Guilford County NcArchives Military Records.....Adams, William, Captain September 17, 1862
Civilwar Company B, 27th Infantry, N. C. T.
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Carolyn Shank Carolynshank@msn.com August 21, 2007, 2:10 pm

Death Of Capt. William Adams
The Standard of Raleigh, Dec. 17, 1862
   DEATH OF CAPTAIN WILLIAM ADAMS
  "Don't give up the ship!" has long been a motto for the brave. These noble 
words were spoken by a dying hero, while his shattered ship was staggering 
before the tempest of battle. They have added glory to a nation's history, and 
rendered the name of LAWRENCE immortal.
   As noble words were spoken by a dying young Captain on the bloody field of 
Sharpsburg. When the conflict was raging and the issue was doubtful, an order 
was given to charge the lines and batteries of the enemy.Promptly and nobly 
was the order executed. CAPTAIN WILLIAM ADAMS and his Guilford Grays were in 
that terrific charge, when he received his death wound. When he fell, some of 
his gallant comrades wished to bear him from the field. The last utterance of 
his noble spirit was, "Leave me and fight on!" A nation's fame and a people's 
gratitude should not allow the names, the words and the deeds of our heroes to 
die.
   CAPTAIN WILLIAM ADAMS was the son of PETER and SARAH ADAMS, and was born in 
Greensboro', N. C. , on the 18th of February, 1836. The affectionate 
liberality of his worthy father gave him the advantage of a good education,, 
and he never forgot the moral teachings of his patriotic and Christian mother.
His love for his mother was the strongest feeling of his life.
   CAPT. ADAMS graduated at our University in June 1858. He chose the 
profession of law and was admitted to the bar in February, 1860.
   He commanded his company at the battle of Newbern and did all that courage 
can do to prevent that disaster. He was with his company, in a reserved corps 
during the seven days battle before Richmond, and he went with the army in the 
expedition into Maryland. He fought his last battle at Sharpsburg [17 Sept. 
1862] and there at the post of duty and of danger, he offered up his life as a 
sacrafice to the freedom of the South.
   At Shepherdstown his sad and weary comrades laid him in a quiet grave, 
which they hallowed with the tears of affection.

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