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Tramping With the Legion: A Carolina Rebel's Story

by C. Eugene Scruggs

294 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #06-1990; ISBN 1-4251-0233-6; US$25.50, C$29.33, EUR20.95, £14.66

The Union prison in Elmira was supposed to be escape-proof. However, ten desperate men tunnelled to freedom. One of these walked to Dixie, living off the land and the aid of anti-Lincolnites.

The Carolina Rebels of Company K, Holcombe Legion, were true sons of the Upstate. Brothers, cousins, and neighbors- all were well-suited for service in the independent brigade commanded by Ol’Shanks (Brig. Gen. Nathan Evans). The “boys” of Company K wore out many a set of boots “tramping” with the Legion wherever the regiment was needed- Charleston, Richmond, Malvern Hill, Rappahannock Station, Manassas Junction, Kinston, Wilmington, Jackson, Savannah and Petersburg.

One member of Co. K tells the story of his adventures with the legion, his capture at Stony Creek, his dramatic escape from the infamous Union prison in Elmira, New York, and his harrowing trek back to Virginia through the mountains of Pennsylvania and Maryland, helped along the way by copperheads, Dunkards and Dutch.

C. Eugene “Gene” Scruggs holds a doctorate in literature and linguistics from the University of Kentucky. Over a forty-five year career he taught at Appalachaian State University, Eastern Kentucky University and the University of South Florida. In addition he also served as guest lecturer at the University of Paris in 1984 and tutor at Cambridge University in 1995.

After this long career in higher education, Gene now holds the rank of Professor Emeritus. During his active career, in addition to teaching a wide variety of courses in literature, linguistics and history, Gene administered Study Abroad and Exchange Programs for the International Affairs Center at the University of South Florida. His long-time commitment and contribution to international education led his state-wide colleagues to bestow on him the title President Emeritus of the Florida Consortium for Internation Education.

Gene has authored two previous books on academic subjects and written numerous articles and conference papers. For his efforts to disseminate an understanding and appreciation France’s contribution to Western culture, Gene was awarded the coveted rank of Chevalier des Palmes Académiques by the Prime Minister of France in 2003. Since retiring, Gene spends much of his time painting (watercolor and pastel media), writing and guest lecturing. One of his recent presentations was entitled: Art and Architecture in the Da Vinci Code. Gene is a member of the Lakeland Art Guild and a partner in the Imperial Art Gallery.

Gene and his wife, La Donna, have two daughters and four granddaughters. Presently they and their “baby” (a Shih Tzu named Ming) divide their time between Florida and the mountains of Western North Carolina.

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