The Rowan Rifle Guards

A unique study of an infantry company from North Carolina during the Civil War. The story begins during the antebellum era when the Rowan Rifles were a volunteer militia company. Their service continued with the 4th North Carolina State Troops as part of the Army of Northern Virginia 1861-1865. This work contains many rare and unpublished original sources such as soldier diaries and letters. Using extensive analysis of quartermaster and ordnance records the author debinks several common myths about Confederate soldiers, especially the "ragged rebel". This detailed work also includes genealogical information about the men comprising Company K, making a much more personal study than a typical unit history. This is a must read for those interested in the daily minutiae of soldier life in one of Robert E. Lee's most aggressive outfits in the Confederate army.