User:Briankmason/Twenty Second North Carolina Infantry
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| 22nd North Carolina Infantry Regiment | |
|---|---|
Battle Flag of the 22nd North Carolina Troops, captured at Gettysburg | |
| Active | July 1862 to April 12, 1865 |
| Country | Confederate States of America |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch | Infantry |
| Engagements | Peninsula Campaign
Battle of Fredericksburg Battle of Chancellorsville
|
TWENTY-SECOND NORTH CAROLINA TROOPS
The 22nd North Carolina Infantry Regiment also referred to as the 22nd North Carolina Troops was a Confederate States Army regiment during the American Civil War that participated in numerous battles in the eastern theatre from 1861 to 1865.
History[edit]
Organization[edit]
Organized in camp in Raleigh North Carolina in July 1861 the then designated 12th North Carolina Volunteers was established with nearly 1,000 men. While in camp the staff officers were elected on 11 July 1861, placing J. Johnston Pettigrew of Tyrrell County as Colonel, already a veteran as having commanded a regiment during the siege of Fort Sumter in Charleston South Carolina in April 1861. Additionally the regimental staff included Lt. Col John O. Long, of Randolph County a West Point graduate and Major Thomas S. Galloway Jr of Rockingham County a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute.
Originally the regiment was organized of twelve rifle companies but that number was quickly reduced to ten as two regiments, C and D, were transferred to other commands. Company C would become Company A, 26th North Carolina Infantry while Company D would become Company A, 28th North Carolina Infantry. The companies of the 22nd North Carolina Infantry Regiment were recruited in the following counties with their respective commanders:
- Company A: Caldwell County, "Caldwell Rough and Ready Boys", Captain W. F. Jones
- Company B: McDowell County, "McDowell Rifles", Captain Jas. M. Neal
- Company C (Transferred): Surry County, "Surry Regulators", Captain Reaves
- Company D (Transferred): Ashe County, "Jefferson Davis Mountain Rifles", Captain Cox
- Company E: Guilford County, "Guilford Men", Captain Columbus C. Cole
- Company F: Alleghany County, "Alleghany True Blues", Captain Jesse F. Reeves
- Company G: Caswell County, "Caswell Rifles", Captain Edward M. Scott
- Company H: Stokes County, "Stokes Boys", Captain Hamilton Scales
- Company I: Randolph County, "Davis Guards", Captain Shubal G. Worth
- Company K: McDowell County, "McDowell Boys", Captain Alney Burgin
- Company L: Randolph County, "Uwharrie Rifles", Captain Robert H. Gray
- Company M: Randolph County, "Randolph Hornets", Captain John M. Odell
Engagements[edit]
Evansport, October 14, 1861 - December 9, 1861
Yorktown Siege, April - May 1862
Seven Pines, May 31, 1862
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862
Frayser's Farm, June 30, 1862
Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862
Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862
2nd Manassas, August 28-30, 1862
Ox Hill, September 1, 1862
Harper's Ferry, September 12-15, 1862
Middletown, September 13, 1862
Sharpsburg*, September 17, 1862
Shepherdstown, September 20, 1862
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862
Chancellorsville, May 1-4, 1863
Milford Station, May 20, 1863
Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863
Funkstown, July 12, 1863
Falling Waters, July 14, 1863
Rappahannock Bridge, November 7, 1863
Mine Run, December 2, 1863
Rapidan River, April 15, 1864
Parker's Store, May 5, 1864
Wilderness, May 5-6, 1864
Spotsylvania, May 8 - 12, 1864
Charlottesville, May 10, 1864
Jericho Mills, May 23-24, 1864
North Anna River, May 23-26, 1864
Cold Harbor, May 31 - June 12, 1864
Riddell's Shop, June 13, 1864
Globe Tavern, August 21, 1864
Reams Station, August 25, 1864
Jones' Farm, September 30, 1864
Jarratt's Station, December 8, 1864
Hatcher's Run, February 5 - 7, 1865
Five Forks, April 1, 1865
Petersburg, April 2, 1865
Hatcher's Run, April 2, 1865
South Side Railroad, April 2-3, 1865
Sutherland's Station, April 4, 1865
Farmville, April 7, 1865
Appomattox, April 9, 1865
- There is much dispute over the 22nd NCT's involvement in the battle at Sharpsburg. According to accounts later written by veterans the regimental involvement was minor to say the least. However, according to some scholars the regiment saw no action that evening. By reference to North Carolina casualty records there were few casualties and many seem to be related to artillery fire rather than direct action. The unit did arrive late in the evening on September 17th along with A.P. Hill's Corps but may not have been directly engaged by Union forces. (casualty records, NC Troops: 1861-1865, pg 97)
Early War[edit]
Evansport[edit]
Once organized with all officers elected the 22nd North Carolina Troops prepared to march out. Marching from Raleigh to Richmond then soon to Brook's Station near Aquia Creek under Maj Gen Theophilus H. Holmes and his Aquia Department. Not remaining here long the unit soon marched for Evansport Virginia where the unit made camp protecting a battery of heavy caliber guns overlooking the Potomac River where it would remain to help fortify the gun emplacements from August to the winter of 1861-1862. The unit was engaged in action against Union forces on many occasions in Evansport but most notably October 14 and December 9th, 1861. On December 9th one of the heavy guns from Battery No. 2 exploded wounding two men in Company I. During it's time here the regiment participated in the erecting of fortifications, manning artillery to combat Union gunboats and slipped into a depressed morale from the monotony as denoted by several instances of friendly fire. (CITE HERE< CASUALTIES FROM FRIENDLY FIRE) The regiment was placed for a time under brigade command of Brg Gen John G. Walker then to Brg Gen Samuel G French. While on station here Col Pettigrew obtained a promotion to Brigadier General but declined, preferring to remain with the regiment for the time.
Peninsula Campaign[edit]
Seven Pines[edit]
On March 12th 1862 Pettigrew was promoted to brigade command over this unit when the unit transferred to a reserve division under Gen Gustavus Smith. With Union forces on the move the 22nd NCT moved along with Confederate forces to engage Union troops at Seven Pines. The regiment did not see action until 4pm but was hotly engaged on Nine Mile Road. From here the unit moved to aide Hamilton's brigade fighting through dense brush. Despite attempts at charging the Union lines the brush and smoke prohibited a "concert of action almost absolutely necessary to success" (pg1 Vol 3 NC Troops) and the regiment was forced to fall back.
Seven Days Battles[edit]
Mechanicsville[edit]
Following Seven Pines the unit was placed under brigade command of Brg Gen William Dorsey Pender and Ambrose P. Hill's Light Division, Thomas Jackson's Corps. As pressure from Union forces mounted the regiment saw heavy engagement during the Peninsular Campaign. First on June 26 the regiment deployed in the open fields of Mechanicsville. During the battle the regiment became entrapped along Beaver Dam Creek attempting to assault the Union works under heavy artillery fire. Taking heavy casualties the regiment held their ground at the creek until relieved the next morning.
The following day the unit moved to Gaines's Mill where they were once again hotly engaged by Union forces in the woods after having pushed back Union skirmishers. The 22nd NCT "gained the crest of open ground, getting into the enemy's camp, but, finding themselves flanked, fell back" (pg3, Vol3 NC Troops). With Union troops continuously reinforcing the brigade was forced to halt their advance and fall back.
Frayser’s Farm[edit]
On June 30 the regiment impacted Union forces at Frayser's Farm after already being harassed by Union artillery. Early into the battle a large Union force moved at the double quick past the regiment unknowingly. The 22nd NCT volleyed into the unit and forced them to scatter. Continuing to push forward the brigade moved to capture a line of Union artillery pieces as a large force of Union troops became entrapped in Confederate lines. Taking the batteries the brigade held till nightfall when it retired.
Had it not been for limited ammunition and dwindling numbers the Union forces would have certainly succumb to capture Pender would later write on his brigade that day. Couple this with the massive amount of confusion from chaotic movements of Confederate units on the field simply did not allow for such a move on the brigade’s part.
Malvern Hill[edit]
Following the battle at Frayser’s Farm the brigade was held in reserve with the remainder of Hill’s Division due to losses from the previous day. However, late in the day on July 1st the brigade was called into action to advance on the Federal works atop Malvern Hill. Unfortunately due to the lateness of the day, thick undergrowth and Pender’s lack of knowledge of the area the regiment did not see direct action but instead merely found itself harassed by enemy artillery fire.
Withdrawing along with the rest of the Army of Northern Virginia the regiment moved to Richmond where it was placed under the command of Maj Gen Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson as part of Jackson’s Corps. It was also at this time that their brigade for the first time comprised only units from North Carolina and became a true “Carolina Brigade”.
Northern Virginia Campaign[edit]
Cedar Mountain[edit]
On July 27, 1862 the 22nd NCT marched with Jackson to Gordonsville in order to meet the advance of General John Pope’s Federal army. Come August 9th the regiment impacted Union forces around Cedar Mountain to prevent the Federal army from turning Jackson’s left flank. Heavy volleys saw tremendous losses to the regiment apposing the 22nd NCT moving to support Gen Archer’s Brigade allowing the Confederates to maintain control of the flank and stunt the Union advance on the flank.
Just after dusk the 22nd NCT had been detached far to the left and contacted a body of Union cavalry attempting to circumvent the Confederate lines. Moving up into the rear of the column the Union cavalry quickly dispersed after a brief engagement when the cavalry regiment charged the regimental line. Of the entire force in the brigade only 2 were killed, 11 wounded and 2 missing for a total of only 15 casualties.
Second Manassas[edit]
The regiment moved into position along the unfinished railroad branch of Manassas Gap Railroad on August 26th, 1862 in concert with the Army of Northern Virginia to engage Federal forces under the command of General Pope. A change of command was forced as the 22nd NCT moved under the command of Major C.C. Cole as Lt. Col. Gray had fallen ill. Held briefly in reserve during the opening moments of the battle on the 29th the regiment moved forward into position in support of Col Thomas. The brigade impacted Federal forces and drove them back across the unfinished railroad, through the woods on the opposite side and beyond the Federal gun batteries in the adjacent field overtaking the deserted artillery guns. (Official Records, pt 2 pp 697-698). An additional enemy battery on the flank was outmaneuvered and the soldiers manning the guns were forced to retreat leaving the guns behind.
The line was halted at the edge of the field facing increasing enemy fire. The regiment held their ground as the enemy forces pushed to regain the ground they had lost. General Pender continuously requested additional support as the brigade was the only unit in the area. Support was promised from Jackson's command so the regiment moved with Pender's brigade across the field to attack Federal gun batteries succumbing to heavy grape shot. Pender noted that "support being waited for in vain, and seeing columns on my left and right maneuvering to flank me, I withdrew, and marched back to the railroad cut".
The regiment was placed in reserve on the left flank until the following day. On August 29th the regiment moved into position to aide another brigade but found nothing of force to contest and moved back into reserve until the order for the army to advance came. As Jackson's line advanced so did the 22nd NCT the Federal line gave way. The regiment pushed the Union line ahead of them back through the fields and woods and capturing part of an artillery battery in a field and the rest in the woods. Once in the open field the regiment was hit with heavy fire on their right but continued to advance until nightfall. Coming into contact with a rear guard holding force they exchanged a single volley with the Federal force causing the enemy troops to route.
Ox Hill[edit]
Following the battle at Manassas Junction the brigade along with the 22nd NCT was moved to turn the flank of the Federal force. Moving to Ox Hill they encountered the Union rear guard on September 1st. Records conflict over the involvement of the 22nd NCT in the battle. Official reports indicate only the 16th NCT and 34th NCT of the brigade were sent into the fight. However, casualty records report casualties were taken by the 22nd NCT at Ox Hill indicating that the unit was indeed involved and engaged. Also according to the report made by the 22nd NCT adjutant Graham Daves after the war the regiment "was again engaged with the enemy at Chantilly, or Ox Hill, fought in a terrible thunder storm, in which artillery of heaven and of earth seemed to strive in rivalry." The exact extent of the engagement for the 22nd NCT however, is unknown.
Maryland Campagin[edit]
Harper's Ferry[edit]
As the Army of Northern Virginia pressed into Maryland the 22nd NCT moved with their division into Leesburg and then on towards Harper's Ferry on September 9th 1862. On the 10th the regiment moved into Martinsburg as the Union force there withdrew. Moving forward west of Harper's Ferry to Bolivar Heights were the enemy was strongly entrenched. After the siege the unit moved into the city, their exact participation here is unknown other than that they remained in Sharpsburg until 7:30am on September 17th 1862.
Sharpsburg[edit]
As the Army of Northern Virginia was engaged at Sharpsburg in the bloodiest single day of the war, the 22nd NCT along with Hill's Division received urgent orders to move to engage Union forces at Sharpsburg on September 17th, 1862. Arriving in the evening after a long forced march the regiment deployed with the rest of the division to counteract Burnside's push against the right flank. Much dispute reigns over the exact involvement of the 22nd NCT at Sharpsburg. Official records report that the unit was not actively engaged. From casualty records it appears as though the unit was targeted and harassed by Union field artillery during the battle but any further extent of battle is unclear. The regimental battle flag does indicate an honor record being awarded to the regiment for this battle.
Shepherdstown[edit]
As the army retreated from Sharpsburg the regiment moved into Shepherdstown on September 20th and engaged Federal forces at the crossing near the town. Despite heavy artillery fire the brigade forced the Federals back across the river and destroyed sections of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad there. Once the Federal force had been driven across the river both artillery and sharp shooters from the north bank opened up on the 22nd NCT pinning a detachment of the 22nd NCT under Major Cole. Due to lack of protection the detachment could not withdraw until after night fall, some twelve hours later. 8 men were killed and 55 wounded in the brigade before they retired to join the rest of the army at Bunker Hill. Lt. Col. Gray rejoined the regiment to assume command shortly following the battle.
Fredericksburg[edit]
While in camp in the Shenandoah Valley on October 17th, 1862 the brigade was bolstered with the addition of the 13th NCT increasing the regiment count to five, all from North Carolina. These units would stand as the 22nd NCT's brigade partners for the remainder of the war.
On November 26th the regiment moved out for Fredericksburg in response to Union force buildup along the river. The regiment upon arrival in Fredericksburg moved into camp at Yerby's on the right flank of the Confederate line. Adjutant Graham Daves commented "in this winter march many of the men were barefooted but made merry over it." The morning of December 12th, 1862 the regiment moved forward to a defensive line next to Deep Run Creek. That night a detachment from the 22nd NCT, commanded by Major C.C. Cole, moved forward and succeeded in burning haystacks and houses near the Federal lines that could be used as cover for advancing Federal forces.
That day the Federals advanced on the line, the 22nd NCT and her brigade coming under heavy artillery fire. Strong lines of Federal skirmishers moved up against the brigade front but were quickly dispatched by skirmish lines of the 22nd NCT under the command of Major C.C. Cole. General Pender was wounded in the onslaught and the battle for the 22nd NCT drew to a close and the regiment moved into winter quarters at Camp Gregg near Fredericksburg.
Chancellorsville[edit]
With the major elements of the Army of the Potomac moving in the Wilderness area upstream of Fredericksburg the 22nd NCT and her Corps moved into action for the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1, 1863. Early in the morning of May 2 the 22nd NCT joined the rest of Jackson's Corps on the infamous Flank March around Federal lines. THe 22nd NCT was in brigade in the third line o the attacking force as it prepared for the early morning assault.
Attacking at 5:15am the 22nd NCT along with her sister units assaulted the Federal camps catching them completely by surprise. Exposed to artillery fire as it advanced the brigade became the first line as the attack stalled. The unit stood firm as the attack pressed on at the organizing Federal forces. Despite being caught off guard however the Federal forces inflicted heavy losses upon the 22nd NCT.
The following day, May 3, the attack was renewed and the unit advanced under heavy fire. Advancing through breastworks of logs and brush they began to push the Federal forces back. Continuing to push against ever increasing resistance and due to both dense underbrush and heavy artillery fire that they were forced to begin falling back. The action was repeated again but with the same result, falling back once more to the breastworks. At this point with Federal forces pushing hard against their front and due to limited ammunition the regiment held position with what men it had left at the breastworks and engaged the enemy from there.
During the battle the 22nd NCT suffered greatly with heavy casualties and the loss of both Col Cole and Maj Odell killed. According to records of regimental adjutant Graham Daves the unit suffered 219 killed and wounded and 26 out of 33 officers killed or wounded. The entire brigade suffered greatly and each regiment had to pull together what men it could find in order to stay in the fight. Despite this the regiment remained on position to continue fighting the Federal counter attack. Once reinforcements did arrive a general advance of the entire line began and secured the town of Chancellorsville. Official records indicate the regiment had lost 30 killed and 139 wounded.
It was here that the regiment again saw a major restructuring with the death of it's Corps commander. Moved into A.P. Hill's corps under the divisional command of W.D. Pender and the brigade command of Alfred M. Scales from the 13th NCT there saw little change in faces.
Gettysburg Campaign[edit]
Gettysburg[edit]
Remaining briefly in Fredericksburg the regiment moved to follow Federal forces into Maryland and by June 27, 1863 they encamped near Chambersburg. Two days later they moved into Cashtown and on the 30th were moved into position to assault Federal forces at the Battle of Gettysburg, forming up behind Heth's Division second from the left brigade. After the battle began the unit relieved Heth's Division and pressed the attack. Once passing over Heth's division they moved over the ridge opposite the theological seminary. Struck by heavy grape and shell fire on the flank Pender remarked, "every discharge made sad havoc in our line, but still we pressed on at a double quick until we reached the bottom". Pender was wounded by artillery fire and the brigade fell into chaos. Pender reported that "only a squad here and there marked the place where regiments had rested." The regiment however continued to fight until Union forces retired to the town. Scales reported that the brigade lost 9 officer killed, 45 wounded and 1 missing, 39 enlisted men killed, 336 wounded and 115 missing.
Once night fell the regiment moved to the extreme right flank of the army and by morning of July 2nd was moved again further right in line with the artillery, expecting to be placed in reserve. However, the regiment was pressed into action and after engaging Federal forces with much success in the orchards the regiment was relieved at 1:00pm by Anderson's Division and ordered to rejoin Pender's division in the center of the Confederate line. General Pender was mortally wounded placing General James H. Lane in temporary command of the division. At the close of the day the 22nd NCT, though proving themselves steady in two days of intense fighting, was ordered to the right to form up for a massive counterattack in the center.
On the morning of July 3rd, 1863, now under the divisional command of General Trimble, the regiment formed in line behind the Confederate artillery. Now in position left of George Pickett's Division the 22nd NCT formed in brigade behind Pettigrew's Brigade as part of Pettigrew's Division on the right of the support line, still under brigade command of Col Lowrance following Scales' wounds on the first day. At 1:00pm Confederate artillery opened up on the Stone Wall opposite the field and continued for two hours. Then, moving in front of the artillery, the infantry formed for the attack and so began the 22nd NCT's participation in Pickett's Charge.
Moving forward over the open ground for 1 mile the regiment was struck by intense artillery fire. Lowarance reported that at two thirds the way to their object men from the front tore through their ranks attempting to retreat causing many of the brigade's own to break rank. Continuing forward despite low numbers the 22nd NCT moved to forward until the right touched the enemy line as the brigade marched at the oblique. At this point, facing enfilading "fire of grape and musketry upon our right flank" the regiment closed upon their object but with little chance in carrying the works. The two support brigades had now been reduced to less than 800 men were the only line remaining. Lowrance reported later that "Now all apparently had forsaken us" as no other units were to be seen in support. As the Federal lines poured fire into the 22nd NCT the regiment pushed against the 14th Connecticut facing double canister shot from Federal artillery. A sister regiment, whose Company A had two years ago been mustered into service as Company D of the 22nd NCT, the 26th NCT for a time crested and held the angle at the Stone Wall. The 22nd NCT moved up to the wall, touching it for a moment, supporting the 26th NCT but could not hold and was forced to retreat due to insurmountable losses. Their actions that day are depicted in Mort Kunstler's famous painting of the final charge at Gettysburg, "The High Water Mark".
The regiments under Scales' Brigade suffered 668 casualties at Gettysburg striking the regiments with a heavy toll. The 22nd NCT was no exception taking horrendous losses but continued to form in line. Falling back the regiment reformed on the same line it had started out from earlier that day on the other side of the field. Though tremendously undermanned and still patching their wounds from the ordeal around Gettysburg the regiment moved out as part of Hill's rear guard, allowing Lee's army to retreat and evade capture.
Falling Waters[edit]
Continuing to fall back the regiment moved to Hagerstown and then acted as rear guard for the army at a crossing at Falling Waters along the Potomac. On July 13th as the crossing began the regiment came under heavy attack from Federal forces attempting to cut off Lee's retreat into Virginia. At 10am the regiment arrived and began to attempt to cross but were attacked by a squadron of Federal cavalry. Moving forward the regiment and brigade were ordered back to aide General Heth who had come under fire. Moving to the extreme left of the rear guard line Col Lowrance, still in brigade command, noted that "the men were quite exhausted from pressure of heat, want of sleep, want of food, and the fatigue of marching."
Portions of the brigade started to waver as Federal forces pressed the lines but were quickly rallied. However, after a time of being engaged the line gave way and a general retreat ensued from the hilltop nearby. The retreat had been ordered but was not coordinated with brigade command and much chaos ensued. In the confusion as the brigade and regiment attempted to make it to the river crossing Federal units began to move in to cut off the retreat. Many men from the brigade and certainly from the 22nd NCT were surrounded and unable to fight their way through the Federal lines that had engulfed them. From this the brigade lost nearly 200 men. The regiment largely evaded capture and slipped across the river loosing some 20 men killed and 69 wounded in the campaign.
Bristoe Station[edit]
With the Union army crossing into Virginia Lee moved to strike the Federal right flank. By August 4 Cadmus M. Wilcox had assumed command of the division with Scales returning to duty and on October 14th 1863 the brigade impacted Union rear guard forces at Bristoe Station with Wilcox's division. Unsupported by the remainder of the corps the brigade was ordered to attack. In the ensuing battle the assault was repulsed with heavy losses. The 22nd NCT however had been detailed to guard the corps train at Buckland however casualties were recorded for the regiment in this engagement. It remains unclear as to their exact involvement and how these casualties occurred.
Mine Run[edit]
Following a retreat from pursuing Federal forces the regiment entrenched with the Army of Northern Virginia at Mine Run on November 29th, 1863. With the Federal army also entrenching Lee ordered an attack on the morning of December 2nd. Assaulting the exposed right flank of the Union army the attacking brigades found the Federal force already retiring from the field and pursued despite a blistering cold. A prolonged engagement never developed as the Federals retreated across the river. Returning to their posts the unit moved into winter quarters in camp near Orange Court House.
Overland Campaign[edit]
Wilderness[edit]
May 4th, 1864 the regiment moved to intercept Federal forces moving into the Wilderness. On the morning of May 5th Hill's corps impacted Union cavalry near Parker's Store forcing the horsemen off the field. Heth's and Wilcox's division with the 22nd NCT were ordered to deploy across the Plank Road and Wilcox with the 22nd NCT moved off to the left toward Ewell's division. The regiment posted on Chewning Plateau and awaited further orders. By 4:00 pm Heth's division began to fade and the 22nd NCT with brigade were ordered to reinforce Heth's line. South of the road the regiment moved forward and attacked the assaulting Union lines, passing over Heth's first line. They successfully drove the Federal force back until such times as they were forced to retire under heavy pressure. Additional Federal troops began to reinforce the line and put additional pressure on the thinning Confederate line. Despite heavy casualties in the 22nd NCT the regiment held it's ground and refused to pull back allowing time for additional Confederate reinforcements arrived. As darkness fell the line was reformed with the 22nd NCT being moved to right of the road.
At 5:00am May 6th, Federal columns struck the brigade lines. Vastly outnumbered by the Union forces the brigade could not hold and broke. As pressure continued to mount a general rout broke out and could not be stopped until the arrival of Longstreet's Corps. The regiment reformed behind Longstreet's left and moved into position close to Chewning Plateau. The regiment would not see further engagement as the Union forces began to move towards Spotsylvania Court House on May 7th.
Spotsylvania Court House[edit]
All through the night of May 7th into the early morning of May 8th the regiment moved with the army in a mad dash to beat the Federal army to the road crossing at Spotsylvania Court House. On the morning of May 8th the Confederates began quickly digging in around the crossroads. Hill's Corps, under the temporary command of Jubal Early was posted right of the line. Wilcox and his division constituted the life of the corps line connecting with Ewell's men with Scales' Brigade in the center.
By May 12th the assault began with an unexpected attack by Union forces. Union forces succeeded in overrunning the Confederate center and began to push the line back until reinforced by additional unit along with the 22nd NCT. Federal forces however dug in and rampant hand-to-hand fighting broke out and continued on throughout the day. Once a new line was formed the brigade moved back to it's original positions. Several more attempts were made on the Confederate line until Union forces began to pull out.
On May 21 the regiment moved forward to reconnoiter the Union lines encountering Union forces still in position. Following an intense skirmish the brigade found the Union works deserted.
North and South Anna River[edit]
Jericho Mills[edit]
Moving in response to Union troop deployments the regiment was moved left of the North Anna line on May 22. On May 23 Union forces began to move across the river at Jericho Mills. Moving forward the regiment moved to a position behind the left of the main line within their brigade. As the advance began to falter the regiment moved to the front of the lines but was immediately halted due to enemy resistance. The following day saw Union forces withdrawing and bringing a close to the action.
Cold Harbor[edit]
On May 30th the regiment moved to a position near Beaver Dam Creek to extend Ewell's Corp's lines. The regiment did not see action here though fighting was raging to their left as the force moved to turn the flank of the Union Army. By June 1st the respective armies were concentrating around Cold Harbor as fighting broke out. The following day the regiment moved to the right flank of the Confederate line arriving at 3:00 P.M. to the right of General John C. Breckinridge's division. When the bulk of the fighting of June 3rd commenced Wilcox's division along with the 22nd NCT were the only troops spared and were not engaged.
Siege of Petersburg[edit]
Riddel's Shop[edit]
Following the action at Cold Harbor Warren's Division was dispatched by General Ulysses S. Grant to perform distraction attacks against Confederate targets to conceal his movements away from the Confederate Army. To meet this raid Wilcox's division, along with the 22nd NCT, was dispatched to meet the enemy force on June 13th. Once arriving they found Gary's Brigade of cavalry being forced back by a heavy force of enemy troops. Scales' Brigade with the 22nd NCT was ordered forward to face the enemy force comprised largely of Wilson's cavalry division. The regiment forced the Union cavalry force back one and a half miles finally securing a crossroads near Smith's Shop. The fight lasted more than an hour and according to accounts the 22nd NCT had at one time passed over top of open ground and took heavy losses from Wilson's cavalrymen.
Globe Tavern and Reams Station[edit]
By June 18th, 1864 the regiment had moved into defensive positions on the extreme right of the Petersburg line among the works south of Sycamore Street just south of Petersburg. On August 18th Scales' Brigade moved to attack the Union forces occupying the Petersburg & Weldon Railroad at Globe Tavern. Three days later the entire Corps assaulted the enemy position but the 22nd NCT was not engaged.
The regiment then moved again on August 24th to Reams' Station arriving the morning of the 25th to meet additional Union forces. At approximately 2:00 P.M. the regiment moved forward with the brigade to assault the enemy positions. Captain John Young at this time moved a battalion of sharpshooters forward, reporting only a thin line of Union picket positions. Following his report the regiment moved forward in a charge. The 22nd NCT charged up to the Union positions but had lost it's support on the flank due to another regiment having halted. Due to the loss of support the 22nd NCT withdrew. During this fight a Private Ellison of Company L 22nd NCT succeeded in capturing a Union regimental flag from the enemy earth works. Now covering the left flank of the assault the 22nd NCT aided the remainder of the division in carrying the works of the Union force. With the Federal force in retreat the regiment retired to its previous position in the Petersburg trenches.
Wartime Movements[edit]
Raleigh Fairgrounds, NC: July 11, 1861
Camp Carolina, NC: July - August, 1861
Richmond, VA: August 7, 1861 - August 16, 1861
Brooke's Station, VA, Camp Bee: August 16 - August 28, 1861
Stafford Court House, VA, Camp Galloway: August 28, 1861
Evansport, VA: August 1861 - March 7, 1862
Fredericksburg, VA: March 7, 1862 - April, 1862
Yorktown, VA: April, 1862
Seven Pines, VA: May 31 - June 1862
Friend's house, VA: June 25, 1862
Mechanicsville, VA: June 25 - 26, 1862
Gaines' Mill, VA: June 27 - 29, 1862
Frayser's Farm, VA: June 30, 1862
Malvern Hill, VA: July 1, 1862
Richmond, VA: July 8 - 27, 1862
Gordonsville, VA: July 27 - August 7, 1862
Cedar Mountain, VA: August 9 - 11, 1862
Gordonsville, VA: August 11 - August 26, 1862
Manassas Junction, VA: August 26 - 27, 1862
Grovetown, VA: August 27 - September 1, 1862
Ox Hill, VA: September 1 - 5, 1862
Martinsburg, VA: September 12, 1862
Bolivar Heights, VA: September 13, 1862
Harpers Ferry, VA: September 14 - 17, 1862
Sharpsburg, MD: September 17 - 20, 1862
Shepherdstown, MD: September 20, 1862
Bunker Hill: September 21 - October 26, 1862
Orange Court House, VA: October - November 26, 1862
Fredericksburg, VA: November - December 15, 1862
Camp Gregg, VA: December 1862 - April 1863
Chancellorsville, VA: May 1 - June 4, 1862
Chambersburg, MD: June 27, 1863
Cashtown, MD: June 29, 1863
Gettysburg, MD: June 30, 1863
Cashtown, MD: June 30, 1863
Gettysburg, MD: July 1 - 4, 1863
Hagerstown, MD: July 7, 1863
Funkstown, MD: July 12, 1863
Falling Waters, MD: July 13 - 14, 1863
Rapidan River Line, VA: August 4, 1863
Bristoe Station, VA: October 14, 1863
Rappahanock Bridge, VA: November 7, 1863
Mine Run, VA: November 29, 1863 - May 4, 1864
Orange Court House, VA: Jan - May 1864
Parker's Store, VA: May 5, 1864
Wilderness, VA: May 5 - 7, 1864
Spotsylvania Court House, VA: May 8 - 21, 1864
North Anna River, VA: May 21 - 23, 1864
Jericho Mills, VA: May 23 - 27, 1864
Beaver Dam Creek, VA: May 27 - 30, 1864
Cold Harbor, VA: June 1 - 12, 1864
Riddel's Shop, VA: June 13, 1864
Petersburg, VA: June 18 - August 18, 1864
Globe Tavern, VA: August 18 - 24, 1864
Ream's Station, VA: August 25, 1864
Jones' Farm, VA: September 30, 1864
Belfield, VA: December 8 - 9, 1864
Hatcher's Run, VA: December 13, 1864 - February 7, 1865
Five Forks, VA: March 29, 1865
Petersburg, VA: March - April 2, 1865
Amelia Court House, VA: April 3 - 6, 1865
Farmville, VA: April 7, 1865
Appomattox Court House, VA: April 9, 1865
Casualty Counts[edit]
- Seven Pines:
147K/W
- Seven Days Campaign:
28K 133W
- 2nd Manassas:
__K 57W
- Shepherdstown:
8K 55W
- Fredericksburg:
1K 44W
- Chancellorsville:
30K 139W
- Gettysburg Campaign (Official Numbers):
20K 69W + A Large number captured 157 Total or 59%
Flags of the 22nd NCT[edit]
Debate exists over the original issue type and date of the first flag was provided to the regiment. However, records indicate regimental color bearers in action with the regiment as early as Seven Pines in May 1862 were records state the regimental colors fell on the field and were picked up by Union forces after the regiment withdrew. Then again at Frayser's Farm in June of 1862 where according to accounts nine men of the color guard fell. Additionally the original flags can be found in a collection within North Carolina and is a variant of the Confederate First National Flag. This variant can be found at the Randolph Room of the Asheboro Public Library and was carried by Company M Randolph Hornets. The flag is silk with the words “Onward to Victory” embroidered across the central white stripe of the flag.
In June of 1863 the regiment was issued a 3rd bunting Richmond Depot Battle Flag with battle honors painted on the obverse in dark blue. Marked with many battle honors from previous fights the flag was dropped on the field during the 3rd day of battle at Gettysburg and retrieved by a soldier in the 42nd New York Infantry. Taken to the War Department and numbered 76 the flag was returned to North Carolina in May of 1905. It is currently on display in the North Carolina Museum of History.
From July 1863 to July 1864 the regiment exclusively utilized the secession issue State Flag with the lettering, 22nd REGt NCV, in white along the bottom. This remained their flag until reissued a proper Battle Flag nine months later. The second issue battle flag in July 1864 would remain their standard until the end of the war.
Battle Honors Listed on Regimental Battle Flag[edit]
- Seven Pines
- Mechanicsville
- Cold Harbor
- Ox Hill
- Harper's Ferry
- Sharpsburgh
- Frazier's Farm
- Cedar Run
- Manassas
- Shepherdstown
- Fredericksburg
- Chancellorsville
Order of Battle[edit]
- October 1861 - Nov 1861
Aquia District - Maj Gen T.H. Holmes
Walker's Brigade - Brg Gen John G. Walker
1st Arkansas Vol
2nd Tennessee
12th North Carolina Vol - Col James J. Pettigrew
47th Virginia Vol
- Nov 1861- Mar 12, 1862
Aquia District - Maj Gen T.H. Holmes
French's Brigade - Brg Gen Samuel G. French
1st Arkansas Inf
2nd Tennessee Inf
12th NC Vol (22nd NCT) - Col James J. Pettigrew
35th Georgia Inf
47th Virginia Inf
Braxton's Artillery
Maryland Flying Artillery
Caroline Light Dragoons
Stafford Rangers, Cavalry
- Mar 12, 1862 - May 31, 1862
Reserve
Reserve Forces - Maj Gen Gustavus W. Smith
Whiting's Division - Gen William H.C. Whiting
Pettigrew's Brigade - Brg Gen J.J. Pettigrew
2nd Btln Arkansas Inf
2nd Tennessee Inf
22nd NCT - Col Charles E. Lightfoot
35th Georgia Inf
47th Virginia Inf
- May 31, 1862 - July 8, 1862
Army of Northern Virginia
Jackson's Corps - Maj Gen Thomas Jackson
Hill's Light Division - Maj Gen A.P. Hill
Pender's Brigade - Brg Gen W. Dorsey Pender
22nd NCT - Col James Conner
2nd Btln Arkansas Inf
16th NCT - Col. Stephen Lee/Col. Champ T.N. Davis
34th NCT - Col Matt W. Ransom
38th NCT - Col William J. Hooke
22nd Btln VA Inf
- July 8, 1862 - October 17, 1862
Valley District - ANV
2nd Corps - Maj Gen Thomas Jackson
Hill's Light Division - Maj Gen A.P. Hill
Pender's Brigade - Brg Gen W.D. Pender
22nd NCT, Lt. Col. R.H. Gray
16th NCT Lt. Col. J.S. McElroy/Col Champ T.N. Davis
34th NCT Maj. Eli H. Miller/Col Matt W. Ransom
38th NCT Maj. L.D. Andrews/Col William J. Hooke
German (South Carolina) Artillery, Capt W.K. Bachman
- October 17, 1862 - May 6, 1863
Army of Northern Virginia
2nd Corps - Lt Gen Thomas Jackson
Hill's Light Division - Maj Gen A.P. Hill
Pender's Brigade - Brg Gen W.D. Pender
22nd NCT - Lt. Col. R.H. Gray/Major C.C. Cole
13th NCT - Col Alfred M. Scales
16th NCT - Col. Champ T.N. Davis
34th NCT - Col. Matt W. Ransom
38th NCT - Col William J. Hooke
- May 6, 1863 - July 3, 1863
Army of Northern Virginia
3rd Corps - Lt Gen A.P. Hill
Pender's Division - Mag Gen W.D. Pender
4th Brigade - Scales' Brigade - Brg Gen Alfred M. Scales
22nd NCT - Lt. Col William L. Mitchell
13th NCT - Col J.H. Hyman
16th NCT - Col Champ T.N. Davis
34th NCT - Col John G. Jones
38th NCT - Col William J. Hooke
- July 3, 1863 - April 2, 1865
Army of Northern Virginia
3rd Corps - Lt Gen A.P. Hill
Wilcox's Division - Maj Gen Cadmus M. Wilcox
4th Brigade - Scales' Brigade - Brg Gen Alfred M. Scales
22nd NCT - Col Thomas S. Galloway Jr.
13th NCT - Col. J.H. Hyman
16th NCT - Col Champ T.N. Davis/Col William a. Stowe
34th NCT - Col John G. Jones/Col James T. Johnston
38th NCT - Col John Ashford
- April 2, 1865 - April 9, 1865
Army of Northern Virginia
1st Corps - Lt Gen James Longstreet
Wilcox's Division - Maj Gen Cadmus M. Wilcox
Scales' Brigade - Col Joseph H. Hyman
22nd NCT - Col Thomas S. Galloway Jr.
13th NCT - Col J.H. Hyman
16th NCT - Col William A. Stowe
34th NCT - Col James T. Johnston
38th NCT - Col John Ashford
References[edit]
Manarin, Louis H. "North Carolina Troops, 1861-1865: A Roster (Vol VII)". North Carolina Office of Archives and History, 2004.
United States War Department "The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Vol. I)". Goverment Print Office, 1880.
United States War Department "The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Vol II)". Government Print Office, 1880.
United States War Department "The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Vol IV)". Government Print Office, 1882.
United States War Department "The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Vol V)". Government Print Office, 1881.
United States War Department "The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Vol X)". Government Print Office, 1884.
United States War Department "The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Vol XI)". Government Print Office, 1884.
United States War Department "The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Vol XIX)". Government Print Office, 1887.
United States War Department "The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Vol XXI)". Government Print Office, 1888.
United States War Department "The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Vol XXV)". Government Print Office, 1889.
United States War Department "The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Vol XXVII)". Government Print Office, 1889.
United States War Department "The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Vol XXVII)". Government Print Office, 1889.
United States War Department "The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Vol XXIX)". Government Print Office, 1890.
United States War Department "The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Vol XXXIII)". Government Print Office, 1891.
Written by the members of the respective commands, edited by Walter Clark, Lt.Col. 17th regiment NCT. Histories of the several regiments and battalions from North Carolina, in the great war 1861-'65. Volume II (1901). Published by the state of North Carolina. http://www.archive.org/stream/historiesofsever03clar#page/n161/mode/2up.