Contributed by Sloan Spence Mason
More info on George Washington Rhodes and his family can be found here: RHODES FAMILY OF JONES COUNTY, N.C.
George Washington RHODES was the oldest son of Reverand James J. RHODES and his 2nd wife Winefred NOBLES. He was born in Jones Co., N.C. on 18 April 1838 (according to the RHODES family bible) and died 8 April 1919 in Kinston, Lenoir Co., N.C. As the oldest son, I am sure he was brought up by his father as a devote Christian and an example to his younger brothers and sisters.
By 1861 the Civil War was well under way, and of course the RHODES boys did their patriotic duty and enlisted in the Confederate Army. George W. RHODES enlisted in Trenton, Jones Co., N.C. on 24 May 1861 at the age of 21; by Capt. SAWYER for the war. He enlisted as a Private in Co. G., 2nd Reg’t, N.C. State Troops in the Infantry. He enlisted along with his brother Benjamin Franklin RHODES and their half brother Brantley Felix RHODES on the same day all serving in the same Regiment and Company. John Henry RHODES and their brother Richard Oliver RHODES enlisted one year later, 5 May 1862 in the same company and regiment. He was wounded at Fredericksburg, Va. on 13 Dec. 1862 and returned to duty on 3 Feb. 1863. He was admitted to Wayside Hospital or General Hospital, No. 9, at Richmond, Va. on 24 May 1864, with a gunshot wound and furloughted for 40 days on 23 July 1864. He was present or accounted for on the company muster rolls through Oct. 1864. He was captured at Petersburg, Va on 3 April 1865 and confined at Point Lookout, Maryland, until he was released after taking the Oath of Allegiance on 17 June 1865. His payroll records list him as: complexion: dark; hair: black; eyes: Blue, Height: 5 ft 8 1/2 inches.
His “Oath of Allegiance” reads:
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE of George W. RHODES of Jones Co., N.C.
CERTIFICATE OF RELEASE OF PRISONER OF WARHead Quarters, Point Lookout, Md.
Provost Marshal’s Office —- 1865, I hereby certify that George W. RHODES, Prisoner of War, having this day taken that Oath of Allegiance to the United States, as prescribed by the President in his proclamation of December 8th, 1863, is in uniformity with instructions from the War Department, hereby and discharged. By witness whereof, I hereunto afix my offical Signature and stamp.
A. – BRADY?, Maj. and Provost Marshal
United States of America
I George W. RHODES, of the County of Jones, State of N.C. do solemnly swear that I will suport, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United State against all enemies, whether domestic or foreign; that I will bear true faith, allegiance, and loyalty to the same, any ordinance, resolution or laws of any State, Convention, or Legislature, to the contrary notwithstanding; and further, that I will faithfully perform all the duties which may be required of me by the laws of the United State; and I take this oath freely and voluntarily, without any mental reservation or evasion whatever.
Signed: George W. RHODESSubscribed and sworn to before me, this (no date listed) day of A.D. 186-.
A.M.? BRADY?, Maj. and Provost Marshal
The above named has dark complexion, black hair, and blue eyes and is 5 feet 8 1/2 inches high.
George Washington RHODES applied for a Soldier’s Pension on 3 July 1905, age 66 and a resident at Kinston post office in Lenoir Co., N.C. Enlisted in Co. G, 2nd Regiment, N.C. State Troops; in May 1861. He relieved the following wounds: Wounded below right shoulder at Fredricksburg, first battle there. Wounded forefinger and left hand, shot off at Spottsylvania Court House. Shot in left leg below the knee at Gettysburg; shot through the right wrist at Cedar Creek, Va. Shot in the right side at Cedar Creek.
Signed by George W. RHODESWitness: Lewis H. EVANS of Kinston, N.C.
Physician: John A. POLLOCK, a physician; states that he examined G. W. RHODES, the applicant for pension and finds such disability for manual labor as is described below: On examination I find that Mr. Geo. W. RHODES, Co. G. 2nd N.C. Troops had been shot in battle five times, was in Lee’s Army over four years, is poor and getting feeble and should have a full pension.
Signed: John H. POLLOCK3 July 1905(His application was approved)
Interview of George W. RHODES by Mrs. L.V. ARCHBELL of Kinston, N.C. for her publication: “Carolina and the Southern Cross” taken in 1914.
Interview with GEORGE WASHINGTON RHODES”Carolina and the Southern Cross” by Mrs. L. V. ARCHBELLJanuary number-p. 5-7(Ms. ARCHBELL was from Kinston, Lenoir Co., N.C. where this magazine was published)
“A Story of Two Heroes”Told in Correspondence
Kinston, N.C., January 2, 1914
General William Ruffin Cox,
My Dear General Cox;
The enclosed story was taken from the lips of a Confederate soldier who would not consent for me to publish it unless you could remember the incident. It is characteristic of the average Confederate veteran that he never brags. In fact, I find him too modest.
This George W. RHODES is an illiterate night-watchman. I have known him from my childhood as a genial, honest, unassuming Christian, in whose word every one believed. I did n ot know that he was a hero, but I doubt if Othello could have told a more thrilling story and in so simple a manner. I wish it were possible for me to show up the Confederate Soldier as he really was. There are so many of these old veterans who have nothing to bear witness to them except their scars. They have a holy horror of taking credit to themselves. They could not fill leading places because, many of them could not read and write, but they made it possible for our leading men to gain the heights, and I do hope that you may be able to recall the name of George RHODES and the flags, as easily as he recalls the bravery of General COX.
I have a plan to honor these simple unassuming old veterans and I am trying to collect all these little stories that concern them individually. It was this man who led in the soldiers’ prayer meeting when LEE and his staff joined them at Mine Run, I think.
I am sending you under separate cover a copy of the U. D. C. official organ of North Carolina, in which is an account of the Confederate Ram Neuse, armored at Kinston, and I hope you will enjoy it.
Very Sincerely,
Lillie V. ARCHBELL, Editor
Penelo Plantation
North Carolina
January 7, 1914
Dear Mrs. ARCHBELL,
You esteemed favor of recent date enclosing the statement of Private RHODES of Company “G” 2nd North Carolina (my) Regiment, which he declines to allow to be given to the public before submission to my endorsement together with your very interesting comments, are before me. In reply I beg to say that after the lapse of more than fifty years after the close of the four years of resistance to the invasion of our home and violation of our firesides, it is but natural that I should be unable to recall all the incidents in the battle referred to, which at the time were indelibly impressed upon the mind and since cherished in his memory.
Suffice it to say that I remember that RHODES was a modest, brave and fearless soldier, who in camp and in field was ever prompt in the discharge of every duty required of him. I can only recall his handing me the captured flag and my directing him with others, during the fierce and relentless battle then raging to take the batter which was then decimating our ranks, as I passed on to other points of the line.
Therefore, I see no good reason to delay the publication of his statement, together with your every appropriate comments.
There are other thrilling deeds performed by my private soldiers on which it would be pleasing for me to dwell, should the occasion require it. When amidst the fire of a doubtful battle where friends and kindred are falling on every side, and victory trembling in the balance, the sensation produced by the overthrow of the enemy surpasses human description. The excitement of a fox chase when Reynard can be seen with his tongue hanging out, bounds in full cry, and hunters yelling their excitement reckless of ditches and fences, and endeavoring to be in at the death; it but an imperfect picture of the scene during the achievement of victory.
The North Carolinians, while fighting far away from home, were unfortunate in having no field correspondents to tell their deeds of valor. The Editor of the ablest paper in our State Capital from disappointment to say the least, if not hostility, had little sympathy with our struggles; so much so that when a Georgia Regiment, aware of this fact, was pressing through Raleigh it was with difficulty restrained from destroying the press. It was therefore but natural that many of our distinguished achievements should be passed over with but slight comment.
As one example I mention that when at the disastrous battle of Sailor’s Creek a few days before our capulation at Appomattox, at a critical moment I managed to bring my command to the front in good order, so much so as to attract the attention of our peerless leader. He raised his hat with godly courtesy, exclaiming, “God bless old North Carolina.” Though this was a guerdon to be treasured by any man, and was generally known in the army, yet on returning home I never mentioned it until Governor VANCE in a speech at the Capitol having heard of the fact, referred to it in his public address.
To the fair daughters of the Southland is reserved the high honor of perpetuating and handing down to the rising generation the note-worthy achievements of their ancestors. Be that as it may. ” On Fame’s eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread. While honor guards with solemn round; the bivouae of the dead.”
I have the honor to be,
Very Truly yours,
Wm. Ruffin COX
(In the name of the U. D. C. Division the Editor thanks General COX for this letter. He has set a worthy example of helpfulness. Every remaining soldier of the 2nd Regiment is honored by it.)
Told by George RHODES2nd Regiment, Company G.
“After BOYKIN was shot I picked up the flag and turned to hand it to the flag S ergeant, New’t JONES.” He said, “You carry it George, I can’t. I’m Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant. All the rest are gone.” I kept the flag. General COX rode up behind me and said, “RHODES, never stop until you stick that flag on the battery now firing at us.” “I got to the battery after a while with the flag. I was leaning on one of the pieces with the flag in my hand when I was shot here,” he said, baring his right wrist and showing a terrible scar. “But before I got to the battery I captured a U. S. flag. General COX rode up and asked for it. AS he rode off with it the Yankees turned the batteries on him. This was a brave and daring deed of General COX, and it saved some of our men that day. When we got to the batter they had spiked three guns. We captured the other three and turned them on the Yankees. New’t JONES took our flag after I was shot, and finding that he was about to be captured he tore the flag from the staff, concealed it in his bosom, and jumping into Cedar Creek, he got to the other side and escaped capture.”
(We have other reminiscences by this veteran that we shall publish)
Sketch of Confederate Veteran George RHODESBy Mrs. L. V. ARCHBELL
“If you would like to collect some very interesting war data of the sixties, interview the man who has just passed the window,” said a gentleman to me. The man referred to was a familiar figure in Kinston. He had brought up a family here and some how I always associated him with the Baptist Church. He was always there if any one else went. I had never thought of him as a hero, but as a very earnest father who desired above all things that his sons and grandsons should do right. Collecting Confederate data was my business at the time and I asked Mr. George RHODES to call at my house when he had leisure. His first question was, “What do you want of me?” I answered, “I want to know if you were one of the men who carried Stonewall JACKSON from the front after he was shot at Chancellorville?” He said, “No, I was not; but I was near enough to touch those who did carry him off and I was in the battle.” O, for a pen to write that battle just as the Confederate soldiers experienced it! It would impress the reader that war is a mighty power for destruction whether it takes place at one period or another. The quiet simplicity of the old soldier who told his story was proof enough of his veracity, but he suddenly stopped to say, “Are you writing down what I am saying?” “Yes,” I answered, “I want to print it.”
“Well, I wish you would ask General COX about it. If he cannot remember what I tell you I would rather not have it printed. Somebody might say it was not true.”
I wrote to General COX, and he not only remembered and corroborated George RHODE’S story, but he remembered Private RHODES, Company G, 2nd N.C. Regiment, as a modest brave, and fearless soldier, who in camp or field, was ever prompt in the discharge of every duty required of him. What more could be said of any soldier by his commanding officer? At the Battle of Sailor’s Creek a few days before the surrender at Appomattox, George RHODES was one of the soldiers of COX’S command when General Robert E. LEE in grateful acknowledgement of their service raised his hat and exclaimed, “God Bless old North Carolina.” At Mine Run, after a hard day, a few weary Confederates built a little fire and gathered around it to pray. George RHODES was leading this little prayer meeting, when General LEE and his staff rode by and joined the group with uncovered heads. A bomb from the enemy exploded just above the fire and they had to cover it or remain a target. They sacrificed the campfire.
At Sharpsburg (Antietam) the ensign was shot and the Confederate Flag went down. George RHODES picked it up and handed it to a comrade who refused to take it because he was acting as Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant; those officers having been killed. General COX seeing RHODES with the flag told him to stick it on the enemy’s battery that was pouring shells into the Confederates. RHODES started for the batter, fighting every step of the way. He captured a flag from the enemy. General COX relieved him of the captured flag and drew the fire of the enemy to himself. When George RHODES reached the battery three of the guns were spiked, but the Confederates captured the other three and turned them on the foe. Leaning on a field piece with the flag, RHODES was badly shot on the hand and the awful scar has remained with him a witness always for the dangers he had passed through.
I asked this hero of the Confederacy what he considered his most trying experience during the war and he said, “The fear that my comrades might, think that I had deserted.” “You know that there were a great many desertions on both sides. Every body knew that the end was near. The two armies faced each other, one gathering more strength every day while the other held on only for honors sake.””One night I went out to forage between the lines. I dared not stand up, so I groped on all fours feeling my way in the dark. Suddenly a hand was laid on my shoulder and a voice said, “You are my prisoner.” I was caught and I dared not make a noise. I agreed to go with my captor and I soon discovered that he had lost his way. I had a keen sense of direction and I saw that I could lead him unconsciously toward out lines, which I deliberately contrived to do. When we were near enough I suddenly seized my captor and said you are my prisoner, come quietly or I will wring your neck.” The Yankee realized that I had trapped him and he said, “I will go with you on condition that you will let me crow three times when we reach your men. I promised my comrades that I would crow if I was captured.” I let him crow, and I must say he could beat a barnyard. After a while we heard the hoot of an owl. It was repeated three times and the prisoner said that his friends knew he was caught. “I was so proud of my capture that I tried the game over. That time I became a prisoner in truth. I was accused of being a spy, tried, condemned, and sentenced to be hung at sunrise, General heard of the sentence and ordered a reprieve until he could question me. I often wonder if he took the trouble to spare me because he knew that the surrender was about to take place.” “I was taken before GRANT and he asked me questions, that I did not think my superior officers could have answered. He ordered me to tell the truth. I told him I was not a spy but I was willing to die for my cause. If he released me, I would go back and fight and would probably be killed anyhow. Some one handed GRANT a paper. He read it and told the guard to keep me near, he was not done with me, and would call me at any time. So I was kept so near that when the two armies faced each other at LEE’S surrender I stood quite near to General GRANT and had the humiliating thought that my own friends might think I was ther e from preference.” I asked, “Did Robert E. LEE hand his sword to GRANT?” “No,” said Mr. RHODES. “He did not touch his sword.”
This is only a part of the story of George RHODES, born April 12, 1838 and died August 8, 1919. He was the grandfather of the RHODES boys whose record is worthy of a hero of the Confederacy.
The Civil War caused so much tragedy, especially in the south. George and his brothers John, Brantley & Benjamin F. all came home after the war; but their brother Richard Oliver did not. He died at age 19, on 16 July 1862 in Richmond, Va. The cause is not listed on his payroll records. I often wonder if he was killed on the battlefield in front of his brothers or if he died alone in a hospital without his family.
The War did not stop George RHODES from falling in love and marrying Ann M. HAMMOND.
(family records list her as HARMAN, but the marriage record states the name is HAMMOND)
He was probably on leave at the time.
His marriage record read:
Marriage Record:State of North Carolina, Jones County
I hereby certify that I solemnized the Rites of Marriage between George W. RHODES and Ann HAMMOND and joined them together as Husband and Wife in Holy Matrimony at my house on the 1st day of November A.D. 1863. E. S. FRANCKS., J.P.
George Washington RHODES was a carpenter by trade.
Attached is a tintype picture of George Washington Rhodes, with his grandchildren: Myrtle, Eva & Bess RHODES, children of Jesse James Rhodes of Kinston, N.C. and Ottie Valentine Green of Grifton, N.C.
OBITUARY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON RHODES
“News of Death of Mr. G. W. RHODES-Uncle of Mr. J. F. RHODES, this city; dies at Fernandina, Florida. Mr. John F. RHODES recived a wire yesterday morning advising him of the death of his Uncle, Mr. G. W. RHODES at the home of his son Mr. J. J. RHODES, at Fernandina, Fla. The message did not give the direct causes of Mr. RHODES’ death. It is thought that his age, and an accident which occurred two weeks ago; in which the old gentleman suffered a broken hip are responsible for his death. He was in the 87th year of his age. The wire stated that he died yesterday morning at 5 o’clock.
Mr. RHODES was formerly of Kinston, coming to New Bern about ten years ago; he resided here with his son on South Front Street. Whe the latter moved to Fernancina, Fla., last April, the father accompanied him. For his age, Mr. RHODES had been unusually well until the time of his accident.
The deceased claimed a host of friends in this section, and was known as a good citizen and a generally likable old gentleman.
The remains will be brought to this city for interment. The body is expected to arrive on the afternoon train from Goldsboro today. The funeral will be conducted direct from the depot. Rev. C. W. BLANCHARD holding the services at the grave in Cedar Grove. The body will be laid to rest beside the grave of the wife of the deceased.
Surviving are three sons, Messers. J. J. RHODES of Fernandina, Fla.; R. L. RHODES of Kinston, John H. RHODES of Texas and one daughter, Mrs. M. E. J. RHODES, mother of Mr. John F. RHODES of this city, of Spartanburg, S.C.
Misprint: G. W. RHODES only had 2 sons, Jessie James RHODES and Robert E. Lee RHODES; John H. RHODES of Texas was his brother, and Mary E. J. RHODES was his sister.
“Cedar Grove Interment” records George W. RHODES, died on 7 August 1919 and is buried in lot #1106 in Cedar Grove Cemetery in New Bern, N.C. Thanks to Mr. Victor JONES of the New Bern-Craven Public Library for this information-he states there is no marker for G. W. RHODES at this cemetery.
Also, in the Cedar Grove Interment book: Annie M. RHODES, died 1 Dec. 1918; she is buried in lot #1211.