June 29, 2011 -
Southport, NC - The Southport Times announces the
acquisition of a rare civil war document from
Smithville, NC. For those who may not be aware,
prior to becoming Southport, the area was called
Smithville. In 1887, the city changed its name to
Southport in anticipation of becoming a major
Southern port for the State of North Carolina.
This document is
dated May 25, 1865, just as the American Civil War
was coming to an end. According to Jim McKee, an
Historic Interpreter for the North Carolina Division
of Historic Sites at Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson,
"...these are pay vouchers for Freedmen (former slaves
& free blacks) who were employed by the Army at Ft.
Johnston or as Stevedores at the Fort unloading
supplies. Instead of money they paid in rations,
which were much more valuable and needed." McKee
also stated... "this is the earliest one I have
seen."
The document
reads as follows:
HEADQUARTERS
U.S. FORCES
Smithville, N.C. May 25, 1865
Post Commissary:
Will (issue?) rations to Mrs. Anna Spencer & Familie
the following Stores: 5 persons 6 days.
Total rations 30.
By order of MORRIS F. SHEPPARD
Capt. 16th N.Y. Art'y, Com'dg Post
(Illegible Signature)
The Southport
Times is fortunate to have found this rare piece of
Southport history and is happy to be able to add it
to our online collection to share with our website
visitors.
View Document
