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 3
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January 15 .- The wind having moderated, and the sea some- what calmed, Colonel Allen, Lieutenant-Colonel Heckman, Sur- geon Weller, Adjutant Zabriskie, and Quartermaster Keys, pro- ceeded in a small boat from the "Ann E. Thompson" to Gen- eral Burnside's headquarter boat in the harbor, to report the arrival of the command, and to ask for assistance in getting the ships into the haven of security. Concluding their business, the colonel and his party started upon the return trip, and were speedily and skillfully rowed by a vigorous crew, commanded by the second mate, towards the ship. All went well until the breakers were reached, when suddenly, without a moment's warning, a huge wave rose out of the sea, bursting over the bow, sweeping to the stern, unshipped the oars, nearly swamp- ing the staunch little craft. Despite the mishap, officers and crew retained their presence of mind, maintaining the upright- ness of the boat, nearly half filled with water. But while con- gratulating themselves on their good luck, a second breaker threw the little craft in the air, precipitating all its occupants into the foaming sea. An agonizing scene followed. Colonel Heckman and Adjutant Zabriskie, expert swimmers, thinking nothing of the dangers which surrounded them, nobly went to the assistance of Colonel Allen and Surgeon Weller, who were battling for life in the angry surf, but owing to the exceeding roughness of the water, and their own exhaustion, were com- pelled to leave them to their fate. Colonel Allen, although a very heavy man, was a good swimmer, but being encumbered with an india-rubber coat and a tight-fitting uniform, soon became ex- hausted by the great efforts which he made to save himself. Finding that he could not much longer support himself, he said to the lieutenant-colonel and adjutant : " I cannot stand this much longer-take care of yourselves." And, as he vainly strove to gain the shore near by, he was doubtless ready to exclaim :
"I'li crawl
To vonder bank. Oh, that it were the deck Of some great admiral, and I alone Boarding amidst a hundred swords ! the breach Of some strong citadel, and I the first To mount in the cannon's mouth. I was brave once. Oh ! for the common undistinguished death Of battle, pressed by horses' heels, or crushed By falling towers !"
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AT REST.
The sailors had meanwhile endeavored to right the upturned boat, but this they had failed to accomplish, the heavy swells bobbing it about like a cork. Colonel Heckman and the adju- tant, by dint of great exertion at length reached the craft, which was fast drifting to sea, and notwithstanding their condition, managed to raise a piece of apparel tied to an oar which they secured, and thus attracted attention from the crew of the steamer "Patuxent," which vessel at once hastened to their rescue. Colonel Heckman was prostrated for several days, and at one time his life was despaired of. The bodies of Colonel Allen, the surgeon and mate of the ship were recovered late in the afternoon of the same day, and next day the bodies of our beloved officers, enwrapped in canvas, completely coated with tar and sand, temporarily interred on Hatteras' cheerless bank, where the wild waves chanted solemn requiems-Company B being entrusted with paying the last sad rites to the memory of departed worth.
In February all that was mortal of Colonel Allen and Sur- geon Weller arrived at Trenton, a regiment of militia, under Colonel William Napton, escorting the remains to the state house-each hearse being drawn by four horses. State street, through which the mournful cortege passed with measured tread and saddening strains, was crowded with people. The caskets, covered with the American flag, were carried into the Senate chamber, where they were viewed by thousands of citizens dur- ing the afternoon. . Brief religious exercises were held in the chamber at eight o'clock next morning, after which the caskets were again escorted to the railroad station-Colonel Allen's body being taken to Bordentown by a committee from the leg- islature, and Dr. Weller's remains to Paterson for interment.
Almost at the outset of their career in the service of their country, these officers, around whom clustered so many precious hopes-whose lives seemed then of incalculable value to the command, had received their "discharge" from service here below, and been summoned to answer roll-call on high. It was a severe and painful blow to the regiment, occasioning gloom, but the decree was unalterable-the fiat of an inscrutable Prov- idence had gone forth-and no tears, no sorrows, would bring
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the loved and brave ones back. It in some degree alleviated the grief of the men to know that the bodies of the colonel and surgeon had been rescued from that vast cemetery-the sea-to be deposited in sacred ground, with appropriate rites, to rest, undisturbed until the morning of a glorious resurrection.
January 16 .- The white-haired captain of the "Dragoon," on which were five companies, having lost faith, the men nat- urally became despondent, feeling that they had been left to their fate, and it was only when a steamer was seen approach- ing, that their anxiety was relieved, and hope dawned. It was the "Patuxent," and joyously was she hailed-safety appeared before us. Owing to the roughness of the sea, it was found a difficult task to attach a hawser, but this was finally accom- plished, anchor raised, and the bow of our vessel headed towards the inlet, unbounded joy giving place to depression. It was nearly dusk when the " Dragoon " reached the "white- caps," through which it must pass before entering the harbor. The old captain of the brig, in whom all had reposed implicit confidence, stood in a commanding place at the bow, intently watching his vessel's movement, and signalling to the sturdy man at the wheel. It was a moment of supreme suspense. The "Patuxent" had dashed safely through, although it was toss- ing like a cockle-shell, and in another moment the brig would be safe, and pæns of joy might be sung. No one on board cared for the mighty wave which raised our staunch craft sky- ward, but when it rolled under us and dashed on towards the shore, lowering our ship upon the sandy bottom of the ocean, and crack and snap went its towering masts and ribbed sides, a feeling took possession of the men that turned their exuber- ance into fear and trembling, and before we fully realized the terrors of our new situation, the captain discovered the hawser had parted, and that he, his ship and those confided to his care were alone on the turbulent sea, upon the bottom of which the vessel would speedily thump itself to pieces, and with night at hand, rescue become impossible. The men, despite the new danger, maintained the discipline for which they became famous, and went to work to effect their own safety. Sergeant Thomas Burnet, brave to a fault, assembled his company-B-upon the
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RESCUED.
forward part of the main deck, and bidding his men load, fired repeated volleys. For a time, and the moments hung heavily, we were fearful that our signals would not be seen or heard by- those in the harbor as the wind blew a gale from that quarter. The brig, meantime continued to thump itself upon the bottom, while white-crested breakers rushed unchecked on their head- long course with a terrific sound. What a fearful suspense ! Every eye was strained toward the distant lights in the harbor ; but all waited patiently, notwithstanding the fear of many that the next moment would witness the destruction of the vessel. The agony of an hour-it seemed more like an age-had elapsed, when through the gloom boats were discerned approach- ing-the flash of the rifles alone attracting the attention of the noble Burnside, who, with night-glass in hand, promptly has- tened his own vessel to the rescue. Some of the men, after seeing themselves deserted by the steamer which had attempted to tow them in, entertained a suspicion that treachery had actu- ated it, and when they saw the bright lights of a vessel again coming out to their relief, some of the more determined loaded their rifles, and took a position, from which they could over- look the action of the pilot, and if anything that had the ap- pearance of treachery or cowardice on his part was observed, they resolved to give him the contents of their rifles. But, happily, nothing of this kind occurred, as when the out-coming vessel neared us, Burnside, our idolized commander, was seen clinging to a rope-ladder on its starboard side, and shortly after- wards, a hawser was thrown aboard and fastened, and in a few minutes all had the satisfaction of knowing that the brig was off the bar, and being towed out into deep water. When at a proper distance, our vessel's bow was again headed towards the shore and the inyriad of lights within the harbor, and with a fair start we passed "the rubicon" -the ever dangerous breakers-and rode safely in smooth waters beyond-comrades of other regiments that had preceded us giving vent to lusty cheers, to which we responded with no uncertain sound.
January 18 .- At noon to-day, owing to the violent motion of the ship "Ann E. Thompson," which tossed like a chip upon the maddened waves, the stove in the galley on the forward
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NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS.
deck was forced from its fastenings, and upsetting, the coals ig- nited the light wood-work surrounding it. In an instant heavy black smoke from the greasy floor made its way down into the ship's hold, in which nearly seven hundred men were confined, creating a panic. The scene which ensued beggars description. As there was no possible egress from the lower to the upper deck, and as the men believed the ship to be on fire, their feel- ings can be better imagined than described. Desperate attempts were made by some of the men to reach the upper deck by climbing upon the shoulders of the yelling, struggling mass, as it writhed under the open hatchway-shouting, swearing, and praying. It was some time before the men who were thus terribly frightened, could be brought to a realizing sense of their condition. Had they been on deck, where they could have seen the danger, instead of being huddled together below like sardines in a tin box, no aların would have been occasioned.
The seven companies on the "Ann E. Thompson " also suf- fered, not only from confined quarters, but for proper food, wholesome water, etc. As the ship drew too much water to cross the bar at Hatteras inlet, it was decided to lighten it by heaving the ballast overboard, and this gave the men abundant exercise for several days-each company taking a two hours' turn at the labor, which was very fatiguing. The atmosphere in the hold of the vessel had become so stifling that the inen demanded better ventilation, which was finally afforded by the sailors setting wind-sails, lowered to the dingy hold. These contributed much to the comfort of the men, as they supplied volumes of fresh air. On the twentieth, the ballast having been entirely removed, the men confidently calculated upon being towed into the harbor without delay.
January 21 .- The officers of the regiment held a meeting on the ship "Ann E. Thompson " to-day - Lieutenant-Colonel Heckman in the chair, and Lieutenant Samuel Hufty acting as secretary, when the following resolutions, reported by Captain Henry, were adopted :
WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty God to take from us our beloved colonel and surgeon :
Resolved, That while we deeply deplore the sad fate which has de-
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SAVED AT LAST.
prived us of their services and friendship, we bow in humble submission to the Divine will.
Resolved, That in all those qualities which render an officer efficient, useful to his command, and valuable to the service of his country, Colonel Allen was pre-eminent.
Resolved, That in the social elements of his nature, he was an exemp- lar whose virtues we may cherish and revere. He united with singular kindness of heart that cheerful fortitude in moments of trial and dis- couragement which inspired hope and confidence in those who sur- rounded him, won their admiration, and established an enduring regard for him in their hearts.
Resolved, That in Surgeon Weller we have lost also a friend, who, by his uniform kindness had endeared himself to both officers and men. His professional skill availed to the preservation of unusual good health in the regiment, and in his private associations he was distinguished as one worthy of the highest esteem and warmest attachment. Ever ready with his genial wit and cheery sociality, he had soon won the so- briquet of "Favorite of the regiment."
Resolved, That to the afflicted families of our lamented officers we tender the deep sympathies of soldiers and friends. They have left to their children noble names, and a fame of which they may be proud.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the fam- ilies of the deceased, to the governor of the state of New Jersey and the principal journals of the state.
The men on the different vessels of the fleet heartily greeted the "Ann E. Thompson " to-day, as she came into the haven of security, within the harbor, in tow of a huge steamer, which General Burnside had despatched for that purpose. The ship started from her moorings at ten o'clock in the forenoon, but owing to the roughness of the sea, and the fierce wind which continued to prevail, the steamer had great difficulty in turning her in the desired direction. At the hour of noon, however, both vessels headed for the inlet-ten thousand men anxiously peering seaward and wishing them a happy issue in the attempt to get safely within the harbor. But no such good luck at- tended the undertaking, as the big ship had no sooner reached the fateful bar, than it struck heavily, parting the hawser at- tached to it from the steamer. Fortunately the wind was blow- ing from "off shore," the breakers being light ; still the ship bobbed up and down like a cork, causing the timbers to creak and snap every time the keel struck bottom, creating considera- ble excitement among all on board. The pilot-boat, however,
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speedily returned to the ship, and, after a laborious effort, suc- ceeded in getting it off the dreaded bar into deep water outside. A second attempt resulted in success, for which all were de- voutly thankful.
While the ship was tossing and bumping upon the bar, many ludicrous incidents among the men were witnessed. Some dis- played remarkable calmness in the face of the dangers which surrounded them, while others, lost to reason, ran hither and thither, invariably getting in the way of those who were labor- ing to preserve the vessel, by hoisting out of the hold barrels of vinegar, pork, sugar, salt, ham, etc., which were rolled into the foaming sea. Immense quantities of provisions were thus dis- posed of. Lieutenant Coyte's diary tells us that in the excite- ment one man threw his hair-brush, comb and looking-glass into the sea, while another tossed his pocket-book and revolver overboard. Several excited individuals paraded the main deck, carrying pieces of boards under their arms, hoping thereby to save their lives in case the vessel went to pieces, while others, believing the end to be near, sat down calmly and read testa- ments. A few who had been playing "poker" a few minutes before, engaged in prayer, asking loudly for help from on high.
The trouble with our two ships was they drew too much water to cross the bar at Hatteras, and only when the "Thompson" had been lightened of her cargo was she enabled to enter the inlet. She was of no use to the expedition after that as she could not cross the swash, leading to Pamlico Sound. General Burnside, before starting had been assured by the owners of these vessels that there would be no difficulty in getting them into the harbor-the liberal pay offered by the government en- couraging the owners to take any risk ; they would have been pecuniarily benefited had the vessels been lost, as the govern- ment assumed all responsibility. So great was the greed for gain by those who had business transactions with the govern- ment that every advantage was taken by the selfish in furnish- ing supplies. Especially so was this the case for the first year or two, but the great secretary of war-Stanton-and the quar- termaster-general finally brought the speculators up with a
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A BIG FIND.
round turn, when business was conducted on the correct prin- ciple, no opportunities being given for corrupt practices. Never before had any expedition in the history of the world had to pass through a severer ordeal ; everything seemed to combine against it. Nature with her storms, and human nature with her villainy. In addition to the warring elements, there was the subtle treachery of northern traitors, who deliberately perilled the lives of thousands for the sake of gain. Compared to such men as some of the contractors whom the gallant Burn- side anathematized in the bitterness of his heart, even Judas Iscariot becomes human.
January 22 .- For some days the men on the " Dragoon " had complained of the quality of the water, served to them from three very large tanks in the hold of the vessel, but as they did_ not see how they were to obtain anything better they continued to drink the unpalatable liquid. Finally, one of the men de- clared he had found hairs of various lengths and colors in the stuff he had just drawn from a tank, and this discovery encour- aged him to make an examination of the source of supply. Climbing to the top of the most convenient tank, the enterpris- ing scientist peered over, and after lighting the interior with a burning match, coolly called for a pail. With this utensil he reached down and bringing it up, descended to the deck, refus- ing to allow any one to inspect its contents until the assistant- surgeon, who was on board, arrived. "Yes, boys, those are pieces of dead rats-that's sure," he said, "and it's a wonder you are not all sick." A further investigation revealed the fact that the surface of the water in each of the huge tanks was covered with the bloated bodies of hundreds of rodents. How they got into the tanks, which reached nearly to the deck, was a mystery to all on board, but it was thought they entered in some way before the water was let in, some days after the ar- rival of the brig at Annapolis. A crew was organized by Cap- tain Castner, from Company B, and every day wholesome water was supplied us by it from the shore and vessels in the harbor during our stay there.
Our stay of nearly three weeks at bleak and ever-desolate Hatteras was spiritless. The men were, of course, confined to
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NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS.
the vessels, and while not exposed to the elements, sadly felt the want of exercise. Any duty would have been considered preferable to most of us. The long days hung heavily upon us, and while we had ample time to write friends at home, and take part in various games, our situation was not an enviable one, for there was nothing to be seen except the vessels of the fleet, the low sand bank dividing the sound in which they rode safely at anchor, and the expanse of blue and constantly troubled waters of the ocean beyond.
On the twenty-eighth of January the remains of Colonel Allen and Surgeon Weller were exhumed and placed on board the steamer "Suwanee " in charge of the Ninth's chap- lain, who was detailed to accompany the bodies to New Jer- sey. Had not the regiment been on the eve of battle, a suita- ble detachment would doubtless also have been sent along.
In 1863 a very fine monument was erected by the officers of the Ninth regiment to the memory of Colonel Allen in the cem- etery attached to Christ church, at Bordentown. The design includes a base of six feet square, upon which rests a square block of marble, and on this is another square block of marble, bearing an appropriate inscription on each face. From this arises a beautiful shaft ten feet in height, on which are carved emblems of war, together with Masonic devices. The inscrip- tion on one side reads :
" Joseph W. Allen, colonel Ninth regiment, New Jersey Volunteers. Drowned at Hatteras, N. C., Jan. 11, 1862, in the fifty-first year of his age."
On another face ----
"This monument is erected by the officers of the Ninth regiment, New Jersey volunteers, as a tribute of grateful respect to the memory of their first commander, who while faithfully serving his country in the darkest hour of her peril, even to the sacrifice of his life, endeared himself to the hearts of his whole command."
The shaft was enclosed with a substantial iron railing and marble posts. The testimonial of esteem was gratifying to the colonel's family and friends.
------
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OVER THE SWASH.
1764844 " How beautiful in death The warrior doth appear, Embalmed by fond affection's breath, And bathed in woman's tears."
For the past two weeks much activity has been shown in get- ting the vessels over the "swash," which lies a mile or so from the inlet, in a northerly direction. Much skill and patience on the part of a pilot was required to get along nicely through what were called "guts." These "guts " or channels were very shoal, the deepest water to be found not being over eight feet deep. Seven or eight steam tugs were sometimes necessary to get another vessel off the sand bars, which seemed to shift at every turn or two of the tide. When the Confederates evac- uated Hatteras they destroyed all the buoys, and although many of them had been replaced, it will take years before reg- ular channels can again be established.
January 31 .- The seven companies of the Ninth were trans- ferred to-day from the "Ann E. Thompson," which, it had been discovered, would be unable to get over the "swash " into Pamlico Sound, to the side-wheel steamer "George Pea- body." This movement, together with manifest activity throughout the fleet, awoke us from prevailing lethargy, and convinced us that the expedition was about ready to start upon its mission-wherever that might be. There was much specu- lation as to our destination, and an old map or two found on board, were diligently studied by the officers, as well as the rank and file. To most of the men but two points seemed likely to engage our attention-one was Newbern, at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers-the other Roanoke Island, twelve miles long and three miles broad, lying in a strait, separating the two sounds -- Pamlico and Albemarle.
Corporal Samuel J. Dilks of Company K, whom we had given up for lost, rejoined his command to-day. He had been de- tailed at Annapolis for duty on the screw steamer " Pocahon- tas," chartered to transport horses and munitions of war. The vessel was unfitted for the service, but the government, com- pelled to accept everything offered, engaged the craft, and the rotten hulk steamed away. While on the way down the coast,
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the "Pocohontas" was struck by a gale, before which it was driven with irresistible force. The night was of inky dark- ness, rendering it impossible for those on board to see anything about them. Despite the well-directed efforts of the brave sol- diers and sailors on board, the steamer could not be kept with her head to the sea. The wind blew a hurricane-the white waves running mountain high-it appearing to all on board that each succeeding moment must be the last. At times the craft lay almost becalmed between the maddened waves-at one moment in the deep trough of the sea, the next mounted far up on the dissolving crest of a mighty and treacherous billow. Competent men at the wheel labored to keep the bow seawards, with the hope that the ship would thus ride it out without going ashore. The hatches had been long since battened down, and everything made as secure as possible-the officers pacing the slippery deck discussing the probabilities of the ship being saved. The men on board were quiet and obedient, acting throughout that long and terrible night in a manner worthy of the highest commendation.
When morning broke, the sight presented was awe-inspiring. · The low-ribbed shore was but a short distance away, and the fated vessel being swept swiftly towards it by the merciless flood. The last hope fled when a huge and resistless wave fell upon the steamer, totally engulfing it, and extinguishing the furnace fires. The heavy bow anchor was now let go "with a run," and as the chain rushed out of the hawser-hole, the fric- tion was so intense that a stream of fire followed in its wake. Would the anchor "hold" and keep the helpless steamer away from the desolate shore until the storm and waves sub- sided was now the all-absorbing question. But the fatal moment arrived at last. With a frightful thump the craft struck, broadside on, immense waves, quickly succeeding each other, sweeping over it. Each incoming wave raised the steamer to its summit, from which it would descend with light- ning-like rapidity to the ocean's bottom-the timbers snapping and cracking with alarming distinctness.
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