Draft:51st North Carolina Regiment

Attempt of the Rebels to recapture Fort Harrison.

The 51st Regiment North Carolina Troops was a military unit formed during the American Civil War, representing a response by the Confederate government to the realization that the conflict would not be a brief encounter. This regiment, comprised mainly of recruits from the Cape Fear region of North Carolina, played a significant role in various theaters of the war.

Formation and Early Service

By the commencement of 1862, the Confederacy acknowledged the prolonged nature of the war and issued a call for additional troops. North Carolina, in response, contributed fifteen new regiments, including the 51st Regiment. Mustered into service on April 30, 1862, with 877 officers and men, the regiment committed to serving for the duration of the war. A total of 1,430 soldiers served in the regiment, and tragically, almost 400 of them lost their lives before the war's conclusion.

Primarily drawing recruits from Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, New Hanover, Robeson, and Sampson Counties, the 51st Regiment comprised predominantly of farmers who underwent initial training and adjustment to military life.

Active Engagement

In December 1862, the regiment, alongside three other units, was assigned to Clingman's brigade, and shortly after, they encountered their first taste of combat near Goldsborough. The following year, Clingman's brigade moved along the coasts of North and South Carolina, engaging in skirmishes and countering Union threats. Notably, in July 1863, the regiment played a crucial role in repelling a Union assault on Battery Wagner in Charleston.

Virginia Campaign and Notable Engagements

In early 1864, Clingman's brigade was summoned to Virginia to counter a Union advance towards Richmond. Joining General Robert Hoke's division and subsequently being part of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, the 51st North Carolina participated in significant battles such as Drewry's Bluff, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Globe Tavern, and Fort Harrison from May to September 1864. The regiment endured substantial losses during this period, with 385 men killed or captured and an additional 300 wounded.

Return to North Carolina and Conclusion of Service

Returning to North Carolina in late 1864, the 51st Regiment witnessed the fall of Fort Fisher and the capture of Wilmington. As part of General Joseph Johnston's army, the regiment attempted to halt Sherman's advance through North Carolina, participating in two more major engagements before surrendering on April 26, 1865. The official surrender of the 51st Regiment North Carolina Troops took place on May 1, 1865, marking the conclusion of its service, three years and one day after its organization in Wilmington.

Companies

51st Regiment North Carolina Troops: Formation and Early Service

The 51st Regiment North Carolina Troops, a significant military unit during the American Civil War, was mustered into state service on April 23, 1862. Comprising ten companies, with the tenth joining on May 10, the regiment drew the majority of its recruits from the Cape Fear region of North Carolina, particularly from Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, New Hanover, Robeson, and Sampson Counties. Remarkably, the entire regiment committed to serving for the duration of the war.

Leadership and Organization

Colonel John Cantwell, elected during field officer elections on April 30, 1862, led the regiment. Lieutenant Colonel William A. Allen and Major Hector McKethan joined him in leadership roles. The regiment was officially organized, and its soldiers prepared for their defense of the state.

Company A - Company K: Formation and Assignments

Company A: Captain George F. Walker, a farmer from New Hanover County, formed this company, officially designated on April 19, 1862.

Company B: Captain Caleb B. Hobson, a merchant in Warsaw, led the "Warsaw Sampsons" from Duplin and Sampson counties, mustered on April 13, 1862.

Company C: Former state representative William A. Allen, along with Samuel Stanford, organized the "Duplin Stars" in Kenansville, officially mustered on April 8, 1862.

Company D: Captain James R. McDonald recruited the "Scotch Tigers" in Robeson County, mustering on April 14, 1862.

Company E: The "Clay Valley Rangers," organized in Robeson County on February 28, 1862, and mustered on April 10, 1862.

Company F: Dr. Alfred P. Walter led the "Ashpole True Boys" from Lumberton, Robeson County, mustering on April 21, 1862.

Company G: Captain James W. Lippitt, a Wilmington druggist, formed the company in Wilmington, officially mustering on April 1, 1862.

Company H: Captain John R. Kelly, a young minister, organized the "Columbus Light Infantry" in Wilmington, mustering on April 3, 1862.

Company I: Captain Hector McKethan, along with other Cumberland County men, formed the company in Fayetteville, mustering on April 23, 1862.

Company K: Captain Joseph B. Underwood raised the "Confederate Stars" in Sampson County, mustering on May 10, 1862.

Preparations and Readiness

By June 1, 1862, the 51st Regiment had enrolled 1,047 men, with 1,012 officers and men actively ready for service. Although replacements continued to join, challenges arose due to combat and disease, making it difficult to fully replenish the regiment's ranks. Quartered around Wilmington, the regiment engaged in light duties, occasional drills, and eagerly anticipated entering the war.

Battles Served

Battle of Goldsborough Bridge (December 17, 1862):

The regiment's first combat experience, where they initially withdrew from the field but later launched an ill-fated charge against the withdrawing Union force.

Defense of Battery Wagner (July 18, 1863):

Positioned on Morris Island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor, the 51st North Carolina fought valiantly, repulsing the Union assault with commendations for their efficiency and gallantry.

Skirmishing at Swift Creek (May 9, 1864):

Engaged in skirmishes with Union infantry near Swift Creek, dispelling a newspaper claim of routing a New Hampshire regiment.

Battle of Drewry's Bluff (May 16, 1864):

Transferred to Virginia, the regiment played a crucial role in a Confederate counterattack at Drewry's Bluff, suffering heavy casualties but making a glorious charge.

Battle of Cold Harbor (May 31, 1864):

Fought a heated battle with Union cavalry, later almost surrounded during a Union assault near Cold Harbor, resulting in over 100 men being captured.

Battle of Petersburg (July 16, 1864):

Positioned in the defenses of Petersburg, the 51st North Carolina assisted in a counterattack, driving the Union forces out of the Confederate lines.

A Union Motor at the Siege of Petersburg

Globe Tavern (August 18, 1864):

Participated in a counterattack against Union forces at Globe Tavern, resulting in capturing more Yankee prisoners than the manpower of the regiment.

Assault on Fort Harrison (September 30, 1864):

The Interior of Fort Harrison. Circa 2009

Charged over open ground to reclaim Fort Harrison, resulting in heavy casualties and numerous soldiers being captured.

Battle of Southwest Creek (March 8-10, 1865):

Upon returning to North Carolina, the regiment engaged in the Battle of Southwest Creek as part of General Joseph Johnston's efforts to halt Sherman's advance.

Battle of Bentonville (March 19-20, 1865):

Appeared on April 22, 1865, issue of Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper. The print shows the Union Army charging the Confederate line and the rebels retreating.

In the last battle fought in the East, the 51st North Carolina participated in the Battle of Bentonville before General Joseph Johnston's surrender, marking the end of the war.

Scene of Johnston’s surrender, April 26, 1865, by Theodore R. Davis, Harper's Weekly, May 27, 1865