USA > North Carolina > Edgecombe County > History of Edgecombe County, North Carolina > Part 13
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In the meantime party politics became intermingled with the clamor for war with Mexico. In this realm of activities Edge- combe played no inconspicuous part. The center of the history from 1846 until 1848 clung around one noble and amiable char- acter, Louis D. Wilson. His name should instill in every Edge- combe son, the noble attribute which actuated this unselfish man to his patriotic duty.
The beginning of 1846 were days of preparation for the fast approaching war with Mexico. Before the spring had gone the conflict had begun on the Rio Grande, and volunteers were offering their services to the Federal Government. Edgecombe, for some reason, was slow to offer its services for the war. Louis D. Wil- son was a member of the Senate at this time. Feeling the askance of mind and that day's touch of shame for his native county, Wilson presented a scene which is unparalleled in local history. With wonderful grace and touching dignity this venerable man, with his flowing locks, rose and addressed the Senate with a fare- well address. He asked for permission to visit his county and fellow-citizens, and there awaken them to duty and consciousness. The scene in the Senate was the most thrilling and effective. Senators without party distinction gathered around him and gave him a cordial farewell. Every heart was full, Whig and Demo- crats vied with each other in demonstration of affectionate ap- probation and regard. Tears trickled down the cheeks of the senator from Haywood when he arose, and reported a series of complimentary resolutions which were unanimously adopted.
Wilson had given the freshness of his youth and manhood to the service of the State in its legislative halls, and now in the noon of life he went forward at his country's call to fight its
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battles in a distant land. Could a man be more noble, more patriotic, to unselfishly do a work not even required or expected of him to do? Senator Wilson left Raleigh January 1, 1846, and arrived home the next day. The patriotic zeal of the man kindled enthusiasm in the hearts of his fellow-citizens, and by the 6th of January a host of volunteers of the county met at Toisnot Depot to partake of a dinner and arrange plans prior to their departure. L. D. Wilson, then appointed captain, addressed them in a strong manner, exhibiting a firm determination on his part to go ahead in his arduous undertaking. They were also addressed by Lieu- tenant Pender, another noble son of Edgecombe, who was destined to give his life, along with General Wilson, in this last service for his country. On Thursday morning a number of 150 men de- parted for Wilmington for mobilization and training.
On the 23d of January two more regiments were mustered in the county. More than one hundred men stepped forward in one day to volunteer their services. The writer wishes it were con- venient to give the roster of all the troops, but the names of the officers will have to suffice. Louis D. Wilson was made captain; William S. Dugger, first lieutenant; William H. Moye and Josiah S. Pender, second lieutenants; George W. Barnes, first ser- geant; Robert Pitt, second sergeant; Hardy C. Dixon, third ser- geant; James J. Williams, fourth sergeant; Benjamin G. Bran- well, first corporal; Weldon S. Hunter, second corporal; Jethro D. Battle, third corporal; and Elisha Abrams, fourth corporal.1 All of these men in the group, which later constituted several companies, were from Edgecombe except one from Pitt and one from Franklin County.
The month of January was a proud one for old Edgecombe. The ladies of the county with commendable patriotism prepared appropriate banners for the volunteers and set apart the 18th for presentations. Miss Sarah E. Howard, in behalf of the women, delivered the address. Captain Wilson, having been notified, was present, accompanied by Lieutenant Staton and Corporal Abram. A large crowd of citizens from town and county witnessed the ceremony. At one o'clock a signal gun was fired, and Miss Howard
1 When the volunteers arrived in Mexico changes were made in the companies and promotions were made.
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appeared to give her address. She was accompanied by Misses Foxhall and Lawrence. The address is as follows:
"CAPTAIN WILSON :- To you, as the representative of the Edge- combe volunteers, I am deputized by the ladies of the county to present the flag which I hold. Appreciating the heroism which has impelled you at the call of your country to rush to her stand- ard, and that self-sacrificing spirit, which when patriotism de- mands, forget the comforts of home and ties of kindred, to peril life and fortune in the tented field; we have wrought with our hands a banner for the volunteers, hoping that its presence may urge them forward amid the hardships of the camp, and restrain them in the hour of victory.
"Whilst the weakness of our sex forbids us to encounter the fatigues and privations of war, it has always been deemed appro- priate that women should cheer on the soldier to the field. In this we but emulate the example of the maidens and matrons of the Revolution, that Revolution which established those political liberties and conferred those social benefits, to secure which you have volunteered. Your fathers waged war against the haughty Britons, and the Lion of England has twice crouched before the Eagle of our country. You are now engaged in a contest with the perfidious Mexicans, and the flag of '76 is the flag of '46. The same national emblem which waved over your ancestors now wave over you. The same glorious eagle which witnessed the death of the gallant Colonel Irwin, of Edgecombe, when he fell at the head of his regiment on the bloody field of Germantown, will fol- low you with his bold unwinking gaze to the mountains and valleys of Mexico. The same glorious stars and stripes which beamed over Saratoga and Monmouth, Kings Mountain, and Camden, will beam over you.
"The honor of North Carolina is in part entrusted to your care : that State which was the first in '76 to brave the wrath of the British lion; and which, if the clouds of adversity shall ever over- take our institutions, will be prepared to furnish the forlorn hope for freedom's farewell fight. More especially is the honor of Edgecombe in your hands. You are our husbands, our sons, our
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brothers, our friends. You have enlisted under that proud banner which has been consecrated to the cause of human liberty -the glorious stars and stripes of your country-it is the precious emblem of our noble confederacy of free and independent states, as yet as pure and unsullied as the bosom of a lovely baby. When unfurled to the breeze who of us beholds it without associating with it whatever is brave, whatever is just, whatever is generous. The alacrity which you have displayed in coming forward at the call of your country, forbids all fear that you will be backward in the fight.
"Accept, then, our banner-cherish, protect, and defend it to the death. May it ever be found in the front rank of battle! Where the balls fly thickest and blows fall heaviest. Remember that it is not more the flag of the brave, than the flag of the virtuous; and we implore you, in behalf of our sisters of Mexico, should the for- tune of war place them in your power, recollect that a noble courtesy not less than a high courage characterize the true soldier.
"Go; our hearts are with you. Our prayers shall accompany you. Our plaudits shall hail your successes and greet your re- turn. If you fall, our tears will embalm your memories."
A very appropriate song was composed by the volunteers, and sung during the war. The tune was the one used in singing "Mary Blain"-at that time a very popular song. Some lady with musical talent should revive this song :
"We shoulder our arms, And on the way we go: To right the wrongs we've borne So long from Mexico.
CHORUS :
"Farewell the hearts to us so dear, And the dear girls we leave in pain; She'll not forget her volunteer, He's coming back again.
.
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"We do not fight for money, But glory still more dear; We'll whip both France and England, If they dare to interfere.,
. "And when the war is over, Then Mexico will say, She'd rather fight the devil, .Than the boys who start today.
"Who's not heard of Edgecombe, The pride of all the land ? Her daughters fair have sent from home, This brave and gallant, band.
"With Wilson for our leader, We'll fight like heroes brave; We'll either conquer all our foes, Or fill the soldier's grave,
"The old North State a mother, too, Of more than Roman fame:
Has sent her sons all brave and true, To win a gallant name.
"Then ere we go we bid adieu, To all we leave behind; Mothers, sisters, sweethearts true, We bid you not repine.
"For to a sacred war we go, We'll win a glorious name, And when returned from Mexico You'll share our wealth and fame."
Captain Wilson received the flag with an appropriate speech and returned that night for Wilmington.
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The Edgecombe volunteers left Fort Johnson, Smithville, where they had mobilized, February 15, 1847, for Mexico, and took the steamer U. S. Powell. They arrived in Santiago, March 7, 1847. The Edgecombe companies were left at Francisco on the Rio Grande about fifteen miles from Canargo. They had seen no active service up to May 22, 1847. While at Canargo the Edge- combe companies suffered more than any other companies in the regiment, and out of the two large organizations only enough men remained to form one good company by July 18, 1847. Captain Exum L. Whitaker, of Edgecombe, Company A, died June 3d, while the same company had lost thirty-two from fever as early as June 3d. Company E had lost twenty men by the same epidemic. Several men died before reaching Canargo. Calvin Johnson, of Company A, died at Matamoras on the 28th of March, while William H. Spence and George W. Barnes died on the boat which was taking the troops to the city. During the month of April Companies A and E had lost from typhoid fever over thirty-nine men. Gethro Battle, one of the volunteers, died before leaving Fort Johnson. He entered his tent one night in apparent good health and was found dead the next morning.
In the meantime Captain Wilson had been raised to the rank of colonel and was preparing a regiment under General Taylor. Late in June the two Edgecombe companies were ordered up the Rio Grande, Wayne Company following five days later. At the Rancho, San Francisco, the Edgecombe companies went aground, fast in the mud, and landed to encamp. The Wayne Company overtook them and all proceeded to Canargo. After landing their cargoes, they went back to San Francisco to reinforce Colonel Wilson because of the excitement and danger along the river. Several men were then on the sick list, four being left at Mata- moras. Within a few days dysentery, billiousness, diarrhea, and typhoid had become general. Frequently not enough men were available to mount guard. Out of seventy-nine privates in one company only thirty to forty were reported fit for duty for several days. Several were sent to the hospital at Canargo and Mata- moras. Several died on the boat going down and were buried at Rancho and La Bolso.
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However, the Edgecombe troops arrived just in time. There was considerable excitement when rumors came of the approach of Santa Anna with overwhelming force, and General Taylor with but a remnant of an army left. The arrival of the volunteers at this time was fortunate. The men from Edgecombe soon had an opportunity to give honor to the county and to distinguish themselves.
A letter had been received from Colonel L. D. Wilson, of the Twelfth Infantry, stating that he expected to leave Vera Cruz in command of 850 troops as a guard for a train with supplies for General Scott's army. Should they be molested by the Guer- rillas, Colonel Wilson was prepared to give a good account of himself.
In the meantime General Taylor was also making preparation for a move towards San Luis. The rumors about the appoint- ment of commissioners on the part of Mexico to make overtures for peace appeared to be all unfounded; and vigorous preparations were made by the United States administration and army to prosecute the war with renewed energy.
First Lieutenant John S. Pender, commanding Company A, Edgecombe Volunteers, wrote an interesting letter, descriptive of events in Mexico, and gave an index to conditions: "We deeply sympathize with the relatives of those who have fallen victims to disease," wrote Lieutenant Pender, "and hope the day is not distant when the survivors will return home crowned with laurels, and be enabled to recount to anxious hearers their 'hairbreadth' escapes in the tented field. Our people, no doubt, being ever anxious to hear from the 'B'hoys' of the 'Old North State,' more particularly from the 'Edgecombe Wheelhorses,' I have under- taken to give you some information as to our doings and whereabouts.
"The remaining companies of our regiment under command of Colonel Paine (two detachments having advanced a short time previous-Captains Henry Henry and Blalock's to Saltillo; Cap- tain Price and Williamson's and the two Edgecombe companies to Cerralvo, under command of Major Stokes) have left the most odious and disagreeable, I might say fatal place, Canargo. For so it had proved to our regiment. On the 3d of June, enroute for Buena Vista, we were joined by our detachment under Major
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Stokes at Cerralvo, and arrived on the 16th of June at General Taylor's camp near Monterey, but four miles distant in a de- lightful grove of large pecan trees, whose tall and wide-spreading branches afford a delightful shade to the weary travelers, after marching several days over rugged and barren hills, covered with a few little shrubs termed chapparral.
"At the camp of 'Old Rough and Ready' on Walnut Spring, so called from the large pecan trees (being a species of the wal- nut), is an excellent spring gushing out of the ground in a large and continuous volume of cold and refreshing water, which to us, who having been compelled to drink the San Juan composed of rotten limestone at times as thick as any mud puddle, saturated with the carcasses of cows, mules, etc., that are strewn along the river sometimes two or three together every forty or fifty yards- to us, who instead of drink had found both meat and drink, it was indeed a luxury, and could our good folks have seen us quaffing away at nature's font, they would have taken us for cold-water advocates.
"General Wool is in command of this post, and is wooling the boys considerably in the way of drilling and guard duty; he is considered the strictest disciplinarian in the army, and has ex- pressed the intention of making soldiers of us, and I sincerely believe he will, from the manner in which he has commenced operations. Our regiment is in high favor with him, being the same wherever we have remained, sustaining a high character for its orderly and soldierlike bearing.
"It is considered remarkably healthy here, and the boys are doing quite well; those that have been sick are convalescent, and I am confident that if our regiment, on its arrival in Mexico, could have advanced to this place, we should now number many brave soldiers in our ranks who have fallen victims to the climate of the lower sections of the country, where we remained so long engaged in the noble and glorious business of escorting wagon trains, and after undergoing these hardships and exposure to health and life, to have to content ourselves with the almost cer- tainty of having no fight.
"While on our way up at Rinconarda, a mountain pass where the Mexicans had such a desperate struggle with the Spanish, the success of which secured to them their independence, we were
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informed of the vicinity of the enemy, some five thousand strong, and that an attack was certain. We pursued our way after using every precaution to prevent surprise, and it gives me pride to say that I never saw more coolness and courage exhibited on any occa- sion. We had every reason to believe that we would have a fight, and I am confident our men wish it with a right good will. We received from time to time expresses confirming previous informa- tion that the enemy was certainly in our advance and determined to cut us off. I suppose they took the second sober thought and vamoosed, thinking we were not the boys to poke fun at.
"There are various rumors in camp relative to our future move- ment. It is the opinion of some that we shall advance as far as Paras, there to remain; others anticipate a retrograde movement. It is likewise rumored that this line of operations will be entirely abandoned that a portion of the troops will be ordered to General Scott, the remainder discharged. There are any quantity of rumors among us, and they fly about so thick they keep a fellow continually dodging; though I believe it to be conceded generally that there will be no fighting on this line of operations.
"We unfurled our handsome flag to the breeze on the 4th of July, which attracted much attention from the regiments com- posing this brigade, it being generally conceded to be the hand- somest company banner displayed, and many an eye in our rank was moistened with the unconscious tears while repeating that patriotic and endearing motto, 'Go, our hearts are with you,' 'Presented by the Ladies.' As citizens of Edgecombe, we are de- termined to do our duty; and in rememberance of her fair daugh- ters defend our banner unto the death-we cherish it and will protect it with our heart's blood.
"Lieutenant William H. Moye has resigned on account of his very bad health, being advised so to do by all of his friends. His place cannot be easily filled, having performed every duty with promptness. I am now the only commissioned officer in the com- pany, that is on company duty. Lieutenant Buck being adjutant, has but little or nothing to do with the company; his time being consumed in business appertaining to the regiment.
"Colonel Fagg arrived here about a week ago with the Bun- combe boys-they are fine looking men and are quite an acquisi- tion to the regiment."
10
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Lieutenant Pender concluded his letter with the melancholy duty of giving the names and dates of the death of those in the Edgecombe companies, who had fallen victims to the climate. The list included the following names :
COMPANY A :- Jethro D. Battle, Calvin Johnson, George W. Barnes, Amos Edwards, William H. Spencer, Littleton T. Grifin, William Parker, H. M. G. Worseley, Jackson Rodgers, Thomas Wiggins, Joel D. Braswell, Reuben Harrell, William Edwards, Jergen Schultz, William Abrams, Dempsey Hicks, Henry Bell, William W. Amason, Benjamin G. . Little, William Tanner, Richard Daniel, and Evans Watson.
COMPANY E :- Gideon Barnhill, J. J. F. Stokes, Wright Darden, Ephraim Flora, Patrick Hardy, Hardy G. L. Calhoun, Samuel Wren, Wliliam Griffin, James L. Barnes, Joseph Proctor, George Lowe, Guil- ford Joyner, John Cornish, Redding Flora, John Taylor, and Wright Griffin.
In the meantime internal troubles were beginning to embarrass Lieutenant Pender and others over the harshness of his command- ing officer, Colonel Paine, regarding the election of officers for Company A. A letter from an officer in the North Carolina Regi- ment, dated October 1st, said that the regiment was in excellent health, and was doing better than it had since it reached Mexico. Colonel Paine had sent in his resignation to General Wool due to difficulties encountered with Lieutenants Pender and Singletary, but the latter had replied that he would receive no resignations, unaccompanied by the surgeon's certificate. Colonel Paine had little or nothing to do with the regiment. "He has no doubt seen his error," said the writer, "and is repenting."
Lieutenant Pender was educated at West Point, and up to the period of the departure of the troops for Mexico was reputed as being the best tactician of the regiment; and no doubt possessed more military knowledge than Paine, who was recruited from civil life. He left as lieutenant in A Company (First Edgecombe), of which Colonel Wilson was then captain. The resignation of Captain Wilson, death of Lieutenant Moye, and the election of Lieutenant Buck to the adjutancy, left Lieutenant Pender in sole command of Company A. In addition to his superior mili- tary qualities, he was endowed with refined feelings which en- deared him to his men, most of whom were young and eager to distinguish themselves in the service of their country.
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Lieutenant Pender, burdened with the extra duties, had re- peatedly requested Colonel Paine to order an election in his com- pany to supply the vacancies. Colonel Paine, however, never at- tempted to name officers for the company.
The secret of this otherwise unaccountable perversity may possibly be found in the fact that Adjutant Buck, the supposed pet of Colonel Paine, being sick and tired of his position and pay, which was only that of second lieutenant, was anxious to be elected to the command of Company A. This, however, was im- possible while Pender was in the way, since he was very popular with his men, and evidently preferred him to Buck. These diffi- culties in the regiment were seized upon to inculpate Lieutenant Pender, and upon the pretext that he and Lieutenant Singletary were ringleaders in the matter, and upon insufficient evidence, they were both discharged. Paine immediately ordered an elec- tion which he had before refused to do; and Buck was elected captain. The issue is left to history to say if the matter was one of those inimitable kind in which fate goes against a man doing his duty or whether the evidence is incriminating to Lieutenant Pender. It appears from the fact of Colonel Paine's ordering an election after Pender was discharged, when he had led the com- pany four months, that Paine never intended Pender should be captain of his company. The men in his company, at any rate, showed their belief in him.
From a letter received in Tarboro from Monterey, Mexico, it is learned that the Court of Investigation adjourned on the 10th of October, and that its decision was sent to Washington City. Com- pany A presented a sword to Lieutenant Pender, bearing this in- scription : "Presented to Lieutenant John S. Pender by his company as a token of their respect and confidence in him as a commander. August 16, 1847." The sword was represented as a most elegant one. Colonel Paine was soon court-martialed, and Lieutenant-Colonel Fagg took command of North Carolina regulars.
One of the company members from Edgecombe wrote from Saltillo, where the companies were encamped, giving a very brief account of internal trouble in the regiment. Colonel Paine had made a wooden horse to ride the soldiers upon when they did not do their duty. This horse excited considerable curiosity both in
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the North Carolina, Virginia, and Mississippi regiments. The Virginians came down into the Edgecombe company camps after a parade August 16th, with the determination to break the horse to pieces. This they did, saying Colonel Paine's horse was dead. The colonel was angry and went to see Colonel Hantranch, of the Virginia regulars. The colonel laughed it off and said the boys will do such things as that. The next night the men went after the horse's carcass. Colonel Paine had a guard of eight men around it and when the men came Paine came out of his tent and hailed them. They all turned and ran toward their quarters. Paine fired and wounded two men; one belonging to Edgecombe Company A, who was mortally wounded in the body.
The officers of the regiment had threatened to resign before this affair, because Colonel Paine was very fractious and sadly neglect- ful of his duties. After this affair took place they were deter- mined that Paine should leave or they would. The officers in the regiment wrote him a polite note, requesting him to resign. Colonel Paine went to see General Wool and told him that Lieu- tenants Pender and Singletary were the cause of all the trouble. Pender and Singletary were subsequently discharged from the army by order of General Wool. These two men went to Monterey to see General Taylor with hopes of being reinstated. When Pender left, Paine ordered an election in the company and Adju- tant Buck was elected captain and Robert S. Pitt second lieutenant.
Pender could not secure an investigation of the charges against him, since General Wool said he could not doubt one so zealous in the work as Colonel Paine. General Taylor refused on the ground that General Wool must have been well informed of the facts. Pender appealed to the Secretary of War for redress.
In the meantime the surgeon of the North Carolina regiment issued a certificate, signifying that Pender was not on duty at the time of the disturbance in the camp, nor on duty the day pre- ceding; he being indisposed. It was also certified by several officers in the camp that Pender did not draw up the original paper sent to Colonel Paine, which requested the resignation. The commanding officers, General Wool and Colonel Paine, how- ever, persistently ignored the regulation of the army, which said every man must have a trial by a court-martial.
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