USA > New Jersey > The history of the Ninth New Jersey Veteran Vols. A record of its service from Sept. 13th, 1861, to July 12th, 1865, with a complete official roster, and sketches of prominent members > Part 11
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Report of Colonel Heckman to Governor Olden.
HEADQUARTERS NINTH REGIMENT, NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP RENO, N. C., December 21st, 1862.
SIR-I have the honor to submit the following as the part taken by the Ninth regiment of New Jersey volunteers in the Goldsboro expe- dition. This enterprise was intended to be a combined movement on Weldon, North Carolina, by the Newbern forces and the troops under General Peck at Suffolk, Virginia. But for reasons unannounced General Peck failed to connect. Early in the morning of the eleventh, with an independent command, composed of the Ninth New Jersey, Lieutenant-Colonel Zabriskie; Seventeenth Massachusetts, Lieutenant- Colonel Fellows ; a squadron of the Third New York cavalry, Major Cole ; and the First Rhode Island battery, Captain Belger, as the vanguard of a column of some twelve thousand troops, in command of General Foster, I started on a march directly inland. Squads of rebel videttes were encountered, some of whom were captured, but no evidence of serious opposition was met until we had reached a point about sixteen miles from Newbern, when we found the road effectually blockaded by fallen timber. After a hasty reconnoissance it was determined to push the Ninth through the obstructions, and the regi- ment moved foward. After penetrating the barricade a short distance it was found necessary "for our own safety," to remove the caps front all the rifles but those of the skirmishers. The men at times were twenty feet from the ground, climbing from tree to tree, sometimes in water, mud and mire, for the distance of one mile. Just at dark the regiment emerged into an open space, "Nethercut's plantation," where pickets were posted on the roads leading to Kinston and Trenton. Here it remained until the following morning, when the pioneers having removed the obstructions the march was resumed. We had not gone far before we came upon a detachment of rebel cavalry, which showed a disposition to dispute our passage ; Major Cole's squadron charged them in fine style, killing and capturing a number and stampeding the balance. Reaching a point ten miles from Kinston, on the morning of the thirteenth, by order of General Foster, with the Third New York cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel John Mix, and a section of the Third New
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COLONEL HECKMAN'S REPORT.
York artillery, Captain Schenck-the main column continuing the advance by the direct road-I made a detour to the left, on the Trent road, for the purpose of cutting off any reinforcements in that direction, and, if possible, attacking the enemy in flank should he be found in position. After a trot of some six miles we found the rebels intrenched on the opposite side of Southwest creek-the bridge over which had been destroyed. The cavalry were promptly dismounted and the rebel skirmishers driven into their works. Captain Schenck did good service with his section, while Major Cole, with his dismounted squadron, approached to within short musket range of the enemy's works, and discovered several pieces of artillery, supported by a considerable body of infantry. It was a strong position and suggested other than a front attack. Just at this moment the Ninth appeared ; having heard our music they joined us on the run, closely followed by Morrison's battery, which was posted on a slight elevation on the right of the road, where it opened a brisk fire, the enemy responding with equal spirit. Three companies of the Ninth were deployed to the left of the enemy, along the creek, with instructions to cross and attack in flank the moment Morrison ceased firing. A mill-dam having been discovered on the rebel right, the remainder of the regiment was placed in position for crossing at that point-General Wessels supporting the movement. Several men of the Ninth stole across the dam and secured two of the enemy's outposts without alarming the garrison. At a signal, the artillery ceased firing and the Ninth cautiously crossed the dam, keeping straight up to the fort, when, being discovered, they dashed with a cheer into it, as the last of the enemy safely passed out. Thus again the gallant "Jersey Blues " had put the enemy to flight, capturing a strong position, defended by twenty-five hundred men with three pieces of (field) artillery. Hastily the Ninth were reformed and pushed on in pursuit of the fugitives. Upon turning a bend of the road some five hundred yards in rear of the works, it received a discharge of grape and canister from a twelve-pounder, but the next moment the men of Com- pany A were astride that gun, clubbing the gunners with their muskets. The drivers cut the harness and escaped with the horses to the main force, which was retreating in great disorder, the rear-guard, however, being soon overtaken, and a number captured, together with a caisson, a guidon, and other trophies ; a spirited pursuit was kept up for some distance, when an open country being reached it admonished us to halt for the approach of our troops. Later in the day we moved across the open space with Cole's cavalry and found the enemy posted in the timber. The Ninth were ordered up, the right wing of which deploying, dislodged the enemy, with the loss of but one man wounded. We had now reached a point about three miles from Kinston, where the rebels were concentrated in large force and strongly fortified. On the following morning, about seven o'clock, the Ninth's skirmishers became warmly engaged along its entire line. Hotly pressing the enemy's piquets the Ninth, far in advance of our main body, was suddenly fired upon by artillery hidden by the underbrush in the timber about a mile from the
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NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS.
bridge leading across to Kinston. A reconnaissance showed that they held a naturally strong position with plenty of artillery and supported by a large force of infantry. On reporting our discovery to the com- manding general, he sent to us Morrison's battery with a brigade of infantry as support, and directions to call for what men and material was needed and to "go in ;" that he would attack on the enemy's right near the river. Morrison being placed in position commanding the road at once opened the engagement. Leaving the Ninth's skirmishers in front of Morrison's battery with the balance of the regiment and the Seventeenth Massachusetts, I made a detour to the right and quickly discovered two rebel regiments moving in the direction of the woods on our left, and almost simultaneous with our formation to meet this demonstration, two other regiments were found lying under cover of a slightly elevated stretch of ground on our right. At this moment happily we were reinforced by the Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania, Fifty- second New York, Colonel Gray, and the Eighty-ninth New York, Lieutenant-Colonel Welden, with a section of Wiard guns. These were put in battery and did splendid execution. Leaving the Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania as its support facing to the right, the Fifty-second and Eighty-ninth New York were ordered to charge the regiments under the hill and to cut them off from their main body. In this Colonel Gray was eminently successful. Meanwhile the Ninth New Jersey and Seventeenth Massachusetts pressed forward over the open ground under cover of a belt of woods, forcing the two regiments on their front to the left and rear of their batteries, and Colonel Gray at the same moment emerging from the woods, and Jennie's battery bounding along on our right, the three commands started on the run for the bridge, hoping to prevent the escape of the enemy, but the rebels discovering the movement, at once abandoned their works and rushed for the same point. Having the inside line many of them succeeded in crossing the bridge, which they fired as they crossed, and in an instant the "structure was ablaze, it having been smeared with turpentine. Quite a number of the fugitives who were borne down by the press and rush of the retreat, met a most horrible death, being roasted alive in the flames which their comrades had kindled. Some four hundred of those who were cut off from the bridge fell back to their fortification, and were captured by our troops who were then in possession. Captain Jennie's guns were placed in battery on the river bank. and engaged a rebel battery posted on the opposite shore, the men of the Ninth New Jersey and Fifty-second New York, with the buckets from Jennie's battery, succeeded in extinguishing the flames, although greatly annoyed by sharpshooters, when the Ninth, lead by her color company, Captain W. B. Curlis, and supported by the Fifty-second New York, dashed across and into the battery at the end of the bridge-capturing four brass field guns and many prisoners. In charging the bridge, the gallant Colonel Gray was killed by the discharge of one of the abandoned rebel muskets, which became heated in the flames of the bridge. Without delay, we pressed forward into the town, which
II7
BATTLE OF WHITEHALL.
General Evans had hastily deserted, and was making a night retreat towards Whitehall. The Ninth in this victory captured one stand of colors, four brass field guns and several hundred prisoners. On the morning of the fifteenth we resumed the march, recrossed the bridge, burned it in our rear, and pursued the road on the south bank of the Neuse toward Whitehall, some twenty miles west of Kinston. Reaching a point some three miles from Whitehall the column halted for the night. Early in the morning of the sixteenth the cavalry with a battery having been meanwhile dispatched to Mount Olive, a station on the Wilmington and Weldon railroad, fourteen miles from Goldsboro, where a mile of track was destroyed, as was the bridge at Goshen Swamp -the main column pushed on to Whitehall finding on arriving that the bridge over the Neuse was destroyed, and that the enemy had taken position on the other side, with ten guns in battery on an elevation, with their front well protected by a breastwork of heavy timber and rocks. Whitehall is only a hamlet on a level plain, extending from the river westward about half a mile, where it rises abruptly, forming a bluff thirty feet high. In this open space the Ninth were deployed, and advanced under a brisk fire to the river where they found partial cover under a single row of trees which skirted its bank. The Twenty-third Massachusetts took position on the left of the Ninth, and the Seven- teenth and Twenty-fifth Massachusetts formed a second line to the rear, and all of them were ordered to lay flat upon the ground. Our fire (apparently) was having no effect upon the "Johnnies" who were having things pretty much their own way. Belger's battery, in position near the bridge abutment, was badly crippled, losing most of its horses and many men. The guns were drawn off by hand. To add to our discomfort Colonel Ledlie of the Third New York artillery, from the bluff in our rear, opened (senselessly) several of his batteries with fuse shell, which, bursting overhead, showered their fragments upon our men, wounding a number of the men of the Twenty-third Massachu- setts. But he would not be silenced until his craze was brought to the attention of the commanding general. If Colonel Ledlie or Colonel Rush Hawkins perform anything creditable while the war lasts, the good citizens of New York state will have reason to be thankful. The enemy were admirably posted, and had perfect command of the plain we occupied, while we had no means for crossing the stream. While searching down stream I found the key that would unlock their strong- hold. The river made a sharp bend to the eastward, and furnished a position for a battery which could rake their line in rear of their formidable breastwork. A section of Napoleons, a section of three- inch Rodmans and a section of three-inch rifles, were placed in battery and an enfilading fire opened upon them, which set fire to their works, blew up their magazine and in less than thirty minutes the rebs were on the retreat. Again our little army is on the march towards Goldsboro, the Seventeenth Massachusetts in advance, the Ninth having been left behind to clean their pieces, which had been fouled by bad ammunition. Bivouacked about eight miles from the objective point ;
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the Ninth, having joined us during the night, were in their old place- the advance. Goldsboro, the point to which our operations were . directed, lies at the junction of the Wilmington and Weldon, and the - Atlantic and North Carolina railways, and to destroy the former of these roads, which is the main line of northern communication for the Confederates, was the present object of the expedition. To effect a complete interruption it was necessary to destroy the bridge which spanned the Neuse at this point. It was a covered wooden structure an eighth of a mile long. About a mile from the bridge southwest, the highway abruptly turns to the left, south, enters the timber and descends the hill. To the northeast a beautiful undulating landscape opens to view, and a mile away, the Wilmington and Weldon railway stretched along the low land in a line directly north, and disappeared in the timber on the north bank of the Neuse. On our right the country was open to the river, and descended in an easy (natural glacis) slope for half a mile where a creek separated it from the plain which stretched to the railroad embankment. The lay of the land was all that could be desired, and the doom of that bridge was sealed. General Foster planted his park of artillery on the brow of the hill, with his infantry in line, half way down the decline, and opened a vigorous fire on the enemy's batteries, posted at the north end of the bridge. The Ninth, with the Seventeenth Massachusetts, and Rigg's Third New York battery, nioved along the highway under cover of the timber until they reached the railroad track, when, leaving the Seventeenth to hold this point until the arrival of Wessel's brigade, we changed direction to the right, and being joined by the Seventeenth Massachusetts, moved up the track towards the bridge. The enemy divining our purpose, con- centrated heavily at the threatened point, opening a rapid fire of both musketry and artillery. They had a railroad "monitor" with a Whitworth gun, which sent its bolts with such earnest precision as to force us to leave the track and hug the embankment. Two regiments presumed to dispute our route, but were brushed aside with but little effort. General Foster's artillery on the hill kept pounding the enemy, and thus materially lessened our difficulties, as we advanced toward the coveted prize. At length we reached a point sufficiently near the bridge, when we found an excavation (where the railroad contractor had borrowed ground), of dimensions ample to shield our little force, and enable us to prepare for the destruction of the bridge. Volunteers were called for to complete the crowning piece of the expedition, but the number that responded would leave no reserve force, and as three or four could do the job as well as a regiment, Corporal James W. Green and Private Elias C. Winans of Company. K, Ninth New Jersey, were selected for the perilous service. Running rapidly forward under cover of the railroad embankment, exposed to the fire from infantry and artillery, these intrepid "Jersey Blues" safely reached the bridge. There under cover of the bridge timbers, they attempted to kindle the fire, but the fuses refusing to ignite, they tried to fire it with matches, but these, too, failed. Divining their trouble, with a fresh supply of
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BURNING A BRIDGE.
fuses, Lieutenant Graham of the New York Rocket battery, and Private William Lemon of Company E, Ninth New Jersey, were sent to the rescue. They reached the bridge safely and soon a column of smoke rose over the bridge, then tongues of flame leaped high into the air, and the work was accomplished. Then hurrying from their shelter, these heroes of the day, under cover of the dense cloud of smoke, safely reached their comrades, when cheer upon cheer welcomed them as they took their places in the ranks. '-How men could live under a fire so withering is unexplainable, yet with their clothing and accoutre- ments perforated by the enemy's missiles, they escaped whole, except Winans, whose face was seared by a bullet, sent for more effective work. Not so fortunate were the self-constituted detail from the Seven- teenth Massachusetts which attempted to share the honors. They were shot down before reaching half-way to the bridge and were carried back by their comrades. After tearing up the track for several miles the Ninth and Seventeenth were withdrawn, both having suffered severely, being the only infantry actually engaged. About 3 P. M., the "object of the expedition being attained," our little army commenced its homeward march. The Ninth, Seventeenth Massachusetts and Rigg's battery were placed in centre of the column. When some three miles on our return we suddenly halted, formed line of battle, faced to the rear with the battery covering the highway, heavy firing being heard in the rear, and were soon dispatched to the relief of the rear guard which had been attacked by the enemy. Although greatly fatigued our gallant command promptly moved to the rescue, arriving on the field just in time to witness the retreat of a Confederate brigade which had been repulsed by Belger's and Morrison's batteries. That rebel brigade in their foolish charge on these batteries paid a heavy penalty for their leaders' lack of discreetness. The column resumed its march toward Newbern, where it arrived on the evening of the 20th. About ten A. M., while at Nethercut's place, I turned over the regiments and the battery to their respective commanders with instructions to make their march to camp by easy stages. Accompanied by Lieutenant Graham I cantered on to Newbern, intending to surprise the Ninth on their arrival with a warm supper ready at hand. But when " after a short trip," I rode on to the railroad bridge I saw a regiment filing off its other end and was told that it was the Ninth New Jersey. It can't be, but it was, as I found on entering the camp. Fortunately Adjutant Carrell had preceded them and the supper piping hot was ready. It seems that the Seventeenth had claimed that they would beat them into Newbern but the Ninth insisted that it couldn't be done, and in proving it, marched the last thirty miles in eleven hours. During the expedition the Ninth marched one hundred and fifty miles and fought four battles with a total loss of over one hundred and fifty killed and wounded.
I have the honor to be, Governor, very respectfully, your obedient. servant,
C. A. HECKMAN, Colonel Commanding.
To CHARLES S. OLDEN, Governor of New Jersey.
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NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS.
December 21 .- The veterans of the Ninth remained very quiet in their tents to-day, poulticing their feet, which had been badly used up by their long march, and in attending to other personal necessities, for they had had no charge of shoes or raiment during their absence.
December 22 .- Glorious day-one ever to be remembered, as it brought several months' pay to the regiment, a commission of brigadier-general to our beloved colonel, Heckman-to date from October twenty-ninth-anniversary of the Ninth's heroism at Rowell's Mills, and a stand of beautiful colors, costing nearly five hundred dollars, a gift of the New Jersey legislature, together with the following resolutions unanimously passed by that body, and gracefully delivered to the command on the part of the state by Major William S. Stryker, (afterwards paymaster in the army.) The men of the Ninth, quickly forgetting their bodily sufferings, gave vent to their enthusiasm in vociferous cheers, which were continued until they became hoarse. Noth- ing, however, pleased them more than to be assured that their patriotic services were fully appreciated by the authorities and people at home.
The following are the resolutions which accompanied the elegant flags :
Resolved, That the Ninth regiment of New Jersey volunteers, by their patient endurance under privation and fatigue, and by their courage at the ever-to-be remembered battles of Roanoke and Newbern, (a courage evinced by the havoc made in their own unwavering columns better than by the reports of partial journals), have sustained the high repu- tation which since the days of the revolution have belonged to the soldiers of New Jersey ; and as evidence of our appreciation of that acme of every manly virtue, "patriotic devotion to country," the governor of the state is requested to have prepared and forwarded to said regiment a standard on which shall be inscribed these words :
" Presented by New Jersey to her Ninth Regiment, in remembrance of Roanoke and Newbern."
Resolved, That Colonel Charles A. Heckman, who so gallantly led his well-ordered men to the conflict, is requested, at the proper time, to report to the clerk of the house of assembly the names of those who fell, killed or mortally wounded, on either of the said battle-fields; and that the clerk of the house is, by virtue of this resolution, ordered to
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CAPTAIN BENJAMIN W. HOPPER,
COMPANY E.
I2I
A SINGULAR DISCOVERY.
enter their names, with the place where they fell, in the minutes of the assembly of New Jersey, as men who have fallen in defence of the best government of the world.
Resolved, That New Jersey looks with pride upon all her soldiers in the field, without exception or distinction, and is prepared to honor them ; and while extending congratulations that the occasion has never yet occurred when they have been put. to flight by an enemy, entertains entire confidence that such occasion will never be recognized by them.
Resolved, That New Jersey highly appreciates the disinterested fidelity of Brigadier-General Philip Kearny in declining proffered promotion, rather than separate himself from the command of Jersey- men to him entrusted.
Resolved, That with the families, relatives and friends of those members of the Ninth regiment who on the fourteenth of March met death in that form most courted by the true soldier-on the battle-field, with their faces to the foe-we most deeply sympathize and sincerely condole.
Resolved, That copies of these resolutions be forwarded to the generals and colonels commanding the New Jersey troops.
December 23 .- Captain W. H. Abel, Company E, was to-day appointed A. A. G. by General Heckman, and Dr. Addison W. Woodhull, brigade surgeon.
December 25 .- Christmas ! Day of hallowed memories. Throughout Christendom multitudes of grateful mortals, happy that the Savior visited the earth on an errand of mercy, will delight to manifest their gratitude for the precious privileges his mission secured. In some localities in our distracted country it will be commemorated with joyous festivities, and scattered families will assemble around the familiar fireside to inquire concerning each other's welfare, and renew their vows of attach- ment. Doubtless many of those who are periling life in defence of country will be pleasantly reminded that their heroic services are appreciated.
Surgeon Gillette and Captain Stewart visited the hospitals in Newbern to-day, brightening the hearts of the poor fellows who knew them so well. Among those they found suffering from ghastly wounds was Walter Dey of Company B, shot through the 'head at Whitehall. After conversing some time with the officers, Dey complained of an unusual pain in his neck.
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Surgeon Gillette promptly examined that locality, where the bullet had made its egress, and feeling a hard substance, extracted what he found to be a double tooth. The ever jovial doctor and genial Captain Stewart joined in Dey's hearty laughter at the discovery, and in a few days he was able to rejoin his company, with which he remained until the regiment re-enlisted, when he was discharged from the service.
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UPON THE OCEAN BLUE.
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1863:
January .- No duty to-day, except the usual guard-mount and dress-parade.
January 2 .- Rumors that Longstreet is advancing upon New- bern relieve us from ennui.
January 3 .- Companies put to work on the skirmish drill.
January 4 .- Reminded of the sanctity of the day by cessa- tion from drill and sweet-sounding church bells across the river. Some of the men attend service in the city.
January 5 .- Heckman's star brigade was reviewed by Brigadier-General H. M. Naglee, commanding Second division, Eighteenth army corps.
January 8 .- Lieutenant-Colonel Abram Zabriskie received his commission as colonel, to the great delight of the men.
January 13 .- The Ninth struck camp, and was transported on cars to Carolina City-a camping-ground that afterwards became very familiar, and which the men were loth to leave.
January 14 .- Although General Heckman has established his headquarters at Morehead City, he daily visits the Ninth, which he cannot help looking upon as his own.
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