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[44] were in possession of Newbern, North Carolina, and had commenced to move from that place towards the Wilmington and Weldon railroad. Evan's Brigade had an engagement below Kingston, had been worsted and compelled to fall back. The Forty-sixth Georgia, Twenty-fourth South Carolina regiment and Preston Light Battery were to go with us. The trip to Wilmington was protracted and tedious. The rolling stock of the Northeastern railroad was not in good working order by reason of age and want of repairs. It sometimes happened that the engine was unable to haul the train on an up-grade, and on such occasions we were delayed for hours. December 16th.—We reached Wilmington to-day, and were quartered at ‘Camp Cobb,’ in wooden barracks near the edge of the city, and near the Wilmington and Weldon railroad. The camp rumor was that we were to remain here only long enough for another South Carolina and four Georgia regiments to come up. The Forty-sixth Georgia was already on the ground. The weather was intensely cold, fuel not very plenty, the barracks full of air-holes, and much more uncomfortable than tents would have been. [There are no pleasant recollections connected with ‘Camp Cobb.’ The troops which preceded us in the occupation of the buildings had left them infected with scarlet fever. Several of our men contracted the disease. Private Breese, of Company B, a youth of great promise, fell a victim. We lost three other men of sickness contracted on this trip, but unfortunately I have forgotten their names. One of these died in Wilmington and the others after our return to South Carolina. Quite a number were added to the sick list, and were sent to the general hospitals in Wilmington and Charleston.] Our means for cooking are very limited, and in consequence the most of the officers of the regiment broke up their messes for the time and took their meals at the Railroad House, near the depot. It was kept by a very stout and clever lady, whose table was far better than our rations. December 7th.—--News reached us to-day that the enemy had beaten General Evans, passed him and were in possession of the railroad. The Twenty-fourth regiment and Preston's Battery, which were encamped several miles from Wilmington, on the Wilmington and Weldon railroad, were dispatched for the seat of war. It was reported that General Beauregard was coming from Charleston to command in person. The regiment was delighted with the prospect of having him to command us when we reached the front.
Richmond, VA. 1886.
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