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41st N.C. TROOPS
(“The Rebel Rangers” “Newkirk’s Coast Guard”)
ORGANIZATION:
The 41st N.C. Troops were organized September 3, 1862 by the consolidation of several independent cavalry companies. These companies were already in Confederate States service and were operating in various locations as independent cavalry companies from the Cape Fear River in North Carolina to the Blackwater River in Virginia. The entire regiment was not consolidated until April 1863. Originally know as the “Rebel Rangers” Company A was enlisted at Scott’s Hill, New Hanover County for 12 months service beginning October 1, 1861 to guard the coast line of New Hanover County, the unit became known as “Newkirk’s Coast Guard,” named after it’s first captain. The company was mustered into Confederate service on October 18, 1861 and remained in New Hanover County. On March 13, 1862, the period of enlistment was automatically extended from 12 months to 3 years or the length of the war. Throughout this period, the company remained at Camp Heath at Scott’s Hill, performing the duties of scouts and patrols. On September3, 1862 the company was assigned to the 41st Regiment N.C. Troops (3rd Regiment N.C. Cavalry) and became company A of that regiment. The company attached to General James B. Gordon’s Brigade, General W.H.G. Lee’s Division, Cavalry Corps, Major-General J.E.B. Stuart, commanding. When the regiment joined this command in the field on May 26, 1863, General Gordon was wounded and command of his brigade was given to General Barringer. The brigade then became known as Barringer’s Brigade and served as such until the end of the war.
OPERATIONS AND ENGAGEMENTS:
Coastal patrol duty in New Hanover County, NC. - October 1861-April 1863.
Capture of Gunboat USS Ellis - New River, NC. November 24, 1862
Suffolk, VA Campaign - April 11-May 20, 1863
Joined regiment in Virginia April 21, 1863
Burning of Dillard’s Wharf - James River, VA. May 20, 1863
Old Church and Pamunkey River - July 1, 1863
South Anna Bridge - July 4, 1863
Expedition to Matthias Point - July 12-16, 1863
Blackwater River Line - July 27-October 1863
Picket duty near Kinston, NC. - October 24, 1863-February 1864
Attack on New Bern, NC. - February 1-2, 1864
Brice’s Creek, NC. - February 12, 1864
Guard duty at Kenansville, NC. (Co. A only) March 27-May 3, 1864
Advance on New Bern - May 3-8, 1864
Block House near New Bern - May 3, 1864
Petersburg, VA. - May 14-15, 1864
Drewry’s Bluff, VA. - May 14-15, 1864
Joined Gordon’s Brigade near Hanover Court House - May 26, 1864
Hanover Town Road - May 27, 1864
Haw’s Shop - May 28, 1864
NEAR HANOVER COURT HOUSE MAY 30-31, 1864
(This is the battle in which Andrew Jackson Burch was captured)
After his capture, his regiment engaged in the following battles:
Near Ashland - May 31, 1864
Near Meadow Bridge - June 3, 1864
White Oak Swamp - June 11, 1864
Near Malvern Hill and Harrison’s Landing - June 15-16, 1864
Davis Farm - June 21, 1864
Picket duty on Petersburg and Weldon Railroad - June 21-July 30, 1864
Charles City Road - August 14, 1864
White’s Tavern - August 15, 1864
White Oak Swamp - August 16, 1864
Yellow House - August 21, 1864
Ream’s Station - August 25, 1864
Hampton’s Beefsteak Raid - September 20-October 4, 1864
Picket Duty on Stony Creek Line - September 20-October 4, 1864
Boydton Plank Road - October 28, 1864
Belfield - December 8, 1864
Chamberlain Run and Five Forks - March 31-April 1, 1865
Namozine Church - April 3, 1865