the vicinity of Franklin.
While Colonel Spear's force was breakfasting his pickets were driven in, and a charge was made by about 500 of the enemy's cavalry, with a section of a rocket battery. It was gallantly met by Colonel Spear, at the head of 300 of his regiment, and the enemy, thrown into confusion by his impetuous attack, recoiled, and was driven over his floating bridge at Franklin, which is protected by a battery of heavy guns. Ten or 12 of the enemy were killed and 20 were taken prisoners. We also captured 14 horses, a quantity of harness, 7 saddles, 42 rifles, 70 rockets of 12 and 15 pounds, and other minor articles. We sustained no loss either in men or horses.
General Peck speaks in high terms of the gallantry of Colonel Spear, who has distinguished himself on more than one occasion by h is prompt and spirited movements; and the colonel mentions with communication Major Stratton and Lieutenants Buttz and Roper, of his regiment.
The enemy retreated so suddenly that our artillery and infantry were not brought into action. The enemy's floating bridge swings from one bank of the Blackwater, which is very narrow, to the other, and is withdrawn from our side as soon as his forces cross.
Col. J. R. Griffin and Major Boggs commanded the insurgents. General R. A. Pryor has just taken command at Franklin.
With the means of crossing, the enemy's position at Franklin might easily have been attacked, and in all probability carried. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. DIX, Major-general. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVIII [S# 26] DECEMBER 2, 1862.---Skirmish on the Blackwater, near Franklin, Va. No. 1.--Reports of Maj. Gen. John A. Dix, U.S. Army, commanding the Department of Virginia.)


Maj. Gen. S. G. French, Commanding, GOLDSBOROUGH, N.C., [January] 21, 1863.
When Griffin's cavalry arrives use such couriers as may be necessary, but except in case of emergency I prefer that the regiment should be kept concentrated as much as possible and under the orders of General Robertson. A train has been sent to Tarborough for supplies. Get all you can from the country you are in.G. W. SMITH, Major-general. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVIII [S# 26] CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING SPECIALLY TO OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA FROM AUGUST 20, 1862, TO JUNE 3, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.--#5)


Lieutenant-Colonel Hoffman, A. A. G. , HEADQUARTERS, Washington, N.C., February 16, 1863.
DEAR SIR: I have the honor to report that on Friday last, 13th, the cavalry company stationed at this post crossed the bridge, drove in the enemy's vedettes, surprised their picket headquarters (where some 40 cavalry were stationed), and captured 7 men and 12 horses; one of the men was dangerously wounded and is now in our hospital. The horses I turned over to the post quartermaster (a poor lot.); the saddles were retained by the cavalry company. The prisoners I will send to New Berne by the first opportunity, unless ordered to parole, and send them out the lines from this point. They belong to the Sixty-second Georgia State Troops, but are North Carolinians. If you wish me to parole them here please inform me. Have I the authority--if not, will you give it to me--to appoint a board of appraisers? The surgeons would like to purchase of the Government one or two of the captured horses. "All quiet along the lines." I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LUKE LYMAN, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Post. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVIII [S# 26] FEBRUARY 13, 1863.--Skirmish near Washington, N.C. No. l.--Report of Lieut. Col. Luke Lyman, Twenty-seventh Massachusetts Infantry.)


General D. H. HILL: APRIL 13, 1863---5 p.m.
GENERAL: I have given the instructions to Captain Reilly about opening on the Yankee barracks, in accordance with your orders in dispatch of 7.30 a.m. today. Colonel Ferebee has been ordered to collect conscripts and also to watch the roads you speak of. He says that General Robertson, who was here yesterday, spoke of relieving Colonel Ferebee's men by Griffin's cavalry. I presume he means those on the Jamesville and Plymouth roads. I have frequently impressed upon Colonel F. to guard those roads well, and he informs me that the necessary steps have been taken to do so. My ordnance officer went for the ammunition to Boyd's Ferry this morning. I mentioned, in reply to your note this morning, that I thought it better for Colonel Martin's regiment to join me here, and will send him the order to-night. I can learn nothing of the condition of the enemy inside, but I fear that they can keep themselves supplied by fishing with seines, as fish are very plentiful in the river at this season. I sent up the Jamesville road this morning about 7 miles and found Griffin's pickets on it, so I presume it is all right in that direction. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. GARNETT, Brigadier-General. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVIII [S# 26] CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING SPECIALLY TO OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA FROM AUGUST 20, 1862, TO JUNE 3, 1863. CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.--#10)


General R. E. LEE, Commanding, & c. RICHMOND, VA., April 21, 1863.
GENERAL: The President has shown me your letter of the 20th instant, on the subject of an increase of cavalry for your command. In answer, I send you the following list of cavalry regiments in North Carolina, viz, the Nineteenth and Forty-first North Carolina Cavalry, the Fifty-ninth and Sixty-third North Carolina Partisan Rangers, the Sixty-second Georgia Rangers, and the Seventh Confederate Cavalry, in all six regiments.
The President thinks that three of these regiments might be safely drawn from North Carolina, to increase your cavalry force, and as the limits of your command extend to include the troops in North Carolina, he suggests that you make your selection of these three regiments, and give the necessary orders in the case.
Besides this force, I think there can be sent to you Clanton's regiment from Alabama (I have telegraphed General Buckner on the subject), one regiment from Georgia, one from South Carolina, and three from Western Virginia, under Brigadier-General Jenkins. Measures will be immediately taken to secure this force for you, which, including the three regiments from North Carolina, which you will order yourself, will constitute ten regiments, the amount of cavalry force required by you. Very respectfully, &c., S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXV/2 [S# 40] Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From January 26 To June 2, 1863. CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#6)


Maj. Gen. D. H. HILL: HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, Va., May 6, 1863.
GENERAL: Your letter of the 5th was received but a few moments ago. We have reports from scouts and persons from Maryland that Hunter's and Foster's armies are to come to Virginia.
The repulse of Hooker's force does not yet appear to be entirely decided. He has been driven back at all points, but holds still a position on this side the Rappahannock, near the United States Ford.
Your views regarding our policy I think sound, particularly as I urged the same course as yourself, and it must have been at the same time. Burnside's failure on account of mud was quite evidence enough to me that we had abundance of time to operate wherever we chose.
I shall endeavor to have forces sent you from South Carolina, and shall in all probability call for your forces as the enemy moves north. Watch his movements carefully and keep us advised.
The enemy's cavalry is still at Columbia, Va., and may try to effect his escape by uniting with Foster. Have all routes that he would most likely take blocked well (for as great a distance as time will admit of) with felled trees. This the citizens must do, as their only means of saving their horses and slaves. They can delay the enemy until we may have time to overtake him and destroy him. I am trying to get a mount for Hood's division to send in pursuit. I wish that you would impress every horse that you may be able to find not in necessary use on farms. This is no time to have horses for pleasure; all such must be put into service. If you do not need them send them here. I remain, general, yours, most respectfully, JAMES LONGSTREET,
Lieutenant-General, Commanding. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVIII [S# 26] CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING SPECIALLY TO OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA FROM AUGUST 20, 1862, TO JUNE 3, 1863. CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.--#12)


Maj. Gen. D. H. HILL, Comdg.. Dept. of North Carolina, Goldsborough, N.C.: HEADQUARTERS, Tarborough, N.C., May 7, 1863.
GENERAL: Upon my arrival here last night I found that Colonel Evans had gone toward Greenville instead of Rocky Mount, as we supposed. I immediately recalled him. Claiborne's regiment has, strange to say, not yet arrived. As soon as possible I shall relieve the companies of the Sixty-third (Evans) below Kinston, and also the couriers between Goldsborough and Greenville and between Snow Hill and Kinston, as all the men belong to Ferebee's command. Please inform me by Captain Worthington (who will deliver this) how many men those lines will require under existing circumstances. There are a great many more at present than are needed on that duty since the withdrawal of the troops from Hookerton and Greenville. While on the railroad I should very much like to send the dismounted men of Claiborne's regiment to procure horses, and if this request meets your approbation instruct Captain Worthington to telegraph me at once before the men leave here. You can readily perceive, general, the necessity for the step proposed, which I hope you will approve. Colonel Claiborne is absent from his regiment, I understand. Was the authority granted from your headquarters? Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. H. ROBERTSON, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Where had Claiborne's regiment better encamp? About Greenville forage is scarce and Griffin is there. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVIII [S# 26] CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING SPECIALLY TO OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA FROM AUGUST 20, 1862, TO JUNE 3, 1863. CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.--#13)



Goldsboro, N.C May 8^th, 1863
Cols Griffin & Claiborne: Lt. Gen. Longstreet directs that you impress all pleasure horses and forward them to him at Petersburg. He wishes to mount a division of infantry. Send out your details for the next four days with instructions to work diligently. Respectfully (signed) D. H. Hill Maj Genl
Capt. W.L.A. Ellis will immediately adopt measures to carry out the provision of this order in the vicinity of his station. By order of Col Joel R. Griffin, BB Bower, Adjt. (Private papers of William L.A. Ellis)


Maj. ARCHER ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Goldsborough: CAVALRY CAMP, Near Williamston, May 13, 1863.
MAJOR: I have just returned from Jamesville, the lowest point occupied by our cavalry pickets on the Roanoke. I met Lieutenant-Colonel Towns, of the Sixty-second Georgia Regiment, on the road, who had been absent two days visiting his picket stations. He saw today a man from Plymouth day before yesterday. From him he learns that General Wessells is certainly in command there with two New York regiments, not exceeding 500 men each, and one battery; no cavalry. The cavalry and some other troops had left the town--supposed toward Suffolk.
The enemy is throwing up some entrenchments on a high point near Plymouth, either for the purpose of changing his camp, which is represented to be very filthy, or protecting some fisheries at the point. Colonel Towns considers this information entirely trustworthy.
I examined Fort Branch yesterday and feel satisfied, if properly garrisoned and provisioned, it can repel any attack of the enemy by land or water less than a regular siege. The supply of ammunition is good, and provisions for 1,000 men for thirty days are being placed in as rapidly as present circumstances permit. Coniho Creek, of which the general spoke to me, will be a very serious obstacle to a land attack on Fort Branch. The three roads crossing it near and below the fort are being effectually impeded. One of them has been closed entirely and the bridge destroyed. At one of the others entrenchments have been prepared and at the third are being prepared. This creek, however, is no impediment to an advance on Tarborough.
If the troops of my brigade are to be used exclusively to close Plymouth and Washington between the Tar and Roanoke, my impression is they should be moved nearer and occupy a line beginning from Jamesville or Gardner's Creek, near that town, and running toward Tranter's Creek, thence to the Tar River at or near Pactolus. On this subject I feel some hesitation in yet expressing a positive opinion.
If my brigade is to be held with a view to protect Weldon or some other point, it should not be removed beyond Hamilton or Greenville, except for picket guard.
Will you please inform me if any troops are to be stationed at Weldon and if they are to be under my command?
I shall go tomorrow to Greenville and thence to Tarborough, where I shall spend a day or two examining the quartermaster's and commissary departments.
The order substituting Colonel Griffin's cavalry regiment for Colonel Evans' has been received. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. MARTIN, Brigadier-General.
P. S.--Since writing the above the pickets have brought in 2 Yankee prisoners, who say that both General Wessells and General Hunt are in Plymouth with five regiments--the Eighty-fifth, Ninety-second, and Ninety-sixth New York, and One hundred and first and One hundred and third Pennsylvania; that the troops which left there recently went to New Berne, and they think General Wessells' brigade is going to Suffolk soon. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVIII [S# 26] CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING SPECIALLY TO OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA FROM AUGUST 20, 1862, TO JUNE 3, 1863.CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.--#13)


Capt. W. L. A. Ellis 62d GA, Head Quarters, Martin's Brigade Greenville, May 26, 1863
Gen. Orders, No. 1
I. Captain W. L. A. Ellis of the 62 Ga Regt. is hereby appointed Provost Marshall of the Brigade and Provost Guard detailed daily will report to him in the town of Greenville. By Comd of Brig. Gen. J.G. Martin Chas. G. Elliott AAA Genl. (Private papers of William L.A. Ellis)


Major-General HILL, Cmdg. Dept. of Va. and N. C., Petersburg, Va.: GREENVILLE, N. C., June 9, 1863.
GENERAL: I returned from Hamilton this morning and found your letter of June 8.
I will move to Kinston as soon as I am satisfied Foster is making a real advance. I think he will not advance unless the Yankee army meet with decided success at Vicksburg or elsewhere. Later in the day your letter of the 5th [received], informing me that Cooke had left Kinston, and wishing a courier line established to Rocky Mount.
I found that Colonel [Joel R.] Griffin had returned. He says he crossed the Chowan River last Saturday night near Colerain; that the enemy are not building a wharf at Dillard's farm, and that they have no artillery at Gatesville, and only about 200 cavalry. If you want Griffin's regiment, I think I can get along with three companies, or perhaps two of it. If you do not send him to Virginia, I think he had better go to Colerain or vicinity, in charge of all the troops across the Roanoke. I would like to know, if you can tell me, whether Colquitt would be likely to magnify the appearances of the enemy's advance or not. I am, general, very truly, yours, J. G. MARTIN, Brigadier-General. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXVII/3 [S# 45] Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, And Department Of The East, From June 3 To August 3, 1863. CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.--#1)

Organization Of troops in the Department of North Carolina, Commanded by Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill, C. S. Army, June 30, 1863. District of Cape Fear. Maj. Gen. W. H. C. WHITING. Jenkins' Brigade. Brig. Gen. M. JENKINS.
CAVALRY.
7th Confederate, Col. W. C. Claiborne.
62d Georgia, Col. Joel R. Griffin.
41st North Carolina (3d Cavalry), Col. John A. Baker.
(O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXVII/3 [S# 45] Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, And Department Of The East, From June 3 To August 3, 1863.CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.--#1)


Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON: PETERSBURG, July 7, 1863.
Our troops in Suffolk. Enemy fallen back to and fortifying Bowers' Hill. Corcoran in command. Foster gone to Pennsylvania. Enemy left nothing. Suffolk not destroyed. Special instructions from Corcoran prohibiting it. Two gunboats in Nansemond. Colonel [J. R.] Griffin will reconnoiter again today. E. B. MONTAGUE, Colonel, Commanding (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXVII/3 [S# 45] Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, And Department Of The East, From June 3 To August 3, 1863.CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.--#1)


Major-General ELZEY: FRANKLIN, August 1, 1863--10 a.m.
All quiet along the Blackwater line. Sent scouts in the direction of Suffolk this morning. Yankees carried off a great deal of plunder from Murfreesborough. A battalion of infantry should be at Murfreesborough, N. C., 400 or 500 in number, so as to defeat another raid. We should have more cavalry in this section. Spear controls, in two regiments, 1,500 men, cavalry. I would like to have a 6 or 12 pounder rifled gun, with ammunition complete. I can furnish horses and men for it. I am, very respectfully, JOEL R. GRIFFIN, Colonel, Commanding.
------
General ARNOLD ELZEY: FRANKLIN, August 2, 1863.
Enemy's infantry, 2,500 strong, under General Foster, took their boats for New Berne, N. C., Thursday night, at Winton, on the Chowan. Cavalry, under Spear, crossed soon after, and moved in the direction of Suffolk. Yesterday morning, at 9 o'clock, their cavalry passed within half a mile of South Quay, 6 miles from Franklin, Va. They had no stragglers in this expedition we could pick up. In our skirmishes with them we lost 6 men; 2 of theirs were killed, and others wounded. JOEL R. GRIFFIN, Colonel, Commanding.
-----
Maj. Gen. ARNOLD ELZEY: HEADQUARTERS, Petersburg, Va., August 3, 1863.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, as reported by officers on the lines, the enemy has retired from this front. Colonel Griffin reports the infantry retired to New Berne, the cavalry, &c., by way of Suffolk. I therefore think it safe, whenever you think it best, to bring back the previous arrangement of troops. Very truly and respectfully, your obedient servant, M. JENKINS, Brigadier-General. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXVII/3 [S# 45]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, And Department Of The East, From June 3 To August 3, 1863. CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.--#1)


Major-General FOSTER: GETTY'S HEADQUARTERS, October 30, 1863.
I have received following telegram from Major Wetherill, commanding outpost, Suffolk:
Private John Wynton, alias Dunn, Irishman, Sixty-second Georgia Cavalry, permission to cross the river to bring turkeys, and came in with horse, saddle, &c. Crossed South Quay Ferry at sunset yesterday. Colonel Griffin's headquarters at Murfrees Station, 4 miles from South Quay, on the railroad. Griffin's light battery is at Weldon with five or six companies between Garysburg and Weldon. Griffin's picket on Chowan and Blackwater start at Colerain, below Winton, and extend to South Quay. Here the zouaves have a picket of 4 men and officer, at William Lawrence's.
Wynton states that there is to be a grand ball at Vaughn's house, half a mile this side of Murfrees Station, on the 5th of November; officers are circulating tickets about Gatesville.
The major of the guerrillas who captured the boats at South Mills spends most of his time between Gatesville and Reddick's. Rylander's battalion of infantry is at Franklin.
The stations picketed by Griffin's men from South Quay to Colerain are as follows: South Quay, 1 sergeant, 4 infantry: 1 corporal, mounted. Cherry Grove, no pickets. Manning's Ferry, 1 corporal, 6 privates, 2 on post; the reserve station 4 miles back. Bartonville, 6 privates, 2 on post; reserve half mile back; three-quarters of the time no picket there. Flay Island, at fork of Chowan and Meherrin, 6 privates, reserve 3½ miles back. Winton, 6 privates and sergeant. California, 3½ miles below Winton, 6 privates and 1 corporal. Colerain, 17 miles below California, 6 privates and 1 corporal.
It will be observed that Waineoake Ferry, between Cherry Grove and Manning's Ferry, is not picketed, and Cherry Grove only occasionally.
The horse belongs to J. Wynton: cost him $900. One pair Colt's army pistols cost $200, his private property. Shall the man be retained here until his horse rests, and then sent to headquarters with guard, and can any arrangement be made that he could receive anything for his horse and arms?
I would send scout out to Gatesville to pick up officers distributing ball tickets, but it might interfere with the ball. Possibly the commanding general might desire some United States cavalry to attend on the night of the 5th of November.
Wynton suggests if our troops are to attend the ball that the force start early in the night, traveling rapidly to South Quay, sending 2 soldiers in citizens' clothes in buggy in advance, who, on arriving at the ferry at Lawrence, would call for the flat. The pickets collect the ferriage, and are anxious to bring passengers over. The flat could thus be secured and picket captured. GEO. W. GETTY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIX/2 [S# 49]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From August 4 To December 31, 1863. UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#16)


General S. COOPER: PETERSBURG, November 3, 1863.
The following dispatch just received: Maj. E. Burroughs, of guerrillas reports enemy crossing the Sound to Elizabeth City in force--infantry, artillery, and cavalry; marching from thence to Float Bridge and crossing into Camden County, on supposed route to Norfolk. Float Bridge is on the Pasquotank River. All quiet in my front. Enemy's cavalry 4 miles below Suffolk, about 200 strong. Some armed negroes 1 mile below them.
The above is from Franklin, and signed "Joel R. Griffin, colonel, commanding." GEO. E. PICKETT, Major-General. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIX/2 [S# 49] Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From August 4 To December 31, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#8)


General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: PETERSBURG, November 7, 1863.
The following dispatches just received: Col. J. W. Hinton just dispatches me, received at 3 p.m:
"I am pressed by enemy in considerable force, coming from Winton--artillery, infantry, and cavalry. Send me re-enforcements immediately to Murfreesborough."
I go, by General Ransom's order, with my two cavalry companies and one piece of artillery, leaving my infantry to guard Blackwater. Detachments of enemy's cavalry came within 8 miles of Franklin yesterday evening, but fell back at night. JOEL R. GRIFFIN, Colonel. Commanding Forces at Franklin.
Enemy 10,000 strong at Winton--artillery, infantry, and cavalry. My force is 1,200. The re-enforcements ought to be sent. M. W. RANSOM, Brigadier-General, Commanding, Weldon, N. C.
I do not know whether the enemy can be in such force as represented. I think not. General Whiting should be ordered to re-enforce, if necessary. If this movement is a feint toward Weldon, Petersburg is left entirely uncovered when Barton's brigade leaves here. GEO. E. PICKETT, Major-General.

General S. COOPER WELDON, November 8, 1863.
Following dispatch just received from Murfreesborough: Are there any demonstrations being made elsewhere?
I arrived here this morning at 3 o'clock; enemy are landing troops and lumber from three transports at Winton; four gunboats went up river this morning. The gunboats at Reddick's Ferry yesterday have gone back. It is supposed the enemy are building pontoons at Winton; they have pontoon boats. Captain Duval, of my regiment, drove enemy's pickets into Winton yesterday; thinks they have small force, yet I do not think they will move across Potecasi Creek as before, but think they will take the plain road toward Weldon. The style of their preparations would indicate, I think, a raid or series of raids of some magnitude. I will keep you informed of movements. Enemy's landing at Winton may be for the purpose of establishing a permanent post for the purpose of cutting off from us large supplies of provisions, &c. The situation of Winton rather inclines me to this opinion. This would complete chain of posts on river and coast of North Carolina. Respectfully, JOEL R. GRIFFIN, Colonel. Per W. A. HOPSON, Adjutant.; GEO. E. PICKETT, Major-General. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIX/2 [S# 49] Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From August 4 To December 31, 1863. CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#9)


General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond: Petersburg, Va., November 12, 1863.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the enemy had some seventeen steamers at Winton. They left without committing any depredation, and made no advance excepting a very short distance into the country, when they were immediately driven back by Colonel Griffin's cavalry, Captain Bower's company. General Ransom, whom I had sent down with two regiments, has returned to Weldon, the enemy having left before he arrived. About the same time, I had ordered Colonel Herbert from the Blackwater to the front, intending to make a diversion had the enemy intended anything in North Carolina. I enclose his report. He captured some 7 prisoners, 1 wagon, and 8 horses.
Barton's brigade is now at this point, having been sent back from Weldon upon the receipt of instructions from Richmond.
The prisoners captured report 6,000 infantry in Portsmouth; this I consider doubtful.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. E. PICKETT, Major-General, Commanding. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIX/2 [S# 49] Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From August 4 To December 31, 1863. CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#9 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA,)


General S. COOPER, Adjt. and Insp. Gen., C. S. Army, Richmond, Va.: Petersburg, Va., December 15, 1863.
GENERAL: I have the honor to enclose a dispatch just received from Colonel Griffin. It is impossible with my force to prevent these raids. The section of country that the enemy is now operating in is too far from our line to do more than watch their operations.
It is evident from the statement in Mr. Lincoln's message concerning the numbers of negro troops in the Federal service and their boasted efficiency, that their policy will be to increase that description of material as much as possible, as it strengthens their numbers and weakens our labor force. General Butler is evidently pursuing a steady course to effect this object wherever it is in his power, and in a short time all the country that he can overrun will be entirely denuded of slaves.
Would it not be advisable to cause all the slaves in the country so exposed to be brought back within our lines? We could send a cavalry expedition of our own down in such neighborhoods to collect and bring in the negroes. Whatever is determined on should be carried out at once, as every day loses so much valuable property to the Confederacy. In many cases, doubtless, objections may be made by the owners; but I think the case one of emergency. I enclose copy of Colonel Griffin's telegram. Respectfully asking a reply, I am, general, your obedient servant, GEO. E. PICKETT, Major-General, Commanding.

[Enclosure]

Major-General PICKETT: FRANKLIN, December 15, 1863.
Enemy, 1,500 strong, negroes and whites, reported yesterday 12 miles of Gatesville, committing all kinds of excesses; insulting our ladies in the most tantalizing manner. People are fleeing their wrath. They are shipping all meat, grain, &c., in carts; taking clothing from men and women's backs, and destroying or carrying it off.
Yankee cavalry were in Suffolk on Friday and Saturday last in small detachments. Gunboats came up Nansemond River at night, and detachments came out and patrolled town; cavalry dismounted at Ivor and attacked them from northeast side of river with great success, with one or two rifled cannon. Force at Bernard's Mill small. A battalion of cavalry (Yankees) with one piece of artillery landed at Colerain, on Chowan, Saturday and Sunday, from gunboats. Some 50 marines were gathering up negroes and carrying them off. They had arrested several citizens there. Two companies of infantry should be located near this point, or placed at Winton, and cavalry sent there.
Beast Butler it is reported issued orders everything people had would be destroyed if they did not take the oath in his-lines. Some have already made a sacrifice. Something might be done to keep them out of Gates County, by use of cavalry and regiment of infantry. JOEL R. GRIFFIN, Colonel, Commanding,
-----
General S. COOPER: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, Petersburg, Va., December 15, 1863.
GENERAL: I have the honor to enclose a second telegram received from Colonel Griffin. I have ordered him to send all the cavalry force he has down into Gates County. The report I look upon probably as a little exaggerated; but doubtless these fiends, backed, or rather instigated, by such a beast as Butler is, will be set on to commit any outrage. I enclose copy of my telegram to Colonel Griffin.
I will not stand upon terms with these fellows any longer. If our cavalry force was sufficient, we could, in a measure, prevent these inroads. The only other alternative is to evacuate the country. Butler's plan, evidently, is to let loose his swarm of blacks upon our ladies and defenseless families, plunder and devastate the country. Against such a warfare there is but one resource--to hang at once every one captured belonging to the expedition, and afterward any one caught who belongs to Butler's department.
Let us come to a definite understanding with these heathens at once. Butler cannot be allowed to rule here as he did in New Orleans. His course must be stopped. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, G. E. P. [PICKETT.]

[Enclosure No. 1.]

General COOPER: PETERSBURG, December 15, 1863,
Following dispatch received: Two thousand of enemy's infantry, mostly negroes, and 50 cavalry are at Elizabeth City conscripting negroes and plundering generally. JOEL R. GRIFFIN, Colonel, Commanding at Franklin. I wrote concerning the above by courier. GEO. E. PICKETT,
Major-General, Commanding.

[Enclosure No. 2.]

Col. J. R. GRIFFIN, Commanding, &c., Franklin Depot: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, December 15, 1863
Send all the cavalry force you have at once down to the scene of devastation. If they cannot drive off the enemy, they can at least hold them in check. Send orders to Colonel Hinton. Any one caught in the act (negroes or white men) of burning houses or maltreating women, must be hung on the spot, by my order. GEO. E. PICKETT, Major-General, Commanding. (.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIX/2 [S# 49] Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From August 4 To December 31, 1863. CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#10, HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA)


General S. COOPER, Adjt. and Insp. Gen., C. S. Army, Richmond, Va.: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, Petersburg, Va., December 15, 1863.
GENERAL: I have the honor to enclose a dispatch just received from Colonel Griffin. It is impossible with my force to prevent these raids. The section of country that the enemy is now operating in is too far from our line to do more than watch their operations.
It is evident from the statement in Mr. Lincoln's message concerning the numbers of negro troops in the Federal service and their boasted efficiency, that their policy will be to increase that description of material as much as possible, as it strengthens their numbers and weakens our labor force. General Butler is evidently pursuing a steady course to effect this object wherever it is in his power, and in a short time all the country that he can overrun will be entirely denuded of slaves. Would it not be advisable to cause all the slaves in the country so exposed to be brought back within our lines? We could send a cavalry expedition of our own down in such neighborhoods to collect and bring in the negroes. Whatever is determined on should be carried out at once, as every day loses so much valuable property to the Confederacy. In many cases, doubtless, objections may be made by the owners; but I think the case one of emergency. I enclose copy of Colonel Griffin's telegram. Respectfully asking a reply, I am, general, your obedient servant, GEO. E. PICKETT, Major-General, Commanding.

[Enclosure]

0Major-General PICKETT: FRANKLIN, December 15, 1863.
Enemy, 1,500 strong, negroes and whites, reported yesterday 12 miles of Gatesville, committing all kinds of excesses; insulting our ladies in the most tantalizing manner. People are fleeing their wrath. They are shipping all meat, grain, &c., in carts; taking clothing from men and women's backs, and destroying or carrying it off.
Yankee cavalry were in Suffolk on Friday and Saturday last in small detachments. Gunboats came up Nansemond River at night, and detachments came out and patrolled town; cavalry dismounted at Ivor and attacked them from northeast side of river with great success, with one or two rifled cannon. Force at Bernard's Mill small. A battalion of cavalry (Yankees) with one piece of artillery landed at Colerain, on Chowan, Saturday and Sunday, from gunboats. Some 50 marines were gathering up negroes and carrying them off. They had arrested several citizens there. Two companies of infantry should be located near this point, or placed at Winton, and cavalry sent there.
Beast Butler it is reported issued orders everything people had would be destroyed if they did not take the oath in his-lines. Some have already made a sacrifice. Something might be done to keep them out of Gates County, by use of cavalry and regiment of infantry. JOEL R. GRIFFIN, Colonel, Commanding,
-----
[General S. COOPER:] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, Petersburg, Va., December 15, 1863.
GENERAL: I have the honor to enclose a second telegram received from Colonel Griffin. I have ordered him to send all the cavalry force he has down into Gates County. The report I look upon probably as a little exaggerated; but doubtless these fiends, backed, or rather instigated, by such a beast as Butler is, will be set on to commit any outrage. I enclose copy of my telegram to Colonel Griffin.
I will not stand upon terms with these fellows any longer. If our cavalry force was sufficient, we could, in a measure, prevent these inroads. The only other alternative is to evacuate the country. Butler's plan, evidently, is to let loose his swarm of blacks upon our ladies and defenseless families, plunder and devastate the country. Against such a warfare there is but one resource--to hang at once every one captured belonging to the expedition, and afterward any one caught who belongs to Butler's department.
Let us come to a definite understanding with these heathens at once. Butler cannot be allowed to rule here as he did in New Orleans. His course must be stopped. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, G. E. P. [PICKETT.]

[enclosure No. 1.]

General COOPER: PETERSBURG, December 15, 1863,
Following dispatch received:
Two thousand of enemy's infantry, mostly negroes, and 50 cavalry are at Elizabeth City conscripting negroes and plundering generally. JOEL R. GRIFFIN, Colonel, Commanding at Franklin. I wrote concerning the above by courier. GEO. E. PICKETT, Major-General, Commanding.

[Enclosure No. 2.]

Col. J. R. GRIFFIN Commanding, &c., Franklin Depot:, HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, December 15, 1863
Send all the cavalry force you have at once down to the scene of devastation. If they cannot drive off the enemy, they can at least hold them in check. Send orders to Colonel Hinton. Any one caught in the act (negroes or white men) of burning houses or maltreating women, must be hung on the spot, by my order. GEO. E. PICKETT, (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIX/2 [S# 49] Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From August 4 To December 31, 1863. CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#10)


Lieut. A. A. NEAL, Adjutant 132d New York Infantry. CAMP AT ROCKY RUN, December 18, 1863.
ADJUTANT: In compliance with orders from the colonel commanding outpost. I sent Captain Roche, Troop A, with such portions of Troops A, B, and E as were not on duty, and one howitzer under the command of Lieut. J. M. Fish, with also 2 army wagons, to report to Lieutenant Wells, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, now acting as aide-de-camp to Colonel Claassen, commanding outpost at the Pine-Tree, on the morning of the 16th instant, the object of the expedition being to bring in the families of some deserters from the rebel army who had enlisted in the Second North Carolina Volunteers.
Captain Roche, upon arriving at Nethercutt's Forks, sent Actg. Lieut. W. S. Turner, Troop B, with 23 men and 2 wagons, to Trenton, with directions, should he find the river fordable, to cross into that town with his whole party and bring thence the families of 2 men. Should he find the river too high to ford, he was to leave the wagons on this side, under a strong guard, cross the river with a portion of his men, and remove what he could bring away. Acting Lieutenant Turner, upon reaching the Trent River, found it utterly unfordable. He therefore had one of his men swim across and bring from the south side a small boat he saw there; with this he took across 10 men, and after great difficulty found a cart and ox team, with which he brought away the families and goods as directed, safely crossing them in his boat, making nearly a dozen crossings of the river in order to do so. Acting Lieutenant Turner reports seeing no enemy or signs of his presence, though he had to go nearly 3 miles west from the town.
After sending the party of 23 men to Trenton, he proceeded up the river with his detachment, having then with him 50 men and 1 howitzer and 1 wagon, with the view of removing the family of one Brighton, one of the above-mentioned Union soldiers. At the forks leading to the Chincapin Chapel, and near which road Brighton's family resided, the advance guard were fired upon by 2 cavalrymen, the vendettas of the enemy. The advance guard charged after these men, and succeeded in capturing 1 and severely wounding the other, though he escaped, owing to the fleetness of his horse, after a race of 3 or 4 miles. These vendettas kept up the Trent road to Kinston, to which place they had orders to hurry in case any of the Yankees should be seen.
Captain Roche, with the view of carrying out the objects of the expedition, proceeded down the left road leading to Chincapin Chapel, at which place there is a rebel camp, the prisoner states, consisting of 200 cavalry of the Sixty-second Georgia and 100 infantry, Foy's company. Some 300 yards from the main road a picket of 12 cavalry was discovered, who, having removed the planks from the bridge across Beaver Dam Creek, 300 yards farther on, were awaiting his approach.
A spherical case shot caused them to leave, when, upon reaching the bridge, Captain Roche relaid the planks, crossed, and was again fired upon by this picket, who had halted about 500 yards ahead in a piece of woods. Lieutenant Wells directed another spherical case to be thrown, with an effect similar to the first, our cavalry charging after the flying picket 2 miles, to quite near Chincapin Creek.
Across this creek, which is here deep, with steep and high banks, there was a bridge, the possession of which was essential to the success of the expedition. Upon reaching it, however, it was found that the enemy had destroyed it and were concealed in considerable force upon the opposite bank. A few shots were fired by the enemy, when the howitzer was run down within 20 yards of the opposite side and fire opened with canister, Captain Roche also dismounting his troopers and deploying them as skirmishers. His effective force had now dwindled much, the advance guard of 10 having kept up the main road with Lieutenant Marshall, and 10 more, under a sergeant, being left to guard the bridge across Beaver Dam Creek. The enemy fired rapidly, and apparently by volleys, from the front up the road at the piece. Three rounds of canister stopped that fire, when it was resumed from the left flank heavier than before. On this flank Troop A were actively employed, but canister caused the enemy again to shift his position to the front, where he once more essayed to drive away the cannoneers. Alternating the discharges of the piece between front and left flank, Captain Roche drove the enemy from the woods, silencing their fire, with what loss it is impossible to learn, as the enemy were under the cover of small trees and brush; yet, as the range was so short, it must have been considerable.
The bridge being completely destroyed, and having no means of rebuilding, Captain Roche immediately returned. The family after which he had gone lived a mile beyond this creek and a mile from the rebel camp previously referred to.
On the main road, 10 miles above where Captain Roche turned to his left, there is a camp of four companies of the Sixty-second Georgia Cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Kennedy, and he was anxious lest they might have gone down and endeavored to intercept his return. But seeing no one, he quietly retraced his steps to Nethercutt's Fork, whither Acting Lieutenant Turner had returned ten minutes before.
This skirmish lasted thirty minutes, eighteen rounds of canister being used. Our loss was 1 cannoneer killed (Private Clarence Kelley, of Troop B), and 1 slightly wounded (Private Stone, of Troop I). Two horses were also killed belonging to Troop A, which the captain was fortunate in replacing.
The detachment reached camp at 8 p.m. Captain Roche speaks in the highest terms of the manner in which Lieutenant Fish served his gun. This was the first time either of my pieces was in action. The cannoneers were all that could be desired. Private Joseph A. Lytle, Troop K, especially distinguished himself, as also Private John Ross, of D, and Corporal Duffy, of D, the gunner. I have promoted Lytle to a corporal therefor. Three horses captured; 2 are receipted for by Captain Roche and 1 by Lieutenant Fish. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FLOYD CLARKSON, Major Twelfth New York Cavalry, Commanding. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIX/1 [S# 48] DECEMBER 16, 1863.--Skirmish near Free Bridge, N.C. No. 1. --Report of Maj. Floyd Clarkson, Twelfth New York Cavalry.)


General S. COOPER: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, December 20, 1863.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the enemy have been committing the most brutal outrages upon our loyal citizens in the vicinity of Elizabeth City. Immediately upon hearing of their appearance at that place, which is 50 miles from Franklin, our nearest post, I gave orders to collect all the cavalry from the Blackwater, relieving them with infantry, and sending also 130 mounted artillery from Dearing's battalion. The enemy being also reported as fortifying opposite Harrellsville, which is in Bertie County, and just below Winton, I ordered General Ransom with three regiments of infantry, via Franklin, to the scene of devastation, and to move down with infantry, cavalry, and artillery against them. You will see by telegram enclosed that the enemy decamped upon hearing of the approach of our forces. You will perceive that they have with their negro troops hung one of our soldiers and manacled ladies, and have taken them off in irons. They have run riot over all the country east of the Perquimans River, behind which they fell, burning the bridges upon the first approach of a squadron of our cavalry, My orders were to spare no one. But unfortunately our foe is too wary. They, like the Indians, only war on the defenseless. You will see likewise that they are going to play the same game in Suffolk that they did in Norfolk--make all take the oath of allegiance to the Federal Government or confiscate their property. I really do not know what advice to give in answer to the question they ask me. With my force it is impossible to protect such distant points. Still it makes my blood boil to think of these enormities being practiced, and we have no way of arresting them.
Eight thousand men are reported as at Washington. This I doubt. Probably they intend making a similar trip from Washington in the adjoining county to the Elizabeth City one.
I enclose also report of General Barton about the capture of some of our cavalry- A few days before, the enemy attacked our pickets near Free Bridge and were repulsed, leaving 5 killed on the field and 2 horses.
I will give orders to the cavalry now at or near Franklin to make an expedition to Suffolk and the vicinity. We of course cannot hold the place, but might possibly do the enemy some damage.
What answer had I better give the Suffolk people? I understand that the citizens of Norfolk have mostly taken the oath asked for by Butler. I communicated with General Butler in reference to Major Borroughs, but have as yet received no reply. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. E. PICKETT, Major-General, Commanding.

[Endorsement.]

It is impossible for the Department to answer the question propounded by General Pickett in respect to the deputation of ladies from Suffolk further than to state that taking the compulsory oath exacted of them by an infuriated [foe], for their safety, &c., should not, under the pressing necessities of the case represented by them, be considered as an indication of their want of fidelity to the Southern cause. General Pickett, in all other respects, appears to have taken the necessary measures, to the extent of his means, to check the outrages complained of. S. C. [COOPER.]

[Enclosure No. 1.]

Capt. J. D. DARDEN, Assistant Adjutant-General: HEADQUARTERS OUTPOST, Greenville, N. C., December 17, 1863.
CAPTAIN: It is my painful duty to announce the capture of about 35 men of Capt. J. W. Moore's company (H), of my command. A battalion of Yankee infantry crossed a foot ford which had been blockaded, avoiding my pickets, and making their way to and surrounding Captain Moore's encampment, about 6 miles below here, on this side of the river, and capturing, with the exception of 4 men and 2 horses, that portion of the command which was there.
As soon as I received information of their approach. I immediately moved after them, but, on arriving at Cheod Creek bridge, found that they had captured my pickets there from the same company, and had forded the stream at that point, leaving a wagon which they had captured with the command. One Yankee was killed there by the picket.
I am at a loss to account for the surprise, as I had only last evening, through my adjutant, cautioned Captain Moore to increased vigilance, from rumors that I had heard of a body of 35 armed deserters making their way through the county toward Washington. My scouts around Washington and citizens coming from below all report that no passing is now allowed by the Yankees, and that they are very busy making preparations for a raid from Plymouth and Washington, to concentrate at some point in the interior. A lady direct from Washington reports an increased force there; that they have 300 negro cavalry constantly drilling, and that they are very busy preparing for something, and, from what she could learn, were very nearly ready.
I have applied, captain, to General Ransom, Colonel McKethan, and through Colonel Waddell for some infantry at this point. I again most respectfully urge it. One of my companies picket 16 miles below here, on the other side of the river, one to 12 miles below on this side, and I have only one small company as a reserve here and as a support to the battery, and none to act independently. My men are very poorly equipped. I enclose my returns. Would have sent them sooner, but moved at daylight this morning, and have just returned. Hoping that I will be reinforced, and most respectfully urging it, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROGER MOORE, Major, Commanding.

[Enclosure No. 2.]

Major-General PICKETT: WHITE MILLS, ON DISMAL SWAMP, [December] 19, [1863.]
Enemy have escaped me by river bridge, Pasquotank River. They were warned of my first advance to Gatesville. Their cavalry have gone to Norfolk, through Currituck County, N. C., the negroes, by Dismal Swamp Canal, to Portsmouth. They are on forced march. Last left South Mills this morning. My men are near the place. Nothing now to be done but collect all hogs and drive them out, which is a considerable item here; also bring out Colonel Hinton's guerrillas, which he requests. Enemy had at Elizabeth City 2,900 negroes and 500 cavalry. They hung Private Daniel Bright, of Company L, of my Sixty-second Georgia Regiment; hung him to a beam in a house; body remained suspended forty hours. Lieutenant Mundin's wife, with other ladies, were arrested, tied, and placed in jail at Elizabeth City, and carried in irons to Norfolk; even their feet tied. Negroes killed a child in Camden County, committing all other kinds of excesses. JOEL R. GRIFFIN, Colonel, Commanding.

[Enclosure No. 3.]

Major-General PICKETT: WELDON, NC December 20, 1863.
No news from Hamilton; no danger there yet. Can we do anything for the people of Suffolk? I fear not. If possible, I will go there and fight Butler over, anyhow. I shall withdraw troops tomorrow from Franklin, unless you think we could catch them below Suffolk. I will move down, and, if the enemy are certainly gone, recall Griffin. Excuse me for troubling you so much. M. W. RANSOM, Brigadier-General.

[Enclosure No. 4.]

General GEORGE E. PICKETT: WELDON, [December] 20, [1863.]
The following dispatch received from Franklin, dated 20th, to General Ransom:
A deputation of 2 ladies from Suffolk came last night. General Butler has notified the citizens of Suffolk that they must take the oath of allegiance to the Federal Government or leave immediately. They are loyal to the South, and wish your advice on the subject. Those left in Suffolk, if they should leave it, would lose their all, and not be able to support themselves in our Confederacy. Tuesday is the day fixed. He is to send a provost-marshal and troops there on that day to administer the oath. All quiet here. DE BORDENAVE, Major, Commanding Forces. Blackwater. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIX/2 [S# 49] Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From August 4 To December 31, 1863. CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#11)


Maj. C. PICKETT, Assistant Adjutant-General, &c.:WELDON, N. C.,December 30, 1863.
MAJOR: I beg leave to represent to the major-general commanding this department the propriety of forming a new regiment of cavalry and artillery, to be composed of the following troops, viz:
1. The Twelfth North Carolina Battalion, now at Kinston, consisting of three companies (mounted). This organization was formerly known as Wheeler's.
2. Company L, Sixty-second Georgia Regiment, commanded by Captain Barham, numbering 136 men. This company makes the eleventh company belonging to the Sixty-second Georgia, and Captain Barham, under authority from the Secretary of War to raise a battalion, has increased his company to its present numbers. This company of 136 men would make two very respectable companies, sufficiently large for efficient action. This company may very well be detached from the Sixty-second Georgia.
3. There are in the Seventh Confederate Cavalry, Colonel Taliaferro, now at Ivor, twelve companies. The two extra companies might very well be taken from this regiment and made part of the new organization.
4. To these seven companies of cavalry I propose to attach one or two batteries of field artillery, and suggest the Macon Light Artillery, Captain Slaten, now stationed here, and one other battery to be selected from Lieut. Col. J. R. Branch's command.
These troops, organized into a regiment under an enterprising and vigorous soldier, would render valuable services to this department. At present at least one-half of this force is entirely inefficient for want of proper organization and management.
Our present lines of defense run at a distance of about 100 miles from the ocean, leaving a large area of country unoccupied by the enemy, but still unable for permanent occupation by our small force. This cavalry and artillery force, under a daring and skillful chief, would do much to secure to us this intermediate section. I need not say how important such an organization would be in meeting the raids of the enemy and harassing their outposts and transports. Over this command a good cavalry and artillery officer ought to be placed. As a valuable adjunct to this force might be added two companies of cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wynn. These companies now belong to the State forces and could not be combined with regular Confederate troops, but might be made of great service if attached to this new command. At present two companies of cavalry not acting in concert with the main Confederate force can <ar49_896> be but of little effect. I understand the Governor of North Carolina has directed Colonel Hinton, commanding these forces, to report to Major-General Pickett.
I trust the major-general will pardon these suggestions, but I regard the matter as Important. I am, sir, very respectfully, M. W. RANSOM, Brigadier-General.

[Endorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, Petersburg, January 12, 1864.
I respectfully forward this communication, and recommend Maj. James Dearing as an officer well known to me. He has served with me for two years under my immediate command. I know of no one more justly entitled to promotion than Major Dearing. The service needs an efficient officer in the section of country to which he will go.GEO. E. PICKETT, Major-general. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIX/2 [S# 49] Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, From August 4 To December 31, 1863. CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#11)


Abstract from return of the Department of North Carolina, Maj. Gen. George E. Pickett, C. S. Army, commanding, December 31, 1863; headquarters Petersburg, Va.
O-Officers. A-Effective total.
M-Men. B-Aggregate present.
P-Present for duty. C-Aggregate present and absent.
D-Pieces of artillery.

Command. O M A B C D Stations as reported December 20.

7th Confederate Cavalry (Col. V. H. Taliaferro). 24 409 409 528 666 3 Ivor Station.
62d Georgia Cavalry (Col. J. R. Griffin). 32 376 376 510 863 6 On the Blackwater, &c.
3d North Carolina Cavalry (Col. John A. Baker). 34 554 554 684 971 .... Near Kinston.
Total cavalry 90 1,339 1,339 1,722 2,500 9
(O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIX/2 [S# 49] Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From August 4 To December 31, 1863. CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#12)


Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, Petersburg, Va., January 12, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to state that, in accordance with our understanding in a conversation a few days since, I have ordered three companies of Wheeler's battalion from Kinston to Garysburg; at that point there are already two companies unattached Virginia troops. These five companies, together with two companies from the Seventh Confederate Cavalry (which has twelve companies) and a light battery (Graham's), not attached, will give eight companies for the new regiment which I propose. Colonel Hinton, commanding the Northeastern State forces, and Colonel Griffin, of the Sixty-second Georgia, in command at Franklin, both assured me that there were two companies of State troops under Lieutenant-Colonel Wynn (mounted) [who] would gladly be assigned and incorporated in this command. This force of mounted men will within a week's time be assembled at Franklin. I shall assign them to the command of Major Dearing, and ask that he may be ordered to take command of these troops, with the temporary rank of colonel. He is a young officer of daring and coolness combined, the very man for the service upon which he is going, a good disciplinarian, and at the same time generally beloved by his men. I am not saying too much in his absence in assuring von that Lieutenant-General Longstreet would strongly indorse his claims to promotion had he the opportunity.
One of the principal purposes in concentrating a command at the point above named under an efficient and trustworthy officer is that I have in contemplation an expedition to the counties of Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans, for the purpose of bringing out the bacon and provisions so very necessary for us at this present time. If the enemy do not make an offensive movement in North Carolina before I have had time to accomplish this I will advance a force toward Suffolk, so as to attract attention and collect a wagon train at Franklin to accompany the expedition. They can also, if successful, bring out conscripts. I hope this plan will meet with your approbation. I shall' conduct it with as much secrecy as possible. In the mean time, should the enemy make a movement on us either at Kinston or the railroad, I can order this cavalry to the point most needed. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. E. PICKETT, Major-General, Commanding.

[Endorsement.]

ADJUTANT-GENERAL: JANUARY 13, 1864.
Let the arrangement proposed by General Pickett be authorized, and Major Dearing be assigned, with temporary rank of colonel, to the command. It would be better, and General Pickett is advised, if it be practicable, to substitute two unassigned North Carolina companies, if to be found, instead of the two Virginia companies. J. A. S., (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXIII [S# 60] CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND PENNSYLVANIA, FROM JANUARY 1 TO APRIL 30, 1864.--#2)




Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, Fort Monroe, January 17, 1864.
SIR: I received this morning the enclosed communications from Colonel Spear, commanding the exterior line, near Norfolk.
I reported some time since to the War Department the action of Brigadier-General Wild, to which this is in retaliation. Were this the act of General Pickett simply, I should readily know what course to pursue, but it is evidently the act of the Confederate Government, Private Jones, Company B, Fifth Ohio Volunteers, was evidently taken from among the prisoners of war at Richmond and turned over to General Pickett for this purpose; therefore it seems to me to be a subject for the action of the Government, not for the action of a commander of a department.
The strongest evidence that this is the action of the Confederate Government which I have is the fact that we have no Ohio troops in the department upon whom vengeance could have been wreaked in this way.
This action may be as well met now as at any time. Our Government has suffered its officers and soldiers to be outlawed for doing their duty. It has suffered its prisoners to be starved without retaliation, and now hanging is superadded. I state the fact. I do not presume to offer advice.
I have also the honor to enclose a letter from Colonel Hinton to me upon this subject.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding.

[Enclosure No. 1.]

Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina:
HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES, Near Portsmouth, Va., January 16, 1864.
GENERAL: Pardon me for addressing you direct in an official communication, but the nature is such that I deemed it prudent to do so and to send the documents by an officer as special messenger.
As soon as the information relative to the hanging of the unfortunate man reached me I at first could not believe it, and directed Colonel Smith to send at once and ascertain the truth of the statement, the result of which is conclusive. (See document marked B.)
The body is now in my possession and I shall have it properly buried in my enclosure at 2 o'clock p.m. today, unless otherwise instructed by the commanding general.
Relative to the statement of the citizens of Pasquotank County (marked A), most of them are known to me, and those I know to be loyal I have marked (X)in red ink; the balance are what they term here neutral. The original placard (a copy of which is enclosed) is in my possession subject to your order.
Trusting that my action in the case may meet with approval, and respectfully requesting information relative to the burial of the body by return messenger, I have the honor to remain, with high respect, Your obedient servant, SAMUEL P. SPEAR, Colonel, Commanding Division.

A. STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, Pasquotank County, January 13, 1864. General GETTY:
DEAR SIR: We, the subscribers, regret to say that there was found this morning a dead man (and still hanging) in our neighborhood. As the enclosed scrip was found pinned to his back, will show you by whom it was done. We have made a suitable box and buried him near the place he was found hung. Should his friends wish to get his body they can get it by applying to any of the subscribers.
We trust that you will not attach any blame to any of the citizens of this neighborhood, as we were entirely ignorant of any of the circumstances until we found the body. From all we can learn he was brought across the Chowan River to this place, and as soon as the men who had him in charge had hung him they went back. JAMES FORBES, NEWTON C. JONES. [AND NINE OTHERS.]

[ Enclosure.]

NOTICE. Here hangs Private Samuel Jones, of Company B, Fifth Ohio Regiment, by order of Major-General Pickett, in retaliation for Private Daniel Bright, of Company L, Sixty-second Georgia Regiment (Colonel Griffin's), hung December 18, 1863, by order of Brigadier-General Wild.

B. HEADQUARTERS, Deep Creek, Va., January 16, 1864. Col. S. P. SPEAR, Commanding Division:
COLONEL: According to instructions, I sent out a company of cavalry under command of Captain Alman; they proceeded to South Mills and sent a detachment of twelve men and a lieutenant to the turnpike gate, where Samuel Jones, of Company B, Fifth Ohio Regiment, was executed. He was hung on Tuesday, the 12th.
One Mr. Williamson, living near by, on Wednesday made a coffin, cut him down, and buried him in the field opposite. Captain Alman was instructed to bring the remains in, which he has done, and I send them in ambulance to these headquarters for your disposal, also a pair of handcuffs which was taken from his wrists, which are rather ugly things. Nothing further of interest to report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. B. SMITH, Colonel, Commanding Deep Creek.

[Enclosure No. 2.]

Maj. Gen. BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, U. S. Army, Commanding at Fort Monroe: HEADQUARTERS NORTH CAROLINA STATE FORCES, Murfreesborough, N. C., January 15, 1864.
GENERAL: Enclosed I send you a copy of a letter addressed by Brigadier-General Wild, of the U.S. Army, to Captain Elliott, of the Sixty-sixth Regiment North Carolina State Troops. From the general tenor of the letter, and from the fact that it is addressed to an officer of my command, I am induced to believe that General Wild intended his threat against "guerrillas" to be applied to the officers and men of my command.
The Sixty-eighth Regiment of North Carolina State Troops, which I have the honor to command, was organized under authority obtained from the Governor of the State, and its officers are regularly commissioned by the Governor. With this explanation I desire to know whether it is your purpose to pursue the policy indicated in General Wild's letter to Captain Elliott, in the event you should hereafter capture any of the officers or men of my command, or are they to be recognized and treated as other prisoners of war?
I have captured a goodly number of the officers and men of the U.S. Army and Navy and have uniformly treated them as prisoners of war.
I desire to treat those I may capture hereafter similarly, but as a matter of course, I shall be guided in the future in my treatment to your men by the answer I receive to this letter. I desire further to call your attention to the fact that the ladies whose names are mentioned in General Wild's letter are, as I am informed, still held in close confinement in the city of Norfolk. I want to know whether it is your purpose to hold these ladies as "hostages" for a soldier legitimately captured? I shall be pleased to receive a speedy reply to this communication. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES W. HINTON, Colonel, Commanding North Carolina State Forces.

[Sub-enclosure.]

JOHN T. ELLIOTT, Captain of Guerrillas: ELIZABETH CITY, December 17, 1863.
SIR: I still hold in custody Mrs. Munden and Mrs. Weeks as hostages for the colored soldier taken by you. As he is treated so shall they be, even to hanging. By this time you know that I am in earnest. Guerrillas are to be treated as pirates. You will never have rest until you renounce your present course or join the regular Confederate Army. EDWD. A. WILD, Brigadier-General of Volunteers. (O.R.--SERIES II--VOLUME VI [S# 119] UNION AND CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, ETC., RELATING TO PRISONERS OF WAR AND STATE FROM JUNE 11, 1863, TO MARCH 31, 1864.--#34)


Lieut. W. J. MUNDEN and Mr. PENDER WEEKS: HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, Fort Monroe, January 26, 1864.
MESSRS: In answer to your application in regard to your wives held as hostages by General Wild for the treatment of his colored soldier, Samuel Jordan, of the Fifth U.S. Colored, upon a full examination I have determined—
First. That as no difference was made between Jordan and Daniel Bright on account of color, one being hanged in retaliation for the other by the rebel authorities, the case presupposed by General Wild when the hostages were taken in the persons of these women, that some different treatment would be meted out to his soldiers because of his color not having arisen, the order given by him for execution of the women in retaliation will be revoked.
Second. I will return the women to Northwest Landing with a copy of this note, as direction to the officer there that upon your placing yourselves in his hands in their stead, to be treated as prisoners of war unless some outrage not justified by civilized warfare is perpetrated by the men of your commands, the two women, Mrs. W. J. Munden and Mrs. Pender Weeks, will be delivered to their friends.
I take leave to assure you that nothing has been done to them to annoy, insult, or injure them, except the detention, as I have no doubt they will inform you when you see them.
I am compelled to require your presence and detention instead of your wives on account of further threatened retaliation made by the men of your regiment upon the soldiers who may be unfortunate enough to fall into their hands, and in order that the transaction may assure you and your people—
First. That we will carry on this war upon the rules of civilized warfare if permitted to do so by the rebel authorities.
Second. That we will not permit outrages upon our men without swift, severe, and stern retaliation. It is for your friends therefore to make the choice.
Daniel Bright, who was executed by General Wild, was a deserter from the Sixty-second Georgia; was wrongfully enlisted in the Sixty-sixth North Carolina; was engaged not in warfare, but in pillage and murder, as a guerrilla; was duly tried by court-martial, sentenced, and hanged; and the execution of Private Jordan in retaliation for that act will be made the subject of other and different measures from any that relate to yourselves and your treatment. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding.
-----
Col. JAMES W. HINTON, Commanding North Carolina State Forces: HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, Fort Monroe, January 27, 1864.
COLONEL: Your letter per flag of truce of date January 15 was received, inclosing a copy of a letter of Brigadier-General Wild to John T. Elliott, captain of guerrillas. I am glad of an opportunity to state to you the exact policy which I propose to pursue in carrying on the war now raging between the Confederate authorities and my Government, because upon that subject there seems to be a wide misunderstanding. Perhaps the easiest way to elucidate it will be an explicit statement of what I do not mean to do.
First, then, I do not mean to conduct the war like a fishwoman in Billingsgate by calling hard names, such as "brute," "beast," &c.
Second. I do not mean to carry it on by any futile proclamations of outlawry against any officer or soldier duly authorized and commissioned for doing his duty.
Third. I do not mean to carry it on by threatening when I am beaten to take to the woods and organize guerrilla forces.
Fourth. I do not propose to carry it on unless my troops will obey my orders, and if they do not while I am in command of them I shall not afford them protection.
Again, I do mean to carry on this war according to the rules of civilized warfare as between alien enemies. To apply, then, this principle to the case you mention of the action of General Wild. General Wild found Daniel Bright, a deserter from the Sixty-second Georgia Regiment, carrying on robbery and pillage in the peaceable counties of Camden and Pasquotank. He was further informed and believed that being such a deserter he and his company had refused to obey any order emanating from you or the Governor of North Carolina, because you had frequently ordered the squad of which he had pretended to be one across the Chowan River, and they had refused to obey. These facts appeared to the court-martial before which Daniel Bright was tried, and, in my judgment, brought him within the strict meaning of the term "guerrilla."
If these facts are true, and they are known to you if they are so--the fact that he was a member of a Georgia regiment being shown by the placard put upon the body of Private Jordan, who was hanged in pretended retaliation for him--it is quite clear that he met his fate according to every rule of warfare, and the murder of Jordan in pretended retaliation for him will be met in such a way as becomes the Government which I represent.
If Elliott and his men had refused to obey your orders and to march as they were directed, but remained in a peaceable county against the will of the inhabitants, plundering and burning as they were doing, and as we were informed they were doing, they also deserved a like fate as Daniel Bright by every rule of civilized warfare. But if your men are met in the field, in the usual duty of soldiers, under your command or that of any other duly qualified officer carrying on war in any form that war has been carried on by any Christian nation, except the English against the Chinese, they will be treated whenever captured as prisoners of war, and all the more tenderly by me because they are North Carolina troops, most of whom I believe unwillingly in the service of the Confederate Government.
General Wild's threat was only against "guerrillas," and these are men coming within the description which I have given, and you can easily determine for yourself whether your regiment as organized does come within that description. If not, they may fear nothing worse than imprisonment. If they do, it will be more convenient for them not to get into our hands.
I leave it to your own good sense whether the kind of warfare carried on for the past year in the counties of Camden, Currituck, Pasquotank and the neighboring counties tends either to set up the Confederate Government among the nations of the earth or overthrow and cripple the Government of the United States; and if it does neither, whether such a warfare ought not be stopped by the most stringent measures. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding. (O.R.--SERIES II--VOLUME VI [S# 119]
UNION AND CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, ETC., RELATING TO PRISONERS OF WAR AND STATE FROM JUNE 11, 1863, TO MARCH 31, 1864.--#36)


JACKSON NC , January 31, 1864. (Received at Richmond, February 1.)
Yesterday morning with force of 200 men and mountain rifled piece, after fight of two hours with 1,200 of enemy and three pieces artillery, [Yankees] were driven from Windsor, N. C., to their boats. We lost 6 men; enemy not known. J. R. GRIFFIN, Colonel, Commanding. (O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXIII [S# 60] JANUARY 30, 1864.--Skirmish at Windsor, N. C. No. 2.--Report of Col. Joel R. Griffin, Sixty-second Georgia Cavalry.)


Maj. CHARLES PICKETT, Assistant Adjutant-General, HEADQUARTERS BRIGADE, February 21, 1864.
MAJOR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part borne by the forces under my command in the recent advance against New Berne. These were Kemper's (Colonel Terry), Ransom's, my own brigade (Colonel Aylett), twelve pieces of artillery, twelve companies of cavalry.
On the 29th ultimo I detached Colonel Baker, with seven companies of his regiment (Third North Carolina Cavalry) and five companies of the Sixty-second Georgia Cavalry (Lieutenant-Colonel Kennedy), to strengthen the picket-line between Neuse and Trent Rivers and to cover all the roads and paths south and east of Kinston, so as to prevent information reaching the enemy of any movement likely to create suspicion.
At daylight on the 30th, the troops commenced the movement, and bivouacked that night on the Trent after a march of 18 miles. The cavalry were advanced during the night and collected at Trenton.
On the 31st, Colonel Baker with his regiment was detached and ordered to move by a circuitous route, so as to reach the railroad at or near Croatan, 10 miles below New Berne, and having destroyed the track and telegraph line, to follow up the railroad and capture the enemy's picket at Evans' Mill, a station on Brice's Creek, 7 miles from New Berne. The artillery and infantry marched 21 miles and bivouacked 12 miles from New Berne. A dark and rainy night and a broken bridge prevented further progress till the moon rose--1.30 a.m. At this hour the column was again put in motion, but such were the difficulties of the road it was 8 a.m. before coming in sight of the enemy's lines. Several citizens of intelligence and known loyalty, who had been brought in during the night and in the morning, assured me that the fortifications on the south of the Trent were of the most formidable character, deemed by the enemy impregnable, and to be approached only by a bridge over Brice's Creek, a considerable stream, both deep and wide. A reconnaissance made by General Ransom, Colonel Aylett, and myself showed an open plain, varying from 1 mile to 2 miles in breadth, reaching to Brice's Creek; this very deep and about 80 yards wide, with marshy banks, the timber upon which had been cut down, a temporary bridge, on the east bank a block-house and breast-works, behind which a camp; at confluence of creek with Trent River, 1,000 yards distant, a field-work mounting ten guns; 300 yards east another work with eight guns; one-half or three-quarters of a mile east, near railroad bridge, and about 1 mile from Brice's Creek bridge, another very large work; south on Neuse River, about 2 miles from Brice's Creek bridge, a very large fort for land and river defense; a line of breastworks extending from this west to Brice's Creek, and terminating in a field work 1 mile above the bridge, other works of less importance covering the plain and connecting the forts; on north side of Trent, here 700 yards wide, two field-works commanding those on south side. The plan of operations required me to gain the south bank of Trent River, which was thought to be unprotected by fortifications, in order that my guns planted there should take in reverse the enemy's works between the rivers. Before starting upon the expedition I had made every exertion consistent with secrecy to arrive at accurate information as to this part of the enemy's position, having entertained doubts as to its not being fortified. Scouts and spies deemed reliable had been examined and reported that there were no works there. One in particular, as surveyor of the county and maker of the sketches and maps of the vicinity, upon which we relied, was sent to ascertain the facts. He returned three days before the movement and reported that his maps were correct; that there were no other fortifications than those abandoned by our troops at the capture of New Berne, and that these were constructed to meet an advance from the east and south. Brice's Creek also was represented by him not to exceed 90 feet in breadth. I was therefore unprepared to encounter obstacles so serious, and was forced to the conviction that they were insurmountable by any means at my disposal. Had it even been practicable to carry the fortifications on the south side of Trent, the possession of them would have been useless for the accomplishment of our object. In this opinion the brigade commanders fully coincided.
It still remained practicable to make a detour by Evans' Mill, to cross Brice's Creek, but this route would have brought me in front of the same and other fortifications. It had been determined in case of a failure in the attack on the south that my forces should be withdrawn to join General Pickett and assault on the west. I was already, by the nearest practicable route, 24 miles from General Pickett. This detour by Evans', while it added nothing to our chances of success, added also 11 miles to the distance between us. Immediately on arriving in front of the works of New Berne I advanced my line of skirmishers close to Brice's Creek. The enemy opened