USA > New Jersey > Cumberland County > Historic days in Cumberland County, New Jersey, 1855-1865 : political and war time reminiscences > Part 16
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Corporal Munger's attention, and as Mr. Davis was step- ping off pretty lively through the long grass, and his dress being rather short. the sharp eye of the corporal discovered what he thought were boots instead of slippers on the bogus lady's feet. Spurring his horse, he came up with the pair, and lowering the point of his sabre, it must be confessed very indelicately, raised slightly the back part of the pre- tended tall woman's dress, when the previous suspicions of the corporal were fully confirmed, for instead of ladies' slippers, lo! and behold, he saw a pair of cavalry boots, and leveling his carbine, he demanded the party to halt. At this time, "Jeff" seeing that further disguise was useless. threw the shawl which covered his head to the ground, and turning to the corporal told him to "fire as he was ready to die," but Mrs. Davis threw her arms around him and begged him to be quiet, at the same time putting her hand over his mouth to stop him and prevent him from speaking. Here was "the last ditch. the last man, and the last dollar."
We have them fast and allow them no communication with the outside world. Some of them on the voyage have been badly seasick. Mr. Stephens is very feeble, and I think failing. 'Jeff' is terribly down, and Clement C. Clay is on the anxious stool. On the passage up they scanned the hori- zon with anxious eyes in the hopes of seeing the rebel ram "Stonewall." It was reported at Hilton Head that she was in the offing watching for us, but they looked in vain.
ENOCH MORE.
Tuesday, May 23. 1865, was the greatest day in the history of the National Capital. The war was over and the returning soldiers were to pass in review before the Presi- dent of the United States, and the generals of the army.
The morning broke bright and beautiful-the city of Washington was in gala dress-thousands of visitors were in attendance from every section of the country to witness the great parade of veterans 'ere their departure for their homes and the peaceful avocations of life. Just a few days
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previous to his death. Mr. Lincoln had discussed the question of the disbandment of the troops with Mr. Stanton. Secre- tary of War. Alarmists had predicted that the injection of such large bodies of men so long used to war into the indus- trial centres would prove a menace to the public safety. President Lincoln and Secretary Stanton both agreed that there need be no alarm and no trouble. because, said the President. "the men who saved the Union are patriotic and law-abiding-they love their homes and families, and in their hands, whether at home or upon the field of battle, our liberties will be preserved." Lincoln did not live to see the magnificent procession of veterans-he did not sur- vive to the hour when they should return to peaceful pur- suits, but his view of the American soldier was correct. Secretary Stanton when requested by several leading men to provide troops to maintain order, because of the apprehen- sion that so great a force suddenly released from military restraint would become turbulent, replied that "if we could not trust the soldiers who had subdued the rebellion we might as well yield the life of the Republic." He also was right. When the war closed the volunteer army of the United States numbered a total of 1.045.064 men. Lord Macaulay said that the English people were fearful that Oliver Cromwell's army when disbanded would produce much misery and crime when once thrown on the world after being so long accustomed to the profession of arms. No such result followed. But, while alarm was felt over the discharge of Cromwell's soldiery numbering barely 50,000, what the feeling of the timid was as to our own great forces is not difficult to imagine.
Battles and skirmishes to the number of 625 had been fought. Blood had flowed as water-the land was full of sorrow. The people were tired of war; the soldiers were tired of war; and happy day it was for them when they should begin the homeward march.
See them as they proudly mark time on the stately Pennsylvania avenue! Notice that serions gentleman, with the quiet face, on his charger at the head of the Army of
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the Potomac? It is General George G. Meade, the victor- jous leader of Gettysburg! The bugle sounds, and as it echoes on the air of that balmy May day, the command "Forward" is heard along the long line of veteran soldiers as they begin a parade of victory compared with which that of Napoleon and his legions beneath the "AArc de Triomphe" pales into insignificance. "Tramp. tramp, the boys are marching" by platoons, sixty abreast, 100,000 strong. low splendidly they line up, gallant veterans of Malvern Hill, of Fredericksburg, of Antietam, of Gettysburg, of Spottsyl- vania, of the Wilderness. of Petersburg, of Appomattox! How the sunlight glistens on the hundred thousand bayonets at the command of "right shoulder. shift!" How the mu- sic floats upon the breeze with the good old strains of the National airs that so often revived the drooping spirits in days when despondency and gloom seemed to permeate the very marrow of the soldiers' bones-and so often spurred the boys in blue to triumphant victory! How the great populace cheered the passing soldiers! How the ladies tossed their handkerchiefs and waved salutes from eyes and lips! How the old flag scarred by the battle and the breeze floated its folds o'er the heads of the marching columns as much as to say-"This is the stars and strips under which Washington and Jackson fought-it is the flag of Lincoln -it is the flag which through four long years of bloody civil strife maintained its proud position-the representa- tive symbol of human liberty. No longer stained with the blemish of slavery it has come from out the fire and smoke of many battles without spot. without wrinkle-the flag of hope to all posterity!"
The grand old Army of the Potomac was seven hours in passing the reviewing stand. and its line extended a dis- tance of twenty-one miles. In that splendid line comes the gallant Second Corps under command of that great soldier, General Winfield Scott Hancock. Superb officer-see him as he sits his horse, erect. stalwart-a handsome figure with his noble face and huge mustache. The boys rend the air with cheers, and among the number are the remnants of the
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Jersey Blues, proudly advancing by the double platoon in the shadow of the tattered, bullet-ridden colors under which they fought so bravely on many bloody fields. Looming up in the distance appears Sheridan with the Army of the Shen- andoah. Clatter-clatter go the hoofs on the pavement, thou- sands of horses, thousands of cavalrymen. Steeds tightly reined, sabres at shoulder, this is the division which swept Early out of Winchester-that ended the Rebellion at Five Forks and Sailor's Creek. Philip Sheridan, hero of many battles, look at him as he takes his place on the reviewing stand. Typical American soldier ! Magnificent leader ! Who is that that follows? It is Custer-dashing, heroic Custer, with his long hair, flowing backward, falling upon his shoulders like a lion's mane. Gallant cavalry commander. his like we shall not see again! Little thought the cheering multitude that in a few brief years that splendid leader of the Nation's Horse should fall by the hand of the American Indian in the duel to the death on the Little-Big Horn in the far-away wilds of the great West.
The second day-May 24th-came Sherman's army fresh from its famous tour through the South singing as it marched-"Hurrah! hurrah! the flag that made you free! Hurrah! hurrah! we'll sing the Jubilee! So we sang the chorus from Atlanta to the Sea, as we were Marching Through Georgia!" What a remarkable exhibition of the spoils of war did Uncle Billy's soldiers present to the massed thousands on the sidewalks. First appeared a regiment with a live coon at the head of the column-then another with a corps of pickaninnies dancing in bare feet-tlien a donkey upon which was mounted an octogenarian darkey singing "Massa's gone away-don't know how long he stay. Throwed the key down de smoke house cellar- den I run away!" Martial music-colors flying, the steady tramp went on one hundred thousand more, until the shades of evening closed the scenes of the two days' marchi of the invincible legions to which the soldiers of neither Cæsar
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nor Napoleon could compare in the days of Roman glory or France's imperial conquest of continental Europe.
On the reviewing stand at the White House were Presi- dent Johnson, Generals Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, and Admiral Farragut. But the colossus of American history -the great, the gentle, the true heart, Abraham Lincoln, who had borne the National burden of secession and of war -wept because of defeats which filled the land with widows and orphans, and rejoiced in humility o'er victories won, was no more. His place on the grand stand, in the presence of the soldiers whom he loved, was vacant. The veteran as he marched looked in vain for the homely President, and as he glanced upward at the flag, still in crepe, his hat was unconsciously lifted to heaven, in memory of the fallen Chief no longer in the quick, but present with the Lord. "Why Should the Spirit of Mortal Be Proud" was the favorite poem of the deceased President, and he was wont to quote:
"The hand of the king that the sceptre hath borne; The brow of the priest that the mitre hath worn ;
The eye of the sage and the heart of the brave, Are hidden and lost in the depths of the grave."
Yet, not lost! Vanquished by the assassin's bullet ! Victor by the Master's crown!
The review was ended. The boys had recrossed the long bridge into Virginia to await the general mustering out. Washington had resumed its accustomed quiet. The war was over-peace had come. No more bloodshed; 10 more widows' tears; no more wounds; no more disease ; no more sorrow borne of the battlefield. The trumpet sounds-Taps! Lights out. The soldier sleeps and dreams of home.
Regiments of the Army of the Potomac commenced leaving, 161.851 officers and men, present and absent from the camp near Washington on May 29th, and by July 19th,
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1865, the last regiment had started for home. Regiments of Sherman's Army in camp near Washington, numbering present and absent, 116.183 officers and men, began leav- ing May 29th, and August Ist, 1865, the last regiment had left for home. Rapid was the discharge! Of the entire armies of the Union 640,806 officers and men had been mustered out by August 7th; by November 15th, 800.963: by January 20th, 1866, 918,733; by May Ist, 986,782 ; by June 30th, 1, 010,670 ; by November ist, 1866, 1,023,021- the entire volunteer force leaving in service only 11,043 soldiers, colored and white, to guard the National interests after the most stupendous war in history.
The world had never looked upon such a spectacle- it never will again! From the rough life of the soldier, hardened by scenes of blood and death, the soldiers of the Union went back to industrial paths to take up the avoca- tions and professions which they had left off at the com- mand of an imperiled government. It was to the everlast- ing credit of the noble men who made up the rank and file of the National armies that they came back to civil life, the great majority better citizens than when at the first call they pledged their lives, their all. that the nation might live. Peace with her gentle influence melted the cohorts of liberty like the snow before the sunshine. Clasped in the arms of loved ones the tired soldier was home at last !
With his peaceful advent entered also the shadow of death to other homes. Victory was tinged with sadness, for-
"Many hearts and blades were broken, Thousands of the noblest 'braves', Wrapped in jackets blue were sleeping Coldly in their unknown graves."
Monday, June 19th, 1865, news came to the town of Bridgeton, very unexpectedly that the heroic remnant of Company K, gallant 12th New Jersey Regiment, would ar- rive home that day. Great preparations were made at short
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notice. Every bell in Bridgeton began to ring; whistles blew an enthusiastic toot-toot-toot! Flags appeared from every loyal window. Dorville's band, at the head of a pro- cession of citizens, (the Union League starting from Shep- pard's Hall in a body ) marched to the West Jersey Rail- road depot on Irving avenue.
As the train passed into the station, what a hurrah went up-what vociferous cheers rent the air-how wives and mothers. relatives and friends, crowded the station! The car doors open ; out they step to receive the greeting "Wel- come Home!" Sergeant William B. Hines in command. "Fall in boys," and line up for your last parade. "File Right," "Halt," "Right Dress," "Front Face," "By Fours." (platoon) : "Forward!" Do you see them?
William B. Hines, George Laws, Timothy Bateman, William 11. Bennett, Edwin M. Padgett, Justus HI. Living- ston, Amos S. Burt, Butler Newcomb, George MeHenry, John Evans, Henry Clay Lore, Jonathan Borden, Henry Bradford. Henry Campbell, Robert G. Clark, Reeves Coulter, Abraham Facemire, Edward C. Hall, Thomas S. Green, Absalom Jordan, Thomas H. Pancoast, John Max- well. Hiram Pew, Charles O. P. Riley, James R. Rainear. William M. Seeley, Edward M. Steward, Samuel Tomlin- son, Daniel Tullis, William F. Moore, Charles M. Riley. William S. Ayars, Anderson Davis, William H. Dickeson, Edgar M. Fithian, Jeremiah Husted, Simon S. Swing, William 11. B. Ward.
From one hundred strong men the company had dwindled to thirty-eight muskets, several of those in line meeting their comrades at the depot joined them there, hav- ing arrived home previously because of wounds. Green- horns in '62, they were veterans now, bronzed by the sum- mers and winters of many campaigns!
Chancellorsville to AAppomattox was a long way-can- non to the right of them : cannon to the left of them !
Comrades Terry. Holmes. Garton, Smith, Carey, Car- man, Carter, Creamer. Galloway, Gaunt, Hendrickson, Hol- lenback, Horner, Howell, Husted, Livingston (Charles) ;
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Maloney, Mullica, Powell, Sutton ( Theophilus) ; Simp- kins, Sockwell, Sutton ( Samuel S.), had answered the last roll-call, by disease and the bullet.
Eighteen had been discharged by reason of disability and wounds. Sixteen had been transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps and other departments of the service.
Few officers of the company were present on this propitions day, owing to the failure of accounting officials in Trenton to adjust the settlement with line and staff.
The brave men who had survived the storms of war and the privations of army life still in the vigor of early manhood, bearing the muskets with which they had rendered the country such efficient service, were in line to receive the plaudits of their fellow-citizens.
Marching down Pearl to Commerce street the comrades proceeded to Sheppard's Hall, near the bridge ( West Side) where Hon. John T. Nixon received them on behalf of the people of Cumberland in a speech eulogistic of their pa- triotic service, warm with congratulations on their safe re- turn to the old home. Major William E. Potter returned the thanks of the members of Company K. to the good people of Bridgeton. for the sympathy extended to the soldiers in the field and for the earnest welcome this hour extended.
An elaborate dinner prepared by E. Davis & Son, was given the returned soldiers at the expense of the Ladies' Aid Society. Fair hands decorated the tables and presided over the repast which was one of the finest ever spread in Bridgeton. And, so ended another historic day.
The victorious conclusion of the civil war. and the re- turn of the veteran soldiers of Cumberland county after four years of patriotic service, called for a great celebration of the glorious Fourth of July. Accordingly at a preliminary meeting of citizens the following were selected a committee to prepare a program and make the necessary arrange- ments : Providence Ludlam, James M. Challis, Jeremiah
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DuBois, Robert B. Potter, Edmund R. Ehmer, Maskell W. Applegate, Robert DuBois, George W Finlaw, Joseph H. Elmer. Percival Nichols.
The committee went about the matter vigorously. and prepared an elaborate celebration which should have a double purpose, to wit: \ rousing celebration and en- thusiastic reception to all the soldiers of whatever company or regiment who had had a part in the suppression of the rebellion and restoration of the Union. The program was carried out with an enthusiasm never previously manifested on a Fourth of July, in Bridgeton.
At daybreak, a National salute was fired-at 9 o'clock thirteen guns announced the number of States forming the original Union, followed by the ringing of all the bells of the town.
The procession formed in front of the Davis House on Commerce street. My, what a crowd was there to see it start! The population of Cumberland County, in its en- tirety appeared to have turned out to take a hand in the glorious festivities. Never had the sun shone brighter- never had the good old town looked handsomer, than this splendid Fourth of July morning.
The parade moves! Who is that at the head of the column on the black horse? It is the veteran marshal, Daniel M. Woodruff. the same who led the farewell march in honor of the departing "Cumberland Greys" in '61. See him as he sits on his horse as straight as an arrow. patting the mane and talking in his old-time way to the good steed -"Haw, there! be careful Billy ! do you hear, old fellow ?" What a portrait is that of the ancient landmark, typical American with his silver hair, tall silk hat marked with the word "Marshal;" the "red, white and blue sash" around his waist, with the gaily caparisoned horse on which he sits so proudly! Reminiscent of the olden time indeed, was Uncle Dan, once sheriff. once clerk of Cumberland County. quaintest and best auctioneer since the Revolution, pic- turesque and patriotic.
Then came the assistant marshals, Uncle Dan's staff --
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Ex-Sheriff Lewis H. Dowdney: Colonel Edward M. Du- Bois; Major William E. Potter; Captain Samuel T. Du- Bois.
With a large body of veterans in line, an ambulance with crippled soldiers, section of artillery and great con- course of citizens with bands of music and drum corps, the procession moved to the Grove on West Commerce street, where the exercises of the day occurred. At the grove Rev. Casper R. Gregory, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, invoked the divine blessing. The Declaration of Independence was read by James J. Reeves, Esq., followed by prayer by Rev. James M. Chaliss, of the Baptist Church. A choir of young ladies and gentlemen sang very patrioti- cally the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." and the "Battle Cry of Freedom." Robert B. Potter read "Our Martyred President's Last Inaugural." Hon. Alexander G. Cattell then delivered an eloquent oration which enthused the great andience with patriotic applause, many times repeated as he told the story of the war and the sacrifice of blood and money in order that the Union of the Fathers might endure. After music by the band. the singing of the doxology, and benediction by Rev. John W. Hickman, former pastor of Commerce Street M. E. Church. the exercises ended and the procession reformed and proceeded to Grosscup's Hall.
The Ladies' Aid Society had charge of the program at the hall, and many were the fair faces that greeted the returned soldiers as they took their places at the well-filled table which extended from one end of the floor to the other. The word "Peace" in evergreen appeared over the rostrum of the hall, with "'76-Fourth of July-'65" encircling it- Washington and Lincoln's portraits on either side. On the centre panel of the gallery a picture of General Grant- over the entrance to the hall the sentence "Welcome Vet- erans"-at the western end of the gallery "Victory at Last!"
Rev. James Brown, of the Baptist Church, offered in- vocation. Music followed while the soldiers enjoyed the sumptuous dinner. Hon. John T. Nixon, announced toasts as follows :
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"Our Returned Soldiers." responded to by Major William E. Potter.
"Washington and Lincoln," by Rev. James MI. Chaliss.
"The Spirit of Slavery." by Lieutenant James J. Reeves.
"The Man Who Stood by the Soldiers," by Hon. A. G. Cattell.
"The Clergy," by Rev. C. R. Gregory.
"The City of Bridgeton," by George W. Finlaw.
"The Women of America," by Rev. Henry M. Stuart.
Complimentary toast to Hon. John T. Nixon. "who had done more with voice and means to suppress the re- bellion than any other man in the First District," was of- fered by Mr. Cattell. Mr. Nixon responded in a very felicitous speech.
After benediction by Rev. Hammill Davis, of Deer- field, the celebration and reception ended with cheers for the nation and the old soldiers.
Fourth of July night the town was brilliantly illumi- nated. The word "Victory" appeared in blazing letters on the front of the Union League room in Sheppard's Hall. No- table among the decorations were the handsome windows of the stores of Robert J. Fithian, West Bridgeton, and Mrs. Caroline Dare, Commerce street. Captain Joseph Wescott's residence on the Fairton road. attracted great at- tention by its decoration and display of light.
The illumination was so extensive and so bright that it lit the heavens with a Iurid glare, and could be seen for a long distance. A great torch-light parade with ascending rockets. red, white and blue lights, was the spectacular feature of the closing day.
The Union Republicans of New Jersey gathered in State convention in Trenton, July 20th, 1865. Hon. John T. Nixon, of Bridgeton, was unanimously elected chair- man. It was an enthusiastic body of delegates, among whom were many returned soldiers the most prominent
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being the famous Cavalry Commander General Judson Kilpatrick, of Sussex County. There was good-natured rivalry over the nomination, and several prominent men were anxious because it was generally believed that the choice of the convention would prove the choice of the people. South Jersey presented a candidate in Alexander G. Cattell, one of the leading business men of Philadelphia, but a Jerseyman by birth and residence. Mr. Cattell had done much for the Union cause, and was largely instru- mental in the enlistment and equipment of the 118th Penn- sylvania Regiment, known as the Corn Exchange Regiment. He was earnestly supported by his South Jersey friends. General Kilpatrick was named as the choice of his soldier friends. Marcus L. Ward, who, as the Republican can- didate for Governor in 1862, had met defeat, his opponent being Governor Joel Parker, was again presented by dele- gations, from various sections of the State. He was a business man of the city of Newark, who had done much for the Union soldiers and their families during the war just closed. Making repeated trips to the camps in Vir- ginia, and the hospitals where the sick and wounded lay. his generous hand and kindly disposition earned him the title of the "Soldiers' Friend." There was a well developed sentiment in the State that Marcus L. Ward would prove the strongest candidate the convention could name. It was also felt that his splendid character and upright life would strengthen the ticket, and those who look at his benevolent face in the portrait gallery of Governors in the State House at Trenton, will see at a glance that the record of such a man was a tower of strength for the party as it proved to be in the strenuous campaign which followed his nomina- tion. In the long line of Governors New Jersey has had 110 purer or better Executive.
The nomination was made on the fourth ballot. the vote standing: Ward. 349: Kilpatrick, 173: Cattell. 148. It was made unanimous amid tremendous cheering, Mr. Cattell and General Kilpatrick seconding and heartily en- dorsing the selection.
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The convention adjourned after adopting a platform of thanks to the soldiers who had saved the Union, advoca- ting the ratification of the amendment abolishing slavery in the United States, and declaring the National debt in- curred by the Government in suppression of the rebellion a sacred contract never to be repudiated.
July 26th, 1865, the Third New Jersey Cavalry re- turned to Trenton and was mustered out. Recruited early in January, it left the State April 5th, 1864, and marched overland to Annapolis, Maryland, where it was assigned to the Ninth Army Corps. It remained at this point but a short time when under orders it proceeded to Alexandria, Virginia, where it joined the Army of the Potomac. On leaving Trenton, the strength of the regiment was 47 of- ficers. 1.131 non-commissioned officers and privates, a total of 1, 178 men, under command of Colonel Andrew J. Morrison. It was designated by the authorities as the "First Regiment United States llussars." On account of its hand- some uniform it attracted general attention and admiration, wherever it appeared. It was a patriotic regiment and in the remaining months of the war it did gallant service for the Union, participating in nearly all the cavalry engage- ments under General Phil. Sheridan in the brilliant cam- paign in the Shenandoah valley.
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