A hundred and fifty eight years ago, the Union army was in New Bern and threatening to move west unchecked. The Confederate leadership showed little interest in making the defense of North Carolina a priority.
Gen. John Foster of the Union army started making moves in November New Bern and the 47th North Carolina — Wright Batchelor’s unit — was sent to Weldon, key railroad hub. The men arrived just in time for an uncharacteristic snowstorm that dropped six inches in the area.
Captain John Thorp noted that the only cover was “bark, boughs, and dirt.” The men were issued small brandy rations for warmth.
After it seemed that Foster settled down, the 47th was sent to Petersburg, Virginia. Right after that, Foster started moving again, so the troops were rushed to Kinston by train.
The 47th arrived just in time to help cover a Confederate retreat across the Neuse River. There was such chaos that when the troops got off the train, they were told to leave their knapsacks, blankets, and other gear near the tracks and retrieve them later.
In true CSA army form, the materiel was gone when they returned, “We never heard of afterwards.”
Like many Union generals of the time, Foster was reluctant to fight, even with all the advantages and the 47th spent the next month running around looking for a fight that didn’t happen.
They made winter camp in January 1863 in Rocky Mount.
Sources:
Galvanized: The Odyssey of a Reluctant Carolina Confederate
Photo: NC Dept of Cultural Resources
Another great historical item. Thanks!
Thanks for your loyal readership, Charles!
The story of their disappearing gear still boggles my mind. I can’t believe that they didn’t leave a couple of privates to watch it. As always, good stuff Mike. Hoping that you and yours have a very merry Christmas.
Thanks, Mike! The CSA excelled at FUBAR. Merry Christmas to you and yours!