Browse Items (916 total)

Recognizing the importance of Wilmington, Union blockaders sought to prevent ships from reaching the port since the summer of 1861, though to no avail. The first Federal ship, the Daylight, arrived in July 1861. This tiny vessel was soon disabled,…

Richard B. Lee was excluded from amnesty due to the fact that he resigned his commission in the US Army and went on to serve as Lieutenant Colonel in the Confederate Army. Lee underscored his meritorious service in the US Army prior to the Civil War,…

April 30th, 1865, we began the “Homeward March” from Raleigh, N.C. the last, and to me, I can truly say, the happiest made by Sherman’s Army. It was to differ greatly from any made bus that preceded it. As in our other marches we were…

You are aware, my friends, that I have given public notice that upon this occasion I would preach a funeral discourse upon the death of the twenty-two unfortunate, yet wicked and deluded men, whom you have witnessed hanged upon the gallows within a…

This is a book that was published in the early 20th century by a Union Civil War veteran who served in the 48th Regiment New York Volunteer. This “Returned Prisoner of War” recounted his enlistment and service up until his capture by…

A major problem that faced both armies during the Civil war was desertion. As the conflict dragged on into a protracted war of attrition, the loss of men through absenteeism struck hardest at the South. Before the end of 1861 it had become a problem…

My Dier wife and children I seete my self this morning with A Troub beled harte and a de strest Mind to try to rite a few lines to Let you no that I hierd my sentens Red yesterday and hit was very Bad I am very sory to let you no for I that you A…

This is a bowl back mandolin (ca. 1915) I recently purchased at a local music store. I think it represents my primary interests in history. From a young age, I spent my time going “antiquing” with my grandfather. I spent a great deal of time in…

This map shows the location of the Endor Iron Works in relation to other locations in 19th Century Chatham County. It also shows the coal vein in the region. One thing to note is that by the time this map was made the Western Railroad had been…

This article from the RaleighWeekly Standard reports Governor Ellis's refusal of Lincoln's request for troops and clarified its new position regarding secession. The paper recounts its efforts for peace but acknowledges that Lincoln's call for troops…