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 14
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HOW HE GOBBLED THREE REBS.
who was in command of Company D, and Sergeant Coyte of Company E. General Heckman at once disposed of his forces, by placing them where they would be able to render the best service in case the Confederates mustered courage to renew the attack, but they were doubtless glad to leave him severely alone.
July 27 .- The men were ordered to make themselves as comfortable as circumstances would allow. Some of the " bum- mers " scouted about the woods, and over the plantations near by, and among those whose curiosity led them to wander about the country was Private Charles Muller of Company A, of the Ninth, who, while rambling in the woods, with no other weapon than a walking-stick, which he carried in his hand, ran across three Confederates, whom he discovered standing under a tree, their rifles, accoutrements, etc., stacked close by. The German lad watched them closely for a few moments, fearing others might be near at hand, and when satisfied that they were alone, he noiselessly made his way to their guns, and seizing one and aiming it at the dumbfounded Confederates, whom he at the same moment terrorized by a yell, called upon them to surrender. They had some difficulty in making Muller understand that they had already done so. He pointed the direction he wished them to pursue, then shouldering the three rifles, drove them into our camp-his arrival creating profound amusement among the men, who cheered him as he passed slowly along the line. Colonel Zabriskie told Muller he could have a pass every day if he would promise to do as well each time.
During the afternoon the First New York mounted rifles, Eleventh Pennsylvania cavalry, and Stewart's (regular) battery, who had marched from Suffolk, were ferried across the Chowan river, and everything being in readiness, those com- mands at nine o'clock passed out of our lines at Pattocassey creek, to destroy the railroad at Weldon.
July 28 .- Weather very oppressive-rainy and hot-many of the men being down with fever and ague. A member of Company C, while fishing in the creek, landed what he at first supposed to be an eel, but was surprised on seeing the ovifarous animal making a bee-line for the water, running along in the
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style of an ophidian. Its headlong rush for the muddy stream was only checked by an effort on the part of the fisherman, who had to kill it because of its intractability. The animal, which was nearly two feet in length, propelled itself while on land with its six short legs, equi-distant along its disgusting looking body. It was a repulsive creature.
July 29 .- Shortly after noon one company of cavalry entered our lines, bringing some fifty prisoners, many horses, vehicles. and contrabands.
July 30 .- Ninth anxious to get away, owing to the poisonous (malarial) atmosphere along the creek, but must await return of the cavalry, due to-day. The horsemen were seen approach- ing at noon, and as they came up, we saw they had been badly used, having failed to accomplish what they had been sent to do, owing to the concentration of a large force of the enemy near Weldon, and returning without the fruits of substantial victory. It was ten o'clock before the cavalry was conveyed across the river, and midnight when the Ninth left its position and retreated to the landing, where it again embarked on the "Convoy " and sailed away, a great majority of the men being afflicted with fever and ague.
August 1 .- Some three hundred men in the Ninth prostrated with the regular North Carolina chills, which made no distinction between officers and enlisted men.
August 3 .- Ninth received its pay to-day from Major Harbert, a New Jerseyman.
August 5 .- Three commissioned officers and six enlisted men, left to-day for New Jersey to obtain recruits, which the Ninth badly need if it is to be continued in the forefront of every battle, as it has invariably been for more than a year.
August 13 .- Major-General John Peck arrived to-day, and relieved General Heckman from command of the district of North Carolina, which causes the men to think that there will be no more marching or fighting for some time to come.
August 17 .- Inspection of Ninth-slim turn-out, on account of fever and ague epidemic.
August 26 .- Surgeon Gillette, who never tires in ministering to the wants of the inen, made a lengthy report to the medical
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DEMOLITION OF A SUTLER'S TENT.
director of the department on the condition of the members of the Ninth regiment-more than two hundred of whom were daily borne upon the sick list, not one of whom was fit for guard or fatigue duty, whereupon an order was issued, directing Colonel Zabriskie to remove his command to the old camping- ground at Carolina City, which that officer lost no time in doing.
August 27 .- The old Sibley tents were placed upon the stockades-still standing-the men being willing to incur any labor they were capable of in making themselves comfortable, hoping thereby to regain their wonted strength and spirits.
August 31 .- Colonel Zabriskie inspected the Ninth and mustered it for pay-a ceremony that always pleased the men- every one being perfectly willing to undergo a parade which was the first step towards securing the monthly stipend from the government. In the early evening, while the train for Newbern stopped at camp, as usual, some of the men, led by "Steve " Crane of Company K, who, while being a most excellent soldier, was noted for his " little jokes," as he called them, suddenly determined to have some fun. Gathering the guy ropes in rear of the sutler's tent, which was pitched within a few feet of the railroad track, the boys fastened them to the rear end of the hindmost car, and retired to watch the result. Directly the train started, tearing the larger part of the tent from its moorings, and dragging it behind. Simultaneously with the snapping of the ropes which fastened the sutler's habitation to the earth, was a loud crash within, as boxes, barrels, etc., were overturned, to the consternation of the sutler and his assistants, who, believing that the end of all things was at hand, fled as if pursued by a thousand fiends. The noise thus occasioned attracted the attention of many mien in the regiment, who hastened to the scene of catastrophe, and in the enforced absence of the sutler, helped themselves to the tobacco, sweet- meats, etc., lying promiscuously about. This transaction cost the sutler several hundred dollars, and "Steve" said it was worth that amount, considering the fun they all had. I may just as well say that it was a long time afterwards before "Steve" revealed the perpetrators.
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September 1 .- The regiment drilled daily during this month- the exercise benefitting the men, most of whom, on filling their lungs with pure sea air, recovered from the intermittent fevers incident to the poison taken into their system on the recent march to Winton. Although the Ninth enjoyed themselves to the fullest extent, with none to molest or make them afraid, along towards the close of the month they began to express their discontent, and long for something more exciting. As there had been no "reviews" in over two months, the outlook for active service was not particularly encouraging to those more ambitiously inclined.
October I .- Time drags heavily with the Ninth, notwith- standing the fact that the men are comfortably located, and living on the fat of the land and the best bounty of the government.
October 14 .- Rumors are floating about that the Ninth is to be sent to Virginia, to " seek fresh fields and pastures new." Well-anything for a change, say the men. This afternoon General Heckman surprised the regiment by suddenly riding into camp. Shortly after the buglers sounded the " assembly" for parade, and forming line the command was reviewed by the general, who declared it had never marched more steadily. Perhaps the boys wanted him to see that they had lost none of their vigor, and that they had as much esprit du corps as in former days. At all events everybody was pleased, and as an itinerant photographer visited camp, the artist was kept busy in taking pictures of men and officers.
October 15 .- Orders received to prepare three days' rations, and be in readiness to move at a moment's notice.
October 18 .- Struck tents after dinner, but did not leave camp till late in the afternoon, when the Ninth took train for Newbern, where it embarked on steamers "Albany " and "Jersey Blue " at ten o'clock. An hour and a half later steamed down the Neuse, with whose contour we were all familiar-other vessels, with the remainder of the brigade, following.
October 19 .- The sail was enjoyed by most of the men of the Ninth, they having become quite used to sea-faring life, owing to their frequent movements upon the water.
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IN "OLE VIRGINNY."
October 20 .- Arrived at Fortress Monroe at eight o'clock this morning, and, after a brief time, continued on up the James river to Newport News, where it landed. Before the sun went down that day the brigade was tout ensemble.
Our camp, located on a high bluff, on the left bank of the majestic James, overlooked the spot where the ram " Merrimac" won her victory over the United States fleet, in which contest she destroyed the "Congress" and "Cumberland," whose topmasts, above the surface of the quiet waters, were still to be seen. One day Corporal "Sam " Dilks of Company K, made his way out to the projecting spars and removing a piece returned to camp. He subsequently, with that ingenuity for which he was distinguished, made a handsome miniature hose carriage from the stick, and presented the same to the America Hose company of Trenton, in whose house it still remains.
October 21 .- Camp was placed in tip-top order and dress- parade held.
October 22 .- Ninth received orders to cook three days' rations and be ready for a move, which brightens up the intellect of the men and sets them to speculating. During the afternoon, however, the order was countermanded.
October 23 .- General Heckman arrived to-day and assumed command of the post, consisting of six infantry regiments, one regiment of cavalry and three batteries of artillery.
October 29 .- Brigade reviewed by General Heckman, which inclines the men to the belief that active operations are con- templated at an early day.
November 2 .- General Foster came up to-day and reviewed us with a smile upon his handsome face. The pleasure of seeing each other again was mutual.
November 16 .- A singular battle took place in the Ninth's camp to-day, being no less than a spirited engagement with an army of rodents, which had occupied the grounds since the time Mcclellan's force was encamped there in idleness. The one-sided contest afforded considerable exercise for the men and rich amusement for the ladies, quite a number of whom were living in camp with their husbands-officers, of course.
November 26 .- Thanksgiving day, with interesting services
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in the Ninth's capacious chapel-a log structure. The chaplain made some return this month for the pay he received from the government, but as a general thing I never saw useful chaplains in the service. I know there were exceptions to the rule. Chaplains might have been very useful, but nine times out of ten they did no more work than they were compelled to do.
December 1 .- General Butler rode through camp to-day, and the boys ran out of their stockaded tents to see him. On reaching the street where Company D was located, the general stopped his horse, and pulling out his big navy revolver, his inseparable companion when out riding, he pointed the weapon direct at the head of Joel Hulse of that command. Of course there was considerable commotion among the men, each one of whom thought the general had his eyes upon them, owing to their peculiar conformation. No one could account for his conduct, and for a moment it looked as if Joel's hour had come. "Hold, general ! what's the matter?" asked Sergeant Bennett.
"Matter enough !" replied the general, slowly turning his head. "I once swore that if I ever saw a man uglier than myself, I would shoot him on the spot, and there stands the man who has haunted me."
The boys now understanding the matter, burst out into a hearty peal of laughter, and the general, who never allowed an enlisted man to suffer or want for anything which was in his power to supply, rode off amid cheers. Joel, poor fellow, was killed near Suffolk, Virginia, in February, 1864, and his death sincerely mourned by all who knew his amiable traits of character.
December 2 .- The men of the Ninth received pay to-day, enabling their families at home to have a " Merry Christmas."
December 4 .- The arrival in camp of several " patriots" from New Jersey with plethoric purses, which they were willing to turn inside out for the benefit of those who would "re-enlist for the war," created a flutter of excitement. Eight hundred dollars was the minimum price offered to any one in the Ninth who would be re-mustered for another terin of three years. To many this large sum of money was a great temptation, and
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LIEUT. HENRY HOPPER,
COMPANY E.
I53
How CHRISTMAS WAS SPENT.
before night over one hundred young men had signed the muster-roll and pocketed the treasure. The "bounty" had much to do in stimulating recruitment, but a desire on the part of these men to return home and see their families was the chief reason actuating them in accepting the terms offered.
December 10 .- The Twenty-seventh Massachusetts regiment having been ordered to Norfolk, its quarters were occupied by Ninth.
December 20 .- Company drill in the forenoon, with battalion movements and a dress-parade in the afternoon, were the routine at this post. Officers and men fared sumptuously- most delicious bivalves being readily obtained at prices within reach of all.
December 21 .- A cold snap rendered bright fires necessary, and occasionally a tent was consumed, putting its occupants to much inconvenience.
December 24 .- Mrs. J. Madison Drake and Mrs. Charles W. Grover arrived in camp to-day, and were presented to the other ladies-Mrs. Edwin S. Harris, Mrs. Edward S. Carrell, Mrs. Thomas Burnett and Mrs. W. D. Rogers.
December 25 .-- Our third Christmas in the army-and a merry one it was to those who had been spared through all the vicissi- tudes of the past to enjoy it. Well-filled boxes from home had arrived a day or two previous, and so the happy recipients had invited their particular friends to enjoy the good things, there were none in camp who did not have good cheer. Some of the regiments celebrated the day by engaging at target-practice, while others had excellent programs of athletic exercises, concluding with burlesque parades, in which some of the officers saw their peculiarities cleverly mimicked.
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1864.
January I .- Snow-of which the best use was made-the men giving themselves to all sorts of frolicing. During the forenoon the artillerymen improvised sledges, which they drove through the various camps, creating lots of fun; and after dinner, the Ninth's boys got out and formed line of battle- the right wing being opposed to the left wing. The missiles used on this occasion were balls of snow, instead of the Minie bullet. Officers and men participated in the excitement-no undue liberties being indulged in by either-so popular were the shoulder-straps, who never lost any of their self-respect by mingling with their men. The contest raged with unabated fury for an hour or so, to the delight of the ladies present, when, both parties being fatigued, and neither side showing signs of surrendering-something the Ninth had never studied -the engagement stopped by mutual consent.
The following letter, written to a newspaper by Rev. J. J. Carrell, chaplain, will show the religious feeling which pervaded the Ninth regiment :
NEWPORT NEWS, VA., January 11th, 1864.
By your permission, I will send you a few lines from East Virginia, designed for the eyes of the many friends and acquaintances who made- our stay in Livingston pleasant and profitable. It was a matter of regret that I could not, in person, wish them a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. From this point, and through your paper, I would send them many greetings, assuring them that they are ever in mind,- having, as formerly, a deep and imperishable hold on my affections.
We have been here since the 23d of October last, and besides changing our encampment once, the removal of some three regiments and a battery for duty elsewhere, and the supplying of their places by other troops, and two grand reviews, one by General Foster, and the other by General Butler, little has occurred out of the usual routine of camp life.
We are close by the waters in which lie the wrecks of the Cumberland and Congress, relics from both of which, in large numbers, have been.
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THE CHAPLAIN WRITES A LETTER.
sent to friends at home by the parties who are and have been here. In . this work a mast from the Cumberland, which had been washed upon the shore, and worth, by marine estimation, three hundred dollars, has entirely disappeared. The old Merrimac, which did the work of destruc- tion upon our ill-fated vessels, lies between this point and Norfolk, and more recently came near including the Champion, a government vessel, plying between this place and Old Point Comfort. It happened in this wise : A pleasure party, consisting of officers, ladies and civilians, had gone over in her to attend the theatre at Norfolk. Upon her return, the night being foggy and withal dark, she came in collision, at low tide, with the bogus Confederate, who nevertheless clutched and held her fast. For several hours the Champion-not Champion now-was interlocked in the embrace of this malignant secesh, and not without danger of serious injury. But in time the watery element came to the rescue, lifting with its rising tide the proudly named, but for once throttled ship from its awkward and defenceless predicament. Accord- ingly she did not return to Newport News until- eleven o'clock A. M. next day, when at eight she should have been on her way to Fortress Monroe. A party, among whom was the writer, had been waiting from eight to eleven for the boat, to go down to the fortress, and conse- quently were not in the best of humor. And at the announcement of the reason of the detention, your correspondent, who often does queer things, said : " Glad of it ; wish theatre-going people would always be served just so ; the punishment in this life is only a little taste of what such will get hereafter." The company being evidently a good deal crestfallen, gave hard looks but no blows ; an opportunity was given them of meditating upon the estimation in which such people are held by a chaplain in the army.
The force at this point, under command of Brigadier-General Heck- man, consists of five regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and two batteries. The general is a great favorite in that branch of the army of which he is the head. That he is universally esteemed, trusted and loved, is a eulogy that may truthfully be pronounced. Order, discipline, efficiency, and the comfort of all, are matters evidently aimed at and in a high measure attamed. Indeed, everything moves like clock- work ; any disorder that may arise is immediately suppressed ; the closest surveillance is employed against the clandestine introduction of that which would make the men noisy and unruly. At one time liquor was kept at farm houses in the region of the camps ; it was also sent in boxes by express, but lately the examination has been rigid, so that this enemy seldom gets within the lines, at all events not among the men. I understand that on Christmas day the monster Alcohol got through the pickets and escaped the inquisition by ensconsing himself in a fine fat turkey. The Jesuits, the inquisitors at this place, committed the same blunder that the Greeks did in the matter of the Trojan horse ; they did not examine the turkey internally, and so the enemy got in. I do not know that he did much mischief. It all events, somebody got on that joyous day not only good dinner, but something to drink into
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the bargain. But, nevertheless, it is well for the soldiers' friends at home to know that there is danger of confiscation in running the blockade, but that if successful it is a very sure way to the guardhouse. But since there are so many ways by which to smuggle in contraband articles, it has astonished us that we so seldom suffer from this cause, and we attribute it to the wise and firm administration which holds the avenues of entrance to this port.
The chaplains have special reasons for- loving their general. It is pleasing to the flesh to have an opportunity to preach to the great ones of earth, and the general and his lady attend our Sabbath worship, the writer having his full share, if not a monopoly, of this honor. In his attendance our good general does not seek the highest seat in the synagogue. He comes in like any other man, takes any seat that offers, is always very attentive, goes out as others do-the star being his only mark of distinction. Indeed, his presence, for its commanding influence, is much coveted, and I do not know how it is, but of late my congrega- tions, and particularly in the evenings, have grown so large that the house will no longer hold them. Several are also dropping in from other regiments, to our encouragement. I am inclined to think that the presence of the commander and the ladies, who are in attendance, have much to do with it. Possibly having a church now may be some expla- nation in the matter of increased attendance. Indeed the chaplains here are afforded, by the general, every facility in his power that comfort and efficiency may connect with our work. All work unre- quired by the army regulations is prohibited on the Sabbath. Our general ordered the observance of the day of Thanksgiving appointed by the president, and having enjoined the conducting of the exercises by the two chaplains who were then here-the others having gone home to spend the holidays. He called out his entire force-a novel scene and a novel work in the history of the war, for such days are seldom kept in the army. The presence of some four or five thousand men, wearing the garments and armor of their country, assembled to thank the Deity for war's success, was a sight grand and imposing, trying to the nerves of timid and unwarlike chaplains, yet requiring the force and voice of a Whitfield. The general himself took command, refused to be seated on the platform, but stood at the head of his men. Out- wardly, it was a sublime acknowledgment of the sovereignty of the Deity, who gradually develops His purposes among men by an over- ruling providence.
In concluding these rambling remarks, I would like to say that our position here is in many respects exceedingly pleasant. We have a number of Northern ladies in our several camps. Christmas was a high day with us, In the morning I gave, by way of present, to each man in the regiment a copy of the Army Hymn, written by O. W. Holmes. In the afternoon we had an elegant Christmas dinner at the house of the adjutant and Captain Harris, who have their wives here- in part from the contents of a box made up and forwarded from a farm house, not a hundred miles from East Groveland post-office. In
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HOW THE CHAPEL WAS BUILT.
the evening we had services in our chapel and a crowded house. The hall was decorated ; adamantine candles in profusion gave forth their light from ornamented chandeliers, from grotesque hangings about the pulpit and along the walls. The music was grand and appropriate to the occasion. The sermon was from the words :
" Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."-Luke ii, 14.
And much in the preacher's usual style. It was my first Christmas in the army, and altogether was full of business and of many unalloyed , pleasures.
In our meeting to worship God, the adornings are still above and around us, as also the Stars and Stripes-the torn and blackened colors which have been in the regiment in eight hard fought battles, the names of which appear in gold upon their immortal folds. In passing into my pulpit, it is both a pleasure and a necessity to bow to the flag of our country. I am supported on the right by the officers' " better- halves," several of whom are here, on the left by the musicians, whilst in front a sea of faces are upturned, apparently eagerly drinking in the words of life. Indeed since our encampment here, and in possession of a chapel, my situation, as chaplain, has been so pleasant and the attendance on my ministry so large, that I sometimes feel myself the happiest and most favored among men.
With pick and shovel, axe and hatchet, saw, auger and nails, the soldiers put up the house in which we worship ; excepting the pulpit and some seats for the ladies, boards find no place in the building. The seats are split timbers, standing on wooden feet ; the walls are of split timbers of large size let into the ground, the interstices being filled with mud to the eve of the roof; the shingles are split with the axe ; the materials came rough from the woods, and the building, as it is, stood erect after the work of a few days. It is capital for summer use, but altogether too open, especially under the fierce winds which disturb this coast and the snow which for a few days past persists in stopping with us. Still we hold in it, in the most inclement weather, two services and a bible class on the Sabbath, and a weekly prayer meeting, and we feel cheered every way in our work.
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