The 13th N.C. Regt. of Gen. Garland’s Brigade wayside marker is on the trail from the parking area to the North Carolina monument at Fox’s Gap on the South Mountain battlefield.
from the marker:
13th N.C. Regt. of Gen. Garland’s Brigade
On the morning of September 14, 1862, Brig. General Samuel Garland deployed his troops along the Ridge Rd. (Lambs Knoll Rd.) The 13th North Carolina under the command of Lt. Colonel Thomas Ruffin, Jr. In his report describes the morning action.
“We (13th N.C.) were directed to take position in an open field upon the brow of a high hill. The enemy was directly in our front, and on our left under cover of a rail fence. We directed fire to the left and drove them off the field, while still receiving fire from the front. It was then that Brigadier General Samuel Garland fell.
We then moved about 50 yards from brow of hill with the enemy advancing and firing, heavy fire was opened upon us from the right. The enemy had obtained the road on our right and were coming down upon us. An order was given to charge the front and the enemy gave way. We then charged those on our right and drove them back. While engaged, the enemy appeared on our left. the regiment about faced, charged and repulsed them, thus removed to the Sharpsburg Road and found Gen. Anderson’s brigade. we remained with him the rest of the day.
Lt. Colonel Thomas Ruffin, Jr.
13th North Carolina Troops
O.R., S.I. Vol. XIX, pt. 1, pp 1045-1046
Donated to the Living History Association of Meckenburg Inc.
from the sidebar under the photo of General Garland:
Brigadier General Samuel Garland was with the 13th NC Regiment as it began to waver under pressure. Lt. Colonel Thomas Ruffin, Jr. shouted, “General, why are you here?” Garland replied, “I may be as well here as yourself.” Ruffin answered, “No, it is my duty, but you should lead our brigade from a safer position.” At that moment Ruffin was hit in the hip, and Garland also fell, hit in the center of the back and exited 2″ above his right breast. His last words, “I am killed, send for the senior colonel.”
