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"We entered the
service in the bloom of youthful vigor and hope, with cheerful step and
willing heart, leaving happy homes in peace and prosperity behind. We took
the field for a principle as sacred as ever led a hero to the cannon's
mouth, or a martyr to the place of execution. |
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Photo Above: Captain John A. Sloan of
the Guilford Greys, author of "Reminiscences of the Guilford Grays", in
a post-war photo taken around 1870. |
"This principle was
honor and patriotism; a firm determination to defend to the last that
constitution which our fathers had handed down and taught us to revere as
the only safeguard of our personal rights and liberties."
Captain John A. Sloan,
Reminiscences of the Guilford Grays,
Co. B, 27th N. C. Regiment
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"Greys" vs.
"Grays"
As you visit this site you will notice the spelling of
the word "Greys" will alternate for no apparent reason.
When
using a quote, the spelling employed by the author of the quote is the one
used in that text.
For ourselves, we have chosen to use the spelling
"Greys" in our official company designation, as that is the way
it is spelled on the company flag presented to the Guilford Greys by the
ladies of the Edgeworth Female Academy in Greensboro, North Carolina, on
May 5, 1860.
This flag survived the War and is now in the possession of
the
Museum of the Confederacy
in Richmond, Virginia. It was given to the Museum in 1896 by the wife of
Captain John A. Sloan of the Guilford Greys, one of the only 13 remaining
men in the company who surrendered at Appomattox.
The Museum
restored the flag in 1998.
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"In parting with troops so
tried, in all of whose achievements the Major General Comdg. has been
associated, and by whose valor his promotion has been won, he feels a
sorrow that cannot be expressed. For your welfare and happiness the
General offers his sincerest wishes. |
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Photo Above: Major General George
Sykes, commander,
2nd Division, 5th Corps.
(U.S. Army Military History Institute) |
Your future career will be
watched by him with the deepest solicitude.
"MEN OF THE REGULAR DIVISION
You have a record second to none in the annals of the Army of the Potomac,
and, in the recollections growing out of the hardships, dangers, sufferings,
disasters, successes and glories of the past eighteen months, let each heart
be nerved anew to strengthen the reputation already acquired, and
whenever called upon to serve, to uphold the majesty of the Union, the
Constitution and the Law."
Major General George Sykes,
August 14th, 1863
General Order No. 34
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