This is a six piece grouping of Joseph Paul, a veteran of the North Carolina 2nd Junior Reserves Infantry, numerically designated as the 71st North Carolina Infantry Regiment. An act to organize reserves was adopted on 17 February, 1864 by the Confederate Congress. Large numbers of men in the Home Guard were enrolled in the Confederate service. This reduced the Home Guard to such an extent that when they were mobilized they were consolidated into temporary regiments and divided into three classes. Each class served thirty day tours of duty. The "Reserves" Act passed by the Confederate Congress separated the men by age. Those between the ages of 17 and 18 were referred to as "Junior" reserves. Men between the ages of 45 and 50 were called "Senior" reserves. Joseph Winbourne Paul was born 2 January, 1846. In December, 1864 Paul became a member of Company I of the North Carolina 2nd Junior Reserves. Company I was formed of men from Beaufort county. It was active in the Department of North Carolina in the New Bern area. The North Carolina 2nd Junior Reserves was engaged at the Battle of Bentonville, 19-21 March, 1865. Fighting under the overall command of the Army of Tennessee, Hoke's Division, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 20th North Carolina Reserves were commanded by Colonel John H. Nethercutt. After three days of battle the Union forces suffered 1527 casualties, while the Confederate casualties were 2606. Under the cover of darkness, Confederate General Joseph E Johnston withdrew his forces and a month later surrendered them to General Sherman near Durham Station, North Carolina. Paul survived the war, dying on 18 November, 1938 at the age of 92. This group of his belongings includes a small UCV flag, his pocket watch chain and the mess kit he used during the war. An informational booklet is also included with the group containing a copy of Paul's application for pension for service in the Confederate Army and a photo of him at the age of 81. The spoon is hallmarked WG in a rectangle, attributed to William Gurley. Gurley worked as a silversmith in Norwich, Connecticut from 1801 to 1811. His fork is stamped Lamson & Goodnow/Patented March 5, 18??, the last two digits being worn off. Lamson & Goodnow was founded in 1837, one of the oldest cutlery companies in the country. There are no maker marks on the drinking cup, but it is of the mid 1800's construction. It has a very ornate floral design stamped into it. The bottom of the cup has J Paul scratched into it in cursive writing. The simple tin plate measures 8 1/2" across and is not maker marked. The United Confederate Veterans flag measures 16 3/4" wide by 11 3/4" high. It has the printed stars and is from the 1920's - 1930's time frame. This would make a nice addition to your North Carolina collection.

Item # AA1200

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