| Aug. 25, ‘64 | Reams Station |
| Sep. 30 – 1 Oct, ‘64 | Jones Farm |
| Dec. 8-13, ‘64 | Jarratt’s Station |
| Feb. 5, ‘65 | Hatcher’s Run |
| Mar 25, ’65 | 2nd Jones Farm |
The brigade went into winter quarters in October and the soldiers
endured a hard winter, with most of it spend on the picket line or in
the trenches. There was occasional maneuvering against Federal attempts
to cut the railroads or turn the Confederate right flank southwest of
the city. Some relief came when the soldiers were off the line in their
huts, but the shortages of food, fuel, and sufficient winter clothing
contributed to a grim existence. This was too hard for some of the men,
and desertions were a constant problem throughout the winter. The
highest number left the ranks of the brigade in February, many
encouraged by the Federals with the promises of ample food. The brigade
reported 1162 men present on 28 February 1865. This would indicate that
the strength each of the four regiments would average around 290, so
company strengths were probably 25-30 men. Although Company C had as
many as 69 men technically listed as “present” on 1 April 65, this
figure would include those sick in brigade hospital, detailed, etc.
These men were not present for duty in the trenches. By the winter of
1864-65, Capt. James Linebarger, who would later command the regiment
in the final days at Petersburg, commanded Company C. Lieutenants
Marcus Throneburg , Mathias Throneburg, and John Williams were also
present in the company during the final days.
On 2 April, Lane’s understrength brigade occupied the section of the
line that would be the main objective of the Federal VI Corps attack.
Lane stated in his report that that the regiments were stretched thin
along the lines, “with intervals between the men varying from six to
ten paces.” The 28th NCT, under the command of Capt. Linebarger, held
the right of the brigade line. Skirmishers from McGowan’s SC brigade
covered the brigade front. After a night artillery bombardment, the
Federals launched a pre-dawn attack on 2 April that overwhelmed the
brigade. The 2nd Division, VI Corps, with the Vermont Brigade leading,
oriented its attack on a ravine between the 28th and 37th NCT, and the
28th was soon isolated from the remainder of the brigade during the
assault. The regiment withdrew initially to the Boydton Plank Road, but
could not hold there and fell back to Cox Road, were it supported a
battery of artillery and continued to skirmish with the advancing
Federals. The fragments of the brigade withdrew toward the inner
defense line pausing to defend from the winter quarters huts of
McGowan’s Brigade, while a detachment of survivors, led by Lt. Snow of
the 33rd NCT, joined with Harris’ Mississippi Brigade in its desperate
defense of Fort Gregg. Lane’s shattered brigade would finally rally
along the Cox Road. The remnants of the brigade would evacuate
Petersburg later that night, crossing the Appomattox River by the
Battersea Bridge, beginning the final retreat to Appomattox Court
House.
Portraying Company
C, 28th NCT at Petersburg
This guidance is provided to allow us to develop an impression that
accurately depicts the appearance of the North Carolinians in the
Company C, 28th NCT during the final days of the War. This guidance is
applicable to most of the NC regiments defending Petersburg during the
siege, not just the 28th NCT.
The appearance of the 28th NCT at Petersburg would show the effects of
life in the trenches and hard campaigning. The forays against the
Federal efforts to turn the lines southwest of the city and duty in the
trenches would have quickly worn out existing clothing and equipment.
The 28th NCT would probably have been supplied with NC issue clothing
in fall, 1864 after the army occupied the Petersburg defenses, since it
was easily reached by rail from Raleigh at that time. The arrival of
clothing from the State would have slowed down as the Federals
disrupted traffic on the Weldon and Southside Railroads. Those wounded
in earlier actions returning to the company may have been issued
Richmond Depot clothing upon discharge from hospital. Participation in
successful actions in October would have given the soldiers an
opportunity to obtain some Federal items from these battlefields.
Following the fighting along the Boydton Plank Road in October, General
Lane mentioned in his diary that: “…Many of the Yankees in their flight
in the recent fight cut the straps to their knapsacks and let them drop
as they heeled it back. The battle-field was a rich one, and my brigade
bears me out in the assertion, as they have a great many sugar-loaf
hats, blue overcoats, oil cloths, shelter-tents, &c., &c.… All
of the dead that had on passable clothes were stripped…” Several days
later he wrote that “There was a great disposition on the part of some
to pillage. The field being a rich one, offered many temptations to the
men to stop.”
A few notes on civilian clothing and captured Federal items: As always,
let’s not overdo it. While the availability of civilian items might
have been better than usual due to the proximity to the city of
Petersburg, the citizens in and around Petersburg, facing an uncertain
future, may have been reluctant to part with their goods. High prices
due to inflation would have severely limited the average soldier’s
ability to purchase them locally. North Carolina was also relatively
close but “boxes from home”, in this case from Catawba County, would
have been problematical in early 1865. Transportation problems and
severe shortages on the North Carolina home front would hinder those
families trying to send any items to soldiers in the regiment. Remember
that Catawba County was largely rural and there was little industry
there to supply the citizens. Clothing of homemade jeans, shirts, socks
are acceptable on a few, but keep it simple. Captured items should be
limited as well; not every soldier captured a full uniform or a
complete set of Federal accouterments and equipment in October and
there was little opportunity for salvage in the wake of the fight on 25
March. By April, these items would have been well-worn, beat-up
examples. Any clothing, such as trousers or shirts would be dirty,
ragged, worn out, and the overcoats a little less worn, but still
dirty. Remember that much of what the Confederates captured probably
was not recently issued to the Federals.
Based on what would logically have been available to the soldiers of
the regiment, here is a guide to what we should wear and use to depict
Company C, 28th NCT in 1865.
Jacket
1. North Carolina Issue Jacket, of gray jeans or cassimere.
(commonly called the “N.C. Depot Jacket” today), “Tucker”, “McRae” or
“Hollyday” styles acceptable. NC Quartermaster records indicate that
gray was the predominate color of the cloth purchased for State
clothing. Avoid the use of any other colors of fabric, especially
brown, for this garment. Buttons should be either NC state seal or NC
sunburst types, with the sunburst type more likely. The jackets should
be dirty, frayed at wear points such as the cuffs and elbows, but not
completely in tatters.
2. Other military issue jackets. - Peter Tait imported jacket of
English blue-gray “army cloth”, Tait “lined block I” or “script I”
buttons. - “Type III” Richmond Depot in English blue-gray “army cloth”,
“block I” or “script I” buttons.
3. Civilian Coats: Remember that the material for clothing for
civilians was in short supply during this time. It is unlikely that
much clothing from home was available in the final months of the war.
Limited use of “homemade” sack coats, vests of homespun jeans. Wood,
bone, or cloth-covered buttons. Grey, black, brown, tan colors
acceptable. Avoid the use of full suits of civilian clothing.
Prohibited Items
Any type of military frock coats on enlisted men, or other CS
issue coats or jackets of any type not specifically listed,
overshirt/“battle shirt” as outer garment, any Federal clothing. No
civilian clothing common to the upper classes of society (the “Rhett
Butler” look, long frock coats of any sort, ecclesiastical garments,
etc)
Trousers
All trousers would also have been be dirty, frayed, and generally in
worse condition than the jackets. Civilian trousers of homespun jeans;
basic colors the same as civilian coats.
1. “McRae” or “Richmond Depot” patterns in gray jeans, cassimere,
satinette, English blue-gray “army cloth”, English medium blue kersey
(NOT U.S. issue sky blue kersey). The “Richmond Depot” pattern trousers
match the basic style of a pair of trousers identified as NC issue.
2. Limited use of well-used Federal trousers. Prohibited Items: CS
issue types not common to the ANV in early 1865; any plaid, striped,
checked civilian trousers.
Shirts 1. “Hollyday” (plain white cotton), “McRae” (blue/gray flannel),
“Seldon” (blue striped cotton English import) styles of shirts or any
other shirt style identified as a North Carolina issue item or
identified to a North Carolina soldier; CS issue common to the ANV in
late 1864 -1865.
2. Limited use of Federal issue gray or tan flannel shirts
3. Civilian/homemade types. Plain cotton, woven checks or stripes.
Prohibited Items: any CS issue not common to the NC troops or the ANV
in 1865, overshirt/“battle shirt” as outer garment.
Drawers
Any period types in cotton or flannel.
Socks (if
worn)
Any period types in wool or cotton, in natural or plain colors. Avoid
striped socks.
Shoes
Shoes were in short supply, but you must wear shoes at the event.
1. NC-manufactured shoes, CS types issued to the ANV in 1864-65,
English-made shoes, civilian brogans. Federal shoes permitted, but
should be well-worn.
Prohibited Items
Any types/styles of boots, canvas “sport shoes”
Hats/Caps
1. Civilian felt hat, NC issue felt hat
2. NC issue “kepi” or CS “kepi” styles common to the ANV in 1864, of
gray jeans, satinette, cassimere, English blue-gray “army cloth”, no
colored bands or trim.
3. Limited use of captured Federal headgear; if used, those items must
be well-worn, beat-up examples.
Prohibited Items
Any other types or patterns of Confederate caps or military
hats. Any types of civilian caps.
Weapons
Cal..58 rifle muskets. Richmond rifle-musket, P1853 Enfield
rifle-musket, M1861 and M1863 Springfield rifle-muskets permitted.
Lorenz rifle permitted, but discouraged, as the mixed calibers of
weapons would not be seen in the infantry companies at this point in
the war. An ordnance report for the brigade from June 1863 listed the
Austrian weapons, along with “muskets”, but we were unable to verify
that these types were still in use in April 1865. The report did not
indicate how each regiment was armed, but listed only types and total
numbers. (Thanks to Greg Sheppard, we were able to get copies of the
division IG’s reports on Lane’s Brigade from the National Archives,
which listed “cal.58” rifle muskets for the 28th NCT in Nov-Dec 64).
Bayonets appropriate to the weapon carried. It is also acceptable not
to carry a bayonet. A “gun sling” is not required with the weapon, but
if used must be appropriate to the weapon carried. Musket appendages
encouraged for all ranks, and each non-commissioned officer should have
at least a wrench and wiper that fits his weapon.
Ammunition packages and boxes should show markings for the Richmond
Arsenal or be unmarked.
Prohibited items: any other types of weapons not listed above. Any
bowie, side, or fighting knives, pistols of any sort, pikes, or any
other types of military or civilian weapons not specifically permitted
above.
Accouterments
These items should be CS issue appropriate to the Richmond Depot in
1864; English accouterments sets; CS painted canvas accouterments,
belts, or slings; very limited use of captured US boxes (patterns of
1857, 1861). No white webbing or white buff leather items of any sort,
no “russet” leather.
1. Cartridge Box: CS types identified to NC use, CS types common issue
from the Richmond Depot in 1864-65, English import infantry box,
painted cloth boxes, very limited use of captured US boxes (patterns of
1857, 1861 boxes with shoulder belts appropriate to the types of
boxes). If a cartridge box shoulder belt is used: black leather CS
issue or painted canvas.
2. Cap Box: CS types identified to NC use, CS types common issue from
the Richmond Depot in 1864. Very limited use of captured US pattern of
1850.
3. Waist Belt: CS types identified to NC use, CS types common issue
from the Richmond Depot in 1864-65, CS issue frames or forked-tongue
buckles, English imports. Painted canvas with iron roller buckles, very
limited Federal issue. No canvas webbing, white buff.
4. Bayonet Scabbard: CS types identified to NC use, CS types common
issue from the Richmond Depot in 1864-65, English import scabbards and
frogs of the correct pattern. Limited use of Federal scabbards (two and
seven rivet patterns).
Blanket
Blankets were scarce, so limit your bedding to one blanket
if possible. NC or CS issue military blankets of patterns common to NC
troops in the ANV in 1865; captured Federal blankets. Use of civilian
bed blankets, coverlets, quilts, carpet blankets should be limited as
most of these items were used up by 1865, or retained by civilians for
their use.
Oilcloth
CS types of oilcloths. Federal rubber blanket/poncho: No
oilcloth/rubber blanket is also correct for this scenario. Haversack
1. CS issue unpainted cotton haversack (Moses Alexander or other
styles), CS issue painted cloth haversack (“Bayley” style)
2. US Haversack: limited use, must be well-worn, beat-up examples
Prohibited Items
No striped, plaid, printed cloth haversacks. No early war items or any
other types of haversacks not listed or any type of carpetbags. Canteen
1. CS issue tin drum canteens. These canteens should be the plain,
flat- sided type or the convex-sided types common to the ANV. Canteen
slings should be simple cotton cloth types.
2. CS issue wooden canteens. Correct copies of the Gardner and Nuckols
patterns. Avoid using any with extensive carvings, unit markings, etc
not appropriate to the 28th NCT. Canteen slings should be simple cotton
cloth types.
3. Federal pattern of 1858/pattern of 1858 canteens. Limited use, must
be well-worn, beat-up examples
Prohibited Items
Any canteens not common to the ANV in 1864-65, any with embossed “CS” or other markings, and any filter types.
Knapsack
CS issue types common to ANV including the Kibbler/Johnson style and
Isaac & Campbell bags. Blanket rolls preferred in place of Federal
Knapsacks. Limited use of Federal knapsacks will be allowed, No unit
markings on Confederate bags and no markings on Federal bags not
appropriate to Federal regiments that fought at Reams Station or Jones'
Farm.
Mess Equipment
Tin cups, small boilers, small tin plates or bowls and the usual types
of flatware. Any other mess pans, large mess pans/pots, frying pans,
etc would have been behind the lines.
Miscellaneous
Clothing and Equipment
Tentage
None, as they were in winter quarters and these items would have been
behind the lines. Limited use of captured shelter tents in trenches.
Overcoat
Llimited use, English import type or captured Federal issue, but
captured items must be very worn, dirty.
Pioneer Tools
Axes, shovels/spades of period style, picks
Prohibited items: Rubber talmas/raincoats, rain covers for caps, any
other one-of-a-kind or oddball items that are inappropriate or wrong
for the 28th NCT in March 1865.
Personal Items
Carry a few items that can fit in your pockets: wallets, watches,
pocketknives, cased images, etc. These should be items common to a
North Carolinian in the ANV in 1865. Fancy writing kits, toilet
articles, sewing kits, camp/smoking/sleeping caps, chess sets, books,
etc. were probably in short supply, if any had survived to this point.
Please leave them at home for this event.
Rations
Cornmeal, fresh beef, salt pork, bacon, “Nassau bacon”, potatoes,
parched corn, peanuts, and any other foodstuffs common to southside
Virginia in early spring of 1865. Limit the quantities…it’s 1865. The
issue of hard bread appears to have been limited and any in haversacks
in the 28th NCT would have been limited to that obtained by trade with
Federals on the picket line. If you must bring crackers, don’t bring
many.
Personal Appearance
Dirty and unkempt. Try to be as close to this your modern life will
permit. Sources: The information on the 28th NCT in this article was
taken from the “usual” sources: Clark’s NC Regts, Vol II, and NC
Troops: a Roster, vol VIII. See A History of Catawba County, C.J.
Preslar, ed. for a detailed account of the county during the war, and
other details. The compiled service records for the officers in the
company, and other personal accounts, letters, etc did not provide any
information on uniforms, weapons and equipment in 1865. Chris Graham
“crunched the numbers” on Company C from the information in NC Troops:
a Roster. The best account to the breakthrough on 2 April is A.Wilson
Green’s Breaking the Backbone of the Rebellion: the Final Battles of
the Petersburg Campaign, which you should try to read prior to the
event.