3rd NC Cavalry—North-South Skirmish Association

Originally published April 2020 · p. 4

The companies of this regiment were in the field as early as August 1861. They served on independent duty as scouts and pickets from the Cape Fear River in North Carolina to the Blackwater River in southeastern Virginia. Several attempts were made to assemble the scattered companies into an organized regiment but due to the wide spread dispersement; this did not meet with much success. Company K mustered in at “Little” Washington, N.C., and was then mustered into Confederate service February 7, 1862, to date from November 6, 1861. Col. John Baker assumed command of the regiment and Captain Jordan Walker took charge of Company “K”. The company saw active service in several commands during the conflict, taking part in numerous campaigns in North Carolina and Virginia. Active in the 1862 New Bern Campaign, siege of Suffolk, Va., under Longstreet, Dillards Wharf, South Anna Bridge, New Bern 1864, Bermuda Hundred, Drewry’s Bluff, and Hanover Court House. After General Rufus Barringer assumed command of the Third and other mounted units, the force would be known as Barringer’s Brigade until the end of the war. Later in 1864 came Cold Harbor, Hanover Town Road, Haws Shop, Meadow’s Bridge, Second Cold Harbor, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, and Harrison’s Landing. The regiment was to see much action while protecting the Petersburg to Weldon Railroad and heavily involved in action at Charles City Road, Whites Tavern, Yellow House, Davis Farm, and Ream’s Station where the Third distinguished itself The regiment participated in Hampton’s Beefsteak Raid during September 1864. Belfield, Va., signaled a change for the unit. From then on, the Third participated in major defensive actions at Dinwiddle Courthouse, Five Forks, Chamberlin Run, Namozine Church, and on the march to Appomattox. The night before the surrender, most Confederate cavalry rode off to join General Johnston in North Carolina; some just went home. The lone trooper from the 3rd NC Cavalry at the surrender was in the hospital.

NOW The modern reincarnation of the Third was organized during the fall of 1994 by six N-SSA veterans with service dating as far back as 1967. It stood its probationary skirmish at the 91st Spring Nationals with eight members participating. In its short history it has grown to sixteen active members who participate in almost every type of competition the N-SSA offers. Since then, the team has won numerous national, individual, and team medals in revolver, musket, and carbine. The company draws members from eastern North Carolina and Virginia. Since organizing, it has helped host the 97th, 112th, and 125th National Skirmishes by running the pistol range. As time has gone by the team has accepted northern competitors as team members who, we reckon, ought to be called “Galvanized Rebs.” Since women were allowed to compete, we added two female shooters to our ranks. While we still hold to the family atmosphere, we have moved with the changes in the N-SSA. Our current membership is eighteen competitors. As to why the 3rd NC Cavalry (41st Regiment) was selected, a cousin and I had a great grandfather, two great uncles, and several cousins who served in Company K, 3rd NC Cavalry until the war ended. – Jimmy Hardison 3rd NC carbine Fall 2008 at Fort Shenandoah.

3rd NC working pistol range May 2012.