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 26
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49
March rr .- Early this morning some of the Ninth's "bum- mers," enterprising fellows who were abroad seeking chickens, potatoes, etc., discovering that the Confederate works covering Southwest Creek had been abandoned, promptly returned and so reported to Colonel Stewart, who asked permission to push forward his regiment in pursuit. As the commanding general was waiting to hear from the gun-boats, which he knew must be near at hand on the Neuse river, he withheld the Ninth from crossing the creek. The day was spent in burying the bodies of the slain-eight hundred and more being Confed- crates, and seventy-one being defenders of the "old flag." During the afternoon heavy firing was heard far off to our right, and in the evening rockets sent high into the air revealed
raÈs
280
NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS.
to the Union general the presence of the anxiously-awaited · gun-boats.
March 12 .- Sunday, so the calendar informs us, but the surroundings are far removed from sanctity. The commanding general takes everything philosophically, and seems to be in no hurry to continue the advance which .began so auspiciously. But as the corps has every confidence in his ability, and every man believes that success is certain to crown their efforts, they patiently bide their time, and good-naturedly overlook the seeming unnecessary delay-sometimes (as at Drewry's Bluff,) fatal-sometimes otherwise.
March 13 .-- No sign of a movement, which is very dis- couraging to "Jake" Ralfe of Company E, and "Ed." Vantilburg of Company D, the best known and most skillful foragers in the regiment, both of whom are pining away because of the innocuous desuetude in which they find the Ninth placed.
March 14 .- At sunrise the troops were ordered to be ready to march, but it was nine o'clock ere the word was given Colonel Stewart to advance with the Ninth, which promptly set out with a light yet steady step. The truly formidable works which the Confederates had vacated were a source of wonder to our boys, who expressed surprise that they should so readily have been given up. These works had been defended by seventeen pieces of artillery, which, however, were removed by the Confederates when they made their retrogade movement. Noontime found the Ninth New Jersey within sight of Kins- ton, but as the bridge across the Neuse river had been destroyed, (as had been done in the same spot in December, 1862), the Jerseymen halted to await the arrival of the column. After an hour's rest, the Ninth, followed by the corps, continued the march, by way of a road leading to Whitehall on the right bank of the river Neuse, and before darkness set in the column went into bivouac for the night some three miles southeast of Kinston.
March 15 .- A heavy rain drenching the troops to the skin, no forward movement was attempted until the middle of the afternoon, when, pontoons having been thrown across the
-
PRIVATE EDMUND J. CLEVELAND,
PRIVATE HENRY HOUGHTALING,
Company K.
Company K.
CAPT J MADISON DRAKE,
Company K.
CORP'L WILLIAM J. DORAN,
PRIVATE THEODORE DENMAN,
Company K
Company K.
281
WHAT THE "JOHNNIES" PLANTED.
Neuse river, the Ninth New Jersey again commenced the advance. The left bank of the river was lined with formidable works, but, fortunately for the invaders, were undefended. As the rain continued flooding the roads, and as the artillery and wagon train moved with difficulty, the column halted for the night a little beyond the town of Kinston, near the spot occupied by the Ninth in December, 1862. Kinston had suffered some from the fire of our artillery the previous day, Masonic hall, particularly, being badly shattered. But few of the inhabitants remained in the town, having deserted the place some days previous.
March 16 .- The storm continuing to rage with violence, the troops remained where they had stopped-the situation being decidedly unpleasant and disagreeable. During the night, however, the rain ceased falling, when, the wind veering to the northwest, it became clear and bitter cold.
March 17 .- At daybreak the troops were set to work throwing up dirt, and before sunset strong entrenchments afforded security against any attack that the enemy inight suddenly make. While digging about the town, torpedoes, imbedded in the earth, were discovered. The missiles had been "planted " so that when any weight, exceeding seven pounds, pressed upon them, an explosion would surely follow. The horse of a cavalryman stepping upon one of these shells, exploded it; the animal was killed, the rider fortunately escaping with a wound on his leg. It is understood that the Ninth, having performed most of the work in the march from Newbern to Kinston, is to remain here for garrison duty.
March IS .- The Ninth was inspected to-day-the command making a good showing.
March 19 .- The Ninth, routed out before daybreak, was formed in line at five o'clock, shortly after which it took up the line of march-Colonel Stewart having command of the newly- organized brigade, consisting of the Ninth New Jersey, Twenty-third Massachusetts, Twenty-fifth Massachusetts, Twenty-seventh Massachusetts and Eighty-fifth New York volunteers. After reaching the earthworks, east of the town, the regiment received rations for three days, and sixty rounds
282
NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS.
of ball cartridges per man, after which the advance into the interior was continued.
March 20 .- The weather, heretofore disagreeable, is now delightful, rendering marching exercise pleasant. About noon- time the Ninth crossed the railroad at Jones's crossing, and shortly after went into bivouac, having marched sixteen miles since daybreak-distance enough, certainly, for a command that must stand the brunt of a battle certain to occur within the next twenty-four hours, if there is any fight left in the Confederates.
March 21 .- A heavy rain fall during the night, and although the roads were wet and heavy, the column started at an early hour-the Ninth leading, its strong line of skirmishers being on the alert for the enemy, who were momentarily expected to put in an appearance. Shortly after noon the sun came out in splendor, seeming to smile on our undertaking. As the regiment marched slowly, to accommodate the troops following, the Jerseymen did not suffer for the good things of this life, many of them being burdened with hams, flour, chickens, etc., upon which they contemplated feasting when a halt was ordered. Although Goldsboro was but a few miles distant, nothing of the enemy had been seen during the forenoon-their absence being a matter of much speculation. It was only when the Ninth came within view of Weptown that the Confederates showed themselves. As the force in front appeared to consist of cavalry, a regiment of Union horsemen galloped to the front and speedily put the enemy to flight. At Weptown a force of infantry checked our cavalry, when the Ninth ruslied forward with a yell, and the place was ours. The Confederates fled in every direction, leaving their wounded behind.
The men of the Ninth no sooner saw the spires in Goldsboro than they gave expression to their patriotic feelings by hearty , cheers, then double-quicked it until almost out of breath. They were already marching into the city when a flag of truce, borne by Mayor Privett and Constable George Murray, was met. The mayor, in surrendering the place to Colonel Stewart, said it gratified him to perform that duty to New Jerseymen, whom, he knew, would protect the citizens, and save their property
283
GOLDSBORO SURRENDERS TO THE NINTH.
from pillage. "We come to restore the old flag-not to steal," replied Colonel Stewart, who at once led the Ninth to the court- house, upon the roof of which Sergeant George Myers speedily stood, waving his tattered colors in the gentle breeze which prevailed. The Ninth was promptly deployed, and within half an hour after its entry into the town was patrolling the streets as quietly and naturally as if it had been doing provost duty there for a month. As the long column of troops marched through the place they made the welkin ring with cheers-the Ninth New Jersey coming in for a large share of their hitherto pent-up enthusiasm.
In fact, the men in many of the regiments could hardly believe that the town had been taken, so quietly and effectually had the task been accomplished. Surgeon Gillette had no sooner entered the city with Colonel Stewart than he galloped off with Hospital Steward Wade to find a proper building in which to care for the sick and wounded being brought along in wagons. Dr. Gillette, always with an eye to the useful, as well as the beautiful, selected the large brick building, hereto- fore used as a seminary for young ladies, which was quickly fitted up for the accommodation of the unfortunate ones.
Just before dark the advance of Sherman's army reached Goldsboro, and as the "bummers " marched off to the locations assigned them, enthusiastic cheering took place.
March 22 .- Sherman's army continues to arrive-most of the men presenting a sorry sight, so far as uniforms go-no two of the men, apparently, being dressed alike. A large freight and storehouse near the depot were destroyed by fire to-day- vindictive citizens, who had been too cowardly to fire a gun in defence of the place, having fired the structures.
March 23 .- By noon to-day the last of Sherman's army of sixty thousand men had passed through the town to canton- ments beyond. In the afternoon the general rode about the place, visiting most of the camps, the men of both armies giving him a cordial greeting. He wore å shabby uniform, and as he put on no airs, he took with the "boys," as he familiarly called then1.
March 24 .- Sherman's westerners, when they came into the
284
NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS.
town, wanted to paint things red, but the orders and discipline of the men of the Ninth New Jersey did not permit conduct of this character, whereupon the Jerseymen were twitted as "white-gloved soldiers." A number of the "bummers," having a contempt for men whose hands were covered with white gloves, got into trouble and the lock-up by attempting to do as they pleased-the Jerseymen having seen too much service and knowing their duty too well to permit themselves to be imposed upon, even by those heroes who had been on a picnicking march from "Atlanta to the sea."
March 25 .- The railroad having been rebuilt from Newbern, a train arrived from that place to-day, to the great joy of the men, who needed clothing and shoes. As a rumor prevailed that the Ninth was to be relieved from provost duty, a petition, signed by all the citizens, praying for its retention, was pre- sented to the commanding-general to-day. The petition recited that "the Ninth New Jersey regiment by its long sojourn in North Carolina, and the acquaintance of its perfectly disciplined members with the habits and peculiarities of our citizens, qualifies it for the duties to which it was assigned upon its victorious entree into the place."
March 26 .- Several trains, laden with needed supplies, arrived from Newbern to-day. Three or four of Sherman's "bummers," while stealing from neighboring plantations, were shot and killed to-day. After this the foragers acted with wariness.
March 27 .- A number of sutlers from Newbern, confident of realizing fortunes within a week, came up and exposed their goods for sale to-day. Some of them made money-others lost their all.
March 28 .- All the troops in the city moved out to encamp- ments in the open country this forenoon-the buildings being needed for business and storage purposes. The "Loyal State Journal," published by Corporal Charles Hinton of Company K, Ninth New Jersey, made its appearance to-day. As the supply of paper, which " Charlie " found on hand when he took possession of the office was exceedingly limited, he printed the edition on wall-paper, stripped from houses in the neighbor-
285
AN OLD RELIC.
hood. Among the cuts which the corporal found in the office was the following, which he presented to the author :
Mr. Charles Hinton of Company K, publisher of the Athens (Pa.) Gazette, (1888), furnished us with the following :
As the Ninth regiment neared Goldsboro, which had once before (1862) been our objective point, I was sent down a by- road to act as a vidette, remaining in solitude, with no companion except my rifle, until I was recalled, when, seeing the Ninth's skirmishers far in advance, I hastened across the fields and fell in with them, anxious to be among the first to enter the town, which I knew could not be very far ahead. We kept the "Johnnies" on a lively run, and, owing to the excitement of the chase, were in the streets of Goldsboro before we knew of it. As I dashed up a street my attention was riveted upon an ancient sign-"Printing office," which caused. me to enter. As neither the proprietor, foreman or even the devil, appeared to welcome me, I concluded to take possession and resume labor at my trade-that of a printer. I applied to Lieutenant-Colonel Hufty of the Ninth, who had been appointed provost-marshal, for permission to occupy the office and conduct the printing business, which request he promptly granted. My unexpected capture having been duly legalized, I looked about for some printer to assist me, as I knew from the state in which I found the presses and materials to be in, that I would make but little progress under the conditions which existed in the establishment. I thought of Henry Houghtaling and Henry Cook of my
286
NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS.
company, the only type-setters I knew of in the regiment, but they had served three long years and were at home; but before night I learned that among those who had joined Company I in the early part of 1864 was a rapid compositor named Edward L. Alvord. He came to the office in response to my request, and gladly accepted my offer of a half-interest in the business.
We changed the name of the paper from State Journal to Loyal State Journal, and on the following day issued the first number under the new management-Captain Appleget of Company A, furnishing us with an editorial, which dwelt mainly on what the Ninth regiment had accomplished, the glory of whose achievements was all that any of us had time to think about just then. We were compelled to reduce the sheet from 24x36 to one-quarter of that size, the edition being limited on account of the meagre supply of paper which our Confed- erate predecessors had left on hand. With visions of untold wealth before us, we greatly regretted this, as the papers went off like hot cakes, at any price we chose to ask. As much job printing was offered, we concluded to utilize most of the paper on that description of work and getting out extras, this being more profitable than issuing the Journal regularly.
Upon the arrival of Sherman's army our office was entered by two of his bumming lieutenants, who, seeing no officers about the establishment, coolly proceeded to remove their equipments and coats, saying they would conduct the business hereafter. "You will, eh?" said Alvord. "Well, I am only a private in the Ninth New Jersey, but that is a higher title than a colonel in your picknicking army, and if you don't vamose this ranch in less than two minutes, I'll call the provost guard and have you locked up as thieving vaga- bonds." By this time Alvord had reached the place where our ever-loaded rifles stood; and picking up one of the weapons, he asked them if they were ready to vacate. Seeing a look of determination in my partner's eyes, and convinced that he was a man not to be trifled with, they picked up their traps and took a hurried departure, saying, as they left : "We will see that you answer for this impudence." This was the only time we were ever molested.
7
1
287
THE END OF A BRUTE.
We did a thriving jobbing business and coined money printing songs, etc., until the Ninth was ordered to Raleigh, when, being directed to rejoin our companies, Alvord and I sent for the owner of the plant, who had meanwhile gotten over his fright, and giving him a large part of the money we had earned and saved, took our departure. Alvord held cases on the New York Tribune before his enlistment, and at the close of the war was given his old stand, which he kept until the time of his death, which occurred in 1868. He was an upright man and a good soldier. Five years after the war, I purchased the Athens (Pa.) Gazette, which I still publish.
March 29 .- To-day was signalized by the execution of a brute named Bryant, a private in the Twelfth New York cavalry, who, by the sentence of a drum-head court-martial, had been adjudged guilty of an atrocious assault upon a lady, sixty-five years of age, residing in Goldsboro. She was said to be a lineal descendant of the Washington family. The wretch had committed a similar crime upon a girl at Kinston, a few days previous, but managed to elude capture. As the Twelfth New York cavalry belonged to Carter's division, that officer was charged with carrying the sentence into execution. But General Carter being opposed to capital punishment, Colonel Stewart, next ranking officer and commanding a brigade, was assigned to the duty. Nearly one hundred thousand men, including General Sherman and staff, witnessed the death of the vile wretch, for whom every man present considered shoot- ing too noble a death. Everything, however, passed off smoothly, Colonel Stewart being personally complimented by General Sherman upon the "success " of the affair.
March 30 .- A storm raged with some violence all day, sadly interfering with the comfort of the men.
March 31 .- The weather this morning, clear as a bell, is all that can be desired, and the men take advantage of it to dry their overcoats, blankets, etc., in the genial sunshine.
April 1 .- Lieutenant Amos H. Evans of Company E, " gobbled " with his piquet at Wire Fork on the eighth of last month, returned to the regiment to-day. He was cordially welcomed by all.
7
288
NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS.
April 2 .- Sunday. The religious services in the various meeting-houses attracted great numbers of darkeys, who mani- fested the greatest interest in the proceedings-many of them, under the excitement, "kicking " up and rolling upon the floor.
April 3 .-- An order was issued to-day attaching the Ninth New Jersey to the Second brigade, Third division, Twenty- third army corps, which consisted of the Sixty-fifth Illinois, Sixty-fifth Indiana and One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Ohio volunteers.
April 4 .- Companies E and F, under Captain Hopper, pro- ceeded to Weptown, and arrested some fifty dissolute men and women, who were occupying a single house. The pro- cession attracted much attention and created great merriment as it marched through Goldsboro to the lock-up.
April 5 .- A train, filled with sick and wounded, left to-day for Newbern, where there is ample hospital accommodation.
April 6 .- A dispatch announcing the evacuation of Richmond and Petersburg by the Confederates was received here this morning, and half an hour afterward "Charlie" Hinton, publisher of the Loyal State Journal, with commendable enter- prise, had issued an extra, which went off like hot cakes, and created great excitement. The cheers passed from regiment to regiment-from one end of the line to the other-old men vieing with the youngest in extravagant demonstrations of joy. The scene, outrivaling anything ever witnessed by this army, can never be effaced from memory.
April 7 .- The good news of yesterday continues to be the theme of conversation-nothing else can be thought of or dis- cussed. The end for which all good mien have labored so long and made so many sacrifices is near at hand-the rebellion is at last in its death throe.
April 8 .- All sorts of rumors prevail this morning, most of them originating as usual at the sinks.
April 9 .- The speed with which numerous mounted couriers dart about, render it certain that a forward movement is con- templated. But the men of the Ninth New Jersey, believing that they have performed their full share of duty, take this order philosophically, as certainly, with the very large force
-
7
1
289
AGAIN ON THE TRAMP.
that is here, they will not be needed to take any part in further active operations, especially as all believe that there will be no more fighting, none, at least, of any consequence. Besides, the Ninth is performing important duties in the city, in a manner very satisfactory to the citizens, and can hardly be spared from the post.
April 10 .- Colonel Stewart, relieved from the command of the brigade, returned to the regiment to-day, as did Lieutenant- Colonel Hufty, who had efficiently performed the onerous duties of provost-marshal. Putting this and that together, as boys do at school, the men of the Ninth came to the conclusion that the "soft thing " which they had in guarding the town was to be given to another command-one, perhaps, that had no liking for fighting or marching. True enough, a few hours after the colonel had rejoined the regiment, the Thirty-eight Massachu- setts, of the Nineteenth army corps, marched into the city and relieved the Ninth, which immediately proceeded into the interior, not halting until nine o'clock in the evening, when twelve long North Carolina miles separated it from the town. A heavy rain, which had set in at daylight, rendered the tramp laborious and fatiguing, and spoilt every paper collar in the regiment. Lieutenant George Peters of Company G, captured at Drewry's Bluff on the sixteenth of May, 1864, rejoined the Ninth late in the afternoon, having been exchanged.
This officer shared the same fate as Lieutenant Drake, till the latter made his escape, October sixth, 1864. Lieutenant Peters and others remained at Columbia two months ; here many escaped, by passing the outer guards, on paying twenty- five dollars; others did not return when sent after wood. Lieutenant Peters escaped in company with three other officers, from Columbia, South Carolina, having been detailed upon the wood-relief parties. He says : "We took advantage of these opportunities, and struck out for the swamp. After dark, we traveled to the right of Lexington, in a northwesterly direction ; at daylight we made six miles towards Saluta river, and remained on its banks; two white citizens passed by, but did not notice us ; at sundown we looked for means to cross the river ; not finding anything, we built a raft of rails, tied
1
290
NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS.
together with grape-vines ; when launching it, it was found not strong enough to carry all four, so three started first, intending that one should return, to bring the fourth ; but the current of the river was very strong at this point, the rapids being only two or three hundred yards above ; when the raft nearly reached the opposite shore, it parted, and all three were precipitated into the water, but succeeded in getting on dry land ; though it was their intention to return after the fourth, this was now impossible, and he was left behind with sorrow. Starting again, in a northwesterly direction, we mistook the right course ; we marched in a circle, and found ourselves at the same place that we had started from in the morning ; in the evening, retracing our steps, we followed the road till morning ; hearing dogs barking, we hid ourselves for some time; being very hungry and cold, we tried to find the negroes, whom we had heard calling for their animals, but in vain ; remaining in the woods during the day, we came up to a negro hut towards evening ; the old man gave us plenty of corn-meal and milk, and filled our haversacks also with biscuit. On the evening of the twenty-ninth of November, we came to a mill-dam, which we crossed with difficulty; at the opposite side we found several houses, which were flanked; we found a patch of radishes, which were first thought to be turnips; this was a God-send, as we were very hungry ; the houses all passed, another difficulty arose, from the joining of several roads ; we traveled several miles without interruption, halted and rested about midnight ; while resting we heard men approaching ; by the conversation, we knew that they were white men ; fortu- nately they did not notice us. Marching again in the morning, we came close to a house, which we were afraid to pass ; flank- ing it, we came, to our astonishment, but great joy and pleasure, up with Lieutenant Alexander, who had been forced to remain on the other side of the river, a few days before. At this time, we believed ourselves to be near Frog Level, which we did not like to enter by day ; so we rested, approaching the road at night; we kept close to the fences, to watch the arrival of negroes, to receive something to eat ; meeting with one who promised us plenty if we followed him to his house, though
291
LIEUTENANT PETERS'S STORY.
very tired, we marched three miles back, in the expectation of a good supper ; arriving, we received a substantial supper, filling also our haversacks ; resuming march, and reaching the village, we flanked the building ; marched all night, hiding ourselves by day. On the night of the second of December, we again started ; coming to Newburry, we found ourselves in a tight place, and kept close to the woods. Here we met a negro with his team, on his way home, who was startled to death by our appearance. Convincing him that no harm should befall him, he promised to furnish us with provisions ; waiting his return, the dogs made such an infernal noise, that we con- sidered it best to move on until the morning of the third when again we halted to rest. Negroes and white citizens were at work in the fields close by, so that we had to keep very still. Traveling again at night, we tried to find something to eat, but instead of nourishment, found that we were at Hinton, when we expected to reach Lawrenceville, Lawrence county. Marched this night twenty miles ; resting during the day, and marching again at night, we had the great disadvantage of there being a full moon. Approaching a plantation, we were observed by a man on horseback ; the man watched us coming up, so that he bid us "Good evening." It proved to be a physician, going out to visit a patient ; directly after we met a negro, riding a mule, who promised not to betray us ; afterwards we learned that the doctor and negro met, when the latter was threatened to confess what he knew about us. Fearing that we would be retaken again, as a prevention, we put pine boughs under our feet ; not being able to find the road, on account of the dark- ness, we came upon a turnip patch, from which we ate heartily, and laid down to sleep; we were aroused by four-dogs, it proved, followed by two negroes, who were out hunting, and they showed us the Greenville road. When marching about five miles the following night, dogs were again on our track, and not liking to be torn to pieces, we climbed the trees ; the men coming up, did not make any attack, for which we know no other reason than that they were outnumbered. Traveling again about three miles, we came to a village ; the dogs which were on our track, again made a great noise ; here we were also
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.