Charleston was evacuated on the 17th of February, 1865, and my battalion, armed with Springfield muskets, participated in the battles of Averysboro’ and Bentonville, N.C., on the 16th and 19th of March. I was wounded at Bentonville and sent to the hospital at Raleigh, so saw no more of Company “C” or my command. Before my wound healed the contest was over, and the right of might established.
The members of Company “C” enjoy the distinction of being the only Confederate regulars, so far as I am informed.
Charles E. Rodman, who died at the Roper Hospital in 1883, was a member of this company. A shell passed near his spine at Battery Wagner, and he lived for twenty years in a paralyzed condition. He acquired, I am told, a good classical education. I saw him whenever I visited Charleston and witnessed his fortitude. He never betrayed any impatience with his condition, and was a hero to the end.
Edward Terry, of this company, was a son of the Chevalier de Terri, of the French army. He enlisted in Baltimore and served bravely with his company until killed.
At the close of the war the officers were Capt. Theodore B. Hayne and Lieuts. W. W. Revely, of Virginia, Frank C. Lucas and Langdon Bowie, Jr.
I would like to be present on the 22d prox. and hear your address, even though it might stir up the old Rebel feeling! Wishing for you that success, in all your undertakings, which you so well merit, believe me to be
Yours most truly,
J. J. LUCAS,
Late Major com’g Lucas’s Battalion, Heavy Art’y, C. S. A.
There were two regiments of South Carolina regulars, and other States may have had similar commands, as distinguished from the volunteers and others who afterwards constituted the Provisional army of the Confederate States. But the only body of Confederate States regulars of which I have the record is that which was raised in Baltimore, and which covered itself with distinction in some of the toughest fights of the war.