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. 2 > Part 21
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In the meantime, and while the regiment was charging in line, Captain O'Connor, with Companies F and A, had succeeded in gaining the banks of the creek, and had even pushed some of his men across on the flank of the enemy occupying the bridge, but the regiment having halted, the enemy directed all their fury against his little command, compelling him to apply for assistance to enable him to save his command. This had been foreseen by Colonel Mindil, who had already ordered forward Company E, Captain Charles Fields, with Major D. A. Peloubet accompanying, who was to establish the line in front. On reaching the front, the Major found several of O'Connor's men across the creek, and returning for orders, was directed to apprise the General command- ing the division of the situation and ask for orders. Before he returned, however, orders were received to hold the line of the creek merely, and Adjutant Lambert was directed to convey the
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THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
information to Captain O'Connor. Owing to the heavy fire of the enemy, the regiment was ordered to lie down close to the ground, so as to escape the constant shower of bullets-O'Connor's men meanwhile being protected by the trees from behind which they had driven the rebels. In order to reach O'Connor's position, however, it was necessary to pass over open ground, in full view of the enemy on the bridge, and this duty Adjutant Lambert per- formed with conspicuous gallantry. Mounting the Major's horse, he galloped forward under a heavy fire, when a well-directed shot carried his horse from under him. Not in the least disconcerted, he extricated himself from the fallen animal, and pushing bravely on, reached and delivered his orders to O'Connor, who, upon receiving them, immediately recalled his daring men and re- established his line on one side of the creek. All having been gained that was desired, the regiment now merely directed its efforts to holding its position, which it did successfully. Night coming on, the Thirty-third was relieved by another (fresh) regi- ment of the brigade, and moved back to take its place in the reserve. It had fought its first battle, acting bravely and well, and the men as they bivouacked under the stars felt, justly, that they had sustained on that Western field the brilliant reputation which New Jersey soldiers had gained in the East. General Howard, who had witnessed the gallant charge and steadiness of action, warmly complimented the command on its splendid behavior. The aggregate loss of the regiment, considering the work accomplished, was not large, amounting to one officer killed and two wounded, and one private killed and twelve wounded.3
" The following is Colonel Mindil's report of this engagement :
"SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements of the Thirty-third New Jersey volunteers, from the time of its departure from camp in Lookout Valley, at three o'clock, p. m., on the 22d of November last. In connection with the rest of the Eleventh Corps, the regiment moved on the afternoon of that day in heavy marching order, crossed the Tennessee at Brown's Ferry, and bivouacked for the night on the plain beyond Chattanooga, abont two hundred yards to the right of Fort Wood. On the afternoon of the following day (23d,) skirmishing was commenced between the armies in our front, and at three o'clock, p. m., the corps proceeded to move towards the position assigned it. The First Brigade, Second Division, of which my command formed part, being arranged in two lines-the outer consisting of the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth New York on the right, and the Thirty-third New
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NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION.
The entire army now ceased firing, and all rested for the night on the ground gained during the day from the pickets, advance guards and outlying reserves of the enemy. On the 24th, the regiment was early formed in line, but the enemy having been dis- lodged from the bridge by a flank attack of other commands, it did not become engaged. Later, however, it was again called to dangerous service. During the previous night, under cover of the fighting of the Army of the Cumberland, Sherman had succeeded in laying pontoons across the Tennessee, near the mouth of the Chickamauga. Here he was to cross early on the morning of the 24th, and assail and turn the enemy's right, so as to interpose between Bragg and Longstreet, the latter being on his way to Knoxville. General Grant, learning that Sherman was crossing
Jersey on the left, in deployed order-with skirmishers about one hundred and fifty paces in advance. The second, comprising the Seventy-third and Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania, and One Hundred and Fifty-fourth New York, in columns in mass at supporting distance. These dispositions were made in an open field about five hundred yards from Fort Wood, fronting Citico Creek, with the left flank protected by a rail- road embankment. The order to " forward" was given and the regiment proceeded to advance. Hardly had the line of skirmishers gained ten paces ere it was fired upon from the woods skirting the creek. from behind the railroad bridge, and from under cover of several buildings. The enemy being well protected, at short range and in considerable force fired very destructively, and Captain Boggs, of Company A, fell wounded at the first discharge, while gallantly advancing his deployed line. Notwithstanding the sever- ity of the fire, the advance was continued, and Captain O'Connor, with his company, was sent to reinforce the line in front. This additional force compelled the enemy to leave their position on this side, and to retire behind the creek. My line of skirmish- ers had now reached the ereek, and on its bank a very hot and lively contest ensued, the contending parties being but ten yards apart. Both having availed themselves of the shelter of the trees, but little loss was inflicted. In the absence of orders, and believing it was the intention to advance until the field was won, I moved forward Company E, Captain Field commanding, and ordered Captain O'Connor to cross the creek at all hazards-his force now amounting to about one hundred and sixty men, at the same time charging forward with the rest of the regiment, under a heavy fire, to within fifty yards of the enemy behind the walls of the bridge, so as to give him support. Simultaneously I sent the Major to acquaint the Brigade Commander with our position, and for further orders. The order came to merely hold the creek, but it was not received in time to check the onward progress of our skirmishers, who dashed into the stream regardless of its depth-with water to the waist, moving in spite of the determined resistance offered, thus gaining foothold on the opposite bank. In obedience to instructions received, I ordered Captain O'Connor to hold this side of the creek, and prevent the enemy from crossing in turn. Night soon ended the firing. and at about eight o'clock, p. m., the regiment was relieved by the Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, bivouacking for the night about three hundred yards in rear.
Accompanying you will find a list of the killed and wounded; theloss of officers was unusually severe. Captain Waldron, of Company I, was instantly killed at the head
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THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
his forces, at once directed General Howard to establish a connec- tion, and for this purpose Colonel Mindil was ordered to cross the railroad track, thence to cross Citico Creek below the bridge so stubbornly held by the enemy the night before, and, passing around their right flank, endeavor to reach Sherman, about a mile and a half distant. Under the direction of General Howard, Mindil effected the crossing of the creek, and at once made the necessary dispositions to advance, by throwing out skirmishers on the front and right. These skirmishers soon became engaged with the enemy, who was advantageously posted behind the railroad embankment, and General Howard fearing that the enemy might prove too strong, ordered two additional regiments-the Twenty- seventh and Seventy-third Pennsylvania-to Mindil's assistance, when the advance was continued. the brave and veteran Captain Bartlett guarding well, with Company I, the exposed flank of the Thirty-third.
So well, indeed, did he manœuver his skirmishers, that the
of his company while the regiment was charging in line. A soldier by profession, and a veteran of former figlits, he yielded his life in defence of the flag he had sworn to support. I sympathize with Captain Boggs, Lieutenant Toffey and the rest of the wounded-it is consoling to know they were injured in a righteous cause with face to the foe. As for the officers and men, all performed their duty unflinchingly, and where all act well it is impossible to discriminate. For a regiment of but three months crea- tion, without much drill and discipline, the Thirty-third did remarkably well. I feel confident the regiment can now be relied upon for any emergency, as the men will perform their whole duty. I would bear testimony to the efficiency and gallantry of the staff; Lieutenant Lambert, Adjutant, for promptness displayed in conveying my orders to the most exposed position-to Chaplain Jolin Faull, my thanks as well as those of the command are due, for fearlessness manifested in relieving the wounded by personally removing them, with the aid of the Drum Corps, to the Surgeon in rear. Doctor Stiger remained with the regiment at all times, performing his operations under the fire of the enemy."
The list of killed and wounded was found to be as follows :
Killed-Captain Samuel F. Waldron, Company I, gun-shot through the heart ; Thomas Marsh, Private, Company H, gun-shot in the head.
Wounded-Captain William G. Boggs, Company A, left arm above the elbow, severe -died about a month afterwards in hospital from its effects ; Lieutenant John J. Toffey, Company G, right hip, serious-was never able to rejoin the regiment, but entered the Invalid Corps. Company A-Corporal Christian Switzer, both legs, serions ; William J. Atkins, groin, mortal-died afterwards. Company C-William McNeill, groin, serious. Company D-John Connell, hand, slight; W. HI. Post, both thighs, serious. Company E-Joseph Swethurst, leg, slight. Company F-Corporal William Hearn, leg, slight ; Francis Moakler, knee, slight; James Lewis, arm, slight. Company I- Sergeant Charles Fougar, hand, slight; William Bannan, hand, slight; W. II. Kelley, hand, slight.
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enemy was unaware of the march of the three regiments, and their junction with General Sherman was soon effected, without the loss of a single man. General Howard accompanied the command, and here for the first time met Sherman, with whom he was des- tined in the future to achieve such distinction. The day was already well advanced, and it was raining heavily; and but slight skirmishing appeared to prevail. As soon as Sherman's forces had crossed, the Thirty-third advanced with him-the post of danger, the exposed right flank, being assigned to that regiment. No enemy in any strength, however, was encountered, and the regi- ment bivouacked for the night at the foot of Mission Ridge, near the Tunnel, over which the enemy was strongly posted. Some of the Western troops had already gained portions of the crest, by surprising the enemy holding them. During the night, heavy defences of stones and earth were thrown up, to serve as a base in the absence of connections with the rest of the army, and the men were told to be ready for action at daylight on the morrow.
It was during the afternoon of this same day, the 24th, that-the enemy having massed nearly his entire force over the Tunnel to oppose Sherman-Hooker, with Geary's Division of the Twelfth Corps, and Osterhaus' Division of the Fifteenth Corps, carried the sides and crest of Lookout Mountain, planting the Stars and Stripes on its very summit, above the clouds and in plain view of both armies. The gains of the day, indeed, had been of the most brilliant character throughout. Sherman, on the left, had gained a fine position on the enemy's right. Thomas, in the center, held fast to the rebels posted there, in constant demonstrations; while Hooker, on our right, by his grand achievement, was placed in position to attempt the turning of the rebel left and the " rolling up" of his line-with scarcely a possibility of failure in the attempt. The morrow was to be the decisive day, and the night was spent by both armies in preparations for the deadly struggle.
The morning of the 25th opened with sharp firing on our left, as Sherman carried crest after crest-the rebel artillery meanwhile thundering along our entire line and rendering our position exceed- ingly uncomfortable. At eleven o'clock, Sherman marshaled his
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THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
forces for the assault of the rebel left on the Tunnel, and for this purpose the Thirty-third was moved to the right through the woods, then across a field, in full view of the enemy, into another piece of wood, directly opposite the Tunnel. The Seventy-third Pennsylvania, of the same brigade, was ordered to the front as skirmishers, and the Thirty-third placed in position in the rear of a fence, as a support. In moving forward to obtain this position, the regiment was subjected to a destructive shell-fire from the enemy's batteries, which caused some havoc in our ranks, but the line moved splendidly forward, occupied the alloted space and reclined behind the protection of the fence. Sherman's attack was heavy and spirited ; but the heavy masses of the enemy defied assault, and at four o'clock, p. m., the regiments were withdrawn from the struggle to take post again behind their intrenchments. This heavy demonstration, however, had caused the enemy to reinforce heavily his right ; and the left and center being weakened, Sherman seized his advantage, and pushing forward Thomas and Hooker, carried the enemy's left and center and drove him ingloriously from the ridge in his front. Owing to this success, the enemy also evacuated in Sherman's front during the night; and long before dawn of the 26th, the eager troops were ordered in pursuit. Thus had the Thirty-third taken a prominent part in three days of the heavy fighting of the ever-memorable battle of Chattanooga, and though raw and inexperienced, acquitted itself with the bravery and tenacity of their older, veteran comrades. The casualties in the fight at Mission Ridge, on the 25th of November, were then reported as follows : Company B-Corporal Henry Stern, shell, finger; Henry McDonnell, shell, finger. Company D-Wesley Conklin, shell, face. Company E-Samuel Searing, leg, killed. Company F-Julius Bachmeyer, shell, hip; Patrick McDermott, shell, knec. Company G-Lewis Mangold, shell, arm.
The rest of the Eleventh Corps had now arrived, and at daylight of the 26th crossed Chickamauga Creek, moving down behind Mission Ridge in pursuit of the flying, disorganized foe. At night, the Thirty-third came up with the rear-guard of the rebels, who were dislodged after a brief skirmish, and the men bivouacked for
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NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION.
the night some four miles from Graysville, through which place they marched next morning towards Parkin's Gap, with a view of turning the enemy, who were heavily engaging Hooker at Ring- gold. Colonel Mindil was now placed in command of the brigade, consisting of the Twenty-seventh and Seventy-third Pennsylvania, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth and One Hundred and Fifty-fourth New York and Thirty-third New Jersey, which command he held during the remainder of the campaign. In the absence of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Fouratt, who was sick at Nashville, Major Peloubet assumed command of the Thirty-third. The brigade remained at Parkin's Gap for two days, during which it destroyed the railroad at Red Clay, thus severing the communication between Bragg and Longstreet ; but it had sterner work before it. On the 29th orders were received to move towards Knoxville, about one hundred and twenty miles distant, for the purpose of relieving Burnside, by coming up in the rear of Longstreet, who had invested the place ; and on the same day, Sherman's army of the Mississippi, Davis' Division of the Fourteenth Corps, with the Fourth and Eleventh Corps, moved out to the performance of the task to which they were assigned. How that duty was performed by the Thirty third, the following diary of the march exhibits :
·
"November 20th. Moved at six o'clock, a. m., towards Cleveland in a northeasterly direction, arriving there, after a heavy march of twenty-two miles, about five o'clock in the afternoon, just as the enemy's cavalry were galloping out of the town.
"November 30th. Moved at six o'clock, a. m., for Charleston, arriving there at two o'clock, p. m., driving the rebel cavalry precipitately across the Hiawasce. So rapidly was this donc that the enemy had not time to destroy the bridge or a large train of cars well filled with flour, grain, pork and molasses ; marched thirteen miles.
"December 1st. Our troops across the Hiawasec, passed through Calhoun; after filling their haversacks from the rebel commissariat; then through Riceville and Athens, encamping for the night about two miles beyond the latter place, after a march of eighteen miles.
"December 2d. Marched at seven o'clock in the morning via Sweetwater, encamping about five o'clock, p. m., after a march of seventeen miles, about two miles beyond Philadelphia.
"December 3d. Moved at five o'clock, a. m., towards Loudon, six miles distant- the enemy having destroyed the bridge over the Holston at this point, we cannot proceed further on their line, and amuse ourselves by shelling the enemy's cavalry, who are seen on the heights beyond the river. Information received that Burn- side repulsed three successive charges of Longstreet on Sunday, but that he cannot hold on for more than three days longer. Two days half rations of coffee, sugar, flour and suct are issued, and we encamp for the night; our supplies of fresh meat were ob tained by foraging cattle, sheep and hogs as we proceeded.
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THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
"December 4th. Remained in camp all day while the pontoneers and engineers eon- structed a bridge over the Little Tennessee.
"December 5th. Moved at one o'clock, a. m., crossing the Little Tennessee at David Ford at sunrise, on a bridge constructed of wagon bodies and wheels and trestle ; moved through Unetia, arriving at Louisville at cight o'clock, p. m., after a fatiguing journey of twenty-two miles.
"December 6th. Sunday, received the joyful intelligence of Longstreet's retreat, who fled on our approach, and were rejoiced at the consequent safety of Burnside and Knoxville. The troops were now halted twenty miles from Knoxville, and I rode into the city in company with Generals Sherman, Howard, Logan and Blair, and arrived at General Burnside's Headquarters.
"December 7th. Moved at eight o'clock, a. m., toward Chattanooga, and after a march of seventeen miles cneamped about a mile south of David Ford.
"December Sth. Moved seventeen miles, encamping near Sweetwater in a heavy rain.
" December 9th. Marched fifteen miles, encamping near Athens, remaining in this vicinity during the 10th and 11th, occupying the time in repairing the worn-out shoes of the command with some sole and upper leather found in the town.
"December 12th. Moved through Charleston in a drenching rain, encamping, after a tramp of cighteen miles, two miles beyond.
"December 13th. Moved to Cleveland, encamping on the Dalton Railroad, in the southeast portion of the town-remained there the 14th and 15th, awaiting rations from Chattanooga which arrived on the latter day.
"December 16th. The march is resumed, and in a storm which excels all that have gone before it, we make MeDonalds Gap, where we lie in mud without cover from the rain.
"December 17th. Moved forward down along the Railroad past the old fight- ing ground of Tunnel Hill, over Citico Creek, around the base of Lookout, over the wood so lately picketted by the opposing forces into the old valley, and for the Thirty-third the campaign of a month's duration is finished. General W. S. Sherman, in dissolving his command, addressed to us these words in General Orders :
"The General commanding thanks all officers and men for the promptness with which all orders were obeyed, more especially for the cheerfulness exhibited under privations of the severest kind. Without tents, without rations, with insufficient elothing, almost without shoes in mid-winter, this army sprang with a generous im- pulse and marched to Knoxville, a distance of one hundred and twenty miles, over the worst of roads, and relieved from danger twelve thousand of our fellow soldiers besieged by a dangerous enemy."
"General Burnside warmly thanked the troops who saved him and his important stronghold. During the severe fighting, and still more severe marches, the regiment never flinched, and well earned for itself the commendation of their Division Com- mander, 'Boys, you have done well.' Never have I seen or even read of troops who suffered like these. They endured hardships that seemed unbearable, with a cheerful- ness that appeared superhuman. We read of the sufferings of the patriots of '70 at Morristown and Valley Forge, and they were terrible; but even this was as nothing to the pains endured on the road from Chattanooga. The weather often wet, still oftener bitter cold, the woods deep with mire or frozen into sharp jagged points-all without blankets, tents, and many without shoes, with no regular rations, the men pressed on eager to overtake Longstreet. Had the ground been covered with snow, the mareli of the Thirty-third might have been traced by the bloody-foot-prints of her patriot rank and file."4
4 Colonel Mindil says of the conduct of his staff during the Knoxville campaign and the preceding battles :
"Chaplain John Faull, with true zeal and exalted bravery, collected the drum corps on the field of battle and extricated the wounded as they fell, directing their convey-
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The regiment now established a fine camp and went into winter quarters, where it remained until Sherman, having completed his plans for a movement against the enemy, once more drew out his army and commenced the memorable Atlanta Campaign.5 During the winter the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps being consolidated and designated as the Twentieth, under General Hooker, the Thirty- third was assigned to the Second Brigade of the Second Division, the latter commanded by General John W. Geary. The brigade having no general officer for commander, it was led in the follow- ing campaign by the senior Colonel, Colonel Mindil commanding it most of the time-Lieutenant-Colonel Fouratt, a brave and capable officer, having immediate control of the Thirty-third.
THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN.
On the 4th of May, 1864, at four o'clock in the afternoon, the Second Brigade, then commanded by Colonel Bushbeck, of the Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, broke camp, crossed
ance to the rear, where Doctor J. Henry Stiger dressed their wounds and administered to their comfort, under the very fire of the enemy. Too high praise cannot be award- ed these officers and the gallant drum corps of little heroes, for this important service. None were obliged to be there. The Chaplain and drummers, in attending to the fallen, enabled me to keep all my able-bodied men to the work of attack, and the Doc- tor, by his proximity to the front and consequent early attendance upon the wounded, undoubtedly saved the life of many a suffering soldier, who, faint from loss of blood, would have perished in the conveyance to the hospital, generally, alas, too far in rear. " Adjutant Lambert did excellently and received commendation in the official report of the campaign. For "gallantry in action" he was nominated for the Captaincy of Company A, vacant by the death of Captain Boggs, and Governor Parker made the appointment. Sergeant-Major Stephen Pierson was promoted to the Adjutancy, and in his new position gained marked distinction in the subsequent campaigns."
5 On the 19th of January, a new and beautiful State Flag arrived from Trenton, and Major-General O. O. Howard, the commander of the corps, consented to act as the representative of the State and present the banner to the regiment, which he did in an appropriate address. The men of the Thirty-third, clad in their neat, bright Zouave dress were mashalled as if for parade, in presence of the corps, division and brigade commanders, and the occasion was one of much interest. The Major, as commander of the regiment, replied to General Howard, Colonel Mindil being the commander of the brigade. About the same time, Chaplain Faull, who had held a similar position with Colonel Mindil in the Twenty-seventh regiment, and who was one of the most devoted of his profession in the service, was presented a valuable horse by the men of the regiment. On the 20th of February, Lieutenant-Colonel Fouratt returned to camp after an absence since October 19th, being sick at Nashville with typhoid fever. His return was the occasion for another social gathering of the officers, who welcomed him back with the utmost good feeling.
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