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Re: He Says He Shot Stonewall Jackson

Hi Hoyt,

Hope you're feeling better and all is well with you ! This is reportedly the man who gave the order to fire, and continue the fire, on Jackson and the men with him. He only lived to 1867, and some members of his family claimed he "died of a broken heart". There were even whispers of possible suicide.

John Decatur Barry

Colonel John Decatur Barry, Eighteenth regiment, North Carolina
troops, was born at Wilmington, January 21, 1839. His father was
John A. Barry, a native of Philadelphia, a graduate of the United
States naval academy, and in later life a member of the firm of
Barry & Bryant, at Wilmington; and his mother was Mary, daughter
of Gen. James Owen. Colonel Barry was graduated with honor at
the university of North Carolina in 1859, and in November, 1861,
enlisted as a private in the Wilmington Rifle Guards, at
Coosawhatchie.

At the reorganization in May, 1862, at Kinston, he was
elected captain of Company I, and soon after the battle
of Fredericksburg he was promoted to major for gallantry
and efficiency. Following the next great battle,
Chancellorsville, where Colonel Purdy was killed, he was promoted
to the command of the regiment.

As captain he participated in the engagements at Hanover Court
House, the Seven Days before Richmond, Cedar Run, Second Manassas
and Fredericksburg; as major in the battle of Chancellorsville,
and as colonel of the Eighteenth he was distinguished
at Gettysburg, Mine Run, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania
Court House, South Anna River, Fussell's Mill, Gravelly
Run, Gaines' Mill, Jones House, Hatcher's Run, served in
the defense of Petersburg, and after its evacuation
surrendered with Lee at Appomattox.

He never received a commission as brigadier-general though
recommended for that richly-deserved promotion. After the close
of hostilities he was editor and proprietor of the Wilmington
Dispatch, one of the leading Democratic papers at Wilmington,
until his death, March 24, 1867. In 1863 Colonel Barry was
married to Miss Fannie Jones, of Hampton, Va., a sister of
Pembroke Jones of the United States navy, and Tom Jones of the
old United States army.

Source: Confederate Military History Vol. V

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