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 36
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391
CARRELL, WALKER, COGAN.
CAPTAIN EDWARD S. CARRELL,
Second son of Chaplain Carrell, was born August eleventh, 1841, in Warren county, New Jersey. When the lightnings of Moultrie were launched against the standard of Liberty, he was a diligent student at Lafayette college, Easton, Pennsylvania, but abandoned his studies and enlisted in Company D, First Pennsylvania (three months) regi- ment, in which he served through the first campaign of the war. In October, 1861, he attached himself to Company H, Ninth regiment, and by his gallantry speedily obtained promotion, being at the time of his heroic death at Drewry's Bluff, May sixteenth, 1864, captain of Company G, although at the urgent request of the colonel, he continued to act as adjutant, for which position he was peculiarly adapted. A model adjutant and a superb soldier, he ever commanded the profoundest esteem from the highest to the lowest in rank, and when he fell in the midst of a terrible conflict, the country, to which he was so devoted, lost one of its bravest defenders.
LIEUTENANT WILLIAM Z. WALKER
Was a native of Salem, New Hampshire, having been born there October twenty-first, 1827. He was one of the pioneers to the new El Dorado, crossing the plains in 1849. He was practicing law in New York city, (having graduated at Columbia law college,) when the war broke out. He joined Company A of the Ninth New Jersey, and while leading his men in the charge upon the defences of Newbern was fatally wounded. His mortality lies in the cemetery at Bradford, Massachusetts. In his character was combined true courage and in- domitable energy to a high degree. He quailed at no danger, however great, surveying it with coolness. Greece may not be prouder of her heroes at Thermopyla than America of such sons.
LIEUTENANT RICHARD E. COGAN,
Born in Newark, New Jersey, February twenty-eighth, 1841; joined the Ninth in August, 1862 .. Earnest in the performance of every duty, he won the respect of all his associates, and in the spring campaign of 1865, was detailed for staff duty. serving acceptably as aid-de-camp with Colonel James Stewart, Jr., (commanding division,) General "Jack" Casement and General G. W. Schofield. In 1888 he was elected to the lucrative position of register of Essex county, New Jersey, for a term of five years-his success giving great satisfaction to the people as well as to his old comrades, who delighted to do him deserved honor.
392
NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS.
PRIVATE HENRY HOUGHTALING
Was a compositor in Trenton, and although somewhat delicate in- health, enlisted in Company K, on the fifteenth of October, 1861. He participated in every engagement in which the Ninth took part, from Roanoke Island to its retirement from the works at Petersburg in September, 1864, being slightly wounded at Whitehall, North Carolina, December sixteenth, 1862, by the last shot fired by a Confederate sharpshooter. When the Ninth went to South Carolina, Houghtaling was detailed for duty on the wheelbarrow steamer " Union," which vessel was lost in a terrible gale off Fort Fisher, North Carolina, while on its way back to Beaufort, in April, 1863. The " Union," illy adapted to a sea voyage, being of light dranght and top-heavy, was making its way northward, when a storm arose which tried the courage of every man on board the frail craft. The vessel tossing upon the waves like a feather, was expected to go down every moment for several hours- grim-visaged death, or a lingering captivity in noisome prison-pens in the event of reaching the shore in safety, staring the little crew in the face. When the last hope had fled and all awaited to be swallowed by the turbulent waters, a blockading steamer was seen approaching. It arrived in time to rescue the unfortunate mariners, who were next day landed at Beaufort. David Gray, of Company B, Ninth regiment, was also one of the crew on the unfortunate " Union." Honghtaling's record of service is a remarkable one-he having never lost a day's duty during his term of three years. He performed every duty in the most intelligent and cheerful manner, and although frequently offered promotion, invariably declined, preferring to serve to the end with the rank given him on entering the army. Of late years he has been employed in the government printing office at Washington, where his services are highly regarded.
PRIVATE EDMUND J. CLEVELAND,
Of Company K, was born at Elizabeth, New Jersey, November twenty- fifth, 1842. In August, 1862, he joined Company _1, Second New Jersey regiment, but owing to bronchial troubles, was discharged from the service. In August, 1862, he attached himself to Company K, of the Ninth, with which he remained, performing every duty in a faithful, intelligent and fearless manner. He had not served sufficiently long to entitle him to re-enlist when the Ninth signed for the war, but he agreed to re-enlist as soon as his original term of three years had expired. This he did and was discharged in June, 1865. After the war, Mr. Cleveland acted as secretary of the Elizabeth and Newark horse railroad company, for many years, but in 1886 he removed with his
393
AN APPEAL TO PATRIOTS.
family to Hartford, Connecticut, where he engaged in the brokerage business. During his term of service he wrote much for newspapers in New Jersey under the nom de plume of "Vidi," and among his con- tributions of that period I find the following :
(From the New Jersey Journal, August 23, IS64.) AROUSE ! BRETHREN, AROUSE !
Arouse ! sons of the North, arouse ! And form your battalion for fight- In a Christian glorious cause, For freedom, for truth, for the right. Can ye still lag When that vile rag From yonder crag- The banner of our trait rous foes- Still floats on high 'Gainst the blue sky Us to defy, Altho' we've wielded sturdy blows ?
Arouse ! sons of freedom, arouse ! And tear that vile ensign down ;
Shall that scarlet cross'd emblem of wrong Taint the place our standard should own ? Flag of the free, We do agree To ever see The brilliance of thy every star : The eagle's claws Defend our cause Make traitors panse, With stripes we'll give them many a scar.
Arouse ! sons of Jersey, arouse ! Respond as you always have done, The ranks of your old NINTH are thinned, Join us, and with joy will we own That you are e'er Our brethren dear, Nor will we fear, When brought into battle's dread fray, That you will run, Or try to shun The booming gun ; No, with you will we win the day.
God of justice, freedom and right, To thee do I render my thanks, That thou hast help'd with thy might, Inspire them to come-fill our ranks ; Again this land On which I stand, By chained hands Will be till'd no more ; now to thee, Great God, I pray To speed the day When we may say " This country's the land of the free." Front of Petersburg, August 3, 1864.
394
NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS.
PRIVATE GEORGE SMITH
Of Company B, was born in Germany, October seventh, 1834, but came to this country when a child. He was faithful in the performance of every duty, and noted for his cheerfulness of disposition, as well as a desire to promote the happiness of his comrades.
PRIVATE FRANCIS CAHILL,
Born in Ireland, September fourteenth, 1834, served his term of three years with great faithfulness. He possessed the respect of his officers and companions at all times and under all circumstances, and never hesitated in the performance of any duty, however fatiguing or dan- gerous. He distinguished himself at the battle of Kinston by giving Colonel Heckman early intelligence of the enemy's position, enabling the colonel to act in the most intelligent manner. While the regiment remained on shipboard at Hatteras, Mr. Cahill was one of a boat's crew that rendered difficult and dangerous duties about the harbor, especially in the task of supplying fresh water. He served on a gunboat several months, until the fleet had performed all the duty required of it, when, longing for excitement, he returned to his company, with which he remained until the expiration of his term of service.
CORPORAL WILLIAM J. DORAN
Was born at Elizabeth, New Jersey, October eighth, 1838, and lived in that old town when he enlisted in Company K, with which he remained, doing splendid service during his term of three years, excepting nine months in 1863-64, when he was in New Jersey on recruiting service. He possessed literary ability of no mean order, using his pen as vigor- ously as his rifle, thus inspiring patriotism and enlistment. After the war he engaged in commercial pursuits, his talents and energy rewarding him with success. Among his many contributions to the Elizabeth papers is the following :
SONG OF THE NINTH NEW JERSEY.
At Trenton we clustered around The banner our fathers adored, Aroused by the war-trumpets' sound And hate for secession's vile horde. We solemnly vowed to protect With our life the Union we love, As we fondly gazed on its flag While proudly it floated above.
395
SONG OF THE NINTH NEW JERSEY.
The waves of rebellion rode higli, But we knew that they'd soon recede ; We knew that the rebels would fly Before us with hurricane speed. Oh, wrong cannot right overcome ; Our nation ne'er severed shall be ;
We will fearlessly face the foe,
Till we achieve the victory.
On Roanoke Isle we fought them, Nor flinched though vengefully assailed ; We stood our ground and we beat then- 'Neath showers of our bullets they quailed. At Newbern they dreamed of success, But the vision was soon dispelled ;
Love of country animates us,
By rebels we ne'er will be quelled.
Jerseymen, you never shall blush For the deeds of the Ninth s brave "crew";
Onward to the conflict we'll rush -- We'll stand by the red, white and blue, And proudly we'll bear it aloft, When peace robes our glorious land ;
And to Jersey our footsteps we turn, An exultant, victorious band.
Newbern, N. C., March 25, 1862.
SERGEANT EDWARD D. MATTSON,
First sergeant of Company I, participated in all the battles in which the Ninth engaged, until the twenty-sixth of April, 1864, when, being incapacitated from further marching, by reason of a rupture of the principal nerve of the foot, he was transferred to the Veteran reserve corps, in which he served until October seventh, 1864, when his original enlistment of three years having expired, he was honorably discharged. The sergeant, on the quick-step return of the expedition to Tarboro, being observed to be trudging along in great distress, Captain Abel transferred to his keeping a mule belonging to Captain McChesney's brother, that a darkey had been complacently riding. Along towards the close of the day Sergeant Mattson and his mule reached the mill- pond, but instead of following the men, who marched across the dam, the contrary animal made a bee-line for the water, into which he plunged before the sergeant fully realized his situation. In narrating his adventure he said : " The mule kept on until he got where the water was deep enough for him to drink without lowering his head, and then he commenced to suck it in. After waiting a reasonable length of time, and believing him to be well filled, I endeavored to start him towards the shore, but he failed to budge, and kept on sucking water, when I concluded that he hadn't had a drink in at least six
396
NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS.
months. The harder I pulled on the old bridle the more the mule sucked water. I was anxious to get to shore, as the troops had all passed and darkness was coming on, and at length, after unmercifully beating the mule with the butt of my rifle, I succeeded in getting him headed for the shore, which I had hardly reached in safety when I saw three Confederates moving about at the outskirts of a woods not far distant. Reaching the old dam, where the troops had crossed, I man- aged to start him over, and when fairly under way he broke into a run, greatly to my delight, and in an amazing short space of time reached the rear of the column, with which I did not again break connection."
Sergeant Mattson relates that while on the Goldsboro expedition Assistant-Surgeon Gillette was called to relieve the sufferings of a Con- federate who had been wounded in the head by one of the Ninth's skirmishers. After bandaging the wound, the genial doctor said to the "Johnny": "Well, old fellow, you were mounted, weren't you ?"
"Ya-as, meester," answered the unfortunate Confederate.
"Then, why in - blazes didn't you get out of our way ?" pursued the doctor.
"Get out of the way-why you uns wasn't within a mile of me when I was pegged. You uns shoot terrible close, I tell ye, and no hoss can get away from 'em."
Sergeant Mattson distinguished himself in June, 1862, while scouting along the White Oak river with a squad of Company I, by capturing Captain Bell, leader of a band of guerrillas, who had recently caused much annoyance to our piquets. He was highly complimented for this and other gallant acts.
CORPORAL JOHN V. M. SUTPHIN
Was eighteen years of age when he enlisted in Company F, having been born in May, 1843, at Reaville, Hunterdon county, New Jersey. He was with his company at Roanoke Island, and in the battle of New- bern he received a shot in his breast-his life being preserved by his blankets, cartridge-box belt and apparel, through which the bullet passed before entering his flesh. He participated in all the battles in which the Ninth engaged in North Carolina, and was detailed to act as a sharpshooter. When the regiment went to North Carolina, Corporal Sutphin won the prize offered by Captain Appleget to the one making the best shot lying down. He was in every engagement with his com- pany from Walthall in May to Petersburg in the latter part of August, 1864, when a piece of shell, which struck him on the right leg below the knee, disabled him for hfe. Despite this he was kept at light service in
397
DENMAN, STILLWELL, BROWN.
the hospital, and was not discharged until the end of the war. Cor- poral Sutphin still lives (1889), with happy remembrances of the services performed by him in the battles for the perpetuity of the government.
PRIVATE THEODORE M. DENMAN
Of Company K, was born at Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1840. He left a lucrative business to join the Ninth regiment, and shared with his com- rades the perils of the ocean and the triumphs at Roanoke. But here, stricken with a remorseless fever, and while his friends and companions were achieving a glorious victory at Newbern, March fourteenth, 1862, he calmly yielded up his spirit to its Creator. While they were scaling ramparts amid the roar of artillery, the clash of keen blades and the groans of the wounded ; while set their cheers rang out loud and clear, he sank to sleep-to rest until the archangel's trumpet, a thousand-fold more startling than the heaviest artillery, shall summon quick and dead to receive their reward. Theodore M. Denman, loved by all his acquaintances, was revered for his virtues. He died not in vain.
SERGEANT SYMMES HENRY STILLWELL,
Born at Cranbury, New Jersey, April thirteenth, 1840, was one of the first to join the Ninth, with which he participated in all its battles until April twenty-sixth, 1864, when, being very ill, he was sent to the Balfour general hospital at Portsmouth, Virginia. When partially recovered he sought employment, and was made a police-sergeant, the duties of which he performed until the fifteenth of October following, when he was discharged by reason of expiration of term of service.
CAPTAIN A. BENSON BROWN
Of Company C, was grievously wounded in the arm at Drewry's Bluff, and for many months his life was despaired of. In January, 1865, Captain Brown was transferred to the Eleventh regiment, veteran reserve corps. He died in 1870, his mortality being consigned to its last resting-place at Bordentown, New Jersey. Captain Brown was a soldier in every sense of the word-a thorough tactician, and perfectly fearless in battle, if one can be fearless under appalling circumstances. He was greatly beloved by all who knew him intimately, and his death, although relieving him of great bodily suffering, deeply regretted.
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398
NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS.
ADJUTANT FREDERICK G. COYTE
Was one of the tidiest men in the Ninth. Painstaking in an eminent degree, and faithful in the discharge of every duty, he at all times com- manded respect. He worked his way to the arduous position of adjutant, in which he showed remarkable ability. He was wounded in the charge on the enemy's works at Winton, and in the desperate battle at Drewry's Bluff, believing himself to be the only officer remaining in the regiment, he rallied about one hundred men around the shred of colors which Sergeant Myers withdrew from under his apparel, and made a heroic stand, which had the effect of staying the fearful onslaught, until one of General Butler's aids came up with a battery and prevented further pursuit of the exhausted Union forces.
COLOR-SERGEANT GEORGE MYERS,
Born at Detroit, Michigan, June ninth, 1825, made his home at Newton, Sussex county, New Jersey, in 1856. A braver man never lived. On a march or in battle Sergeant Myers was never known to leave his post-not even for a moment. Every man in the regiment knew just where to find his place, as Myers and his inseparable colors could always be seen where they belonged, and upon them the men rallied when ever necessary. The national colors were carried by him from Newbern, in 1862, to the capture of Goldsboro, in 1865, when he planted them upon the dome of the court-house, and was heartily cheered for the act, as the Twenty-third corps filed into the town. We copy the following from Mrs. Livermore's work -- "My Story of the War," embellished with one hundred battle-flags, among them the tattered relic belonging to the Ninth :
" Color-Sergeant George Myers carried this tattered flag at Newbern, Southwest Creek, Kinston, Whitehall, Goldsboro, Walthall, Drewry's Bluff, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and in every campaign and battle in the Carolinas and Virginia, in which the Ninth New Jersey participated. Sergeant Myers was a brave soldier, and this flag was always carried by him in the thickest of the fray. In the unequal and sanguinary battle at Drewry's Bluff, Virginia, May sixteenth, 1564, Myers and the sacred relic had a narrow escape. Under cover of a dense fog a division of rebels suddenly burst upon the thin Union line, and although the advancing host met with a withering fire from the New Jersey riflemen, inured to war, and were five times hurled back in confusion and dismay by the well-directed and terrible volleys, it became evident at last that the broken Union line must give way. The Ninth New Jersey had lost most of its officers and many men, when suddenly the exultant rebels
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399
SAVING THE COLORS.
burst in upon the survivors with redoubled fury, determined to be avenged for the awful injuries inflicted upon them. Sergeant Myers, undismayed, and calm and collected as on parade, seeing himself and a few comrades surrounded by the jubilant enemy, with scarcely a hope of escape, stripped from the staff the silken shred, which had been his inseparable and treasured companion for years, and, hastily buttoning it within the folds of his blouse, grasped-a rifle, and, calling upon those near him to follow, dashed through the advancing line of rebels, dealing heavy blows for life and liberty, and thus escaped capture and saved the precious flag. Myers, although his clothing was perforated with bullets, was otherwise unharmed."
PRIVATE WILLIAM P. AMERMAN
Was one of the first to enlist in Company E. Modest and unassuming, cheerful and contented, he gave all his energies to a performance of duty, in which none excelled him. Firmly devoted to the interests of his country, he did all in his power to encourage his comrades to re-en- list, his persuasive powers being amply rewarded. Through all the campaigns Private Amerman was as brave as the bravest, and to-day (1889) he looks back with great satisfaction upon the result of his efforts, although he occupied an humble position in the ranks. I am glad to mention this fact, as for some years after the war it was difficult to find any one who had been "only a private."
PRIVATE ROBERT G. GERTH,
Born in Germany, came to this country at an early age, and made his home in Newark, where he joined Company A, and on the disbandment of that command was transferred to Company K, with which he remained, doing a soldier's duty until the expiration of his term of three years, when he was given an honorable discharge. He served for a time on the police force of Newark, and subsequently engaged in the tobacco business in which he prospered.
مصر
400
NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
GENERAL J. MADISON DRAKE.
Written by his father in 1875.
The subject of this sketch was born near Washington Rock, Somerset county, New Jersey, March twenty-fifth, 1837, and very early gave in- dication of the enterprising spirit which has incited him to noble efforts during a busy life.
As soon as he began to toddle, our hero accompanied his parents, on holy days, to the neighboring church ; but instead of employing sacred hours in listening reverently to expositions of scripture, and joining in the ascriptions of praise, it was his custom to wander from the maternal knee into the adjacent aisles, cultivate the acquaintance of sociable worshipers, and, occasionally, climb the pulpit steps to gaze upon a congregation of familiar faces.
It was natural that a child manifesting such amiable traits should early desire to see something of the bright world into which he had been introduced. Accordingly, when he attained the age of two years, he contrived to climb into a wagon and conceal his tiny form behind the articles with which it was partly laden. Directly his father attached the horses, and, walking beside them, proceeded on his way over the mountain, little suspecting that the wee one, who was his mother's constant companion, was being jolted over the rugged road. Home was left far behind before the truant was discovered, and great was his joy when the astonished father consented that he might accompany him to his journey's end. On the young traveler's return to his anxious mother he related marvelous stories of hair-breadth escapes from imminent dangers ; and described in glowing sentences the wonderful objects that had delighted his vision.
When Drake was about six years old, his father established a printing office in Elizabethtown, and introduced him to a busy scene. Here the lad acquired much useful knowledge, and became a proficient in the " Art preservative of all arts." At the age of twelve years, he was a rapid and correct compositor. When about fifteen, he held a situation on a Trenton morning newspaper, and was noted for skill and diligence.
40I
UNFURLING THE FIRST FLAG.
The year following he began the publication of the Mercer Standard, a literary paper of acknowledged excellence. Later, he started a daily newspaper in Trenton, entitled the Evening Express, which was continued by an association of journeymen printers under the title of the True Democrat.
For some time the energetic youth was a reporter on the State Gazette, and his talents and industry won for him the esteem of Tren- ton's most eminent citizens. In 1860 he was induced to again engage in the newspaper business, and issued a campaign sheet entitled the Wide-Awake, which did good service in the Republican cause, adding largely to Lincoln's vote in Mercer county.
At the age of twenty-one years, Drake was elected an alderman of Trenton, the republicans giving him a handsome majority ; and, at the expiration of his term, he was re-elected. In a community noted for its choice of good men for positions of trusts, the election of the young publisher was justly regarded by his friends as an honorable recognition of his virtues and services.
In 1859, Drake organized the " America Hose Company of Trenton," then, as now, one of the most efficient associations for the extinguish- ment of fires within our knowledge. He was four times elected an engineer of the Trenton fire department, and widely known as an efficient officer,
When news of the fall of Sumter reached Trenton on a bright Sunday morning, its citizens quickly engaged in consultation how best to aid in averting perils that threatened the nation's life. In this emergency many energetic firemen and others urged Drake to organize, drill and lead them to the defence of the national capital. He left press and type forthwith, and devoted all his energies to drilling those who were eager to serve an imperilled country. A vacant store on State street was secured, the stars and stripes were displayed, and fife and drum made things lively were silence had long brooded. Here was organized the first company of " Minute Men" in our patriotic commonwealth. This command, attached to the Third regiment, was one of the first military organizations in Washington-going by way of the Chesa- peake, via Annapolis.
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