USA > New Jersey > Cumberland County > Historic days in Cumberland County, New Jersey, 1855-1865 : political and war time reminiscences > Part 8
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"I expect to stand by the Government, let who will ad- minister it. until this war is over, and all such resolutions as these are illtimed and out of place. Our business now as loyal citizens is the putting down armed rebellion, and giv- ing the Government all the support in our power-not to as- sist our enemies in striking it down by showing up every aspect and gloating over every mishap or mistake in judg- ment which the Government or the commanders of our armies may make. That is not the way we want a true and trustful friend to act towards us and it is not the way he would act, if he was a true friend, and had our welfare at heart. I cannot vote for these resolutions offered by the ( Democratic) majority of the committee; and I hope, for the credit of the State of New Jersey and her 30,000 sons who are now on the battlfield, that no Senator will vote for them."
Brave Senator Ludlam! Words fitly spoken at a proper time. yet of no avail! The resolutions passed, all the Demo- crats voting for them.
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When the news of the passage of the traitorous Peace Resolutions reached the Army of the Potomac. the soldiers of New Jersey were indignant. The Twenty-fourth New Jersey Regiment, encamped not far from the recent battle- field of Fredericksburg, prepared a protest. At a meeting held Thursday, April 2d, the regiment, without arms, was formed in hoflow square on the plaza in front of the Colonel's marque. After an appropriate prayer by the good chaplain, William Stockton, the meeting organized by call- ing Colonel William B. Robertson to the chair. Surgeon Dr. William L. Newell was made secretary. On motion, the following officers were named a committee to draft a set of resolutions expressing the sense of the meeting : Captain Augustus Sailer, Surgeon William L. Newell, Lieutenant Robert B. Potter. Lieutenant James J. Reeves, Lieutenant- Colonel Frank L. Knight. This committee reported a series of patriotic and denunciatory resolutions of the action of the New Jersey Legislature.
Surgeon Newell. Lieutenants Wilkins, Reeves, Potter and Bartine, of the Twenty-fourth Regiment. addressed the meeting in favor of the adoption of the resolutions. Captain Richard S. Thompson, of Company K. Twelfth New Jersey Regiment, and Lieutenant William E. Potter, of the same company and regiment, then Ordnance Officer on the staff of General French, also spoke. Colonel Robertson ad- dressed the meeting in an excellent speech. Chaplain Stock- ton in his remarks touched the hearts of all present by an elo- quent allusion to "the old Independence Bell" in Philadel- phia, sending its voice as to these resolutions, to all the land and the inhabitants thereof.
The speeches were patriotic and eloquent expressions from the hearts of the loyal Jerseymen who wore the blue.
Doctor William L. Newell, surgeon of the regiment, of Millville, Cumberland County, a man of distinguished per- sonal appearance, Democratic by birth and training, deliv- ered one of the most impressive speeches made on that mem- orable day. Standing on the soil of Virginia, made sacred
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IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
by the blood of Lieutenant Robeson and thousands of his comrades, who had come to early graves because of armed treason now confronting them, with uncovered head, in the presence of this splendid regiment, with the starry heavens as a canopy, the Doctor said :
"It is an old story, and a true one, and I here repeat it. that this is the best Government on God's earth; and, as such, who is not proud of such a structure? But her flag has been assailed, and we are here to avenge her honor. This country is writhing in civil war, a condition greatly to be deplored. But what is it to be, the inheritance of a free and independent nation we are, or are not to leave our chil- dren? If we are to be a free, united and happy people, there is but one single, plain and comprehensive course to pursue. and that is to stand by the Government in her offorts to overthrow the most gigantic rebellion the world ever knew. There is one effectual way to support the Government, and I heartily recommend it to the misguided State from whence we come. There is a doctrine, or maxim, rather, to which the lamented Douglass gave force, that 'who is not for the Government is against us,' and I now declare that such men as are against us in this struggle have no business in our midst, and were I a member of a legalized body, I would vote for a law which would send every Southern sympathizer inside the Southern lines, and appropriate their property for Government use."
This, the substance of the Doctor's speech, was received with great applause.
The youthful Lieutenant William E. Potter (to be known later on as Colonel), with serious countenance and impressive gestures, then addressed the regiment. a few brief sentences of which are here appended :
"You wish, fellow-soldiers, if I understand the object of this meeting, to stigmatize as traitors those men at home who, while pretending to represent the sentiments of the people, are endeavoring to commit our State to some act of sympathy towards the rebellion which is striving to over-
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throw the republic. And, standing where you do to-day, by your voices and your votes, you proclaim, as with tones of a clarion, unto the people of New Jersey that it is to you a matter of regret and shame that, while you are enduring the perils and sufferings of war, and while, alas! the ac- cursed soil of Virginia is even now dotted with the nameless graves of Jerseymen who have already fallen in defence of our national life, that these traitors at home should be striv- ing to outstrip each other in their haste to throw themselves at the feet of the slave power, and to kiss the hands which are stained with the blood of their brethren."
Enthusiastic was the applause at the conclusion of Lieu- tenant Potter's eloquent periods.
Lieutenant James J. Reeves was loudly applauded in the sentiment expressed in the following paragraph :
"I cannot let the occasion pass without saying a word in favor of the resolutions. I think they will accomplish a two-fold purpose in awakening a stronger sentiment of loyalty among the friends of the Government at home, and of striking terror to the hearts of the secret enemies who, from partisan motives, are doing all that lies in their power to embarrass and resist its efforts to suppress the rebellion and restore the Union. The lips could not give utterance to language too strong in denunciation of these contemptible 'Peace Resolutions' of our notorious Legislature. Though they purported to be the voice and view of the people, they were but the exponents of the sentiments of men in open sympathy with traitors, and it is our duty as Jerseymen and Jersey soldiers openly to rebuke such a spirit of disloyalty."
The resolutions were unanimously adopted by a chorus of ayes, and amid the cheers of the entire regiment.
April 25th, 1863, the attached item appeared in the col- umnns of the Bridgeton Chronicle :
"Charge of Kimball's Brigade at the Battle of Fred- ericksburg." is the title of a handsome lithograph from a
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IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
sketch by John G. Keyser, of the Twenty-fourth New Jer- sey Regiment, which took such an active part in the en- gagement. This regiment being composed principally of men from this section of the State will give additional in- terest to the handsomely gotten up scene. Mr. G. W. John- son, at the Bridgeton Post Office, and Mr. Jacob Kienzle have copies of it for sale."
Artist John G. Keyser was a private in the Twenty- fourth New Jersey Regiment, and made several sketches of camp and battle scenes during his term of service. Born in Germany, he was a typical son of the Rhine country, loving his pipe and glass of Bock. Two of his sketches have be- come historical. One, a painting of the "Departure of the Cumberland Greys on the Steamer Patuxent." the other known as "Campaign Sketches of the Twenty-fourth Regi- ment, New Jersey Volunteers, 1862." Keyser was a brave comrade and a good fellow. After fifty years of residence in the United States, he returned to Germany, at the request of a sister, and resided with her until his death. He deceased at an advanced age, and, until within a few months of his end, wrote to friends in Bridgeton, among whom was the writer. His last letter breathed a prayer for America, which he said he loved above all other lands. and he longed to re- turn to it previous to death. His wish was not gratified, but on the margin of the letter he said: "Isaac, my friend, here is to the Star Spangled Banner; long may it wave," a pa- thetic, patriotic farewell.
The Union men of the North began to organize them- selves into societies for the promotion of the cause which they had so much at heart. In all the large cities the move- ment had made rapid progress. New York and Philadel- phia organized Union Leagues, which survive to this day. They did, and are still doing, a great work for the nation whenever in moments of depression and peril the national life and honor are assailed.
The Union League was a secret organization, which the Democrats denounced as contrary to the spirit of our insti-
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tutions, and the public speakers of that party made the League the object of very bitter attacks, as did also the Democratic press.
The initiatory ceremonies of the Union League were de- void of ritualism, modest in form, and of a beautiful. patri- otic character. Candidates were conducted to the altar. upon which was draped the folds of the American flag, and, with the crimson incense of red fire surrounding them, allegiance to the Government was sworn in a simple oath dedicatory of the life, honor and means of the candidate to the great work of saving and preserving the Union-just such an obliga- tion as the Revolutionary Fathers took when they attached their signatures to the Declaration of Independence.
Saturday evening, March 21st, 1863, a meeting of Union men was held in Grosscup's Hall, Bridgeton, and the first League organized in Cumberland County. Adrian Bate- man called the assemblage to order. Hon. John T. Nixon was made President: Charles E. Elmer, Adrian Bate- man, Vice Presidents : John S. Mitchell, Secretary. David McBride, Stephen G. Porch, Charles E. Elmer, Alphonso Woodruff, Adrain Bateman were appointed by the chair a committee to draft a constitution for the League.
The Committee reported a constitution setting forth the objects of the League, providing for the manner of or- ganization, etc. Second section of the constitution read : "The primary object of this League is, and shall be, to bind together all loyal men, of all trades and professions, in a common union, to maintain the power, glory and integrity of the nation, and to discountenance and rebuke by moral and social influences all disloyalty."
Two hundred persons signed the roll of membership at this meeting. Hon. John T. Nixon and Paul T. Jones spoke eloquently ou the merits and purposes of the or- ganization, but the speech of the evening was made by Chas. E. Elmer. Then in the prime of life, Mr. Elmer was a com- manding figure, and few possessed the attractive personality and gifts which nature had given him. In the presence of the best element of the town, men in every department of
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PROMINENT CITIZENS-1>6 :- 1-65
Charles S. Fithian Horatio J. Mulford Dayton B. Whitaker
Clement J. Lee James M. Riley Stephen G. Porch
William Dare Dr. Joseph Moore Isaac B. Mulford
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life, who had come together because of love of their country, he exhibited traits of character which stamped his loyalty on the hearts of all present. With flashing eye and erect carriage, he drove conviction home with stalwart blows for the flag and the Union. Said he : "I advocate the formation of Union Leagues everywhere, and by this means strength- ening the Government by every method within our power, thereby making clear and distinct the line between the loyal and the disloyal, so that the sheep may be distinguished from the goats. Let those who are sincere in their devotion to the disunion and destruction cause take their guns and go South-let us have an end to this mock devotion, both among the loyal and disloyal, and when we have rid our- selves, or have been rid, of the enervating influence of the disloyal and semi-loyal, and the true and patriotic see and understand that they must depend alone upon their own strong arms and brave hearts, then there will be a blow struck to treason and the foes of democratic institutions that will hurt from power the traitors who have first de- luded, and then trampled upon, the rights and liberties of the Southern people. The perjured traitors now wielding such unlimited sway over the South have elevated themselves to place and dominion upon the suffering, tears, human sac- rifices and miseries of their downtrodden subjects. Let us all unite. all who feel that they have a Government to love and admire-all who feel that the institutions of their fathers are worth preserving, and then with unbroken front and 'serried shields in thick array,' devote ourselves by words and acts to the work that is given us of God to perform- to the overthrowing and destroying this monstrous and wicked rebellion."
The Union League of Bridgeton continued in existence long after the close of the Civil War, and rendered valuable service to the Union cause and Mr. Lincoln's administra- tion.
The Chronicle, in its issue of April 25th, 1863, had this to say of the beautiful silk flag presented to the "Cum-
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berland Greys" the day of their departure, in 1861, by the ladies of Bridgeton :
"We have been asked what has become of the flag presented to the 'Cumberland Greys,' (Company F, Third New Jersey Regiment, Volunteers). We would here state, for the benefit of all who inay feel an interest in the matter, that it has been deposited in the County Clerk's Office of this county, according to the following request :
'CAMP, NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, December 22, 1862.
Please deliver to Robert DuBois, Esq .. the "Cumber- land Greys" colors, to be deposited in the Clerk's Office.
JAMES W. H. STICKNEY, Major, late Captain, Co. F., 3d N. J. Vols. SAMUEL T. DUBOIS, Captain Co. C., late Ist Lieutenant Co. F, 3d N. J. Vols.
CHARLES F. SALKELD, Captain Co. F. 3d N. J. Vols.
MICHAEL H. SWING, BOWMAN H. BUCK, DANIEL B. GINENBACK, CLARENCE MULFORD, Sergeants Co. F., 3d N. J. I'ols.' "
Robert DuBois, together with his brother Jeremiah. were paying visits to the army every now and then, convey- ing clothing and delicacies to the soldiers from Cumberland. They were good Samaritans engaged in a work which will long redound to the credit of themselves and their posterity. Robert brought the flag to Bridgeton, and carried out the instructions as per the request.
The "Cumberland Greys" did not carry this flag in battle, because by the United States Army Regulations they were enrolled under their own regimental colors, now en- closed in one of the glass cases in the corridors of the State House, riddled with bullet holes, torn and tattered by the battle and the breeze.
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The appended notice appeared in the Bridgeton papers the last week in June :
"To the Returned Volunteers of the County of Cum- berland.
"Reception and Dinner at the Elmer Grove, near the West Jersey Academy, July 9. 1863, at 2 o'clock. This in- vitation includes not only the officers and privates of the nine months' volunteers, but all soldiers now in the county belonging to the three years' regiments who have been hon- orably discharged from the service.
"By order of Ladies' Aid Society of Bridgeton."
The day of the reception. July 9th, dawned bright and beautiful. The streets were alive with people. Rain the previous day had laid the dust nicely, and the ground was in fine marching order. The returned volunteers formed in front of the Davis House on Commerce Street, and, under command of Major Joel A. Fithian, of the Twenty-Fourth Regiment, marched to the grove in perfect order and disci- pline, which marked them as well-drilled soldiers and clicited the applause of the people. At the Elmer Grove the ladies had spread a magnificent repast under the large tent of the Cumberland County Agricultural Society. The table abounded with roast beef, chicken potpie, baked pig, vege- tables of every kind, fruit, cake, pie, cream, and all the deli- cacies of the season. The boys made merry 'round the festive board. and in the intervals between eat and drink fought the battles of the past over again, without fear of bul- let or shell.
Hon. John T. Nixon addressed the veterans on behalf of the ladies, and eulogized the eminent services they had rendered the country in the campaigns in Virginia. Franklin F. Westcott, a rising young attorney, of Bridge- ton, was also present, and in a rousing speech stirred the hearts of the returned soldiers to cheers. Lieutenant James J. Reeves replied for the companies of the Twenty-Fourth Regiment and the boys in blue generally, thanking the ladies and citizens for the splendid reception. The festivi- ties closed with cheers for the ladies and the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" and other patriotic airs.
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PROMINENT CITIZENS-1-61-145
Hon. Uriah D. Woodruff
Daniel Bacon
Hon. James H. Trenchard
Theophilus G. Compton
Hon. Morton Mills
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On the 28th day of June, 1863, the first colored volun- teers arrived in Bridgeton from the Townships of Hopewell and Greenwich. They numbered 29 stout, healthy young men, and among the number was Robert Gould, who did good service in Company I, Third Regiment U. S. Colored Troops. Accompanying him were Alexander Manley, John W. Miller, Perry Sawyer. John Sewell, John Coursey, Jos- eph R. Walker and others. They were taken to Philadel- phia and enrolled there after their names had been registered in the County Clerk's office. The regiment to which they were attached took part in the engagements at Fort Wagner. in the siege of Charleston, South Carolina, August 26th, 1863 ; Bryant's Plantation, Fla., October 21st. 1864: Marion County, Fla., March roth, 1865: Jacksonville, Fla., April 4th. 1865. A large number of colored men from Cumber- land County enlisted in United States regiments later on in the war.
At this time prejudice against the colored man both as a soldier and citizen, was very bitter; but the men for whom "John Brown's body lay mouldering in the grave" went marching on, standing shoulder to shoulder, with their white brothers, leaving their bodies and blood on the field where death held high carnival amid the clash of armies and the fearful onslaught of embittered foes.
Honor to the black man for his brave work and gallant conduct in the service of the nation under whose flag for more than a century he had toiled by command of the lash of his Southern master, beaten and bruised until Abraham. the gentle, liberty-loving Executive came. Then, sorrow ceased-the humble cabin echoed with songs of jubilee and the light of freedom streamed through the crevice in the thatch, beneath which the humble prayer of the bereaved slave had so often gone up to God.
New York City, having failed to secure the quota of volunteers which the Goverment required at her hands. the draft was resorted to. When the Provost-Marshal at- tempted to put the draft in force rioting began in the city streets and several men were killed. Only through the presence of troops was the mob at last quelled into sub-
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IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
mission. What a contrast in the conduct of certain citizens of New York as compared with the volunteer service of the patriotic colored men North and South offered the Govern- ment so quickly, so generously.
News came from the front at several periods during the summer of 1863, to the effect that William E. Potter. (Bridgeton) of Company K, 12th New Jersey, had been promoted to a First Lieutenancy, and made Judge Advo- cate of the 3d Division, Second Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, aid to Division General in action ; that Lieutenant Daniel Dare. (Bridgeton.) Company K. had been trans- ferred to and made Captain of Company E, 12th New Jer- sey; that First Lieutenant Josiah Shaw, Millville, had been honored with the captaincy of Company C, 4th New Jer- sey, (and just here we note that at the close of hostilities Major Shaw, which latter honor he attained for gallant service in the field, was appointed to an important position in the Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C., where for forty years he rendered valuable service to the Government. in the adjustment of thousands of pension cases which came under his supervision in that great department ) ; that Sergeant-Major Edward M. DuBois, of Bridgeton, had been advanced to First Lieutenant, then captain of Com- pany C. 12th New Jersey, concerning which gentleman the Chronicle of August 13th, 1863. said: "Our townsman, Sergeant-Major Edward M. DuBois, of the 12th Regiment. New Jersey Volunteers, has been promoted to Lieutenant and still later to a captaincy in Company C. of the same regiment. The appointment is well deserved and popular. Mr. DuBois was commended for gallantry in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, and we are glad to know that this bravery has been suitably rewarded."
The Republican County Convention met at the Court House, in Bridgeton. Monday, October 12, 1863. at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Senator Providence Ludlam was
ILISTORIC DAYS
elected chairman, and George B. Cooper, of Millville, sec- retary.
The following persons were presented as candidates for the Sheriffalty nomination: Lucius Moore, of Deer- field: Ebenezer Hall and Charles L. Watson, of Green- wich. Eden Hood and Daniel B. Ginenback were ap- pointed tellers.
Charles L. Watson was nominated for the office of Sheriff on the second ballot, and his nomination was im- mediately made unanimous.
Hon. B. Rush Bateman, of Fairfield, was renominated for Assembly, First District : Hon. Edward W. Maylin, of Millville, for Assembly, Second District.
James M. Riley, of Cohansey : Charles P. Madden, of Maurice River; Alfred Holmes, of Hopewell, were nomi- nated for Coroners.
During the absence of the Committee on Resolutions Hon. John T. Nixon addressed the convention in a patriotic speech.
Resolutions were adopted as follows:
"Resolved, That we pledge ourselves anew to an in- wavering and unconditional support of the National Gov- ernment. in its efforts to suppress the wicked rebellion against its authority.
"Resolved. That we return our hearty thanks to the soldiers and sailors of the Union for their services ; we con- gratulate them on their successes ; rejoice with them in their victories, and promise them our sympathy. encouragement and support in their heroic hardships and sufferings.
"Resolved. That we are for the prosecution of the war until the power and authority of the Government are estab- lished : and, to this end, we greet as brothers the loyal men of all parties who join heart and hand with us in this cause : and we recognize as political enemies all who make this paramount issue subordinate to personal interests or par- tisan dogmas.
"Resolved, That we will sustain the Government in the exercise of all measures which they may deem wise
(12%)
Richard Laning Joel Fithian Daniel Sharp
PROMINENT CITIZENS-1861-1-65 Lucius Moore Ethan Lore Albert R. Jones (129,
Robert J Fithian Robert Jordan John L. Sharp
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and necessary for the overthrow of the rebellion, the sup- pression of the conspiracy, and the extermination or com- plete submission of the conspirators, whether it be by the overthrow of their armies, the issuing of proclamations of freedom, the arrest of sympathizers, aiders and abettors of treason, the use of Greek fire or the hanging of traitors."
Mr. Watson, in accepting the nomination for Sheriff, after his introduction to the convention thanked the dele- gates for the honor, and "declared his purpose to so act, if elected, that none should ever feel that their confidence in him had been misplaced."
The Democratic County Convention met about a week later. Richard Langley, of Millville, was named for Sheriff. L. W. Probasco, of Hopewell, was nominated for Assembly, First District; Charles Laning, of Deerfield, for Assembly, Second District.
In its fifth resolution the convention said: "That the total lack of sound policy and the sole reliance on physical force by the Administration is calculated to prolong the war and defeat the object for which it was waged." This resolution was a re-echo of the famous Peace policy en- dorsed by the Democrats in the Legislature at Trenton the winter previous.
John L. Sharp, of Millville, former State Senator, urged the convention to "stand by their vested rights as Democrats, and knowing them to be right to maintain them at the sacrifice of life if necessary."
The convention was in bitter mood because of Mc- Clellan's removal and Burnside's suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in the arrest of the Ohio copperhead, Mr. Vallandigham, which action was sustained by the Admin- istration. Vallandigham was a secessionist pure and simple, and his treacherous conduct was very properly punished.
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