Thanks to the Outer Banks CWRT!

A completely staged podium shot

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit last night to the Outer Banks Civil War Roundtable. Typical of CWRTs, the members were welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable. On top of that, they have a fantastic venue (at the Duck Woods Country Club), great food, and a nice happy hour. I was happy to have made the trip. Thanks to Mike Ross and the rest of group!

During the Q&A, one member talked about growing up next to Fort Totten in New Bern - it served as his playground of sorts. Fort Totten was a huge, multi-bastion work with a towering traverse across its western face - by far the largest fort in the New Bern defenses. It was leveled in the 1960s. We discussed the diagram (see below) of the fort included in The Fight for the Old North State.    

A diagram of Fort Totten from p. 52 of The Fight for the Old North State

Map of Fort Clark, Hatteras Inlet from National Archives

On a recent research trip to the National Archives, I stumbled on this undated Union map of Fort Clark, part of the defenses at Hatteras Inlet. Though not relevant to my research, it seemed like a interesting sketch. Judging from the units mentioned on the map, I assume it was drawn in fall of 1861. I have not seen this reproduced elsewhere - though my knowledge is by no means extensive. If anyone has additional information, feel free to email me. Source: RG 393, Dept. of Va. and N.C., Misc. Letter Received.

NARA: RG 393

Talk at the OBX CWRT, May 21

I will be speaking at the Outer Banks Civil War Roundtable on May 21 in Kitty Hawk, NC. I look to forward to heading down there to discuss my new book, The Fight for the Old North State. I'll be talking about the New Bern Expedition, the sinking of Underwriter, the Kinston Hangings, and the Battle of Plymouth, among other things.