Lane, James H., Letters (1861-1865)

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Camp Fisher, High Point.
Sept. 21st, 1861

Lt. Col. James H. Lane,

Sir,

You were unanimously e-
lected Col. of the 28th Reg. N.C. Vs., this evening.  
This Regiment is composed of the following 
companies enlisted for twelve months.

Co. A, Surry County, Capt. Reeves (Major elect)
Co. B, Gaston, Capt. Edwards
Co. C, Catawba, Capt. Lowe (Lt. Col. elect)
Co. D, Stanly, Capt. Montgomery
Co. E, Montgomery, Capt. Barringer
Co. F, Yadkin, Capt. Kingoure
Co. G, Orange, Capt. Martin (1st Lieut. Johnston)
Co. H, Cleaveland, Capt. Wright
Co. I, Yadkin, Capt. Spear
Co. K, Stanly, Capt Moody.

You will see that most of us are 
“Mountain Boys”, and we trust 
that we do not disgrace the home


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from which we come.  It would afford 
us great pleasure and satisfac-
tion to have for our leader an offi-
cer so well and favorably known 
for bravery, courtesy and profession-
al attainments as Lt. Co. save of 
the gallant “Bethel” Regiment.  Permit 
us to express our personal hope 
that we may receive a favorable reply 
as soon as possible and to subscribe 
ourselves yr obdt servants

Comm. in 
behalf 
of 28th Reg  	

G.M. Stowe, Major  Com. Post
Montgomery, Capt. Co. D.
G.B. Johnston 1st Lieut Co. G


My dear Colonel,

As chairman of the 
above Comm. I have given you for-
mal notice of your election to the 
Colonolcy of the 28th Reg. N.C. Vs., just 
formed at this camp. In my own 
capacity I intend giving you such


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Information as I think you would 
desire under the circumstances. We 
have assembled here the elements of 
as fine a regiment as ever went into 
the field, it has been generally remarked 
that we have the finest material that 
has yet gone from North Carolina. The offi-
cers (company) appear to be a clever set 
of fellows, rather green but well suited 
to their posts.  Our field officers, Lt. Col. Lowe 
and Major Reeves, were Captains here and 
possessed no extraordinary qualifications 
for their present positions, though in time 
they may improve.  In a word, all that 
we need is a “first rate” Colonol to 
mould us to his own ideas; you can 
make of this regiment the best in the ser-
vice.  Every man, officer and soldier, in the whole 
camp is anxious for your acceptance.  I 
never saw greater unanimity. You 
have doubtless ere this rec’d a telegram


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from me, asking whether you had taken 
charge of any other regiment. The cause 
of it was that a rumor had reached us 
that you had accepted the command 
of Pender’s 3d Regiment.  Among the 
Captains here is my own, Capt. W.J. Mar-
tin, Professor of Chemistry in our Univer-
sity, he had the pleasure of meeting 
you at Yorktown, and will extend 
to you a most hearty welcome, if you 
will only come among us.  Please direct 
your reply (and we will be glad to 
hear from you as soon as possible) to 
“Major G. M. Stowe, Commandant, Camp 
Fisher, High Point, N. Ca.” Need I express 
my earnest personal desire that your 
answer may be favorable?  You are 
the very man we want. 

With sentiments of highest esteem 
I am yours &c,

G.B. Johnston
Lieut. Co. G. 28th Reg R.C.V