I came across this article after returning home from this latest trip to North Carolina since I heard that fine talk on Reilly's life by Col. Jack Travis. The Wilmington Star-News has an excellent column that appears every so often where readers send in a question and reporters do research on it. Now, that's real interactive reporting right there. Usually, Ben Steelman does the researching as he did on this one.
May 10, 2010 "Mr Reporter: Do any descendants of Major James Reilly still live in the area?"
Quite a few still in the Wilmington area. James Reilly (1822-1896) was born in Ballydonaugh, Ireland, and moved at an early age to the United States and later joined the Army's artillery, serving under General Winfield Scott in the Mexican War where he was in most every engagement up to the occupation of Mexico City.
After the war, he was strongly recommended for a commission in the Regular U.S. Army (he was an enlisted man who had not attended West Point. According to tradition, one W.H.C. Whiting (later Confederate general) was a particular champion. But, Reilly was passed over.
January 1861 found Reilly as an ordnance sergeant and only occupant of Fort Johnson in Smithville (now Southport), North Carolina, when state militia came and demanded his surrender, which he did. However, since the state had not seceded, the governor made them return the fort.
Jumping the Gun a Bit, That Militia. --Old B-Runner
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