Hillsborough (NC) Recorder

July 31, 1861

Page 3

THE LATE COL. FISHER

The remains of this fallen hero and patriot were brought to this city on Wednesday morning by a special train from Goldsborough, and were taken on to Salisbury under the escort of a detachment from the Twelfth Regiment of State Troops, Colonel Pettigrew. During the short time the train stopped at the depot, crowds flocked into the car containing the coffin, on the top of which were placed the sword and hat of the deceased patriot. These articles were preserved by the faithful servant of Colonel Fisher, who was near him when he fell, and who bore him from the field. In the hat are two holes, one in front and one in rear, the fatal ball having penetrated the forehead of Col. Fisher, and passed entirely through his head. The Regiment of Colonel Fisher had barely been landed from the Rail Road near half an hour when he met his death from the fifth volley discharged by the enemy. The Regiment was badly cut up, and Lieutenant Lightfoot severely injured.

Col. Fisher was the son of the late Hon. Charles Fisher, of Salisbury, who was for many years conspicuous in the public service of this State. On receiving his commission, Colonel Fisher resigned the presidency of the North Carolina Rail Road, an office which he had for some years filled in the most creditable manner. A braver man than Colonel Fisher never lived. He carried his life in his hand for the service of his country, and at the hour of need freely offered it upon its altar. The train containing his remains was appropriately draped in mourning, and the flag on the Capitol lowered to half-mast in token of respect for the lamented dead.

--Raleigh Register—

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]