Another New Bern First

In 1749, the North Carolina Assembly voted to create the office of public printer so that a printing of revised colony laws could be completed. They chose James Davis, who was originally from Williamsburg, and had apprenticed under William Parks, the first printer in Virginia. Davis brought his press and type with him from Williamsburg and set up shop initially on Pollock Street, but later moved to the southwest corner of Broad and East Front Street. His first official job was the printing of currency. Then, on June 24, 1749, in New Bern, James Davis printed the first official publication for the colony of North Carolina entitled The Journal of the House of Burgesses of the Province of North Carolina. James Davis served as public printer for almost thirty-three years and published over one hundred documents. In 1751 Davis completed the revisal of the laws of the colony and in August of the same year, Davis began publishing the first newspaper in the colony, The North Carolina Gazette. He published this paper over two separate periods. It was first published from 1751-1760. He started another newspaper in 1764, called The North Carolina Magazine, or Universal Intelligencer, but it only lasted four years. In 1768, he resumed publication of The North-Carolina Gazette, which continued to be printed until 1778. In 1753, he published a book, A Collection of Many Christian Experiences, Sentences, and Several Places of Scripture Improved, written by Reverend Clement Hall. This book was a first in several categories. It was the first book written by a native of North Carolina and it was the first privately printed, non-legal book published in the colony.

Upon his arrival in 1749, James Davis became involved in almost every aspect of life in New Bern. He purchased land and married a local woman, Prudence Hobbs, widow of Christopher Gregory Hobbs and daughter of William Carruthers. They had four sons and three daughters. He 1753 he became a member of the county court, an office he held for over twenty-five years. In 1754 he was elected sheriff of Craven County although he only kept that position for ten months. He was elected to the Assembly and later was appointed postmaster of New Bern. In 1778 he served as a Justice of the Peace. Davis was a supporter of the American Revolution and was appointed to numerous political positions during this period representing New Bern and Craven County.

James Davis died in New Bern in 1785 and is buried at Christ Episcopal Church. Inscribed on his gravestone is the following:

Established the art of printing in the Colony of North Carolina, 1749
Public printer to the Colony and the State
Published first book, first newspaper and first magazine in North Carolina.
Member of the Council of State
Of the General Assembly
Of the Provincial Convention
Of the Provincial Congress
And of the Committee of Safety for the County of Craven and Town of New Bern
Judge of the Admiralty Court
Justice of the County Court
Sheriff of Craven County
Postmaster and Contractor to convey the public mails from Suffolk to Wilmington
Printed currency for the colony

The afternoon of May 26, 1864 seemed like any other day for the Union soldiers in camp near Bachelor’s Creek. Soldiers and civilians alike began to assemble near the railroad tracks to await the train that would arrive at 4 pm from New Bern. Some were hoping for letters or packages, and some just wanted to relieve the monotony of the day by mingling with fellow soldiers. It would be a day, however, that would end in horror.

The Union forces knew that the Confederates were building an ironclad gunboat upriver from New Bern, the CSS Neuse. The CSS Albemarle had already captured a Union garrison at Plymouth and the Union army devised a plan to prevent any further incursions by these gunboats. Lt. William R. King was a Union army engineer and in charge of setting nautical mines, or “torpedoes” in the Neuse River, near Bachelor’s Creek. Nine torpedoes had already been installed and they were waiting for four more. The torpedoes were made in New Bern and contained 250 lbs. of gunpowder encased in large barrels. The barrels were heaved onto wagons like ordinary freight, prior to leaving the station. Unfortunately, there were no warning markers or labels on the barrels and Lieutenant King was not on hand when the train arrived at Bachelor’s Creek. With no warnings posted or instructions given, workers on the train and ground thought the barrels were to be delivered to the nearby commissary. The first, second and third barrels were rolled off the train without incident. When the fourth barrel was rolled out of the freight car, the detonator was stuck and the gunpowder exploded instantly. The devastation was quick and lethal. Thirty-five men were killed instantly and thirty others were fatally injured. Of those, twenty to twenty-five were “contrabands,” Negroes who had obtained jobs from the Union.

A signal tower that was built across the railroad track and the commissary building were thrown into the air at least eight hundred feet. The blast was heard twenty miles away and described “like the crash of a thousand pieces of artillery.” Preparations were made in New Bern to defend the city in case the noise signified a Confederate attack was coming. Colonel Claussen telegraphed to New Bern requesting medical help as well as coffins. Three wooden hard tack boxes were filled with fragments of men. Most of the victims were killed instantly but the few who were spared were so greatly mutilated as to be past all assistance.

One of those killed was Lt. William Ennever of the 158th NY. He was born in England in 1842 but came to Philadelphia with his parents in 1852. He was one of ten children. Prior to enlisting in the 158th in Brooklyn, NY he had been a druggist in NYC. After the explosion he was taken to Foster General Hospital in New Bern where he succumbed two days later due to a “general shock to his system.” William was a commissary Sergeant and held in high esteem by his fellow soldiers. The New York Herald (Wednesday, June 8, 1864) described his funeral as follows:

“Yesterday at 4 pm the remains of Commissary Sergeant Ennever of the One Hundred Fifty Eighth New York Volunteers-one of the victims of the late tragedy at Bachelor’s Creek, were interred with high military honors. The corpse was borne to the grave on a caisson drawn by six horses, a suitable and emblematic bier for the gallant soldier. The entire regiment followed a cortege of mourners. Lieutenant Colonel McNary and all the officers likewise attended the ceremony being conducted according to the prescribed form. This honor is an unusual one-in a non-commissioned officer, the law providing such grade a simple escort of sixteen men commanded by a Sergeant. In this instance, rank was ignored and the merits of the deceased commanded a spontaneous tribute and acknowledgement…”

It is unclear why William was buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery in the family vault of Elijah Ellis. Mr. Ellis was a prominent merchant in New Bern having made a fortune as a turpentine dealer. The final irony however, is that Elijah Ellis, along with his son-in-law, Thomas S. Howard, provided financial backing for the building of the CSS Neuse. The bodies of many of the other victims are interred at the National Cemetery, reflected by the date, May 26, 1864.

During this month in history, one of the biggest celebrations in New Bern occurred at the completion of the Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad from Goldsboro to New Bern on April 29, 1858. Fifty-one men were part of the committee to plan and provide the celebration. John D. Whitford, who was president of the railroad, was named as chairman of the ball committee. William H. Oliver was appointed as entertainment chair and that meant he had the task of finding a way to prepare food for local residents as well as the thousands of guests they were expecting. Mr. Oliver ordered white granite plates, glassware and cutlery from New York. He ordered two thousand pounds of fresh meat and one thousand bushels of oysters. The meat and oysters were delivered on a Tuesday in extremely warm weather. Everyone was afraid the food would spoil, but fortuitously, by the next morning, a heavy snow had fallen so the food was saved, much to the relief of the organizers.

Mr. Oliver arranged for a boat load of fine sweet potatoes; Mr. Sebastian Bangert, the owner of a bakery and confectionery, put them in his oven on Wednesday night and they were ready for consumption on Thursday. Mr. Bangert also baked a large amount of bread to feed the guests.

Visitors arrived in trains from all parts of the state and it was estimated that eight thousand people filled the streets of New Bern. Reverend Francis Hawks addressed the visitors and townspeople at Academy Green. There was a thirteen gun salute, a military parade at the Academy and instrumental music by the United States Band from the ship “Pennsylvania.” Everyone then processed to the Round House at the railroad depot. All were invited to a banquet in the railroad machine shop which was the only facility large enough to hold everyone. Seven long tables were covered with nice white cloth and laden with the dishes, glassware and food provided by almost every household in New Bern. It was all served with champagne and scuppernong wine. Later a ball was held at the railroad depot, and was quite successful. John C. Coart, a local auctioneer, sold the cutlery and glassware at public auction and enough was realized from the sale to cover the initial expense.

In March 1938, Our State Magazine published an article entitled, “New Bern Has History Month” written by local historian Gertrude Sprague Carraway. According to Ms. Carraway, this was the second year in a row that New Bern was observing “History Month.” What exactly did that entail? An initial program was given at a public meeting of the Board of Alderman on March 1 and other organizations followed suit. Ms. Carraway declared that New Bern was believed to be the first in North Carolina to observe Local History Month, mark historic spots, issue free guide-books and offer guide services.

Here are only some of the thirty-five “firsts” in New Bern researched by Ms. Carraway and memorialized in articles, as well as guide books:

• First in America to record officially the legal principle that a legislature is limited in power by a Constitution
• First in America for a provincial convention called and held in defiance of British orders.
• First revolving gun made here.
• First in America to celebrate George Washington’s Birthday.
• First in North Carolina and third in America, after Boston and Philadelphia, in celebrating Independence Day.
• First incorporated school in North Carolina and second private secondary school in English America to receive a charter.
• First town to get bequest and start free trade school for orphan girls.
• First free school for white children in North Carolina.
• First public schools for Negroes in North Carolina.
• First printing press, first pamphlet, first newspaper, and first book published in North Carolina.
• First torpedo put to practical use invented here.
• First modern naval minesweeper made in State launched here in 1942.
• First road and first ferry in North Carolina led from New Bern to Bath.
• First postal service in North Carolina.
• First post office in State under the Republic.
• First State officials inaugurated here in Tryon Palace, the first state capital building.
• First State legislature met here.
• First large four-faced clock on a building in State, if not in world.
• First in North Carolina to decorate streets with vari-colored electric lights during the Christmas season.
• First in North Carolina to observe Local History Month, mark historic spots, issue free guide-books, and offer guide services.

Ms. Carraway was an enormous advocate for historical preservation, not only in New Bern but for other local, State and national areas as well. Born, August 6, 1896, she was a native and lifelong resident of New Bern who received her A.B. degree from UNC at Greensboro and later did graduate work at Columbia University in NY. She was a teacher, journalist, reporter, and Director of Tryon Palace Restoration. She was appointed by every governor in NC to membership on the Executive Board of the State Archives and History. She was the author of over fifty booklets, feature stories and numerous books, including the “Crown of Life,” a history of Christ Episcopal Church in New Bern and “Years of Light,” a book about the history of St. John’s Masonic Lodge #3. Ms. Carraway served as secretary of the Tryon Palace Commission from its inception in 1945 and resigned in 1956 to assume the position of Restoration Director to which she served until her retirement in 1971. She was President General of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution from 1953 to 1956 and served as editor of the national magazine of the DAR. She was granted honorary lifetime status as President General. She was a member of numerous local, state and national organizations dedicated to history and the arts. She was friends with First Lady Mamie Eisenhower and was instrumental in inspiring President Dwight Eisenhower to declare one week in September as Constitution week. Her biography appeared in Who’s Who in America Who’s Who in America Education and Who’s Who, American Women. The was named “Woman of the Year” in New Bern in 1958 and was honored by state Magazine as the North Carolinian of 1962” and the North Caroliniana Society award in 1982. Ms. Carraway died on May 7, 1993 and is buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery. March is now celebrated as Women’s History Month and who better to honor and remember in New Bern than Gertrude Sprague Carraway?

Photo courtesy of http://www.ncdar.org/ColonelJosephWinston_files/constitution_week.htm

After the Battle of New Bern on March 14, 1862, the city was occupied by Union Forces.  New Bern became a major military operation center and supply depot for the Union.  In 1864 the Confederates devised a bold plan to launch a surprise attack by land and sea to recapture New Bern.  John Taylor Wood would head the naval operation to capture a Union gunboat and Major General George Pickett would lead the land attack against the city.

Major General Pickett had approximately 11,000 troops under his command and he planned to make a frontal attack against New Bern with the mass of his troops.  Brigadier General Seth Barton, along with cavalry and artillery would cut the Atlantic and NC railroad at Morehead to prevent Union troops from providing reinforcements. Colonel James Dearing would attack Ft. Anderson which would also prevent reinforcements from across the river.

The railroad bridge at Bachelor’s Creek, approximately 10 miles northwest of New Bern, marked the western edge of Union control.  Union pickets were posted along the outer banks of the creek and Confederate troops set up picket lines approximately 2 miles from Union lines.  Bachelor’s Creek was the dividing line between Federal and Southern forces. Pickett moved on New Bern dividing his troops into three columns.  During the early morning of February 1, 1864, Pickett’s division of infantry, cavalry and artillery advanced between the Trent and Neuse Rivers to attack and cross the bridge at Bachelor’s Creek.   At the time of the attack, Lt Abram Pye Haring of the 132^nd NY Volunteers along with eleven men was on outpost picket duty guarding this bridge.  At 3:00 a.m. the rebel forces attacked the outpost under a heavy fog and in overwhelming force.  One man was dispatched for reinforcements and Lt Haring and his remaining men valiantly defended the bridge for over two hours.  The Confederates brought up artillery and sharpshooters to assist their infantry and with five hundred eighty men, made three successive charges before daylight, each time being repulsed by Lt. Haring’s small band of men.  The Union soldiers were finally reinforced by 150 men of their own regiment. Unable to advance, the Confederates moved down the river where they constructed a bridge, crossed, and attacked from the rear forcing Lieutenant Haring and his men to finally withdraw.  At 9:00 am the enemy flanked and routed the Union forces and took a number of prisoners.   Pickett’s troops advanced upon New Bern, but after a 24 hour wait, Pickett retreated with his army believing an assault to be imprudent.  John Taylor Woods had blown up the Union gunboat, the Underwriter, but without Pickett’s assault on the city, the Confederate recapture of New Bern was not possible.  The city would remain under Union occupation until the end of the war.

Lt. Abram Pye Haring received the Medal of Honor on June 28, 1890 due to his bravery at Bachelor’s Creek.  His citation reads:

“Haring, Lieut Abram P, 132^nd Reg’t NY Vols.  Had not eleven men of the 132^nd under Lt Haring in the blockhouse at Bachelor’s Creek, NC withstood a rebel army for over one hour, Newberne would have been captured by the rebels.” (Volume XLI, pg. 136 of the records of the War of Rebellion)

New Bern Historical Society

Photos from Find A Grave #8229130

On January 16, 1777 in the Council Chambers of Tryon Palace, Richard Caswell was sworn in as the first Governor of the state of North Carolina. He served from 1776-1780 and later served as its fifth Governor from 1785-1787.

Richard Caswell was born in Maryland, but moved to North Carolina at the age of 16 arriving in New Bern in 1745 with a letter of recommendation from the governor of his home state. Richard was made apprentice to a surveyor, James Mackilwean, and lived with this family for 2 years at their plantation near Kinston. At the age of 18 his training was completed and he became a deputy surveyor general. In 1752, Richard married Mary Mackilwean, the daughter of James. She died in 1757 due to complications of childbirth and in 1758 Caswell married Sarah Heritage. Her father, William, was a lawyer, planter and political leader and Caswell began studying law under his tutelage while at the same time clerking for the Court of Orange County.

In 1759 Caswell was admitted to the North Carolina Bar and set up his law practice in Hillsborough. He also was commissioned deputy attorney general and served in that capacity for four years. For over twenty years, Richard Caswell was elected to and served as a member of the colonial assembly (1754-1776). Caswell initially was loyal to the King of England and had aligned himself with Royal Governors, William Tryon and Josiah Martin, but his view later changed and he decided that King George’s rule was unjust. He became an active member of the colonial militia and in Sept 1775 was commissioned as Colonel to lead the New Bern District minutemen. He led the Patriot troops at the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge on February 2, 1776 and was commissioned a Brigadier General over the New Bern District Brigade.

In 1774 the American colonies called for a Continental Congress. Each province sent delegates to Philadelphia in Sept of 1774 and Richard Caswell was chosen as one of the 3 delegates from North Carolina.

In 1776 Caswell was asked to serve as presiding officer and chair of the committee that drafted the State Constitution. After the adjournment of Congress, Caswell was elected to serve first as interim Governor, and then, after a few months, was elected to serve as the first Governor of the new State of North Carolina under this new Constitution. In 1785 Caswell was again elected to serve as Governor for three one year terms.

In 1787 Caswell was chosen to serve as one of North Carolina’s delegates to the United States Constitutional Convention, but he was unable to attend due to failing health. On November 8, 1789, Richard Caswell suffered a fatal stroke while speaking to the State Senate in Fayetteville and died two days later at the age of 60. Caswell was buried in the cemetery of the Red House plantation, Kinston, next to his first wife. There are no headstones for their graves. It is now the current site of the Richard Caswell Memorial Park. Caswell County and Fort Caswell are also named for him.
Richard Caswell should long be remembered as a statesman, soldier, Governor and patriot.

New Bern Historical Society

http://digital.ncdcr.gov/ui/custom/default/collection/default/resources/custompages/home//images/collection_thumbnails/image_p16062coll24.jpg: “Thought to be Richard Caswell.” Photograph no. 71.10.87. Audiovisual Materials Unit, Photograph Collection, State Archives of North Carolina

On October 30, 1918, James Walker Hood died.  Hood was a missionary in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and was sent in 1863 to North Carolina where he served black congregations in New Bern and Beaufort.  He established a North Carolina Conference of the AME Zion Church in 1864.  He became a church bishop in 1872. In addition to his role in the church, Hood also sought to become involved in politics as a vocal and successful advocate for the rights of blacks. 

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Courtesy of This Day in North Carolina History

On September 5, 1802, political rivals John Stanly and Richard Dobbs Spaight, both armed with smooth-bore flintlock pistols, took deliberate aim at each other and fired. It was 5:30 p.m., and the pair were positioned behind the Masonic Lodge in New Bern. Approximately 300 spectators crowded around.   On the fourth discharge, Spaight fell, having been struck by the bullet in his side. He died the next day.

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Courtesy of This Day in North Carolina History