Confederate Block “I” Infantry button, found in the area of Ft. Fisher, NC

This is another nice piece being offered, it is a Confederate Block “I” (Infantry) coat button, 24mm. These buttons are referred to as a “Tennessee Puff Rim” because of the slight swell in the outer rim. This button has the tin back, which is rusted, as most dug tin back buttons. This one was recovered in the area between Ft. Fisher and Wilmington, NC.

After being informed about the large Union army heading toward Wilmington, General Lee ordered Major General Robert Hoke's Division to Fort Fisher. Also, Hoke took command of all Confederate forces in the Wilmington area.

The Union attack started on December 24, 1864, with a naval bombardment. The firepower of Fort Fisher was temporarily silenced because some of its gun positions exploded. This allowed the Navy to land Union infantry. The landing force was intercepted by the arrival of Hoke's troops.

The Union attack was effectively thwarted, and on December 27 Benjamin Butler ordered the withdrawal of his 1,000 soldiers who were still on the beach. This was in defiance of Grant's orders, which were to besiege the fort if the assault failed. Because Butler disobeyed his orders, he was relieved of command by Grant.

This is far from a perfect button, there is some very slight loss on the rim, but it is one that was definitely on the coat of a Confederate soldier while fighting in North Carolina, probably one of General Hoke’s men. This would be a nice piece for just about any collection. (Non-dug examples of this button sell for over $800.00).