| Hero von Borcke and other Stepsons of the South |
Johann August Heinrich Heros von Borcke (1835 – 1895) was known
as the "giant in gray". He was a big man, over six feet four in height and
well over two hundred pounds, with curly blond hair and laughing eyes.
Born to an aristocratic German family, his childhood was spent in Berlin
and Halle before receiving a superb Prussian military education. Von
Borcke was commissioned an ensign in 1853 and admitted to the
Cuiraisser Regiment of Guards as a cadet. In 1860, he was posted as
second lieutenant to the Second Brandenburg Regiment of Dragoons,
but saw little action. After his release from the Prussian Army, he
embarked upon the adventure of his life: he sailed for Bermuda intent
on joining the Confederate Army. Speaking almost no English, he had
managed to secure letters of introduction to Confederate authorities, and
he slipped into South Carolina's Charleston Harbor on a blockade
runner on May 24, 1862. He next traveled to Richmond where he met
with Confederate Secretary of War George Randolph who presented
him with a letter of introduction to Major General J.E.B. Stuart.
as the "giant in gray". He was a big man, over six feet four in height and
well over two hundred pounds, with curly blond hair and laughing eyes.
Born to an aristocratic German family, his childhood was spent in Berlin
and Halle before receiving a superb Prussian military education. Von
Borcke was commissioned an ensign in 1853 and admitted to the
Cuiraisser Regiment of Guards as a cadet. In 1860, he was posted as
second lieutenant to the Second Brandenburg Regiment of Dragoons,
but saw little action. After his release from the Prussian Army, he
embarked upon the adventure of his life: he sailed for Bermuda intent
on joining the Confederate Army. Speaking almost no English, he had
managed to secure letters of introduction to Confederate authorities, and
he slipped into South Carolina's Charleston Harbor on a blockade
runner on May 24, 1862. He next traveled to Richmond where he met
with Confederate Secretary of War George Randolph who presented
him with a letter of introduction to Major General J.E.B. Stuart.
A deep friendship developed between the two men immediately and von Borcke was made a captain
in the Provisional Army of the Confederate States and soon promoted to the rank of major. Von
Bourcke could be entertaining and told wonderful stories with his think accent, but he could also be a
bit vain and difficult to get along with at times, especially for his servants. His horses were as big as
his extra long sword, a huge of a blade forged in Solingen of Damascus steel. He rode with Stuart,
who affectionately called him "Von", during the Northern Virginia Campaign and the Maryland
Campaign, acquiring a reputation for bravery, and he served with Stuart the Battle of Middleburg on
June 19, 1863, where he suffered a severe wound. The examining doctor thought the wound, which
pierced the lung, mortal, but von Borcke woke up the next morning determined to live. He did,
although he was incapacitated for the rest of the year. He resume his duties in the spring of 1864,
and was present at the Battle of Yellow Tavern in which J.E.B. Stuart was killed, and he sat by
Stuart's side at his deathbed. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in December of that year, and
was voted the official thanks of the Confederate Congress and sent on a diplomatic mission to
England by President Jefferson Davis.
in the Provisional Army of the Confederate States and soon promoted to the rank of major. Von
Bourcke could be entertaining and told wonderful stories with his think accent, but he could also be a
bit vain and difficult to get along with at times, especially for his servants. His horses were as big as
his extra long sword, a huge of a blade forged in Solingen of Damascus steel. He rode with Stuart,
who affectionately called him "Von", during the Northern Virginia Campaign and the Maryland
Campaign, acquiring a reputation for bravery, and he served with Stuart the Battle of Middleburg on
June 19, 1863, where he suffered a severe wound. The examining doctor thought the wound, which
pierced the lung, mortal, but von Borcke woke up the next morning determined to live. He did,
although he was incapacitated for the rest of the year. He resume his duties in the spring of 1864,
and was present at the Battle of Yellow Tavern in which J.E.B. Stuart was killed, and he sat by
Stuart's side at his deathbed. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in December of that year, and
was voted the official thanks of the Confederate Congress and sent on a diplomatic mission to
England by President Jefferson Davis.
When the Confederacy collapsed in 1865, von Borcke returned to his native Prussia and resumed his
military career. He fought in the 1866 Austro-Prussian War, receiving the coveted Order of the Red
Eagle for his gallantry, but his old wounds always plagued him, and he retired from the Prussian
Army as Captain in 1867, settling in Neumarkt, East Prussia. While in London, he had written
articles for the pro-Confederate 'Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine' and he published them in book
form as "Memoirs of the Confederate War for Independence" in 1877.
military career. He fought in the 1866 Austro-Prussian War, receiving the coveted Order of the Red
Eagle for his gallantry, but his old wounds always plagued him, and he retired from the Prussian
Army as Captain in 1867, settling in Neumarkt, East Prussia. While in London, he had written
articles for the pro-Confederate 'Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine' and he published them in book
form as "Memoirs of the Confederate War for Independence" in 1877.
He inherited a castle at Geisenbrugge in Pomerania,
and he proudly flew the Confederate flag alongside the
Prussian flag from its battlements. He and his wife
Magdalene Honig had three sons and, when she died in
1883, he married her sister and they had a daughter
named Karoline Virginia, in honor of his adopted and
beloved southern state back in America. In 1884, he
sailed back to the United States for a reunion with
many former friends and comrades.
and he proudly flew the Confederate flag alongside the
Prussian flag from its battlements. He and his wife
Magdalene Honig had three sons and, when she died in
1883, he married her sister and they had a daughter
named Karoline Virginia, in honor of his adopted and
beloved southern state back in America. In 1884, he
sailed back to the United States for a reunion with
many former friends and comrades.
Von Borcke's estate "Stargordt" in Pommern was built between 1717 and 1720. Heinrich von Borcke
added additions in 1743. The stately manor house contained valuable collection of 18th century art.
When the Russians invaded Germany in 1945, they looted the place thoroughly before burning it
down. Von Borcke's descendants were forced to flee in a hunting wagon, leaving their ancestral lands
and all of their possessions behind forever. His original gravestone was smashed.
added additions in 1743. The stately manor house contained valuable collection of 18th century art.
When the Russians invaded Germany in 1945, they looted the place thoroughly before burning it
down. Von Borcke's descendants were forced to flee in a hunting wagon, leaving their ancestral lands
and all of their possessions behind forever. His original gravestone was smashed.
Here he was welcomed with enthusiasm at many events where the legacy of the Confederacy was
celebrated. He presented his famous sword to the State of Virginia, who later placed in the Museum
of the Confederacy. Von Borcke returned to Germany and moved to Berlin, but he died on May 10,
1895, just a few months after his trip to America, proud to the end of his service for the South. He
died from blood poisoning most likely due to the after-affects of the injuries received at Middleburg,
celebrated. He presented his famous sword to the State of Virginia, who later placed in the Museum
of the Confederacy. Von Borcke returned to Germany and moved to Berlin, but he died on May 10,
1895, just a few months after his trip to America, proud to the end of his service for the South. He
died from blood poisoning most likely due to the after-affects of the injuries received at Middleburg,
Heros von Borcke gave this revolover to Jeb Stuart in the
same month von Borcke was swounded at Middleburg,
Virginia, in June 1863 in the expectation that Stuart would
have attained the rank of lieutenant general. Unfortunately,
Stuartdied first, but the inscription on the cover of the cased
revolver is inscribed with :
same month von Borcke was swounded at Middleburg,
Virginia, in June 1863 in the expectation that Stuart would
have attained the rank of lieutenant general. Unfortunately,
Stuartdied first, but the inscription on the cover of the cased
revolver is inscribed with :
| Others |
August Büchel of Texas As German settlers in Texas were numerous, their proportion sent to war
was relatively high and they were recruited in about 70 regiments. Company B, the Lone Star Rifles
of the 6th Texas Infantry Regiment consisted almost exclusively of Germans. Among the Texas
Germans who served their country was an unassuming adventurer and professional soldier named
Carl August Büchel, who reportedly moved to Texas after killing a man in a duel back in Germany.
Büchel was born in 1813 near Mainz. At the age of 14, he went to the Military Academy in
Darmstadt and remained there until 1835. He was commissioned a second lieutenant of volunteers in
the First Infantry Regiment of Hesse-Darmstadt before having more advanced training at L'École
Militaire in Paris, after which he served in the Foreign Legion as a lieutenant. This took him to Spain
where he participated gallantly in the Carlist War. For his bravery at the battle of Huesca, he was
decorated and knighted by Queen Maria Christina in 1838. For the next several years, he was an
instructor in the Turkish army, attaining the highest rank allowed a Christian, that of colonel
was relatively high and they were recruited in about 70 regiments. Company B, the Lone Star Rifles
of the 6th Texas Infantry Regiment consisted almost exclusively of Germans. Among the Texas
Germans who served their country was an unassuming adventurer and professional soldier named
Carl August Büchel, who reportedly moved to Texas after killing a man in a duel back in Germany.
Büchel was born in 1813 near Mainz. At the age of 14, he went to the Military Academy in
Darmstadt and remained there until 1835. He was commissioned a second lieutenant of volunteers in
the First Infantry Regiment of Hesse-Darmstadt before having more advanced training at L'École
Militaire in Paris, after which he served in the Foreign Legion as a lieutenant. This took him to Spain
where he participated gallantly in the Carlist War. For his bravery at the battle of Huesca, he was
decorated and knighted by Queen Maria Christina in 1838. For the next several years, he was an
instructor in the Turkish army, attaining the highest rank allowed a Christian, that of colonel
Baron August Valentin Albert Massow, Virginia Baron August
Valentin Albert Massow was born in 1839 in Prussia to an
aristocratic family with a pedigree dating back to 1259. He served
in the Prussian military before coming to New York in 1863. He
took various detours until he arrived in the South where he joined
here 43rd Virginia Battalion under Colonel John S. Mosby. Von
Massow preferred fighting with his sword over the gun, and in a
raid on February 22, 1864, after accepting the surrender of a
Union cavalry officer on the battlefield, Von Massow rode past
the fellow without disarming him and was shot in the back for his
chivalry. Another Confederate, seeing the horrible, dishonorable
deed, shot the shooter.
Valentin Albert Massow was born in 1839 in Prussia to an
aristocratic family with a pedigree dating back to 1259. He served
in the Prussian military before coming to New York in 1863. He
took various detours until he arrived in the South where he joined
here 43rd Virginia Battalion under Colonel John S. Mosby. Von
Massow preferred fighting with his sword over the gun, and in a
raid on February 22, 1864, after accepting the surrender of a
Union cavalry officer on the battlefield, Von Massow rode past
the fellow without disarming him and was shot in the back for his
chivalry. Another Confederate, seeing the horrible, dishonorable
deed, shot the shooter.
In 1845, Büchel arrived at Carlshafen, later Indianola, Texas and took
up residence. During the Mexican War, he raised a company in the First
Regiment of Texas Foot Rifles and served as its captain in 1846. He
served as aide-de-camp on the staff of Gen. Zachary Taylor and was
present at the battle of Buena Vista. He was made customs collector at
Port Lavaca after the war and temporarily gave up military life, keeping
the job for a few years, and even running a side business selling lumber
and building materials in Corpus Christi. Buchel never married. He was
surprisingly small in stature, and had a reputation as a very quiet, polite,
intelligent man who spoke seven languages. In 1859, however, he
decided to use his military experience and organize the Indianola
Volunteers to fight the depredations of Mexican bandits under Cortina.
up residence. During the Mexican War, he raised a company in the First
Regiment of Texas Foot Rifles and served as its captain in 1846. He
served as aide-de-camp on the staff of Gen. Zachary Taylor and was
present at the battle of Buena Vista. He was made customs collector at
Port Lavaca after the war and temporarily gave up military life, keeping
the job for a few years, and even running a side business selling lumber
and building materials in Corpus Christi. Buchel never married. He was
surprisingly small in stature, and had a reputation as a very quiet, polite,
intelligent man who spoke seven languages. In 1859, however, he
decided to use his military experience and organize the Indianola
Volunteers to fight the depredations of Mexican bandits under Cortina.
When civil war broke out, Buchel joined the Texas militia as lieutenant colonel of the Third Texas
Infantry in 1861 and he served in South Texas. He became colonel of the First Texas Cavalry in
1863 and saw extensive service on the Texas Gulf Coast before being transferred to Louisiana to
thwart invasions of Texas by Union troops. Early in 1864, Buchel was appointed a brigadier general,
but the appointment would sadly never be confirmed. He was hit by at least seven balls and mortally
wounded as he led his troops in a dismounted charge at Pleasant Hill, Louisiana on April 9, 1864. He
was taken to Mansfield, where he died two days later. His body was later taken by his cavalry
detachment to Austin, and he was reburied in the State Cemetery.
Infantry in 1861 and he served in South Texas. He became colonel of the First Texas Cavalry in
1863 and saw extensive service on the Texas Gulf Coast before being transferred to Louisiana to
thwart invasions of Texas by Union troops. Early in 1864, Buchel was appointed a brigadier general,
but the appointment would sadly never be confirmed. He was hit by at least seven balls and mortally
wounded as he led his troops in a dismounted charge at Pleasant Hill, Louisiana on April 9, 1864. He
was taken to Mansfield, where he died two days later. His body was later taken by his cavalry
detachment to Austin, and he was reburied in the State Cemetery.
Leonhard von Zinken Louisiana The 20th Louisiana Infantry, established in February, 1862, was to
a great extent made up of German immigrants and commanded by another former Prussian officer,
Leonhard von Zinken. At the outbreak of war, von Zinken joined the Confederate Army and fought
in major battles across the Western Theater including Shiloh, after which he served as Inspector
General of the General Staff Breckenridge. In 1863 he took command over the 19th and 20
Louisiana Infantry Regiment and led the units at Chickamauga. He also fought at Kennesaw
Mountain and Atlanta. He was wounded in every single battle in which he fought, including the battle
at Ezra Church west of Atlanta where he lost the use of one of his arms. He was a strict military
disciplinarian and not without controversy.
a great extent made up of German immigrants and commanded by another former Prussian officer,
Leonhard von Zinken. At the outbreak of war, von Zinken joined the Confederate Army and fought
in major battles across the Western Theater including Shiloh, after which he served as Inspector
General of the General Staff Breckenridge. In 1863 he took command over the 19th and 20
Louisiana Infantry Regiment and led the units at Chickamauga. He also fought at Kennesaw
Mountain and Atlanta. He was wounded in every single battle in which he fought, including the battle
at Ezra Church west of Atlanta where he lost the use of one of his arms. He was a strict military
disciplinarian and not without controversy.
Wilhelm K. Bachmann and Johann Andreas Wagener, South Carolina The 3rd Cavalry Regiment,
Division G South Carolina was called the German Hussars. At least 3 Artillery batteries were
commanded by German born officers gunners, one of them being Wilhelm K. Bachmann,
Commander of the Charleston Artillery. However, the German name in South Carolina most
associated with the war belonged to one of its most important and respected German immigrants,
Johann Andreas Wagener. Wagener was born in 1816 in Hanover, the eldest child of 12 siblings born
to an inn-keeper/farmer. In 1831, he was the first of his family to immigrate to America. He found
work in New York as a servant, and moved to South Carolina where he settled in Charleston and
found a bookkeeping job. In 1835, he joined the local militia called the "German Füseliers". He also
married, became a citizen, and, always hard working and ambitious, founded a German Fire Engine
Company in 1838. Then in 1840, he was one of the founders of the German Evangelical St.
Matthews Church in Charleston. In 1844, Wagener took over the editorial staff of the German
newspaper "Teutones", and in 1846, he and some friends founded the Turnverein of Charleston.
Division G South Carolina was called the German Hussars. At least 3 Artillery batteries were
commanded by German born officers gunners, one of them being Wilhelm K. Bachmann,
Commander of the Charleston Artillery. However, the German name in South Carolina most
associated with the war belonged to one of its most important and respected German immigrants,
Johann Andreas Wagener. Wagener was born in 1816 in Hanover, the eldest child of 12 siblings born
to an inn-keeper/farmer. In 1831, he was the first of his family to immigrate to America. He found
work in New York as a servant, and moved to South Carolina where he settled in Charleston and
found a bookkeeping job. In 1835, he joined the local militia called the "German Füseliers". He also
married, became a citizen, and, always hard working and ambitious, founded a German Fire Engine
Company in 1838. Then in 1840, he was one of the founders of the German Evangelical St.
Matthews Church in Charleston. In 1844, Wagener took over the editorial staff of the German
newspaper "Teutones", and in 1846, he and some friends founded the Turnverein of Charleston.
Always popular, Wagener was a prominent member of numerous lodges in
Charleston and in 1857 was Master of three lodges simultaneously. On his
own initiative in 1849, he founded the German settlement of Walhalla, a
haven for German expatriates. The idea for a German settlement had been
suggested as early as 1844 for immigrants coming to Charleston, South
Carolina. Eventually, the German Colonization Society was organized on
October 6, 1848 in Charleston with a primary focus on establishing such a
German settlement. Under Wagener's leadership, the Society bought 17,859
acres in 1849. The town and the surrounding areas were all planned and the
members of the Society met in 1850 to draw for the first lots and surrounding
farms. They named the new town "Walhalla". The German Evangelical
Lutheran Congregation there was officially organized on November 20, 1853
and the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church was built and dedicated on
March 17, 1861. Services were held in German and English (after World War
One anti-German hysteria, services would later be held only in English). The
town of Walhalla became incorporated on December 19, 1855.
Charleston and in 1857 was Master of three lodges simultaneously. On his
own initiative in 1849, he founded the German settlement of Walhalla, a
haven for German expatriates. The idea for a German settlement had been
suggested as early as 1844 for immigrants coming to Charleston, South
Carolina. Eventually, the German Colonization Society was organized on
October 6, 1848 in Charleston with a primary focus on establishing such a
German settlement. Under Wagener's leadership, the Society bought 17,859
acres in 1849. The town and the surrounding areas were all planned and the
members of the Society met in 1850 to draw for the first lots and surrounding
farms. They named the new town "Walhalla". The German Evangelical
Lutheran Congregation there was officially organized on November 20, 1853
and the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church was built and dedicated on
March 17, 1861. Services were held in German and English (after World War
One anti-German hysteria, services would later be held only in English). The
town of Walhalla became incorporated on December 19, 1855.
In one incident, while garrison commander at Columbus, one of his guards
shot and killed a soldier home on leave for failing to produce his leave
papers. Town citizens were furious and demanded that the guard be
charged with murder, but Von Zinken stepped in and said he should be the
one charged, since the guard was operating under his command. Indeed, he
was charged, but cleared of any wrong-doing in his court martial. After the
war, Von Zinken returned home to Louisiana, and he died in 1871 in New
Orleans.
shot and killed a soldier home on leave for failing to produce his leave
papers. Town citizens were furious and demanded that the guard be
charged with murder, but Von Zinken stepped in and said he should be the
one charged, since the guard was operating under his command. Indeed, he
was charged, but cleared of any wrong-doing in his court martial. After the
war, Von Zinken returned home to Louisiana, and he died in 1871 in New
Orleans.
On March 31, 1860, Wagener was appointed Major and commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 1st
Artillery Regiment of the South Carolina militia. After the Ordinance of Secession was signed on
December 20, 1860, Wagener's German Regiment occupied the abandoned Fort Moultrie and
participated in the bombardment of Fort Sumter. By July, 1861, Wagener was a Lieutenant Colonel
in the Confederate Army. His troops built Fort Walker on Hilton Head, after which he was made
Brigadier General and Commandant of Charleston. He held this post throughout the war. Between
1863 and 1864, he acted as commander of all militia organizations of Charleston. In 1866, he
received the rank of Brigadier-General of the 4th Brigade of the Militia of South Carolina. After the
war, Wagener was appointed as "Commisair of Immigration". In this capacity, he argued the cause
for attracting more German immigrants to compensate for the collapsed slaves market. He was one
of the co-founders of the German Society of South Carolina, and was also Mayor of Charleston. He
was a delegate to the Democratic Party in St. Louis in 1876 . Shortly afterwards, on August 27,
1876, he died. He had arranged for his siblings to immigrate, and his bothers were also important
figures during the War.
Artillery Regiment of the South Carolina militia. After the Ordinance of Secession was signed on
December 20, 1860, Wagener's German Regiment occupied the abandoned Fort Moultrie and
participated in the bombardment of Fort Sumter. By July, 1861, Wagener was a Lieutenant Colonel
in the Confederate Army. His troops built Fort Walker on Hilton Head, after which he was made
Brigadier General and Commandant of Charleston. He held this post throughout the war. Between
1863 and 1864, he acted as commander of all militia organizations of Charleston. In 1866, he
received the rank of Brigadier-General of the 4th Brigade of the Militia of South Carolina. After the
war, Wagener was appointed as "Commisair of Immigration". In this capacity, he argued the cause
for attracting more German immigrants to compensate for the collapsed slaves market. He was one
of the co-founders of the German Society of South Carolina, and was also Mayor of Charleston. He
was a delegate to the Democratic Party in St. Louis in 1876 . Shortly afterwards, on August 27,
1876, he died. He had arranged for his siblings to immigrate, and his bothers were also important
figures during the War.
Wilhelm Heinrich von Eberstein, North Carolina Baron Wilhelm Heinrich von Eberstein rose to
Sergeant Major (NCO rank) in the 7th North Carolina Infantry. Von Eberstein left behind his
memoirs. The first portion of "William Henry" von Eberstein's memoir concerns the history of his
illustrious noble family. Wilhelm Heinrich (William Henry) von Eberstein was born in St. Servan,
France in 1821, the fifth of eight children. He also lived as a child on the Isle of Guernsey where the
family moved after the death of his father. The sea was already in his blood.
Sergeant Major (NCO rank) in the 7th North Carolina Infantry. Von Eberstein left behind his
memoirs. The first portion of "William Henry" von Eberstein's memoir concerns the history of his
illustrious noble family. Wilhelm Heinrich (William Henry) von Eberstein was born in St. Servan,
France in 1821, the fifth of eight children. He also lived as a child on the Isle of Guernsey where the
family moved after the death of his father. The sea was already in his blood.
At the age of fourteen signed on as a midshipman aboard a British East India Company merchant
ship. Later he served as second officer on a brig which travelled the world. As first officer of one
bark in 1841, von Eberstein relates the transportation of prisoners to the penal colony at Australia
among other things. In the same year, while still a youth, von Eberstein ran African slaves from the
Congo to Brazil as captain of a Spanish brig. His other positions included that of third lieutenant on a
Brazilian navy frigate and master of a merchant vessel in 1843. He later served as first officer of an
American schooner out of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Von Eberstein reports on everything from
hunting seals at Cape Horn, to trading and fighting with the South American Indians and being
shipwrecked off the coast of Argentina.
ship. Later he served as second officer on a brig which travelled the world. As first officer of one
bark in 1841, von Eberstein relates the transportation of prisoners to the penal colony at Australia
among other things. In the same year, while still a youth, von Eberstein ran African slaves from the
Congo to Brazil as captain of a Spanish brig. His other positions included that of third lieutenant on a
Brazilian navy frigate and master of a merchant vessel in 1843. He later served as first officer of an
American schooner out of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Von Eberstein reports on everything from
hunting seals at Cape Horn, to trading and fighting with the South American Indians and being
shipwrecked off the coast of Argentina.
As he tells of whaling and fishing as chief mate on board various ships, he relates how he became
familiar with North Carolina as mate on another American schooner and even fighting a hurricane. In
1850, von Eberstein and his brother visited their family in Europe. While he was visiting with his
mother in Dresden, he joined the forces of the King of Saxony to help quell a socialist revolution.
Soon enough, however, he decided it was time to settle down a bit, and he moved to Chocowinity,
N.C., in July 1851, where he established himself as an engineer and merchant, and he married in
1852. After bringing four children into the world, he became a farmer, harness maker and lastly, a
school teacher! But, alas, he soon grew restless and briefly returned to the sea where he captained a
few more ships and encountered more adventures, including defeating coastal pirates.
familiar with North Carolina as mate on another American schooner and even fighting a hurricane. In
1850, von Eberstein and his brother visited their family in Europe. While he was visiting with his
mother in Dresden, he joined the forces of the King of Saxony to help quell a socialist revolution.
Soon enough, however, he decided it was time to settle down a bit, and he moved to Chocowinity,
N.C., in July 1851, where he established himself as an engineer and merchant, and he married in
1852. After bringing four children into the world, he became a farmer, harness maker and lastly, a
school teacher! But, alas, he soon grew restless and briefly returned to the sea where he captained a
few more ships and encountered more adventures, including defeating coastal pirates.
At the start of the Civil War, 40-year-old von Eberstein enlisted on April 22, 1861 in Company K,
10th Regiment N.C.S.T. (1st Regiment N.C. Artillery), also known as the Washington Grays, and
mustered in as 5th (Orderly) Sergeant. He later transferred to the Field and Staff of the N.C. 61st
Regiment on July 3, 1863 and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant-Major. He was wounded in the
hip in the Defense of Charleston, S.C. on August 26, 1863 and hospitalized. He returned to duty on
October 5th. While at Drewy's Bluff, Virginia, he was again wounded in the hip on or about May 16,
1864 and was again hospitalized. He received a sixty day furlough on May 31, 1864, during which
he served as acting adjutant of the 61st N.C.T. for a short period, but due to his age and being unfit
for field duty, he received a discharge on October 4, 1864. He went home to his family in
Chocowinity, and after recovering from exhaustion, he and his family moved to Pitt County, N.C.,
where he was living when the war ended. Before his death, Mr. von Eberstein wrote his life's
memoirs. He was buried at Trinity Cemetery, Chocowinity, North Carolina on October 26, 1890.
10th Regiment N.C.S.T. (1st Regiment N.C. Artillery), also known as the Washington Grays, and
mustered in as 5th (Orderly) Sergeant. He later transferred to the Field and Staff of the N.C. 61st
Regiment on July 3, 1863 and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant-Major. He was wounded in the
hip in the Defense of Charleston, S.C. on August 26, 1863 and hospitalized. He returned to duty on
October 5th. While at Drewy's Bluff, Virginia, he was again wounded in the hip on or about May 16,
1864 and was again hospitalized. He received a sixty day furlough on May 31, 1864, during which
he served as acting adjutant of the 61st N.C.T. for a short period, but due to his age and being unfit
for field duty, he received a discharge on October 4, 1864. He went home to his family in
Chocowinity, and after recovering from exhaustion, he and his family moved to Pitt County, N.C.,
where he was living when the war ended. Before his death, Mr. von Eberstein wrote his life's
memoirs. He was buried at Trinity Cemetery, Chocowinity, North Carolina on October 26, 1890.
Johann P. Emrich, Alabama Alabama sent some 40,000 troops against the Union during the war,
including the primarily German men of Company H of the 8th Infantry, named the "Germans
fusiliers". It was raised in 1848 and mustered into Confederate service on June 9th, 1861. As
Company H, Eighth Alabama, Pryor's Brigade, it defeated its enemy at Williamsburg and at Seven
Pines, May 5, 1862. They fought again in Wilcox's Brigade at Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, June 27,
1862, at Frasier's Farm, June 29, where they were face to face with the Irish Brigade; Again, at
Second Manassas, Harper's Ferry, Sharpsburg and Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. Next at
Salem's Church, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Richmond and Cold Harbor, where on
June 3, 1864, 6000 Yankees were slaughtered in less than one hour, Wilcox's Brigade withstanding
their rushing charge. It fought cavalry on the Weldon Road, again at Deep Bottom; Boydston Plank
Road, in the trenches at Petersburg, and last at Appomattox, where they divided the regimental flag.
German born Captain Johann P. Emrich, the last regimental colonel, was wounded 5 times during the
war, including once at Chancellorsville, and he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Company C of
the 12th Alabama Infantry also recruited from Germans from the Richmond area. The Mobile
German Fusileers fought shoulder-to-shoulder with their Irish immigrant comrades of the 8th
Alabama Infantry, Company I, the Emerald Guard.
including the primarily German men of Company H of the 8th Infantry, named the "Germans
fusiliers". It was raised in 1848 and mustered into Confederate service on June 9th, 1861. As
Company H, Eighth Alabama, Pryor's Brigade, it defeated its enemy at Williamsburg and at Seven
Pines, May 5, 1862. They fought again in Wilcox's Brigade at Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, June 27,
1862, at Frasier's Farm, June 29, where they were face to face with the Irish Brigade; Again, at
Second Manassas, Harper's Ferry, Sharpsburg and Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. Next at
Salem's Church, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Richmond and Cold Harbor, where on
June 3, 1864, 6000 Yankees were slaughtered in less than one hour, Wilcox's Brigade withstanding
their rushing charge. It fought cavalry on the Weldon Road, again at Deep Bottom; Boydston Plank
Road, in the trenches at Petersburg, and last at Appomattox, where they divided the regimental flag.
German born Captain Johann P. Emrich, the last regimental colonel, was wounded 5 times during the
war, including once at Chancellorsville, and he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Company C of
the 12th Alabama Infantry also recruited from Germans from the Richmond area. The Mobile
German Fusileers fought shoulder-to-shoulder with their Irish immigrant comrades of the 8th
Alabama Infantry, Company I, the Emerald Guard.
Von Massow needed 6 months to recuperate. In the spring of 1865, he traveled back to Germany
and reenlisted in the 11th Pomeranian Dragoon Regiment in 1866 and he was awarded the Iron
Cross for his service in battle. After the war, he settled first in Oldenburg, and later in Berlin. By
1890, he had the supreme command of the Prussian cavalry. In 1899, he was appointed General of
the Army. In 1906, after almost 54 years of military service, he retired. He died in 1927 in Germany..
and reenlisted in the 11th Pomeranian Dragoon Regiment in 1866 and he was awarded the Iron
Cross for his service in battle. After the war, he settled first in Oldenburg, and later in Berlin. By
1890, he had the supreme command of the Prussian cavalry. In 1899, he was appointed General of
the Army. In 1906, after almost 54 years of military service, he retired. He died in 1927 in Germany..
| TO LT. GEN J.E.B. STUART C.S.A. CULPEPPER, VA JUNE 1863 FROM HEROS VON BORCKE.” |
A good many of the regimental bands of the Civil War were comprised of Germans. One of the best
known in the South was the 26th North Carolina Regiment Band, which was made up wholly of
German speaking Moravians.
known in the South was the 26th North Carolina Regiment Band, which was made up wholly of
German speaking Moravians.
There were three bands from Moravian settlements in North Carolina. They served with the 26th
Regiment, N.C. Infantry, the 21st Regiment, N.C. Infantry (1st Battalion, N.C. Sharpshooters), and
the 33rd Regiment, N.C. Infantry. In the course of the War, the three Moravian bands from
Wachovia were represented in almost every major campaign in North Carolina, the Shenandoah
Valley, and Northern Virginia. All three bands were captured in the final battles leading up to the
Confederate surrender at Appomattox.
Regiment, N.C. Infantry, the 21st Regiment, N.C. Infantry (1st Battalion, N.C. Sharpshooters), and
the 33rd Regiment, N.C. Infantry. In the course of the War, the three Moravian bands from
Wachovia were represented in almost every major campaign in North Carolina, the Shenandoah
Valley, and Northern Virginia. All three bands were captured in the final battles leading up to the
Confederate surrender at Appomattox.
The band, said to have been one of General Robert E. Lee's favorite
bands, became separated from the body of the regiment and were
captured near Amelia Courthouse after the evacuation of Petersburg
in the closing week of the war in Virginia. They were imprisoned at
Point Lookout, Maryland for three months. They returned to Salem
after their release on July 2, 1865, and two days later, they were
playing for the townspeople.
bands, became separated from the body of the regiment and were
captured near Amelia Courthouse after the evacuation of Petersburg
in the closing week of the war in Virginia. They were imprisoned at
Point Lookout, Maryland for three months. They returned to Salem
after their release on July 2, 1865, and two days later, they were
playing for the townspeople.
The 26th North Carolina Regiment was organized from companies raised from the Piedmont and
western North Carolina. The regiment first engaged in battles at Malvern Hill, Gettysburg (where its
band gave an improvised concert in the midst of the action on the battlefield), the Wilderness, and
the defense of Petersburg, Virginia (for nearly one and a half years). The regiment continued its
service with the Army of Northern Virginia and surrendered with General Robert E. Lee at
Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865.
western North Carolina. The regiment first engaged in battles at Malvern Hill, Gettysburg (where its
band gave an improvised concert in the midst of the action on the battlefield), the Wilderness, and
the defense of Petersburg, Virginia (for nearly one and a half years). The regiment continued its
service with the Army of Northern Virginia and surrendered with General Robert E. Lee at
Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865.
