tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90733190828742041572024-02-20T08:03:10.466-05:00Civil War Warren County, NJThe 1861-1865 American Civil War as reported to local newspapers and in letters to family members written by soldiers from Warren County, NJ.Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-20507766552137754202017-08-29T16:35:00.000-04:002017-08-29T16:35:04.786-04:00Charles Heckman's Report on Roanoke Island 1862<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On February 9,1862, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Heckman, of Phillipsburg, filed a report with NJ Governor Olden on the Ninth NJ Volunteer Regiment's actions during the Roanoke Island battle.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Heckman wrote, "Sir, I have the honor to report the following as the part taken by New Jersey's Ninth regiment in yesterday's battle, and victory of the </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">union forces. About three P.M. on the seventh, under cover of the heavy cannonade of our navy, our little army composed of three brigades, first, General John G. Foster; second, General Jesse L. Reno; third, General John G. Parke, effected an unopposed landing. It bivouacked in a cornfield, and under the beating of a piteously s<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">evere<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> storm gained its first experience in practical service. At six A.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. on the eighth the command 'forward' was given. The advance (Foster's brigade) soon engaged the <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ene<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">my, and notwithstanding the obstacles encountered steadily pushed forward, and finally forced the ene<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">my behind his works<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, but could make no further progress<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. The foe was thoroughly entrenched in <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a fort (Defiance) located on the north side of a clearing, about four hundred yards square, o<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n a point of land protected by water<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> in its front and right and left flanks, which they believed to be i<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">m<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">passable <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">for troops. The only solid ground available to the Union troops was a narrow cart road, which led from our bivouac ground in a southerly direction for about two miles, when it changes direc<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">tion to the eas<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">tward, and at ab<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">out </span>two hundred yards furth<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">er on, again changes to the north for the same distance, when it is cut by the ditch of the fort. The nature of the ground prevented any proper formation for assault, and Foster's <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">brigade was held in check by the well-directed artillery and small arms of <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the enemy. Meanwhile, the men of the second brigade, who remained i<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">nactive<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> about a quarter of a mile from the forces engaged, waited eagerly for orders to advance to the relief of the<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ir comrade<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s. Presently, in their stead, stretchers bearing the dead and wounded passed by them i9n a narrow road to the rear. I greatly feared <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">its effect on my raw <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">troops, but the trem<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">or was only momentary. At eight o'clock an orderly appeared and delivered an order for the Ninth New Jersey to pass the Fifty-<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">f</span>irst New Yor<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">k<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> (the Twenty-first Massachusetts men deployed on our left flank) and re3port at the front to General Foste<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">r<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, commanding the troops engaged<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. That order was executed in quick time, with files well closed<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> up. The <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">general ordered me to form regiment in column by company, enter the swamp on our left, and engage the enemy. Into the sw<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">amp, thigh deep in mud and water, the Ninth advanced to the edge of the timber, when it formed column by division at half distance, about one hundred yards from the right front of the fort, which completely covered the cart road, and defied assault from that direction. Our first division opened a vigorou<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s fire, which was returned with<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> great vehemence. The part of the regiment not engage<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d were orde3red to squat in the water, securing their ammunition from damage. A<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">fter a s<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hort tim<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e the first division was relieved by</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span>th<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e second<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, and at length, the second by the third. Presently, their effective firing was visible in the sudden slacking of the enemy's musketry. Their battery still fired rapidly, but doing little <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">damage to us. Particular attention was now directed to the cannoneers, and the result was soon appare<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">nt. So accurate was the aim of our men that all the guns were silenced except the one in the centre embrasure. Selecting three marksmen of company D, they, at a given signal, fired into that embrasure, and silenced the last gun fired in defence of Roanoke Island. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"The victory was ours, but the query, who shall be first to enter the fort was unanswered. </span></span></span></span>Hawkins' Zouaves (9th New Y<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ork), 'who had previously made a c<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">harge by the ro<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ad, but were repulsed,' were on solid ground. One hu<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ndred <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">y<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ards of water was between us and the fort. The order 'charge' was given, and a ru<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sh (go-as-you-please<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">) was made, and the Ninth New<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Jersey (a squad of them) won the prize. Simultaneously the colonel and major of the Twenty-first Massachusetts, and Major Kimball, of the Ninth<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> New York (Hawkins' Zouaves) entered the works, at oppo<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">site points. Each of <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">them mounted a gun, and gave us a sho<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">rt, impromptu speech, and each claime<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d to have captured the fort. And it must have been so, for t<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hose of us who were in th<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e battery when they arrived declined to contradict the<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">m. On entering the fort<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> we found but two living souls - one a negro (servant of Colonel Shaw), the other Lieutenant Selden<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, of Wise<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'s Legion, who was mortally wounded by three rifle balls. This intrepid Confederate, had alone, as he told me, loaded and fired that centre gun three times, and as he fired his fourth and last round, received a message from those unerring rifles of Company D, which ended his earthly career. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"On being driven from Fort Defiance, the enemy retreated to the no<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">rth point of the Island, stacked their arms, and waited the approach of our troops, when an unconditional surrender was <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">made. The tr<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ophies are4 five forts, thirty-three pie<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ces of artillery, two thousand eight hundred prisoners, with small arms, stores, etc. Fort Defiance was unquestionably the key to th<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e rebel's position, and the occupation of the swamp on it's right flan<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">k (by the Ninth New<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Jersey) secured the great success of the day. After the ba<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ttle, the Confederates admitted that they believed it impossible for 'troops to <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">operate in that swamp.' The loss of the Ni<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">nth is nine killed and twenty-five wounded<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, a full list of which will be sent to you at an early date. Ca<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ptain Joseph J. Henry, of Compa<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ny H, who was killed by a round shot, was an accomplished, genial gentleman, and a galla<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">nt officer of great promise. He fell as he would have chosen to fall, at the head of his division. Isaac V<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. D. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Blackwell, of Company F, a Christian gentleman, and brave soldier, expired<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">in his brother's arms. His last words were, 'Remember thy God.'</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Among the wound<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ed the brave corporal, John Lorence, and<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Jonathan A. Bural, of Company K, deserve special mention. They have performed their whole duty to their country, and their country should never forget their sacrifice for the preservation of the Union . </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"The gallant behavior of the officers and men of the regiment, in it<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s first engagement, prevents m<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">y making mention of individual bravery. But I cannot refrain from expressing my admiration for our gallant y<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">oung adjutant, Abram Zabriskie, who during the whole of the battle manifested the self-possession of a veteran. </span></span></span>That the future of the Ninth will be rep<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">lete with brilliant deeds, I fully believe; and t<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hat the hono<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">r of the country and our flag will not be tarnished by an<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">y act of her<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s. From first to last its conduct was<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, in the highest, courageous.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"The valu<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e of the Union<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, in this conquest, will readily appear in a glance at a map of Virginia and North Carolin<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a. It is the key to the rear of all the defences of Norfolk and Po<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">rtsmou<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">th."</span></span></span></span></span> </span></span> </span></span></span></span> </span></span> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-34688711039185925772017-08-18T13:20:00.002-04:002017-08-18T13:21:07.965-04:00Robert McAllister's June 1862 Chickahominy River battle report <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On June 27, 1862, the 1st New Jersey Regiment fought Confederate troops on the left bank of the Chickahominy River during the Peninsular Campaign in Virginia. Lieutenant Colonel Robert McAllister, of Oxford Furnace (later of Belvidere) took command during Colonel Alfred T. A. Torbert's malaria illness.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On July 4, Colonel Torbert forwarded McAllister's battle report to the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac. "Hdqrs. First Regt., First Brig., Sixth P.A.C. [Provisional Army Corps], Camp near James River, Va. July 4, 1862. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of Lt. Col. Robert McAllister, First Regiment New Jersey Volunteers, relating to the part which that regiment took in the engagement on the left bank of the Chickahominy River, on June 27,1862...At the time I was confined to my bed with remittent fever, but being informed that my regiment was going into action I started for the field of battle at once, and arriving there had to go to several points of the same before finding my regiment. In the meantime I saw part of the division falling back, and I went to work with other officers to rally and collect the men, and among them part of my own regiment.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Sergeant-Major [William S.] Provost rendered me much assistance in this task. From all the information I can gather Lieutenant-Colonel McAllister displayed great bravery and coolness during the action. I cannot refrain from speaking of the valuable services rendered by Chaplain R. B. Yard in looking after and caring for the wounded and helping collect the regiment. Surgeon [Charles C.] Gordon and Assistant Surgeon [Philip M.] Senderling did their duty nobly."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">McAllister reported, "The First Regiment New Jersey Volunteers, together with the balance of the division, on the 27th of June was ordered across the Chickahominy River to support General Fitz John Porter's corps. The regiment was hurried to the scene of action, and on forming line of battle was ordered to support a battery which was engaging the enemy. Soon after General Porter ordered me to advance in the woods to support the Third Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. Reaching the position ordered I made the regiment lie down, but three companies from the left, being uncovered by any troops in front, I immediately ordered them forward to engage the enemy, which they did most gallantly, Captains [Valentine] Mutchler, [John] Mount, and [Ephraim] Brewster in command. In a short time the whole regiment was engaged, and a most terrific fire was kept up on both sides for about an hour and a half, while the regiment was engaged. The regiments on my right and left having fallen back, and the enemy making a movement to outflank me on both sides, I ordered a retreat.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"During the early part of the action Major [David] Hatfield, while fighting bravely, was wounded on the head and had to leave the field. Soon after I lost the services of Lieut. Frank B. Holt, of Company E, who was severely wounded in the arm, and Lieut. Charles W. Mutchler, Company D, severely wounded in the side. While retiring from the woods the regiment was under a cross-fire from the enemy, and then it was that we lost both officers and men. Capt. Ephraim G. Brewster, Company C, fell dead on the field of battle while fighting bravely. Capt. John D. P. Mount, Company I, fell, severely wounded in the leg. Lieut. John Parker, Company B, missing supposed to be killed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Too much cannot be said in praise of Captains [Charles N.] Pelouze, [Enos] Fouratt, [Alexander M.] Way, [I. H.] Baker, and [John W.] Brown, Adjutant [William] Henry [Jr.], and all the lieutenants engaged. To mention non-commissioned officers who distinguished themselves would be to name nearly all, for both non-commissioned officers and men could not have behaved better under fire."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-316077224202676542015-07-13T18:20:00.000-04:002015-07-13T18:30:59.997-04:001865: Henry B. Church at Appomattox<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Henry Burnett Church, who was born Airewitt West and who became a runaway and a world traveler, returned to America in 1865 and joined the Union Army in Pennsylvania. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Church had enlisted in the Confederate 2nd Florida Regiment in August 1861 but deserted to the Union troops after the Seven Pines battle in July 1862. After traveling the world in the British Merchant Marine, he returned to Philadelphia on the British merchant ship GENERAL BARRY. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On March 8, 1865, he enlisted in Company I of the 210th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment under the name of Charles Gardner. Church recalled in 1916, "I changed my name when I enlisted because I did not know whether I might be caught by the men I deserted in the 2nd Florida, who would have remembered me by my name, if not in person. Oh yes, I was able to write my name at enlistment. I signed my name as Charles Gardner. The name just came to my mind. I knew no one of that name and had no relatives of that name either."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the 210th Penna., Gardner (Church) participated in the battle at Gravelly Run, Virginia on March 17, 1865. The regiment was assigned to Colonel William Sergeant's 3rd Brigade of Brigadier General Romeyn Ayres' 2nd Division in Major General Gouvenor Warren's 5th Corps. On April 1, 1865, the 210th Penna. was in the center of the Battle of Five Forks, VA. During this battle, the 210th Penna. attacked General George Pickett's Virginia troops on the White Oak Road.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Church recalled, "After my enlistment in Philadelphia, we went directly to Petersburg, Virginia and by rail all the way. We lay there quite a while until the Battle of Five Forks in the later part of March 1865. From there we went, I think, to Bottoms Bridge [on the Chickahominy River - near where Church had deserted the 2nd Florida] and Pamplin Station, where we had a lot of [captured Confederate] troops come to us who did not have any guns...We participated in the Battle of Five Forks and several skirmished along the South side railroad. We had a skirmish also at Bottoms Bridge. We had a few men killed, but none of our immediate officers were killed...I can't recall any battle at Mrs. Butler's house nor recall such a place, but we were on the White Oak Road. I remember when I went to get water after the battle of Five Forks, and to fill the canteens with a man from another company, I don't know his name, we saw a lot of wounded men in the yard of a certain house. And there were some in the house, too, all had been wounded in the battle of Five Forks. We lost quite a few men. My file closer, Yates, of Adams County, Pennsylvania, was shot in that battle, and I fell over him. I don;t remember the names of any others that were wounded there nor that were killed there...Yes, we were at Hatcher's Run; the battle was just a few days before I came there. We were in the siege of Petersburg and very near what was called Fort Hell.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"We went to Appomattox from Pamplin Station, and we were there until after the surrender of [General Robert E.] Lee. We gave his troops our rations and lived ourselves for several days on corn... They had us march double quick there at Appomattox for making certain remarks about the food. The quartermaster was late in coming up , and everyone started calling out certain things when he came. For this we were forced to march double quick, but Lieutenant Thomas M. Fisher, who was our commanding officer, took us out of sight of the camp and allowed us to rest." Warren County historian Richard Matthews pointed out Fisher was Church's commanding officer later in Company B of the 190th Penna. Matthews noted Captain James H. Foster was the commanding officer of Company I of the 210th Penna.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After reaching Arlington Heights, VA, Church transferred to Company B, 190th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Church recalled, "After the surrender, we marched back to Arlington Heights, Virginia, and about the second day of the march back, we heard of the assassination of [Abraham] Lincoln. We stayed at Arlington Heights until after the Grand Review of the Armies of the Potomac and of the West, in which my regiment participated. We then went to Harrisburg. After being mustered out and were paid off, I came home to Philadelphia. He later moved to Belvidere, NJ where he married.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Copyright 1999-2015: Jay C. Richards</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-6941004628441876332014-12-31T18:11:00.002-05:002014-12-31T18:11:43.366-05:00May 1864: The Wilderness<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On May 4th, 1864, the 11th NJ Volunteer Infantry Regiment was a part of Second Corps along with the old 2nd NJ Brigade [5th, 6th, 7th and 8th NJ Volunteer Infantry Regiments]. On that day, the 11th NJ crossed the Rapidan River and joined its new brigade at the Chancellorsville battlefield. While General Gershom Mott was in command of the third Division, Colonel Robert McAllister, of Belvidere & Oxford Furnace, was in command of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">On May 5th, the troops entered the dense wooded area of Virginia known as The Wilderness. Lieutenant Colonel John Schoonover, of Oxford Furnace, reported, "After proceeding a very short distance through the dense underbrush, I was directed by the Brigade Commander to form in line of battle, which I did, so far as circumstances would permit. With the regiments on the right and left crowding, and in the midst of almost impassable underbrush, it was found impossible to form a line of battle in the space I occupied on the road. There was much confusion in the ranks 'till the regiment reached the crest of the hill, when, by detailing three left companies, I succeeded in placing the remainder of the regiment in proper line. As yet, we had received no fire from the enemy, except for the occasional shot from the skirmish line, which was returned. We had been in this position but a short time, when a few volleys of musketry was heard to the extreme left and rear, and immediately, the line the line of the left, as far as I could see, commenced falling back in confusion. This was rapidly carried to the right, and when the 16th Massachusetts, which was on my immediate left, took up the movement, my regiment followed, and all efforts to rally the men were fruitless. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"The troops seemed panic-stricken, and for what reason, I was never able to imagine. They acted as if their only safety was the works which they had so hastily erected. I desire to mention one exception. The Color Company and color-guard, under the command of Captain [Edward] Kennedy [of Belvidere], retained its position for sometime after the troops on my right and left had disappeared, and until he received a direct order from me to fall back. The officers upon this occasion, so far as I could see, made every effort to keep their men in kine. The regiment was reformed on the road, and the report showed a list of twelve wounded.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"At half-past four o'clock, on the morning of the 6th, we again advanced in line of battle through the woods. We continued to advance slowly until seven o'clock, a.m., when heavy fire was opened by the regiments on my right and left, which was taken up for a short time by my regiment. I soon, however, succeeded in stopping it, as I considered it perfectly useless, as we were at the time receiving no fire from the enemy - neither was he in sight. The regiment continued to advance, with frequent halts, until about nine o'clock, a.m., when we received a heavy volley from the enemy. Advancing some distance further, the line was halted, a skirmish line thrown out, and the regiment remained in this position until shots were received from our left and rear, when a change of front was ordered by Colonel [William] Sewell, then in command of the 5th, 6th and 11th Regiments. This change of front took place about half-past ten o'clock, a.m. At eleven, the enemy was heard advancing in our front, with heavy firing and cheering; soon after, the troops composing the front line passed over us in much confusion. I then passed along the whole length of my regiment, and directed them to reserve their fire until they received orders. At this time, there were but few of the enemy's shots passing over us."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Schoonover wrote in his report, "The approaching yell and loud firing gave us sufficient warning of the advance and position of the enemy. In a few minutes, I directed the regiment to commence firing. The regiment, with scarcely an exception, acted with perfect coolness. Not a man flinched. There seemed to be a determination to retrieve what they had lost the day previous. The fire was continued for some time, when the regiment on my immediate left fell back. The one on my right followed. I turned to ask Colonel Sewell for instruction, and I was told by one of my officers that he had gone to the rear with the remainder of the line. At this time, an officer from the left of the regiment came to me and said that Colonel Sewell had left orders for me to fall back. As no troops were to be seen on either my right or left, I deemed it proper to do so. The regiment retired to Brock Road, where it took position in the rear of the second line of works on the left of the 16th Massachusetts. It remained in this position during the afternoon, assisting in the repulse of the enemy at four o'clock, and also took part in the charge upon the first line of works which had been captured by the enemy, and from which they were driven. At half-past four o'clock, p.m., May 7th, the regiment, after moving to the right of the plank road, with the brigade, was detailed for picket, where it remained until ten o'clock, a.m., the next day. "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Not long after the advance of the earthworks by the 11th NJ and the 16th Massachusetts, Colonel McAllister's horse was killed as he rode it, and a spent musket ball temporarily paralyzed his leg. The Colonel returned to his brigade the next day.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Schoonover observed, "None who passed through the battle of the Wilderness will ever forget it. On the night of the 7th, I was picket officer for the division; and this night's duty was one of the most unpleasant I ever performed in the army. To establish a picket line at night, in the almost impenetrable wilderness, would be at any time a difficult task, but in addition to this, it lay through the battleground of the previous day, and in many places the bodies of the dead strewed the ground so thickly that it was difficult to guide my horse among them. At this point, which was on the right of the plank road, the two lines fought with a small stream between them, and on the brow of the hill on one side, the rebel dead lay in perfect line, for at least 200 yards, so closely as to enable a person to step from one to another for the entire distance."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Similar fighting was experienced by the men of the 15th and 10th NJ Regiments.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1997-2014: Jay C. Richards </span></div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-11376506903855339182014-11-25T11:24:00.000-05:002014-11-25T11:24:02.665-05:00February 1864: "The Gray Ghost" in Ashby's Gap<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On February 19, 1864, Lieutenant Birdsall Cornell, of Company I, 1st NJ Cavalry Regiment, wrote a report to The Belvidere Intelligencer from a camp in Warrenton, Virginia.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cornell wrote, "An expedition to Ashby's Gap yesterday, under the command of Lt. Colonel John W. Kester, of the 1st N.J. Cavalry, resulted in the capture of 31 of [John S.] Mosby's guerrillas, with their arms, equipments, &c., and about 50 horses. Mosby, the famous guerrilla chieftain, it seems was absent at Richmond, where he has recently been promoted to Lt. Colonel. The road that leads from Aldie to Winchester passes through Ashby's Gap, and it was at a small village in the Gap, called Paris, that the 'Rebs' were found, and where they have had their headquarters for some time. One of the prisoners gave it as his opinion that the guerrilla system of warfare would soon be discontinued in this section, and that Mosby's men would be incorporated in the rebel regular army. I incline to the belief that this statement is correct, as the sentiment of the people generally, in this portion of the state, is opposed to Mosby and his band of ragamuffins, adventurers and thieves. They are a set of cut-throats and assassins, void of all those manly and chivalric feelings that inspire to noble deeds, are actuated solely by a spirit of avarice and love of gain, and who plunder alike from friend or foe. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"The Union citizens of Loudon and Fairfax Counties will owe Lt. Col. Kester a debt of gratitude for capturing a considerable portion of their number, and dispersing the rest. The only casualties on our side, one horse killed and Captain James H. Hart, of Company A, slightly wounded in the arm. Capt. Hart is from Bucks County, Pa., and is one of the best officers we have."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1997-2014: Jay C. Richards</span>Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-86516664474875541012014-10-29T12:37:00.001-04:002014-10-29T12:37:49.715-04:00Union Soldier Stabbed Near Belvidere, 12 February 1864<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On 19 February 1864, The Belvidere Intelligencer filed the following report under the headline "STABBING AFFAIR." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The report stated, "A mysterious case of stabbing occurred on Friday night last [12 Feb. 1864] near this place, the particulars of which as are as follows, as near as we can learn: A German (name not known), belonging to the 9th NJ Vols., had put some $300 in the hands of Captain [Joseph] Lawrence [of Belvidere, commander of Company H, 9th NJV] to keep for him, and a few days since, he came to Belvidere, in the company of another German, to get his money. On Friday evening, the two disappeared, and on Saturday morning, the soldier was found a short distance above town, near the Delaware [River], stabbed in the breast, almost insensible. He was brought back to Cramer's Hotel, where he remains unable to leave. The other German examined, but as no evidence could be found against him, he was allowed to leave. We have not learned whether Capt. Lawrence paid him before the stabbing occurred, or not. The whole affair seems involved in mystery, which we hope will soon be unraveled."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The mystery must have remained unsolved since there were no other news reports on the incident.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1997-2014: Jay C. Richards</span>Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-58886905506823370922014-10-29T12:21:00.000-04:002014-10-29T12:21:18.132-04:00February 1864: 9th NJ Regt. at Deep Creek, Virginia<div style="text-align: justify;">
Colonel Abram Zabriskie had replaced Charles A. Heckman, of Phillipsburg, as commander of the New Jersey 9th Infantry Regiment in November 1862, after Heckman was promoted to Brigadier General of Volunteers. In January 1864, Zabriskie secured a furlough for the soldiers who re-enlisted. On 2 February 1864, the troops on furlough steamed north for Jersey City. On 4 February, the people of Jersey City sponsored a parade in honor of the men of the Jersey Ninth. The soldiers were later treated to dinner at Taylor's Hotel. The men traveled by train to Trenton, where they divided up to return to their home towns.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The men of the Jersey 9th who did not re-enlist remained in Virginia. They were sent on reconnaissance duty under the command of Lieutenant Thomas Burnett at Deep Creek, Virginia. Unfortunately, the small reconnaissance group ran into four regiments of Confederate troops under the command of General Robert Ransom. The group retreated after Privates Albert Nutt and Joel Hulse, both of Company D, were killed. Their bodies were left behind and were mutilated by some of the rebels.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Brigadier General Heckman, commanding the Suffolk District, was at Getty's Station, Virginia when he received reports of the mutilations. Heckman sent 500 soldiers to relieve the embattled reconnaissance unit and to drive the Confederate force back into North Carolina. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Copyright 1997-2014: Jay C. Richards </div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-22841107773544793612014-10-29T11:42:00.000-04:002014-10-29T11:42:49.650-04:00February 1864: 47th PA Honors Col. Robert McAllister<h4>
From 15 December to 25 February 1864, the men of the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry were stationed in Florida. Company A was assigned to garrison Fort Meyers. Companies B, C, D and I were assigned to garrison Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West. Companies E, F, G, and H were assigned to man Fort Jefferson, the Union's most desolate fortress in the Dry Tortugas, which was considered to be America's Devil's Island. </h4>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>The men of the 47th were plagued with malaria, dysentery, hepatitis and other diseases while in Florida. Private Jenkins J. Richards, of Company E, suffered attacks of dysentery, malaria and hepatitis periodically from 15 May 1863 until his discharge by a surgeon's certificate on 3 June 1865. </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>To help pass the time, the troops at Fort Jefferson started a couple of theatrical groups to perform in the fort's theater. John Lynn Dennett founded "Jack Lynn's Troupe of Pennsylvania Minstrels." The troupe performed Dennett's melodramas such as "Charles Brandon - or The Gambler's Fate" and some of Dennett's "Serious Comical Burlesques" or his "Extravaganzica Plantationico Display of Ethiopian Eccentricities" or "Sports of the Cotton Field." </strong><br />
<br />
<strong>In February 1864, the 47th was relieved of Florida garrison duty by the 110th New York Infantry Regiment and the 2nd US Colored Troops. The 47th Pennsylvania was ordered to steam to Louisiana to join General Nathaniel Bank's Red River Campaign, which was supposed to isolate Texas from the rest of the Confederacy. </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Before leaving Florida, men of Companies D and H - from Perry County, PA - purchased a number of Florida crabwood canes to be sent to several of Perry County's leading citizens. Among the canes was one for former Perry County resident Colonel Robert McAllister, commander of the 11th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment. McAllister had moved to Oxford Furnace in Warren County, NJ before the war. When the war broke out, he was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the 1st NJ Volunteer Infantry Regiment in May 1861 at the age of 47 years. On 30 June 1862, he was commissioned Colonel of the 11th NJ Volunteer Infantry Regiment. On 2 July 1863, McAllister was wounded near the Smith Farm on Emmetsburg Road in Gettysburg, PA by a Minie ball passing through his left leg and an artillery shell fragment striking his right foot. McAllister recuperated with his family in the Hotel Belvidere in Warren County. The Perry County men of the 47th Pennsylvania had heard of McAllister's leg injuries so they wanted McAllister to have a special crabwood cane.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Copyright 1999-2014: Jay C. Richards </strong>Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-38203108020453552762014-10-17T15:47:00.001-04:002014-10-17T15:47:53.461-04:00Olustee, Florida February 1864<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In January 1864, General Truman Seymour's expeditionary force set out to capture Jacksonville, Florida. Among Seymour's troops were the 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry Regiment - with James Furman, of Washington, still in its ranks with Company E, the First North Carolina (Colored) Regiment, and the 8th Regiment US Colored Troops, which included Abram Andrews, of Washington, in his first military campaign. On February 7, Jacksonville was captured without resistance. The troops moved inland on February 8 to capture Camp Vinegar.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">On February 17, without permission from General Quincey Adams Gillmore, Seymour decided to march toward the Suwanee River, 100 miles from Jacksonville, without first learning the location of General Joseph Finnegan's Confederate troops. Seymour's expedition moved forward without first making a reconnaissance of the area and without flanking patrols. Seymour's columns extended for several miles. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">On February 20, after two days marching, the troops stopped near Olustee. In front was a large swamp and a large wooded area. General Seymour did not know the wooded area was filled with Finnegan's Confederates. Confederate artillery, riflemen and sharpshooters opened fire on the Union troops. After 20 minutes of continuous rebel gunfire, 80 percent of the Union artillery was wiped out. Without artillery support General Seymour still decided to continue the fight.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Seventh Connecticut and the Seventh New Hampshire Regiments came under heavy fire and were beginning to weaken. The Eighth USCT Regiment was ordered to move up to support the two weakening regiments. The 9th USCT arrived in time to see the other two regiments retreating. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The 8th USCT Regiment was nearly surrounded by Confederates, but it held its ground for more than two hours before heavy losses forced the regiments to fall back. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The 54th Mass. and 1st North Carolina Regiments were ordered to move forward and hold back the Confederate troops until Seymour could rally his retreating troops and place his remaining guns in a good position. At 4:00 p.m., General Seymour ordered the black regiments to retreat toward his position. When the Confederates pursued the retreating Union troops, Seymour's guns opened fire and broke the rebel advance.</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Of the 1,861 total Union losses, 627 were from the three black regiments. The 8th USCT Regiment suffered 50 killed, 187 wounded and 73 missing in action; the 1st North Carolina [later known as the 35th USCT Regiment] suffered 21 killed, 132 wounded and 77 missing; and the 54th Massachusetts suffered 13 killed, 66 wounded and 8 missing. Furman and Andrew survived and mustered out of Federal Service with their regiments in 1865.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Copyright 1999-2014: Jay C. Richards</span></div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-64974819557753767252014-01-09T11:41:00.000-05:002014-01-09T11:41:42.678-05:00October 25, 1863: David V. France's Letter<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On October 25, 1863, David V. France, age 54, of Blairstown wrote to his wife Susan from the camp of the 35th NJ Zouaves outside of Washington, D.C. France enlisted in the 35th NJ Volunteer Infantry Regiment on September 10, 1863. Only a portion of France's letter exists and was loaned to us by France's descendants Terrence and James Lee. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">France wrote,"Dear Wife, I am in middling good health considering what I have passed through. We left our camp in Flemington [NJ] last Monday morning and We dismounted in Philadelphia of that day and we suppered in that city..." France described the regiment's new campsite,"...no fences nor timber any where near, and the land is of a muddy clay. We have had a 2 days rain and its all a quagmire in our camp this morning. I have slept in wet clothing and blankets & have taken a heavy cold again. But I am still able for duty yet..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The old soldier was wounded in action on May 13, 1864 at Resaca, Georgia. He died in a field hospital at Resaca on May 23, 1864.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1999-2014: Jay C. Richards</span>Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-76129033958133993692014-01-09T11:26:00.000-05:002014-01-09T11:26:39.299-05:00September 30, 1863: Isaiah Albertson's Letter From Hospital<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On September 30, 1863, Corporal Isaiah Nelson Albertson, of Hope, was still recuperating from his leg wound at Tilton Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. He was wounded during the battle at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in July. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">He wrote to his family, "...As for news, that is scarce, although Major Anderson was in here to see us last week. I think he looks some like his picture, his head sprinkled with gray hairs, and I imagine that he looks like Domaine Reilezer, is a very pleasant looking and I believe a good kind of man, but his head is affected and he is not fit for service. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"I was just out to the Methodist Church last Sunday morning. The house was full and there was good singing from one corner to the other. Twenty-five more patients arrived here night before last from Washington. They say the Twelveth [Twelfth] Army Corps has gone and the Third and Second are going to reinforce [General William S.] Rosencrans at Chattanooga. There must be something going on as they generally clear out the Hospitals before a battle..."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1999-2014: Jay C. Richards</span>Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-39399501472746535762014-01-08T11:27:00.000-05:002014-01-08T11:29:58.215-05:00September 1863: Warren County Men Join the 35th NJ Zouaves<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In August and September 1863, New Jersey created its second Zouave infantry regiment, the 35th NJ Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Warren County men who enlisted in the 35th NJ Zouaves in 1863 were:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Company A</strong>: William F. Gordon, of Phillipsburg; </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Company B</strong>: William H. Green, of Phillipsburg;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Company C</strong>: Daniel M. Miller, of Harmony;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Company D</strong>: David V. France, James C. France, George B. Kirkhuff, and Jacob Kise, of Blairstown, and 1st Lieutenant David Pierson, of Washington;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Company E</strong>: Levi M. Babcock, of Hope; Theodore Case and James Gould, of Oxford; John G. Schrumpf and Abraham C. Voorhees, of Independence Township; wagoner W. H. VanKirk, of Columbia (Knowlton Township); and Jesse Fravel and William F. Randolph, of Belvidere;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Company H</strong>: Joseph J. Miller, of Phillipsburg, and Peter G. Garrison, of Hope;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Company I</strong>: Henry Bercaw and Sergeant Frederick Kramer, of Phillipsburg;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Company K</strong>: David Kreiger, of Independence Township.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In addition to wearing a gray and blue Zouave uniform, the 35th was distinguished by its weapons late in 1864. In November 1864, the 35th NJ Zouaves were authorized to purchase Henry repeating rifles for its soldiers. Soldiers could purchase their own 16-shot Henry rifles and the US Government would pay them rent of $2.50 per month plus $25 at the end of their service. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright: 1999-2014: Jay C. Richards</span>Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-54393561125933002812014-01-08T11:01:00.001-05:002014-01-08T11:01:32.471-05:00August 1863 Letter From Edward Albertson, 31st NJ Regiment<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On Sunday, August 30, 1863, Private Edward H. Albertson, of Frelinghuysen Township, wrote to his brother Corporal Isaiah Nelson Albertson, who was recuperating in Tilton Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Edward Albertson joined the 31st New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment at age 22 on September 3, 1862. He mustered out of service on June 24, 1863. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Albertson wrote, "Well, Nells, I'll pen you a few lines before I go to bed - been to quarterly meetin' at Ebenezer this afternoon. This forenoon attended Uncle Vansyckle's funeral at the Union [Tabernacle] - he died Friday night - had the dysentery I believe. There is quite a good many sick. Tommy Poyer buried his son - Little Bill - a few days ago. He a Diphtheria. I did not work any last week and haven't been very well this [week] but worked though - dizziness is what bothers me. I feel well now though.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"They haven't drafted here but I wish they had though. Frelinghuysen has sent her number. They went in the Cavalry - several of them were out when I was. I don't know what they are going to do in Hope. They talked of taxing every one liable to draft 25$ to help pay their exemption but I think the men ought to go and then give them the money...John Hendershot [Co.K, 1st NJ Cavalry] is home on furlough - got a ball in his [right] foot..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1999-2014: Jay C. Richards.</span>Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-26566902134295784772013-10-20T09:57:00.002-04:002014-01-08T10:44:23.032-05:00August 12, 1863: Isaiah Albertson letter<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On August 12, 1863, Corporal Isaiah Nelson Albertson, of Hope, wrote to his sister Ella from Tilton Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, where he was recuperating from his leg wound which he had received near the orchard of the Smith House on Emmittsburg Road in Gettysburg. The letter was sent through the U.S. Christian Commission and Reverend E. Clark Cline, the chaplain of the 11th N.J. Volunteer Infantry Regiment. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Albertson wrote, "Sister Ell: I just received a letter from you and I will write in reply now for you to get it this week. The weather is a little cooler this morning, Wednesday, than it has been for ten or twelve days past, I don't think it is much warmer here than what it is at home, although tis hot every day from morning till night and at night, too. I have a good appetite considering the weather and not much exercise. My wound is about the same, but I could soon get it worse by going out in the hot sun too much so I keep shady and keep it well wet with water. Our folks can come down just when they get ready for I am sure of not getting a furlo [furlough] for some time, as they were sent to Baltimore yesterday to be signed by Gen. Schenck, I found out that my name was not with them, although I asked the Doct. and he said we could not all go at once, so I will have to wait until the first returns and run the risk of going then. The Hospital is on the corner of Ninth and Talnall Sts. Go up Market to Ninth, then west three blocks to Talnall St.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"Ell, I am glad that there is some prospect of there getting a Melodeon at the Union, as it certainly won't make the singing any worse than it ust [used] to be and with a fair chance of improving it. We have one here, I guess, and a small choir comes in to sing, as preaching twist [twice] a week, but tis the Episcopal form, which does not seem natural, but the Melodeon does sound natural. Tell Grandmother I often think of her, and she must not be at all uneasy about me. I believe the rebellion will play out sooner or later. If the union army is managed right they can be wiped out this fall. The rebel prisoners say themselves they can't raise any more men. I suppose the harvest apples are all right about now. From your Brother, Nels."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1999-2013: Jay C. Richards</span>Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-47755693215348741552013-07-20T16:45:00.000-04:002013-07-20T16:56:08.627-04:00July 18, 1863: 54th Massachusetts attacks Fort Wagner, SC.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment (Colored) had trained at Camp Meigs in Readville for 100 days. Although it was not the first African-American unit created, it was the first unit to be created in a northern state. At the suggestion by Frederick Douglass, this regiment would consist of only freeborn, educated men of color. An enlistment bounty of $100 was paid to each recruit. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Among the recruits were two Warren County, NJ men: James Furman, of Washington, in Company E, and Isaiah [or Isaac] Cass, of Hackettstown, in Company C. By May 14, 1863, there were 1,000 recruits in the regiment. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The regiment was commanded by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and Lieutenant Colonel Norwood Hallowell. Shaw had been a captain in the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry, and Hallowell had been an officer in the 20th Massachusetts Infantry. Although all the commissioned officers were Caucasian, African-Americans served as non-commissioned officers. The regimental Sergeant Major was Louis Douglass, son of Frederick Douglass. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In June 1863, the 54th Massachusetts shipped out of Boston for Beaufort, South Carolina - arriving there on June 3. The regiment was attached to Colonel James Montgomery's 2nd South Carolina Colored Infantry during the attack and pillage of Darien, Georgia. After objections were made by Shaw to General David Hunter, the 54th Massachusetts was sent to St. Simons Island, where there was nothing to do but drill daily. When Brigadier General Quincy A. Gillmore replaced Hunter as commander of the Department of South Carolina, Shaw complained that his men were not given combat duties in which to prove themselves. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Gillmore was planning the siege of Charleston, South Carolina and the capture or destruction of the Confederate harbor forts. On July 8, the regiment was ordered to join General Alfred Terry's division on Folly Island for an assault on James Island. At dawn on July 16, the 54th Massachusetts and the 10th Connecticut Infantry Regiment came under attack by Confederate cavalry and infantry on James Island. Federal pickets were forced back, but Company K of the 54th fought and withdrew in good order, slowing the Confederate advance. The Federal line began to collapse around the 10th Connecticut, but the men of the 54th Massachusetts acted as the rear guard, retreating slowly while holding back the Confederates and preventing the 10th Connecticut from being surrounded. The 54th suffered 45 casualties: 14 killed, 18 wounded and 13 missing. General Terry sent a message to Colonel Shaw commending the regiment for its conduct.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Federal landings on James Island had been a diversion to pull Confederate troops away from the southern end of Morris Island - the objective of the main attack. Confederate General Pierre T. E. Beauregard, commander of Charleston, had sent additional troops to James Island, which allowed General Gillmore's troops to capture the southern end of Morris Island. However, Federal troops could not capture Fort Wagner on the northern end of Morris Island. The 54th Massachusetts and other regiments were ordered to leave James Island and join the main force on Morris Island. Federal troops marched across marshy James Island in the rain on the night of July 16. They waited on Folly Island on July 17 for transportation to Morris Island. The 54th Massachusetts arrived on Morris Island late in the afternoon on July 18.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Colonel Shaw reported to General George C. Strong, a fellow Massachusetts soldier, who was commanding the Federal siege of Fort Wagner. Strong offered Shaw the chance to lead the attack on Fort Wagner. During the Georgian and Victorian periods, it was considered an honor for a unit to be the "Forlorn Hope" and lead an attack on a fort - even though high casualties could be guaranteed. For the survivors, there was glory and bravado in the sheer bravery of volunteering to be the "Forlorn Hope." General Strong knew the men of the 54th had not slept nor eaten in at least two days and told Shaw there was no dishonor in turning down the offer. Shaw said his men were "strong of heart" and could still lead the attack.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Shaw called up his troops to meet the general at the front. General Strong told the men he, too, was from Massachusetts, and he expected them to bring honor to the state. The general asked Color Sergeant John Wall to step forward with the National Colors. In a loud voice the general asked, "If this man should fall, who will lift the flag and carry it on?" Shaw replied, "I will." The men of the 54th cheered their colonel.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Colonel Shaw said to Lieutenant Colonel Hallowell, "I shall go in advance with the National Flag. You will keep the State Flag with you. To his men he said, "We shall take the fort or die there." Shaw went down the ranks talking to each of his men telling them this was the chance for them to prove to the nation that Americans of color can fight bravely and with honor. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">At 7:45 p.m., Colonel Shaw walked to the front with his troops. He told his men to move forward down the narrow strip of land toward the fort in quick-time until they were within 100 yards of it and then charge at the double-quick. The forward advance began when Shaw shouted, "Forward my brave boys!" Following the 54th Massachusetts in the attack were the remainder of the 10 Corps: the 6th Connecticut, the 48th New York, the 7th New Hampshire, the 100th New York, and the 62nd Ohio infantry regiments. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The narrow approach to Fort Wagner was approximately one mile from the spot where the Federal Army stood. It was bounded by the sea on one side and marshland on the other. Approximately sixteen guns and many muskets were trained on the sandy strip from fort Wagner as well as guns from Fort Sumter, James Island, Sullivan Island, and Fort Gregg, which was also on Morris Island. More than 9,000 shells were fired at the fort from land and sea by the Federal Army and Navy. However, the majority of the 1,785 soldiers inside the sand fort remained safe inside a giant bombproof during the barrage and were ready to jump to their posts when the infantry attacked. Federal intelligence reports had incorrectly estimated only 300 troops were inside Fort Wagner.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">When the 54th was within a couple hundred yards of the fort, the Confederate gunners and riflemen "welcomed" the Federal troops with a volley of exploding shells and mini-balls. Large holes were blasted in the front ranks of the 54th, but the soldiers still advanced, while closing their ranks as best as they could. At the double-quick, Shaw led his men through a ditch and abatis of the outer fortifications. the men reached the 50-foot wide moat trench in front of the parapet. The moat was filled with water five feet deep. The soldiers inside the fort began to throw grenades and lighted artillery shells down onto the men of the 54th. The men of the 54th crawled their way up the sandy wall toward the top of the parapet. Shaw reached the top, pointed his sword toward the inside of the fort and yelled, "Onward Fifty-Fourth!! Shaw was killed by a musket shot to his chest.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As Color Sergeant Wall was following Colonel Shaw with the National Colors, he was shot down by musket fire. Sergeant William H. Carney, of Company C, grabbed the flag before Wall and the flag hit the ground. Carney held the flag to his chest and rushed to the top of the parapet and planted the flag next to the Regimental Colors. Carney was wounded in both legs, the right arm and in his chest, but he refused to give up the National Colors nor let them fall to the ground.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The 54th Massachusetts had gained a foothold inside Fort Wagner for at least an hour during heavy hand-to-hand combat. However, reinforcements were still under cannon fire on the beach and did not arrive in time to help the 54th hold their position and take the rest of the fort. Many of the officers were killed or wounded. When Lieutenant Colonel Hallowell finally ordered his men to retreat, Captain Luis F. Emilio rallied the walking wounded and formed a battle line 700 yards from the fort. Sergeant Carney staggered out of the fort and back to the new battle line - still clutching the National Colors to his breast. Carney refused to let go of the flag until he reached the field hospital tent, more than a mile away. Carney collapsed from the loss of blood while still clutching the flag, and he said to the men in the tent, "The old flag never touched the ground, boys." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sergeant Carney never fully recovered from his wounds. He became the first Black American to receive the Medal of Honor.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The walking wounded of the 54th Massachusetts held their battle line until they were relieved at 2:00 a.m. on July 19. Of the 5,264 Federal officers and men who took part in the attack, 246 were killed, 880 wounded and 389 missing. Of that total number of losses, the 54th Massachusetts suffered 34 killed, 146 wounded and 92 captured or missing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Privates Cass and Furman survived the battle and served in the Federal Army until the end of the war in 1865.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The men of the 54th Massachusetts at Fort Wagner, along with the men of the 1st and 3rd Louisiana Native Guards and the 1st Louisiana Engineers of the Corps D'Afrique at Port Hudson; and the 9th and 11th Louisiana Native Guards and the 1st Mississippi Colored Regiment at Milliken's Bend in June 1863 had proven themselves in battle. The Federal Government authorized the formation of several regiments of U.S. Colored Troops. Recruitment began in 1863. Warren County's recruits had to enlist in a federal recruiting office in Easton or at Camp William Penn in Philadelphia.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">State and County records are very sketchy regarding Warren County's men in the U.S. Colored Troops. the following is a list of those men we were able to identify, but it should not be considered a complete list.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The following men enlisted in 1863 and 1864: <strong>3rd Regiment, USCT:</strong>Thomas McIntyre, of Belvidere, Company F; <strong>8th Regiment, USCT: </strong>Abram Andrews, of Washington, Company I; <strong>22nd Regiment USCT</strong>: Edward W. and Thomas Duncan, of Greenwich Township, Company B; Francis and Samuel Henry, of Vienna, Company F; Corporal Abram Smith, of Buttzville, Company D; William Townsend, of Belvidere, Company I [killed in action at Fort Harrison on September 30, 1864]; and Marshall White, of Washington, Company I<strong>; 25th Regiment USCT</strong>: Benjamin B. Andrews, of Washington, Company A; George B. Andrews, of Washington, Company E; Peter Campbell, of Washington, Company A & B [died at Fort Pickens, Florida on September 27, 1864]; Edward Kelsey, of Washington, Company A; and Jonathan E. Saunders, of Hackettstown, Company A<strong>; 26th Regiment USCT</strong>: Thomas Benjamin, of Asbury, Company H<strong>; 32nd Regiment USCT</strong>: John Jones, of Belvidere, Company A; and William H. Lee, of Hackettstown, Company F<strong>; 34th Regiment USCT</strong>: George E. Harris, of Hope [now Mt. Lake], Company E<strong>; 41st Regiment USCT</strong>: John DeHart, of Greenwich Township, Company B [was present at General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House<strong>]; 43rd Regiment USCT</strong>: Abraham H. Harrison, of Phillipsburg, Company B<strong>; 45th Regiment USCT: </strong></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sergeant John Fisher, of Phillipsburg, Company F; </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thomas [James], of Mansfield Township, Company E; Samuel [Nathan] Hackett, of Phillipsburg, Company C; and John H. Young, of Harmony, Company A; <strong>and 127th Regiment USCT</strong>: George and Nelson Blankins, of Asbury, Company H.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Anson P. White, alias Thomas Jones, of Oxford Furnace, had two enlistment records under two names, according to New Jersey state records. On February 17, 1864, as Thomas Jones, he enlisted in Company B of the 32nd Regiment USCT. He stayed in the 32nd, as Jones, through the war and was mustered out with his unit on August 22, 1865 at Hilton Head, SC. However, the State contends White, while at Camp William Penn, also enlisted as Anson P. White, in Company I of the 43rd Regiment USCT on May 14, 1864 to collect an enlistment bounty and then deserted from the 43rd on June 3, 1864 before the 32nd Regiment moved out of the same camp.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Belvidere Intelligencer listed another William Townsend, of Belvidere, in a list of recruits. The newspaper stated William Townsend enlisted in a "colored regiment" at Easton in March 1865. There was no mention of the unit, and since the state records note William Townsend being killed in action at fort Harrison in 1864, it is an assumption that this second William Townsend was the son of the man killed in action. However, no records could be found.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1999-2013: Jay C. Richards</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-45716224647033352652013-07-05T15:43:00.002-04:002013-07-05T15:43:59.356-04:00July 3, 1863: Battle of Gettysburg, Part Three<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On July 3, 1863, Colonel Edward Livingston Campbell's 15th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment had secured their position on a rocky knoll on Cemetery Ridge after three hours of fighting. The knoll was fronted by trees and was located approximately 1/8 mile from Little Round Top. The 15th NJ was part of the 1st Division or the 6th Corps. It's new position overlooked Emmittsburg Road and the ground on which many of the men of the 7th, 8th and 11th NJ Regiments had died the day before.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Teenage veteran Jacob H. Cole, of Paterson, serving in the 57th New York Volunteer infantry Regiment, was a wounded prisoner of war with a shattered leg. He was moved to another knoll on Seminary Ridge so he could witness the soon-to-be famous charge of General George E. Pickett's Division. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cole recalled, "At one o'clock, two cannon shots in quick succession gave the signal, and instantly the Confederate position was for three miles wrapped in flame and smoke. Nearly 140 guns opened at once on the Union lines. The air was full of shrieking shells and flying shot. After an hour, the firing ceases, and for a time the stillness was oppressive. Then I suddenly saw what it all meant. Over the hill came a long line of skirmishers and behind them a line of battle, and behind that line another and then another. I raised on my left elbow and watched eagerly the long lines of the enemy's infantry as they emerged from the woods on Seminary Ridge. It presented one of the finest sights ever witnessed on a field of battle or anywhere else. Its front was nearly a mile in length.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"With their rifles carried at a right shoulder shift, they moved steadily onward as if on a grand review, marched across the fields, on across the Emmittsburg Road, climbing over the two fences and so towards Cemetery Ridge. Every battery in the union lines then opened fire. The smoke after a while became so dense that I was unable to see anything further. Just as the smoke began to lift somewhat, I was able to see again."</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">From their rocky knoll, the men of the 15th NJ witnessed "Pickett's Charge." A report filed by an officer in the 15th NJ stated, "With strange emotion, we watched their coming; it was not fear, it was not surprise, but every man was silent, and grasped his weapon more closely. When the enemy reached the middle of the plain, our batteries began to play upon him, cutting through his lines, but he came on with increasing rapidity, till the fire of musketry, which had been withheld, was poured into him. He dropped rapidly, but nearer and nearer swept the charging columns. Most of our batteries were out of ammunition and ceased firing, and it was left to the opposing bodies of infantry to determine the contest. AS the charging column swept nearer, a heavier and more deadly fire stayed a body of North Carolina troops for a moment, when they broke and ran; a large number throwing down their arms and coming in as prisoners. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"Pickett's Division had a less distance of open ground to traverse, and so great was the impetus it acquired that it passed directly over our outer-line of stone wall and rough works, and drove back the first line of troops, belonging to part of the Second </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Corps. The rebel colors, indeed, were planted right on the breast works. The critical hour of the day had come, but General [Winfield Scott] Hancock was equal to the emergency, and gathering troops from right and left, halting and re-forming the broken columns, a new line was formed, which, though bending back some distance from the former front, was a formidable barrier to the enemy's further progress. Then from right and left, assailing either flank, was poured on a destructive fire, and our men came pressing closer, making the circuit smaller. The fighting was short and decisive. The rebels recoiled before the deadly fire, threw away their arms in token of submission, and on all sides crouched close to the earth in dismay. Some thousands were captured and moved away to the rear, our troops leaping the entrenchments, assaulted their flank and soon put them to flight, with heavy loss of killed and prisoners. Before sundown the fighting ceased."</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cole noted, "At last I heard the Union band play. The I knew that Pickett's grand charge at Gettysburg had failed and that the Union troops had won the victory. After the repulse of Pickett's charge, the rebel soldiers scattered all over the field like a lot of sheep with a head. Soon after, darkness fell upon the scene, while the Confederate troops were momentarily expecting the advance of Union troops, but no advance came, and thus closed the third day of the battle of Gettysburg. In the early part of the night, the moon shone very bright, and as I lay within the rebel lines, I ascertained that the rebels were about to retreat. This I learned by overhearing General [Robert E.] Lee order General [James] Longstreet to leave a strong picket force and withdraw the troops under cover of the darkness."</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Suffering from his wounds of July 2, Colonel Robert McAllister, commanding officer of the 11th NJ Volunteer Infantry Regiment, returned to Warren County, NJ to recuperate. Instead of going home to Oxford Furnace, the colonel and his family stayed at the Belvidere Hotel. The McAllister family eventually purchased a house in Belvidere. McAllister returned to his regiment on September 17, 1863 at Culpepper Plantation, Virginia.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Jacob Cole was finally found by Union troops on July 5 and was taken to hospital in Philadelphia. he remained in hospital until April 1864, when he was released. Cole returned to his unit in time for the second day of battle in The Wilderness.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1997-2013: Jay C. Richards </span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-77548703710545600152013-07-02T15:32:00.000-04:002013-07-02T15:32:31.927-04:00July 2, 1863: Battle of Gettysburg, Part Two<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On July 2, 1863, John Schoonover, of Oxford Furnace, Adjutant of the 11th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment was forced to take command of the regiment since Colonel Robert McAllister was wounded, Major Kearney was killed, and Captains Luther Martin, Dorastus Logan, Andrew Hiram Ackerman, W. H. Lloyd, and William Dunning were either killed or wounded. With the regiment under continuous attack by Confederate troops, Schoonover had ordered the line of battle to slowly pull back toward the artillery battery near Trostle's Lane.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Schoonover reported, "At this time we neared the caissons, which were in line across the field to the left, when I was struck a second time, with a buckshot, and being nearly exhausted in my efforts to rally the men, and from the wound in my breast, was compelled to go to the rear. A portion of the regiment was rallied some distance to the rear by Captain Lloyd - with the flag - and charged in line with the remainder of the brigade to a point near that occupied during the hottest of the action. Remaining there a short time, it marched some distance to the rear and bivouacked.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"To mention some may seem to do gross injustice to others, but I cannot pass by the untiring efforts of Lieutenant [John] Buckley to rally the men. Captain Lloyd and Lieutenant [Ira] Cory also deserve special mention for their coolness and bravery. As an individual act of bravery, I desire to mention Corporal Thomas Johnson, of Company I, who, when two color-bearers had been shot down, I ordered to take the colors and advance twenty yards to the front, as the regiment was wavering, he did so and did not leave his position until ordered to the rear. The services of Lieutenant Joseph C. Baldwin, on the 3rd, as Acting Adjutant were invaluable. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"In the action on the 2nd, the regiment sustained a very heavy loss. Out of the 275 officers and men taken into the fight, 18 were killed, 130 wounded and 6 missing, making a total of 154." </span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">It should be noted that Lieutenant Cory's Company H had been ordered by General Joseph Bradford Carr to direct its fire against General William Barksdale, who was leading the charge of his Mississippi troops by waving his sword and wearing a red fez on his head. Barksdale was struck down by five musket balls from the 11th NJ Regiment.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">When the fighting was the fiercest at Little Round Top, Devil's Den and the wheat field, the men of the 7th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment and the 2nd New Hampshire Regiment found they were under fire from behind their line of battle. They changed their front to a position closer to Emmittsburg Road and Trostle's Lane. Retreating artillery from the peach orchard ran through the line, splitting the unit in two. The regiment came under heavy fire from the approaching Southern troops. The regiment could not return fire because and could not lay down in the lane because the artillery temporarily blocked the lane. Colonel Louis Francine discussed the situation with his field officers and decided that a charge was the only hope for the regiment. Francine yelled, "Fix Bayonets!; Forward, Double Quick! Charge!"</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The 7th NJ charged across the field of fire, cheering as they ran. The 7th reached the line of the 2nd New Hampshire, halted and opened fire on the rebels. Colonel Francine, his adjutant, and one third of the regiment had fallen dead or wounded during the charge. Lieutenant Colonel Francis Price rallied the remnants of the regiment at the Trostle house. When Price was shot, Major Frederick Cooper took command. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The losses to the 7th NJ were 114 killed, wounded or missing. The men of Company E, from Belvidere, Hope, Harmony and Oxford sustained the following wounded: Sergeant Calvin J. Osmun, Sergeant James Roseberry, Corporal Edward Creveling (of Phillipsburg), Corporal David Rockafellow, William Pettit, James McKeever, John S. Gulick, Michael Barry, Robert Dalrymple, and Joseph Weaver.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Colonel Edward Campbell, of Belvidere, and his 15th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment were in Manchester, Maryland when the battle started. The 15th NJ reached Gettysburg at approximately 3:00 p.m. on July 2, after a non-stop march of 35 miles in 16 hours. </span> At <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">7:00 p.m., after resting and eating, the 15th NJ and the remainder of the old 1st New Jersey Brigade, of the 1st Division, 6th Army Corps, were sent to the front. They were sent to a rocky knoll fronted with trees, approximately 1/8 of a mile from Little Round Top. In front was the ground on which many of the men of the 7th, 8th, and 11th NJ regiments had died. It took almost three hours of fighting to secure the rocky knoll on the morning of July 3. From their rocky knoll, the men of the 15th NJ witnessed "Pickett's Charge" on the 2nd Corps' line of battle.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1997-2013: Jay C. Richards</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-69047553370057282922013-07-01T17:59:00.001-04:002013-07-05T14:47:22.598-04:00July 1-2, 1863: Battle of Gettysburg, Part One<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In June 1863, the soldiers of New Jersey's nine-months regiments were mustered out of federal service and returned home. The 31st NJ Volunteer Infantry Regiment's Company G, under the command of Captain Benjamin F. Howey, and Company I ["The Belvidere Infantry Company"], under the command of Captain Richard Drake, arrived in Belvidere by train from Trenton on June 28. They were welcomed at the depot by Captain George Washington Tunis and his Warren Guards. Led by the Belvidere Brass Band and Captain Hendrickson's Band of Martial Music, the veterans were escorted to Garret D. Wall Park where they were welcomed with speeches. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Meanwhile, opposing armies marched into Pennsylvania. On July 1, Federal cavalry commanded by Brigadier General John Buford</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">attacked an advancing column of Confederate infantry at Gettysburg, Pa. The Confederates were seeking shoes, food and other supplies from Gettysburg and Hanover, Pa. and had not planned to be in battle. General Buford noticed his men were on the high ground with an excellent field of fire so he attacked. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Troops from the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and the Federal Army of the Potomac rushed toward Gettysburg without stopping. The main fight began on July 2.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Confederate counter-attack on the Federal lines did not start at dawn on July 2, which was a pleasant surprise to the Union troops who had arrived in Gettysburg after a long, forced march. However, once the attack began, it was very fierce. General Daniel Sickles was in a hurry to get his Union Third Corps into the fight so he ordered his troops forward - ahead of the remainder of the Federal line. Sickles' advance placed his troops across the Emmittsburg Road and into the woods - in an area occupied by half of the Confederate forces. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Men of the 7th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment came under heavy artillery fire on their position at an orchard near Trostle's Lane. the 7th NJ had been assigned to give support to Union artillery batteries there. The Confederate artillery were firing down on them from the top of Seminary Ridge.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Jacob Cole, of Paterson, a 16-year old veteran who served in Elmer Ellsworth's Fire Zouaves [11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment] at the First Battle of Manassas [or Bull Run], was serving in Company A, of the 57th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Cole recalled in his 1906 autobiography <u>Under Five Commanders</u>, "When about four o'clock p.m., the order came to move, the Fifty-Seventh fell in, filed left, went into the woods and was soon under fire. As we pushed forward, a bullet struck my right arm and passed through it. As we charged into the wheat field a shell exploded and shattered my right leg and killed two of my comrades. when I was shot in the arm, the feeling was the same as though I had been struck on the elbow - a feeling of numbness came into my arm - and I turned to the comrade by my side and asked him why he had hit me. He said, 'I did not hit you, but you have been shot and you had better go to the rear.' Shortly after I was injured by the shell. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"After my leg was shattered, I fell down, laying for a few minutes unconscious, and when I came to my senses, I found I was surrounded by the enemy, and a rebel officer was standing over me with one foot on my wounded leg. I pleaded with him to step off my wounded leg. He said in answer to my pleadings, drawing his sword, 'You damn Yankee. I will cut your heart out.' And as he raised his sword, a ball came from the direction of Little Round Top and cut him through the throat, and he fell beside me dead." Cole was later carried by Confederate soldiers to a small knoll overlooking Emmittsburg Road from where he witnessed the third day of battle and the famous "Pickett's Charge."</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Colonel Robert McAllister's 11th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment was in the apple orchard/wheat field area when Mississippi troops began to advance on it. As Colonel McAllister, of Oxford Furnace, pointed his sword toward the advancing rebel soldiers to order his men to open fire, he was shot in the left leg by a Minnie ball and was hit in the right foot by a piece of artillery shell. He gave his order to open fire just prior to being carried to the rear for medical treatment. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">McAllister reported, "We (the Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers) were in front of the apple orchard at the Smith house, along the Emmittsburg Road. During this heavy artillery firing - we not being actively engaged - I ordered my men to lie down. the shot and shell played over our heads and through the apple trees in our rear, carrying the branches through the air like chaff. The gunners and horses of our artillery were rapidly cut down. If the destruction of life could have been left out of mind, I would have considered the scene grand beyond description. So exciting was it that I could not keep lying down. I had to jump up and watch the grand duel. In about half an hour, the artillery ceased and the first charge of the rebel infantry was made in my front. We prepared to receive the charge. I ordered my men to 'Fire.' I was on the right of my regiment. As the rebels advanced, our pickets came into our lines, and we received the charge. I was wounded while passing from the right to the center of my regiment - severely wounded by a minie ball passing through my left leg and a shell striking my right foot. I did not see a single man in the regiment flinch or show the least cowardice under that terrific cannonading of the fierce charge which we met."</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">John Schoonover, of Oxford Furnace, McAllister's Adjutant, had his horse shot out from under him during the artillery barrage. He reported, "A few minutes to the command, 'FIRE,' Major Kearney, then standing near me, on the left of the line, was struck by a Minnie ball and mortally wounded in the knee, and was immediately carried to the rear; at this moment, Battery K, United States Artillery, then stationed a short distance to the left and front of the regiment, opened a rapid fire. I then passed rapidly to the right of the regiment, in order to inform the Colonel of the absence of the Major, and learned that he, too, had been wounded and taken to the rear. I immediately notified Captain [Luther] Martin, the senior officer present, that he was in command of the regiment, and again passed to the left of the line, when an order was received from Brigadier General [Joseph Bradford] Carr to slightly change the front by bringing the left to the rear; this being executed, the entire regiment opened an effective fire upon the advancing line of the enemy. At this point, word was conveyed to me that both Captains Martin and [Dorastus] Logan were wounded and being carried to the rear. A moment later, Captain [Andrew Hiram] Ackerman [of Belvidere] fell dead by my side. The two former were killed before they reached a place of safety; and in justice to the memory of these three officers, permit me to bear witness to their unexceptional good conduct. Ever to the front, distinguished for personal bravery, they leave behind them a spotless record.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"By this time, Captain [W.H.] Lloyd had also been wounded, and Captain [William] Dunning being absent assisting the colonel to the rear, I assumed command of the regiment. The fire of the enemy at this time was perfectly terrific; men were falling on every side; it seemed as if but a few minutes could elapse before the entire line would be shot down, yet the galling fire was returned with equal vigor. Slowly and stubbornly the regiment fell back, keeping up a continual fire upon the line of the enemy which was still advancing, until more than one-half its number had been either killed or wounded. Up to this time, both officers and men nobly did their duty, but the ranks becoming so decimated, and mingled with wounded men, and the line in the rear, and having a short time previous been struck with a piece of shell in the breast, I found it impossible, under the circumstances, to longer keep the line together..."</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1997-2013: Jay C. Richards</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span> </div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-11851253159312218422013-07-01T16:36:00.000-04:002013-07-01T16:36:45.363-04:00June 1863: The Capture of General "Rooney" Lee<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In June 1863, after the battle of Brandy Station, Virginia, Lieutenant Charles Butts and Company I ("The Belvidere Company") of the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry were raiding in Hanover Country, Virginia. Jacob P. Wright, of Belvidere, filed a report for The Belvidere Intelligencer dated June 27. Wright reported, "We left here [White House, Va.] with 1,250 cavalry, went within 12 miles of Richmond and found no force, but heard of some. We passed through New Kent County, thence up to Hanover Court House, Hanover County. Here we destroyed the railroad depot and bridge, captured a train of 200 wagons, and 200 mules, harnesses, &c. We could only bring 35 of the wagons so we were compelled to destroy the remainder. Our next point was the railroad bridge on the South Ana River, below Fredericksburg, so off we started, meeting with no opposition until near the bridge, where we captured the rebel pickets, and soon saw the enemy in pretty strong force at the bridge. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"We found they had forts and breast works thrown up, and a block house erected on the bridge. We advanced, dismounted a company of our riflemen, and while they engaged them in front, the Colonel swam two companies over the river below, and came in their rear. We found part of a regiment there, and I do assure you they fought desperately, but they had the brave 11th to contend against, and when our two companies charged them upon their works, after a severe hand-to-hand struggle with saber and pistol, those in the breast works were compelled to surrender. Then we went after those who escaped from the inner breast works to the outer one and captured them. Then we attacked and captured the block house. Oh! It was exciting! Such shouting on both sides of the river you never heard, in which the Doctor and I were compelled to join. We killed seven rebels and left many mortally wounded, and brought away 81 privates and five commissioned officers. A Lieutenant Colonel was commanding.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"We then heard that General [William Henry Fitzhugh] Lee, son of R. E. Lee, who was wounded in the late fight at Culpepper [Brandy Station], was in the neighborhood. A colored man led us to the house [at Hickory Hill, Va.], and sure enough, there we found him. We put him in his splendid carriage, to which was attached a pair of matched horses, and brought him with us. We also captured a Captain of the Navy, a surgeon, and a paymaster with $20,000 in Confederate bonds. We then burned the bridge and turned our faces to this point where we expected a large force to meet us; and here we are, after three days hard march through three counties of Virginia, embracing the most beautiful section I have yet seen - bringing us 400 head of mules, 35 wagons, a large number of contrabands and 100 prisoners, among whom is Gen. Lee. We also captured several mails. I send you some of the letters. General [John] Dix was up here to meet us."</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">General Lee was shipped by train to New York as a prisoner-of-war. On February 25, 1864, he was exchanged for Federal Brigadier General Neal S. Dow. Lee returned to his father and the Army of Northern Virginia to continue his wartime service.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1997-2013: Jay C. Richards</span> </div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-76082757243117478632013-06-14T11:36:00.000-04:002013-06-14T11:39:35.548-04:00June 10, 1863: Col. Broderick Killed at Brandy Station<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On June 8, 1863, the entire division of Federal cavalry was ordered to mount up and move out. On the second day out, the Union cavalry approached a Confederate cavalry encampment and captured many of the rebel pickets as they approached. When the 3rd Squadron ran into a brigade of Confederate cavalry, the biggest cavalry battle began.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The 1st New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry and the 1st Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry charged together into the camp, and 150 prisoners were quickly captured. The Southern cavalrymen were quick to react and formed up a battle line on a hill near Brandy Station, Virginia. A New York light artillery battery set up and began to fire on the Confederates. A squadron from the 1st Maryland Volunteer Cavalry was ordered to support the artillery.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Brigadier General Sir Percy Wyndham, New Jersey's British gentleman cavalry leader, and Colonel Virgil Broderick, of Sussex County, the commander of the 1st NJ Cavalry, formed the brigade for battle. Wyndham and Broderick led a saber charge into the Confederate lines. The 12th Virginia Cavalry rallied and rode to reinforce their comrades.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The adjutant of the 1st NJ Cavalry reported to Harper's Weekly, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"By Jove, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">that was a charge! They came up splendidly, looking steadier than we did ourselves after the shock of the first charge. I did not know whether Wyndham was still with us, or if he had gone to another regiment; but there was Broderick looking full of light, his blue eyes in a blaze, and his saber clenched, riding well in front. At them he went again, and some of them this time met us fairly. I saw Broderick's saber go through a man, and the rebel gave a convulsive leap out of his saddle, falling senseless to the ground. It seemed but an instant before the rebels were scattered in every direction, trying now and then to rally in small parties, but never daring to await our approach...I heard Broderick shouting in a stormy voice. I tell you, it was a startling sight. The fragments of White's Battalion had gathered together toward the left of the field and were now charging in our rear. The 1st Maryland was there, and Broderick was shouting at them, in what their Colonel considered a 'very ungentlemanly manner,' to move forward to the charge. At the same time two fresh regiments were coming down on our front. Instead of dashing at White's men, the 1st Maryland wavered and broke, and then were charged at the same time front and rear...Gallantly our fellows met the attack. We were broken, of course, by the mere weight of the attacking force, but breaking them up too, the whole field was covered with small squads of fighting men. I saw Broderick ride in with a cheer and open a way for the men. His horse went down in the melee; but little Wood, the bugler of Company G, sprang down and gave him his animal, setting off himself to catch another. A rebel rode at the bugler and succeeded in getting away his arms before help came. As Wood still went after a horse, another fellow rode at him. The boy happened at that moment to see a carbine where it had been dropped after firing. He picked up the enemy weapon, aimed it at the horseman, made him dismount, give up his arms, and start for the rear.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"It was only when we got so entangled that we had to fight hand to hand that their numbers tolled heavily. It was in such a place as this that I lost sight of Broderick. The troop horse he was riding was not strong enough to ride through a knot of men, so that he had to fight them. He struck one so heavily that he was stunned by the blow, but his horse was still in the way; swerving to one side, he escaped a blow from another, and warding off the thrust of a third, managed to take him with his point across the forehead; just as he did so, however, his saber getting tangled with a rebel's, was jerked from his hand. He always carried a pistol in his boot. Pulling that out, he fired into the crowd, and out spurs his horse. the bullet hit a horse in front of him, which fell. His own charger rose at it, but stumbled, and as it did, Broderick himself fell, from a shot fired within arm's length of him and a saber struck upon his side. I saw all this as a man sees things at such times and am not positive even that it occurred as I thought I saw it; for I was in the midst of confusion, and only caught things around by passing glimpses. You see, I was myself having as much as I could."</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Colonel Broderick died in battle at Brandy Station.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Copyright 1997-2013: Jay C. Richards </span></div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-64037475546101258462013-06-13T16:48:00.000-04:002013-06-13T16:48:06.116-04:00June 1863: 27th NJ Regt. Offers to Delay Discharge<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In May 1863, the US 9th Corps, including Colonel George Mindil and his 27th NJ Volunteer Infantry Regiment, were ordered to assist General [Hiram] U. S. Grant in the siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi. As the 9th Corps marched toward the Mississippi River at Louisville, Kentucky on June 4, Major General Ambrose Burnside ordered the 27th NJ to be detached since its 9-month enlistment had expired on June 3. Burnside said he needed Mindil's troops in Kentucky a few days longer.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">On June 13, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mindil heard about Confederate General Robert E. Lee's troops entering Pennsylvania. Reports stated the Pennsylvania Central Railroad might be in Confederate control, blocking the regiment's trip home to New Jersey. Mindil called together the men of his regiment and told them of the situation. Mindil told his troops he wanted to move forward into Pennsylvania to offer his services to General George Mead during this emergency and asked who would go with him. The entire regiment volunteered to go with him.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Burnside issued the following dispatch on June 15, 1863: "In withdrawing the Twenty-Seventh New Jersey Volunteers from the front, in order that they may return to their homes at the expiration of their term of enlistment, the commanding General desires to express his regret at parting from them. In every position in which the requirements of the service have placed them, they have proved themselves brave, efficient and reliable soldiers, and have made for themselves in this command a clear record worthy of the gallant State whose name they bear.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"Should this regiment, in the event of a continuance of the war, again take the field, this commanding General will be glad to receive them as tried soldiers once more under his command."</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">General Samuel Powhatan Carter wrote to Mindil, "For yourself personally, Colonel, I entertain the highest esteem, as I do for your noble regiment, which has gained a most enviable reputation in Kentucky from the soldierly bearing and correct deportment of both officers and men.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"Will you be pleased to give to the officers and men my appreciation of their worth, and the regret I feel at parting from them. It is a matter of pride with me that I have had the honor to command, for even a time, troops who have won for themselves such imperishable fame."</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">On June 17, Mindil sent the following letter by telegraph from Cincinnati to President Abraham Lincoln, "Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States: My regiment, eight hundred strong, whose term of service has expired, is on its way home for muster-out. I hereby offer the services of the command for any service in Pennsylvania during the emergency. Please advise me of your intentions. George W. Mindil, Colonel, Twenty-seventh New Jersey Volunteers."</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">At the Soldiers' Home in Cincinnati, Major General Burnside honored the regiment with a bounteous dinner. The regiment later traveled by train to Columbus, Ohio. At Columbus, Mindil received the following telegram from Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, "Colonel George W. Mindil, Twenty-seventh New Jersey Volunteers: You will accept for yourself and express to your gallant regiment the thanks of the government for your patriotic offer, which is cordially accepted. You will please proceed with your regiment as rapidly as possible to Pittsburgh, via the Ohio Central Railroad, in order that you may stop at Wheeling, if your services should be required there by General [William T. H.] Brooks, who will communicate with you on the road, and you can reach Pittsburgh by that line, if he should prefer to have you there. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War."</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The 27th NJ Volunteers were ordered to hold the railroad junction at Uniontown. On June 21, five companies were sent to secure the Morgantown Railroad line five miles from Uniontown. The remaining six companies were sent to secure the National Railroad line at the Chestnut Ridge gap. On June 24, the regiment reunited and proceeded to Turtle Creek Station on the Pennsylvania Central Railroad, twelve miles east of Pittsburgh. On June 26, the regiment was ordered to Pennsylvania's capital, Harrisburg. With fresh troops guarding Harrisburg, the 27th NJ rode the train to Port Elizabeth, NJ. On July 2, 1863, the regiment was mustered out of federal service at Camp Frelinghuysen in Newark. Colonel Mindil quickly headed by train to Washington, D.C. to offer his services to President Lincoln. Lincoln personally asked him to return to New Jersey to reorganize his regiment, which became the 33rd New Jersey Zouave Regiment. Mindil became a general by the time he was 21 years of age, making him the real "boy general" - not George A. Custer. He was awarded two Medals of Honor: one for volunteering his regiment's services after the term of enlistment expired, and one for leading a charge into the center of the enemy lines at Williamsburg on May 5, 1862. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1999-2013: Jay C. Richards</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-66422814337463825712013-05-25T11:41:00.000-04:002013-05-25T11:41:12.896-04:00May 1863: Warren County & the 54th Mass. Colored Troops<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In April 1861, free black men in the North and the South volunteered to fight for their states. Militia companies of African Americans volunteered to fight on both sides, but in the North, all were turned down by politicians and bureaucrats who felt it was a "White Man's War." Several black militia companies volunteered their services to Virginia to defend their state from a Northern invasion. The Commonwealth of Virginia thanked the volunteers for their patriotism but declined to accept them into the army. The confederate Congress approved the War Department's plan to allow blacks to work in the war plants and to enlist in noncombatant roles in the army: cooks, teamsters, hospital stewards, ambulance drivers, engineering battalions, etc. In 1862, free black cooks assigned to the army were authorized a pay of $15 per month. In June 1861, the Tennessee Legislature passed a law allowing "all male free persons of color between the ages of 15 and 50" to enlist in the military. In April 1861, two "Native Guards" regiments of free African Americans, commanded by black officers, were created by 1,400 volunteers in New Orleans. The "Native Guards" were incorporated in the Louisiana State Militia. After New Orleans was captured by Federal troops, the "Native Guards" regiments were mustered into the Federal Army by General Benjamin Butler as the Corps D'Afrique. In 1862, Kansas began to enlist African Americans in their "Indian Brigades." In South Carolina, Union General David Hunter armed runaway slaves and formed the First South Carolina Volunteers Regiment.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In December 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, effective on January 1, 1863, which freed slaves in the rebellious states. However, there were still no official Union regiments of black troops in the Federal Army. The Federal Government had no provision for raising black troops so it looked to the state militias. Some states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania did not want to raise black regiments. On January 26, 1863, Lincoln and Secretary of War Edwin Stanton accepted the offer of Massachusetts Governor John A. Andrew to raise three black regiments: the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiments (Colored) and the 5th Massachusetts Cavalry Regiment (Colored).</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Governor Andrew realized the 54th Regiment, being the first black regiment raised in the North, would be the model after which other states could follow. Andrew and Frederick Douglass agreed the 54th Regiment should consist of only educated, freeborn blacks - no runaway slaves. The regiment was commanded by white officers and black non-commissioned officers. Captain Robert Gould Shaw, of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was commissioned as the Colonel commanding the 54th. Captain Norwood Hallowell, of the 20th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the 54th. Louis Douglass, son of Frederick Douglass, was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of the 54th. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lacking a sufficient number of qualified volunteers in Massachusetts, it was decided recruiters would be sent to other Union states. with the aid of Douglass and Mayor George L. Stearns, of Bedford, $5,000 was raised to start the regiment. Douglass led a group of recruiters throughout the Northern states, including New Jersey. An enlistment bounty of $100 was paid to each recruit. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Three Warren County men accepted the call to arms: James Furman, of Washington, enlisted in Company E of the 54th. Isaiah [or Isaac] Cass, of Hackettstown, joined Company C of the 54th. John Richardson, of Blairstown, enlisted in Company B of the 5th Massachusetts Cavalry. By May 14, 1863, there were 1,000 recruits in the 54th Regiment. the regiments trained for 100 days at Camp Meigs in Readville, Mass.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1999-2013: Jay C. Richards </span></div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-50285829981724122652013-05-25T10:53:00.000-04:002013-05-25T10:53:12.195-04:00May 25, 1863: Lt. James Prall after the Battle of Chancellorsville<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On May 25, 1863, after returning from the battle of Chancellorsville, Lieutenant James Prall, of Company I (the "Belvidere Company") of the 31st NJ Volunteer Infantry, wrote, "Dear Father and Mother: It is with the greatest pleasure that I can sit down this Monday morning to write to you once more and say that I still are well, never felt better than I do this morning. Now our breakfast has come up. I will stop and eat. We will have ham and eggs, good coffee, hard tack &c &c.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
"<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well now I have eaten a very hearty breakfast and I will try and finish the letter. I would have written yesterday but was on duty and had not time. On Friday we moved our Camp about a quarter of a mile. We still have a very nice Camp. We have had very warm and dry weather here for some time. It has been as warm here as I ever saw it in Jersey in July but last night it clouded up and got quite cool again and now looks as though we were agoing to have a storm. I hope it will rain for it is very dusty here and I think it much pleasanter if it would rain and lay the dust.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"The 137th Regiment Pennsylvania Vols. of our Brigade started for home this morning. They are the first that goes out of our Brigade. We will be home about the 18th or 20th of June. There is no signs of any move here now. Adjutant [John] Schoonover [11th NJ Infantry Regt.] was here yesterday. He is looking well. I have been looking for Mr. [Frederick] Knighton [Chaplain, 11th NJ Regt.]</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> to come over for some time but he has not come yet. I hear he is going home [to Belvidere] soon.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"I received Clark's letter on last Thursday. I was glad to hear that you was all well. I received one from Rebecca the same day. I was sorry to hear that she had not been very well, has had the Rheumatism. She says Bartley was there when she wrote. I have been looking for one from May. I think I have not received any from her since I wrote to her. How does she like her new house? I find by Clark's letter that he is down on [General Joseph] Hooker and thinks he displayed very bad generalship and says this was the greatest defeat of the war. Well now Clark, I think you are greatly mistaken. It certainly was not half so bad as the [General Ambrose] Burnsides fight where he crossed the River. I don't believe our loss was near what the papers say it was and I are well satisfied that the Rebs loss was far greater than ours and I think that Gen. Hooker displayed as good generalship as any general we hever had. You can't tell by the papers any thing about it. The whole army almost think the move was a good one and still have all confidence in him. They did not come back in such a demoralized condition they did when they came back before. He had various reasons for retreating back here. I don't think it was because he did not know how to handle his men. If he is left in command and of this army and it is still necessary to cross [the Rappahannock River] he will do it and if he gets ready before our time is out I are ready and willing to cross again with the army. I for my own part have always been a McClellan man and you are but I don't think he is the only man. I should like to see him take command of the army once more and Hooker to take charge of a part of it for some of the troops think there is not more like Hooker. But to finish up about this I will say that I think this war is nearing an end than any of us thinks for I think & hope it may in a few months more come to an end. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"Father I had a letter last evening from John Wyckoff about buying out J. R. Dey's store. He said he and Mr. Davis had talked to you about it (as I had requested). Now the County and I think that Davis & Wyckoff both is good business men and if there can be any business there we can do it and if I do not make up my mind to come back here [to the Army] again I should like to have this place but I will not say positively that I would take it until I get home for I may make up my mind to come back again. This Rebellion must be put down and if the Government does except [sic] more Volunteers, and I think it will, I think there will be inducements to come back again. I want to see the end of this war. I would like to be out there to help end it. I like the soldiers life and I would as soon be here as any where but I will not say any thing more about this now. It will be time enough to talk about it when I get home. Hoping this may find you well and enjoying the comforts of a good home of which the Soldier is deprived. And so I close, James."</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1999-2013: Jay C. Richards</span> </div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-18469406106247110172013-05-20T17:22:00.000-04:002013-05-20T17:36:07.747-04:00May 1863: Lt. Charles Butts & 11th PA. Cavalry at South Qua<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On May 2, 1863, Lieutenant Charles Butts and the men of Company I ["The Belvidere, NJ Company"] of the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry Regiment were in the Blackwater area of Virginia on the road to Sommerton.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lt. Butts' report to his major stated, "I was on picket on the Sommerton Road on Sunday, May 2nd, 1863. About 5 o'clock p.m. I ascended a large pine tree in front of the enemy, and with the aid of a marine glass [telescope], saw the enemy's pickets with knapsacks on ready to march. I reported this fact to Colonel Foster, at 10 o'clock, p.m., Sunday. Later in the night the enemy fired, which I took to be a signal gun. Between 12 and 1 o'clock at night, a deserter came into my station and reported the enemy retreating. I immediately sent the deserter with a statement of facts to Colonel Foster, commanding the forces in front of Sommerton Road. I then advanced with my cavalry picket, consisting of 15 mounted men of Company I, 11th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and found the enemy's rifle-pits at Brother's house deserted. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"As I advanced, I found the road badly obstructed with timber, rails, and brush. I removed them as soon as possible and had proceeded a short distance beyond this obstruction, when I came to a large fort across the road, a short distance this side of Mr. Wright's house, 5 miles from Suffolk. I moved to the right of the main work and jumped the ditches and rifle-pits, and urged the horses over the parapet of the left wing of the fort. One horse fell into the ditch below but was soon got out; then proceeded about one mile on the main road above the fort when I learned that the enemy from the Edenton Road had crossed over by way of Darden's Mill, and struck the Sommerton Road at Mr. Pitt's house, about 6 miles from Suffolk. At this place I received an order to remain at the above mentioned fort until reinforcements came up. Colonel Foster leading, ordered them forward. I immediately fell back to the fort, leaving my pickets out, found the entrance and removed the obstructions, leaving the road clear for the column to pass through when they arrived.</span> </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"About two o'clock, a.m., Monday morning, May 4 [sic], '63, Major Samuel Wetherhill, 11th Pa. Cavalry, in command of two companies, A and E of the 11th PA. Vol. Cavalry, came up. The Major ordered me to take the advance with my 15 men, giving me 5 of Company A in addition, making 20 in all, and pursued the enemy as fast as possible. I hastened my pursuit to Leesburg, some 15 miles south of Suffolk. At this place the road forks, one going to Sommerton and the other to Holy Neck Chapel, here the enemy divided his force, sending the heavy artillery on the Sommerton Road for several miles, and then bearing to the right, came into the road leading to South Qua at Holy Neck Chapel. All their wagons, light artillery and infantry took the direct road to Holy Neck Chapel, and from thence to South Qua, where they crossed the Blackwater River. As it was necessary to send back dispatches, and, at different times, some prisoners, that I had captured, my force was reduced to five men; and as I had taken some prisoners at the last named place, I could not follow any further on account of not having any men to accompany me, as it would have been necessary to leave what men I had to guard the prisoners I had taken at this place. Here the enemy's rear guard was about ten minutes ahead of me; it consisted of one brigade of infantry, 4 pieces of artillery, and one company of cavalry. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"I have the gratification to report that I captured, with my little command, 48 rebel soldiers, with all their arms and accouterments; 6 citizen prisoners, and one rebel sutler, with his wagon and two horses."</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Copyright 1997-2013: Jay C. Richards</span> </div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073319082874204157.post-27386594366488993202013-05-18T12:38:00.000-04:002013-05-18T12:38:10.682-04:00May 1863: Battle of Chancellorsville<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On January 21, 1863, General Ambrose Burnside was replaced by General Joseph Hooker as commander of the Army of the Potomac. After retraining the troops Hooker felt they were ready to take the offensive again in April 1863. On May 1, the Army of the Potomac crossed the Rappahannock river at United States Ford and approached Chancellorsville, Virginia. Confederate troops rushed up from Fredericksburg and the battle began on May 2, 1863.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Confederates engaged skirmishers from Belvidere resident Colonel Edward Campbell's 15th NJ Volunteer Infantry Regiment at a plain at the foot of Salem Heights. The 15th NJ held the plain so rebel troops shifted their forces to the right of the Federal lines. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Colonel Robert McAllister's 11th NJ Volunteer Infantry Regiment was held in reserve with the rest of 3rd Corps at this time. The 11th NJ moved into the woods to form a line of battle late in the day.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Federal 11th Corps was hit by a large Confederate force and was routed, pushed from the battlefield, and the Second Division of the 3rd Corps was called up to counterattack at the plank road. Near dawn on May 3, McAllister and his men were ordered to form a line of battle with the 11th Massachusetts Regiment along the plank road to form a second battle line. To the left of this line was the 2nd New Jersey Brigade, and in front was the 1st Massachusetts Regiment. In the rear, the artillery batteries were firing over the heads of their infantry.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">McAllister, of Oxford Furnace, wrote in his report, "The enemy made two attacks during the night but did not force our lines. With some changes at dawn of day, we waited the attack of the enemy...The attack was made half past four a.m. and increased in severity until eight and a half a.m., when the line in front gave way; also the regiments of our brigade on my right. I then changed the front of the regiment slightly, and I returned the fire of the enemy briskly. The battle was now raging with great fierceness; many of the officers were wounded; two had been killed; large numbers of our wounded men had gone to the rear; and both flag staffs had been completely severed by the bullets of the enemy. The enemy now pressed my right so heavily that I was compelled to change my front and form a line with the Second NJ Brigade on my left and General [Alexander] Hays' Brigade on my right. We sustained this position for some time, losing heavily, when the line on our left gave way, and we fell slowly back under a withering fire of grape and canister. I formed the regiment on the hill in rear of the battalions, and soon afterwards, with the corps in that vicinity, charged across the fields towards our earthworks, which the enemy had just entered."</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">After the battle had raged for approximately two hours, the left flank of the 1st Massachusetts began to weaken. The rebels broke through and began to attack the 1st Massachusetts. The Confederates attacked on three sides of the Federal lines. The Federal right flank began to collapse, and the 2nd NJ Brigade began to pull back. the 11th NJ Regiment held their line and prevented the 2nd NJ Brigade from being outflanked, giving the 5th NJ Regiment the chance to capture an enemy flag. The artillery positions were lost to the Confederates, but when the Federal troops pulled back to the second line of battle, they counterattacked and recaptured the artillery positions. The Confederate forces attacked again, gradually forcing the Federal troops to give up the artillery positions again. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">McAllister reported, "They were driven out, and a large number of prisoners taken, mostly of the Second NJ Brigade; our forces could hold it but a short time, when we fell back with the remainder of the troops and joined our brigade, which had fallen back some time before. With the brigade we came within the entrenchments."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">General Daniel Sickles, commanding the 3rd Corps, reformed the line of battle near his headquarters. The 11th NJ stayed on the field of battle while the Corps pulled back to reform. Among the last to leave the field were Colonel McAllister, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Moore, and Adjutant John Schoonover. McAllister came to General Sickles and said, "Here I am with the remainder of my regiment; where my brigade is I cannot tell." Sickles answered, "Fall into this line without reference to organizations. You are all my men. We must hold this line if every man of us should fall."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sickles' 3rd Corps held the line for several hours of uninterrupted fighting. McAllister's 11th NJ lost 20 men killed, 115 wounded and 11 missing that day. The 11th Massachusetts was completely destroyed - only Captain Gammon and eight men survived. The captain approached McAllister and said, "I am here with eight men and would like to fight with you." McAllister welcomed the Massachusetts men into his regiment to continue the fight.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sickles' Corps held off General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's Virginia Division and had repelled five bayonet charges. The NJ troops of the 3rd Corps had captured eight Confederate flags.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">McAllister wrote, "Both men and officers of my Regiment acted nobly, stood well, and fought well; to praise some might do injustice to others; but I cannot pass without personally mentioning Lieutenant-Colonel Moore, who was of great assistance, and acquitted himself with honor; also, the heroic conduct of Captain Kearny and Adjutant Schoonover, who were of incalculable advantage in leading and bringing the men forward. The color-bearer, Sergeant Albert DuPuget, displayed unusual coolness and bravery. They all deserve promotion for meritorious conduct."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">On the other side of the battle line, Campbell's 15th NJ Regiment had charged to the turnpike with its brigade under heavy fire. In a fight at the turnpike, the regiment lost three men killed and 20 captured. At noon, the 15th NJ was moved to the extreme left of the battle line. the regiment marched through the town and up to Salem Heights. At 4:00 p.m. the regiment formed a line of battle and charged through woods against Confederate troops positioned behind a wall and ditch. The fight raged until 8:00 p.m., when the regiment was forced to withdraw because of a lack of support from other units. The regiment lost 130 men killed, wounded or missing in action. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Chaplain A. Haines, of the 15th NJ, wrote in his journal, "The Color-Sergeant Eugene Hicks, of Clinton [actually of Asbury, Warren County], a fine, noble-looking young man, whose name was on the list for promotion, fell with the colors in his hands, pierced with a bullet through the brain. Corporal Samuel Rubadon seized the falling flag and carried it right forward through the rest of the fight."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The men of the 31st NJ Volunteer Infantry Regiment, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Robert R. Honeyman, had moved up to support the 29th NJ Regiment on May 1. Honeyman wrote in his report, "Friday, May 1st, occupied my position undisturbed. Saturday, 2nd, firing commenced at eight o'clock a.m., from the enemy's batteries. Sergeant Aaron W. Davis, Company G [from Hope] was wounded - struck above the ear with a piece of shell. the firing was very heavy ans was directed principally at the batteries. My position was held without difficulty until ordered to be evacuated. After all the troops had fallen back, the enemy's fire slackened, enabling me to bring over the river our batteries and to effect a crossing without loss. Rejoining the brigade near Falmouth Station, without scarcely any time for rest, we were pushed forward rapidly up the river throughout the remainder of this excessively warm day. The endurance of both officers and men was wonderful, although a number gave out. Late in the evening, encamped near United States Ford, crossing the river at this point at three o'clock a.m., Sunday, the 3rd instant. At sunrise, having arrived at our position on the field, near the extreme right, I formed line of battle in support of an advanced line and remained here during the day and night, awaiting an attack - the firing part of the time being near and heavy. Monday, p.m., 4th instant, moved half a mile further to the right, sent out four companies on picket under the command of Captain B. F. Howey [of Knowlton Township], of Company G, and threw up rifle-pits. the enemy being reported near and in force, a general alarm was created soon after dark by the firing of one of the pickets, followed by the firing of the regiment next on my right, the firing becoming general, part of the regiment which was formed in rear of my command as support also fired. That none were killed seemed almost miraculous, the clothing of some being riddled with balls."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Copyright 1997-2013: Jay C. Richards</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></div>
Jay C. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230105937080194955noreply@blogger.com0