Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 4.djvu/343

Rh withdraw fell back to his original line, and was then informed of the proposed surrender. At first refusing to submit to this, he was about to call upon his men to cut their way out, when General Gordon reminded him of the interpretation which might be put upon such action during a truce, and he was compelled by his sense of honor to acquiesce. As an estimate of his character as a soldier, the words of Gen. D. H. Hill in March, 1863, are exact and comprehensive: &quot;He has been in many pitched battles and has behaved most gallantly in them all. His gallantry, ripe experience, admirable training, intelligence and moral worth constitute strong claims for promotion.&quot; After the close of hostilities he returned to his plantation. He had married in 1863, Charlotte Emily, daughter of Hon. John B. Bryan, of Raleigh, and several children were born to them. His life went on in quiet and honor until August 14, 1880, when he was shot by an assassin and almost instantly killed.

Major-General Robert F. Hoke was born at Lincolnton, N. C., May 27, 1837, and was educated at the Kentucky military institute. He entered the military service of the State in April, 1861, as a member of Company K, of the First regiment, was immediately commissioned second lieutenant, and as captain was commended for &quot;coolness, judgment and efficiency&quot; in D. H. Hill’s report of the battle of Big Bethel. In September he became major of this regiment. At the reorganization he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Thirty-third regiment, Col. C. M. Avery. He had command of five companies at the battle of New Bern, March 14, 1862, and was distinguished for gallantry. The colonel being captured here, he subsequently had command of the regiment, and in that capacity participated with Branch’s brigade in the Virginia battles of Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, Games Mill, Frayser’s Farm and Malvern Hill. With promotion to colonel he