"The Falling Flag. by Edward M Boykin
The 7th South Carolina Cavalry CSA Commanded by Col. Edward M Boykin
Evacuation of Richmond, retreat and surrender at Appomattox April 9, 1865.
Benjamin F DeBruhl and George Ephraim DeBruhl brothers served with Company K
of the 7th SC Cavalry Regiment. George was in the dismounted contingent ordered to serve in the infantry ranks.
Benjamin remained with the mounted ranks and ordered to serve as cavalry rear guard protecting Lees retreating army.
George was surrendered April 9, 1865 and paroled immediately. Benjamin was with the contingent that managed a breakout the night before the surrender. They rode west towards Lynchburg, VA.
When word reached them that Gen Joseph Johnston CSAhad surrendered to Gen Sherman USA in North Carolina. With this news,they realized the war was lost. They were ordered to disband by their commander and told to make their way home. Their commander asked them to live in peace under the laws of the United States.
At a council of war the night of April 8 General Fitzhugh Lee asked his uncle Robert E. Lee for
permission to try for a breakout. General Lee gave his blessing for the attempt. The cavalry
broke through the surrounding Union army and headed west towards Lynchburg Va.
Benjamin made his way through the mountains, crossing through Mars Hill section of Western North Carolina on his way back to Greenville South Carolina and his new wife Rebecca Marshbanks DeBruhl and two of their 13 children destined to be born to them.
They left Greenville in 1867 and moved permanently to the Mars Hill section of North Carolina. Settling along Gabriels Creek in Madison County.
George Ephraim followed them to Mars Hill with his large family. Ben and Rebecca came to Mars Hill with Rebecca's parents and family. Francis Marion Beauregard Marshbanks and Rebecca Ann Salmon Marshbanks and their large family. Benjamin,Rebecca, Francis Marion, and Martha Ann Marshbanks are buried
at Gabriels Creek cemetery, Mars Hill, NC.
