The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down: Petersburg, Kinston and Fort Fisher, and North Carolina in 1864-5: An Unpublished Confederate Archive Showing the End of the War from the Perspective of 6 Members of the Baker Family, Men and Women

With the bullet that killed the teenage son, Jesse, at Fort Fisher, as noted by his brother John

 

December 31 1864, Fort Fisher: “Through the kind protection of almighty god, I have been spared to come safe to Fort Caswell again…. The enemy commenced to shell the fort and kept up a continual fire all day long and it about dark their infantry made its appearance but we drove them back. That night it rained all night and I was completely broken down”

 

A deeply moving group from the sunset of the Confederacy.

Fort Fisher: By the winter of 1865, Fort Fisher guarded the last remaining open port for the Confederacy at Wilmington, North Carolina. Despite failing to take it in December of 1864, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant decided to overtake the fort a second time and sent a Union force of nearly 9,000 men under the command of Maj. Gen. Alfred Terry and several ships under the command of Rear Admiral David D. Porter to take the Fort and its 1,900 defenders. Confederates from the Fort and from nearby Fort Caswell were drawn in to defend the port. Some died or were taken prisoner.

Kinston: By early March 1865, Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman was operating with nearly complete freedom in North Carolina on his way north to form a junction with Union forces in Virginia. The responsibility for ensuring a functioning railroad from New Bern to Goldsboro in support of Sherman’s movement rested with Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox. On March 2, 1865, Cox ordered his hastily assembled Provisional Corps to march toward Goldsboro. In response to Cox’s movement, Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston executed a bold but risky plan to divert troops away from Sherman by turning back Cox’s advance. Under the command of the aggressive but controversial Gen. Braxton Bragg, the Confederates stood for four days (March 7-10) and successfully halted Cox at Wise’s Forks. Kinston had fallen however.

Petersburg: The Richmond–Petersburg campaign was a series of battles around Petersburg, Virginia, fought from June 9, 1864, to March 25, 1865. The result was Lee’s eventual withdrawal and surrender.

The Baker family of the region around Goldsboro, NC, was a prominent family in the region, and their family home has been a historic landmark. The father, Jesse J. Baker, had at least 3 children.

Jesse Baker, younger son, stationed at Fort Caswell, killed at Fort Fisher in 1865

The archive includes the bullet that killed him, as noted by his brother. “The slug that killed my brother – J. J. Baker, Jr. – at Fort Fisher while loading a cannon

“Through the kind protection of almighty god, I have been spared to come safe to Fort Caswell again…. The enemy commenced to shell the fort and kept up a continual fire all day long and about dark their infantry made its appearance but we drove them back. That night it rained all night and I was completely broken down”

12 letters from Jesse Baker, stationed in Fort Caswell, next to Fort Fisher, who would reinforce the troops there and be killed. The letters, often long, give accounts of dire conditions in Fort Caswell, where men ran out of food and clothes. There are also accounts of the events around the assault on Fort Fisher and the vessels at sea. A sampling of the content.

Fort Caswell, NC, January 13, 1864: “…The Yankees attacked Fort Fisher again today. There was not any sign of them yesterday evening but the fleet was there this morning and commenced landing troops this morning at 3 o’clock. They are shelling the Fort now. We have not left Fort Caswell yet but we are under marching orders….”

Fort Caswell, NC, July 15, 1864, to: “My Dear Father… I am in hopes that the Yankees fell back from Petersburg before brother John got into any fight. But God will deal with him and me as he thinks proper. I am sorry to inform you of the death of two of our company since I wrote home last… We do not get enough to eat. The bacon gets worse and we do not draw but very little NC meat. And I have to go on guard every other day and night. Draw our meal now but we have not got any place to cook it and we cannot get hardly enough of that but I think I can along with what any other soldier down here can… Not so many steamers running the blockade now. Lately one came in last night. Col. Jones has got married and brought his wife down here to stay and I am almost afraid to look at her. I don’t think this is a proper place for ladies but a great many come here. Lately the soldiers are not allowed any privileges at all. If a soldier does any little offence here he is punished ten times as much for it.”

Fort Caswell, NC, September 5, 1864, to: “My Dear Sister…. You cannot imagine how I feel when I hear of the death of my old school mates. I would with a willing heart start to Virginia today. I would rather be there today than to be here and do the duty that I have to perform. The troops here are completely broken down with so much duty and nothing to eat…. I hope and pray this cruel war will come to a close, when Brother John and I can come home and live in peace…. If I had some money I could get me something to eat. I cannot pay for my washing and I have not a bit of time to do it myself and I don’t know what I shall do.”

Fort Caswell, NC, October 2, 1864, to: “My Dear Sister. “…You said in your letter that you were sorry to hear that I had got my money stolen from me again…. I have not had my money stolen but once and I found out the thief a few days ago. But he had left the co. before I found out. He stole money from others besides me and also a watch and a great many other things. He got a transfer from this company… or at least he started from here to go to that but I think he has gone to the Yankees. He wrote to a man in our company that he was going to the Yankees and sister I tell you there will be more go to the Yankees from here if they don’t get something to eat. Men cannot live and do as hard duty as they have to do without something to eat besides dry rice without sale or anything else part of the time…. Men talk strong of deserting and a great many of them have told their officers that they would. Since I last wrote you, the Yankees have captured and burnt several blockade runners and they have beached two at Fisher. A lady drowned on one of them. It is reported here that the Yankees landed at Masonboro Sound and captured our pickets down there.”

Fort Caswell, NC, November 3, 1864, to: “My Dear Sister… There was about sixteen blockaders off the bar one day last week and the officers frightened pretty bad. The officers held a secret caucus here and they think the men here won’t fight. Some say we won’t fight on the rations we get. But sister the rations are not the thing we are fighting for. It is true we do not get half enough to eat and some of the men have run away and some in the guard house for saying they would go. Our bread rations have been cut down and we do not get half enough to eat. But I will stay and fight if it is necessary as long as I can get along. Sister the men have enough to make them run away, work day and night or guard every other day and lat at the guns when there is no use for it. For my part I had as soon be in VA…”

Fort Caswell, NC, November 21, 1864, to: “My dear Mother… I have had fevers but I am very well now…. I will not desert as a great many are doing. There is plenty of provisions here for we are expecting an attack here every day and there has been a good deal of provisions brought here in case of a siege.” Laments that he will not be home for Christmas.

Fort Caswell, NC, December 5, 1864, to: “My dear Mother…The same day they [his food package from his family] came, there was a blockade runner that got wrecked over on the point of ballhead and all the boats were busy getting goods off of her… the steamer that got wrecked was loaded with blankets shoes, hats, beef… If any other boat started over to the wreck Co. Hedrick would fire into it with his 24 pounder. He fired into Col. Simonton’s boat, but he let them go on board afterwards. So old Col. Hedrick has got the whole cargo to himself. There was some few things brought over to Caswell by the officers…Old Hedrick will make millions of dollars off of this wreck… It is a great time here, some men making hundreds of dollars and others that have to do all the duty not getting a center… I am on another detail to build a new wharf so the boats can land here and bring soldiers boxes….”

Fort Caswell, NC, December, 1864, to: “My dear Mother…. Maj. Young got killed in Georgia. I do not like to rejoice over a man’s death but I am glad he is killed. I thought he would get killed if he ever went into a fight for his bad treatment to his men. I heard that the 40th regiment got cut up pretty badly. Buck has not heard from Ike since he left. He belongs to the 40th…. I remain your affectionate son until death. Jesse. ps excuse bad writing as I am very cold.”

Fort Caswell, NC, December 31, 1864, to: “My dear Mother. Through the kind protection of almighty god, I have been spared to come safe to Fort Caswell again. Our Co. left here Saturday morning for Fort Fisher and just as we were getting on the boat, the Yankees commenced to fire on Fisher. Went to Fisher. As we were landing the shells fell thick around our boat but through the providence of God, we landed safe. After we landed the shell were falling so thick that we could not go up to the fort without all being killed so we lay down behind some hills and lay there until night, having one man wounded. After we got in the fort, we we worked all night mounting guns that the Yankees dismounted the next day (Christmas). The enemy commenced to shell the fort and kept up a continual fire all day long and about dark their infantry made its appearance but we drove them back. That night it rained all night and I was completely broken down. My clothes were all torn off of me. Monday, Col. Lamb wanted 20 volunteers to go on advance picket and I volunteered and I fared very well. I got plenty to eat and I found some clothes. I stayed on picket 2 days and nights. Wednesday we were ordered back to Caswell…. It is reported that the fleet was coming back. I guess we will have to go back to Fisher again if it does come back…”

Jesse Baker was killed February 7, 1865, at Fort Fisher loading a cannon.

The bullet that killed him was retained by his brother, John B. Baker, who wrote on an envelope that has held the bullet. The bullet is part of the archive.

John B. Baker, eldest son: Petersburg

“Our Brigade is on the extreme right of the Troops that are around Petersburg and I think we are having a better time than the troops that are in front of the won. The Yankees in front of us keep very still with the exception of beating drums and blowing of bands.”

10 letters from John B. Baker, stationed outside Petersburg. Baker would be captured and be sent to Hart Island. There is a letter included from his captivity. A sampling:

Near Petersburg, September 6, 1864. To “Dear Brother…. Everything is still this morning except some sharpshooting. I thought I would drop you a line to inform you of my whereabouts and that I am well and hope this will find you, mother, father and all the family the same. Our Brigade is at this time in the entrenchments before Petersburg. But I am in hopes we will be released in a few days as our Brigade has been in the trenches ever since the Battle of Reams Station….”

Near Petersburg, November 8, 1864. To “My Dear Mother…. Our brigade is still behind Brestworks near the South River Railroad about five miles from Petersburg. Our Brigade is on the extreme right of the Troops that are around Petersburg and I think we are having a better time than the troops that are in front of the won. The Yankees in front of us keep very still with the exception of beating drums and blowing of bands. It is thought the next fight will be on the extreme right. But I am in hopes we will not have to fight the Yanks any more this winter. I am in hopes will soon get the chance to in winter quarters.

Camp 27, Jan. 5, 1865 to “My Dear Sister…. I was very glad that brother Jesse came out safe at the fight at Fort Fisher.

Camp 27, February 26, 1865 to “My Dear Mother. I received a letter from Sister Olive yesterday and I am unable to express my feelings when I heard of the death of Brother Jesse. I was in hopes when I saw his name in the paper and saw it was JD Baker. I was in hopes it was not intended for his name but sister was telling that he was the only one by his name in the company that he belonged to and since we are certain that Jesse is dead. I hope mother you will be enabled to bear the loss with that fortitude and resignation which so becomes the mother that have offered their sons in sacrifice on their country’s altars. The oft quoted text, ‘In the midst of life we are in death’ was never so truly illustrated as at the present day and we should never been surprised to hear the death of our nearest and dearest friends and relatives. But accept the dispensation as coming from the hands of him that doeth all things for the best. We knew that Jesse was of an amiable and gentle disposition and we may be comforted now in the hope he is resting from his labours in that land where neither care no sorrow cometh and by striving to emulate the virtue that adorned his character. I hope we may all be better prepared to meet that end to which we are so fast approaching. The harsh roar of cannon and the sharp crack of rifles tell us that a great many more mothers and friends will have to give up their sons and friends for a sacrifice to their country…. I don’t expect we will remain in winter quarters much longer. We are under orders to be ready to march at a moments notice.”

Hart Island, June 4, 1865. “I am still in good health and think there is a probability at least that we will be released before very long. I am anxious to get home to help you work… Tell Mr. Hollowell Marshall his son is well. Give my love to all inquiring friends.”

Mattie Baker, sister of John B. and Jesse Baker, at home

“Carolina! Carolina! Heaven’s blessings attend her; While we live will cherish, protect and defend her. Though Yankees may swear at her….Though Lincoln may curse her.”

“All these belong to the Green County Compay. They left here Saturday night the 20th for Virginia. I am very sad this evening. I wish I could see the one I love. I have not seen him in five weeks.”

A 34 page journal of Mattie, showing the mind of a younger girl during the Civil War, when her brothers are off to fight. The content is a mix of patriotic hymns and songs, love poems, perhaps of her own authorship, and notes on soldiers she knows and where they are. There are 15 or so poems, many apparently dedicated or in recognition of soldiers she knows and a love interest, evidently a Lt. Johnnie Harget, 1st regiment. The poems are tender and loving but turn sad, as perhaps the relationship has evidently ended. She talks of leaving and breaking up in her poetry.

A few samples of the content:

Patriotic songs and hymns: A manuscript version of The Southern Wagon or, “Wait for the Wagon.” Entitled, which verses that changed and morphed. This one long and containing interesting references to “Old Lincoln” and Stonewall Jackson, among others, unknown hand. Perhaps unique.

“Home” – a poem, which we did not find published, lamenting days gone by at home and rejoicing at returning to home once, apparently an ode to a love left behind. Mattie has written the names of soldiers in the margins, including John B. Baker, her brother, at that time in Petersburg.

“… Carolina! Carolina! Heaven’s blessings attend her; While we live will cherish, protect and defend her. Though Yankees may swear at her….Though Lincoln may curse her. And send down his cohorts to drive and coerce her. The ill gains that his soldiers made”. Also: The Volunteer. “… Our rights have been usurped dear by Northerners of our land…”

Notes on friends / soldiers: She notes periodically throughout the book the names of soldiers and their locations. John M. Harget is in the General Hospital in Goldsboro. William Gray is in Virgina, for instance. In one space, she lists around 10 men and states “All these belong to the Green County Compay. They left here Saturday night the 20th for Virginia. I am very sad this evening. I wish I could see the one I love. I have not seen him in five weeks.”

Benasa Baker, brother of Rachel, cousin, at Kinston

“I expect you have heard Kinston is took, and everybody is killed or took but it is not so”

There are more than 20 letters of Benasa, who was not particularly literate, so an effort has been made to standardize his language below, but his writing can be a challenge to decipher. Benasa was stationed in Kinston. He writes to his Sister, Rachel, from 1863-1865, including:

Near Kinston, March 9, 1865: “My dear sister. I am not right well… I hope these few lines may find you and Betsy well.… I expect you have heard Kinston is took, and everybody is killed or took but it is not so. there is a heap killed and wounded but nary one in my company.“ He recounts the capture of a slave, and the death of a woman’s son. “The Yankees has fell back a little.” He tells of 800 Yankee prisoners sent off, but suspects there might be more.

Rachel Baker, sister of Benasa, cousin of Jesse, at home

“The people talks and says we shall be subjugated in a short time and that makes me uneasy for I don’t know how we shall fare and I want to see you.”

There are 7 full letters and 1 partial of Rachel, responding to her brother Benasa. She writes of crops and people back home, and updates her brother on events away from the field.

December 16, 1864. “Brother we want to see you mity bad but if you cant come home don’t make yourself uneasy about us. I hope we can make out somehow if it is bad. We heard that the Yanks had been through Kinston and every soldier was gone after that. Then I heard they were fighting in Kinston and I can’t tell half… I heard sunday the yanks was a comin’ and the people was moving out of greenwill and nobody to talk with but Betsy and it made me uneasy…”

January 16, 1865. “… They say slavery is going up but I don’t know what that means. If you know send me word. What made me say I can’t write is I am afraid to write every little thing….Thomas Philips gets no better. He had another fit the 10th of this month. His said it drawed him. People says they have opened trade with the Yankees and is carying their cotton to Newburn and some say they are going to strike a line to the railroad and cut us off in Yankeedom…”

February 20, 1865. “…The people talks and says we shall be subjugated in a short time and that makes me uneasy for I don’t know how we shall fare and I want to see you.” She continues talking about food and crops. Then: “Mathasons has sent a letter to Dosy Jones and said that Jesse Baker is missing. He went out the next day after the fight in the field to look for the wounded and hasnt been seen nor heard from since the fight. Was the 5 and 6 days of February and we don’t know what it means…We heard that 20,000 Yankees landed below Kinston the 11th of this month.”

SM Hunt, relative of the above – Fort Macon

Fort Macon, January 12, 1862, to his wife. This detailed later describes the shock at learning of the arrival of Burnside off the NC coast. He describes the fortifications in Ft. Macon. “We are well prepared here. We have got provisions enough to last us four or five months and we have got plenty of ammunition and plenty of guns well mounted. They can never take us now as long as we can get something to eat and powder to burn. We are ready for them, so let them come. We have guns mounted, all around the fort, pointing in every direction and plenty of men to use them.” He goes on to discuss the medicine he is taking, the state of his clothing, and his love for his wife.” Along with a contemporary photograph of his children.

JR Baker

A journal with a few hands, primarily JR Baker, a cousin of Jesse, occupying a portion of the pages available, 8 pages in total. JR Baker, who served in the 67th NC regiment out of Kinston.

4 pages of a journal entry in the hand of JR Baker, being what appears to be a copy of an official report sent by Col. Iverson during the Seven Days Battle. We did not find this report having been published. June 25, 1862. “Col. A. Iverson, Commanding, of the 20th Regiment of NC Troops. Ordered to be in readiness to march on the morning of and sleep the best they could. Everything was quiet throughout the night. On the morning of 27 June 1862, I was ordered to March up to Mechanicville. I entered Mechanicville about light and one of the enemies batteries commenced shelling the little village. After shelling it about one hour our batteries ceased it and they retreated. One started in the direction of Gaines Mills after shelling Mechanicville, about one hour. There was nobody hurt in my regiment. We took the Frederick Bird Road and marched down the road, about 1 mile, and I formed a line of battle and marched in a large open field, expecting on the far side of the field to find the enemy. There were no Yankees to be seen, but we put knapsacks blankets over coats, ammunition, and stowed throughout the field. There we marched across a strip of woods into another large field. No Yankees to be seen, but blankets and overcoats. According. I marched across the field and came to the 9 miles road. Then I halted for a few minutes. After resting for a few minutes, I started in pursuit of the enemy in the direction of Gaines Mills. After marching about 10 or 12 miles we came to the enemy line. It was about half after 2 o’clock. I was put on the reserve back… the enemy finding out I were there commenced throwing shell, grape shot and canister. I was so close under the range of the guns that the shell went clear over my regiment, so there was nobody hurt. About 6 o’clock I was ordered to the battlefield. As soon as I reached the battlefield, I was ordered to charge a battery which was about 400 yards across the field. I charged it and took it, but had to retreat from it but we took it again about sunset.”

Here there is a notation in another hand, likely his sister, entitled “Butter and Cheese: “I’ve just come out before you all to try to sing but I am afraid it is out of my power to do any such a thing but since you are inclined to hear me, I will try what I can. And if I come to a chorus, you may all join in too.” What follows is what is likely a song. We could not find it published.

A few notations of tobacco purchases followed by a patriotic hymn: “Our once beautiful old North State. But now is trampled and invaded… Oh what a dissolute thing we have to be subjected… Jan 15, 1865. What follows is a dated headline of the same date, noting “Fall of Fort Fisher.”

Patriotic notes continue: “Recognition of Southern Independence, recognition of the Southern Confederacy in the year 1865, pray it may come without delay, JR Baker.”

Followed by a few misc notes about social engagements.

Then an unpublished, poem written by Baker to a Miss Webb, perhaps in Webbs hand. “… Fight on Confederates, there are thousands of you, for our independence you gain I pray. On the soil of Virginia, where thousands have fell, under our Commander Gnl. Lee. And for our souls we will deeply sell, for this glorious Confederacy.

A deeply moving group from the sunset of the Confederacy.