History of the Seventy-Second Regiment of the North Carolina Troops in the War Between the States, 1861-'65

A vivid, first‑hand account brings to life the story of a young Confederate unit forged in the desperate final years of the Civil War. Written by an officer who served as Assistant Adjutant‑General and who drew on official records, the narrative records the everyday trials, drills, and battles of the boys who answered the call of the Third Junior Reserves. Their courage and camaraderie are portrayed with a blend of personal detail and the solemn tone of a memorial.

The background of the regiment unfolds against a backdrop of mounting Confederate losses in 1863, when ports were blockaded and major strongholds fell. The book explains how the Confederate Congress authorized enlistments of teenagers and older men, creating the junior and senior reserves that “robbed the cradle and the grave.” It also sketches the character of Lieutenant‑General T. H. Holmes, whose military pedigree and steadfast sense of duty shaped the forces the young soldiers joined.

Readers will hear the rhythm of letters, orders, and battlefield sketches that reveal how ordinary youths were thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The author’s clear, methodical style makes the history accessible while preserving the palpable urgency of the era. Listeners gain a window into a lesser‑known facet of the war, where youthful zeal met the harsh realities of a nation in crisis.