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 2
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Despite the early hour hundreds of persons assembled at the point of embarkation to witness our departure. It required three lengthy trains of cars to convey our twelve companies, horses, wagons, ambulances, etc., and as the cars moved away, bells were rung, whistles blown, handkerchiefs waved and cheers given. There is always more or less delay in the move- ment of troops by rail or water, and in this case there was no
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exception to the rule, as all along the route to Camden there were interminable delays.
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At Bordentown and Burlington the excitement among the people was intense-the inhabitants being the neighbors and friends of Colonel Allen, whom they had ever honored and whose words of wisdom they had devotedly followed. None in that multitude on that joyous occasion imagined that in less than three weeks that stalwart and handsome form, so proud, so strong and vigorous, would be bent in death-that he who was so zealous to serve his country, and selected to aid in strik- ing a terrible blow at her enemies, would perish in a remorse- less sea, that swallows up alike the hero and the faint-hearted.
Crossing the Delaware river at Camden, we landed in Phila- delphia at dusk, marching direct to the Cooper refreshment sa- loon, where, after a refreshing wash, a meal that satisfied all wants was partaken of. A Philadelphia paper, noticing the arrival of the Ninth, said :- " The men looked finely, as though
VOLUNT
REFRESHMENT SALOON
UNION
FREE
FOR
UNION VOLUNTEERS
THE NINTH IN PHILADELPHIA.
amply fed and cared for, and are just that kind of material that the rebels will most have occasion to avoid. The Jersey- man is sui generis. He can turn his hand to anything, from digging a trench to burning charcoal, and after a little drilling makes the best soldier in the world. He is down on all flum- mery and nonsense, and, having the proper confidence in his officers, would march, if ordered, into the mouth of a volcano.
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FEASTING EN ROUTE.
The men were mostly in a comfortable way of living, and take to arms from the early reminiscences of Trenton, Princeton and Monmouth, and a pure love for the country that guarantees the permanence of their liberties. The men of this regiment, twelve hundred strong, are different, in the respect with which they regarded their officers, from any others we have seen. They are alike decorous and dignified, and nothing could have exceeded their appreciation of the kindness of the refreshment committee."
At ten o'clock we embarked on trains, and shortly after sun- rise next morning, reached the monumental city, through whose streets we proceeded with band playing and colors wav- ing. How different the greeting we received from that extended the patriotic men who, without a moment's warning, left their business and everything most dear, at the outbreak of the war, and hastened to the defence of the national capital. Now, a great majority of the citizens of Baltimore, no matter from what cause, vied with each other in welcoming the defenders of the national government and its starry flag, and no battalion was allowed to pass through without partaking of refreshments, provided through the liberality and under the auspices of the Union refreshment committee.
The men being notified to assemble at noon, were allowed to look about the city until that time, when we embarked in com- fortless cars, and after a dreary all-night ride, landed under the shadow, as it were, of the national capitol at an early hour Fri- day morning. It was with great satisfaction that the regiment marched into a capacious building near by, known as the "Sol- diers' Rest," where cheerful blazing fires and an abundance of hot coffee and fresh bread awaited us.
It was high-noon when the " assembly " sounded for the for- mation of the regiment, and shortly afterwards the line of march was taken up for a camp on the Bladensburg turnpike- two miles outside the city, where, ere the roseate sun sank from view, we were almost as comfortably situated as at Camp Olden. True, we had no straw with which to fill our ticks, but readily adapting ourselves to the situation, procured an abundance of dried leaves on which we reposed with satisfaction and genuine
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pleasure, sleeping as tranquilly as though our beds were com- posed of down.
December 7 .- The buglers woke us bright and early, and many answered roll-call in no very cheerful frame of mind, being cold and quite stiff in their joints-the trip from New Jersey having nearly exhausted them. For the first time they began to real- ize that in soldiering for one's country there was another side besides the playful one. Heretofore, while attentive to duty, they had experienced no particular hardships-nothing more than a drenching in the rain while on guard, or uncomfortable rest and broken sleep at night. But now they were in the tented field, far from home-no loved ones to soothe and caress. Dire war was their occupation now, and must be until the end, be it sooner or later.
Heavy artillery firing in Virginia, plainly heard at camp, re- minds us of the profession we have voluntarily assumed, and many wonder if "Little Mac" had at last decided to engage the enemy at Manassas. The men frequently expressed the hope that the Army of the Potomac would not move forward until the Ninth was allowed to join it. For over six months this grand army had been preparing for its "on to Richmond " movement, and although it lacked for nothing, it was kept in continued idleness. Before another six months had rolled round its idolized commander was known as the "great unready." He fitfully threw away golden opportunities-such as few men ever had.
The new major of the regiment-Captain James Wilson, of Elizabeth, -joined us to-day, coming over from Virginia, where he left his company, "A" of the Second New Jersey, and in the afternoon he exercised the left wing in battalion drill. He had been considered a thorough company drill-master at home, but the Ninth had become so thoroughly proficient in Casey's tactics under the intelligent and assiduous instruction of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Heckman that the rotund and at times jocose major soon ascertained that but little had been left for him to do in this direction. The major, who balanced the scales at something like two hundred and seventy-five pounds, was unfit- ted for active campaigning.
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WELCOMED AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.
Although encamped within plain sight of Washington, Georgetown and Arlington Heights, we were kept strictly with- in the limits of camp, neither officers or men being allowed to leave. The strictest discipline prevailed, and every soldier knowing his duty was expected to perform it cheerfully. Visit- ors bestowed many compliments upon the command, remarking its neatness in equipments and apparel, as well as its accuracy and precision in drill-at which the men were kept several hours each day. No other command in its vicinity performed so much work, and for a time the men of the Ninth considered that almost too much was required of them-especially as they daily saw large squads from regiments near by, going to and returning from the city. But we all, not very long afterwards, saw the benefits of this unceasing care and attention on the part of our commanding officer-cur perfection in drill giving us ab- solute confidence in each other. As Colonel Allen had been placed in command of contiguous regiments-the Eighty-fifth, Eighty-sixth and Sixty-fourth New York regiments, together with the Ninth-Lieutenant-Colonel Heckman commands the regiment.
December 14 .- The regiment was aroused an hour before day- light, and provided with an early breakfast, and as there was an unsual stir at the surrounding camps, many surmised that the much talked-of and long-expected order to proceed to Vir- ginia or some point where fighting was to be done was about to be issued. But nothing of the kind ! After two hours' hard drilling we were directed to polish our shoes, neatly brush our uniforms and fall in on the parade-ground, from which we at once marched to Meridian Hill, where twelve regiments, com- posing the division of General Silas Casey, were already drawn up for review. But few in the Ninth had ever seen so many troops in line, which. made the spectacle all the more brilliant and wonderful to them. No command in that host was so strong as the Ninth, and as it passed in review with the long swinging step which afterwards made it famous in more than one army, a buzz of admiration was heard among the staff and the hun- dreds who had gathered to see the magnificent sight. Among the spectators was Major-General Ambrose E. Burnside, who,
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as was afterwards ascertained, became so highly pleased with the fine appearance and conduct of the Ninth that he at once made personal application for its assignment to his command, which all the world then knew he was preparing for a descent upon some point along the Atlantic coast. After the review the entire division marched down to the city, and through its prin- cipal streets, to the great joy of the people, who manifested their delight by hearty applause. The press spoke particularly of the Ninth, declaring that while it was numerically the strongest regiment that had come to the city, it was also composed of su- perior material, and admirably drilled and disciplined. The generous comments caused the men of the Ninth to feel a just pride in their organization, and stimulated them to renewed ex- ertions and gentlemanly conduct. .. In fact, so much had been said in praise of the command, that a few days afterwards, on the nineteenth, when we removed our camp to Meridian Hill, the Ninth again marched through the city, passing the White House, at the special request of the President-the immortal LINCOLN-who smilingly reviewed us.
Before the sun had sunk in the west, we were again inhabit- ing our tents, which, owing to the continued delightful weather, proved pleasant and attractive. The glorious days enabled us to perfect ourselves in drill-the ground being hard and dry. True, the dried turf and leafless trees indicated the near ap- proach of the period when pitiless storms would sweep over the beautiful hill we occupied, but we had already learned to be philosophic, and accept gracefully whatever situation we found ourselves in.
December 22 .- A most disagreeable storm set in, continuing two days, rendering our tents almost uninhabitable-Jupiter Pluvius, seemingly, having opened all the valves at one time. The wind blew strong from the northeast, in the midst of which the men were compelled to turn out and dig trenches, to pre- vent the flood from deluging their places of abode. For a day or two drilling was out of the question, owing to the mud-the depth and tenacity of which I had never seen equalled. It was our first taste of mud, and gave us an accurate idea of the in- conveniences and discomforts suffered by our troops in Virginia.
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OUR FIRST HOLIDAY.
The ceremony of "guard-mounting," always an enlivening spectacle, continued each morning, despite the rigorous weather, but no one, not detailed for the duty, ventured out to witness it.
December 24 .- " All officers and men of this command not detailed for guard to-morrow will be excused from duty," was the order read by Adjutant Zabriskie on dress parade this even- ing. Had it been allowable, a joyous shout would have rent the air, but all ebullition must be suppressed until such time as the companies marched regularly to their quarters, and were dismissed by their first sergeants-then the men gave way to the exuberance that had been pent up, and laid plans for the Christian holiday.
December 25 .- Christmas. Although far from home and pe- culiarly situated, the day was passed in a merry and profitable manner by the men-many of whom had received boxes of good things from thoughtful friends in New Jersey. The lieutenant-colonel commanding, having the utmost confidence in the men, allowed them great liberty, which was taken advan- tage of, hundreds visiting the city and places of amusement, and at roll-call that night, held at eleven o'clock, when all fur- loughs expired, every man was reported "as present for duty." The men had been educated to understand that the more ex- emplary in their behavior the greater would be their liberties.
December 26 .- An incident occurred on battalion drill this forenoon that will never be forgotten by those who were privi- leged to witness it. The regiment had been massed in column by division at half-distance to the eminent satisfaction of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Heckman, when he ordered "on first division, deploy column-left face-march !" The movement had hard- ly been completed, when a piercing fife and muffled drums, fol- lowed by a small company of soldiers, approached with meas- ured tread. It was a funeral procession-that of a soldier- whose mortality was being borne to its last resting place on earth by his companions-in-arms. As the sad cortege neared the front of our long line, Colonel Heckman ordered "Present arms !" in which respectful position we remained until the mournful company had passed. It was by such thoughtful acts that the men had learned to love the commandant, whose con-
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tant aim had been to win their esteem and confidence. And never did any officer have these more thoroughly. On dress parade this evening the Ninth, for the first time, carried the beautiful silken colors-a gift from the state-received the pre- vious day. No one at that moment thought that in less than six weeks these beautiful colors would be torn into tatters by shot and shell, and stained by the blood of brave men in two desperate battles, and yet such proved to be the case.
December 28 .- General Casey reviewed the division this after- noon, after which he marched it down to the city, and through its principal streets to the joy and satisfaction of thousands who lined the wide thoroughfares. We returned to camp in the evening, covered with dust, but well pleased with the diversion. These frequent reviews were portentious to the knowing ones in the regiment, who constantly asserted them to be preliminary to active campaigning. The air was filled with all sorts of rumors-of the same general kind we heard everywhere until the end of the war.
December 30 .- Inspection and muster to-day-our first exper- ience. Our clothing, arms and equipments-all that could be desired-merited complimentary remarks from the inspector. During the night large government stables, half a mile from camp, were destroyed by fire, a large number of cavalry horses being consumed. Many of the animals, after escaping, in great fright, ran in every direction, creating a panic in some parts of the city.
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January I .- " Happy New Year !" was the cheerful saluta- tion between officers and men, but to how many of us would it be a happy one? How many be spared, through God's provi- dence, to witness its close-none of mortal birth can answer. At five minutes before twelve o'clock (midnight) the bands of the various regiments, which in cantonment lay around us, commenced patriotic airs, continuing the concert for more than half an hour. Discharges of heavy cannon in the works on the south side of the Potomac, at the same time announced in thundering accents that the old year had passed away-giving birth to the new. Prayer-meeting was held in the field officers' mess-tent, all who attended seeming impressed with the solemn services, which consisted of prayers and hymn-singing, and many implored the Redeemer to inspire them with a firm de- termination to love and serve Him while life endured.
January 3 .- The regiment was paid off in full to-day by Ma- jor Thomas S. Allison, ex-secretary of state of New Jersey- each private receiving twenty-six dollars, thirteen dollars per month, most of which was immediately sent by the men to their families through the kind courtesy of Mr. Jonathan Cook, of Trenton, state agent, who had visited camp for that purpose. It was announced in orders, read on dress parade this evening, that the Ninth had been attached to the brigade of Brigadier- General Jesse L. Reno, and that it would proceed without delay to Annapolis, to become part and parcel of Burnside's expedi- tion. This news was most welcome and raised our spirits to the highest degree. We cared not for the dangers which might beset us, nor for the privations that must be endured ; it was sufficient that we were to go into the active service we had been pining for. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Kitchen fires, liberally provided with fuel, blazed brightly throughout our camp, while down at the guard-house the "off" reliefs
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were having a good time in burning an effigy of "Jeff" Davis -the band playing and the men singing patriotic songs : "We'll hang 'Jeff' Davis on a sour apple tree," etc.
January 4 .- Routed out at an unusually early hour this morn- ing, the men partook of a hearty breakfast, packed knapsacks, throwing away all superfluous articles, whether of ornament or wear, and "struck tents" in obedience to orders. Line was formed, and headed by our band, which had recently acquired a new tune, and followed by our wagon train, we took up the line of march, proceeding to the depot, where we embarked on cars in waiting to Annapolis, Maryland. The weather, colder than any we had experienced, caused some suffering, but all bore up bravely-the prospect of fresh fields and pastures new animating all hearts. At the ancient capital of Maryland, a dingy town, we found a number of regiments encamped. They gave us a hearty welcome as we entered the government grounds, which in the summer season must be very pleasant, but in the winter season is far from inviting, owing to its expo- sure from the bay. Some companies occupied buildings that night, while others remained in the cars, and next morning all gladly marched on board ships lying at the commodious wharf.
January 5 .- Companies A, C, D, E, H, I and M, with the band, and field and staff, embarked on board the ship "Ann E. Thompson "-the remaining companies, B, F, G, K and L, with the major, going on the brig " Dragoon." Although it. was Sunday, there was nothing at Annapolis to remind one of the sanctity of the day-everything being bustle, if not confusion. Some vessels were being supplied with rations and water, while others were receiving ammunition, artillery and horses. The sight was highly enlivening, and I could not help contrasting the evidences of a well-devised plan, with boundless resources, of executing the will of the master spirit that directed and governed, with those that forcibly impressed themselves on me in the early days of the previous spring, when the three months' Jersey brigade arrived here on propellers, in the midst of a dreary storm, after a very unpleasant voyage from Trenton. Then we had insufficient clothing, and were without great- coats. We had just left our peaceful avocations, and our mili-
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A THRILLING SCENE.
tary training was very imperfect. Now, all was changed. The men were warmly clothed and armed in a superior manner. In the first campaign we had old-fashioned muskets, dangerous alike to friend and foe, while the commissariat was execrable through the stupidity of our quartermasters, or because of their desire to become wealthy by peculation. Beardless boys in the Ninth, confident that the righteous cause in which they have engaged will triumph, were resolved to do valiant service in crushing their country's foes, and there was not a man in the regiment but exulted in the early prospect of meeting face to face those who were seeking to overthrow their liberties. They were prepared to go forward with undaunted hearts, all feeling a willingness to do their full duty no matter how great the perils which might environ them.
During the day soldiers of other commands had the range of the town for the purpose of procuring necessary articles before leaving, but General Burnside had taken the precaution to order the closing of all grog-shops. As usual, every soldier, who had money, felt in duty bound to buy twice as many articles as he needed, and, not content with paper, ink, pens, pipe and to- bacco, must load himself down with an extra pair of boots, a fiddle, an accordeon, or some such instrument, useful for amuse- ment, certainly, but not convenient or desirable on a long march or on a field of battle. Unfortunately the holy day did not pass without an accident of a fatal character. A couple of soldiers were seated in an oyster saloon, when a companion entered, and espying a rifle in a corner of the room, playfully seized it, and while going through "charge bayonet," directly in front of the seated ones, it exploded, the ball passing through the head of Thomas Butler of the Twenty-third Massachusetts regiment.
January 6 .- To-day the two ships containing the twelve com- panies of the Ninth were unmoored, and towed out into the stream, the men beginning a new life. As the days passed, the men grew lazy, most of them, having no exercise, being greatly afflicted with ennui.
Early in the evening, a scene of terrible excitement occurred in the fleet. The stern-wheel steamer "Union," which was kept busy in going around the harbor, in the capacity of a
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lighter, came up the river directly across the path of several small boats running from their respective vessels to the shore. When directly opposite the steamer "Cossack," the "Union " ran down and demolished a surf-boat filled with soldiers belong- ing to the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts regiment. A chill of horror ran through every one who witnessed it. By the prompt action of an officer on the "Cossack," boats were lowered and sent to the spot, when all except one poor fellow were saved.
January 9 .- It was with a feeling of relief that we witnessed the raising of the huge anchors early this morning, and as the snowy canvas was unfurled overhead, and the ships glided noiselessly away, under the influences of a gentle breeze, cheer after cheer from our compatriots on other vessels, mingled with the music of bands, awoke all from their lethargy, and reminded us that at last we were en route to Dixie's land. Out upon the broad bosom of the majestic Chesapeake-an ocean to all in- tents and purposes-our ships darted along like things of life,- nothing occurring to disturb the monotony until night, when, after a storm, in which we were roughly tossed upon the angry billows, a dense fog arose which necessitated our "dropping to " and anchoring for several hours, when we proceeded on our way, coming safely to anchor next day under the frowning em- battlements of grim-visaged Fortress Monroe. Hampton Roads, in which the armada quietly lay at anchor, presented a pictur- esque and animating scene.
January 10 .- Last evening all the vessels were illuminated, and the music of the numerous bands, with the songs of the troops, was soul-stirring in the extreme. The calm, placid water, and the bright silvery moon added splendor to the occa- sion. Long after retreat was sounded did the soldiers on the ramparts and their brethren afloat break the stilly night with their enthusiastic huzzas. It was a sight never to be forgotten.
January 12 .- Sunday. Weighed anchor at daylight, and were soon afterwards riding the billowy deep-the blue Atlantic- the fleet resembling in its conformity a huge anaconda. Those least accustomed to the sea thoroughly enjoyed the sail until noon-time, when an adverse wind made the water very "choppy," and greatly impeded our progress. All through
COL. JOSEPH W. ALLEN
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A TERRIBLE CALAMITY.
the afternoon and long, dreary night, the ships were enabled to make but little headway, but next morning the wind veering around in a favorable direction, the vessels sped along as we could have wished. Shortly after noon we saw a long, low, narrow strip of sand on our starboard bow, and late in the day anchored off Hatteras-the two ships with the Ninth on board, lying a mile or so distant from each other-neither being able to enter the inlet. Fears had been entertained that the ships would be blown ashore, during a gale that prevailed for two days, and although a flag had been turned Union down, (a sig- nal of distress,) no attention seemed to be paid to it by those in the harbor. The preservation of the two ships, many thought, was due more to the protection of Providence than to any zeal exhibited by the pilots, whose duty it was to relieve us. On the morning of the day on which the "Dragoon " reached a place of safety, we saw a large side-wheeled steamer ashore, some distance below. The angry waves dashed over it with terrific force. We knew it was a wreck, but were in utter ignorance of the fate of those, who, but a few hours previous, had guided the stately vessel within sight of its destination only to witness its destruction on a bleak and inhospitable coast. While all hoped that soldiers and sailors had been rescued, or invoking the pro- tection of Him who calmed the tempest by the utterance of simple words, had heroically and successfully reached the deso- late shore, we feared that they had been swallowed by the re- morseless waves. But the dangers that environed us allowed little time' to dwell on the miseries of others. Why grieve for those who, haply, need no sympathy, having attained eternal felicity ? The gale continued with increasing violence, the cold wind howling fiercely, as it hurled the sea mountains high, toss- ing our gallant vessels with precious cargoes in a manner adapted to excite the fears of the most intrepid. Many men, by the violent motion of the ships, were thrown out of their bunks. To sleep was impossible, as it required considerable exertion to maintain one's equilibrium. But, thanks to a merciful Providence, who watches alike the infant in his pleasant chamber and his patriotic sire when dangers surround him and hardships oppress, the men of the Ninth survived the manifold horrors of the night.
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