Campaign of the Fourteenth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers Part 1

Campaign of the Fourteenth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers.

by J. Newton Terrill.

War, with all its horrors, has dawned upon us. Thousands have answered the call and rushed to arms. The Farmer leaves his plough, the Merchant his store, and all join in one compact body to avenge the insult perpetrated upon our FLAG.

It is not a Foreign foe; but a war upon our soil--a civil war. Our forces have been defeated and driven back; the rebel capital, almost within our grasp, has been wrested from us, and the enemy, flushed with victory, are marching with countless hordes upon our almost defenceless Capitol. The disastrous defeat of McClellan from before Richmond has awakened a feeling among the Northern people that something more active must be done, that we are dealing with a wily foe prepared for war and bent upon the destruction of our once happy and prosperous Union.

Congress having met, it was decided to call for more troops to a.s.sist in putting down this wicked rebellion, our army having been fearfully decreased by sickness and by battles; the swamps of Virginia and the broiling sun of a Southern clime have sent numbers to their graves. Our army must be re-organized, and that speedily; fresh troops must fill the ranks of those that are no more. A call for Six Hundred Thousand troops was made; it resounded throughout the North, and soon our decimated ranks were refilled by men who but shortly before were engaged in the peaceful pursuits of life, who are now stern warriors, armed and equipped for the fearful struggle awaiting them. Under that call the 14th New Jersey Regiment was raised, a band of n.o.ble men from various portions of the State. On the 8th of July, 1862, the Regiment was formed on the Old Battle Ground of Freehold, Monmouth Co., New Jersey, William S. Truex appointed Commander. For nearly two months the officers were busily engaged in preparing the men for the future; companies were organized, armed and equipped. Men enlisting daily, not for bounties, but for patriotism; and soon the regiment was ready for its departure for the seat of war. Tents were placed on a line, each company by itself. The men seemed to know the work before them, and with stern resolution, resolved to do their duty to the last. A police system was organized, and the camp soon presented a healthy appearance. The men who but a few days before were in their quiet homes by the family fireside talking of war, were no longer there; their places were vacant and they in camps anxiously awaiting orders to move. Soldiering then was new, the men were no longer free.

On the 26th of August, the Regiment was mustered in the United States service for three years, unless sooner discharged, (or as the men remarked, three years unless sooner shot). Soldiering now commenced in earnest. At first the men unused to discipline were not disposed to obey the rules, but they were soon made to know that they were soldiers, and that Military rules must be obeyed or they be punished. A guard house was built for the purpose of confining those that were disobedient, but it was seldom used, only in case of drunkenness, when the offender was placed in confinement until he became sober. A guard was placed around the camp, each relief posted every two hours, and each man having a certain place to walk until he was relieved by the Corporal or Sergeant of the guard. At night the officer in charge of the guard visited each post to see that every sentinel was doing his duty; it was called the grand rounds. Midnight was the hour chosen. The men were furnished with Sibly tents and a tick filled with straw to sleep on, each tent holding sixteen men; six tents to a company and ten companies in the Regiment. A full company was composed of 87 Privates, 5 Sergeants, and 8 Corporals, with 3 Commissioned Officers, in all 103 men. The companies arranged in alphabetical order. Drills, reviews, inspections and dress parades were the order of the day. The camp was daily thronged with visitors, mostly friends of the soldiers. A cook and cook-house were furnished, each company marched down in single file to their meals. The rations furnished the men were beef, pork, bread, beans, sugar and coffee. The men were now fairly established in camp, and began to wonder when the regiment would move to the front. Furloughs were granted the men, five from each company, as all could not be furnished at once. Several broke guard and escaped, taking French leave, returning before the regiment left for the front. Various rumors were now in circulation, but none of them were reliable. Some of them were that we were going to North Carolina and to Texas, and others that the regiment was to join the Potomac Army, but none knew the destination of the regiment, as there were yet no orders from Washington to move. On the 31st of August the regiment numbered over 950 men; they were ordered to form in line and march to Freehold, 2 miles from camp. It was a splendid sight. The men were in the best of spirits, and with their new uniforms and burnished guns presented a fine appearance. After marching around the princ.i.p.al streets, the men returned to camp in _Dirt Cars_, a great many receiving pa.s.ses to go home while in camp. The nine months' men were rapidly forming the 28th New Jersey, near the camp of the Fourteenth.

After the men of the 14th were fast for three years, they envied them, and wished they had gone for nine months; but it was now too late, and they must remain three long weary years, unless the war should sooner end.

On Monday, September 1st, orders were given the men to be ready to leave at daylight the next morning, with three days rations for Washington. At night the guards were ordered to load their muskets and fire upon any one attempting to leave camp. The night was dark and rainy and the camp flooded with water. The next morning three days' rations were furnished the men, of hard tack and dry smoked beef. Tents were taken down and packed up; the men were placed in old baggage cars (a pa.s.senger car reserved for the officers,) and bade good bye to the old camp. As the train left, it was thought by the men how many of them would return.

Friends were there to see them leave, the last good bye was said, and the cars moved slowly off. Soon the camping ground was left far behind.

Arriving at Philadelphia the men were kindly received by the citizens, and a good supper given them by the ladies of the Volunteer Refreshment Saloon. This building is situated near the wharf, and thousands of soldiers have been furnished with meals, being tired after a weary ride, cooped up in tight cars. It was very refreshing. Three rousing cheers were given for the ladies of Philadelphia for their kindness. The regiment formed in line and marched to the Baltimore depot. The streets were thronged with citizens, welcoming us and bidding us G.o.d speed.

Again the men were furnished with baggage cars and started for Baltimore, arriving there at noon; the next day marching through the city in the hot sun, with heavy knapsacks, to the Washington depot, and lying on the sidewalk in the afternoon. While there the depot was set on fire and burned down, supposed to be the work of an incendiary.

Several cars were consumed, and thousands of dollars lost. Several regiments were there awaiting transportation. This time the men were more fortunate and succeeded in getting pa.s.senger cars, and supposed they were going to Washington; leaving Baltimore at 11 P. M., riding all night, arriving at Frederick Junction, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, 58 miles from Baltimore, for the purpose of guarding Monocacy Bridge, a splendid iron structure across Monocacy River. A field was picked out and tents were placed on a line as before; the men were furnished with ten rounds of ammunition.

At night companies H and K were detailed for Picket. At midnight the Colonel received a dispatch that the rebels under Stonewall Jackson were invading the North in force and were now in Maryland, having crossed at Edwards' Ferry. The regiment was drawn up in line of battle on the Turnpike, remaining until morning. All was excitement, as the men were new troops and unused to such scenes. Signal lights were displayed, and the distant report of a gun booming on the midnight air informed us that the enemy were near. The next morning orders were given to strike tents and fall back. As the Fourteenth was the only regiment stationed at that place, tents were soon down and placed on baggage cars; the Colonel seized a coal train that was lying near and the men were soon on board.

The engineer being a rebel, and in favor of the South, was in no hurry to start. The Colonel, becoming impatient, drew his revolver and threatened to shoot him if he did not move. At five o'clock everything was in readiness; muskets were fired in the air to prevent accident, as the men were green troops and did not know how to use them. The train moved off towards Baltimore, riding in those old coal cars, 40 miles to Elysville. About one hour after leaving Monocacy the advance guard of the rebels made their appearance. Had we remained longer our capture would have been certain, as there were no other troops near, and the whole rebel army in our front. The citizens of Elysville were very kind, giving the men plenty to eat. At 10 o'clock the regiment marched up a hill about one mile, encamping in an orchard, remaining ten days; doing guard duty, picket and drilling, expecting daily orders to move. One of our men returned to us, having been taken prisoner and paroled by the rebels. They had burned the bridge at Monocacy, laid waste the country, and were advancing northward, closely followed by the Potomac Army under McClellan, overtaking them at ANTIETAM and SOUTH MOUNTAIN, a terrible battle was fought, resulting in the utter discomfiture of the rebels and sending them back across the Potomac completely routed.

Maryland Heights was taken by them in their retreat, with 11,000 prisoners and 60 guns. Colonel Miles being in command, and a traitor at heart, surrendered without firing a gun; he was killed in the attempt, report says by his own son. Had he defended the place a few hours it would not have been taken, as the Potomac Army was marching on rapidly in pursuit. The men were paroled on the spot, the guns spiked, and the rebels retreated in haste back into Virginia, our army encamping near Harper's Ferry. While at Elysville one hundred men from the regiment went to Monocacy to guard a provision train, commanded by Lt. Kerner, remaining there two days. Scouting parties were sent out daily, houses were searched and concealed weapons found hidden in holes, garrets and cellars. The majority of the people were secesh and refused to give any information. The regiment was encamped on a farm belonging to an officer in the rebel army. Elysville is a small village on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, 21 miles from Baltimore. It is quite a flourishing place.

On the 16th of September, orders came for the regiment to proceed to Monocacy and rebuild the bridge destroyed by the rebels. Again the men were placed in baggage cars, a dismal rainy day, riding all night, arriving at the Junction the next day. Everything looked desolate. The bridge destroyed, remnants of wagons, dead horses and mules lying around. A portion of the Potomac army was there awaiting supplies. It was raining hard and very muddy. Tents were pitched in a plowed field in regular order, guards were stationed around camp and no one allowed to leave. The rebels left a squad of men to destroy the bridge; in the attempt one man was blown up and buried near the ruins, leaving his arms and head above ground. This was the first rebel the men had ever seen, and for some time was an object of curiosity to us; he lay exposed several days; at last his remains were taken up and decently interred by our men. Parties were now set to work, the camp laid out in style, and a regular system of order prevailed. The bridge was soon rebuilt and guarded by our men. It was named Camp Hooker, in honor of Fighting Joe, as Hooker was called. The city of Frederick was three miles distant, the men receiving pa.s.ses daily to visit the place. The drills and inspections were very arduous; they were arranged systematically and in perfect order. The reveille was sounded at six A. M.; every man was then required to get up and answer to his name at roll call, proceed to the woods and carry a log for the cook house. The drum then beat for breakfast, each man taking his tin plate and cup to the cook; breakfast consisting of coffee, pork or beef, and dry bread. At 8 o'clock the guard was mounted for the day; the old guard relieved, would shoot at a mark to clean their guns and were excused from drill for the morning.

The camp guard was as follows: One Captain as officer of the day, one Lieutenant as officer of the guard, three Sergeants, three Corporals, and ninety men, remaining on 24 hours. The duty of the officer of the day was to see that the camp was kept clean and neat; that all offing and dirt should be removed; also to visit the guard house each day and once at midnight, and then visit each post, or as was called the grand rounds. The duty of the officer of the guard was to see that each sentinel was doing his duty, and to see that each officer was saluted properly. The guard was divided into three reliefs, thirty men to a relief; one sergeant and one corporal. The non-commissioned officers were to post each relief every two hours. In case of extreme cold weather, no sentinel was allowed to stand but one hour. At 9 o'clock the drums beat for squad drill, lasting two hours; this was very tiresome to the men; the same each day. At 12 the drum beat for dinner; at 2 battalion drill until 4; at 5 dress parade, or inspection; supper at six; roll call at 9; taps at 9.15. Each man was then required to put the light out of his tent and retire. No loud talking or laughing was then allowed. Military rules were very strict and must be obeyed. Each day's duties were alike. Sat.u.r.day afternoon was allowed the men to wash, and amuse themselves as they pleased.

At Monocacy the regiment lay nine months. Those months pa.s.sed pleasantly, and will ever be remembered as the best part of our three years' soldiering. Many times, after a hard day's march or fight, the men were heard to say, "If I was only at Monocacy, I would be contented." The first few months nearly all the men were sick. The Doctor's call was in the morning. At one time more than two-thirds of the men were unfit for duty, a great many dying for the want of proper care. The hospital was full, men lay in their tents unable to move. The Surgeons did all that men could do, but nothing could stay the hand of death. Sometimes as many as three lay dead at once. They were buried in the Cemetery near Frederick City, with the honors of war. As each day pa.s.sed, some poor fellow was carried to his grave; the dead march played, and all that remained of our comrade was consigned to the grave.

During that nine months seventy-five were buried, dying since their enlistment. The men were not paid for six months, the rations were poor, many became disheartened and desertions were frequent.

On the 19th of September, one thousand rebels captured at the battle of Antietam were brought in camp, for the regiment to guard. They were of Longstreet's and Hill's divisions, and were a sorry looking set, a specimen of the genuine rebel. Some were without hats and coats, while others were shoeless and covered with filth and vermin. Several were very intelligent, but the majority were ignorant, using expressions that were very amusing to us, such as "down yere," "right smart I reckon,"

"youns come to fight weens," etc. Officers could not be distinguished from privates, as all were dressed alike in grey. They were kept under guard two days, and then forwarded to Fort Delaware under a strong escort commanded by Lieut. Kerner of Co. A.

Days, weeks, and even months pa.s.sed, and still the regiment lay inactive. Battles were fought and victories won, but war to us was yet a stranger. As we glanced at the past, the future arose before us with its dangers and hardships. How soon would we be called to follow those who had gone before us and were now at the front; sooner or later. The men were willing and anxious to obey that call, and with their comrades in arms lay down their lives if necessary, in defense of those glorious stars and stripes, that had been trampled in the dust by men that were once our brothers but now foes, worse than demons, men that looked upon the laboring man as a being to detest, and were unworthy of notice.

Southern aristocracy in their eyes must rule, or the Union must be dissolved. The men soon became efficient in drilling, and on dress parade presented a fine appearance. Every musket was required to be clean and in perfect order. Sunday morning was knapsack inspection, a very tedious affair. Every man was required to be in line with knapsack, haversack, canteen, musket and equipments with white gloves, boots blacked and hair combed neatly. On Sunday morning, October 12th, the regiment being out on inspection, were suddenly ordered to load their pieces and form in line of battle. It was soon done, the men marching out of camp at a double quick, accompanied by two pieces of artillery from Battery L, Fifth U.S. Artillery that were lying at Monocacy bridge.

Stuart with his rebel cavalry had crossed the Potomac at night and then were but a short distance off. The regiment marched six miles to Urbanna, but did not succeed in overtaking them, being mounted they soon recrossed the river, having stolen some two hundred horses. Our men returned disappointed. We were then very brave, having never yet seen an armed rebel. This was our first expedition, and was the subject of comment for some time. A sufficient force was left to guard the camp.

The men were all anxious to go and did not like being left behind, as they were anxious to partic.i.p.ate in an engagement if necessary.

Winter with its cold storms was fast approaching; the tents were insufficient to protect the men from the cold. Trees were cut down and stockades made, the tents floored and raised from the ground, and on those stockades were very comfortable. The members of each tent clubbed together and purchased a stove; the stockades were mudded up and the tents were then as warm as any building. The long winter evenings were spent in reading, writing, singing, dancing and various other amus.e.m.e.nts. Log houses were built for cook houses, stables for the horses and a guard house for each day's relief, and for the confinement of those that failed to do their duty and obey the rules. Nothing important occurred to disturb the dull monotony of camp life. Days pa.s.sed like a dream. The same routine of duty each day, such as drills, inspections, reviews, etc. Christmas and New Years were very dull, and pa.s.sed off very quietly in camp. The most of the boys received boxes from home and enjoyed a good dinner. Other poor fellows having no homes or friends, were compelled to do without and eat hard tack and salt pork. The boxes of hard tack sent us were marked Harrison's Landing, having been with McClellan on the Peninsula campaign. Some of them were mouldy and filled with worms, and marked 312 B. C., which was interpreted by some of the boys 312 years before Christ; rather poor food for men that were but a few miles from the National Capitol, guarding a railroad carrying millions of supplies annually.

On the night of January 6th, 1863, Co's E and K were ordered to be ready to move in the morning, and be stationed along the railroad as guards.

The morning came clear and cold; every thing was packed and the men placed with their baggage on open cars. Co. E was stationed at Monrovia, seven miles distant from camp, and Co. K at Mount Airy, fourteen miles from camp, quartered in a church. The men soon became acquainted and made themselves at home. The church was situated on the main road half a mile from Mount Airy, and half a mile from Ridgeville on the Baltimore pike. Pickets and guards were stationed, although there was no enemy near. Co. E at Monrovia were placed in their tents and were compelled to lie on the ground. They were encamped near the railroad.

One of their number while there was run over and killed by the cars.

Eight companies remained at Monocacy. Col. Truex was appointed acting Brigadier General with headquarters at Frederick City; Major Vredenberg, Provost Marshal. The 3d Delaware regiment and Purnell Legion were at Frederick, and were temporarily brigaded with the 14th New Jersey, all under command of Col. Truex. The regiment had now been out over five months, and had yet received no pay. The men were anxious to receive their money, as several had large families at home depending upon them for support. At last the paymaster arrived. He was hailed with joy, as money was scarce. Five months' pay was due the men, but two months of it only were paid. The men were very much dissatisfied, but the promise of speedy payment soon quieted them. Two weeks later the men were paid again, the government keeping back one month's pay. As a general thing this was always done, very often the men receiving but two months' pay when three or four were due them.

The Winter pa.s.sed with scarcely any snow, but rain fell in abundance.

Spring opened in all its glory. The Potomac army lay inactive in their comfortable quarters near Falmouth. The roads were in such a condition that an army could not move. Early in the spring six companies were detached from the regiment and sent to Martinsburg, for the purpose of re-enforcing Milroy, the enemy threatening an attack. Arriving at Harper's Ferry, encamped on Maryland Heights three days. Arriving at Martinsburg, two companies were stationed in a church, the others encamping near the town. Co's B and G were left at Monocacy. The companies remained at Martinsburg six weeks and then returned to camp, as the threatened attack proved to be an alarm, the rebels reconnoitering and then retiring. The men now began to get tired of Monocacy, having lain there 9 months. A flag was presented to the regiment by Gov. Parker. The men were drawn up in line with white gloves, a band was hired for the occasion, and the flag was presented by the Governor in person. Although the men were denied the luxuries of life, they were far better off than the boys of the Potomac army with good tents and pretty good food. The men were very well contented.

Numbers were anxious to move. Take us to the front was the general cry. Soon the order came, pack up, boys, and prepare to move. The men obeyed with alacrity, as all were glad to go, lying in camp so long. A number of articles had acc.u.mulated that were of no use to us and were left behind. The ground was as smooth and as even as a board floor, the men drilling on it so often it became hard. When we entered it it was mud knee deep. The men working with a will soon had their tents in line and arranged in perfect order. To be ready to move without delay was the order. Tents were struck and the regiment proceeded to the Relay House on baggage cars. Co.'s E and K were ordered to be in readiness, and were taken on board. Monocacy to us was a home, and with a sigh of regret we left, although anxious to move. Arriving at the Relay House at five o'clock, encamped in a field near the depot, the men lying out in the dew. The next morning tents were pitched. Just as they were ready, orders came for the men to send all surplus baggage home, as the regiment was ordered to the front to join the Potomac Army. The rebel army under Lee had again attempted the invasion of the North, and re-enforcements were hurriedly sent on. Everything was left behind. The men were now in light marching order, and were again placed on baggage cars for Harper's Ferry, eighty-one miles from Baltimore. Co. E was left at Monocacy to guard the bridge, stationed in block houses built by our regiment. Arriving at Maryland Heights, the regiment marched up the ascent in dust and sun. It was exceedingly warm, and the march very tiresome. The Heights are ascended by a circuitous route that winds around the mountain. The sun being very hot, and the roads very dusty, it was very hard for the men, and they soon became tired with heavy knapsacks, muskets and equipments. Arriving at the top, the regiment encamped near the 6th New York Heavy Artillery regiment that had lain there some six months. Their camp was in a splendid condition, clean and neat, the men being more like regulars than volunteers, wearing new clothes and white gloves. While on duty the men were compelled to lie out, having been furnished with no tents or blankets, nor did the men get any until the summer campaign was nearly over. The troops on the Heights numbered some 7,000 men, under command of Gen. Tyler.

The enemy were now across the Potomac in force, moving northward for Pennsylvania, under command of their best and ablest leader, General Lee, marching the same road they did the previous year, when under command of their wily and strategic leader, Stonewall Jackson, now no more. Lee, his superior in every respect, was now in full command of all the armies of the Confederate States, superintending the army of northern Virginia in person. Our army was commanded by Fighting Joe Hooker, Burnside's successor. Both armies were straining every nerve.

Defeat to us was death. Washington, at the mercy of the rebels, would soon fall, the independence of the South achieved, and Slavery, the curse of our nation, would rule supreme. But G.o.d, in his wise providence, saw fit to rule otherwise, and victory crowned our arms.

The regiment was encamped on the Heights thirteen days. General Tyler was relieved and General French succeeded him. He immediately set about preparing the Heights for immediate defence. Trenches were dug, rifle pits and cannon were placed in position. It was supposed the enemy, if defeated, would fall back on Harper's Ferry, and everything was prepared to give them a warm reception. During our sojourn on the Heights the rain fell incessantly day and night, wetting us to the skin. Officers and men, with spades and picks, were busily engaged in digging and erecting fortifications in mud knee deep. A strong picket force was thrown out on all roads every night, each regiment sending more than half of their men. The works were at last finished, and Maryland Heights were considered as impregnable--a second Gibraltar--its frowning batteries and immense fortifications, manned by one division, were sufficient to hold the whole rebel army in check. While there an alarm spread that the enemy were coming. The men had never smelt powder and were as new recruits. It was night and very dark. Soon some of the men, mistaking others for rebels, fired their pieces, supposing the enemy were near. Report after report followed in quick succession, the darkness of the night preventing the men from seeing anything. At last the firing ceased. The men awakened from their sleep were at first confused, but soon became aware that no enemy was near, and closed their eyes once more in sleep. Expecting an attack, and to prepare the men for any emergency, every regiment was required to be in line at three o'clock each morning, remaining until daylight. It was a very wise precaution, as it proved beneficial to the men afterward. Two pontoon bridges were laid across the Potomac to Virginia, one at Harper's Ferry, another some three miles further North. The 14th regiment was on picket at one, the 6th Md. at the other. Jno. Brown's cave being near, it was visited by the men. This cave is an opening on Bollivar Heights, some 300 feet deep, filled with holes, and very dark. Here John Brown, and some thirty desperadoes, were concealed for seven days, and were at last compelled to surrender to the armed forces of Virginia. His object to free the slaves of the South failed, and he, with his band of men, were finally executed. The cave now bears his name, and is often visited by persons anxious to see the cave of the renowned chieftain. The a.r.s.enal and all public buildings were in ruins, the walls still standing. They were destroyed at the commencement of the war by the Union forces, to prevent them from falling into the hands of the enemy. Day and night the men worked on the fortifications, strengthening them after they were done. Lee was still moving northward, followed closely by Hooker, with the Potomac Army. Arriving near Maryland Heights he visited Gen. French, and ordered the Heights evacuated and the troops to re-enforce the army, preparatory to a decisive battle. Gen. Halleck, then in command at Washington, ordered Gen. French to remain, and ordered Hooker to be relieved. Gen. Geo. B. Meade, commanding the Pennsylvania Reserves, was placed in command of the army. He immediately ordered the troops to evacuate the Heights and join the Potomac Army with all possible haste, as re-enforcements were greatly needed. The men had worked hard, and those immense fortifications were useless.

The division under command of Major-General French evacuated the Heights on Tuesday, June 30, destroying a vast amount of ammunition, grain, etc.

Eighty men from the 14th regiment, under command of Lieut. Bailey, were detailed to guard the pontoon bridge near John Brown's cave, until the Heights were evacuated. At four o'clock everything was ready, and the column started. Heavy guns were placed on ca.n.a.l boats for Washington; the sick were sent to convalescent camps, and everything that could not be taken was destroyed. Orders were read to the troops to prepare for an active campaign, and in light marching order; all baggage not really needed was sent to Washington, and the men were ready for a march.

Company E, stationed at Monocacy, twenty-five miles away, was ordered to join the regiment, marching in a heavy rain, remaining but one night on the heights. At 5 P. M. the troops started, the rain pouring in torrents, marching that afternoon seven miles with knapsacks, muskets, equipments and three days' rations, pa.s.sing Sandy Hook and Knoxville, small, dilapidated villages near the ferry. These places, since the war, were rapidly going to decay. Encamping in a field at night, lying on the wet ground till morning. We were on the Heights two weeks, the rain falling continually, the men constantly at work digging entrenchments and on picket, but one day being clear. As the men left they gave a sigh of relief, and hoped they would never see the place again. The rainy season had now commenced, and the roads were almost impa.s.sible, the mud in some places hub deep. It was with difficulty that the troops could march, some sinking up to their knees in the mud. But seven miles were made that day, and the troops, drenched with rain, cooked their scanty supper of hard tack and salt pork by camp fires. Rail fences were demolished and burned without regard to owners, and by the light of these camp fires, without tents or blankets, the men bivouacked for the night. This was the first march, and the men, exhausted, threw themselves upon the wet ground, and soon were buried in slumber. Pickets were stationed, and the dark, gloomy hours of the night pa.s.sed slowly along.

The morning of July 1st dawned clear and bright; the reveille was sounded, and the men awakened from their slumber to prepare for a weary march. Breakfast of hard tack, coffee and pork was eaten, and the troops, in solid columns to the number of 7,000, under command of Gen.

French, moved out on the road to Frederick City, pa.s.sing through Jefferson, a small village on the main road. The sun came out very warm.

The march was tiresome, as the men were not used to it. A great many threw away their knapsacks, the ground being covered with them. The farmers followed with their wagons, picking up everything that was thrown away. The men were glad to get rid of all unnecessary loads. The country along the route was splendid. The waving fields of grain, the crops of gra.s.s, reminded us of home. But war was desolating the land--cruel, unrelenting war! At four P. M. the column halted near Frederick City, having marched since morning eighteen miles. The roads were very bad, and the column was ordered to remain in camp one day. No pa.s.ses were allowed the men to visit Frederick City, and they lay quietly in camp on the wet ground, tired and weary, the weather intensely hot, the men bathing in Monocacy. A man from Co. H, named Anderson, ventured beyond his depth and was drowned, not being able to swim. Every effort was made to save him, but without avail. His body was recovered and buried in the cemetery near Frederick.

On Friday, July 3d, the troops were ordered to change camp near Monocacy bridge, marching three miles, awaiting orders, pa.s.sing through Frederick City, marching company front, the roads very muddy, encamping near Monocacy bridge, on the western side of the river. Remaining over night the men felt the need of blankets, but still none were furnished. It was raining and very disagreeable. It cleared off during the night. The fourth of July was very warm. At noon orders came for the troops to move to the support of the Potomac army, now engaged in a terrific struggle with Lee and the flower of the rebel army at Gettysburgh. Defeat to our forces was ruin; victory, everything. For four days the tide of battle ebbed and flowed. The night of the fourth found the enemy in full retreat, closely followed by our victorious Meade; a name hitherto known only to the army, but now will ever be remembered as one of our proudest leaders--Geo. W. Meade, the hero of Gettysburgh, and the commander of the Potomac army. It again commenced to rain, and the men were wet through. The guns of Gettysburgh were plainly heard. The men were not allowed any rest, but pa.s.sed on, hoping to arrive in time to take part in that ever memorable battle, and to relieve those men, who for four days had driven the enemy at all points with terrible slaughter.

Marching in the mud was slow, the artillery sinking deep in the mire.

The divisions now numbered some eight thousand men, having been re-enforced by troops lying in the vicinity of Frederick City, pa.s.sing through Middletown, a small village eight miles from Frederick City. At sunset the rain ceased for a short time, the sun setting in all its glory. The surrounding country was splendid. Our march was through a valley, the scenery being delightful. The column marched nineteen miles, halting at midnight at Boonsboro Gap; headquarters at the Summit House, eighteen miles from Hagerstown. The enemy were now in full retreat. This was the second time the Confederates had attempted the invasion of the North, and for the second time were defeated. Longstreet had several times hurled his dense columns upon our centre, trying in vain to break our lines, but each time was repulsed with terrible loss. A. P. Hill on the right and Ewell on the left, sought, if possible, a weak spot, to penetrate our lines, but firm as a rock the Union boys stood repulsing each charge, strewing the ground with rebel dead, and driving them back in confusion. Both armies were now in motion, each hoping by rapid marches to outwit the other; Lee trying to get across the Potomac, and Meade trying to intercept him. It was supposed that Lee would retreat by the way of Boonsboro Gap, and French's division was ordered to hold it, and keep the enemy in check, while the Potomac army moved, if possible, in their rear. A strong line of battle was formed, and heavy pickets thrown out. No fires were allowed. As each regiment came up they were formed in line, stacked arms and lay on the wet ground until morning.

The night was very cold, and the men suffered very much with nothing but the ground to lie on, with a knapsack for a pillow and the canopy of heaven for a covering.

The division was composed of three Brigades; the first consisting of the 151st N. Y., 6th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, 10th Vermont and 14th N. J., commanded by Brig. Gen. Morris, formerly Colonel of the 6th N. Y. The regiments were very large, numbering from eight hundred to one thousand men. We remained at the Gap five days, the Potomac army pa.s.sing through, Lee having halted at Williamsport, the river being so high he could not cross. As the veterans of many a hard fought battle pa.s.sed, they were loudly cheered by the new troops. Their soiled and worn out garments, and their decimated ranks contrasted greatly with our well filled ranks and new clothes. They looked upon us as new recruits, and remarks were frequently made by them not altogether suiting us. Some of them were that our regiments were as large as their brigades, and that we were too green for the front. Such remarks did very well for the time, as we were not inured to hardships as they were, but the war was not yet over.

After serving their three years they lay quietly at their homes, while the boys that were then called green, were veterans, destined to see more hardships and more fighting than those that enlisted at the commencement of the war. Nine hundred and sixty rebels that were wounded, with ambulances and baggage wagons, were sent back by Gen. Lee with an escort, to Richmond. They were captured, together with several important despatches, by Kilpatrick's cavalry, and brought in camp for us to guard at Boonsboro Gap. Several of them were in a dying condition.

They were very dest.i.tute and ragged, with scarcely anything to eat. The 10th Vermont guarded them to Washington. The Regiment was encamped on the spot where Gen. Reno fell at the battle of Antietam, a tree marking the spot. It was on the plantation of Dr. Wise, his well being filled with dead rebels thrown in for burial. Many a parent or loving wife will never know their fate, thinking perhaps they were prisoners, and at the close of the war would return to their homes; but they are now no more.

With thousands of Union soldiers their bones rest on Southern soil, there to remain until the last trump shall sound to summon them to their final account before a just and holy G.o.d.

During the five days encampment at Boonsboro Gap, the weather was very stormy and disagreeable; everything was excitement, and we were confident that Lee and his army would be annihilated. The Potomac army with its re-enforcements was rapidly concentrating, having marched from Gettysburgh by various routes; flushed with victory they were anxious to be led forward. The rebel army being very much disheartened by defeat and scant of rations, some having five rounds of ammunition apiece, desertions from their lines were numerous, a great many Maryland soldiers returning to their homes sick and tired of rebeldom. Various rumors were in circulation, and all felt that a decisive battle would soon be fought, at what point none could tell, as none were certain of the whereabouts of Lee's main force, he having retreated from Gettysburgh in the darkness of the night; but it was supposed he was in the vicinity of Williamsport, preparing to re-cross the river into Virginia, and fall back as rapidly as possible, within the defences of Richmond. A courier bearing despatches from Jeff. Davis to Gen. Lee was captured by our scouts, and the despatches intercepted. They were orders from Richmond for Lee to fall back immediately, as the place was threatened by our forces under Butler from Fortress Monroe. Maryland now presented a scene of desolation and woe; houses pillaged, robbed and burned by the soldiers of both armies; trees were felled and rail fences demolished without regard to owners. Orders were read to the troops forbidding straggling, but by some those orders were not obeyed, and foraging soon became common. The poorer cla.s.ses were on the verge of starvation, as everything they had was taken. The soldiers fared well, helping themselves to everything that came in their way, without regard to owners or to value, robbing hen roosts, killing sheep, hogs and cattle. Fields of grain were trampled upon and laid waste; horses and mules were turned loose to feed in fields of oats, wheat and clover.

On the afternoon of July 9th, orders came for the division to move and join the Potomac army, having been a.s.signed as 3rd Division, 3rd Army Corps, now commanded by Gen. French. Gen. Sickels, one of our ablest Generals, formerly commanded the corps; he was everywhere in the hottest of the fight. At Gettysburgh, while giving command to his men, he was struck by a sh.e.l.l and severely wounded in the leg. It was found necessary to amputate it, and the command of the corps was given to Maj.

Gen. French. The odd divisions, 1st, 2nd and 3rd, were formed in two, our division as 3rd, commanded by Brig. Gen. Carr from New York State.

Leaving the gap, the division marched that afternoon six miles, joining the Potomac army at night, encamping in a field. This was our first entry in that army, and we remained there until the close of the war.

The 11th New Jersey was in the 2nd division. They were raised at Trenton under the same call, and proceeded to the front a few days sooner than the 14th. They were placed immediately in active service and had already partic.i.p.ated in several battles. At Gettysburgh they were in the hottest of the fight, losing more than one-third of their men, and fighting bravely. They now numbered but two hundred men; sickness and death on the battle field had thinned their ranks, but still they were ready for the contest and as eager as ever to be led forward. Six days had now elapsed since the retreat of Lee from Gettysburgh; the army was again concentrated and moved forward to the attack. We were now but one day's march from the enemy, strongly entrenched at Williamsport. As yet we had not seen a battle, nor had we seen an armed rebel. As new troops we were all anxious to fight, but were disappointed, perhaps for the best. After joining the Potomac army, the division encamped in a field until morning, cooking coffee and hard-tack by camp fires built of rail fences. The next morning the troops were awakened at reveille which was sounded at sunrise. At 11 o'clock a forward movement was again made, marching six miles, pa.s.sing through a small village called Katyville.

The stores were closed, the majority of the men being secesh. Frederick City was the base of supplies, and rations were plenty; such as an army was allowed on a march, consisting of hard-tack, salt pork, sugar, coffee and beef. As long as the troops remained in Maryland, they fared well, but in Virginia, rations were scarce, often two or three days pa.s.sing without anything to eat; the troops marched very slow. As we were approaching the enemy during the afternoon, but six miles were marched. The Regiment encamping on a hill near a battery, arms were stacked, the men prepared their evening meal. The camp fires of our army were everywhere visible, and in the darkness of the night looked splendidly. At nine o'clock the bugle sounded, and orders came to move immediately. Various reports were soon circulated, but little time was given for conjecture. Soon the troops were in motion, marching back a forced march of eight miles, almost double quick, halting at twelve o'clock in the vicinity of Boonsboro Gap, near the headquarters of Gen.

Meade. A line of battle was quickly formed, the troops sleeping on their arms. The Regiment halted in a field of wheat cut and shocked, the men helping themselves, making beds for the night. It being warm we slept well until aroused the next morning at reveille. The weather was close and very uncomfortable and marching very tedious. The troops had advanced farther than was intended, and were almost within the enemy's lines. The next morning orders came again to advance, marching three miles in line of battle, maneuvering in various positions. The Regiment was detailed to support a battery, remaining two days and three nights, every moment expecting to attack the enemy, and wondered why the order was not given. All were anxious to fight, and all were confident that the rebel army would be defeated. Gen. Meade held a council of war with his corps commanders, French, Howard, Sykes, Sedgwick, Warren and Hanc.o.c.k, and it was decided not to attack, as the army needed reorganizing and had suffered severely at Gettysburgh, the risk being too great to run. The rebel army, although defeated, would fight with desperation, and if victorious nothing could save Washington. Gen. Lee, without exception, was the leading general of the rebel army, together with A. P. Hill, Longstreet and Ewell, and they were formidable antagonists to encounter. Taking advantage of the delay, the enemy were rapidly re-crossing the river, having seized several boats, and with their pontoon train soon constructed bridges. The river was falling and everything was in their favor. While we were watching their front nothing but their advance guard was in sight. On the night of July 14th the retreat was discovered, but nothing could be done until morning. At daylight our army was in pursuit, but without avail. Their rear guard, numbering some five thousand men, was captured, the rest were safe across the river, marching rapidly toward Richmond, a weakened, demoralized army, disheartened by defeat. It is estimated that Lee lost forty thousand men in his attempt to invade the North. Gen. Meade was greatly censured by the people of the North for allowing the enemy to escape, but Lee had yet a large army and victory to our forces not altogether certain. The Potomac army by rapid marching and hard fighting, had driven the enemy from our soil, and the heart-felt thanks of millions of souls went up to G.o.d in praise. But still more was to be done; the rebels were not conquered; large armies were yet to be encountered and subdued; miles of territory hostile to the government to be occupied, and treason crushed forever. The army moved five miles to Williamsport, occupying the same ground the rebels did the night before.

We saw their breastworks and fortifications, but nothing of them, with the exception of their rear guard of 5,000 men that was captured. We remained at Williamsport until the morning of the 15th, when the pursuit commenced. Orders were read to the troops to prepare for hard marching.

The weather was intensely hot, almost suffocating, and the roads very muddy. We marched that day 14 miles, pa.s.sing through the villages of Fairplay and Donaldsville. The march was very severe, especially for the new troops. Twenty from the 3d Corps fell out, exhausted, and died by the road; several were sunstruck. At three o'clock the troops halted in the vicinity of Sharpsburg until morning, the men nearly played out.

Muskets were stuck in the ground and shelters fastened upon them, to protect the men from the rays of the sun. Tired and weary they threw themselves upon the ground and most of them were soon asleep. Pickets were placed as usual, until the next morning, when the army was again in motion, marching that day 15 miles, encamping in Pleasant Valley, near Harper's Ferry, remaining until the afternoon of the next day, the rain pouring in torrents. The weather was very uncertain, one day very warm, the next rainy and cold.

On the afternoon of 17th, the column marched eight miles, very slowly, pa.s.sing Sandy Hook and crossing the Potomac at Harper's Ferry on pontoons. For the first time our regiment trod the sacred soil of Virginia. Alas! how few returned of that n.o.ble band of Jersey boys, the bravest of the brave, that for the first time stood on that once sacred, but now polluted, ground. The ravages of war had laid the country waste, and dest.i.tution everywhere met the eye. An old dilapidated bridge crossed the Shenandoah, and the troops marched over in single file, moving around Louden Heights. The night being very dark and the march very slow, they halted in a field at 12 o'clock until morning. The next day was Sunday, but there was no rest--no such thing as Sunday in the army. The regiment was detailed as rear guard of ammunition train, marching eight miles, the sun being very warm, and the heat almost insufferable, encamping with the main body of the corps in a field near Keys Pa.s.s. The heat was so intense that neither army could march fast.

The rebels were now but one day's march from us, we having taken a nearer route by way of Harper's Ferry, marching down the Louden Valley, the enemy marching down the Shenandoah.

The Summer campaign had thus far been an active one, and by the new troops was considered wonderful. The rebel army was still moving southward by slow marches, from eight to fifteen miles per day, the weather too hot to permit marching faster, the Potomac Army in pursuit.

Lee, as wily and strategic as ever, refused to give battle, and, by a series of maneuvers, succeeded in eluding our grasp. The different corps marched by different routes, the cavalry frequently skirmishing with their rear guard. But five miles were made on the 19th, as the troops were waiting for supplies, pa.s.sing through Snickersville, near Snicker's Gap, and encamping in a field. At midnight we were routed out for rations and a good supper issued. At four o'clock we were ordered to move, marching fourteen miles before breakfast, halting at noon for dinner. After resting an hour orders were given to move again, marching three miles to Upperville, encamping on the ground where Buford had a cavalry fight with the rebel leader, Stuart, the year previous. For several hours skirmishing was kept up until dark, when Buford ordered a charge. Stuart was driven from the field, retiring in the darkness of the night, leaving his dead and wounded in our hands. The troops remained at Upperville two days, the regiment being detailed for picket the ensuing night. It was now rumored that Grant, the hero of Vicksburg, was to take command of the army, Gen. Meade being too slow for the people North. Had they been in the Potomac army, they would not have been so eager to move, and march in the hot sun. Upperville is a small village near Mana.s.sas Gap. The people, as a general thing, are very ignorant, and gazed with wonder at us Yanks, as they called us. One remark, especially, was amusing to the men. As the regiment was pa.s.sing an old house, being an advance guard, a little girl came running in, exclaiming, "Mother, mother, take in your clothes, here comes the Yanks!" This served as a bye-word for some time, the men often exclaiming, as they pa.s.sed a house, "Take in your chimney, old man, its going to rain!" At four o'clock on the afternoon of the 22d, orders came to fall in, marching six miles to Piedmont station, on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. At the commencement of the war this road was destroyed by the rebels; ties were burned, rails bent, bridges demolished, and wrecks of cars lay strewed around in various places. The troops encamped on a hill until morning. Gen. Meade received information that Ewell's corps was holding Mana.s.sas Gap, until the main body of the rebel army had pa.s.sed. Orders were given Gen. French to take the 3d corps and, if possible, drive them from their position. At daylight the next morning the corps started, with nothing to eat, as the rations had not arrived. It was deemed necessary to drive the rebels from the gap, and the men were compelled to go. The sun was very warm, and the troops, hungry and weary, plodded on, marching fourteen miles, halting for a rest at noon. At three o'clock the column advanced in line of battle, the cavalry returning, having engaged the enemy during the morning, but could do but little without infantry. Mana.s.sas Gap is a wild, romantic spot, and very hilly. The brigade was formed and maneuvered in line of battle; Berdan's sharpshooters were deployed as skirmishers and soon engaged the enemy on Whopping Heights. Orders were given the men to load and fix bayonets, some time being occupied in getting into position, marching up hill and down. It was now supposed by the men that a battle was to be fought. Our brigade was placed in position and ordered to charge the enemy. The skirmishing now became heavier, and the sharp crack of the sharpshooter's rifle could be distinguished from the rest.

The men from the 14th now thought they were to see their first battle, and grasping their muskets with a steady nerve, moved forward.

Fortunately we escaped for the time. Fearing a flank movement, the order for the 1st brigade to charge was countermanded, and they were sent to the extreme right of the line to protect the flank, through a dense wood of briars and filled with ditches. The firing on the left and centre now became heavier. Sickels' old brigade, now commanded by Gen. Spinola, was ordered to charge in place of the 1st brigade, which proved a success; two hundred prisoners and two guns were captured from the enemy. Gen.

Spinola was wounded and retired from the field. Our loss in killed and wounded was but sixty men. Night was now approaching; the main body of the rebel army had pa.s.sed; the firing ceased, and the enemy were retreating in haste. The weather suddenly changed, and the night was chilly and damp. The regiment encamped on the side of a hill, without blankets, and with nothing to eat; tired and weary, the men were soon asleep. At daylight the bugle aroused the men from their slumbers. No traces of the enemy could be seen; maneuvered up hill and down in line of battle during the morning, when the troops were ordered back to Piedmont; the remaining corps were encamped there awaiting supplies.

During the march to Mana.s.sas Gap, the troops waded five streams, some of them waist deep, pa.s.sing a village called Markham. The afternoon of the 26th the column moved back the same road, fourteen miles, to Piedmont, the weather intensely hot and the men falling out by the way. They were two days without anything to eat but green grapes and berries that grew by the roadside; this was the hardest march the men had had so far.

Arriving at Piedmont, rations were issued of hard tack, coffee and pork, the men eating a good supply, and lying down until morning. Having received five days' rations, the troops moved again the next day twelve miles, pa.s.sing near Salem; the weather, as usual, warm, and the roads dusty, the mud soon drying up. The column halted for the night, and the men, with weary limbs and blistered feet, lay on the ground to rest. The next day was Sunday, marched eleven miles to Warrenton; guarding ammunition train, remaining on the outskirts of the place in camp five days. Warrenton is a pretty village, three miles from Warrenton Junction, on the Alexandria, Richmond and Danville road. At the commencement of the war it was a thriving place, but since it has gone to decay.

One hundred young men, the sons of wealthy parents, enlisted in the rebel army; at the close of the war but eleven remained. Virginia is one vast graveyard; the bones of three hundred thousand heroes there repose; the merchant with the laborer, rich and poor, white and black. The leaden messenger of death heeded not, but speed on, wielded by the hands of men, once brothers, but now foes; engaged in cruel civil war, neither party disposed to yield.

At Warrenton, Colonel Truex, with three commissioned officers and five enlisted men, started for Jersey to raise recruits. The regiment was commanded by Lieut. Col. Hall during his absence. Having, as yet, received no tents or blankets, we lay in the hot sun until August 1st, when the troops were again ordered to move; marching on the wrong road, thereby marching eight miles out of the way; returned again, marching fifteen miles more, halting at Shut-eye Town, near Stoneman's Creek; no signs of the enemy, the regiment still guarding the ammunition train.

This march was very severe, the men carrying five days' rations, muskets, equipments, and sixty rounds of ammunition. More than one half of the men fell out, some cursing the officers for leading them out of the way. Remained near Stoneman's Creek four days, brigade drill under Gen. Morris each day. Officers from different regiments were sent home to recruit, to prepare for the Fall campaign; more men were needed and the army again re-organized. The troops now halted on the banks of the Rappahannock, the 3rd corps at Fox's Ford, our brigade encamping at Rout Hill, five miles from Stoneman's Creek, near Bealton Station, picketing the Rappahannock; the rebel army near Culpepper. Camps were laid out, shelter tents and rubber blankets issued, the men needing them very much. Tents were placed on a line and raised from the ground, with poles cut from trees, and were inspected each Sunday morning by a staff officer from headquarters. The troops were lying once more in camp, drawing clothes and shoes. Muskets were cleaned up and inspected each afternoon; company drill one hour each morning. The drills were very arduous; brigade drill four hours each day, guard mounting and dress parade at night. Rout Hill was a very unhealthy place, a great many of the men taking sick, several of them dying. The 6th N.Y. Heavy Artillery were detached from brigade and sent to Washington, organized as provisional brigade and commanded by Col. Ketchum, who subsequently lost his life at Cedar Creek.