Confederate Pewter “I” Infantry Button, dug at Battle of Wyse Fork, NC

This is another great piece being offered, it is a Confederate Pewter Infantry “I” button, measuring 24mm. These buttons never had backmarks, but the reverse has the rare copper hook, usually the shank is part of the casting. An interesting note is that while photographing the button I noticed a small piece of thread left on the shank (see closeup). It was recovered many years ago just off British Road of the Wyse Fork, NC Battlefield (see map).

In an effort to link up with Sherman's troops advancing into North Carolina, Union Gen. John M. Schofield advanced inland from Wilmington in late February 1865. Schofield ordered Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox to move his XXIII Corps from New Berne toward Goldsboro. Cox’s advance was blocked, however, by Confederate divisions under Gen. Braxton Bragg at Southwest Creek just east of Kinston.

Bragg tried to grasp the initiative from the Federals by attacking their flanks on March 8. After initial success, the Southern attacks stalled. Union reinforcements arrived on March 9, just in time to repulse Bragg’s renewed attacks the next day. After heavy fighting and unable to dislodge Cox, Bragg withdrew across the Neuse River.

The Battle of Wyse Fork involved one of the largest concentrations of troops ever on North Carolina soil. More than 225 Confederates were taken prisoner and an unknown number left dead or dying on the field. Total Union casualties for the three days were fewer, with 57 killed and 265 wounded. As a delaying maneuver, the battle was a success for the Confederates.

The button has a grey patina with minimal surface ground action. There are no cracks or repairs. This button was lost by a Confederate infantryman while fighting during the battle. A very nice example to add to your collection. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.