Confederate Coat Fragment of Obediah Jennings Wise

Confederate Coat Fragment of Obediah Jennings Wise - Inventory Number: UNI 166

Son of the Governor – Served on the 46th and 59th VA Infantry

Killed in Action at Roanoke Island, NC

“A piece of "Confederate Grey" cut from the coat of Capt. 0. Jennings Wise, at the battle of Roanoke Island, Feb. 8, 1862. Capt. Wise was the son of Governor Wise of Virginia. After many hours of cannonading by the Union fleet, the Rebels evacuated their works. Capt. Wise with fifteen privates, attempted to escape in two small boats, which were immediately fired upon and forced to return.

Capt. Wise received a musket ball in his lungs, and died in the boat as it landed, but he used his last breath in saying, "I will fight the Union as long as I live", he exhibited so much hatred, that his uniform was cut to pieces, and distributed to his captors. This piece was given to Andrew Jillson, color bearer of the 4th Rhode Island Regiment of Volunteers, then and there, and sent it by mail to his father R.M. Jillson of Cedar Crest, and he has presented it with the official story to the museum.”

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Inventory Number: UNI 166