Charles Heckman's Report on Roanoke Island 1862

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.

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 

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 severe storm gained its first experience in practical service.  At six A.M. on the eighth the command 'forward' was given.  The advance (Foster's brigade) soon engaged the enemy, and notwithstanding the obstacles encountered steadily pushed forward, and finally forced the enemy behind his works, but could make no further progress.  The foe was thoroughly entrenched in a fort (Defiance) located on the north side of a clearing, about four hundred yards square, on a point of land protected by water in its front and right and left flanks, which they believed to be impassable 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 direction to the eastward, and at about two hundred yards further 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 brigade was held in check by the well-directed artillery and small arms of the enemy.  Meanwhile, the men of the second brigade, who remained inactive about a quarter of a mile from the forces engaged, waited eagerly for orders to advance to the relief of their comrades.  Presently, in their stead, stretchers bearing the dead and wounded passed by them i9n a narrow road to the rear.  I greatly feared its effect on my raw troops, but the tremor was only momentary.  At eight o'clock an orderly appeared and delivered an order for the Ninth New Jersey to pass the Fifty-first New York (the Twenty-first Massachusetts men deployed on our left flank) and re3port at the front to General Foster, commanding the troops engaged. That order was executed in quick time, with files well closed up.  The general ordered me to form regiment in column by company, enter the swamp on our left, and engage the enemy.  Into the swamp, 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 vigorous fire, which was returned with great vehemence.  The part of the regiment not engaged were orde3red to squat in the water, securing their ammunition from damage.  After a short time the first division was relieved by the second, 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 damage to us.  Particular attention was now directed to the cannoneers, and the result was soon apparent.  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.  

"The victory was ours, but the query, who shall be first to enter the fort was unanswered.   Hawkins' Zouaves (9th New York), 'who had previously made a charge by the road, but were repulsed,' were on solid ground.  One hundred yards of water was between us and the fort.  The order 'charge' was given, and a rush (go-as-you-please) was made, and the Ninth New Jersey (a squad of them) won the prize.  Simultaneously the colonel and major of the Twenty-first Massachusetts, and Major Kimball, of the Ninth New York (Hawkins' Zouaves) entered the works, at opposite points.  Each of them mounted a gun, and gave us a short, impromptu speech, and each claimed to have captured the fort.  And it must have been so, for those of us who were in the battery when they arrived declined to contradict them.  On entering the fort we found but two living souls - one a negro (servant of Colonel Shaw), the other Lieutenant Selden, of Wise'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.  

"On being driven from Fort Defiance, the enemy retreated to the north point of the Island, stacked their arms, and waited the approach of our troops, when an unconditional surrender was made.  The trophies are4 five forts, thirty-three pieces of artillery, two thousand eight hundred prisoners, with small arms, stores, etc.  Fort Defiance was unquestionably the key to the rebel's position, and the occupation of the swamp on it's right flank (by the Ninth New Jersey) secured the great success of the day.  After the battle, the Confederates admitted that they believed it impossible for 'troops to operate in that swamp.'  The loss of the Ninth is nine killed and twenty-five wounded, a full list of which will be sent to you at an early date.  Captain Joseph J. Henry, of Company H, who was killed by a round shot, was an accomplished, genial gentleman, and a gallant officer of great promise.  He fell as he would have chosen to fall, at the head of his division.  Isaac V. D. Blackwell, of Company F, a Christian gentleman, and brave soldier, expired in his brother's arms.  His last words were, 'Remember thy God.'  

"Among the wounded the brave corporal, John Lorence, and 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 .  

"The gallant behavior of the officers and men of the regiment, in its first engagement, prevents my making mention of individual bravery.  But I cannot refrain from expressing my admiration for our gallant young adjutant, Abram Zabriskie, who during the whole of the battle manifested the self-possession of a veteran.  That the future of the Ninth will be replete with brilliant deeds, I fully believe; and that the honor of the country and our flag will not be tarnished by any act of hers.  From first to last its conduct was, in the highest, courageous.

"The value of the Union, in this conquest, will readily appear in a glance at a map of Virginia and North Carolina.  It is the key to the rear of all the defences of Norfolk and Portsmouth."        

Robert McAllister's June 1862 Chickahominy River battle report

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.

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.

"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."

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.

"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.

"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."

  

1865: Henry B. Church at Appomattox

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. 

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.

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."

 

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.

 

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.

 

"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.

 

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.

 

Copyright 1999-2015: Jay C. Richards

 

May 1864: The Wilderness

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. 

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. 

"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.

 

"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."

 

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. "

 

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.

 

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."

 

Similar fighting was experienced by the men of the 15th and 10th NJ Regiments.

 

Copyright 1997-2014: Jay C. Richards  

February 1864: "The Gray Ghost" in Ashby's Gap

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.

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. 

"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."

Copyright 1997-2014: Jay C. Richards

Union Soldier Stabbed Near Belvidere, 12 February 1864

On 19 February 1864, The Belvidere Intelligencer filed the following report under the headline "STABBING AFFAIR." 

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."

The mystery must have remained unsolved since there were no other news reports on the incident.

Copyright 1997-2014: Jay C. Richards

February 1864: 9th NJ Regt. at Deep Creek, Virginia

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.

 

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.

 

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. 

 

Copyright 1997-2014: Jay C. Richards 

February 1864: 47th PA Honors Col. Robert McAllister

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. 

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. 

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." 

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.  

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.

Copyright 1999-2014: Jay C. Richards  

Olustee, Florida February 1864

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.

 

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. 

 

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.

 

 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.  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. 

 

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. 

 

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.

 

Copyright 1999-2014: Jay C. Richards

October 25, 1863: David V. France's Letter

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. 

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..."

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.

Copyright 1999-2014: Jay C. Richards

September 30, 1863: Isaiah Albertson's Letter From Hospital

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. 

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. 

"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..."

Copyright 1999-2014: Jay C. Richards

September 1863: Warren County Men Join the 35th NJ Zouaves

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:

Company A: William F. Gordon, of Phillipsburg;

Company B: William H. Green, of Phillipsburg;

Company C: Daniel M. Miller, of Harmony;

Company D: David V. France, James C. France, George B. Kirkhuff, and Jacob Kise, of Blairstown, and 1st Lieutenant David Pierson, of Washington;

Company E: 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;

Company H: Joseph J. Miller, of Phillipsburg, and Peter G. Garrison, of Hope;

Company I: Henry Bercaw and Sergeant Frederick Kramer, of Phillipsburg;

Company K: David Kreiger, of Independence Township.

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. 

Copyright: 1999-2014: Jay C. Richards

August 1863 Letter From Edward Albertson, 31st NJ Regiment

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. 

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. 

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.

"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..."

Copyright 1999-2014: Jay C. Richards.

August 12, 1863: Isaiah Albertson letter

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. 

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.

"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."

Copyright 1999-2013: Jay C. Richards

July 18, 1863: 54th Massachusetts attacks Fort Wagner, SC.

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. 

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. 

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. 

 

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.  

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.   

 

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. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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."  

 

Sergeant Carney never fully recovered from his wounds.  He became the first Black American to receive the Medal of Honor.

 

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.  

 

Privates Cass and Furman survived the battle and served in the Federal Army until the end of the war in 1865.

 

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.

 

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.

 

The following men enlisted in 1863 and 1864: 3rd Regiment, USCT:Thomas McIntyre, of Belvidere, Company F;  8th Regiment, USCT: Abram Andrews, of Washington, Company I; 22nd Regiment USCT: 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; 25th Regiment USCT: 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; 26th Regiment USCT: Thomas Benjamin, of Asbury, Company H;  32nd Regiment USCT: John Jones, of Belvidere, Company A; and William H. Lee, of Hackettstown, Company F; 34th Regiment USCT: George E. Harris, of Hope [now Mt. Lake], Company E; 41st Regiment USCT: John DeHart, of Greenwich Township, Company B [was present at General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House]; 43rd Regiment USCT: Abraham H. Harrison, of Phillipsburg, Company B; 45th Regiment USCT: Sergeant John Fisher, of Phillipsburg, Company F; Thomas [James], of Mansfield Township, Company E; Samuel [Nathan] Hackett, of Phillipsburg, Company C; and John H. Young, of Harmony, Company A; and 127th Regiment USCT: George and Nelson Blankins, of Asbury, Company H.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Copyright 1999-2013: Jay C. Richards