Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
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Mansfield: 150 Years of History

The North Carolina Campaign


On Dec. 4, 1862, the 101st was dispatched to North Carolina, where they saw duty for nearly a year and a half.

The 101st saw action at Kinston and White Hall (now Seven Springs), and Goldsboro in December, though much of the fighting involved artillery and the infantry saw little actual fighting.

On New Year’s Day, 1863 the 101st arrived in New Bern, N.C., where the unit was attached to the First Brigade, 4th Division, 18th Corps. The Mountaineers were there for the next four months.

While camped at New Bern, the Union forces saw action in a few minor skirmishes and raids. Most notable were raids in Fairfield and Hyde County. In Fairfield, Union troops captured a Confederate unit called Spencer’s Rangers. The Rangers funneled supplies to the Southern Army. In Hyde County, Union troops raided one of more fertile areas of the south and captured a lot of supplies. About 40 slaves followed the Northern troops to freedom.

In early May, 1863 the Union forces at New Bern were ordered to Plymouth, N.C. They arrived May 6 and began fortifying the town. The 101st was initially assigned to guard the eastern end of town on the south shore of the Roanoke River.

The 101st only saw minor skirmishes for almost a full year and many reenlisted on New Year’s Day, 1864.

 
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