Private William Morgan at Fort Fisher with 27th USCT-- Part 2

Born in 1844, he was likely one of the hundreds of John Randolph slaves in Virginia who were freed after his death and provided means to settle in Ohio.  They made their way and settled  in the Miami Valley in 1846.  In the 1900 census, Morgan said his mother was born in Virginia which supports the idea that he was one of them.

William Morgan enlisted as a private in Company G, 27th USCT at Camp Delaware, Ohio, in April 5, 1864.

His regiment had a proud history of service.   Assigned to the Army of the Potomac, the 27th guarded supply trains during the Overland Campaign and took part in the Siege of Petersburg.  The 27th charged into Confederate lines at the Battle of the Crater on July 30, 1864,.

They were also part of  amphibious operations against Fort Fisher, North Carolina.  It was then involved in the events that followed (Sugar Loaf Hill, Federal Point, Fort Anderson, capture of Wilmington and Northeast Ferry.

After that it participated in the  Carolinas Campaign at Kinston,, Goldsboro, Cox's  Bridge, the capture of Raleigh and surrender of Johnston's Army at Bennett's House.

Hey!   Fort Fisher!!  --Old Secesh

CSS Neuse Opening Preview Party This Friday

CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center to hold exclusive  exhibit opening on March 11, 2022, this Friday.  This will be the final phase of its permanent exhibits entitled "The Civil War in Eastern North Carolina."  They will showcase a variety  of aspects of the Civil War including causes, battles, personalities,, involvement of women and Blacks.

To help kick this off, the CSS Neuse Gunboat Association will host an exclusive exhibit opening preview on the evening of March 11 from 6 p.m. to  10 p.m.  Tickets for the event are $50 a person and include a catered dinner, musical entertainment and one free alcoholic beverage pre person.  (Hopefully from King's BBQ.)

Tickets may be purchased at either the  CSS Neuse Interpretive Center or through a special link  posted on the site's Facebook page.

In addition to the above activities,  the evening will include a raffle drawing and a silent auction.  The raffle prize is a 14-foot skiff that has been  hand-crafted using 19th century tools and construction techniques.  Tickets for the raffle are $10 each or 3 for $25.

Only 100 tickets to the event are available so don't delay getting yours.

--Old B-Neuse

Top 10 Civil War Sites in Eastern N.C.-- Part 2: Fort Anderson, Battle of Kinston and Roanoke Island

4.  BRUNSWICK TOWN / FORT ANDERSON in Winnabow (near Wilmington).

Brunswick Town was a Colonial era town.  Fort Anderson was built across its remains to protect Wilmington along the Cape Fear River.  Visitor center, walking trails and preserved earthen fortifications.

5.  FIRST BATTLE OF KINSTON CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD PARK in Kinston.

The park was the site of the First Battle of Kinston fought in late 1862 pitting some 2,400 Confederates against 12,000 Union soldiers.

6.  ROANOKE ISLAND in Outer Banks, Dare County.

The Battle of Roanoke Island took place early in 1862.  More than 20,000 soldiers and close to 60 vessels took part on the two sides.

--Old B-Runner

'Heirlooms, Antiques, and Militaria' program at CSS Neuse

From the Neuse News, Kinston, North Carolina.

Well, its too late now, but glad to see the CSS Neuse doing things to keep in the public eye and increase attendance.

This past Saturday, August 28, from 10 am to 4 pm you can learn about those old things grandpa and grandma left you at the CSS Neuse Interpretive Center in Kinston.

This will be handled by the site's  staff members and friends who have a variety of historical interests.  they are well-versed in firearms from the 18thcenturythrough World War II.

They even say that is they don't know what it is, they will check their reference works and online resources.  They can also give you tips on how to best restore and preserve the items.  In addition, they are always looking for items from Eastern North Carolina during the war.

The CSS Neuse is the only remaining  commissioned Confederate ironclad above water.  It was part of a new technology that the Confederacy used to combat the superior manpower and firepower of the Union Navy.

The shop's hull remains.

The CSS Neuse Center is a part of the Division of State Historic Sites in the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

--Old B-Runner

March 28,1865: Helping Gen. Sherman in North Carolina

Following the Presidential conference on board the steamer River Queen, Rear Admiral Porter ordered Commander Macomb, commanding the North Carolina Sounds. "to cooperate with General Sherman to the fullest extent" during operations soon to be opened in the area.

"They will want all your tugs, particularly, to tow vessels or canal boats up to Kinston, [North Carolina]....  It will be absolutely necessary to supply General Sherman by way of Kinston."

Porter  continued:  "There will be a movement made from Winton after awhile.  It is necessary for us to get possession of everything up the Chowan River, so that Sherman can obtain his forage up there....

"I trust to Captain Rhind to remove  the obstructions at New Berne and to tow up rapidly all the provisions, and general Sherman can supply his army for daily use by the railroad, and you can get up the stuff required for the march."

So, Macomb Gets His Marching Orders.  --Old B-Runner

March 13, 1865: Kinston Occupied and CSS Neuse Destroyed

MARCH 13TH, 1865:  Confederate General Joseph Johnston had been recalled to duty and sent to North Carolina in a desperate attempt to oppose Sherman's troops.  The Confederate troops withdrawn from Kinston were part of his consolidation of divided armies and detachments, including the troops from Wilmington.

His hope was that he would be able to assemble a force with some chance of success.  This withdrawal from Kinston, however, left a vacuum which was promptly filled by the Federal forces.

They occupied Kinston on the 14th and the CSS Neuse was  destroyed to prevent capture.

--Old B-Runner

March 13, 1865: Operations in the Neuse River

MARCH 13TH, 1865:  Commander Rhind, Senior Naval Officer at New Bern, North Carolina, reported to Commander Macomb, commanding in the North Carolina Sounds, that the expedition up the Neuse River had returned the previous evening.  "A deserter from a North Carolina regiment came on board the [Army steamer] Ella May yesterday morning.  He states that the whole rebel force under Bragg (estimated by him at 40,000) have evacuated Kinston, moving toward Goldsboro, but Hoke's division returned when he left.

"The ironclad [Neuse] is afloat and ready for service; has two guns, draws nine feet.  No pontoon was found in the Neuse.

"If you can loan me a torpedo launch at once he may have an opportunity of destroying the ironclad (ala CSS Albemarle).  The bridge (railroad) at Kinston has been destroyed by the enemy."

Hey, That's Cushing's Job.  --Old B-Runner

N.C. Events June, 1864: Skirmishes and Violence in the Western Part of the State

JUNE 28--  Skirmish at Kinston.

JUNE 28--  Skirmish near Murphy

JUNE 28--  Capture of Camp Vance (WEST)

JUNE--  Unionist marauders target Flat Rock (in Henderson County), and the 64th North Carolina (headquartered at the Farmer Hotel) is assigned to protect the area.  (WEST)

JUNE--  Marauders, after being treated to a meal and hospitality, kill Andrew Johnstone (a rice planter from South Carolina) at 1840  Beaumont estate.  Johnstone's young son fights back, killing two and injuring a third.  This incident illustrates the wholesale violence in the region.  (WEST)

--Old B-Runner

N.C. Events, June 1864: Skirmishes and Expeditions

JUNE 16--  Joint expedition in the Pungo River.

JUNE 20-23--  Expedition to Batchelder's Creek near Kinston.

JUNE 20-25--  Expedition to Wilmington & Weldon Railroad, including naval operations.

JUNE 22--  Skirmish at Southwest Creek.

JUNE 22-23--  Scout from Piney Green to Snead's Ferry and Swansborough.

JUNE 22-23--  Skirmish at Swansborough.

JUNE 23-24--  Reconnaissance by Lt. Cushing  in Cape Fear River.

--Old B-Runner

Kinston's CSS Neuse Museum to Host a Scouts Night

From the June 14, 2018, WNCT, Channel 9, (Greenville, N.C.)  "Kinston's CSS Neuse museum to hold special night just for scouts" by Nicole Neuman.

On June 23 the museum will host "Scout Night at the Museum."  This will be open to Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and is inspired by the popular movies "Night At the Museum."

Check-in will be 5:45 to 6:15 at the museum at North Queen Street then they will go over to the nearby CSS Neuse II replica on Heritage Street.  Dinner will be on the boat and then a tour will be given.

Then, the group will go back to the museum for activities.

Great idea To get Young Folks Interested In the Civil War.  --Old B-R'er

Get Photographed at the CSS Neuse

From the July 13, 2018, News 12 ABC North Carolina  "CSS Neuse Center to show Civil War photographs this weekend."

The CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center in Kinston, N.C. will have a display of Civil War tintypes and photographs, plus the opportunity of having yours taken in a period setting. by Harry taylor.

The Civil War was the first conflict to be extensively photographed and there is a temporary exhibit that opened July 14.

The CSS Neuse is the only remaining commissioned Confederate ironclad above water.

--Old B-R'er

N.C. Timeline, May 1863: Demonstrations Against Kinston

These were the Union forces involved in the actions.

APRIL 27 TO MAY 1--   Expedition from New Bern to Kinston.  5th, 17th, 27th, 44th, 45th and 46th Massachusetts.   3rd Cavalry and Battery H of 3rd Light Artillery New York,  58th Pennsylvania.  Union loss: 2 killed, 6 wounded.

MAY 5--  Skirmish at Peletier's Mill.  3rd Cavalry

MAY 7--  Skirmish at Stony Creek.

MAY 15.  Capture of steamers Emily and Arrow.

MAY 20-23   Demonstration on Kinston.  3rd Cavalry  5th, 25th, 27th and 46th Massachusetts,  3rd Cavalry, Battery H of 3rd Light Artillery New York,  58th Pennsylvania.

--Old B-Runner

N.C. Timeline for March 1863-- Part 1: Action At Kinston

From the N.C. Sesquicentennial site.

MARCH-APRIL:  Confederate Gen. D.H. Hill's operations against New Bern and Washington.

March 1-2--  Expedition from New Bern to Swan Quarter.

March 2--  Entrance of blockade runner Cornubia into New Inlet.

March 3--  Skirmish at Fairfield

March 3--  Capture of Federal landing party at Little River Inlet.

March 4--  Skirmishes near Fairfield and Swan Quarter

March 6-8--  Demonstration on Kinston.

--Old B-R'er

Meanwhile, At the Real CSS Neuse

Also taking place on Saturday, October 21, 2017, in Kinston, the CSS Neuse Interpretive Center is honoring the anniversary of the Confederate States Navy Department awarding the contract for the Neuse's construction to Howard and Ellis of New Bern for the construction of the ship.

The contract was signed October 17, 1862.

The Interpretive Center (where the actual hull of the CSS Neuse is located) has designated October 21 as "Shipbuilding Saturday" and admission to enter the center is free.

Paul Fontenoy will discuss shipbuilding techniques of the 19th century and Danny Nye will demonstrate how ship hulls were caulked.

Old B-R'er

Breakfast On the Boat: CSS Neuse II

From the Kinston (NC) Free Press  ":Breakfast on the boat will kick off fun-filled Saturday"  by Mike Parker.

In a cooperative effort between Mother Earth Brewing and the CSS Neuse II Foundation, a breakfast will be held on the full-size replica of the CSS Neuse on Saturday, October 21.

For $7 you get scrambled eggs, bacon, link sausage, grits, biscuits and drink.

It is one of the fundraisers for the CSS Neuse II Foundation to help pay for the insurance, costs, utilities and upkeep on the full-size replica, the only one of a Confederate ironclad in the United States.

The Neuse was the sister ship of the more famous CSS Albemarle.

--Old B-Runner

North Carolina's Junior Reserves-- Part 5: Saw Action Late in the War

The Junior Reserves saw combat near the end of the war  They helped defeat the Union attack on Fort Fisher on December 25, 1864, and also saw combat at the Battle of Kinston (Wyse Fork).  March 18 to 21, they were at the Battle of Bentonville.

They sometimes performed with near unbelievable courage, but there were other times they weren't so stellar.

--Old B-Runner

See Civil War Photography At CSS Neuse This Saturday

From the August 25, 2016, Wilson (N.C.) Times "CSS Neuse featuring Civil War-era photography."

Photography was a fairly new art at the time of the Civil War.  Early photograph images will be featured at the "Hands on History" program at 10 a.m. Saturday at the CSS Neuse Interpretive Center in Kinston.

They say you will learn the differences between daguerreotypy, ambrotype and tintype photos.  This was the first major war in which photography played a role.

Formal portraits taken in the studio at the time often appear to be bathed in a brown or gray light-- that process will be explained.  Plus, you can have your very own tintype taken.

The CSS Neuse Center is located at 100 N. Queen Street in Kinston.  Admission to it is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors.  It is part of the Division of State Historic Sites in the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

See the Boat, Get Your Picture Taken.  --Old B-Runner

Kinston's CSS Neuse Interpretive Center-- Part 6: Ran Aground Before First Action

By April 22, 1864, now with four additional gunports more than the CSS Albemarle with ten, was ordered into action at New Bern.  But, a half mile downriver, low water grounded the vessel on a sandbar.

Attempts were made to refloat the ship, but it wasn't until mid-May with rising water, that the Neuse was freed and returned to Kinston.

In February 1865, Sherman and his troops entered North Carolina and the Neuse went back into action, but not for long.

The CSS Neuse Interpretive Center is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..  The last guided tour is at 4 p.m..  admission is $5 for adults and $5 for seniors.

I visited it several years ago, shortly after they moved into their new place and look forward to going back to it this summer.

--Old B-R'er

Kinston's CSS Neuse Interpretive Center-- Part 5: Sister Ship of the CSS Albemarle

The forerunner of the CSS Neuse was the CSS Virginia.  Her sister ship was the CSS Albemarle which was also built in a cornfield along and inland river, like the Neuse.  The Albemarle was built on the Roanoke River and both had the same plan of construction.

However, the CSS Virginia and CSS Albemarle both saw a lot more action than the Neuse.

On December 16, 1862, the Union army attacked the Neuse while it was under construction and thought they had destroyed it.  But, by mid-March, the finished hull of the ship was floated down the Neuse River to Kinston where work was completed.  But delays compounded because of lack of competent shipbuilders and iron plating.

--Old B-Runner

Kinston's CSS Neuse Interpretive Center-- Part 3: A Bottle of Worcestershire Sauce

The hull and ghost skeleton can be viewed from ground level and upstairs.  There is also a full-size cut-out model of the ship and a video presentation.

Nearby the center is a full-size replica outside on Heritage Street.

They have artifacts salvaged from the ship after it was brought up on display like coal rakes used on the boiler, cannon balls, shells, a belt buckle, wrenches, files, shovels, sockets, a stove, ship's bell and an intach bottle of Lea and Perrin's worcestershire sauce.  In addition, there is a rare English-made cuff button from an officer's coat and another with a CSN emblem.

--Old B-Runner