Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 28.djvu/267

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[From the Richmond, V., LHq*itc/i, April 12th, 1900 )

THE BRUNSWICK BLUES.

WELDON, N. C., April n, 1900.

I notice in a recent Dispatch notice of the death of Mr. Robert A. Goodwyn, at his home in Petersburg, a former citizen of Bruns- wick county, Va., who was a member of the " Brunswick Blues." There was a slight error in the report, however, which I am sure Mr. Goodwyn would wish to have corrected, were he alive. In order to do this I will give you a history of that famous company, as I am a native of Brunswick county, Va., and witnessed the de- parture of the company to war June 3, 1861.

The company, was organized at Edmond's Store, Va., by Mr. Joseph Jones, who was elected captain. Dr. Thomas Wynn was elected first-lieutenant, and John Maddox second-lieutenant. The company was composed of the best young men of the county, and on the day for their departure a great crowd assembled at Trotter's Store, hundreds of ladies being present. A lovely flag was presented the company by the ladies of Brunswick, which was accepted by Captain Jones in a neat speech. Captain Jones was soon promoted for gallant service in the " Lost Cause" to lieutenant-colonel, and Dr. Wynn was promoted to the captaincy of the company. He served a short time and resigned, and John Maddox was elected captain. At the battle of Nottoway river, between Petersburg and Weldon, Colonel Jones was mortally wounded, and Captain Maddox also received his death wounds in the same engagement. W. F. Elmore was elected captain to succeed the lamented Maddox, and served as captain during the remainder of the war, and laid down his arms at Appomattox Courthouse. The company entered the war with ninety men; of this number there are now only fourteen alive. Rev. P. N. Stainback, of Weldon, is one of the survivors, and he has given me some interesting notes of the company. Mr. Stainback entered the company a private, and for bravery was made a lieutenant. He was with his company in every engagement, and followed in the march to Appomattox, where he laid down his arms. He was in the trenches around Petersburg and at the Crater that memorable Sunday morning. The late Robert A. Goodwyn was a