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 6
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The Confederates, shielded behind heavy earthen ramparts, fought with the courage of despair. Many of them were fighting in sight of the homes that they had been taught to believe would be desecrated by the invaders, should they be successful, but with all their advantages the enemy had one drawback, and it paralyzed his efforts. The southerners were fighting against a government whose whole history had been fruitful of blessings. Men who affected to disbelieve that the infinite Ruler controls the destinies of nations are wont to say that the battle is always to the strong, while others have asserted that the Almighty is on the side that has the heaviest artillery. But when Burnside's handful of men, after the conflict, surveyed the strength of the fortifications which they entered through a fiery tempest, they reverently exclaimed "God must be with us !" They were amazed at the success which had crowned their efforts, and when they counted the cannon that had frowned at them, and remembered these trophies had been captured with their trusty rifles alone, they distinctively recognized their dependence on Him who guides alike the sparrow's flight and the progress of a disciplined army.
It was nearly noon when the men of the Ninth, who had been provided with sixty rounds of ammunition, commenced to slacken their fire, owing to a scarcity of cartridges. General Reno, passing along in rear of the line about this time, and seeing this, told Colonel Heckman that he had better march his men back and get a new supply, and to enable him to do this said the Fifty-first Pennsylvania would take the place of the Ninth. But Colonel Heckman, determined to keep the honors he and his men had earned, begged that he might be permitted to assault the works in his front, and after a momentary inspec- tion of the enemy's position he allowed him to do so. In another moment Colonel Heckman's clarion voice rang over that portion of the battle-field loud enough to be heard by every
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Jerseyman engaged : "Charge, Ninth, charge!" and before the echo had died away, the Ninth, determined not to be out- stripped by any other command, dashed eagerly forward, some leaping from tree to tree through the abattis, while others waded through a swamp, and others springing over pitfalls, swept irresistibly up to the earthworks on a commanding hill, climbed their blood-stained, slippery sides and jumped within the fortifications, just as the Twenty-sixth North Carolina regiment, under Colonel Zebulon B. Vance, which had valiantly defended them, retreated. The Ninth captured three redans, six pieces of artillery, one stand of colors (belonging to the Beaufort plow-boys), some prisoners and a number of horses belonging to the batteries and the staff.
The Fifty-first New York and the Twenty-first Massachusetts, hearing the joyous shouts of the Jerseymen, and seeing them making their way through the abattis, hastened to join in the movement, when the Confederates near the railroad and brick- kiln, finding themselves deserted by the Twenty-sixth North Carolina, now running furiously towards Newbern, broke in dismay and rushed to the rear to bear their brethren company.
It was a wild scene when Colonel Heckman, older than most of his men, and consequently a little stiff in his joints, without his sword-scabbard, which had been carried from his side by a shot, clambered over into the center battery, where the gallant Sergeant Myers stood proudly and firmly grasping the beautiful but tattered flag of the regiment. Cheers, almost sufficient to arouse the spirits of the dead lying stretched about in gory mantles, were given again and again for our intrepid leader, who modestly acknowledged the compliment. Had he been a republican in politics, it is probable that the brilliant services rendered by him on that day would have secured him a brigadier- general's commission, but his shoulders were not graced with the silver star until the December following, when he led the Ninth regiment victoriously through four hard-fought battles, giving the command a fame that will endure for ages.
Many men in the Ninth distinguished themselves during the battle fought for the possession of Newbern, and a hundred interesting instances could be narrated of individual heroism.
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OUR FIRST CAPTURE.
Shortly after the Ninth swung into line by company, Captain James Stewart, Jr., (subsequently brigadier-general,) whose company-"H"-was near the extreme left, ordered a squad of his men to pick off Confederates who were working a field- piece, but they did not fire well enough to suit him. Picking up a rifle beside one of his dead, and watching his oppor- tunity, he sent the Confederate cannoneer to render his final account-the bullet having passed through the head. On entering the works some time afterwards, Captain Stewart was surprised to recognize the body as that of Captain William C. Martin, whom he had formerly known in Washington, New Jersey.
The flag captured in the left battery by Company B, was quite handsome-its dimensions being three feet by six feet. It was emblazoned with thirteen stars, and bore the inscription- "Beaufort Plowboys, presented by the ladies of Beaufort." How fleeting are earth's treasures ! Its glories, how evanes- cent! The banner the Plowboys had a few days previous received at the hands of fair ladies, and which they had defiantly flaunted at us during the entire forenoon, had been snatched from their grasp by the rude hands of a Jerseyman. The stars that were radiant when Beaufort's maidens embroid- ered its azure field had become dim by the stains of battle. The once white and red cross, typical of purity and faith, had been torn by Jerseymen's bullets it had invited. The flag was subsequently sent to the governor of New Jersey, who thanked the regiment for it.
Private William J. Doran of Company K, in his account of the battle, published in the Elizabeth Journal, says: "Our spunky little sergeant, J. Madison Drake, who was the first to enter one of the batteries, succeeded in capturing a valuable horse, which I believe he intends to send to his home in Trenton." In ISS7. while on a visit to ex-Confederate friends near Lenoir, North Carolina, the writer ascertained that the animal captured by him had belonged to Major A. B. Carmichael of the Twenty-sixth North Carolina regiment, who was shot through the head while the Ninth was charging upon the position he so gallantly defended.
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At one time during the battle, which raged for five hours, the men in the left wing of the Ninth were ordered to "cease firing and lie down," hoping thus to encourage the Confed- erates to charge our line. Finding the ruse did not work, the command "commence firing" was given, and the deadly work renewed. Captain Curlis of Company F, noticing that one of his men-William Suydam-had not risen, walked over to where he lay, expecting to find him injured or dead, but saw that he was sound asleep. Suydam. died in May, 1864, of wounds received at Drewry's Bluff, Virginia.
The losses of the Ninth in this battle were : One officer and four enlisted men killed. Four officers and fifty-nine enlisted men were wounded, a number of them mortally. Total, sixty- eight-one-sixth the entire Union loss. But one regiment lost a larger number-the Fifty-first New York, which joined the Ninth, losing seventy-one. This is to be accounted for from the fact that these two regiments occupied an exposed position, and had for their opponents the Twenty-sixth North Carolina, a very strong regiment, composed of mountaineers from Cald- well county, skillfully commanded.
After we had taken possession of the works, details were sent out to bury the dead, while the little army reformed and marched hastily up the railroad and county road in the direction taken by the fleeing Confederates. Ahead of us we saw a dense, black smoke, but it was not until we neared the great bridge across the Trent river, over which the enemy had precipitately fled into the city, that we became cognizant of what had caused the conflagration. The bridge was nearly consumed, and on the opposite side we saw turpentine and tar works blazing furiously. Our gun-boats having arrived, the First brigade embarked, and before sundown had crossed the river and peaceably occupied the city-the Ninth and the remainder of General Reno's brigade going into camp on the right bank of the river.
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OFFICIAL REPORTS.
Reports of Lieutenant- Colonel Charles A. Heckman.
HEADQUARTERS NINTH REGIMENT, NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP RENO, March 15, 1862.
SIR-I have the honor to report the position and part taken by the Ninth New Jersey Volunteers in the action near Newbern, on the fourteenth instant.
At seven A. M. I received orders from you to form line on the left of the Fifty-first New York Volunteers, and follow them at the railroad track toward Newbern. Having arrived within about a mile of the enemy's works, we were ordered to file to the left into the timber and approach them under cover, and by the right flank we proceeded, until within eight hundred yards of their batteries, when on order I formed the regiment into line, but not being able, as I believed, to see the whole of the Fifty-first New York Volunteers, and knowing them to be in the advance, I threw two companies from right to rear in order to avoid firing into their ranks; with the four remaining companies of the right wing I advanced to within about five hundred yards, and opened a brisk fire on the redan immediately in front, and on another obliquely to the right, adjoining the railroad track. On discovering a third redan obliquely to the left, supported by rifle pits on its right flank, I threw the left to the rear, the right of that wing resting on the colors, to avoid a flank attack. 1 then ordered the advance and to take ground to the left, and on gaining sufficient ground brought the two right companies into line. The whole line advanced, firing until within about two hundred yards of the works, pouring a rapid fire into the enemy, the extreme left gaining ground until upon a direct line. Having been firing a long time (about three hours), I examined several boxes and found the ammunition was getting low. I sent a lieutenant, informing you of the fact, and received an order to charge. We charged, and under difficulties (without receiving a shot) planted our colors on two redans, capturing two officers and several privates, and a rebel flag with this inscription, " Beaufort Plow Boys." It is in a good state of preservation, and will be kept by the Ninth, if agreeable to you.
All of the officers and men having performed their duty, it is hard for me to particularize. I regret the necessity to add that Lieutenant William Z. Walker of Company A, was killed while faithfully dis- charging his duties as an officer, and also the loss of the services, which I hope is only for a time, of Captains Middleton, McChesney and Hufty, who were wounded while gallantly cheering their men on to victory.
In addition to the above I report the loss of three privates killed and fifty-five wounded, making in all four killed in action and fifty-eight wounded-an aggregate of sixty-two.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. A. HECKMAN,
Lieutenant-Colonel commanding Ninth New Jersey Volunteers. Brigadier-General JESSE L. RENO,
Commanding Second Brigade, Department of North Carolina.
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NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS. Colonel Heckman's Report to Governor Olden.
HEADQUARTERS NINTH REGIMENT NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP RENO, N. C., March 15th, 1862.
SIR-I have the honor to submit to your notice the part taken by the Ninth regiment of New Jersey volunteers in yesterday's combined attack on Newbern, by land and water, which after a spirited contest of several hours, resulted in a glorious victory for the Burnside expe- dition. On the eleventh instant, having a few days previously embarked on vessels in waiting, our fleet of transports, with the gun-boats in advance, set sail from Roanoke Island, and slowly moved in the direc- tion of Newbern. On the morning of the following day, having ascended the Neuse river some twenty miles, we cast 'anchor at the mouth of Slocum's creek, eighteen miles from the objective point, to wait for daylight. About seven A. M. the troops were landed, the gun-boats moving up the river, shelling the woods in advance of the army. The command formed on the beach, and took up the line of march, dis- persing a company of rebel cavalry near the landing. The promise of a bright day which the morning wore, suddenly vanished, and leaden clouds soon discharged their contents in torrents, drenching our little army, whichi steadily marched on through it. About noon our skirin- ishers reported that a short distance ahead there was a formidable earthwork erected directly across our route. On reconnoitering it was found to be without defenders : we marched through it, and came to the railroad leading to the city. Here our forces divided into two columns, the first and third brigades keeping in the county road, and the second brigade (Reno's) following the railroad. After two hours' marching the railroad and highway again crossed each other, and the columns met, and after a short halt resumed their respective routes. Although foot- sore and weary, our gallant brigade moved cheerfully forward. Night came on, yet it carefully moved along in the darkness till eight o'clock, when it bivouacked on the soaked railroad embankment. The long night passed quietly, and at daylight the men stood to their arms, drew the loads from their rifles and reloaded. About seven o'clock sharp firing ahead told that the skirmishers' had encountered the enemy. Reno's brigade, after marching about two miles, left the rail- road by file to the left, entering the timber, and soon, on right by file into line, formed our line of battle, the Fifty-first Penn- sylvania, Colonel Hartranft, being held in the rear of and as a support to the Ninth New Jersey, which was given the extreme left of the Union battle line. 'The railroad, highway and the river Neuse at this point ran nearly parallel to each other, about equal distances apart. The river bank was lined for a long distance towards Newbern with batteries, which commanded both the river itself, and the roads leading to the city. From the first of these a line of rifle pits extended across the county road to the railroad. At this point commenced a series of redoubts and ritle pits, ending in an almost impenetrable swamp, making an entrenched line about three miles long. The firing
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BRIG. GEN. JAMES STEWART, JR.
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"MY KINGDOM FOR A HORSE."
commenced on the right of our line. At nine o'clock Reno's brigade advanced to within two hundred yards of the enemy's works, and opened a brisk fire with telling effect, the enemy meanwhile vigorously replying, having the guns from three earth works bearing on our position. Discovering a movement on my left flank, our left wing was reversed in time to repel this attack of the enemy, whereupon Colonel Hartranft placed his regiment on the prolongation of this line. The Ninth then resumed the direct attack, and soon silenced the rebel artillery, our sharp-shooters picking off their gunners with fatal accuracy of aim. Their infantry, however, redoubled their exertion and fought more vig- orously than before. They were concealed behind their works so that nothing but their heads was visible, while our troops stood exposed to their long line of fire. Several gallant charges were made by a portion of Reno's brigade on the right, but all were repulsed with considerable loss. One of these charges, and the most gallant of them all, was made by the Twenty-first Massachusetts, which succeeded in entering the redoubt on the north side of the railroad, but were driven out at the point of the bayonet by superior numbers. The ammunition of the Ninth being reduced to ten rounds, I prevailed with General Reno to let the Ninth charge; and that charge settled the contest. Dashing eagerly forward, down into the ravine, across its miry bottom, through the stubborn abattis, the intrepid assailants swept up to the earth- works, climbed their slippery sides, and captured the whole of the works south of the railroad, with six guns (light battery), one stand of colors, many prisoners, and field, staff and artillery horses, (one of the former, a noble charger, captured by Sergeant J. Madison Drake, and presented to me by him, carried me to Camp Reno). Almost simultaneously the flags of the Ninth waved from two of the redans, while the right guidon floated from the third, which but a moment before was in possession of the enemy. When the brigades on the right heard the cheers of the Ninth, they dashed from the woods that covered them, and charged to the very muzzles of the Confederate guns. But our success on the left had spread a panic on every side, and the enemy broke and fled without attempting to carry off then artillery. The victory was complete, and shout after shout went up as the Union colors were planted on the ramparts, from the swamp on the left to the river on our right. Having gained possession of the enemy's main line of defence, General Burnside's attention was turned to the river batteries in the rear, which he found evacuated, and thus both the land and water approaches to the city open to our entree. The enemy, in their flight, burned the bridges behind them, and set fire to the city as they passed through it; but the citizens rallying, extinguished the flames of the latter. Soon after, our gunboats moved up to the wharves, they having silenced several shore batteries, and forced their way through the formidable obstructions in the river. Newbern was nearly deserted, and but little of that Union feeling said to exist south was found. The slaves alone seemed rejoiced at our coming, and looked upon our victorious banners as signs of their approaching
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millennium. In the evening the First brigade was ferried across the river to occupy the city. The Ninth went into camp at the junction of the Neuse and Trent rivers, opposite Newbern, some two miles in rear of the captured works. Our loss is four killed and fifty-eight wounded, one-sixth of the entire Union loss. Among the killed was Lieutenant William Z. Walker of Company A. He was a gallant soldier, and thoroughly self-possessed in action. He gave his life for his country. Of the wounded who displayed rare heroism, are Privates Luke Davidson, and Thomas Delaney, of Company K. These brave men, although badly wounded, begged that they be allowed to remain with their company until the action was over.
Again the Ninth, by its cool, substantial and effective bravery, has sustained the honor of its state with characteristic gallantry.
The trophies in this battle are sixty-nine pieces of artillery, captured in the various works, besides a large quantity of small arms and many prisoners.
I have the honor to be, governor, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. A. HECKMAN,
Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding.
To CHARLES S. OLDEN, Governor of New Jersey.
March 15 .- Although without camp and garrison equipage we manage to make ourselves comfortable. The camp is eligibly located on a bit of rising ground, with broad, cleared fields reaching back nearly to the battle-field, two miles away.
March 16 .- Received our tents and luggage to-day, which enabled the men to improve their condition and change their clothing, something they had been much in want of.
Dr. Addison W. Woodhull, late assistant-surgeon of the Fifth New Jersey volunteers, promoted surgeon of the Ninth, arrived in camp to-day, and was heartily welcomed. He came to us highly recommended, and the confidence reposed in him at the start was fully justified throughout the war.
For the first time the writer with several friends visited Newbern to-day. It was not the kind of a place I had expected to see. A New England town on a fast day, I imagined, would be a cheerful place in comparison, and as I rambled along the sand-covered streets I was forcibly reminded of Mrs. Hemans' poem, "The Silent Multitude," descriptive of a city of the dead, where
" None spoke-none moved-none smiled."
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LIVING ON THE FAT OF THE LAND.
To me it seemed as though every one had gone to a funeral, or was arranging for one. The windows of the houses were darkened, and it appeared as if the destroying angel was hov- ering over the place. Very few white people were visible-a man here and there with downcast look, loitering about with his hands in his pockets, and who ever saw a North Carolinian otherwise? The few women whom we met waved no handker- chiefs as we passed along. I have seen far happier faces elsewhere.
March 17 .- The camp, named in honor of our brigade com- mander, has been put in tip-top order, and compares favorably with any previously occupied by us. Fishermen and other natives, who had recovered from their fright of battle, visit camp daily to dispose of their products, for which they find a ready and profitable sale. Shad caught within sight of our camp sell at twenty cents, and fresh herring at two cents each. Eggs obtained twenty-five cents per dozen, while sweet potatoes bring seventy-five cents and one dollar per bushel. The Ninth drill daily - the men needing and appreciating the healthful exercise. Companies from the Ninth take turns in doing piquet duty a little distance beyond the battle-ground, each remaining two days. As raids from Confederate horse- men were apprehended, and as the allegiance of all the farmers in this section cannot be depended upon, the guards are attentive to duty, maintaining extreme vigilance.
March 22 .- Companies E and I marched off this morning, convoying a wagon-train, which is expected to return with forage. After a tramp of six miles the column struck a camp recently occupied by the Confederates, near which a large quantity of corn, etc., and a number of swine were discovered. With heavily laden wagons the column returned to camp before sunset, to the joy of the men, who needed something besides the salt "hoss" on which they had been feeding since leaving Washington. " You have done so well," said Colonel Heckman to Captain Hufty, " that we shall have to let you try it again when fresh meat is required." Colonel Heckman was one of those soldiers who believed in supplying the wants of the army from the country through which it passed.
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March 27 .- To-day, for the first time in three months, we. received fresh bread, baked very nicely at Newbern. We very cheerfully laid aside the "hard-tack" which our excellent quartermaster-"Sam " Keys-had issued us the previous day. It was a long time after this before we had again to subsist upon five-year old crackers, except when on a march.
March 28 .- Generals Burnside and Reno, with their staffs, visited our camp this forenoon and witnessed a drill of the regiment, after which they were hospitably entertained by Colonel Heckman, to whom they expressed their admiration of his skill in handling the command.
March 29 .- Major Wilson having been promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy, Adjutant Zabriskie to the majority, and everything being quiet, Colonel Heckman left the department on a twelve-day's leave of absence. As there was no drill to-day the men employed the time in washing their clothing, the river bank being lined with extemporized wash- tubs, etc.
Who shall describe, with "thoughts that breathe and words that burn," in language that shall compress a volume into a sentence, a sentence into a word, the agony of mind and body which is the hourly boon of the hundreds in our hospitals ? Aged men and tender boys suffer alike. There is no distinction in battle. One youth, the very picture of manhood's budding beauty, has lost a leg, and limps along upon a crutch. Another, with bandaged breast and brow, remembers the fatal bravery which inspired him on the battle-field, and weeps involuntarily as he never wept before at the sweet thought of home and mother. The writer, in passing through the hospital after the battle of Newbern, witnessed a touching incident-one that drew tears to his eyes and thrilled his form with a pang. Several charitable ladies were passing along a ward, dispensing ice cream to the invalids. At the farther end lay a boy, his face pale, his eyelids drooping. "The poor little fellow is asleep ; we must not disturb him," said one of the ladies.
"No, ma'am, I'm not asleep," he softly answered.
"My little fellow," continued the lady, " are you fond of ice cream ? "
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NEW PASTURE.
"Very much so," he replied with a silvery voice, as his face brightened up.
" Well, help yourself to this," saying which the visitor placed the saucer and spoon on the table at his bedside.
The lad burst into tears, and the ladies became very much affected at his sobs.
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