More than forty-five years have passed since the tattered ?ag of the lost cause was furled to be forever held as a sacred memento of the daring deeds of Catawba's true and gallant sons, who so willingly and obediently offered their services when they saw that war was inevitable. No flag ever waved over braver boys, and none who wore the grey showed more willingness or promptness than did the heroic sons of Catawba. They can leave their children and posterity no richer nor more enduring monument than a record of their achievements as contained in this book. Had this book been written thirty-five years ago, much valuable history could have been preserved; acting, therefore, under the old adage It is never too late to do good, this book is sent forth to preserve that remnant of history which is yet remembered by the old soldiers living. The author has spent nearly two years in the execution of this work, during which time he has spared neither money nor pains to make it as authentic as possible.