The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-06-15


scented, as the entire road was mort
gagged to the state.
Under date of September %, 1864,
Vance wrote Secretary Of Wan Seldom:
Il learn that Lieutenant Colonel w. II.
Cowles, First North Carolina cavalry,
has been recommended for brigadier Of
Chambliss' brigade by his superiors. 1
hey leave most cordially and earnestly
to second the recommendation of this
gallant and most accomplished u
officer. In addition TO reWarding merit
and promoting the good Of the service,
the promotion of Lieutenant Colonel
Cowles would furnish grateful evidence
to our people of the intention of the
war department ito promote North Car
%oliinans, when deserving, to the COM
mand of troops from other states to
which We have submitted, reversed, so
long"
Governor Vance wrote Governor Sey-
mour, of New York, a letter in which
he asked the latter to distribute among
North Carolina prisoners in New York
state 1900 pounds sterling, his being
sent in three bills of exchange on Col
lie & Co, of Liverpool, the states
agents. The lettr to Governor Sey-
mour expressed admiration for the lat
- . hiSA Aic oiAN
October %, 1864, Governor Vance
wrote Robert M. Ould, confederate
commissioner for the exchange of priS-
oners: You give me the gratifying in
formation that arrangements have been
made for supplying our prisoners north
with necessary comforts for the winter
and that We would be allowed to pur-
chase supplies in the northern cities. /
desire Immediately to make arrange
ponnfc for G1rnrN1xyin q tho trOopoc Of this
state, which 1 car do very readily,
having funds in Europe. If 1 can lave
an agent north / should greatly prefer
having my brother, General Vance, for
this if the authorities will con-
sent. He is now at Fort Delaware,
and his health is daily giving way from
his confinement. AS it seems that he
cannot he exchanged I would be much
| obliged if our government would grant
him this privilege and procure the con-
sent of the enemy. No better man
could be found to dispense the bounty
of North Carolina and the confeder-
ate government"
i
November 18th Governor Vance
| wrote President Davis: Il deem it my
duty to address you in regard to the
situation at Wilmington. l ave just
returned from a visit to the works be-
low that city and find them in excel
lent condition 50 far as 1 am able to
Judge. There seems to be nothing
wanting bu troops. If attacked in
strong force l humbly conceive thai
their capture is inevitable unless
strengthened by at least two brigades
Of veteran troops. The militia assem-
bled and to assemble there / fancy will
be totally inadequate to resist a land
attack on Fort Fisher, which seems to
no thn ,nnint of rnol Iaro1r T., ,;o-
of all the facts in the case, of which I
presume the commanding general keeps
you sufficiently informed, I respectful
ly submit that General Lee should
a a few veterans as a nucleus for
the raw troops defending Wilmington,
Notwithstanding the pressure upon his
lines. Except for the moral effect in
VOlved in losing u capital, I cannot
! see that Richmond itself is of any
| Wilmington. To leave it entirely in
the hands of militia except the garri-
son I deem extremely injudicious."
General Whiting informed Governor
Vance that the men employed at the
salt works on the sounds" near Will
mington, were traitorous. He wanted
them all removed and sent to the army
n slaves or free negroes put on the
works, which were in charge Of D. G.
Worth. Finally, November 16, 1864,
the war department cOnscripted all the
men. Mr.. Worth telegraphed the gov
ernor: The men are all at Whining
tor. General Bragg will only allow the
teamsters to return to the sound to
move property. What shall I do with
them and h states private teams?''
To this G%ivernor Vance replied: The
men shall not be conscribed. Inform
General Bragg that you hav myorders
to retain the men and to send as many
as necessary to remove the property.
II he prevents you by force, let me
know Immediately" He also telegraph
ed General Bragg: Il learn with sur
prise that you Ia seized my salt
hands and refuse to permit them to
return ITO the sound to remove prop
erty. This is altogether different
treatment from what 1 expected and I
inform you candidly I shall resist by
every e in my power. These hands
are by the laws of our state not subject
to conscription." General Bragg in
formed General Whiting that the lat
ter had not understood his order, and
so all the state property was removed.
December q, 1864, Governor Vance
was at Wilmington when that city was
"AtS>S ~ VIVA ~ =.
James Spence, of Liverpool, England,
in which he thanks her for presiding
over the North Carolina stall at a
confederate bazaar" at Liverpool. He
says: Now that this city is attacked
and that there is a possibility at least
of our only available seaport being
closed, I cannot longer delay the pleas
ureable task of thanking you, even
though the roar of artillery shakes the
city as I write. You and your col
leagues in this are but the sisters of
those who here this day are dressing
the wounds and wiping away the death
damp from the brows of perishing SOL
diers. I cannot adequately praise and
bless this sisterhood Of charity and
mercy which lends a brightness and a
glory to civilization or give you an
idea of what it has done for our de-
voted soldiery." This letter is dated
HEADQUARTERS Forces Of North Caro-
lima, Wilmington"
January 8, 1865, Governor Vance tel
egraphed Governor Bragg: Can with