Luke Enlists into The Confederate Infantry

Luke Cartrett’s family apparently felt strongly about the war, as he and four of his brothers reportedly enlisted in the Confederate army. Luke and three others were at one time in Company H of the 51st infantry. The other was in Company G.

Company H was also called the Columbus Light Infantry. Enlistments into this unit began 2 March 1862. Five days later, three of the Cartrett brothers (John, William, and Matthew) enlisted. The unit was officially formed in April of 1862. That same month, on 25 April 1862, Luke enlisted. All four of the brothers were privates. Another brother reportedly joined Company G.

Over the next year the unit would leave Wilmington, engage in skirmishes near New Berne, return to Wilmington, move to Goldsboro - where they were part of the Battle of Goldsboro (see below), walk back to Wilmington, move to Charleston, then to Savannah, and then back to Charleston before returning again to Wilmington.

Here is a synopsis of the Battle of Goldsboro, from Answers.com.

"On December 17, (1862) Foster’s (Union) expedition reached the railroad near Everettsville and began destroying the tracks north toward the Goldsborough Bridge. Clingman’s (the 51st) Confederate brigade delayed the advance but was unable to prevent the destruction of the bridge. His mission accomplished, Foster returned to New Berne where he arrived on the 20th." -- Parenthetic clarifications by me

Luke was transferred to Company H, 6lst Infantry Regiment, also a North Carolina Unit, nearly one year later (1 April 1863).

Next time, find out what happened to these family members.