CONFEDERATE NORTH CAROLINA TROOPS
51st Regiment, North Carolina Infantry
- Overview:
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51st Infantry Regiment was organized at Wilmington, North Carolina, in April, 1862, with
men recruited in the counties of Cumberland, Sampson, Duplin, Columbus, Robeson, and New
Hanover. It was assigned to General Clingman's Brigade and served under him for the duration of
the war. After fighting at Goldsboro, it moved to the
Charleston area and was prominent in the defense of Battery Wagner. The 51st was then ordered
to Virginia, participated in the battles at Drewry's Bluff and Cold Harbor, and endured the
hardships of the Petersburg siege south and north of the James River. Returning to North Carolina, it saw action at Bentonville. On July 18, 1863,
this regiment lost 16 killed and 52 wounded at Battery Wagner and in August contained 374
effectives. In May, 1864, it contained 1,100 men, and in October there were 145 present. During
that time the 51st lost in killed and wounded 160 at Drewry's Bluff, 194 at Cold Harbor, and 104
at Fort Harrison. Very few surrendered with the Army of Tennessee. The field officers were
Colonels John L. Cantwell and Hector McKethan, Lieutenant Colonels William A. Allen and
Caleb B. Hobson, and Major James R. McDonald.
- Soldiers:
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