NORTH CAROLINA STATE WIDE - MILITARY - 35th Regiment, NC Troops - History ============================================================================ USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the North Carolina USGenWeb Archives by: Richard Crotwell tenring@enia.net ============================================================================ THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT, NORTH CAROLINA TROOPS EVENTS AND ENGAGEMENTS by Wm. Richard Crotwell Metter, Georgia 19 April 2002 The regiment was organized at Camp Mangum (Camp Crabtree?), near Raleigh, NC, 8 November, 1861. The regiment was mustered in for 12 month's states service and remained in camp near Raleigh for the remainder of 1861. It's ten companies were recruited in the North Carolina counties indicated below. According to North Carolina law at the time, regarding Confederate volunteers, enlisted men elected their company officers, viz: Captain, one First and two Second Lieutenants. These company officers elected their field officers, viz: Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel and Major. The Colonel appointed the regimental staff, viz: Surgeon, Assistant Surgeon, Quartermaster, Commissary and Adjutant. Company County Captain's Commission Date Total Men A Onslow 06 Sep 1861 136 B McDowell 11 Sep 1861 133 C Moore 12 Sep 1861 130 D Chatham 20 Sep 1861 147 E Person 25 Sep 1861 196 F Union 04 Oct 1861 128 G Henderson 05 Oct 1861 123 H Mecklenburg 03 Sep 1861 188 I Wayne 11 Oct 1861 133 K Catawba 15 Oct 1861 156 November 08, 1861 Officers elected: Colonel: The Reverend James Sinclair, former Chaplain of the 5th Regiment NC State Troops. Lieutenant-Colonel: Marshall D. Craton, one time Captain of Company A 27th NC Infantry of Wayne Co. NC. Major: Oliver Cromwell Petway, cadet at Virginia Military Academy when the war started. Officers appointed by the Colonel: Regimental Surgeon: Captain James R. Ellis of Company K. Assistant Surgeon: Second Lieutenant Cader G. Cox of Company A. Quartermaster: First Lieutenant William M. Black of Company C. Commissary: First Lieutenant John T. Kennedy of Company I. Adjutant: T. J. Oates. January 01, 1861 The 35th Regiment was transferred to Confederate Service. January 08, 1861 The 35th Regiment departed for New Bern, NC "fully and well armed" although their number was "reduced by sickness, principally measles and mumps." March 12, 1862 General Branch, by nightfall, ordered the 35th Regiment, under Colonel Sinclair, south towards Fisher's Landing near Otter's Creek to resist any enemy landing attempt. The effort was too late as Union forces had already reached the mouth of Slocum Creek by 9 p.m. The 35th Regiment was recalled to the primary defensive line at Fort Thompson. March 13, 1862 Battle Preparations - The 35th Regiment was placed next to last on the right (west) end of a one mile long line running from Fort Thompson to the railroad. A local militia unit was between the 35th Regiment and the railroad. March 14, 1862 Battle of New Bern, NC - The battle opened about 7:30 a.m. when the invading Union forces opened with cannon fire. During the battle, the local militia unit gave way, thus exposing the right side of the 35th Regiment, which retreated in "utmost disorder" across the Trent River towards New Bern. Losses to the 35th Regiment during the battle and retreat towards Kinston were 5 men killed, 11 wounded, 9 missing. The retreat continued to below Kinston, NC (Camp Ransom) where the regiment was assigned to a newly organized brigade under command of Brigadier-General Robert Ransom, Jr. Company D volunteered to act as a rear guard during this retreat. Reorganization followed this event and the Brigade remained in camp there through the month of April. March 17, 1862 35th Regiment made part of Brigadier-General Samuel G. French's Brigade. April 09, 1862 35th Regiment assigned to, and remained with, a brigade to be commanded by Brigadier- General Robert Ransom, Jr. When Ransom's Brigade is mentioned in following events, one may assume the 35th Regiment was also involved. April 10, 1862 Regiment reorganized and new officers elected: Colonel: Matthew W. Ransom who was Lieutenant-Colonel of 1st NC State Troops. Lieutenant-Colonel: Oliver Cromwell Petway, their Major. Major: John G. Jones, of Company E. Colonel Ransom appointed the following regimental staff: Surgeon: Dr. Charles J. O'Hagan, Assistant Surgeon of the 1st Cavalry at the time. Quartermaster: Captain Nicholas M. Long, who later resigned and was succeeded by Captain Joseph M. Rogers. Commissary: Dr. Charles J. Gee Adjutant: Mr. Nelson of Wayne County, NC, who had been a cadet at West Point. April 11, 1862 About this date, Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall D. Craton resigned and was appointed Colonel of the 50th Regiment, North Carolina Troops on April 15, 1862. May 1862 Captain Hugh M. Dixon, of Company H, resigned and First Lieutenant David G. Maxwell was promoted to Captain. Silas C. Hunter and J.R. Baker made First and Second Lieutenants respectively of the company. June 1862 Brigadier-General Robert Ransom, Jr. and his brigade ordered to Virginia and assigned to Huger's Division. The brigade as now organized, was composed of the 24th, 25th, 26th, 35th, and 49th North Carolina Regiments. June 19, 1862 The 35th Regiment, along with Ransom's Brigade departed for Petersburg, VA where it arrived on June 21. June 24, 1862 Ransom's Brigade departed Petersburg to Richmond, VA under command of General Benjamin Huger. June 25-28, 1862 Battle of Seven Pines - 35th Regiment, while under Magruder's command, involved in 1st day's fighting on the Williamsburg Road near King's School House (Oak Grove) Virginia against General Philip Kearney's Division. Losses to the 35th Regiment: 1 killed, 5 wounded. July 01, 1862 Battle of Malvern Hill, VA - The regiment assaulted Malvern Hill at close of the day while under Magruder's Command. Losses to the 35th Regiment were: both commanders, 18 men killed, 91 wounded, 18 missing. Lieutenant-Colonel Petway and Capt. Hardy J. Lassiter were of those killed at this time. Colonel Matthew W. Ransom was wounded twice and turned his command over to Lieutenant-Colonel Petway who was killed a few minutes later while leading the regiment up the hill. Major John G. Jones became Lieutenant-Colonel, Captain John M. Kelly [Kelley] of Company C was promoted to Major, and First Lieutenant Evander McN. Blue to Captain of the Company. Lee's Army withdrew to Richmond. July 07, 1862 The Brigade moved to Drewry's Bluff where it remained until ordered to Petersburg. July 29, 1862 Ordered to Petersburg, VA where it remained until August 19 then returned to Richmond. August 01, 1862 Lieutenant Walter Clark was appointed by Colonel Ransom as Adjutant after Nelson's July 1862 resignation. August 23, 1862 Marched to the pontoon bridge over the James River at Drewry's Bluff. August 26, 1862 The 26th Regiment was transferred to Martin's Brigade. Ransom's Brigade returned to Richmond, VA and boarded a train for Rapidan Station to rejoin the Army of Northern Virginia. August 27, 1862 The brigade departed Richmond, VA en route to join Lee's Army, then invading Maryland. September 03, 1862 On, or about this date, Ransoms and Walkers Brigades were designated a division under Brigadier-General J.G. Walker and assigned to General James Longstreet's command. September 07, 1862 The 35th Regiment crossed the Potomac River at Cheek's Ford where the water was about 1/4 mile wide and waist deep. The Army halted at Frederick, Maryland. September 09, 1862 Marched from Monocacy Junction, near Frederick, to the mouth of the Monocacy River with orders to destroy an aqueduct of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The aqueduct was captured after a brief skirmish with the enemy, however, efforts to destroy the facility proved futile. September 11, 1862 Recrossed the Potomac River at Point of Rocks, marched toward Hillsboro on Harper's Ferry road. September 14, 1862 Reached and occupied Loudoun Heights where division batteries shelled Harper's Ferry until it surrended on the 15th. September 15, 1862 Marched 12 miles toward the Shenandoah, and that night at 1 a.m. started for Sheperdstown. September 16, 1862 Crossed into Maryland at 1 a.m., wading the Potomac for the third time within nine days. September 17, 1862 Battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam), Maryland - The 35th Regiment was aroused at 3 a.m. and marched to it's position on the extreme right of Lee's Army. At 9 a.m. the 35th was ordered to the left in support of Jackson and arrived at 10 a.m. near woods where Hood and Early were gradually yielding to greater numbers. Ransom's Brigade drove the enemy through and from the west woods while inflicting great loss to them. Withstood, for eight hours, three infantry attacks and persistent and terrific artillery fire. The artillery event was described by Confederate General Stephen D. Lee, as "Artillery Hell." General Walker's official report indicates: "Colonel [Matthew] Ransom, of the Thirty-fifth North Carolina, in temporary command of the brigade, not only repulsed the enemy, but pursued him across the field as far as the post and rail fences, inflicting upon him so severe punishment that no other attempt with infantry was made on the position during the day." In this charge, Adjutant Clark and Lieutenant (later Captain) S.G. Howie, of Company F, captured Lieutenant-Colonel E. A. Palfrey, of the Nineteenth Massachusetts, and two other officers. During this engagement, Private William S. Hood of Company H, volunteered to climb a tree, selected by General Jackson, and report what he saw as regards enemy forces. When asked by Jackson, Private Hood replied "Oceans of them" and indicated how many flags he could see. During this time enemy sharpshooters were firing at Private Hood. General Robert Ransom made Private Hood his orderly. Reported losses during the Maryland campaign are: Ransom's Brigade 41 killed 141 wounded, 4 missing. The 35th Regiment: 3 killed, 23 wounded. Among those of the 35th Regiment killed was Captain Walter M. Bryson, of Company G, who was replaced by Lieutenant John J. Case who was then promoted to Captain. September 18, 1862 The Brigade occupied the same woods as held the day before, and retreated during the night across the Potomac River, at Shepherdstown, and marched towards Martinsburg, and from there to the neighborhood of Winchester and remained in bivouac there until 23 October 1862. October 14, 1862 Colonel Matthew Ransom, while not fully recovered from wounds received during the Battle of Malvern Hill, complimented his men for bravery and fortitude during a dress parade speech. He then returned home for treatment. October 23, 1862 The Brigade broke camp, marched through Culpepper Court House and Madison Court House and arrived near Fredericksburg on 23 November. 1862 and went into camp to await the impending battle there. During this march orders were received to discharge all men under 18 and over 40 years of age. About fifty men were sent home as a result. Dec. 11, 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg, VA - After hearing the 4 a.m. firing of two signal guns, which indicated Union General Burnside had begun his attack on Fredericksburg, the 35th Regiment hurriedly took up a march for the line of battle. Ransom's Brigade was assigned the defense of positions on Marye's Heights and Willis' Hill, occupied by the Washington Artillery. The invading enemy assaulted from 11 a.m. until dark without success and suffered great losses. During part of the fighting the 25th Regiment took a position behind the famous stone wall. Reported losses to the 35th Regiment are: 27 killed, 127 wounded. Major John M. Kelly, Lieutenant W.H. Holt of Company D, and Lieutenant John H. Conley, of Company B were among those killed. By virtue of seniority, Captain James T. Johnson, of Company K became Major and his First Lieutenant, Philip J. Johnston, was promoted to Captain of the company. January 03, 1863 The Brigade was ordered to Kenansville North Carolina to guard the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad. Starting at daybreak, marched 15 miles before halting. Marched through Richmond and took cars at Petersburg for Kenansville, NC. Feb 1863 Adjutant Lieutenant Walter Clark resigned in order to return Chapel Hill where he graduated 2 June 1864. Feb 22 1863 The 35th Regiment was sent to Wilmington, NC where it arrived on the same day. Feb 27-March. 7, 1863 Regiment at Northeast Station then moved to a camp below Wilmington. Spring 1863 The 56th Regiment, under Colonel Paul F. Faison, was assigned to take the place of the 26th Regiment within the Brigade. Brigadier-General Ransom's Brigade now consisted of the 24th, 25th, 35th, 49th and 56th North Carolina Regiments. Ransom's Brigade was in the Department of North Carolina, General D.H. Hill commanding, and stationed at different times at Goldsboro, Kinston and Wilmington. March 28, 1863 The 35th Regiment was at Goldsboro, NC then moved to nearby Kinston for outpost duty during April and May. April 14, 1863 While in bivouac at Kinston, NC, guarding roads leading from New Bern at Core Creek, Gum Swamp and Wise's Fork, a lady complained that some of her chickens had been stolen by the soldiers. The men were identified a members of a company belonging to the 35th Regiment. The Captain of that company was ordered to have the chickens paid for. May 13, 1863 Colonel Ransom appointed Lieutenant Robert B. Peebles of Company E, 56th North Carolina Regiment to succeed Lieutenant Walter Clark as Adjutant. May 22, 23, 1863 The 35th Regiment was involved in a minor but successful campaign to drive Federals back from Gum Swamp to New Bern, NC. May 27, 1863 The 35th Regiment departed the Kinston, NC area and traveled by rail to Petersburg, VA where it arrived and camped near by.. June 1, 1863 While in camp near Petersburg, the Brigade was sent to work on fortifications at City Point. June 02, 1863 Departed Petersburg, via rail for Ivor Station, then marched to Blackwater Bridge. June 09, 1863 Ransom's Brigade moved to Chafin's Farm. June.12, 1863 Marched from Blackwater Bridge to Ivor Station and then to Petersburg by rail. June 14, 1863 Marched to Drewry's Bluff and back to Petersburg where it remained until 21 June. June 15, 1863 The Brigade, while at Chaffin's Bluff, was ordered to join Beauregard in defense of Petersburg and crossed the James River on a pontoon bridge and marched night. About this time General Robert Ransom was promoted to Major-General. Colonel Matthew W. Ransom was promoted to Brigadier-General and became the Brigade commander; Lieutenant-Colonel Jones became Colonel; Major Johnston became Lieutenant-Colonel; Captain S.B. Taylor , of Company A, became Major by seniority of rank; First Lieutenant Henry W. Humphrey was promoted to Captain of the company. Captain David G. Maxwell, of Company H, resigned because of poor health and First Lieutenant William H.S. Burgwyn was then promoted to Captain of Company H. June 16, 1863 Petersburg Defense - The Brigade arrived at Petersburg in the morning and were immediately sent to the Confederate line east of the city where they were attacked during late afternoon. June 17, 1863 Petersburg Defense - The Brigade was involved in heavy fighting throughout the day. Badly outnumbered, they held their own until reinforced by the Army of Northern Virginia. The 35th was involved in hand to hand combat and sustained "dreadful" losses during the night while taking part in an attempt to recapture a line of fortifications. The larger part of the regiment was killed and wounded, and many of it's members were captured. During this engagement, the flag of the 35th Regiment was captured while the Regiment captured three enemy flags. June 21, 1863 The Regiment moved from Petersburg to Drewery's Bluff where it remained for four days. June 25, 1863 The Brigade returned to Richmond and camped near the city. July 1863 Ransom's (Matthew), Jenkins', and Cooke's Brigades were now in Ransom's (Robert, Jr.) division, Department of Richmond. July 1-3, 1863 The division was located at Bottoms Bridge under command of General D. H. Hill to meet an enemy advance on Richmond, from Williamsburg, VA. July 04, 1863 The Brigade was at Bottoms Bridge on the Chickahominy River, VA, and was involved in a skirmish with the enemy. July 08, 1863 The Brigade returned from Bottoms Bridge to Richmond where it remained for a few days, then moved to Petersburg. Jul 20 or 27, 1864 The Brigade was ordered to Weldon, NC to protect a railroad bridge. While in camp near Petersburg, Ransom's Brigade ordered to Garysburg. The 35th Regiment left that afternoon on the mail train and arrived that night. General Ransom left camp that night and arrived in Garysburg at daybreak the next day. July 28, 1863 Battle at Boon's Mill, NC, located today on highway 158 just west of Jackson in Northampton Co. NC. After a five hour fight, Ransom's 200 men with 2 cannons, successfully defended, repulsed and prevented a Union force of 5,000 men under command of Colonel S.P. Spear from crossing a bridge there. Thus Union forces were prevented from reaching and destroying the railroad bridge over the Roanoke River at Weldon, NC. Only one of the defenders was wounded. The 200 Confederate men may have been either of the 24th North Carolina or local militia from the Weldon Provost Guards. While fighting was going on at Boon's Mill, members of the 35th Regiment had been sent to defend another road leading to Garysburg and Weldon and the next day joined in pursuit of Colonel Spear in his retreat to Winton. End of August 1864 The Brigade was at Garysburg, NC where it moved to after the Battle at Boon's Mill. It then moved to Weldon on an unspecified date. October 28, 1864 The Brigade moved to Tarboro, NC and then back to Weldon, NC, where it went into winter quarters in November. Winter 1863-1864 Ransom's Brigade assigned to the Department of North Carolina under Major-General George F. Pickett who was soon ordered to Virginia and tactical command of Confederate forces in eastern North Carolina passed to Brigadier-General Robert Frederick Hoke. During this time, the 35th Regiment was on outpost at Hamilton, NC, on the Roanoke River. January 1864 Captain William H.S. Burgwyn, of Company H, was transferred to the staff of Clingman's Brigade. January 28-29, 1864 Ransom's Brigade moved from Weldon, NC to Kinston, NC where it joined Pickett's force. January 30, 1864 Attack on New Bern, NC - Pickett divided his forces into three columns. Ransom's Brigade marched from Kinston, in General Seth Barton's column, along the south side of the Trent River toward New Bern, NC. Barton found Federal defenses were too great and called his assault off. The other two columns found limited success and the event was canceled. The Brigade marched back to Kinston. February 06, 1864 The Brigade returned to Weldon by rail. February 26, 1864 The Brigade moved to Franklin, VA and from there marched to South Mills, Camden County, NC. The Brigade, with cavalry support, drove an invading force of Federal troops down the Dismal Swamp Canal to within 12 miles of Norfolk. March 04, 1864 The Brigade marched toward Norfolk by way of South Mills. March 09, 1864 Ransom's Brigade drove invading Federal forces from Suffolk, VA, captured an artillery piece and quartermaster stores. The Brigade held the town for two days then continued their march. March 12, 1864 The Brigade arrived at Weldon, NC where it remained until 14 April. April 14, 1864 Preparation for The Battle of Plymouth, NC - The Brigade moved to the staging area at Tarboro, NC. Here, Matthew W. Ransom's Brigade, was composed of the 8th, 24th, 25th, 35th and 56th North Carolina and became part of Brigadier-General Robert F. Hoke's Army. April 15, 1864 (Friday) Tarboro, NC 10 a.m., Hoke's Army started a three day 65 mile march towards Plymouth, NC. After a 15 mile march they camped two miles west of Hamilton. April 16, 1864 Hoke's Army, with Ransom's Brigade in front, resumed it's trek east, arriving at Foster's Mill, five miles south of Williamston, at nightfall and made camp for the night near the creek. April 17, 1864 (Sunday) 5 a.m., Hoke's Army broke camp and marched through Jamesville and arrived, at 4 p.m., 5 miles from Plymouth, NC where the 35th Regiment, Dearing's Cavalry and artillery joined him. From here Kemper's Brigade, most of the cavalry and some artillery were sent to attack Fort Gray two miles away. The remainder of his forces proceeded towards Plymouth where the assault started and continued until nightfall. Plymouth was protected by a series of earthwork forts. Fort Grey redoubt (west of town on the south bank of Roanoke River), Fort Wessells (one mile southwest of Plymouth), Fort William (strongest of the system), Conaby Redoubt (between 3rd & 4th streets), Fort Comfort (between Columbia Road & Roanoke River). April 18, 1864 (Monday) Confederate troops started work at 2:30 a.m. April 19, 1864 During the night, General Ransom's forces crossed Coneby Creek and formed his lines for the assault and gave his men four hours of rest. April 20, 1864 Battle of Plymouth, NC - Order to charge was given at daybreak. The first shot from the Albemarle fell short, killing several men of the 35th Regiment. During this event, the 35th and a portion of the 24th were sent to silence Fort Comfort and the Conaby Redoubt. At 10 a.m., Union Brigadier-General William H. Wessells, commander of the fort at Plymouth, NC ordered hoisting of a white flag of surrender. Immediately, soldiers of the 35th Regiment scaled the fort (Fort Wessells) and pulled the white flag down. Ransom's Brigade lost 87 killed and more than 500 wounded, with the 35th Regiment sustaining the greatest loss. Federal losses were 2,834 killed, wounded and missing. After this Brigadier-General Hoke was promoted to Major-General. April 27, 1864 Hoke's forces laid siege on Washington, NC where, Union Army forces, under General Palmer, had looted and set fire to the town and evacuated it on the 30th of April. Hoke then drove towards New Bern, NC. May 04, 1864 General Hoke marched against New Bern, NC, and after driving away Federal Pickets at Deep Gully, about 8 miles from New Bern, moved down the south bank of the Trent River. His forces invested the city, captured it's water works, and was preparing for assault when ordered, on the first day of action, to Petersburg, VA, by President Davis, and Generals Lee and Beauregard. Hoke believed New Bern could have been captured within 48 hours and eastern North Carolina would have been rid of Union forces. Such would have opened ports for blockade runners with supplies for Lee's Army via railroad. Orders calling Hoke to Petersburg at such time appear to have been a mistake. May 10, 1864 Ransom's Brigade, under General Hoke, reached Petersburg. May 13, 1864 Ransom's Brigade, while occupying outer line of works defending Drewry's Bluff, was attacked by forces of General Butler. The Brigade held it's own and withdrew during the night to the main line of defenses Captain Cicero Durham, commanding a battalion of sharpshooters and known as the "fighting quartermaster of the Forty-Ninth," was killed. Wounded were Lieutenant Waverly Johnston, of General Ransom's staff and General Ransom. May 16, 1864 Main Battle of Drewery's Bluff - The 35th Regiment participated in gaining victory over General Butler. May 20, 1864 Ransom's Brigade occupied trenches Bermuda Hundreds. Six companies of the 35th Regiment were ordered to advance the picket lines which was done with great loss. Among those killed were Captain William A. Ellis, of Company I, and Orderly Sergeant William H. Campbell of Company H. Captain Robert E. Petty, of Company D, was seriously wounded. General Ransom, at this time, was lying wounded in Richmond. June 02, 1864 Ransom's Brigade, while at Bermuda Hundred, was assigned to General Bushrod A. Johnson's newly formed division. June 04, 1864 The Brigade marched to Bottom's Bridge below Richmond. June 09, 1864 The Brigade moved to Chaffin's Farm. June 15, 1864 Ransom's Brigade at Chaffin's Bluff, VA. At 9:30 a.m. General Beauregard ordered Bragg to send him Ransom's Brigade which marched all night towards Petersburg. June 16, 1864 Battle at Petersburg - The Brigade reached Petersburg about sunrise and ran through a storm of shot and shell in order to reach the Confederate works, repelled the enemy's charge, and drive them back. The 35th Regiment was among the first to arrive, and repulsed two assaults of the enemy. The lines were held steady during the night. June 17, 1864 Battle at Petersburg - Fighting was renewed early. Multiple assaults by the enemy invaders were repulsed. About 11 p.m. Ransom's Brigade was ordered to support forces of General Wise who had been driven from their salient position. After being ordered to charge and re-establish the line, the 35th Regiment did so while receiving fire from the enemy from front and flanks. Upon reaching the works, hand to hand combat occurred. The colors of the 35th Regiment were captured by Corporal Young, of the First Michigan, but the 35th captured three flags from the enemy invaders. Adjutant Peebles, not knowing, in the darkness and confusion, who was in command, assumed to act for himself, and after a hand to hand encounter at breastworks, several hundred of the enemy surrendered to less than one half that number of the survivors of the 35th. A large part of the 35th were killed, wounded & captured. The 35th Regiment started this action with 28 officers and nearly 500 men and brought out 8 officers and less than 200 men. Captain Thomas J. Blackwell, of Company B, was wounded in a hand to hand encounter with a Federal Major who was killed by one of Captain Johnston's men. Among those killed were Colonel J.G. Jones and Captain Thomas J. Blackwell, of Company B. During the night General Beauregard withdrew to new and shorter lines of defense nearer Petersburg. June 18, 1864 Lieutenant-Colonel J. T. Johnston and Major Simon B. Taylor now became respectively Colonel and Lieutenant-Colonel. Captain Robert E. Petty, of Company D, became Major of the Regiment. July 30, 1864 Battle of The Crater - Federal forces exploded a large mine under Confederate breastworks which had been previously constructed by Ransom's Brigade. Ransom's Brigade was in the trenches left of Pegram's Battery and Elliott's South Carolina Brigade when the explosion occurred. The Brigades 25th and 49th Regiments along with Mahone's Division were drawn out of the works to assist in repelling the enemy now pouring through this location and drove them back to their lines. During this time the 35th Regiment extended it's front so as to occupy spaces vacated by the withdrawn troops and repelled several enemy assaults attempting to carry works adjacent to those destroyed by the explosion. Brigade losses at this battle were: 14 killed, 60 wounded, and 8 missing. The Brigade remained in trenches left of the crater until 20 August. August 20, 1864 The Brigade left the trenches and moved to the extreme right of the Petersburg defensive line to join an effort to drive the Federals back from the Petersburg & Weldon Railroad. Also in the latter part of August 1864, Ransom's Brigade successfully attacked enemy invaders at the Davis House and drove them back. August 21, 1864 The Brigade took part in a successful attack at Globe Tavern. August 22, 1864 The Brigade returned to trenches east of Petersburg on the City Point Railroad. For the next seven months [The men] "lived in the ground, walked in wet ditches, ate...cold rations in ditches [and] slept in dirt-covered pits." The breastworks of the two armies were in many places so near that one exposing any part of his person was sure to be shot at and usually killed or wounded. The picket posts could only be relieved at night by crawling along ditches to and from them. Mortar shells were incessantly coming down from above. There was no shelter from sun or rain. No food could be cooked there, but the scanty ration was brought in bags on the shoulders from the cook yards sometimes a mile distant. (Clark's Regiments. Vol. II. pp 624-625) March 15, 1865 Ransom's Brigade moved from the trenches to Hatcher's Run near Five Forks, VA. March 24, 1865 The Brigade moved back, during the night, to Petersburg in preparation of an assault on Fort Steadman. March 25, 1865 Assault on Fort Steadman, Hare's Hill, Virginia - Killed during this assault were: Colonel Johnston, Captain S.G. Howie, of Company F, Private William S. Hood, of Company H, a Courier. Many others of the 35th Regiment were killed and about half of Ransom's brigade were taken prisoners. March 26, 1865 Remnants of Ransom's Brigade returned to Hatcher's Run. March 31, 1865 Under General George E. Pickett, Ransom's Brigade assisted in forcing an attack by Sheridan's Calvary back to Dinwiddie Court House. The Brigade moved back to Hatcher's Run the next day. April 01, 1865 Battle of Five Forks, VA - Ransom's Brigade first occupied a position east of Five Forks on the north side of White Oak Road. Their second position was near Ford Road northeast of Five Forks. The already depleted 35th Regiment lost about half it's remaining men, most of whom (perhaps 100) were captured. Captain Sterling Gee, chief of the brigade staff, was among those killed during this battle. He was succeeded by Robert Peebles. April 02, 1865 On the evening of this day, the Army of Northern Virginia began withdrawing from the Richmond-Petersburg defenses and moved eastward toward Amelia Court House, VA. April 06, 1865 Ransom's Brigade was a part of the rear guard action at Sayler's (Sailor's) Creek, VA. April 09, 1865 General Lee surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse, VA. April 12, 1865 In Source (1), page 626, Captain William H. S. Burgywn, of Company H, reports that "Ransom's Brigade numbered 41 officers and 394 enlisted men; of these the 35th Regiment, commanded by Major Robert Petty, numbered about 80." In Source (2), page 358, we find "When the army was paroled on April 12, 116 members of the 35th Regiment N.C. Troops were present to receive their paroles." Sources: (1) Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War, 1861-1865, edited by Walter Clark, Vol. 2, Thirty-Fifth Regiment by William H. Burgwyn, Captain, Company H. (Raleigh: State of North Carolina, 1901). (2) North Carolina Troops 1861-1865 A Roster, Vol. IX Infantry, compiled by Weymouth T. Jordan, Jr., Unit Histories by Louis H. Manarin. (Raleigh: State Department of Archives and History, 1966 - ). (3) Ironclads And Columbiads Vol. 3 of The Civil War in North Carolina by William R. Trotter. (Winston-Salem, NC: John F. Blair, 1989) (4) Roster of North Carolina Troops in the War Between the States, by John W. Moore. (Raleigh: State of North Carolina, 1882) (5) General Robert F. Hoke, Lee's Modest Warrior by Daniel W. Barefoot. (Winston-Salem, NC: John F. Blair, 1996). (6) Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, Volume III, The Tide Shifts edited by Robert Underwood Johnson and Clarence Clough Buel. (New York: The Century Co., originally published in "The Century Magazine," 1884-1887). (7) Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, Volume II, North to Antietam edited by Robert Underwood Johnson and Clarence Clough Buel. (New York: The Century Co., originally published in "The Century Magazine," 1884-1887).