"Murdering men by inches": The Fate of Company A, 5th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery

On May 5, 1864, Company A of the 5th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery garrisoned the remote earthen fort at Croatan Station about a dozen miles below New Bern. That day, the entire company along with the regiment's Chaplain, Henry White, were surrounded by a much larger Confederate force of cavalry and surrendered after a five-hour firefight.

The 50 enlisted men and three officers were marched away into captivity, but few know the details of their time in captivity and their ultimate fate.

Glen Swain will discuss what became of these men as he describes in his newly released book, The Forgotten Mutineers: The Story of Brooks' Battalion. In the book, Glen follows the career of a young private from the 5th Rhode Island who enlisted at the age of 13, survived captivity at the notorious Andersonville prison and the Florence Stockade in South Carolina.

Prepaid reservations required. Cost is $25 for Historical Society members, and $28 for nonmembers, which includes new buffet meal format. The meal is chicken supreme, grilled atlantic salmon, honey glazed carrots, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggie medley along with salad, rolls, and dessert. Iced tea, coffee, service, and gratuity are all included; wine and beer are available for purchase.