Tag Archives: Wilmington (NC)

24 January 1865: “…for the unsurpassed gallantry and skill exhibited by them in the attack upon Fort Fisher”

Item Description: Public resolution from the United States Senate and the House of Representatives, commending Brevet Major General Alfred H. Terry and his forces for their bravery in the Union victory at Fort Fisher, the last major Confederate port on … Continue reading

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5 November 1864: “these will be but little security to any thing below the Wilmington”

Item Description: Letter dated 5 November 1864 written by William S. Pettigrew. He writes regarding the charge of his baggage, will, and other personal belongings. His worry over the possibility of a Wilmington invasion informs his instructions. Item Citation: Folder … Continue reading

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5 October 1864: “not one tear of affection shed at her grave”

Item Description: Letter dated 5 October 1864 written by Eliza Jane Lord DeRosset to her son, Louis Henry. Item Citation: From folder 62 in the DeRosset Family Papers (#00214), Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel … Continue reading

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6 June 1864: “We regret to learn that on Thursday afternoon, or evening, Lt. J. L. Johnston, C.S.N., attached to this station, came to his death by drowning…”

Item description: A death notice for Lt. J. L. Johnston of the Confederate States Navy. Lt. Johnston drowned off the North Carolina coast, near Fort Caswell. Item Transcription: DEATH OF LT. J. L. JOHNSTON We regret to learn that on … Continue reading

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5 June 1864: “I have your private note stating that Colonel Jourdan proposes to attack Wilmington.”

Item description: A letter from acting Rear Admiral Samuel Phillips Lee to Commander A. G. Clary of the U.S.S. Dacotah transmitting a copy of a confidential letter (previously sent to Captain Benjamin F. Sands) concerning a proposed attack upon Fort … Continue reading

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2 June 1864: “ALL PASSES without exception, that have been given to persons to visit the Banks and fish in the Sounds, are hereby revoked.”

Item description: These are notices that appeared on 2 June 1864 in The Daily Journal of Wilmington, North Carolina. The first notice deals with the passenger lists of ships running the Union blockade, and the second with the revocation of … Continue reading

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24 March 1864: “…as I mentioned yr name a flush spread over her and there was a momentary flash of the eye as if I was treading on forbidden ground.”

Item description: Letter, dated 24 (and 27) March 1864, from George S. Barnsley to Lancelot Minor “Lanty” Blackford.  Barnsley writes about his time as a surgeon in Richmond, and also discusses gossip regarding Blackford’s brother and a popular “Miss Jennie.” … Continue reading

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9 January 1864: “Her cargo apparently was not large, and from the facts gathered it is highly probable that some important and distinguished rebel persons were on board, and the only object of the vessel was to get them safe into rebeldom.”

Item Description: Report by Rear Admiral Samuel Phillips Lee, United States Navy, to Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, concerning the “destruction of the Steamer Dare,” which was attempting to run the blockade and enter the Port of Wilmington in … Continue reading

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6 January 1864: “Cousin Mary says, don’t you think she could hire Derry in Wilmington?”

Item description: Letter, dated 6 January 1864, from Catherine “Cattie” Kennedy to her stepmother, Catherine DeRosset Kennedy.  She discusses slaves belonging to the family, and circumstances of hiring them out. [transcription available below images] Item citation: From folder 60 in … Continue reading

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17 December 1863: “I can tie my mustache in a bow-knot under my chin and am very handsome generally (see enclosed carte-de-visite).”

Item description: Letter, dated 17 December 1863, from Benjamin Lewis Blackford to his mother, Mary Berkeley Minor Blackford.  The letter is written from his camp on Topsail Sound, and it is he expresses his disgust with Wilmington residents, who have … Continue reading

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