USA > North Carolina > Catawba County > The Catawba soldier of the Civil war a sketch of every soldier from Catawba county, North Carolina, with the photograph, biographical sketch, and reminiscence of many of them, together with a sketch of Catawba county from 1860 to 1911 > Part 16
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OF THE CIVIL WAR
Richmond. We were there only a short while, when we came back to Chaffins Bluff, were there three or four days. On the 15th of June, 1864, at dark, we took up march for Peter- sburg, marched all night; reached Petersburg next morning, . the 16th, at about sunrise, just in time to see the enemy ad- vancing on the inner line of works defending Petersburg. The 35th was the first to arrive, and at a run through a storm of shot and shell, we succeeded in getting into the works in time to repulse the enemy. The Federal forces new in com- mand of Hancock numbered over fifty thousand. In the after noon of the 16th, we were attacked all along the line held by ten thousand confederates. Night closed the contest. During the night Warrens corps (17 thousands) reinforced the enemy.
Early on the 17th of June, the fighting was renewed. Assault after assault was made only to be repulsed, until just at dark, a part of our line was taken. About 10 P. M., Ransom's brigade was ordered to take and reestablish the line This fell to the 35th Regiment. It struck the heel of the salient in the shape of a horse shoe. A hand to hand combat took place, the men fighting with the breast works only between them. The Gallant Col., John G. Jones, was killed; the color bearer of the Regiment was pulled over the works with the colors; The loss in the Regiment was heavy. It carried into action 28 officers and nearly 800 men, and brought out 8 officers and less than 200 men. Company K. lost 4 men; Sergt. J. C. Sides, Amzi A. Hawn, John Huntley and James Smith were killed; Capt J. Johnson, Lieutenant P. Berry, Sylvanus Deal, Levi Yount, Amzi A. Yoder, C. L. Hawn and others were wounded. It was here Capt Johnson had a hand to hand encounter with a Maj., and as Johnson started back to our side, one man threw his gun bayonet foremost and missed him; while another raised his gun to shoot him, and L. S. Settlemyre killed the Yankee. The Regiment finally captured about 300 prisoners, among them were 17 Indians, -Three stand of colors. This left the Regi- ment without any field officers. Lieutenant Col. J. T. John- son, Col. by promotion, Maj., S. B. Taylor, Lieutenant Col. by promotion, Captain Robt. E. Petty of Co. B., Maj. by seniority, all of them absent. -- wounded. During the night
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THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
Beauregard withdrew to a new and shorter line nearer the city of Petersburg. On the 18th of June, 1864, Gen. Mead made the last of his assaults, his army numbering seventy thousand; The Confederate force about twenty thousand. At noon came the attack attack which was promptly repulsed. At 4 p. m. they tried it again, but met a signal defeat. Gen. Grant now issued an order for the cessation of attacks, and the siege commenced. The 35th was in the siege at Peters- burg from about the 25th of June, 1864, to March 1st, 1865. During this time, it occupied different positions from the crater to the city point R. R. It lived in the ground, walked in wet ditches, ate cold corn bread, and Nassau bacon; until one evening, when that big hearted soldier, statesman and orator, (M. W. Ransom, ) met the writer and Jim Moore with a side of Nassau bacon with a hand spike run through it, carrying it into the Company. "Boys what kind of meat is that? Is it pork?" The writer remarked: "no Gen. it is not; smell of it;" and he did so. "Phew, you can't eat such meat" So the next evening, we got country hams. After- wards, some of Hampton's beef. Company K. was on re- lief to town for a days rest July 30th, 1864, when the explo- sion of the Crator occurred. The 25th August 20th, 1864, was engaged at the Davis house on the Welden R. R. R. C. Hawn was killed; Moses Yoder and several others were wounded and captured. Here the Regiment went beyond the line intended and had to fall back. Gen. Lee, who witness- ed the charge, remarked that he had often heard of men straggling to the rear, but never saw men straggle to the attack. The writer was on the skirmish line that day and was not in this engagement.
Company K. lost by sharp shooters in the seige; D. Sidney Hawn, Levi Bowman, and Bayard Winkler, besides a number wounded. The 35th was engaged March 25th, 1865 in that memorable charge and capture at Fort Stedman, which was such an eye sore to the city of Petersburg. The loss and those captured was heavy. At Five Forks, April 1st, 1865, (that dark day for the Confederacy), The Regi- ment suffered heavy. Lieutenant D. P. Glass and P. S. Sides of Co K. were killed, and a number wounded and cap- tured, the writer being one of the number captured.
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OF THE CIVIL WAR
April 9th 1865, Gen. Lee surrenders the army of north- ern Va. The 35th was commanded by Maj Robt. E. Petty and surrendered with about 80 men. Company K. surrender- ed with its gallant Capt. P. J. Johnson in command with 20 men.
Company K. lost during the war 35 men, 25 killed, ten and from disease; the writer has not been able to get the number wounded.
The writer was one of Six Hawns of the Co .; four of them sleep in unknown graves on Va. soil. One died since the war, caused by wounds received in the war; Four of the original old company reside in the city of Hickory; Dr. J. T. Johnson, P. Berry, H. Cain Sigmon and Rheuben Barger. Quiet a number reside in and around Hickory who belonged to the company. By the best information we can get, we still have yet living 32 men. Some of the most substantial citizens of the county were members of this company. Among them were 8 Whiteners, all descendants from the old Pioneer, Henry Whitener, all of whom are dead except one.
In the language of Dixon, "Peace to the ashes of these brave men who gave their lives for the lost cause; they sleep their last sleep; they have fought their last battle, and no sound can awake them to Glory again."
May God bless the living; some of them are watching day by day for the sun sets glow, or stand listening to the beat of the surf as it breaks upon the shores of eternity. May God give them victory in the last last battle.
Hickory, N. C. April 24th 1911.
C. L. HAWN
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THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
COMPANY K., 35TH REGIMENT.
OFFICERS.
Ellis, James R., Captain ; enlisted October 15, '61. (See sketch and photo.)
DR. J. R. ELLIS
Dr. James R. Ellis, a native of Randolph county, came to Burke county in 1858 and set- tled at Philip Warlick's to practice medicine. Soon after he married in that family. In 1860 he came to the village of Hickory Tavern and built a dwelling where now stands the M. E. Church.
In the organization of Company K, 35th Regi- ment N. C. Troops he was elected Captain. At the organization of the 35th regiment he was appointed surgeon. After serving five months he resigned and came home and took a position on the State Examination Board. He was a Catawbian, and served several terms in the General Assembly. He died some years ago leaving a widow and two daughters.
Johnson, J. Theodore, Captain ; enlisted December 9, '61. (See sketch.)
Link, Julius E., 2nd Lieutenant; enlisted April, '62; he was killed July 1, '62 at Malvern Hill; he was a favorite among the Company.
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OF THE CIVIL WAR
DR. J. T. JOHNSON
Dr. J. T. Johnson en- listed March 6th, 1861. He, together with J. R. Ellis, of Hickory, Pink- ney Warlick and Rev. Alex Stamey, of Burke, were instrumental in raising this company, a half of which were from Catawba and half from Burke. Dr. J. R. Ellis was elected Captain, Pinkney Warlick 1st Lieut., J. T. Johnson 2nd Lieut., Rev. Alex Stamey 3rd Lieut. At Raleigh, when they were formed into a regiment, Dr. Ellis was elected assistant sur- geon, so the company had to elect a Captain, so the boys ran first and second Lieutenants, and Dr. Johnson was elected Captain by a handsom majority. About three or four months later, the regiment was re- organized for three years of the war. Dr. Johnson was re-elected Captain again by a most handsome majority. About one year later, on the battlefield of Fredricksburg, he was promoted to Major of the regi- ment and given one-half of the regiment and sent to the front picket line. About one year later he was promoted to Lieut .- Col .; and about one year later he was promoted to full Col., and commanded the regi- ment to the close of the war. He was captured at the battle of Five Fork April 1, 1865, and carried to Johnson's Island, Ohio. He returned home in June, 1865.
He received a bad wound on the top of his head at the battle of Malvern Hill; also at the battle of Bermuda-Hundreds was wounded in his leg and came very near losing it. He was in a great many hard fought battles. While Capt., he never had to wade a river- Uncle Cain Sigmon, or some of the boys, would say "Captain, jump on my back and ride over." He had a noble lot of good boys and good fighters.
Hale, William, 2nd Lieutenant; enlisted December, '61; was promoted from Sergeant; he was killed March 14, '62 at Newburn.
.
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THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
Rockett, J. Monroe, 2nd Lieutenant; enlisted December 29, '62; was promoted from Sergeant; he was killed.
Ward, Sidney J., 2nd Lieutenant ; enlisted June 30, '64, and was promoted from ranks; he died in 1909.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Link, Julius E., 1st Sergeant; enlisted October 1, '61; he was promoted 2nd Lieutenant.
Hale, William, enlisted October 1, '61, being 2nd Ser- geant; he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.
Rockett, J. Monroe, 4th Sergeant; enlisted October 1, '61; he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant, and killed in May, '64 at Wise Bottom Church.
Seitz, J. C., enlisted July 6, '62; promoted Sergeant Jan- uary, '63 ; he was killed July 17, '64 near Petersburg. (See photo and sketch.)
J. C. SEITZ
J. C. Sides enlisted July 6, 1862, in Company K, 35th N. C. Regiment. Promoted Sergeant Jan- uary, '63. Killed July 17, '64, near Petersburg, Va. He was last seen by Dow. Abernethy, charging in the thickest of the fight.
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OF THE CIVIL WAR
PRIVATES.
Abernethy, L. D., enlisted May 1, '61; he was wounded at Malvern Hill, July 1, '62; he is still living near Maiden. N. C.
Abernethy, Geo., enlisted May 1, '61; he was wounded and died at Plymouth, April 20, '64.
Abernethy, John F., enlisted March 1, '63; he died Aug- ust 13, '64 at Weldon.
Arney, J. Franklin, enlisted March 1, '64; he is still living.
Barger, Reuben J., enlisted October 15, '61. (See sketch.)
Reuben J. Barger was born August 21, 1841. He was raised a mechanic. He enlisted in September, 1861, and was captured at Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1865; paroled June 25, 1865, at Point Lookout, Md. He has worked at the carpenter trade up to the present time. He was a member of Company K, 35th Regiment N. C. Troops.
Brittain, Jonas, enlisted -; he died but recently.
Bowman, Timothy, enlisted October 15, '61; he is still living.
Bowman, Levi, enlisted October 15, '61; he was killed in '64.
Chester, W. J., enlisted October 15, '61; he died in De- cember, '61 at Raleigh, N. C.
Dietz, C. Frank, enlisted March 1, '63; he was discharged October 20, '63.
Fry, John B., enlisted October 15, '61; he is still living near Hickory, on his farm.
Deitz, W. Pinkney, enlisted August 4, '62. (See sketch and photo.)
Fry, Monroe, enlisted August 14, '62. (See sketch and photo.)
Holler, Noah, enlisted October 15, '61; he died since the war.
Holler, Paul, enlisted August 15, '62; he died since the war.
Holler, Elisha, enlisted August 15, '62; he died since the war.
Hahn, D. Sidney, enlisted April 8, '62; he was killed at Petersburg in '64.
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THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
PINKNEY DEITZ
R. Pinkney Deitz was a charter member of Company K, 35th Regi- ment. He was an ex- cellent soldier, and was fortunate in that he survived the war. On his return home he en- gaged for awhile at carpentry. After his marriage he settled on the farm.
He is a quiet, peace- able citizen, respected by all who know him.
Hahn, Alfred M., enlisted April 8, '62; he died since the war from a wound received in the war.
Hahn, Amzi, enlisted August 14, '62. (See sketch and photo.)
Hahn, D. J., enlisted March 6, '62; he died during the war.
Hahn, R. C., enlisted June 1, '63. (See sketch and photo.)
Hahn, C. L., enlisted March 1, '64. (See sketch and photo.)
Hale, John A., enlisted January 1, '64; he is now dead.
Mull, Abram B., enlisted August 14, '62; he died since the war.
Miller, Jessee, enlisted March 6, '62; he died since the war.
Miller, Abram, enlisted May 1, '61 ; he died since the war.
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OF THE CIVIL WAR
J. MONROE FRY
J. Monroe Fry enlist ed in Company K, 35th Regiment August 14th, 1862. He served his county faithfully as a soldier, and honored his country on his return, by an upright life.
He engaged in farm- ing and followed it as- siduously since. He has had a successful career, and is still residing on on the old homestead just outside the city limits, surrounded with plenty.
He has made what he has by strict observance of the old adge: "At- tend to your own busi- ness strictly, and let others alone." Look at his physiognomy and be- hold a quiet man.
Pitts, Abel, enlisted January 7, '63; he is still living. Propst, Riley, enlisted -; he died since the war.
Rockett, Pinkney R., enlisted August 10, '62. (See sketch and photo.)
Rockett, A. C., enlisted August 10, '62; he died July 28, '63 at Petersburg.
Steiz, Levi, enlisted March 1, '63; he died since the war.
Sigmon, E. S., enlisted January 7, '64; he died since the war. (See sketch and photo.)
Elcanah, Sigmon, enlisted October 14, '61. (See sketch.)
Settlemyre, Harvey S., enlisted August 14, '62; he died since the war.
Turner, W. D., enlisted March 6, '62; he died June, '62 at Kinston.
Ward, Anderson, enlisted October 15, '61; he was killed May 4, '64.
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THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
AMZI A. HAWN
Amzi A. Hawn was born December 31, 1833, on a farm three miles south of Hickory, N. C. At the age of 13 years, his father died, and with the aid of his widowed mother, he took charge of the affairs of the farm. He received a common school educa- tion in the old log school house of that day, and taught his first school at the old log school house in his district, at the age of 17 years. His certificate of examina- tion is well preserved in the hands of his bro -. ther, C. L. Hawn, bear- ing the date of Novem- ber 17, 1851, and signed by three old landmarks: Q. A. Shuford, Esq., Dr. O. Campbell and Rev. J. H. Crawford. He wrote a beautiful hand and was an excellent mathematician.
He was married to Mary M. Yoder, November 9, 1856. To them was born a daughter, Mrs. Belle Abee. His life was spent on the farm up to the outbreak of the Civil war. He was opposed to secession, and made stump speeches to that effect.
He enlisted in Malletts Batallion August 14, 1862, and was trans- ferred to Company K, 35th Regiment N. C. Troops, Ransom's Brigade, and was in a number of engagements. He was killed June 17, 1864, at Petersburg, Va., and left on the field, the Union army holding the field. He was a devout Christian and soldier. A monument in Zions Church yard, erected to the memory of his father and mother, marks his memory, his age being 30 years, 5 months and 16 days.
"He bleeds! He falls! His death-bed is the field! His dirge the trumpet, and his bier the shield! His closing eyes the beam of valor speak, The flush of ardor lingers on his cheek; Serene, he lifts to heaven those closing eyes,
Then for his country breathes a prayer-AND DIES.""
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OF THE CIVIL WAR
CALVIN L. HAWN
Calvin L. Hawn, the subject of this sketch, whose pho os appear at the ages of 17 and 64 years, was born and reared on the farm three miles south of Hickory, N. C. He was under the care of his widowed mother and elder broth- er, his father having died when he was fifteen months old. He receiv- ed a limited education at the old log school house known as the "The Abernethy School House." Heleft school at the age of fourteen vears on account of the Civil war. He enlisted in Company K, 35th Regiment N. C. Troops, Ransom's Brigade, Mar.
R. C. HAHN
R. C. Hahn was a faithful soldier during his term of service. He enlisted June 1, 1863. He was captured and died in prison, and his remains rest with thous- ands of other good boys near Petersburg.
Robert was a good Christain boy, saved by grace.
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THE CATAWPA SOLDIER
1, 1864. He was in the capture at Plymouth, N. C. by the Confeder- ates. April 18th to 26th; Drewry's Bluff, Va.,
May 16th; Bermuda
Hundred, May 20th; Avery Farm, June 17th (and was slightly wound- ed), and in all of the siege of Petersburg, Va., including the charge of the enemies' works an the Weldon Railroad on August 30th, and in that memorable capture of Fort Steadman, March 26th, 1865, which was such an eyesore to the beautiful Virginia City; and last, when all was lost at Five Forks, April 12th, 1865, he was captured and carried to Point Lookout, .Md., a prisoner of war. He was released June 13th, 1865, and came home, making a living on the farm. In April, 1884, he came to Hickory and engaged in the lumber business; later on, in the mercantile business. He was deputy sheriff of Hickory township from 1894 until 1898. The last two years he has devoted his time to his farm.
Ward, J. Sidney, enlisted October 16, '61; he was pro- moted 2nd Lieutenant in '65; he died in 1910.
Ward, Pinkney A., enlisted October 15, '61; he was pro- moted Corporal December, '61, and promoted Sergeant July, '63 ; he died in 1909.
Whitener, Pinkney J., enlisted April 8, '62. (See sketch and photo.)
Whitener, Daniel H., enlisted October 15, '61; he was killed at Plymouth, April 20, '64.
Whitener, Abel, enli ted March 1, '63; he died since the war.
Whitener, Henry, enlisted March 1, '63; he died recently.
Whitener, B. F., enlisted October 20, '64; he died since the war.
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OF THE CIVIL WAR
P. R. ROCKETT P. R. Rockett was a member of Company K, 35th Regiment, having joined August 10, '62. He made a good record in the war, and also since-having engaged in the manufacture of lumber. He is now a retired old soldier resid- ing in the city of Hick- ory. He educated his family who honor their father by a moral life.
ESAIAS SIGMON
Esaias Sigmon enlisted in Company K, 35th Regiment in 1862. He served through the war, making a good soldier. He returned home at the close, and raised a family of three children, only one of whom sur- vive him. He died some years ago. He was a quiet, peaceable, hard- working man, and had the respect of his fel- lowmen.
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THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
PINK BERRY
Pink Berry was not at the time of his enlist- ment a Catawbian, but born and educated so near the line, and en- listing in a Company organized in Catawba, and from the further fact that he married and settled in Catawba and became a bona fide citizen he claimed en- trance into the history of the county, and hence he here appears as a Burke boy but a Cataw- ba citizen. "Pink," as we all call him, was a
gallant soldier, and did well his part in the war, since which he has en- gaged more or less in the mercantile business. He is a jolly good fel- low, and is recognized before he is seen by his jolly good laugh.
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OF THE CIVIL WAR
Philip Sidney White- ner enlisted in Company K, 35th Regiment N. C. Volunteers at its orga- nization, October, 1861. He was killed in the charge on the fort at Plymouth, N. C., April 5, 1864. He was an ex- cellent soldier, being both brave and true. Sidney was a favorite of the Company, being always jovial and pleas- ant. It is sad, indeed, to realize at this late day that so many brave and true Catawbians perished on the battle- field. May one of the first to greet us on the celestial shore be our friend Philip Whitener.
H. Cain Sigmon en- listed October 15, 1861 in Captain Ellis' Company and served faithfully as a private until April, 1863 , when he was pro -- moted Corporal. He was an athelte, and had a big, kind heart. He was especially fond of his Captain, Dr. John- son, and whenever they came to a stream, or other difficult places of crossing, he would call out: "Captain, mount me! I'll carry you across safely." The Captain. being a delicate man, never failed to obey.
He has, since the close, made a living at car- pentry. He is now liv- ing in Hickory, and he always has been and is still the City's "Weath- er Prophet.'
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THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
PINKNEY WHITE- NER
Mr. Whitener was born on a farm three miles south of Hickory, N. C., and is seventy years old. He enlisted April 4, 1862, in Com- pany K, 35th Regiment N. C. Volunteers, and was in the following en- gagements: Malvern
Hill, Va .; Fredricks-
burg, Va .; Sharpsburg,
Md .; Plymouth, N. C .;
Reams Station, Md .; Drewrys Bluff, Va. Bermuda Hundred, Va .; Arey Farm, Va, ; and all the siege of Petersburg, Va., and was in the charge and capture of
Fort Steadman, March 2nd, 1865, and Five Forks, Va., and was in the surrender at Ap-
MOSES YODER
Moses Yoder enlisted in the year 1862 in Com- pany K, 35th Regiment. He did what he could during the war. On his return he took to his former calling, farm- ing, at which he made a success and acquired some property. Recently he disposed of his prop- erty and retired to the city of Hickory, now spending his last days with his daughters.
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OF THE CIVIL WAR
p .mattox Court House, April 9, 1865, and came home on foot April 22, 1365. He served through the war and was never wounded and never captured until the surrender, and was never excused from duty but two weeks, but made several narrow escapes. He has devoted his life to work on the farm up to the present time Here is another quiet, peace- able, industrious citizen still serving, and comparatively a young man. May he live to a great old age.
Whisenhant, John C., enlisted May 1, '62; he was killed at Plymouth, April 20, '64.
Yount, Levi F., enlisted March 1, '63; he died since
Yount, Walton C., enlisted December 15, '63; he is still living on his farm near Hickory.
Yoder, Reuben, enlisted March 1, '64; he died since
Yoder, Moses, enlisted -. (See sketch and photo.)
Yoder, Amzi A., enlisted in June, '63. (See sketch and photo.)
A. A. YODER A. A. Yoder was born December 8, 1844. He volunteered in Mal- lett's Batallion as a drummer boy, April 1863. On disbandment of this batallion, he was trans- ferred to Company K, 35th N. C. Regiment, June 1863.
He was wounded on June 17th, 1863, in a battle near Chapin's Farm, and, after several months, returned to his regiment in front of Petersburg. Being dis- abled in arms, he was made Courier for M. W. Ransom until the sur- render at Appomattox.
He attended Catawba College one year after the war, and then went to the little village of Hickory and engaged as a clerk. He was appointed depot agent for the Southern Railway, and filled that place for several years. Then he became express agent and served in that capacity for some years. He is now devoting his time to a large lot in raising berries, vegetables, grapes and chickens.
He is one of Hickory's worthiest citizens.
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THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
COMPANY F. 38th REGIMENT
Company F. 38 Regiment was enlisted principally by men from Cline's Township. They were of that sturdy Ger- man Stock that do things when they determine. This Com- pany was organized the Fourth Saturday of September, 1861, under the spreading branches of a large hickory tree, which was already famous, and thus made more famous-standing in the yard of N. E. Sigmon. On Oct. 31st this Company was received by the then Governor Ellis. By reference to the Roster, the reader can see its officials.
The Company left the County for active service the 10th of November, going directly to Raleigh to Camp Mangum for drill and preparation for the on-coming conflict. Here they remained till next March (62). From thence to Weldon to guard the bridge, where it remained several months; thence to Halifax where it remained a short time. From Halifax, the Company had its first experience in marching a distance of 22 miles -- word having been received that the enemy were coming from the East. At Clarksville, the Com- pany was ordered back to Halifax. From thence, they went to Goldsboro, N. C., as the enemy were reported to be ad- vancing from the East. While here the Company was re- organized, April 18, '62. There it remained till May, and then returned to Guinea Station, Va., where they struck camp and remained some time doing picket duty. From there the Company went to join Lee, just a few days before the Seven Days fight.
On the 26th of June, on the right of the Mechanicsville road, was their first trial in battle. From this time on Co. F. followed Gen. Lee through all the campaigns of '63 and '64, and was in all the battles being in Gen. Pender's Brigade, A. P. Hill's Division, and Jackson's Corps. - a corps of ex- ploits-achievements -- victories.
1
255
OF THE CIVIL WAR
COMPANY F., 38TH REGIMENT. OFFICERS.
Little, John B., Captain; enlisted October 31, '61; he re- - tired April 18, '62; he died in 1907.
Aiken, Joseph, enlisted October 15, '61; he was killed at Malvern Hill, July 1, '62.
Roberts, Horace L., enlisted October 31, '61 ; he died dur- ing the war.
Yount, Daniel, enlisted April 18, '62; he retired Septem- ber 18, '62; he is still living.
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