Barbara,
My Land family roots are in Wilkes County. My g,g, grandfather, David Land served as a private in Co. I, 13th N.C. Inf. His 1st cousin Thomas C. Land was commissioned 2nd.Lt. in Co.K of the 53rd when it was organized. Thomas had been recovering from wounds received at Malvern Hill in Oct.1862. Thomas eventually became Lt.Col. of the 53rd.
I found this, It's probably your ancestor :
Pvt Richard W.Walker, enlisted at Wilkes County 3-24-1863 age,18. Mustered into Co.K, 53rd N.C.Inf.on the same day.
Wounded at Winchester,Va. ( as was Thomas Land )in Sept.1864. He returned to duty on 1-30-1865. He was surrendered at Appomattox Court House, Va. 4-9-1865.
Hope this helps & God Bless
Glenn