CSA Bio: Robert F. Hoke

[Battleline]

Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke (b. 1837, d. 1912) Called “North Carolina’s most distinguished and decorated Civil War hero” (Oakwood Cemetery Web site), Robert Frederick Hoke served the Confederate States of America in commands in Virginia and his native North Carolina. Hoke was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina, May 27, 1837. His father was nominated for governor of North Carolina in 1844, but died of malaria months after losing the election. Hoke graduated in 1854 from the Kentucky Military Institute. He returned home to oversee the family’s ventures, which by the start of the Civil War included cottonseed oil manufacture, a cotton mill and an iron works. Hoke joined Confederate service in the First North Carolina Volunteers (April 22, 1861) as a second lieutenant. That unit which fought in the war’s first Virginia fight at Big Bethel (June 10, 1861), which resulted in a Confederate victory. Hoke was elected major of the 33rd North Carolina Infantry. With this unit, fourth at New Bern, North Carolina, against Federal Gen. Burnside March 14, 1862. His commanding officer, Col. Avery, was captured. Hoke took charge of the defensive right, saving much of his command in the defeat. Hoke was promoted to colonel of the 33rd North Carolina after that action, leading it at Hanover Court House, the Seven Days battles Second Manassas (Bull Run) and Sharpsburg (Antietam). With Avery’s exchange, Hoke was named colonel of the 21st North Carolina. He led the brigade at the Confederate victory at the Battle of Fredericksburg (Dec. 11-15, 1862) in place of Gen. Trimble. Hoke was promoted to brigadier general to rank from Jan. 17, 1863. During the Chancellorsville campaign, Hoke was severely wounded in the shoulder leading his troops in a charge at Salem Church (May 4, 1863) during the successful Chancellorsville Campaign. He stayed in the saddle until collapsing from loss of blood. Hoke’s brigade went on to fight at Gettysburg, where it fought credibly in the battle won by the Federals. After his recovery, Hoke was sent to North Carolina in the fall of 1863. Hoke cooperated with Gen. Pickett against New Bern, but the expedition failed. After Pickett was returned to Virginia, Hoke took charge of further operations. His greatest victory came April 20, 1864, when his forces completed a campaign which resulted in the capture of Plymouth, North Carolina, and a 3,000-man Federal garrison there. Operating in conjunction with a Confederate Navy ram, Albemarle, Hoke was able to record a major victory. He received the thanks of the Confederate Congress and a promotion to major general. Hoke’s command was recalled to Richmond to help Gen. Beauregard. Hoke's command fought in Confederate victories at Second Drewry’s Bluff and Cold Harbor before going into the Petersburg defenses. Hoke’s men returned to North Carolina, defending Fort Fisher and Wilmington until forced away from the coast. Hoke’s final campaign was with Gen. Joseph Johnston in North Carolina. Hoke’s command found brief success at Bentonville (March 19-21, 1865), but the Confederates were not able to follow up and the battle went to the Federals. His farewell message to his men was, “The proudest day in all your proud careers was that on which you enlisted as Southern soldiers.” Hoke turned to private enterprises for the rest of his life. One of his sons, Dr. Michael Hoke, founded the Shriner’s Hospitals. In his final year, Hoke was honored when parts of Robeson and Cumberland counties in North Carolina reformed to become Hoke County. Gen. Hoke died July 3, 1912, and is buried in historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.

Changed the wording around a little bit as a balance between sources.

[Battleline]

There were a lot of facts presented about Hoke, but nothing I could find to back them up. The Oakwood Cemetery Web site plays up the fact that Hoke was Gen. Lee's "handpicked successor" but I cannot find any text to back that up. If that is found to be true, it should be included in the bio. There are a bunch of other facts which go one way or another. One report suggest Hoke was wounded defending Marye's Heights in the Chancellorsville Campaign. I went with the Heidler's Encyclopedia account of Salem Church. Another account suggests that President Jefferson Davis gave Hoke a battlefield promotion. Again, I cannot find the firm backing for this part of the story. Another account cited Gen. Grant, an opposing general, as praising him for his generalship at Cold Harbor. I'm sure this would be in an official account if it happened, but I was unable to find anything citing that other than the Oakwood Cemetery site. The bio has over 200 available characters, so if anyone has further information, feel free to contribute!
Thanks
Battleline

[jkBluesman]

Alexander writes about Hoke's performance at Cold Harbor that there was a gap between his division and Kershaw's that was explored by the Federals who took several hundred prisoners. So I cannot believe that Grant praised him. He certainly did not in his memoirs.
If someone had BAREFOOT,DANIEL W. "General Robert F. Hoke Lee's Modest Warrior" he might be of help.

[Gil R.]

Should I hold off on copying this one for now?

[Battleline]

Gil,
If jkBluesman agrees to the wording change, this should be good to go.
Thanks,
Battleline

[Gil R.]

jkBluesman, I take it this is ready? Looks good to me.

[jkBluesman]

Sure, sorry I must have missed Battleline's changes.

[Gil R.]

Okay, I recopied it. Thanks!