USA > New Jersey > New Jersey and the rebellion : a history of the service of the troops and people of New Jersey in aid of the Union cause, Pt. 1 > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47
when General Taylor drove them out of the woods, he could have easily held the po- sition he had gained, and it would have been a material advantage to our side."
14 The following is General Taylor's official report of this battle :
"HEADQUARTERS, FIRST BRIGADE, N. J. VOLUNTEERS, July 4th, 1862, CAMP ON JAMES RIVER. .
"HI. C. RODGERS, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General :
" My command, by order, left our entrenched camp on the right bank of the Chicka- hominy, on Friday afternoon, the 27th of June, and crossed the said stream by the Woodbury bridge.
"The battle began the day previous, had been renewed near Gaines' Farm, where we arrived about four o'clock, p. m. I immediately formed my brigade in two lines, the Third and Fourth Regiments in front, and the First and Second Regiments in the second line.
"My line was scarcely formed when the Third Regiment, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, was ordered to advance forward into the woods, where a fierce combat was raging.
"Colonel Brown immediately formed his regiment in line of battle, Jed it into the woods, and began a rapid fire upon the enemy. As this was the first of my regiments engaged, I will complete my report of it by saying that they continued the fight in the woods until the close of the action. They were all this time under a galling fire, often a cross fire, but maintained their ground until near sunset, when the whole line fell back. They had at this time expended (a large majority of the men) their last cart- ridge, sixty rounds to the man. " It is but justice to say that this regiment bore itself most heroically throughout the entire action. Their conduct was all that could be de- sired. With their comrades falling around, they stood up like a wall of iron, losing over one-third of their number, and gave not an inch of ground until their ammunition
79
THE FIRST BRIGADE.
lantry and daring among the troops actually engaged during the day were numerous and characteristic. Colonel Tucker, who fell
was expended, and the retrograde movement became general; they were under this fire one hour and a half.
"The First Regiment entered the woods about half an hour after the Third, and re- mained until the close of the action. Colonel Torbert being unwell, the regiment was led by Lieutenant-Colonel McAllister, and well sustained by his presence and courage. I shall, however, say that Colonel Torbert, though suffering from low fever, followed us to the field and was present.
"I take great pleasure in saying, for both these regiments fought under my own eye, that the First Regiment showed the same indomitable courage as the Third Regiment, exposing themselves to the leaden hail of an often unseen foc, advancing with the Third Regiment, and stood steadily under a most galling fire until the elose of the aetion. Their loss was, enlisted men killed twenty, wounded eighty, missing fifty- seven. The loss of commissioned officers was one killed, four wounded, and one miss- ing-making a total of one hundred and sixty-three.
"I have now to speak of the Second and Fourth Regiments, the first of which, under Colonel Tucker, numbered only four (4) companies, the other six (6) being on duty in the field works at Camp Lineoln, and left behind under Lieutenant-Colonel Buck. While absent to the front, these four companies, by order of General Porter, and witli- out my knowledge, were sent into the woods, suffering a most galling fire. Their loss was, enlisted men killed twelve, wounded forty-five, missing forty; making a total of ninety-seven enlisted men. I also regret to record the death of Colonel I. M. Tueker and probably Major Ryerson, both of whom were left upon the field; also Captain Danforth, mortally wounded, and Lieutenants Blewitt, Root and Bogert, severely wounded, and Lieutenant Callan missing. They however sustained themselves most gallantly, and proved their eourage against superior numbers. The fate of the Fourth Regiment, Colonel Simpson, one of my most efficient regiments, as regards officers and men, was most painful.
"At the moment when vietory seemed wavering in the balance, an aid of General MeClellan took them from my command and ordered them into the woods. All the account I can give of them is that but one officer (wounded) and eighty-two men have rejoined my command; all the rest, if living, are believed to be prisoners of war.
" I learn from those who have come in, that up to the time that the regiment was surrounded, they had received from and returned the enemy a most galling fire. I annex a report of the casualties of the day, showing the total loss of my brigade.
"In conclusion, I would say that so far as I am at present informed, my officers, commissioned and non-commissioned, nobly performed their duties. And it might therefore be invidious to particularize. Still, in justice to the gallant dead who have devoted their lives to their country, I must record the names of Captain Brewster, of the First, and Captain Buckley, of the Third, also Second Lieutenant Howell, of the Third, all officers of distinguished merit.
"These officers fought under my eye. As regards the conduct of the Second and Fourth Regiment offieers, I am told that it was all that could be desired. But these regiments having been taken from me, I did not see them during the action.
" It is eminently due to my staff officers to say that they carried out my orders, in- telligibly and promptly, and did not hesitate, and were often exposed to the hottest fire of the day.
"I will forward a more detailed report in a few days.
"I have the honor to be, very respectfully, &e.,
"GEORGE W. TAYLOR, Brigadier-General.
The following is the report of Lieutenant-Colonel MeAllister, of the First Regiment, in reference to the part which that regiment took in this engagement :
.. * *
* The regiment, ordered with the division to the support of General
80
NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION.
while rallying his men, was cool and brave to the last. To one who spoke to him as his command entered the woods, he smilingly
Porter's Corps, 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 New Jersey ; reaching the position designated, I directed the men to lie down, but the 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 Mutchler, Mount and 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 manœuver to flank me on both sides, I ordered a retreat. During the early part of the action, Major Hatfield, while fighting bravely, was wounded in the head and had to leave the field. Soon after I lost the services of Lieutenants Holt, Company C, and Mutchler, Company D, who were wounded severely in the arm and leg. While retiring from the woods the regiment was under a cross fire from the enemy, and then it was that we lost largely both officers and men. Captain Brewster fell dead on the field while fighting heroically. Too much cannot be said in praise of Captains Pelouze, Fourat, Way, Baker and Brown, Adjutant Henry and all of the lieutenants engaged. To mention non-commissioned officers who distinguished themselves, would be to name nearly all, for neither officers nor men could have behaved better under fire."
At the time of this engagement Colonel Torbert was confined to his bed with remit- tent fever, but being informed that his regiment was going into action, he started for the field at once. Arriving there, he succeeded after much difficulty in finding the regiment, and seeing part of the division falling back, went to work with other officers to rally and collect the men, including some of the First. In this task Sergeant- major Provost rendered much assistance. In transmitting the above report to head- quarters, Colonel Torbert says : "From all the information I can gather, Lieutenant- Colonel McAllister displayed great bravery and coolness during the action. Nor can I refrain from speaking of the valuable services of Chaplain Yard in looking after and caring for the wounded and helping to collect the regiment. The Surgeon (Gordon) and his assistants also did their duty nobly."
The following is the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Buck, of the Second regiment.
"On the 27th ult. this regiment engaged the enemy at two points. Companies A, B, C, E, F and G, under my command, were detailed on the 26th for picket duty, and on the 27th were attacked and held their ground against a much superior force, only one man being slightly wounded, which was truly providential, considering the perfect storm of shot and shell which rained over us.
On the 27th, Colonel Tucker, with Companies D, H, I and K, were ordered with the brigade to cross the Chickahominy. They were soon ordered to the front to relieve a full regiment ; nothing daunted at the smallness of their numbers, they formed with perfect order, and fought the unequal contest with a cool determination worthy of all praise. Soon the superior numbers of the enemy enabled him to turn their flanks ; under this cross fire the remaining few, headed by Colonel Tucker, assisted by Major Ryerson, Captains Bishop and Tay, and Lieutenant Buckley, rallied around the colors, when a shower of balls poured upon the small force, wounding our brave Colonel in the breast. Lieutenant Root, of Company K, attempted to carry him off the field, when another volley wounded the Lieutenant in three places and the Colonel in two. He soon breathed his last, and it became necessary to abandon his remains. Sergeant Charles Pierson, of Company H, remained with the Colonel until the last, thoughtfully removing his papers. This fire also wounded the Major in the bowels, and he was left on the field with three men of Company I, who gallantly refused to leave him.
Captain Danforth, of Company I, received his death wound early in the engagement
81
THE FIRST BRIGADE.
said, " It is rather hot in there, and some of us will never come out, but the Jersey boys will do their duty." When, being wound- ed, some of his men were carrying him to the rear, he said, " Don't mind me, but go ahead and give it to them." Major Ryerson, of the same regiment, displayed the same unshrinking courage. As his men were being forced back inch by inch, he rushed to the colors and waving his sword called to them to rally around him, and even as they did so, was shot down." A corporal of the Sec- ond Regiment named James Marshall stood by the colors, bearing them defiantly aloft, until it was impossible longer to hold out, when tearing them from the staff, he buried them out of sight.16
while gallantly leading his men. Where all behaved so well, it appears almost invidious to mention names, but admiration of the cool courage of Colonel Tucker and other officers named is the universal sentiment of eye-witnesses. Adjutant Cook rendered efficient service in carrying orders, and had his horse shot under him."
15 Colonel Isaac M. Tucker, when he fell at the post of duty, was some thirty years of age, and on the threshold, comparatively, of his military career. He entered the service as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Second Regiment, but from the first, owing to the inca- pacity or indifference of the commanding officer, was practically the controlling spirit of the command. He possessed fine soldierly accomplishments, having been for many years connected with the military organizations of Newark, and was in some respects peculiarly fitted for the position to which he was soon advanced, as Colonel of his regi- ment. As a disciplinarian, he lacked, perhaps, that firmness which in some cases is necessary to the enforcement of authority ; but happily he had the unbounded conti- dence of his men, and there being, therefore, little occasion for rigid severity, this one defect in his military character was little more, in actual outcome, than a foible. In . personal courage, fertility of resource, and readiness of apprehension, Colonel Tucker had few superiors ; and from the first, his eminent social qualities, joined with his high intellectual attainments, made him a favorite with the best class of officers in the field. Before entering the service, he had been prominently identified for some years with the political movements of his State, exerting, especially in his own city, a commanding influence in the party to which he belonged ; and had he remained in civil life, many honors must undoubtedly have been his. But he was a believer in the principles which the rebellion imperilled ; he had helped largely to establish the Administration which was called upon to suppress the revolt; and at the first call for men, he pre- pared to defend in the field the cause he had consistently maintained by pen, voice and vote during all the agitations of recent years. He fell, as brave men choose to fall, with his face to the foc, fighting with a bare handful of men against overwhelming numbers ; and his memory is revered by all who who knew him as he was, and how inneh he sacrificed in the country's cause. Frequent attempts have been made to re- cover his remains, but all without success.
1
16 In this heroic act, Marshall was assisted by corporal Mauvel, of Company I, and Jesse Conover, of Company K, who stood by him when the regiment was ordered to fall back. After performing this act, they laid down, and just then Marshall had his thumb; shot off, and Conover was struck by a spent ball, which did no injury. By this time the rebels came up and captured them; and the next day they were taken to Richmond. Major Ryerson, of the Second, who was also taken prisoner, remained on the battle field ten days, receiving little sustenance or care, although badly wounded.
11
-- ¥
1
82
NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION.
Lieutenant-Colonel McAllister, of the First Regiment, displayed the utmost coolness throughout, and many other officers and pri- vates excited the warmest approbation by their steadiness under fire.17
The battle which has thus been described occurred on the 27th of June. During that night our forces were withdrawn across the Chickahominy to a strong position, having the stream on one side and elaborate works facing Richmond on the other. Here the army might still, beyond all question, have defeated the enemy. This, indeed, is frankly conceded by rebel generals, one of whom says, in his official report, that for two days after this last engagement the situation of their army " was extremely critical and perilous," adding " that had MeClellan moved his whole force in column, and advanced it against any point of our (rebel) line of battle, though the head of his column would have suffered greatly, its momentum would have insured him success, and the occupation of our (rebel) works about Richmond; and consequently the city (of Richmond) might have been his reward."18 Mcclellan, however, again shutting his eyes to a great opportunity, decided, instead of once more delivering battle, to make a flank movement through White Oak Swamp to the James, and orders for the movement
17 The correspondent of the Newark Advertiser mentions the following incidents : "Captain Frank S. Knight, of Company G, Third Regiment, was caught in a tight place during the engagement, and was obliged to offer to give himself up as a pris- oner. The nearest rebel to him said, 'I'll take you prisoner,' and immediately struck him in the back with the butt of his musket. Captain Knight drew his pistol and shot the ruffian dead; and in the confusion managed to make his escape and got off the field. He was afterwards taken prisoner at Savage's Station, however, as he would not leave Lieutenant W. N. Evans, who was badly wounded in the spine and could not be removed. Captain Knight is a brave officer, and much beloved by the men of his company, who had but lately purchased a sword for him which was then on it- way to him.
"Lieutenant Thomas Howell, of Company I, Third Regiment, went all through the fight uninjured, and acted with great bravery. But after his regiment came out of the woods, and was forming to cross the bridge on its return to camp, he was struck in the stomach by a chance and nearly spent cannon ball, which went clear through him. killing him instantly. The Lieutenant was but seventeen years old and a talented and worthy young man.
"During the battle, Captain R. T. Dunham, of General Taylor's staff, was sent to General Porter with a message, and while delivering it, a rebel shell flew just over their heads and struck in the midst of a group of five men, who were standing within twenty feet of them, and exploded instantly, killing the whole group."
18 General Magruder's Official Report.
83
THE FIRST BRIGADE.
were at once (on the night of the 27th) issued to the corps com- manders. On the morning of the 28th, the First Brigade was withdrawn to the woods in its rear, where it rested until midnight, when it marched silently through the darkness towards Savage Station, the terminus of the York and Richmond Railroad, and the general stores and ammunition depot of our army. Thence it proceeded (liable to ambuscade and assault at every turn) by heavy and painful marches-pausing to share in the battle of Malvern Hill-to Harrison's Landing, where at length the harrassed and wayworn army found a brief respite from hostilities, and gathered strength for conflicts yet to come.19 During the campaign Frank-
19 On the 30th, while passing through White Oak Swamp, the rear guard of our army was violently assailed by a large force of the enemy-McCall's Pennsylvania Re- serves, who held the front, being driven back after a desperate encounter, when the rebels rushed forward to capture our guns, and a succession of terrible struggles en- sucd. Finally, our troops gradually falling back, General Kearney, who was also en- gaged, sent a request to General Franklin for the First Jersey Brigade, which was at onee forwarded. As the men advanced at the call of their old leader, they were met by him and informed of the critical situation of affairs, when, forming in the edge of the woods, and throwing off their knapsacks, they dashed at a double quick toward the point of danger (Charles City Cross Roads), cheering as they went with the wildest enthusiasm. But now the rebels, exhausted by their struggles, and alarmed by the cheers of the Jerseymen, fell back in haste to the woods in their rear, and our forees were permitted to withdraw without further contest. Few events of the war illus- trated so well the character of our troops, and the attachment they felt for General Kearney, as this eager response to his call for help-a response in which everything was abandoned that he might once more win the day. Kearney himself never forgot that day, and to the men of the First Brigade the memory of the greeting he gave them as they hurried at his call, will be ever precious.
The correspondent of the Newark Daily Advertiser (A. D. Fowler) furnished the following account of the incidents of the retreat :
"It was about eight o'clock on the morning of Snuday, June 29th, when the First' New Jersey Brigade passed through Savage's Station, and took a cross road, passing over a part of the battle field of Fair Oaks, towards the Williamsburg road, which. we entered near Seven Pines. We marched down this road some three or four miles, leav- ing Bottom's Bridge to the left, and then struck into a road leading through White Oak Swamp. * * *
"Just before noon we came to White Oak Swamp Creek, and here we found a regi- ment of engineers and mechanics at work building two bridges, side by side, across the creek. This duty was completed shortly after we got there, and onr division passed over without difficulty. After crossing the bridge we halted for a few hours in a large peach orchard on the top of a high hill that commanded the crossing. When our artillery was brought over the creek it was placed in position along the whole summit of this hill, commanding the crossing over which we had just passed. The neighbor- ing woods were eut down for acres on each side of the ereck, forming an abattis, and every preparation made for keeping the enemy in check at this point-a most import- ant one for us-until our forces got rest. Our division marched from here about three o'clock, leaving the artillery still guarding the bridges, supported by a large force of infantry from Sumner's and Heintzelinan's corps.
8-4
NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION.
lin's Corps had lost a total of two thousand seven hundred and thirty-seven men, of whom two hundred and forty-five were killed, and the entire loss of the army was fifteen thousand two hundred and forty-nine. Surely where so many had fallen, desperately and bravely fighting, there should have been other and grander results than any which Mcclellan had to show. An army as brave as ever marched, worsted and defeated, its dead abandoned, stark and gaunt behind it, its stores burned, its camp equipage destroyed, even the wounded left to die unattended in swamp and thicket ; this was not the result for which the nation prayed and waited. for which the men, living and dead, had fought. Whose was the fault ?
Movements in another part of the field now demand attention.
"This day was very hot, but the sun was fortunately overcast and the men stood the fatigues of the march most heroically. About five o'clock p. m., the New Jersey Bri- gade was marched into a large clover field, and our General was informed that our division would be held there during the greater part of the night, while the wagon trains and a portion of the army were being pushed along. The men were immedi- ately ordered to stack arms, after which they took a bite of supper-at least those who had any did-and then spread their blankets upon the soft grass and stretched them- selves out for a little much needed rest.
"On the morning of Monday, June 30, we were marched but two or three miles, and were then halted on a small road leading off from the main road into White Oak Swamp. The First and Third Regiments were then sent out into a pine woods and there formed into line; as an attack was looked for from that direction. The Second Regiment was sent down the road to support the Eighty-seventh New York (of Kearney's Division), who had been sent ont to destroy a bridge in the swamp to our left, which movement was successfully executed. We here found that we had again become neighbors to the Second N. J. Brigade and Kearney's troops, being the first time we had seen them .since leaving Camp Lincoln.
"At one-fifteen P. M., a party of rebels came down to the bridge, which our forces were destroying, but were soon shelled back. At one-thirty-five, every thing being then quiet, onr regiment had stacked arms and were resting on the grass awaiting orders. The General and his staff selected a shady spot on a side hill, and were making a frugal lunch on the remains of the pig left from breakfast, when a large force of rebels came out of the woods in our front, with six pieces of artillery and innnediately opened fire. The position of the Jersey troops at this time was a perilons one, being directly between the fire of the rebels and that of the main body of our forces. When the rebels opened fire their first shell fell phimp in our headquarters.
" The regiments of the New Jersey Brigade were quickly formed into line of battle, and General Taylor immediately sent one of his aids, Lieutenant E. B. Grubb, up the road to General Slocum's headquarters for orders. The road which the aid was com- pelled to take was directly in range of the rebel batteries, and the ride was consequently a most perilous one; but he dashed on, reaching his destination safely. Not finding General Slocin, he was compelled to return; but orders being imperatively necessary. he was again obliged to repeat his ride through that rain of shot and shell.
" With death staring him in the face at every bound of his horse, the gallant aid
85
THE FIRST BRIGADE.
On the 26th of July, General John Pope had been appointed to the command of a force designated the Army of Virginia, con- sisting of all the troops then covering Washington and holding the lower Shenandoah Valley, with instructions to make a fresh demon- stration against Richmond from the Rappahannock, in order thus to effect a diversion in favor of General Mcclellan's army, and enable it to abandon the Peninsula without further loss. The entire strength of this newly, organized command was nearly fifty thous- and men, of whom, probably, forty thousand could be employed in the field. The enemy showing a disposition to resist the advance with a strong force, Pope, on the 8th of August, ordered his in- fantry and artillery to concentrate upon Culpepper, the cavalry holding Madison Court House, and picketing the country in advance for a distance of several miles. On the day following, Stonewall
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.