Windsor in Bertie County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Engagement at Windsor
Action on the Cashie River
Capt. Byron B. Bower commanded Co. B, 62nd Georgia Cavalry to defend Windsor and to guard the approaches to the vitally important Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. The Federals attacked down King Street, engaging the Georgia cavalrymen and driving them north, where they encountered the other Union forces and fled. Windsor native Henry Vaughan Dunstan, a well-known physician here, fought among the Georgians.
The Federals captured three Confederates, and about forty slaves escaped to the Union army. Several staunch Southern supporters were taken hostage for the safe return of certain Unionists imprisoned in Richmond, Virginia. They included the St. Thomas Episcopal Church’s rector, the Reverend Cyrus Waters, who later died in captivity, and bank cashier Lorenzo Webb, the church’s senior warden.
“Saturday, January 30, 1864 We land at 4 oc [a.m.] … 500 strong and 1 piece Marine artillary. Marched 8 miles and come upon 300 Rebs at Windsor and Route them completely taking 3 prisoners and Instruments of a Brass Band. Burn their Barracks and return to the Boat at 5 oc. [p.m] Arrive at Plymouth at 9.” – Pvt. Charles Lepley, 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry
“Yesterday morning with forces of 200 men and mountain rifled piece, after fight of two hours with 1,200 of enemy and three pieces artillery, the Yankees were driven from Windsor, N.C., to their boats. We lost 6 men; enemy not known.” – Col. Joel R. Griffin, 62nd Georgia Cavalry, Jan. 81, 1864
(captions)
Lt. Cmdr. Charles W. Flusser - Courtesy Library of Congress
USS Massasoit - Courtesy Library of Congress
Dr. Henry V. Dunstan Courtesy H. Cullen Dunstan
Major funding for this project was provided by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, through the Transportation Enhancement Program of the Federal Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century.
Erected by North Carolina Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 30, 1862.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 35° 59.529′ N, 76° 56.6′ W. Marker was in Windsor, North Carolina, in Bertie County. Marker was on South Queen Street south of East Water Street (U.S. 17) when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 508 S Queen St, Windsor NC 27983, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Engagement at Windsor (here, next to this marker); Wellington and Powell Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Eden House Root Cellar (within shouting distance of this marker); Roanoke/Cashie River Center Grave Site (within shouting distance of this marker); WWII POW Camp (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gray’s Landing (about 700 feet away); Historic Windsor (about 700 feet away); The Battle of Windsor (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Windsor.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New CWT Marker At This Location also titled "Engagement at Windsor".
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 850 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 29, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.