History of the Seventy-Second Regiment of the North Carolina Troops in the War Between the States, 1861-'65

by John Wetmore Hinsdale

THE LAST REVIEW.

The regiment remained in camp near Smithfield until 10 April. During this time our corps under command of General Hardee was reviewed by General Johnston, General Hardee, Governor Vance and others. There was not in the grand parade of that day—the last grand review of the Confederate Army—a more soldierly body of troops than the Junior Reserves. Later in the day, Governor Vance made a stirring speech to the North Carolina troops, which by its eloquence aroused enthusiasm and caused the fire of patriotism to burn more brightly in our hearts. On 10 April we begun our last retreat before Sherman.