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N39t GENEALOGY COLLECTION
1429557
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
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Samlel Toombs,
Co. F, 13th Rej,n. N. J. Vols.. Inf.
IFroiii a irar-tiine Photograph — 1863.)
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Gettysburg Campaign
FROM JUNE 5 TO JULY 31, 1863.
BY
SAMUEL TOOMBS,
Author of "Reminiscences of the War," and Historian of the
Veteran Association, Thirteenth New Jersey Volunt£sr3.
I L L U S T R AT E D
By Specially Drazvn Maps of the Battle-Field, the Monuments Ereeted
by the State of iVeiv Jersey, and Portraits of Brigade
and Regimental Commanders.
ORANGE, N. J.:
The Evening Mail Publishing House.
i888.
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year iS^y, by
SAMUEL TOOMBS,
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.
printed and bound at
The Advertiser Printing House,
newark, n, j.
1429557
TO THE MEMORY OF
THE GALLANT JERSEYMEN WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES
AT THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG
FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THE UNION THIS BOOK
IS REVERENTLY DEDICATED.
INTRODUCTORY.
A GREAT deal has already been written about Gettys-
burg. The controversies which have arisen are
confusing to those who wish to ascertain the exact
truth, while they afford little that is interesting to the
general public. Personal reminiscences of the events
which there occurred have appeared in print in great
number, and if it be true that " few events worth recording
befell atny metri below the rank of major," the reader of
this book will fiiid relief in the fact that the writer has
no wonderful or remarkable personal adventures to
chronicle.
In its main features the battle of Gettysburg is treated
very much the same by all the noted participants in that
Struggle who have written about it, varying only in
details which are colored by the writer's own views as to
their importance. In preparing for the work of recording
the services of New Jersey troops, not only on the battle-
field but throughout the whole campaign, beginning with
the reconnoissance across the Rappahannock river on
June 5, 1863, the best works on Gettysburg have been
consulted and the official records of the battle have been
examined and studied carefully, with the view of ascer-
^ain.ing just what services the soldiers of New Jersey did
perform; and in thus bringing to the surface the e.xper-
V i INTRODUC TOR Y.
iences of the bivouac, the march, and the battle itself, as
they were participated in by the men who represented the
State of New Jersey in the Union Army, many interesting
and valuable matters have been brought to light which
otherwise might have perished.
While, therefore, the author has placed a certain limit
upon the scope of this work, by which the valuable
services rendered, the heroic achievements performed, and
the personal sacrifices made by the patriotic sons of his
native State on Gettysburg Heights are to be brought
more particularly into prominence, the narrative will
embrace the movements of the whole Army of the Poto-
mac and record its priceless services to the Nation on the
ground hallowed by the blood of thousands who met
death as brave men wish to die.
The instances of personal bravery were more numerous
at Gettysburg than in any other battle of the war. Both
sides contributed their heroes, and the tragic manner in
which the brave Southern General, Armistead, met his
death, and the heroic Lieutenant Gushing fell at the post
of duty, have already become immortalized as the two
prominent instances of self-immolation during the strug-
gle. There is a pathetic side to the death of Armistead,
and there are those who believe he really courted it.
When the news of the fall of Sumter reached the Pacific
slope, the late Confederate General Albert Sidney John-
ston was in command of that department. Generals
Hancock, Armistead, Garnett and Pickett, were subordi-
nate officers in the Regular Army, then stationed
there, and many were the conferences held as to what
should be their course in the pending troubles. The
INTRODUCTORY. yii
Government very unceremoniously relieved General John-
ston, and soon after this event a farewell meeting was held
in the house of Captain Hancock. What resulted is thus
related by Mrs. Hancock, in the volume of interesting
" Reminiscences " of her husband : " The most crushed
of the party was Major Armistead, who, with tears, which
were contagious, streaming down his face, and hands
upon Mr. Hancock's shoulders, while looking him steadily
in the eye, said: 'Hancock, good-by ; you can never
know what this has cost me, and I hope God will strike
me dead if I am ever induced to leave my native soil,
should worse come to worst.' " The dying words of Armi-
stead, on Gettysburg battle-field: "Tell Hancock I have
wronged him and have wronged my country," illustrate
how great must have been the mental strain under which
he labored during the continuance of the war, and what
a sacrifice he made when he resigned his commission in
the Regular Army, to take up arms in the defence of the
dogma of State rights, which recognized allegiance to the
National Government only as secondary to that of the
State. Scores of other southern officers did the same,
and that they acted from conscientious and honest
motives cannot well be denied; but as in the case of
Armistead, many of them felt that the South had
adopted the wrong method for a redress of their
supposed grievances, and that the war was forced upon
them from other than patriotic motives. In the manner of
his death Armistead's wish was gratified. How different
was the last act of young Gushing, who commanded Bat-
tery "A" Fourth United States Artillery, whose life blood
ebbed away at almost the same moment that Armistead
viii IN TR OD UC TOR Y.
received his death wound. Mortally wounded though
he was, he summoned up all his strength and running
his gun down into the very faces of the exultant foe, he
turned to his commander and said: " Webb, I will give
them one more shot," and when the last discharge was
made, called out, "good-by"and fell dead by the side
of his gun. With the spirit that pervaded these men,
both armies fought at Gettysburg, and it is easily
understood why the several encounters which took
place on all parts of that field were so stubbornly and
so vigorously contested.
The State of New Jersey has commemorated the
services of her troops in enduring granite. To supple-
ment this work by a faithful and accurate account of the
exhaustive nature of these services has been the desire of
the writer, who has received the cordial cooperation of
many of the survivors, and is largely indebted also to
Adjutant-General W. S. Stryker, his faithful assistant,
Colonel James S. Kiger, Honorable William H. Corbin,
Secretary of the New Jersey Battle-Field Commission,
General Ezra A. Carman, General W. H. Penrose, Colonel
William E. Potter, Major W. W. Morris, Captain William
F. Hillyer, Thomas S. Marbaker, Historian Eleventh
New Jersey Regiment, Captain H. F. Chew, George J.
Hagar, Esq., and many others, members of the several
regimental organizations, for valuable information and
aid furnished. The government maps of Colonel J. B.
Bachelder have also been consulted and to them the
writer is largely indebted, as well as to Colonel Bachelder
himself for very important information received. The
maps on pages 155, 157 and 162 are from General Double-
i
INTRODUCTORY. jx
•day's book on " Chancellorsville and Gettysburg," Charles
Scribner's Sons, publishers, who have kindly given permis-
sion for their use. Those on pages 250, 251 and 301 are
inserted only for general reference and do not conform
literally to the text. The portraits, monuments and small
maps were all made especially for this book from original
photographs and drawings. S. T.
Orange, N. J., July i, 1888.
Note. — The wrong totals appear at foot of table on page 11. They
should be: Officers, 512; men, 12,311; total, 12,823. These figures
increase the percentage of waste as shown on page 12, line seven,
from sixty to sixty-five per cent.
On page 64, first word, last line, should be southwest.
On page 139, eighth line, Harrisburg should be Gettysburg.
CONTENTS.
Chapter I. — New Jersey Regiments in the Army of the Potomac
from 1861 to June 30, 1863, their assignments to duty and
the commands with which they served — Tables showing
losses for two years i
Chapter II. — Resume of historical facts — Public feeling in the
South — Temper of the Rebel Army — Position of both armies
in June, 1863 — The fight at Franklin's Crossing on the Rap-
pahannock — Gallant charge by the Twenty-sixth New Jersey 16
Chapter III. — Lee's plan of campaign — Disposition of his forces
— General Hcoker mystified but not deceived — The cavalry
fight at Brandy Station — The First New Jersey Cavalry's
brilliant charge 34
Chapter IV. — Ewell's dashing advance through the valle}^ — Mil-
roy surprised at Winchester — The Fourteenth New Jersey
on Maryland Heights — History of the corps badge — The
New Jersey troops and their commanders — An exhaustive
march _ 64
Chapter V. — Ewell at Williamsport — Jenkins' raid in Pennsyl-
vania — Consternation throughout the North — New Jersey
Volunteers go to the defence of Harrisburg — Hooker
advances to a new line of observation — Incidents of the
march — Execution of deserters — An incident of President
Lincoln's mercy and why it failed 79
Chapter VI. — From the Rappahannock to Gum Springs — Experi-
ences of the Seventh New Jersey Regiment and the Second
Brigade — Useless night work — An all-night march « 99
xii CONTENTS.
•Chapter VII. — Hooker's perplexities aggravated — A dashing cav-
alry exploit — Lee's army in Pennsylvania — The Union
forces cross the Potomac — Stuart's raid — General Hooker
resigns — — --
io8
Chapter VIII. — The alarm in the North— New Jersey's Governor
appeals to the President — The new Union commander —
Movements of the armies — Reminiscenses of an officer of
the Second New Jersey Brigade — The Thirteenth New
Jersey at Littlestown — The night before the battle I22
-Chapter IX. — The first day's fight at Gettysburg — Gallantry of
Buford's troopers — Heroic resistance by the First Army
Corps — Death of General Reynolds — Arrival of Howard and
the retreat to Cemetery Ridge — Hancock's opportune arrival
on the field... 140
Chapter X. — The New Jersey troops coming on the field of battle
— Rapid and exhaustive marching — The Eleventh Regiment
undergo a fatiguing night march — The Second New Jersey
Brigade march between the skirmish lines of both armies —
The Twelfth Regiment in line of battle — The deployment of
Sickles' line — The Thirteenth Regiment on Gulp's Hill —
Arrival of the First New Jersey Brigade at four o'clock — A
forced march of thirty-five miles 174
Chapter XI. — The second day's battle — Sickles' new line — Long-
street's attempt to turn the Federal left — The Second New
Jersey Brigade, the Eleventh Regiment, and Battery " B,"
First New Jersey Artillery, in action — Hood repulsed at
Little Round Top — A gallant and successful charge by the
Twelfth New Jersey Regiment — Casualties among the New
Jersey troops 193
Chapter XII. — The second day's battle concluded — The Twelfth
Corps' position attacked by Ewell's troops — Green's heroic
defence — The attack on Cemetery Hill — A fierce and deadly
hand-to-hand struggle — Return of the Twelfth Corps to the
right during the night .......^,,, 259
CONTENTS.
Xlll
Chapter XIII.— The Third day's battle — The Twelfth Corps
charge the enemy at Culp's Hill and regain their works —
The Second Massachusetts and the Twenty-seventh Indiana
Regiments charge the enemy supported by the Thirteenth
New Jersey Regiment — Lee foiled in his attack on the Fed-
eral right , ., .. _.. 268r
Chapter XIV. — The third day's battle concluded — Longstreet's
charge on Cemetery Ridge — -Disastrous repulse of Pickett's
and Heth's divisions — Dreadful execution with "buck and
ball" by the Twelfth New Jersey — Hexamer's old battery
("A" First New Jersey) engaged — The First New Jersey
Cavalry win new laurels . _. . . 277
Chapter XV. — After the battle — Scenes on the field — The care of
the wounded — Effect of General Meade's order sending all
wagons to the rear — Prompt and effective service at the
Twelfth Corps Hospital — Retreat of Lee's army and the
pursuit ^ - 317
Chapter XVI. — Organization of the Gettysburg Battle-Field Com-
mission — A record of its work — Description of the monu-
ments . , ... ,..._. ....... .. .. ... . . 333,
Biographical Sketches of Portr.uts 359^
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Author Frontispiece.
PAGE.
Map — Location of New Jersey Monuments xvii
Major-General Joseph Hooker 13
Advance of Twenty-sixth New Jersey Volunteers 23
Captain Samuel U. Dodd 29
Major William W. Morris 35
Colonel Percy Wyndham . 43
Major-General H. Judson Kilpatrick .-. 53
Colonel Hugh H. Janeway.. 59
Lieutenant Rochus Heinisch '. 67
Major-General George G. Meade .. 75
Major-General A. T. A. Torbert 83
Colonel James N. Duffy .. 89
Lieutenant-Colonel William Henry, Jr 95
Colonel Samuel L. Buck loi
Colonel Henry N. Brown 109
Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Ewing. 115
Brevet Major-General William J. Sewell 123
Colonel George C. Burling 131
Colonel Louis R. Francine — 141
Map — Position of Troops July i 145
Brevet Major-General John Ramsey ,. 147
Map — Advance of Davis' and Archer's Brigades 155
Map — Defeat of Davis and Archer 157
Brevet Major-General Robert McAllister 159
Map — Advance of Heth's Division against Doubleday 162
Brevet Colonel John Schoonover 165
Major John T. Hill I75
Map — First Position Thirteenth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers 182
XVI
ILL USTRA TLONS.
PAGE.
Brevet Brigadier-General Ezra A. Carman 185
Brevet Brigadier-General Frederick H. Harris 191
Brevet Major A. Judson Clark 203
Map— Position of Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Eleventh New
Jersey Regiments — July 2 — 207
Captain Ambrose M. Matthevirs 211
Brigadier-General William H. Penrose. - 217
Monument First New Jersey Brigade 229
Monument Fifth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. 233
Monument Sixth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers 245
Map — The Fight for Little Round Top 246
Map — Ruger's Division Twelfth Corps - — 248
Map — Longstreet in Position for Attack on Sickles 250
Map — Union Line after Sickles' Defeat — .- -... 251
Monument Seventh Regiment New Jersey Volunteers — 255
Map — Repulse of Louisiana Tigers — ..... 265
Map — Fourth Position of Thirteenth Regiment New Jersey
Volunteers 267
Monument Eighth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers 269
Map— Twelfth Corps Charging on Gulp's Hill 272
Map — Last Position Thirteenth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. 273
Monument Eleventh Regiment New Jersey Volunteers . . 289
Map — Repulse of Longstreet's Charge July 3 — Position of Twelfth
New Jersey Volunteers . 283
Marker Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers at Bliss Barn.. 291
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel William E. Potter 295
Map — The General Line of Battle at time of Pickett's Charge .... 301
Map — New Jersey Regiments — July 2 310
Monument Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers 311
Monument Thirteenth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers _ 319
Surgeon J. J. H. Love 323
New Jersey Battle-Field Commission 335
Monument Battery "A" (Parsons') First New Jersey Artillery 339
Monument Battery " B" (Clark's) First New Jersey Artillery 349
Monument First New Jersey Cavalry 357
X V i ^I'L us TRA TIONS.
PAGE.
Brevet Brigadier-General Ezra A. Carman 185
Brevet Brigadier-General Frederick H. Harris .- 191
Brevet Major A. Judson Clark 203
Map — Position of Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Eleventh New
Jersey Regiments — July 2 — 207
Captain Ambrose M. Matthews -.- 211
Brigadier-General William H. Penrose. - 217
Monument First New Jersey Brigade .- 229
Monument Fifth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers 233
Monument Sixth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers 245
Map— The Fight for Little Round Top 246
Map — Ruger's Division Twelfth Corps 248
Map — Longstreet in Position for Attack on Sickles -_ 250
Map — Union Line after Sickles' Defeat ... 251
Monument Seventh Regiment New Jersey Volunteers 255
Map — Repulse of Louisiana Tigers . 265
Map — Fourth Position of Thirteenth Regiment New Jersey
Volunteers 267
Monument Eighth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers 269
Map — 'Twelfth Corps Charging on Gulp's Hill.. 272
Map — Last Position Thirteenth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. 273
Monument Eleventh Regiment New Jersey Volunteers . . 289
Map — Repulse of Longstreet's Charge July 3 — Position of Twelfth
New Jersey Volunteers 283
Marker Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers at Bliss Barn.. 291
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel William E. Potter 295
Map — The General Line of Battle at time of Pickett's Charge .... 301
Map — New Jersey Regiments — July 2 310
Monument Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers 311
Monument Thirteenth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers . 319
Surgeon J. J. H. Love 323
New Jersey Battle-Field Commission ^_. .. 335
Monument Battery "A" (Parsons') First New Jersey Artillery 339
Monument Battery " B" (Clark's) First New Jersey Artillery 349
Monument First New Jersey Cavalry 357
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CHAPTER I.
NEW JERSEY REGIMENTS IN THE ARMY OF THE POTO-
MAC FROM 1 86 1 TO JUNE 30, 1 863, THEIR ASSIGN-
MENTS TO DUTY AND THE COMMANDS WITH WHICH
THEY SERVED — TABLES SHOWING LOSSES FOR TWO
YEARS.
THE patriotism of the citizens of New Jersey
during the stormy period of 1861-65, was
attested on many occasions, not alone by the
valor of her soldiery on scores of battle-fields, but by
the promptness with which the people responded to
the call of the National Government for troops, and
the thorough manner in which the several organiza-
tions were armed and equipped before leaving the
State. No appeal by the general government was
ever made to the State authorities for assistance in
vain. Governor Olden cooperated heartilv and cordi-
ally with the President and Secretary of War in all
their efforts to suppress the rebellion in its infancy,
and at the very outbreak of hostilities forwarded to
Washington a brigade of four regiments, aggregating
three thousand men, for three months' service under
command of General Theodore Runyon. This bri-
gade was fully armed and equipped at the expense
NE W JERSE Y TROOPS
of the State and was the first completely equipped
body of troops to make its appearance at the National
Capital, where it was greeted with the utmost grati-
fication by the President. The Secretary of War
feelingly appreciated the promptness of the State
authorities in so generously and effectively aiding the
National Government in its efforts to preserve its
own integrity, and in a letter to Governor Olden
cordially acknowledged the great service thus ren-
dered, and in the name of the government tendered
its sincere thanks to the people of the commonwealth.
The theory entertained by the National authorities
that the rebellion would be crushed out in three
months' time soon proved erroneous. The rebellious
states waxed bolder and bolder in their defiance of the
National Government and resisted every offer of peace
so determinedly, that a call was issued for thirty-nine
regiments of infantry and one of cavalry to serve for
three years or during the war, the quota for New
Jersey being three regiments of infantry. Before
another month had expired a second demand was
made upon the State, this time for five additional
regiments, all to serve for the same period of time.
Under these calls there were promptly raised two
brigades of infantry and two batteries of artillery,
as follows :
First Regiment — Colonel, William R. Montgomerv.
Second Regiment — Colonel, George W. McLean.
Third Regiment — Colonel, George W. Taylor.
IN- THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
Fourth Regiment — Colonel, James H. Simpson.
Battery "A" First New Jersey Artillery — Captain
William Hexamer, Commanding.
These regiments formed the First New Jersey Bri-
gade, and were assigned to duty with Franklin's
Division. General Philip Kearny was commissioned
by Governor Olden and placed in command of the
brigade. The Second Brigade was composed of the
following :
Fifth Regiment — Colonel, Samuel H. Starr.
Sixth Regiment — Colonel, James T. Hatfield.
Seventh Regiment — Colonel, Joseph W. Revere.
Eighth Regiment — Colonel, Adolphus J. Johnson.
Battery " B " First New Jersey Artillery — Captain
John E. Beam, Commanding.
This brigade was assigned to Hooker's Division
where it became a great favorite and was eventually
known as " Hooker's Old Guard." It formed the
Third Brigade of the Second Division, Third Army
Corps, and was commanded by Colonel Starr of the
Fifth Regiment, the senior officer.
Rapidly as these organizations were formed the
opportunities presented for enlistment were not suffi-
cient to satisfy the desires of a great many who
were anxious to go to the war. Thousands of Jersey-
men enlisted in the regiments of other States, and
whole companies left Newark, Elizabeth, Rahway,
Orange and other places and were incorporated with
NE W JERSE V TROOPS
New York and Pennsylvania regiments and credited
to those States.
The Ninth Regiment was specially authorized by
the War Department as a rifle regiment, and in a
short time its ranks were full. Under the command
of Colonel Joseph W. Allen it proceeded to North
Carolina, as part of the Burnside Expedition, gaining
immediate renown at the Battle of Roanoke Island.
The War Department also gave direct authority
for the raising of an infantry regiment in the State,
to be known as the "Olden Legion." The Governor
strenuously opposed this movement, and would have
nothing whatever to do with it. Finally the State
agreed to accept it and the Governor commissioned
William R. Murphy its Colonel, and designated it as
the Tenth Regiment.
In August 1 86 1, a regiment of cavalry known as
" Halstead's Horse " was ordered to be recruited in
the State by the direct authority of President Lin-
coln, and the companies as soon as formed were
forwarded to Washington. Like the Tenth Infantry,
dissatisfaction, wrangling and vexation ensued, and
finally the State authorities were prevailed upon to
accept it, when it became the First New Jersey
Cavalry with Sir Percy Wyndham as its Colonel.
On July 7th, 1862, a call was issued for three
hundred thousand men to serve for three years or
during the war, under which the following organiza-
tions were formed and sent to Washington :
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
Eleventh Regiment -Colonel, Robert McAllister.
Twelfth Regiment — Colonel, Robert C. Johnson.
Thirteenth Regiment — Colonel, Ezra A. Carman.
Fourteenth Regiment— Colonel, William S. Truex.
Fifteenth Regiment — Colonel, Samuel Fowler.
Instead of brigading these troops together, the
exigencies of the service demanded their immediate
presence in Washington as soon as possible after their
muster-in. The Eleventh Regiment was assigned to
Carr's Brigade, Sickles' Division, Third Army Corps ;
the Twelfth Regiment to the Second Brigade, Third
Division, Second Army Corps ; the Thirteenth Regi-
ment to Gordon's Brigade, Williams' Division, Banks'
Corps ; the Fourteenth Regiment to a Provisional
Brigade, Middle Division, Eighth Army Corps ; and
the Fifteenth to the First New Jersey Brigade, First
Division, Sixth Army Corps.
The State had shown commendable promptness in
forwarding its troops to the seat of war, and the
repeated calls upon the people for volunteer soldiers
were responded to with alacrity. The total number
of three years troops furnished to the Government
by New Jersey up to this period amounted to six
hundred and twenty-eight officers and fifteen thou-
sand two hundred and seventy-seven enlisted men ;
total fifteen thousand nine hundred and five. These
figures are from the Adjutant General's report, the
original muster of each regiment being as follows :
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
ORGANIZATION.
OFFICERS.
MEN.
TOT.A.L.
First Regiment Cavalry
First Regiment Artillery Battery A._
First Regiment Artillery Battery B..
First Regiment Infantry...
Second Regiment Infantry..
Third Regiment Infantry
Fourth Regiment Infantry
Fifth Regiment Infantry
Sixth Regiment Infantry
Seventh Regiment Infantry
Eighth Regiment Infantry
Ninth Regiment Infantry
Tenth Regiment Infantry.
44
5
5
38
38
38
38
38
38
38
38
42
35
39
39
38
39
38
998
159
996
1,006
1,013
871
823
860
882
851
1,115
883
940
953
899
968
909
1,042
156
164
1-034
1.044
1,051
909
861
898
920
889
I-I57
918
979
992
937
1,007
9+7
Eleventh Regiment Infantry
Twelfth Regiment Infantry ,.
Thirteenth Regiment Infantry
Fourteenth Regiment Infantry
Fifteenth Regiment Infantry
628
15-277
15,905
With the single exception of the Ninth Regiment
these organizations all served, at one time or another,
with the Army of the Potomac in the field, and deduct-
ing the number represented by the Ninth Regiment,
the actual number of men furnished by New Jersey to
that Army was five hundred and eighty-six ofiBcers and
fourteen thousand one hundred and sixty-two enlisted
men, a total of fourteen thousand seven hundred and
forty-eight. The First and Second New Jersey Bri-
gades followed the fortunes of the Army of the
Potomac through all its checkered career from the
Peninsula campaign under McClellan to the surrender
of Lee at Appomattox, winning imperishable renown
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
7
on scores of battle-fields for their bravery,, endurance
and fighting qualities.
The defeat of General Pope at the second battle
of Bull Run filled the people of the North with dismay,
and the authorities at Washington with fear for the
safety of the Capital. On the 4th of August, 1862, the
President issued a call for three hundred thousand men
for nine months' service, a draft being ordered to take
place on September ist ensuing, if the number required
were not sooner furnished by volunteers. The quota
for New Jersey under this call was placed at ten thou-
sand four hundred and seventy-eight, and orders were
at once issued to proceed with the recruiting of this
number. At the same time the State was engaged in
filling its quota under the previous call of July 7th for
three year troops, and in order to meet this extra
emergency, city, township and county officials, offered
liberal inducements for men to take service in these
commands, and thus avoid the draft so imperatively
ordered. On the third day of September the Adjutant-
General announced the formation of eleven regiments
for nine months' service, with an aggregate of ten thou-
sand seven hundred and fourteen men, all volunteers,
and being an excess of two hundred and thirty-six over
the number called for. These regiments were num-
bered, officered and assigned to duty as follows :
Twenty-first Regiment— Colonel, Gillian Van Hou-
ten ; assigned to Third Brigade, Second Division, Sixth
Army Corps.
8 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Twenty-second Regiment — Colonel, Cornelius For-
net ; assigned to duty in the Defences of Washington,
and afterward to the Third Brigade, First Division,
First Army Corps.
Twenty-third Regiment — Colonel, John S. Cox ;
assigned to tlie First New Jersey Brigade, First Divis-
ion, Sixth Army Corps.
Twenty - fourth Regiment — Colonel, William B.
Robertson ; assigned to duty first in the Defences of
Washington, and afterward with Kimball's Brigade,
French's Division, Couch's (Second) Corps.
Twenty-fifth Regiment — Colonel, Andrew Derrom ;
assigned to Second Brigade of Casey's Division, and
afterward to First Brigade, Third Division, Ninth
Army Corps.
Twenty-sixth Regiment — Colonel, A. J. Morrison;
assigned first to Briggs' Brigade, Sumner's Corps, and
next to the First Vermont Brigade (General Brooks),
Second Division, Sixth Army Corps.
Twenty-seventh Regiment — Colonel, George W.
Mindil; assigned to Casey's Division and next to
Second Brigade, First Division, Ninth Army Corps.
Twenty -eighth Regiment— Colonel, Moses N. Wise-
well; assigned to First Brigade, Third Division, Sec-
ond Army Corps.
Twenty-ninth Regiment — Colonel, Edwin F. Apple-
gate ; assigned to various duties around Washington,
and finally to Third Brigade, First Division, First
Army Corps.
Thirtieth Regiment — Colonel, Alexander E. Donald.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
son, and Thirty-first Regiment, Colonel A. P. Berthoud,
brigaded with the Twenty-second and Twenty-ninth
Regiments, as part of the Third Brigade, First Divis-
ion, First Army Corps.
With the addition of these troops the number of men
contributed to the Government reached the very
respectable figure of twenty-five thousand two hun-
dred and fifty-seven, all volunteers, of whom twenty-
three thousand one hundred and sixteen were accred-
ited to the Army of the Potomac.
These new regiments, put right into the field with
veterans who had served under McClellan on the Pen-
insula campaign and at Antietam, rendered valuable and
efficient service under Burnside at the dreadful slaughter
of Fredericksburg, with Hooker at the ill-fated battle
of Chancellorsville, and with Sedgewick at Marye's
Heights and Salem Church. They passed through all
the rugged and trying experiences to be found in
active campaigning in the immediate presence of the
enemy, and had just become fully inured to the hard-
ships and trials of a soldier's life when their term of
service expired. At about the same time the terms of
service of a large number of two years troops also
expired, and with this large depletion, after the battle of
Chancellorsville, the Army of the Potomac was weak-
ened to a considerable extent. The casualties which
the older three year regiments had sustained during
their severe service, reduced some of them to mere
skeletons, not a regiment of the original eight in both
New Jersey brigades numbering more than four hun-
lO
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
dred men after the battle of Chancellorsville, while the
average for all would not be greater than three hundred
each. The official returns are not accessible for a veri-
fication of this statement, but the reports of the several
New Jersey regiments made on the 30th day of June,
1863, just before the battle of Gettysburg opened, are
sufficient for the purpose of comparison. The follow-
ing data, taken from the original rolls at the War
Department, Washington, and on file at the Adjutant-
General's office, of this State, at Trenton, shows the
strength of each New Jersey regiment and battery to
have been on the date named :
NUMBER OF MEN OF EACH NEW JERSEY BATTERY AND
REGIMENT, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PRES-
ENT FOR DUTY JUNE 30, 1863.
ORGANIZATIONS.
offic'rs.
MEN.
TOTAL.
First Regiment Cavalry
First Regiment Artillery Battery A
First Regiment Artillery Battery B ...
First Regiment Infantry
Second Regiment Infantry. .
Third Regiment Infantry.
Fourth Regiment Infantry (Train Guard)...
Fourth Reg't Infantry (isl Div. 6th Corps)
Fifth Regiment Infantry
Sixth Regiment Infantry..
i8
4
4
26
28
26
2C
4
15
13
22
13
216
112
139
266
377
299
274
88
206
233
309
185
234
116
143
292
405
325
294
92
221
246
331
198
275
532
360
441
Seventh Regiment Infantry
Eighth Regiment Infantry
Eleventh Regiment Infantry
Twelfth Regiment Infantry
Thirteenth Regiment Infantry ..
25
28
21
507
332
420
Fifteenth Regiment Infantry
Total
267
3,963
4,505
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
I I
The total strength of these commands as it appears
by the preceding table, compared with the number
of men furnished by the original muster of each regi-
ment, will show the great depletion to which they
had been subjected in their past service. The First
and Second Brigades had suffered greatly from sick-
ness brought on by exposure during the Peninsula
campaign, and when to the casualties thus occasioned
is added the losses by death, and those killed in
action or dying from wounds received in battle, with
the discharges made necessary by disability of vari-
ous kinds, the percentage of waste during the pre-
vious two years' experience will be found very large.
To show the relative condition of the New Jersey
troops at the beginning of the battle of Gettj'sburg
with their entry into the service, the original figures
of these fifteen commands are here reproduced :
ORIGINAL MUSTER.
ORGANIZATIONS.
OFFICERS.
MEN.
TOTAL.
First Regiment Cavalry
First Regiment Artillery, Battery A.
First Regiment Artillery, Battery B.
First Regiment Infantry
Second Regiment Infantry
Third Regiment Infantry
Fourth Regiment Infantry
Fifth Regiment Infantry
Sixth Regiment Infantry
Seventh Regiment Infantry
Eighth Regiment Infantry
44
5
5
38
38
38
38
38
38
38
38
39
39
38
38
998
159
996
1,006
1,013
871
823
860
882
851
940
953
899
909
1,042
156
164
1,034
1,044
1,051
909
861
898
920
889
Eleventh Regiment Infantry
Twelfth Regiment Infantry
Thirteenth Regiment Infantry
Fifteenth Regiment Infantry
979
992
937
947
436
10,503
10,939
12 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Out of these ten thousand nine hundred and thirty-
nine officers and men of New Jersey in the Army of
the Potomac, mustered into the service at various
times in 1861-62 to serve for three years or during
the war, there were reported " Present for duty " on
June 30th, 1863, but four thousand five hundred and
five, a loss of about sixty per cent. The number of
men on special service, and those "Absent without
leave " during that period, would account for only a
small fraction of this percentage, and the record of
all these organizations will bear the closest scrutiny
for trying and exhaustive service in campaigning and
in actual conflict with the enemy. It had not been
the policy of the State authorities to recruit men to
fill up the losses in the old regiments, and they were
continually being weakened by various causes.
The men who went to the war in 1861 and 1862,
were governed by love of country and hatred of the
heresy of Secession. They were the representatives of
a principle, and embodied in their service the patriotic
sentiment of the tmie. No danger was too great, no
trial too severe, but found them ready and willing to
undertake its performance, and in the case of hundreds
of these patriotic men, when their term of service
expired they reenlisted for the whole war. This was
the class of men who confronted Lee's army on the
heights of Gettysburg. They had become used to
defeat, but they could not be dismayed. Their faith in
the ultimate success of the cause they espoused never
wavered, though the rebel army was devastating the
Major-Gexeral Joseph Hooker,
Commander Army of the Potomac.
Resigned, June 27, 1863.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
15
loyal State of Pennsylvania. Each report that came to
their ears of the destructive march of Lee's army
through the North only nerved these men to a higher
sense of the responsibilities which devolved upon them,
and in spite of all the discouragements of the past the
Army of the Potomac never felt itself better able to
cope with its old antagonist than on those fateful days
of July, 1863.
CHAPTER II.
RESUME OF HISTORICAL FACTS— PUBLIC FEELING IN
THE SOUTH — TEMPER OF THE REBEL ARMY —
POSITION OF BOTH ARMIES IN JUNE, 1 863— THE
FIGHT AT FRANKLIN'S CROSSING ON THE RAPPA-
HANNOCK— GALLANT CHARGE BY THE TWENTY-
SIXTH NEW JERSEY.
THE battle of Waterloo put an end to the ambitious
career of Napoleon the First. Gettysburg de-
stroyed the hopes of the South for the establish-
ment of a Confederacy of States. And the South
was full of hope in 1863. From the commencement of
hostilities, two years before, the prestig-e of success — or
rather that which amounted to the same thing, the
failure of the National Government to crush out the
rebellion in the East — was with General Lee and his
army. The fortunate arrival of reinforcements at the
first battle of Bull Run stemmed the tide of retreat in.
the southern army, and the advance of these fresh
arrivals upon the demoralized Federals, turned their
retreat into a rout and gave the victory to the Con-
federates. The Peninsula campaign resulted in fresh
laurels for the southern troops, and General Lee's
audacious advance through the valley, and the mar-
shalling of his forces on the field of Manassas, a second
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. ly
time at Bull Run driving the Union army within the
defences of Washington, gave added lustre to his grow-
ing fame. What feeling of opposition had existed in
the South toward the schemes of the political leaders
who had raised the standard of revolt against the
National authority had been silenced by the victorious
progress of the Army of Northern Virginia, and when
the Maryland campaign was inaugurated it received
the sanction of the Confederate authorities and the
plaudits of the southern people. There was a general
belief in the South that Lee's army once in the State of
Maryland, thousands of sympathizers would flock to
swell the ranks of the southern forces, and with this
host of enthusiastic adherents an army of invasion
could be formed which would compel the Government
to recognize the Southern Confederacy and treat with
it for a cessation of hostilities.
The sorest defeat for the South was not the loss of
Antietam, it was the knowlege, dearly gained, that the
people of Maryland were not so demonstratively sym-
pathetic with the cause of the Confederacy as the
leaders of public opinion in the South had supposed.
The successful retreat of General Lee, with his whole
army, into Virginia, was additional evidence of his
military ability, and while " Maryland, my Maryland,"
was lost forever to the South, General Lee's arm)^
never admitted that Antietam was otherwise a sore
defeat. It was practically a drawn battle, with the
advantage, if any, on the side of the Army of the
Potomac, Lee's defence of Fredericksburg Heights in
NE W JERSEY TROOPS
the December which followed, and the defeat of the
Union army with great loss — followed in May, 1863,
with his remarkable victory at Chancellorsville — stimu-
lated the war feeling of the South and awakened an
enthusiasm such as had never before been witnessed
there. So intense was the feeling, so confident the
leaders, that the invasion of the North by the Con-
federate army was demanded by the press of the South
and by public opinion. It was known that the term of
service of many regiments in the Union army was
about to expire, and the crushing defeats that had
recently been sustained by the Army of the Potomac
were not conducive to reenlistment. Besides this, a
feeling of despondency had settled over the North, the
faction that had been opposing the war were growing
bolder in their utterances, and an invasion of the North,
it was believed, would so excite the fears of these peo-
ple that extraordinary efforts to arouse public opinion
in favor of peace at any price would result. With a
divided public opinion in the North, the southern army
safely entrenched on northern territory, the actual
transfer of the seat of war to northern soil must re-
sult, it was believed, in a settlement of the conflict,
and on terms satisfactory to the South, The invasion
of Pennsylvania was not for the purpose of receiving
accessions to the southern army, but to conquer a
peace. The movement had the sanction of military
(precedent, was cprdially indorsed by the Confederate
authorities, aroused the enthusiasm of the soldiery, and
stimulated the overweening confidence of the southern
Ih' THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
19
people to a firm belief in its ultimate success. Armed
reinforcements and recruits eagerly joined the forces
of General Lee, and buoyant with hope, exultant and
confident, the Confederate army left their camps on
the Rappahannock, while the prayers and fervent
hopes of a united South bid them God-speed in their
mission.
The temper of the southern army at this time is
thus tersely expressed by Alfriend : '' The Army of
Northern Virginia, a compact and puissant force,
seventy thousand strong, which had never yet known
defeat, instinctively expected the order for advance
into the enemy's country. Never was the morale of
the army so high, never had it such confidence in its
own prowess, and in the resources of its great com-
mander, and never was entrusted to its valor a
mission so grateful to its desires as that tendered by
President Davis ' to force the enemy to fight for
their own Capital and homes.' "
The Union army on the first of June was posted
on the north bank of the Rappahannock river, while
the rebel army was on the south side, mainly concen-
trated about Fredericksburg. As prehminary to the
general movement Lee, with strategic skill, began the
massing of his forces at Culpepper, leaving A. P.
Hill's division at Fredericksburg to mask the move-
ment. General Hooker was wary and suspicious,
and from the nature of the reports brought to him
by his scouts, he was confident an important move-
ment was contemplated by Lee. He ordered a
20 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
reconnoissance in force by the Sixth Army Corps,
Howe's division of which was to cross the Rappa-
hannock June 5th, while Wright's and Newton's divis-
ions were to take position on the north bank of the
river, in support.
This was to be the initial movement of the Gettys-
burg campaign on the part of the Union forces, and
by it the valor of New Jersey troops was once more
to be tested. The Twenty-sixth Regiment, which
formed part of Grant's brigade of Howe's division,
had been mustered into the service on the i8th of
September, 1862, and its term of service, nine months,
was about expiring. It had taken part in the two
previous engagements at Fredericksburg on December
13th and 14th, 1862, under Burnside, and May 3rd,
1863, under Hooker, and also in the engagement at
Salem Church on May 4th, 1863, in which last battle
the command sustained a loss of 124 — killed, wounded
and missing.
The point at which the crossing of the Rappa-
hannock was to be made was known as " Franklin's
Crossing," three miles below the town of Fredericks-
burg. General A. P. Hill, the Confederate com-
mander, had constructed a line of earth-works along
the south bank of the river which were occupied by
a strong force, and when Howe's division reached the
stream the engineer corps were preparing to lay the
pontoons over which the command was to cross.
It was five o'clock in the evening when the column
reached the river bank, and artillery was at once
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 21
posted in a commanding position to sweep the open
plain between the enemy's works and the woods
beyond. While these preparations were being made
on the north side of the river, the enemy sent forth
a strong reinforcement to the rifle-pits. As they
deployed out of the woods and moved across the plain
to the works near the river bank, the Union artillery
opened fiercely upon them, but without repelling
their advance. The fire from their works was fierce
and accurate, and it soon became evident that noth-
ing short of a direct assault could force them from
their position. The efforts of the engineer corps to
launch their boats were futile, and General Howe
organized a storming column, consisting of the Fifth
Vermont and Twenty-sixth New Jersey regiments,
with instructions to cross the river in boats and
drive the enemy from the rifle-pits. General Howe
sent for Lieutenant-Colonel Martindale, then in com-
mand of the Twenty-sixth, and as he gave him the
instructions he was to follow complimented him and
his command very highly, saying, " In a few days
your term of service will be over and you will
return home to your friends with an untarnished
reputation for gallantry and covered with glory."
The column formed within seventy-five yards of the
river bank, the Fifth Vermont on the right, the
Twenty-sixth on the left, and under a severe fire from
the enemy. The artillery ceased firing, the advance
was begun, the Fifth Vermont moved rapidly down
a narrow gulch to the river bank, while the Twenty-
22 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
sixth went down a road cut parallel with the river
and fully exposed to the enem)^'s fire. The Twenty-
sixth rushed gallantly down, crossed the narrow
margin of the flats that bordered the river, where
they found that the engineers had launched but
seven of the boats. The regiment was now in
a perilous position. Crowded together in a small
space at the river bank, they were exposed to a
galling and murderous fire, and as the engineers
boldly rushed to the river to aid in launching the
rest of the boats several of their number were
killed and wounded. To remain inactive now was
suicide. Captain Samuel U. Dodd, of Company H,
being on the right of the line, sprang into the first
boat, followed by Lieutenant Dodd and as many of
his men as could find room in it, and pushed out
in the sti'eam. Ordering his men to protect them-
selves below the gunwales of the boat. Captain Dodd
directed its course to the opposite bank. He was a
man of large stature, a conspicuous mark for the
enemy's fire, and as the boat reached the middle of
the river he received a mortal wound, dying the
next day. Immediately following came a boat with
the Major of the Fifth Vermont and a detachment
from that regiment, next in order being Captain
Stephen C. Fordham and Captain Peter F. Rogers
with several men of the Twenty-sixth. Major WiUiam
W. Morris, with men from several companies, filled
another boat, and Captain Samuel H. Pemberton, in
charge of the fourth boat, followed by three other
!!«'
^""''''^''-'""■"'■''''' '
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
25
boats filled with men of the Twenty-sixth, moved boldly
to the opposite side. Lieutenant-Colonel Martindale
superintended the launching of the other boats, and
the men of Captains Hunkele, Mclntee, Harrison,
Sears and Pearson's companies did herculean work
in drag-ging the immense frames to the river. It
was nearly seven o'clock when the boats reached the
opposite bank and, without waiting for the whole
command to get over, a movement upon the works
was at once begun. There was an eager rivalry
between the Vermonters and Jerseymen as to which
should gam the rifle-pits first. Major Morris, with a
portion of the Twenty-sixth, charged rapidly up to
the enemy's lines, as did the Fifth Vermont. The
rebels saw that retreat across the plain was hopeless.
The Sixth Corps artillery commanded the whole posi-
tion between them and the woods beyond, and they
surrendered. Major Morris, without waiting to note
how many prisoners were captured, at once deployed
his men as skirmishers along the Bowling Green
road. Lieutenant-Colonel Martindale brought the rest
of the regiment up as soon as they had crossed over
and they were posted as pickets for the rest of the
night. The action was spirited, brave and gallant,
and to the Twenty-sixth is undoubtedly due the
honor of being first in the enemy's works, though
the report of Colonel Grant seeks to give that credit
to the Fifth Vermont, who turned in to him all the
prisoners taken. The casualties in the Twenty-sixth
were 2 killed and 17 wounded, as follows:
26
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Killed.
Company H — Captain, Samuel U. Dodd.
" I — Private, Joseph H. Ainsworth.
Wounded.
Company B— Corporal, William H. Brown;
Privates, William Small, William
Delaney, Martin V. B. Sandford,
D wight Stent, Henry L. Johnson,
C— Robert Wallace.
D — William Davis, David Mintonge.
E — Henry Berner.
F — Corporal, William Egbertson.
G — Sergeant, George S. Force.
H — David F. Horton.
I — Joseph De Camp, George W.
Griffin, Horace Goble.
K— Aaron G. Mead.
The following is the official report of Lieutenant-
Colonel Martindale, concerning the action of the regi-
ment :
Headquarters 26th New Jersey Volunteers, )
In the Field near Fredericksburg, Va., V
June 8th, 1863. )
Lieutenant C. H. Forbes, Assistant Adjntaiit-General :
Sir — Of the part taken by this regiment in the recent
operations across the Rappahannock, a report of which
I am desired to forward, I have the honor to state as
follows :
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
27
On the afternoon of the 5th instant the regiment was
ordered to march from its camp near White Oak
Church and move with the brigade toward Fredericks-
burg. Arriving near the old crossing point (Frank-
lin's), next below the town, it was formed in line of
battle under fire of the enemy's riflemen, who were
posted in earth-works near the south bank. Here we
suffered our first loss in killed and wounded. Imme-
diately afterward the order was given to charge down
the road to the river, under cover of a heavy fire from
our artillery, push across the pontoons and carry the
line of rifle-pits occupied by the enemy. This order
was executed at once, in a spirited manner, under a
galling fire from the enemy's earth-works. This regi-
ment and the Fifth Vermont had been ordered to cross
the river together, but the right of the Twenty-sixth
New Jersey having reached the river bank a little in
advance, its first two companies were the first to enter
the boats, cross over and charge up the opposite bank.
A portion of our right company (H) was the first of our
regiment to enter the enemy's intrenchments, which
they did at the same moment with the Fifth Vermont,
capturing a considerable number of prisoners. A line
of skirmishers was immediately pushed out to the front,
and the whole regiment was deployed in and beyond
the Bowling Green road until the morning of the 6th
instant, when it was relieved, placed in line of battle,
resting upon Deep Run, and so contmued until the
evening of the 7th, when the regiment was ordered
back to the left bank of the Rappahannock. Our
28 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
casualties were 2 killed and 17 wounded. Among the
killed I am deeply grieved to be compelled to mention
Captain Samuel U. Dodd, of Company H, who fell a
sacrifice to his gallant and conscientious devotion to
duty while bravely leading his company in the first
boat across the river. The loss to his company and
regiment is irreparable, but the good influence of his
noble example and character will endure for all time.
It gives me particular pleasure to call your attention
to the fidelity and good conduct of Major Morris, in
every requirement of duty, both in crossing and form-
ing upon the opposite bank, and particularly upon the
trying and exhausting duty of the skirmish line.
Of the line officers, while many are justly entitled to
great praise for meritorious conduct, I desire to call
your particular attention to the conspicuous gallantry
and spirited conduct of Captain Stephen C. Fordham,
of Company A, who distinguished himself both in the
attack upon the enemy's intrenchments and the advance
to the extreme front of the line of skirmishers. Also to
that of Lieutenant John Dodd, of Company H, who
distinguished himself in like manner, and was the first
man of either regiment to plant his foot upon shore in
crossing the river.
I have the honor to be,
Respectfully your obedient servant,
E. MARTINDALE.
Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Regiment.
The conspicuous gallantry of Captain Fordham is
well illustrated by the following incident :
1
Capt. Samuel Uzal Dodd,
Co. H, 26th N. J. Vols., Inf.
(^From a War-time Photograph^
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 31
When the boat containing Major Morris and his men
had reached within a few feet of the river bank Captain
Fordham, who had accompanied a part of the regiment
over in a previous boat, stepped from under the bank
of the river and asked what the command should next
do ? The Major responded, " Wait, Captain, until I
land.'' Just at that moment the Major of the Fifth
Vermont, hearing Captain Fordham's call for orders,
started up the road in the direction of the enemy's
works. Captain Ford ham saw the movement, and tak-
ing one man with him, started off to get in advance of
the Vermonter, and as they came abreast of each other
both moved rapidly for the enemy's position. This
action nerved the rest to follow his example, and with-
out waiting for the whole regiment to cross they
started on a run and all together charged the position.
Lieutenant Rochus Heinisch, of Company " A,'' Cor-
porals William H. Brown and W. H. Whittemore,
Company " B,'' were first into the enemy's works.
Corporal Brown was wounded.
The charge of the Twenty-sixth was gallantly per-
formed and has received the highest words of praise,
but Colonel Grant, commanding the brigade, in his
report of the affair, seeks to award the credit to the
Fifth Vermont as being the first to enter the works.
He says : " We left camp yesterday, soon after noon,
and marched to the river, a distance of about five miles.
The pontoons were on the ground ready to be taken
down the bank and thrown across the river. The
rebels had constructed rifle-pits in front of and com-
22 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
manding the point where the bridges were to be
placed. These rifle-pits were occupied by rebel infantry.
As soon as the artillery could be got into position it
opened a terrific fire upon the rifle-pits. It had but
little effect, however, except to keep back reinforce-
ments that were coming to the assistance of those
already in the works. But very few of those in the pits
were injured by the artillery fire. They managed to
keep up a galling fire upon the engineers that attempted
to construct the bridges. It was determined to drive
the rebels from the rifle-pits. The Fifth Vermont,
Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis, and Twenty-sixth New
Jersey, Lieutenant-Colonel Martindale, were ordered
forward for that purpose. They rushed gallantly down
the bank and, with the assistance of the engineers, and
under a galling fire from the rifle-pits, they launched
the pontoon boats into the stream, jumped into them
and rowed across and landed upon the south bank.
But a few companies of the Fifth had crossed when
they sprang up the bank, and with shouts charged the
rifle-pits, driving the enemy from them in great con-
fusion, taking many of them prisoners. The Twenty-
sixth New Jersey came gallantly to the support of the
Fifth and did well, but it is believed the Fifth cleared
the rifle-pits."
This is faint justice from a brigade commander for a
gallant and most heroic service, and the evident intent
to award the chief credit to the Fifth Vermont for a
service performed by the Twenty-sixth New Jersey in
conjunction with them, is not the work of a broad or
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
33
generous disposition. An eye-witness of the fight, one
of the Fiftieth Regiment, New York Volunteers, says
of it:
" General Howe at once ordered the Twenty-sixth
New Jersey to cross and storm the pits, and most
gallantly and fearlessly did they go in. The rebels
stuck to their position until those fearless Jerseymen
set foot on the south side of the river, which was about
half-past six o'clock, when, notwithstanding the shower
of canister sent after them, they fled before the impetu-
ous charge of those gallant Jersey Blues ; indeed, they
could not well leave before, for our cannon completely
swept the plain and their pits was by far the safest place
for them. Skirmishers were immediately deployed and
soon brought in sixty or seventy prisoners, belonging
principally to Florida regiments. My own position
was such that I could see the whole affair. Our regi-
ment suffered considerably — we lost 28 killed — many in
our brigade who were killed or wounded are within a
few days of the expiration of their terms of service ; the
same is true, as I am informed, of the Twenty-sixth
New Jersey, but still neither the one or the other
faltered in the least in going forward in the performance
of their ducies, and they deserve and should receive
honor from all men."
CHAPTER III.
lee's plan of campaign— disposition of his forces
— general hooker mystified but not deceived
— the cavalry fight at brandy station — the
first new jersey cavalry's brilliant charge.
WHETHER General Lee had forebodings of dis-
aster when making his plans for an offensive
campaign will, perhaps never be known, but
certain it is that while everybody about him, and
public feeling in the South, was full of confidence and
hope, he was depressed in spirits. He evidently
realized that the future of the Southern Confederacy
depended upon the success of his operations. The
situation elsewhere, from the southern point of view,
Avas not the most encouraging. General Grant was
hammering away at Vicksburg and the possibilities of
its fall were alarming. General Longstreet thus sum-
marizes the situation :
" While General Lee was reorganizing his army he
was also arranging the new campaign. Grant had laid
siege to Vicksburg, and Johnston was concentrating at
Jackson to drive him away. Rosecrans was in Tennes-
see and Bragg was in front of him. The force Johnston
was concentrating at Jackson gave us no hope that he
1429557
Major William W. Morris,
26th Regt. N. J, Vols., Inf.
{Front a War •time Photograph?^
IN THE GETT YSB UR G CA MP A IGN.
37
would have sufficient strength to make any impression
upon Grant, and even if he could, Grant was in position
to reinforce rapidly and could supply his army with
greater facility. Vicksburg was doomed unless we
could offer relief by a strategic move. I proposed to
send a force through East Tennessee to join Bragg, and
also to have Johnston sent to join him, thus concentrat-
ing a large force to move against Rosecrans, crush out
his army and march against Cincinnati, That, 1
thought, was the only way we had to relieve Vicksburg.
General Lee admitted the force of my proposition, but
finally stated that he preferred to organize a campaign
into Maryland and Pennsylvania, hoping thereby to
draw the Federal troops from the southern points they
occupied. After discussing the matter with him for
several days I found his mind was made up not to
allow any of his troops to go west. I then accepted
his proposition to make a campaign into Pennsylvania,
provided it should be offensive in strategy but defensive
in tactics, forcing the Federal army to give us battle
when we were in strong position and ready to receive
them."
A successful invasion of Pennsylvania, and the defeat
of the northern army, were the primary objects of the
campaign. These would not alone counterbalance the
effect that the fall of Vicksburg would have upon the
southern mind, it would give the representatives of the
South in foreign countries a vantage ground in securing
the recognition of the Confederacy, which meant an
open market in which to purchase supplies and muni-
38 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
tions of war, and, perhaps, bring about the intervention
of the great powers for a cessation of hostilities ; peace-
ably if possible, by armed support if necessary. Eng-
land and France were only awaiting an opportunity to
extend a helping hand to the South. A victory for
General Lee on northern soil would be all-sufficient.
The plan of campaign was prepared, the preliminary
movements had been made. General Lee had divided
his army into three parts : Hill was left at Fredericks-
burg, Longstreet and Ewell moved toward Culpepper,
from which point Ewell was to proceed to the Shenan-
doah Valley to clear the way for the balance of the
army to follow. On the seventh of June General Lee's
cavalry moved to the Rappahannock river, their
artillery being posted so as to cover the crossing at
Beverly Ford. On this same day General Wright's
division, of the Sixth Corps, relieved the troops of
Howe's division, at Franklin's Crossing, below Fred-
ericksburg, Hooker thus keeping up a show of force
sufficient to detain Hill, while Lee ordered Longstreet
and Ewell to halt near the Rapidan river long enough
to ascertain what the Union Commander's intentions
were, and to be in supporting distance of Hill, if
wanted. On the eighth of June Hooker directed
Pleasonton — who had been placed in command of all
the cavalry — to make a reconnoissance in the direction
of Culpepper for the purpose of ascertaining the possible
plans of the enemy. The resistance made by General
Hill at Fredericksburg was obstinate enough to con-
vince Hooker that the enemy were in strong force at
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 30
that point, but his suspicions were not allayed. He
believed that some movement of great importance was
contemplated by Lee, and that movement, he rightly
divined, was an invasion of the North.
The Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac
comprised three divisions, commanded as follows :
First Division, General John Buford ; Second Divis-
ion, Colonel A. N. Duffie ; Third Division, General
D. McM. Gregg, and a Regular Cavalry Reserve
with six batteries. For the purpose of this recon-
noissance the corps was divided into two wings, the
right comprising the First Cavalry Division and the
Reserve Brigade, supported by a detachment of
infantry under the command of General Ames, of
the Eleventh Corps, the wing being commanded by
General Buford. The left wing comprised the
Second and Third Divisions of cavalry, with General
D. A. Russell's detachment of infantry from the
Sixth Corps, the whole commanded by General
Gregg. General Pleasonton made his headquarters
with Buford's wing. On the afternoon of the eighth
of July the corps moved out on their mission, the
right wing halting near Beverly Ford and the left
wing at Kelly's Ford, on the Rappahannock. So
far the advance toward Culpepper had progressed
satisfactorily, but the next movement lead to a con-
flict where none was anticipated, the separated
wings of Pleasonton having to encounter Stuart's
whole force and engage him in separate conflict.
General Buford crossed the river early on the ninth
40 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
and met the enemy between the Ford and Brandy
Station, but was compelled to retire by reason of
the great superiority of numbers against which he
was pitted. General Gregg crossed the river at
Kelly's Ford between five and six o'clock in the
morning and was moving toward Stevensburg, at
which point he was, directed to establish the left of
his line, the infantry detachment under General
Russell being ordered to move direct to Brandy
Station. Gregg heard the firing of Buford's men,
and after a march of five miles overtook Dufifie's
division, whose advance had reached Stevensburg
without meeting the enemy, and he ordered them to
move at once upon Brandy Station, taking the same
road as the Third Division. When the head of
Gregg's division reached the Station the enemy were
there in great force, having only a short time before
repulsed the First Division. In the charge of the
Third Division upon Stuart's forces the First New
Jersey Cavalry carried off the honors of the day for
impetuous dash and consummate skill. Of the heroic
part taken by this command in this, the first great
cavalry fight of the war, no improvement can be
made upon the realistic description given by Chap-
lain Pyne, in his " History of the Fii^t New Jersey
Cavalry." He says :
" It was on the eighth of June that Gregg's divis-
ion broke camp at Warrenton Junction, to march to
Kelly's Ford. Arriving there after nightfall the men,
formed in column of battalions, holding their horses
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN
41
during the night, bivouacked without fires or sound
of bugles. In consequence of these and other pre-
cautions, Duffie's division was well on the road to
Stevensburg, and Gregg moving toward Brandy
Station, before the rebels had taken the alarm.
Capturing or cutting off the videttes. Captain Yorke
led the advance around the position of the rebel
cavalry, and debouched through the woods beyond
Brandy Station, while the enemy was still between
that place and the Rappahannock river. As Jones'
brigade hastily formed to receive us, the First New
Jersey Cavalry dashed out of the woods, charging
down among them. Without even an attempt to
charge, the rebel line broke in confusion ; and driv-
ing them back, pell-mell, the regiment pressed upon
their rear. With a hundred and fifty prisoners,
taken by a body of only two hundred and fifty-nine
enlisted men, the regiment then rallied and re-formed
for the greater work before them.
" Nearly half a mile apart, on two eminences of a
continuous line of hill, stood a couple of country
houses, surrounded by their customary farm buildings
and enclosures, though both had been dilapidated by
the frequent presence of the soldiery of both armies.
At the one fating the right of the line General
Stuart had established his headquarters, and each of
them was • protected by a battery of horse artillery.
Leaving the First Pennsylvania Regiment to support
his battery, Wyndham formed the First Jersey for
a charge. Lieutenant-Colonel Broderick was at its
42 ^E W JERSE V TROOPS
head, and in column of battalions it advanced, with
a steady trot, its line more accurate than ever on
parade. As it passed over the difficult ground in
the vicinity of the railroad, there was danger of its
front being compressed by the narrowness of the
defile. Without a pause, Hobensack led the left
squadron of the first line down the steep bank of
the cutting and up the other side — a steep descent
and rise of nine feet each way, taken by the whole
body without a waver or hesitation. While the
right squadrons of the other battalions followed
Broderick against Stuart's headquarters, the left
wings, under Lucas and Malsbury, accompanied
Hobensack and dashed at the hill on which stood
the other battery. So rapid was the advance of
both columns that the batteries of the enemy endeav-
ored in vain to get range upon them ; while our
own guns, admirably directed by Martin and his
officers, played with terrible effect upon the station-
ary rebel line. With a ringing cheer Broderick rode
up the gentle ascent that led to Stuart's headquar-
ters, the men gripping hard their sabres, and the
horses taking ravines and ditches in their stride. As
the rebels poured in a random and ineffectual volley,
the troopers of the First Jersey were among them,
riding over one gun, breaking to pieces the brigade
in front of them and forcing the enemy in confusion
down the opposite slope of the hill. Stuart's head-
quarters were in our hands, and his favorite regi-
ment in flight before us. At the same time, far
Colonel Percy Wyndham,
ist N. J. Cav.
(,From a Wcir-titne Photograph.)
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
45
away at Beverly Ford, were heard the guns of
Buford, as Pleasonton hurled his division, in column
of regiments, against the shaken enemy. By the
same orderly who carried off Stuart's official papers,
Wyndham ordered up a section of his battery and
the regiment of Pennsylvanians. Leaving the artil-
lery to the support of the First Maryland, the noble
Pennsylvanians came to the attack. It was time that
they did so; for a fresh brigade of rebels was
charging the hundred men of Broderick. Gallantly
did the Lieutenant- Colonel meet the charge. As the
enemy advanced, down against them rode our men :
Broderick and his adjutant in front, Hart, Wynkoop,
Cox, Jemison, Harper, Sawyer, Brooks and Hughes,
all in their places, leading their respective men.
With a crash, in went the little band of Jerseymen
into the leading rebel regiment, the impetus of the
attack scattering the faltering enemy in confusion
right and left. Through the proud Twelfth Vir-
ginia they then rode, with no check to their head-
long onset ; and with dripping sabres and panting
steeds emerged into the field beyond. No longer in
line of battle, fighting hand to hand with small
parties of the enemy, and with many a wounded
horse sinking to the earth, they met a third regi-
ment of the rebels, no longer faltering before an
unbroken enemy, but rushing eagerly upon the scat-
tered groups of combatants. Even in this emergency
the confidence of the men was not shaken in their
leaders. Against that swarm of opposers each indi-
^6 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
vidual officer opposed himself, with such men as
collected around him ; and slowly fighting, breaking
the enemy with themselves into bands of indepen-
dent combatants, the Jerseymen fell back up the
bloody hillside. Not a man but had his own story
of the fight to tell. Kitchen, left alone for a moment,
was ridden at by two of the rebels. As one was
disabled by his sabre, he spurred his horse against
the other. As the animal bounded beneath the goad
a bullet penetrated his brain, and, throwing his rider
twenty feet beyond him, the steed, all four feet in
the air, plunged headlong to the earth. As the
adjutant, trembling from the fall, slowly recovered
his senses, he saw another rebel riding at him.
Creeping behind the body of his dead horse, he
rested his revolver on the carcass to give steadiness
to his aim, and frightening off his enemy, managed
to escape to the neighborhood of the guns and catch
a riderless horse to carry him from the field.
" In the middle of the fight Broderick's horse fell
dead beneath him. Instantly his young orderly bugler,
James Wood, sprang to the earth and remounted him.
While the bugler himself sought for another horse, a
rebel trooper rode at him with an order to surrender.
As Wood was taken to the rear, he came upon a carbine
lying upon the ground. Seizing it and leveling it at
his captor, he forced the man to change places with
him ; and thus, with an empty weapon, repossessed
himself of arms and horse, together with a prisoner.
Jemison, on foot and alone, was chased around the
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. Ay
house upon the hill, when he saw Broderick again
unhorsed in the midst of a crowd of enemies, and
Sawyer riding- to the rescue. At the moment when
Jemison was giving himself up for lost, he saw his
pursuers stop, wheel and hurry awav, and running
himself around the corner, he beheld Taylor, sword in
hand, leading the charge of the Pennsylvanians.
Around the base of the hill the sturdy regiment swept
along, driving the enemy before it, and making a com-
plete circuit of the position, returned again toward
Brandy Station.
" In the mean time, the left wing of the regiment had
directed its efforts upon the other battery of the rebels.
Keeping to the trot, their unbroken ranks moved
steadily against the hill, on the top of which stood the
cannoneers and a few horsemen observing their
approach. As they came nearer, all these men disap-
peared except one, who maintained his position ; and
as they came within two hundred yards of the summit,
this man lifted his hat, beckoning with it to those in the
rear. In one moment the whole hillside was black with
rebel cavalry, charging down as foragers, pistol and
carbine in hand. Hobensack glanced along his
squadron. Not a man was out of place, and every
horse was taking the gallop without a blunder or over-
rush of speed. At the sight of this united band of
enemies, the confused rebel crowd hesitated and shook.
With an ill-directed, futile volley, they began to break
away, and the next moment, a shrieking mass of fugi-
tives, they were flying before the sabres of our men.
48 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
The rebel battery of four guns was left with but two
men near it, and with their eyes fixed upon it our
officers pressed upon the fugitives. When within a
hundred yards of the guns, and when looking over the
hill, Lucas could see yet another brigade coming in the
distance to reinforce the broken enemy, an ejaculation
from Hobensack caused him to turn his eyes to his own
rear. There was the main body of the force that had
broken the right wing coming into full line of battle
upon their rear.
"'Fours, left-about, wheel!' was the instant order.
' Boys, there's a good many of them, but we must cut
through. Charge ! ' and obliquely against their line
rushed down the Jersey troopers.
" Enthusiasm and desperation supplied the place of
numbers, and cutting their way out, the little band
opened a path toward the section of our battery.
Three times was the guidon of Company E 'taken by
the enemy. Twice it was retaken by our men, and the
third time, when all seemed desperate, a little troop
of the First Pennsylvania cut through the enemy and
brought off the flag in safety. Once the rebels who
hung upon the rear attempted to charge our retiring
men, but the wheel of the rear division sufficed to check
their assault, and the left wing of the Jersey reached
Clark's two guns, annoyed only by the revolvers of the
rebels.
" Under cover of the fire of the artillery, and assisted
by the charge of the First Pensylvania, Hart had suc-
ceeded in bringing off the remnant of the right wing.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. aq
He was the senior officer of that half of the reg-iment.
Broderick was dying in the enemy's hands ; Shelmire
lay dead across the body of a rebel ; Sawyer and Hyde
Crocker were prisoners ; Lieutenant Brooks was dis-
abled by a sabre stroke on his right arm ; Wyndham
himself had just received a bullet in his leg. Men and
horses had been fighting for over three hours, and
were now utterly exhausted. Duffie was in line of
battle two miles and a-half to the rear, but there was
no support upon the field. Kilpatrick's brigade, which
had charged on our right and rear, had beaten the
rebels opposed to it, the First Maine bearing off a
battle-flag, but it was now formed on our flank, some
distance from the field, to cover us from being entirely
cut off. The enemy were indeed terribly demoralized,
and the charge of a dozen of our men again and again
routed a hundred of the rebels ; but now there were
not a dozen horses that could charge — not a man who
could shout above a whisper. The guns were across a
ditch, which rendered their removal very difficult, and
it was their fire which kept the rebels from crossing
the hills to charge against us. So, with a desperate
hope that Duffie might come up after all, our worn-
out troopers stood by the gallant cannoneers of the
Sixth New York (Martin's, formerly Bramhall's) Inde-
pendent Battery — New Yorkers by commission, but
Jerseymen of Rahway in their origin.
" Presently the apprehended moment came, and the
last reserves of the rebels, fresh and strong, poured
down on three sides upon the exhausted little knot
4
50 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
of Jersey troopers. While cavalry fought hand to
hand across the guns, the artillerymen continued
steadily serving their pieces and delivering their fire
at the enemy upon the hill. Time after time, as a
rebel trooper would strike at a cannoneer, he would
dodge beneath a horse or gun-carriage, and coming
up on the other side, discharge his revolver at his
assailant and spring once more to his work. At
length, from mere exhaustion. Hart, Hobensack and
Beekman, with their comrades, were forced back a
little way from the guns, and while they were form-
ing the men afresh the rebels rode again upon the
cannoneers.
" As one of the gunners was ramming home a
charge, a rebel officer cut him down with three
successive sabre strokes. Then, springing from his
horse, he wheeled the piece toward our troopers,
not fifty yards away. Hobensack turned to Hart,
stretched out his hand, and said : ' We must shut our
eyes and take it. Good-bye ! ' and clasping each
other's hands they awaited for their death. The
roar of the piece thundered out, and the smoke
wrapped them in its folds, but the charge flew harm-
lessly over their heads. The piece had been elevated
against the hill, and the rebels had not thought of
changing its angle. They were so savage at the
harmlessness of the discharge that they actually
advanced half-way toward our men, but beyond that
they dared not come, and the Jersey regiment
marched calmly oft the field without an effort being
made to pursue them.
TN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
51
'' No other comment can be needed to tell the
impression made by them upon the rebels. If there
had been five hundred fresh men upon the field they
might have swept the whole rebel cavalry force
into the Rappahannock river.
" Of the three senior officers on the field, Wynd-
ham received a ball in the leg, which unfitted him
for months for active service, and Broderick and
Shelmire never came off the field alive. As is fre-
quently the case in cavalry combats, but little
quarter was asked or given. Men fought as long
as they could, and then fell beneath the sabre or
pistol, the loss of the enemy almost trebling that
of the National troopers.
" The name and character of Colonel Wyndham
are known throughout the country ; Broderick and
Shelmire were known to few beyond their own
immediate sphere of duty. Within that sphere they
were valued, and their loss was severely felt."
General Gregg, in his report of the fight, says :
" Coming thus upon the enemy, and having at hand
only the Third Division (total strength 2,400), I had
either to decline the fight in the face of the enemy or
throw upon him at once the entire division. Not
doubting but that the Second Division was near, and
delay not being admissible, ^I directed the commanders
of my advance brigade to charge the enemy formed in
columns about Brandy House. The whole brigade
charged with drawn sabres, fell upon the masses of the
enemv, and after a bi'ief but severe contest, drove them
52 NE IV JERSEY TROOPS
back, killing and wounding many and taking a large
number of prisoners. Other columns of the enemy
coming up charged this brigade before it could reform
and it was driven back. Seeing this, I ordered the
First Brigade to charge the enemy upon the right.
This brigade came forth gallantly through the open
fields, dashed upon the enemy, drove him away and
occupied the hill. Now that my entire division was
engaged, the fight was everywhere most fierce. Fresh
columns of the enemy arriving upon the ground
received the vigorous charges of my regiments, and
under the heavy blows of our sabres were in every
instance driven back. Martin's battery of horse artil-
lery, divided between the two brigades, poured load
after load of canister upon the rebel regiments.
Assailed on all sides, the men stood to the guns nobly.
Thus, for an hour and a-half, was the contest continued,
not in skirmishing but in determined charges. The
contest was too unequal to be longer continued. The
Second Division had not come up, there was no
support at hand and the enemy's number were three
times my own. I ordered the withdrawal of my
brigades. In good order they left the field, the enemy
not choosing to follow.
* - ^ * * * * *
" The Third Division behaved nobly, and where
every officer and man did his duty it is difficult to par-
ticularize. I would, however, mention Colonel Percy
Wyndham, First New Jersey Cavalry, commanding
Second Brigade, and Colonel Judson Kilpatrick,
MAJOR-(irM K\I H Jl'li-ON KiLPATRICK,
Brigadier-General Commanding Cavalry Brigade.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 55 ,
Second New York, commanding First Brigade, who
gallantly led their brigades to the charge, and through-
out the entire engagement handled them with consum-
mate skill. Colonel Wyndham, although wounded,
remained on the field and covered with a portion of
his command the withdrawal of the division. Captain
J. W. Martin, commanding Sixth New York Battery
of Horse Artillery, did most excellent service. His
sections were charged by the enemy's regiments on all
sides. Two of his pieces disabled and one serviceable
fell into the hands of the enemy, but not until twenty-
one of his men were cut down, fighting stubbornly,
and nearly all of the horses killed. Although the loss
of these pieces is to be regretted, still the magnificent
defense of them establishes in the highest degree the
soldierly character of the officers and men of the bat-
tery. The serviceable gun was spiked before the
enemy got it."
It will be noticed that the men so honorably men-
tioned, Colonel Wyndhan, Colonel Kilpatrick, and the
men of the Sixth New York Battery, were all Jersey-
men. The latter command, while credited to New
York, was raised almost wholly within the city of
Rahway, this State. Of thirty-six men who went into
the fight but six came out safely, and every one
received some wound that he will carry through life.
The charge by the First New Jersey was led by Colo-
nel Wyndham in person, aided by Lieutenant-Colonel
Broderick. At the first onset the enemy were driven
from their guns, the support coming up were met and
56 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
in a few minutes were driven back. Reinforced, it
returned and was again repulsed.
The rebels were terribly punished. By their own
confession they lost many more than their adversaries,
and in the First New Jersey almost every soldier must
have killed his man. Sergeant Craig, of Company K,
is credited w4th three ; Slate, of the same company,
had several hand-to-hand combats with the enemy,
.-and the instances of individual bravery and pluck were
numerous. Every soldier had an exciting story to
tell, and Adjutant Kitchen, who was in the thickest of
the fray, thus desci'ibes what befell himself:
" The crowd with whom Broderick was engaged
was a little distance from me, and I had just wheeled
to ride up to his help when two fellows put at me.
The first one fired at me and missed ; before he could
again cock his revolver I succeeded in closing \vith
him. My sabre took him just in the neck,, and must
have cut the jugular. The blood gushed out in a
black looking stream ; he gave a horrible yell and fell
over the side of his horse, which galloped away. Then
I gathered up my reins, spurred my horse, and went
at the other one. I was riding the old black horse
that used to belong to the signal sergeant, and it was
in fine condition. As I drove in the spurs it gave a
leap high in the air. That plunge saved my life. The
rebel had a steady aim at me ; but the ball went
through the black horse's brain. His feet never
touched ground again. With a terrible convulsive
contraction of all his muscles, the black turned over ia
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
57
the air, and fell on his head and side stone dead, pitch-
ing me twenty feet. I lighted on my pistol, the butt
forcing itself far into my side. My sabre sprang out
of m}' hand, and I lay, with arms and legs abroad,
stretched out like a dead man. Everybody had some-
thing else to do than to attend to me, and there I lay
where I had fallen.
" It seemed to me to have been an age before I
began painfully to come to myself ; but it could not
have been many minutes. Every nerve was shaking ;
there was a terrible pain in my head, and a numbness
through my side which was even worse. Fighting
was still going on around me, and my first impulse
was to get hold of my sword. I crawled to it, and
sank down as I grasped it once more. That was only
for a moment ; for a rebel soldier, seeing me move,
rode at me. The presence of danger roused me, and I
managed to get to my horse, behind which I sank, rest-
ing my pistol on the saddle, and so contriving to get
an aim. As soon as the man saw that, he turned off
without attacking me. I was now able to stand and
walk ; and holding my pistol in one hand and my
sabre in the other, I made my way across the fields
to where our battery was posted, scaring some with
my pistol and shooting others. Nobody managed to
hit me through the whole fight. When I got up to
the battery I found Wood there. He sang out to me
to wait and he would get me a horse. One of the
men, who had just taken one, was going past, so Wood
stopped him and got it for me.
58 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
" Just at that moment White's battalion and some
other troops came charging- at the battery. The
squadron of the First Maryland, who were supporting
it, met the charge well as far as their numbers went ;
but were, of course, flanked on both sides by the heavy
odds. All of our men who were free came swarming
up the hill, and the cavalry were fighting over and
around the guns. In spite of the confusion, and even
while their comrades at the same place were being
sabred, the men at that battery kept to their duty.
They did not even look up or around, but kept up
their fire with unwavering steadiness.
" There was one rebel, on a splendid horse, who
sabred three gunners while I was chasing him. He
wheeled in and out, would dart away, and then come
sweeping back and cut down another man in a manner
that seemed almost supernatural. We at last succeeded
in driving him away, but we could not catch or shoot
him, and he got off without a scratch."
Adjutant Kitchen was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel
of the Second New Jersey Cavalry the following
August, and served until June 30, 1864, when he
resigned.
The First New Jersey Cavalry in this, as in every
engagement in which it took part, was noted for the
bravery of its men and the thoroughness with which
they performed their duty. Its record is a noble and
brilliant one, and no command shed greater honor
upon its native State than this. The casualties in the
CoLO.Nti Hlgh H. Ikm\\
Major Com'd'g ist N. J. Cav.
{^From a War-time Phoiograp/t.)
i
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 6 1
fight at Brandy Station were 52, of whom 6 were
officers and 46 enlisted men as follows :
Killed.
Lieutenant-Colonel Virgil Broderick.
Major John H. Shelmire.
Company A — John Black.
" B — Joseph Howard.
" E — Sergeant James H. Palmatier ;
George T. Poulson.
" F — Sergeant Samuel Rainear.
" G — Augustus Ringleb.
Wounded and Missing.
Colonel Percy Wyndham, gunshot wound through
fleshy part of leg.
Captain Henry W. Sawyer, wounded and prisoner.
Second Lieutenant Hyde Crocker, prisoner.
First Lieutenant Joseph Brooks, wounded, sabre cut
of left arm.
Company A — Henry Cash, Ephraim Croasdale,
Charles E. Wilson, missing.
Company B — First Sergeant Smighton P. Crossman,
Private Aaron H. Rake, wounded ; Jacob Casler, John
Tynon, missing.
Company D — Octave Antonio, wounded and miss-
ing ; Isaiah Buchanan, wounded in shoulder ; Joseph
Crane, missing.
Company E — First Sergeant Joseph Killey, slightly
62 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
wounded in head ; Sergeant George W. Steward,
gunshot wound in hip ; Theodore L. Clement, Daniel
McCormick, missing. (The last named deserted.)
Company F — Corporal Amos L. Poinsett, severely
wounded in face and neck ; Charles Cadott, wounded in
leg ; Daniel Cliver, wounded and missing ; Sergeant
Joseph F. Thibeaudeau, Corporal Ridgway S. Asy,
Nathan Moore, John C. Dantz, missing.
Company G — First Sergeant Jeremiah P. Brower,
Private James H. Stubbs, wounded and missing ;
Richard Darmstadt, wounded ; Borden G. Joline,
Marshall Summers, missing.
Company H — Timothy Mahoney, wounded in leg ;
Corporal John A. Schaffer, Privates William H. Jack-
son, Douglas E. Grey, missing.
Company I — Sergeant Frederick Schaal, gunshot
wound left wrist ; Sergeant Charles Earley, wounded
and missing ; Philip Hann, missing.
Company K — Sergeant Robert Tuthill, wounded in
thigh; Sergeant Richard Decker, rib broken; John M.
Hendershot, wounded in foot ; "'^Henry Heater, severely
wounded in the back, ball passing through and out at
the abdomen ; John Hanley, missing.
Company M — James Linley, Horace Van Order,
missinpf.
*Heater recovered from his wound, was promoted Corporal July i,
1863, Sergeant, January i, 1864, and served his full term, being
mustered out September 16, 1864.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
63
. RECAPITULATION.
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.
Officers 2 4 — 6
Enlisted Men .-. 6 19 21 46
Total 8 23 21 52
Among the Jerseymen of Martin's Independent
Battery (Sixth New York) who did such heroic service
the following casualties are reported :
Wo2indcd. — Frank H. Bliss, William Bishop, Augustus
B. Crane, Alfred T. Freeman, Robert H. Fowle, John
Jordon. — 6.
Captured by the Enemy. — Thomas Crane, Daniel C.
Cripps, James Horton, Jonathan Hand, Daniel A.
High, ^Cornelius H. Miller, Rufus M. Miller, Thomp-
son Thorn. — 8. Total, 14.
*Recaptured at same fight.
CHAPTER IV.
ewell's dashing advance through the valley —
milroy surprised at winchester — the four-
teenth new jersey on maryland heights —
history of the corps badge — the new jersey
troops and their commanders — an exhaust-
ive march.
ON the tenth of June General Ewell advanced his
troops through the Blue Ridge to Chester Gap,
then pushed on to Front Royal, where he
crossed the Shenandoah river, and by rapid marching
through the Valley reached Winchester on the even-
ing of June 13th, making seventy miles in three days.
Lee's line of battle thus stretched over an interval of
a hundred miles, from Fredericksburg to Winchester.
This rapid marching had for its object the clearing of
the Valley of whatever Union forces might have been
established there, the most important point being
Winchester, which was held by Milroy with about
seven thousand men. Ewell had so skillfully per-
formed his mission that Milroy was completely sur-
prised.
Winchester is a railroad station about thirty miles
southeast from Harper's Ferry. It was considered a
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 65
good point for observation and not particularly valua-
ble as a strategic position. General Milroy had con-
structed a stout line of intrenchments about the town,
and he had a force of men sufficiently large for any
ordinary defence of the place. In the neighborhood
were many Union families who naturally relied upon
the military forces for protection, and to whom they
also were of great service. Berryville, southeast of
Winchester, was occupied by Colonel McReynolds
with a brigade, and Major Morris, with two hundred
men, was stationed at another outpost, Bunker Hill.
While the movements of General Lee were in pro-
gress the authorities at Washington, on the nth of
June, ordered General Milroy to remove his armament
and supplies to Harper's Ferry. Milroy at this time
was ignorant of the advance of Lee's army to the north
side of the Rappahannock river, though the fact was
known to the government authorities. He was reluc-
tant to obey the order, as he felt able to cope success-
fully with any force of the enemy likely, in his opinion,
to attack his position, and he was permitted to remain,
subject to conditions which would enable him to avoid
an engagement with superior numbers.
General Hooker, ignorant of the designs of the
enemy, had not yet made a general movement of his
army. On the loth of June, after the cavalry fight at
Brandy Station, Generals Russell and Ames, with their
detachments of infantry, had been ordered to join their
commands, and the cavalry rendezvoused in the vicin-
ity of Warrenton Junction. When Ewell's movement
5
66 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
was observed, General Hooker, on the nth, ordered
the Third Corps to move from its camps in the vicinity
of Falmouth to Hartwood Church, in close proximity
to Kelly and Beverly Fords, which crossings they
were to watch carefully, while the Fifth Corps, stationed
in the neighborhood of Banks and United States Fords
were to perform a like service there. On the 12th the
lines were still further extended, the First Corps mov-
ing from the vicinity of White Oak Church to Deep
Run, the Third Corps taking a new position at Bealton,
Humphrey's division moving to the Rappahannock,
while the Eleventh Corps moved from Brook's Station
to the place vacated by the First Corps at Hartwood
Church. The next day, June 13th, when Ewell was at
Winchester, General Hooker had only begun to put
his army earnestly in motion. Milroy was in exceed-
ing great peril. Without any knowledge of the move-
ments of either army he was undecided for a time
what to do, but on the 12th he sent word to Colonel
McReynolds, at Berryville, to keep a sharp lookout
as a reconnoissance ordered by him had discovered
that a large force of the enemy were moving on the
Front Royal road, and to be prepared to fall back on
Winchester should he be attacked by superior num-
bers. On the following day McReynolds fell back, his
rear guard engaging the enemy, and succeeded in
reaching Winchester before midnight, after a severe
march of thirty miles. The detachment under com-
mand of Major Morris was also compelled, after a
severe engagement, to rejoin the main body at Win-
Lieut. Rochus Heinisch,
Co. A, 26th Reg. N. J. Vols., Inf.
{From Recent Photograph.)
I
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
69
Chester. Milroy's forces were being hemmed in on all
sides by the superior numbers of Ewell, and these
accessions to the troops at Winchester produced great
embarrassment. Their presence augmented the diffi-
culties which beset Milroy, and they were so exhausted
after their arduous labors that Milroy was compelled
to postpone action until they recovered sufficiently to
endure further marching. Meanwhile Ewell was mak-
ing the best use of his time and organized his forces
for attack. The eastern side of the town was ap-
proached first, but the attack there was gallantly
repulsed. The enemy, reinforced, made a more deter-
mined effort and succeeded in getting possession of
part of the town, but they were driven out by artil-
lery. Milroy then attempted to steal his way out, but
every avenue of escape seemed to be cut off and as a
last resort he determined to fight his way through the
rebel lines. The enemy outnumbered him two to one,
but a desperate charge upon their lines enabled the
troops to break through. In the darkness the column
became divided and Milroy succeeded in bringing safe
to Harper's Ferry the greater part of his command.
Colonel Ely's and Colonel McReynolds' brigades
were, however, captured.* This cleared the Valley
of all Union troops and made the further progress of
Lee's army to Williamsport an easy matter.
* Milroy's losses were severe. General Lee reported that his troops
captured "more than 4,000 prisoners, 29 guns, 277 wagons and 400
horses." These no doubt included seven hundred prisoners and five
guns captured by General Rodes at Martinsburg.
yo NEW JERSEY TROOPS
The alarm that was felt in Washington by Ewell's
presence in the Valley led to the receiving of marching
orders by the Fourteenth New Jersey Regiment,
Colonel William Truex, then stationed at the Monocacy
river. Hurriedly, in light marching order, the regi-
ment moved to the cars in waiting to carry them to
Harper's Ferry, one company remaining behind to
guard the bridge at the river. The regiment went
into camp on Maryland Heights, with the troops of
General Tyler, who had escaped from Martinsburg
after a fierce encounter with Rodes' division of
Ewell's corps. The Fourteenth encamped on the
Heights for about two weeks. General Tyler was
superseded by General French, who at once proceeded
to fortify his position and make it impregnable from
attack. At this arduous and fatiguing duty the Four-
teenth were kept busily engaged and suffered great
hardship and exposure.
On June 13th, General Hooker abandoned his posi-
tion opposite Fredericksburg, the First Corps moving
from Deep Run to Bealton, the Fifth from the fords
on the Rappahannock toward Morrisville, Wright
and Newton's divisions of the Sixth Corps from Frank-
lin's Crossing to Potomac Creek, the Eleventh Corps
to Catlett's Station, while the Twelfth Corps moved
from Stafford Court House and Aquia Creek Landing
to Dumfries, marching all night long. The store-
houses and supply depots at Aquia Creek were burned.
As soon as the Federal army disappeared from his
front. General A. P. Hill broke camp at Fredericks-
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
n
burg and started to join Longstreet and Lee at Cul-
pepper.
The New Jersey troops were distributed as follows
in the several corps :*
*Each of the corps of the Army of the Potomac were designated by a
badge, the First Division color being red, the Second Division white,
and the Third Division blue. The flags of each division headquarters
were designated as follows: First Division, a square flag, white, with
red emblem in centre; Second Division, blue flag, white emblem in
centre; Third Division,. white flag, with blue emblem in centre. Bri-
gade headquarter flags were triangular, the colors being arranged in
the same manner. This method of distinguishing the various corps
emanated from the simple device employed by General Kearny, while
in command of a division on the Peninsula campaign, under General
McClellan. Just before the battle of Williamsburg General Kearny
caused the officers and men of his division to be supplied with a patch
of flannel cut in the shape of a square (diamond) or lozenge, and in a
general order directed that all the field and staff officers should wear a
red diamond on the top of their caps, and the line officers the same in
front, the enlisted men wearing it on the left sleeve of the coat. It was
devised as a means of better distinguishing the officers and men, as the
uniforms of both were so much alike at the time as to cause confusion.
After the death of General Kearny, at Chantilly, General Birney, his
successor, ordered that these patches should be worn in memory of
their gallant old commander, but none were entitled to wear the badge
but those who had been in action with the divsion. General Hooker,
when he was placed in command of the Army of the Potomac, utilized
the idea and caused each of his seven corps to be designated by a badge.
The badges worn by the New Jersey troops were as follows :
^2
NE W JERSE Y TROOPS
Second Corps — Third Division, Second Brigade.
Twelfth Regiment, Major John T. Hill.
Third Corps — Second Division, First Brigade. Elev-
enth Regiment, Colonel Robert McAllister.
Third Brigade. Fifth Regiment, Colonel William J.
Sewell.
Sixth Regiment, Colonel George C.
Burling.
Seventh Regiment, Colonel L. R.
Francine.
Eighth Regiment, Colonel John
Ramsey.
Second Army Corps Badge — Trefoil. Twelfth New Jersey, Second
Division: Blue.
Third Army Corps Badge — (Kearny's) Diamond, First Division:
Red. Fifth. Sixth, Seventh, Eighth and Eleventh New Jersey Infantry.
Artillery Brigade: Battery " B," First New Jersey Artillery.
Sixth Army Corps Badge — Greek Cross. First Division: Red. First,
Second, Third, Fourth and Fifteenth New Jersey Regiments. Battery
"A," First New Jersey Artillery.
Twelfth Army Corps Badge — Five Pointed Star. First Division: Red.
Thirteenth New Jersey Regiment.
The designs for the other three corps were as follows:
1 5 n
First Army Coips — Disc, or lozenge. Fifth Army Corps — Maltese
Cross. Eleventh Army Corps — Crescent.
In a short time the badge was universally adopted by the corps in
all the armies of the Union, and became one of the most popular
features of soldier life.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
73
Artillery Brigade. Battery " B," First New Jersey
Artillery, Captain A. Judson
Clark.
Sixth Corps — First Division, First Brigade. General
A. T. A. Torbert, commanding.
First Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Wm. Henry, Jr.
Second Regiment, Colonel Samuel L. Buck.
Third Regiment, Colonel Henry W. Brown.
*Fourth Regiment, Major Charles Ewing.
Fifteenth Regiment, Colonel William H. Penrose.
Cavalry Detachment. Company "■ L," First New
Jersey.
Twelfth Corps — First Division, Third Brigade.
Thirteenth Regiment, Colonel Ezra A. Carman.
Cavalry Corps — Second Division, First Brigade.
First Regiment, Major M. H. Beaumont.
Third Division. Brigadier-General Judson Kilpatrick,
commanding.
Artillery Reserve — Fourth Volunteer Brigade.
Battery " A," First New Jersey, Lieutenant Augustin
N. Parsons.
General Lee's plan of operations comprised, among
other things, the drawing away of the Federal army
from the Defences of Washington, thus to enable him
to administer a severe blow to Hooker on Virginia
territory. After Ewell had successfully driven Milroy
from the Shenandoah Valley Hill moved to Culpepper,
*The Fourth Regiment on this campaign was detailed as guard to
division trains, and at division headquarters.
74 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
and Longstreet, moving east of the Blue Ridge, occu-
pied Ashby's and Snicker's Gaps, hoping by this
manoeuvre to entice Hooker to move against him at
these points. General Hooker, however, did not bite
at the bait thus temptingly held out, but skillfully
covered the Capital from any likelihood of attack and
moved his army to checkmate any possible designs Lee
might have in that direction. On June 14th he had
advanced his army in the following order : The First
and Third Corps to Manassas Junction, the Fifth Corps
to Catlett's Station, the First and Third Divisions of
the Sixth Corps to Stafford Court House, the Eleventh
Corps to Centreville, which place it reached next day.
The Twelfth Corps arrived at Dumfries on the morn-
ing of the 14th, and remained there during the day.
On the 15th, the day of Milroy's defeat, the Army of
the Potomac moved rapidly to more advanced posi-
tions. The Second Corps, which had remained at
Falmouth, moved to Aquia, the Fifth Corps joined the
First and Third at Manassas Junction, the Sixth Corps
moved to Dumfries, just as the Twelfth was moving
out for Fairfax Court House. The Cavalry Corps,
which had been rendezvousing at Warrenton Junction,
moved to Union Mills and Bristoe Station.
The march of the Twelfth Corps, from Stafford
Court House to Dumfries, on the 15th of June, was a
memorable one to the Thirteenth New Jersey Regi-
ment. Orders for a change of camp had been received
on the morning of the 13th, and the Third Brigade
broke camp at Stafford and moved to Brook's Station,
Major-General George Gordon Meade,
Commander Army of the Potomac.
IN THE GETTYSBUPG CAMPAIGN.
77
where the rest of the day was spent in erecting new
quarters. About seven o'clock in the evening orders
to move were again received, and in a short time the
column was on the road, passing through Stafford
about nine o'clock and continuing on all through the
night until Dumfries was reached the next morning.
The night was very dark, but for a good part of the
way the road was illumined by the bright reflection
which came from the burning buildings at Aquia Creek
Station. The march to Fairfax on the 15th of June
was also a severe one. The heat of the sun was
intense, there was little water to be found anywhere on
the route, and whenever the column halted for a brief
rest, men would search in vain for a stream of water to
quench their thirst. Occasionally a feeble stream
would be found, but the sudden rush for water soon
converted it into a mud-puddle, and thus the misery of
thirst was only aggravated. The distance marched
was about twenty-five miles, and so overpowering was
the heat that three men of the Third Brigade — Charles
E. Somerville, of the Thirteenth New Jersey, and two
men of the One Hundred and Seventh New York —
died from the exhaustion it caused.
General Hooker had designed to attack Hill at
Fredericksburg and put his army in such position as
to interpose between Lee's main army and Richmond,
but he was overruled by General Halleck. Com-
pelled therefore to fall back and await the develop-
ment of Lee's plans, he moved his army with marked
skillfulness and ability. All the authorities agree as
78 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
to the general correctness of the views advanced by
Hooker, but he was in almost every instance balked
in his designs by the military authorities in Wash-
ington, and refused the cooperation which he deserved.
He did not permit himself, however, to be influenced
by the clamorous appeals sent to him ; he was forced
in a defensive position by Lee's movements, and as
though aware of the intent of Lee to draw him into a
battle, he steadfastly pursued the one course of cov-
ering the Capital against any possible designs the rebel
chieftain might have in that direction, and putting
himself in position to watch every movement his wily
antagonist might make.
CHAPTER V.
EWELL AT WILLIAMSPORT— JENKINS' RAID IN PENN-
SYLVANIA — CONSTERNATION THROUGHOUT THE
NORTH — NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS GO TO THE
DEFENCE OF HARRISBURG — HOOKER ADVANCES TO
A NEW LINE OF OBSERVATION — INCIDENTS OF THE
MARCH — EXECUTION OF DESERTERS — AN INSTANCE
OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S MERCY AND WHY IT
FAILED.
THE rebel leaders seemed to have everything [their
own way after the defeat of Milroy at Winchester.
General Lee was the ruling spirit of his own
army, and unlike the Union commander, was not hamp-
ered by those in power at the seat of government. He
gave wide latitude also to his lieutenants, and thus
practically there were four independent armies, acting
with a common impulse. Ewell's brilliant exploit had
won for him the admiration of his troops, and they
hailed him as a worthy successor to the idolized
" Stonewall " Jackson. The complete rout of Milroy 's
forces stimulated the advancing columns and embold-
ened them to a wonderful degree. The fleeing team-
sters, contrabands and non-combatants generally who
had escaped from Ewell's clutches, created consterna-
8o NEW JERSEY TROOPS
tion and dismay among the farmers of Western Mary-
land and the Cumberland Valley, by the wonderful
stories their imaginations conjured up, and these in
turn spread the alarm by gathering together their
valuables, live stock, and portable property, and fleeing
toward Harrisburg. The whole country was in a state
of alarm, and Jenkins with two thousand of his impetu-
ous cavalrymen, started on a tour of the Valley to
prevent the loss of so much material and supplies, of
which Lee's army stood in great need. He entered
Greencastle on the i6th of June and at night of the
same day halted at Chambersburg. He levied on
everything of value he could find — horses, cattle,
forage, medical stores, and went so far as to seize a
number of free negroes whom he sent South to be sold
as slaves. It is said in behalf of Jenkins' fairness
toward the people whom he thus despoiled, that he
paid for the goods in " honest " Confederate money.
This is true only in part ; he deliberately confiscated
the greater part of the supplies seized, making no offer
of compensation.
The alarm which prevailed throughout the North
on the advent of Jenkins with his bold raiders in Penn-
sylvania, was increased by the apparent slowness with
which the Army of the Potomac moved toward the
enemy. This feeling found vent in hysteric appeals
to the government and sharp criticism of the Union
commander, as the defenceless condition of Pennsyl-
vania made its territory a fine field for depredations
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
of all kinds. On the 15th of June Governor Curtin
addressed an appeal to the Governor of New Jersey
for aid as follows :
Harrisburg, June 15, 1863.
Governor Joel Parker :
This State is threatened with invasion by a large
force, and we are raising troops as rapidly as possible
to resist them. I understand there are three regiments
of your troops at Beverly waiting to be mustered out.
Could an arrangement be made with you and the
authorities at Washington by which the service of
those regiments could be had for the present emer-
gency ? Please advise immediately.
A. G. Curtin,
Governor Pennsylvania.
On the same day a dispatch was received by
Governor Parker from the Secretary of War, detailing
the movements of the rebel forces in Virginia which
had been sufficiently developed to show that General
Lee with his whole army contemplated moving forward
to invade the States of Maryland, Pennsylvania and
other States. The President, to repel this invasion
promptly, had called upon Ohio, Pennsylvania, Mary-
land and Western Virginia for one hundred thousand
volunteers for six months, unless sooner discharged,
and realizing the importance of having the largest
possible force in the least time, desired immediate infor-
mation as to what number, in answer to a special call
of the President, the Governor could raise and forward,
6
82 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
of militia or volunteers, without bounty, for the period
named, and to be credited on the draft of the State.
These appeals were not as promptly responded to as
the authorities hoped for. In Pennsylvania, where the
greatest danger existed, the people seemed to feel their
utter helplessness, and looked longingly, anxiously, for
the advance of the Army of the Potomac. Philadel-
phia was lethargic to a wonderful degree, and General
Couch, who had been sent to Harrisburg, for the
purpose of organizing a defensive force for the safety
of the Capital, found himself without troops, and with
slight prospects for getting any. Governor Parker of
New Jersey promptly replied to the appeal of Gov-
ernor Curtin, promisi»g all the assistance in his power,
and on the 17th issued the following proclamation :
Executive Chamber, )
Trenton, N. J., June 17, 1863. \
Jerseymen ! The State of Pennsylvania is invaded !
A hostile army is now occupying and despoiling the
towns of our sister State. She appeals to New Jersey,
through her Governor, to aid in driving back the
invading army.
Let us respond to this call upon our patriotic State
with unprecedented zeal.
I therefore call upon the citizens of this State to
meet and organize into companies, and to report to the
Adjutant-General of the State as soon as possible, to be
organized into regiments as the militia of New Jersey,
and press forward to the assistance of Pennsylvania in
this emergency.
Major-General a. T. A. Torbert,
Brigadier-General Commanding First N. J. Brigade.
{Frotn Photograph after the War.')
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN:
85
The org-anization of these troops will be given in
general orders as soon as practicable.
[L. S.] Given under my hand and privy seal this
seventeenth day of June, eighteen hundred and sixty-
three. Joel Parker.
Attest :
S. M. Dickinson, Private Secretary.
The presence in the State of a number of the nine
months' regiments, whose terms of service had or were
about expiring, caused the Governor to issue a special
appeal to these troops as follows :
State of New Jersey, )
Executive Chamber, Trenton, \
June 17, 1863. )
Soldiers ! The Governor of Pennsylvania has re-
quested your services to assist in repelling an invasion
of that State. Your term of service has expired. You
have performed your duty, and your gallant conduct
has reflected honor on yourselves and the State that
sent you forth.
It will take time to organize and send other troops
to the aid of Pennsylvania. You are already organ-
ized and drilled. The hard service you have seen in
Virginia has made you veterans — far more efficient
than new troops can possibly be.
I regret any necessity that may detain you from
your homes, but can this appeal from a sister State, in
her hour of danger, be disregarded ?
Your State and United States pay will be continued.
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
You will not be required to go out of the State of
Pennsylvania, and will return as soon as the emergency
will admit. Your response to this appeal will add to
the fame you have already achieved.
Joel Parker.
On the very day the proclamation was issued, the
Twenty-third Regiment, then in camp at Beverly
undergoing the necessary preliminaries for being
mustered out, were called together, and its Colonel, E.
Burd Grubb, made a straightforward, practical and
patriotic appeal to his men, who responded at once.
Numbers of men who were not in camp at the time
hastened to join their comrades, and that same evening
the regiment, three hundred strong, marched through
Philadelphia to the Harrisburg depot, receiving a
grand ovation on the way. The next day they reached
the threatened city, being the first armed force to
arrive, but to the surprise of the men of the Twenty-
third they were received with exceeding coolness.
From the " Notes of an officer " in Foster's " New
Jersey and the Rebellion," the following extract is
taken : " Our men were refused canteens of water by
the citizens, and one person who did not conceal his
secession proclivities came very near being ' torn out,'
so exasperated were our troops at his undisguised
sympathy with the rebels. It required all Colonel
Grubb's influence to prevent violence. The fellow at
last procured a flag, hung it out, promised to behave
in future, and was finally let off, a pretty badly scared
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 8/
man, who took good care not to ventilate any more
disunion sentiments during the occupancy of the city
by the Jersey Blues." A very different reception was
experienced by Captain William R. Murphy, of Com-
pany A, First New Jersey Militia, whose command
also volunteered for the emergency. In a dispatch to
Governor Parker he says :
" At Philadelphia and here (Harrisburg) we have
received every attention because we are Jerseymen.
'A citizen of New Jersey ' is a prouder title than that
of a ' Roman citizen.' ''
The Twenty-seventh Regiment, Colonel Geo. W.
Mindil, on arriving at Cincinnati, learned of the
threatened invasion of Pennsylvania, and the command
was immediately tendered to the President who
accepted it, and it remained in the vicinity of Pittsburg
and Harrisburg until the danger had passed. Ten
companies of New Jersey Militia and one battery of
Hght artillery also volunteered for the emergency.
These companies came from all parts of the State,
three from Trenton, commanded by Captains William
R. Murphy, Company A; George F. Marshall, Com-
pany B ; James C. Manning, Company C ; Company D
of Lambertville, Captain Hiram Hughes ; Company E
of Morristown, Captain George Gage ; Company F of
Newark, Captain William J. Roberts ; Company G of
Mount Holly, Captain J. Fred. Laumaster ; Company
H of Newark, Captain Timothy Colvin ; Company I
of Trenton, Captain Joseph A. Yard; Independent
Company'of Camden, Captain James M. Scovel ; Light
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Battery of Rahway, Captain John R. Chapin. These
commands all reported to General Couch at Harris-
burg, and the militia companies were organized into
two battalions, commanded respectively by Captains
Murphy and Laumaster.
These commands remained in the State until all
danger was over, and received the thanks of Governor
Curtin for their valuable and patriotic services.
While Jenkins' raid was in progress Ewell remained
at Williamsport to rest his men, amuse himself by a
feint upon Harper's Ferry, but principally to await the
arrival of Longstreet's corps, which had been making a
rather bold attempt to draw on a battle with the Army
of the Potomac.
This apparant inaction on the part of the enemy was
a source of mystery to the Union commander. He
was flooded with dispatches from Washington, which
reflected the excited views of the people North,
together with orders for the movement of his army
which, in turn, were countermanded soon after. The
North was alarmed, reasonably so. The Government
at Washington appeared to be panic-stricken. Hooker
alone seemed to have his head firmly set upon his
shoulders. It was not yet clear to his mind that an
invasion of Pennsylvania, further than a cavalry raid
on a large scale, was intended, and he therefore deter-
mined to halt his army, then approaching Centreville
and Manassas, and await developments. The informa-
tion he sought came to him most unexpectedly.
The Union cavalry had given little attention to the
CoLONF.L James N. Duffy,
Lieutenant-Colonel 3d New Jersey Volunteers,
Assistant Inspector-General on Division Staff.
(From a recent Photograph^
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. qI
rebel horsemen since the fight at Brandy Station,
quietly following the movements of the army in its
march toward Washington, Longstreet, unobserved,
had taken position along the easterly slope of the
mountains, and to Stuart's cavalry had been detailed
the duty of guarding his flanks and defending the gaps.
General Pleasonton had been scouting along the Blue
Ridge with Gregg's division of cavalry, when, on the
17th of June, he decided to go through Aldie Gap. The
rebel cavalry had no suspicion that Pleasonton was in
that vicinity, and had made a long march of forty miles
for the purpose of occupying it themselves. Kilpat-
rick's brigade was in the advance, and the opposing
forces soon met in deadly conflict.
Kilpatrick's force was a small one comprising the
Second New York, First Maine and Harris Light — in
the latter command were two companies from northern
New Jersey, recruited by Kilpatrick himself. The
First Rhode Island had been detached that morning
with orders to join him at Middleburg. Forming the
Second New York Kilpatrick boldly charged the
enemy. This small force could not long withstand the
shock, and as they galloped back to find a rallying
point, the First Maine, supported by the Harris Light,
rode upon the enemy with such tremendous force as to
drive them from their defensive position, capturing
a battalion of dismounted men before they could reach
their horses, while the mounted rebels were sent
reeling down the hill. They made no stop until they
reached Middleburg, where Stuart had encountered
92 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Duffie's division. The next day, the 19th, Pleasonton
occupied Middleburg and Philemont, and after a series
of brilliant encounters with the enemy succeeded in
holding the positions he had gained. Stuart was
forced to fall back behind Longstreet's infantry
column, and the latter was compelled to take a more
westerly route for his line of march.
Hooker promptly availed himself of the advantages
thus gained by Pleasonton. On the i8th he occupied
the gaps, the Twelfth Corps being ordered to Lees-
burg, the Fifth to Aldie and the Second to Thorough-
fare Gap. The other corps of the army were formed
in a second line in reserve.
An amusing, if ghastly, incident is related by a
former Sergeant of Company K, Twelfth New Jersey,
which occurred on the march to Thoroughfare Gap,
with the Second Army Corps. The heat was oppres-
sive. Men became utterly exhausted not alone from
the severe marching, but their inability to get water.
The streams were all dried up, and the little water
the men had in their canteens had been churned to a
disagreeable and nauseating degree of temperature.
While the column was crossing Bull Run battle-field,
murmurings of discontent arose from the ranks, the
men being exceedingly fatigued and in a complaining
mood. As the column moved on the body of a dead
soldier was discovered, one of the arms protruding
from the mound of earth which covered the remains
and pointing upward. A soldier with a penchant for
absurd remarks — and there were many such in the
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. g^
army — caught a glimpse of the upHfted arm and
shouted out : " Say, boys, see the soldier putting out
his hand for back pay ! " The remark was infectious.
Men forgot all about their sufferings, and the ghastly
joke broke up all the disaffection which had previously
existed.
The Union army halted on the line just established
for several days. The position was an admirable one,
fully protecting the Capital and giving the army a
good base for future operations. In the event of Lee
moving still further from Richmond Hooker possessed
splendid opportunities for attacking him in the rear
and threatening his line of communications. This
Hooker was desirous of doing, but all his requests for
cooperative movements were refused, and his sugges-
tions treated with contempt. His relations with the
government were of the most unpleasant nature, and
he was continually thwarted in his designs.
The halt of the army at this juncture Avas not
unwelcome to the troops. Ignorant of the intense
excitement throughout the country, accustomed to
place little reliance in the " grapevine " stories which
reached them, they surrendered themselves to the
comforts of camp life, utterly unmindful of the
desperate activity which at that time was making
of Harrisburg a fortified city, and even awakening
Philadelphia to a sense of insecurity. The customary
duties of camp life were at once instituted, and for the
first time in its history an execution for desertion took
place in the Army of the Potomac. Three men of
94
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
the Twelfth Corps, two belonging to the Forty-sixth
Pennsylvania and one to the Thirteenth New Jersey,
were shot in the presence of the whole of the First
Division on the 19th of June, at Leesburg. The
reasons which impelled this action were given by
General Slocum in an address at Gettysburg, on
July I, 1887, at the unveiling of the monument of
the Thirteenth Regiment. As the incident related
furnishes additional evidence of the kind heart of
President Lincoln, it is worthy of reproduction.
Desertions had been alarmingly frequent, particularly
under General Burnside, and heroic measures were
necessary in order to put a stop to them. General
Slocum said :
" Mr. Lincoln, in the kindness of his heart, was con-
stantl}' pardoning these men. He could not sign a
man's death warrant.
" The corps commanders of the Army of the Potomac
had a little conference, and they agreed that they
would take the thing into their own hands and put a
stop to it. They agreed that they would shoot some-
body as speedily as they could. We all pledged our-
selves to that. It so happened that I had at the time
three of these men in my corps. They were tried ;
they were convicted upon incontestable evidence, and
when we got up here to Leesburg, before the battle of
Gettysburg, as all of you remember who were there,
their graves were dug and the men were placed at the
head of the graves and they were shot. They were
sentenced to be shot between the hours of nine and
Lieutenant-Colonel William Henry, Jr.,
Commanding First Regiment N. J. Volunteer Infantry.
(FroJii a War-time Photograph).
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. gy
one. I g-ave the order that the troops should be
brought out, and the moment the hands of the clock
pointed to nine those men should be executed. I did
so because I anticipated that a telegram would come
from Mr. Lincoln, if he could possibly reach me. The
wire had been built well up : they were within a few
rods of me; I knew what was coming. Before ten
o'clock I received a message from Mr. Lincoln saying
if such a man, giving his name, has not been shot, ' you
will suspend his sentence.' I sat down and telegraphed
back to Mr. Lincoln, ' The man has been executed,
pursuant to his sentence.' Then we came up here and
fought the battle of Gettysburg. Great battles were
fought out west ; the whole country was in a state of
intense excitement ; and when we were ordered west
after the battle of Gettysburg we went up to Washing-
ton to take the cars. I went to bid Mr. Lincoln good-
bye ; it was the last time I ever saw him. As I entered
his room he said to me, without hardly waiting for me
to greet him, ' General Slocum, the last message that I
received from you gave me more pain than anything
that has occurred since I took my seat as President.' I
was astonished at his words and I said with surprise,
* Mr. Lincoln, I don't remember ; what was it ? ' Said he,
* You were up there at Leesburg and I telegraphed you
to suspend the sentence of a maa who was condemned to
death, and,' said he, ' the wife and the sister of that man
sat here at this table opposite me and I had to open
your telegraphic answer and read it to them.' Said he,
' it caused me more pain than almost anything that has
7
98 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
occurred since I became President of the United
States.'
*' Now, think of it, gentlemen ; think of what had
intervened — three or four months, all crowded with
great events, and yet the first thing that came into the
mind of that great man when he saw me was this
incident, this failure of his to save the life of one man."
During the time which intervened between the
beginning of the campaign and the halt of the army
on the line extending from Leesburg to Thoroughfare
Gap, most of the nine months regiments returned to
New Jersey. They were mustered out of the service
at the following places :
Twenty-first Regiment, on June 19, 1863, at Trenton.
Twenty-second, on June 25, at Trenton.
Twenty-third, on June 27, at Beverly.
Twenty-fourth, on June 29, at Beverly.
Twenty-sixth, on June 27, at Newark.
Twenty-seventh, on July 2, at Newark.
Twenty-eighth, on July 6, at Freehold.
Twenty-ninth, on June 30, at Freehold.
Thirtieth, on June 27, at Flemington.
Thirty-first, on June 24, at Flemington.
The Twenty-fifth Regiment, which had served with
the Ninth Corps, at Newport News and Suffolk, was
mustered out on June 20, at Beverly.
CHAPTER VI.
FROM THE RAPPAHANNOCK TO GUM SPRINGS— EXPERI-
ENCES OF THE SEVENTH NEW JERSEY REGIMENT
AND THE SECOND BRIGADE— USELESS NIGHT WORK
— AN ALL-NIGHT MARCH.
IN THE foregoing pages the larger events of the
campaign have been detailed with considerable
minuteness and the army, as a whole, treated as a
great machine, subject to the direction and control of
its commander-in-chief; but this machine is composed
of a large number of individual parts, and the manner
in which they performed the severe tasks given them
is a matter of great interest. At this first break in the
progress of the army a favorable opportunity presents
itself to introduce the recollections of some of those
who participated in the march, enduring its fatigues,
deprivations and hardships.
The Second New Jersey Brigade, Colonel George
W. Burling, commander — comprising the Fifth, Sixth,
Seventh and Eighth New Jersey Regiments, the One
Hundred and Fifteenth Pennsylvania, and the Second
New Hampshire — formed the Third Brigade of the
Second Division, Third Corps. An officer of this gal-
lant brigade who was wounded at Gettysburg details
lOO NEW JERSEY TROOPS
in the following interesting manner the experiences of
that command :
"On the eleventh day of June, 1863, the Second
Brigade broke camp near Falmouth, Va., and with the
rest of the Third Corps, under command of General
Sickles, marched up the Rappahannock river toward
McLean's Ford, and Rappahannock Station on the
Orange and Alexandria Railroad, arriving at the lat-
ter place at sunset the next day, and bivouacking on
the north bank of the river. The only incidents of the
march of these two days were the oppressive heat and
the intolerable choking dust of the latter part of the
march, especially when the column turned off upon a
by-road, which led through a dense young growth of
trees, to go to McLean's Ford. The close proximity of
the river to our halting place, gave the men an oppor-
tunity to indulge in the luxury of a bath, and to relieve
the choking, parched sensation with good drafts of cof-
fee, before sinking down by their stacks of muskets
for the long, good, undisturbed night's sleep. It was
refreshing to the tired foot soldier to be allowed to
sleep until he had enough, without being rudely
awakened in the early morning by the sound of the
" assembly." That was one of the few times in our
experience in the Army of the Potomac that we were
not aroused from our slumbers by some command,
before we had fully rested from the fatigue of a long
march.
" A slight stir was occasioned soon after sunrise by
the galloping of horses about the field. The neighing
Colonel Sami i i. L. Buck,
Com'd'g 2d Regt. N. J. Vols. , Inf.
{Fro7}i a War-time Photograph.)
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
103
of the animals, and the shouts of the awakening soldiers
as the horses jumped over the long lines of sleeping
men in their wild career, caused no little excitement
and apprehension ; but no one was touched by the ter-
rible hoofs of the mad beasts, which seemed almost as
miraculous as that so many should escape injury in
battle with a shower of deadly missiles flying all
around.
" The regiments of the brigade were moved out of
the open field during the day to the shelter of the sur-
rounding woods, from the increasing heat of the Sum-
mer's sun. It was sultry and hot.
"At sundown a detail from the Seventh was made,
of which Captain William R. Hillyer, of Company K,
had charge, to construct a line of rifle-pits to command
the approaches to the river. Having been supplied
with picks and shovels the detail accompanied by the
engineer proceeded to the river, on the bluffs over-
looking \yhich the pits had been marked for excava-
tion. It was very slow work. The stiff, unyielding
red clay seemed to resist all efforts to make an indenta-
tion into it with the picks, wielded by the nerveless
arms of tired soldiers. The urging and stimulating
commands of Captain Hillyer, with the constant shak-
ing of the drowsy workers, scarcely sufficed to produce
more than a beginning of the ditch laid out. The
night's work was useless, and the men all felt that the
task was an unnecessary one. Another element con-
ducive to drowsiness was the inky blackness of the
night, made more complete by the glimmering of
104 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
myriads of fireflies, whose brilliant scintillations only
rendered the shallowness of their illuminating power
more conspicuous by the failure to penetrate the
intense blackness in which they sparkled so continu-
ously.
" Just here it is in place to remark that at that period
of the war the veterans in the ranks had learned to
scent danger far more keenly than those high in
authority. They seemed to know intuitively when
danger lurked about them and were better able to
discriminate between useless and necessary toil and
hardship. Their keen intelligence and sharpened
instincts plainly satisfied these tired and worn-out
soldiers that the task given them to do was utterly
useless, and therefore no amount of threats or sugges-
tive warnings had any stimulating effect upon them.
Nothing could move them to tax their exhausted
energies. We all knew before we began our labors
that Lee's army was not contemplating any movement
against Rappahannock Station, and it was no surprise
that work on the pits ceased at daylight, when we
were called into camp. We already knew that Lee
was in the Valley.
" The entire day of the 14th was spent in camp and
at 9 o'clock at night marching orders were received.
To the squad of men who had spent the whole of the
previous night on fatigue duty, the prospect of an
all-night march was not pleasant to contemplate.
However we joined the columns and with the rest of
the corps moved up the railroad in the direction of
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN
105
Manassas Junction. The aggravating halts to cross
sloughs and brooks in single file, the hurrying to close
the gaps thus made in the line, the roughness of the
road, cut in many places through the thick scrub
growth, beside the railroad bed, caused the weary
hours of the night to slip rapidly by, and the early
morning sun caught the column but ten or twelve
miles on the road and more thoroughly worn out,
than a twenty-mile march by daylight would have
caused. We were at least eight hours in making
this distance. Halting, stumbling over stumps and
into ruts and mudholes, dozing as we walked in the
ranks, and awakening by bumping against the knap-
sack of the man ahead.
"As daylight appeared and the sun rose, and the
column still trudged on with no apparent intention
of halting, the dusty, exhausted ranks sent up the
shout of ' Coffee ! coffee ! ' which passed along the
column until it finally convinced the leader thereof
that the earnest demand for refreshment should be
heeded. About 7 o'clock, when the heat had already
become unbearable, we turned into a field by the
side of a clear stream near VVarrenton Junction or
Catlett's Station, stacked arms, refreshed ourselves
with a good wash, cooked coffee, and stretching
shelter tents to protect us from the broiling rays of
the June sun, we were all soon asleep.
"At noon the march was resumed and taking the
railroad track moved toward Bristoe Station and
Manassas Junction. But oh ! the sultriness of that
I
I06 NE. W J ERSE V TROOPS
long afternoon ! The parched lips that gasped for
water! The dozens of men overcome by the heat
who dropped down by the wayside, especially in the
long stretches of treeless and breezeless plantations
that the column was compelled to cross ! Of the
Seventh Regiment, comprising about two hundred and
fifty officers and men, there certainly were not twenty-
five who followed the Colonel's horse into bivouac
at Manassas Junction, when the command halted
there at nine o'clock on the night of the fifteenth of
June. But the stragglers came in as fast as their
strength could carry them, and by morning all were
ready for another start except the dozen or so made
sick by the heat and march of the day before.
" This exhaustive ordeal was followed by two nights
of good rest, and on the seventeenth, refreshed and
buoyant, a change m the temperature also favoring us^
we went along at a swinging gait across Bull Run, over
the battle ground of '6i, up the heights of Centre ville,
where we halted and rested another day. On the nine-
teenth we marched across Fairfax County toward the
mountains in the distance. That day the column kept
well together. There was no straggling and no
annoyances from dust or heat.
" Hooker's manoeuvering of his army was occasioned
by his lack of knowledge of Lee's intentions, based
upon the supposition that Washington was Lee's
objective point, and to keep his army between Lee and
Washington ready to be interposed upon any route of
approach to that city which the enemy might select.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
107
Thus it was that we first covered the fords of the
upper Rappahannock, and now at Gum Spring, where
we went into camp on the evening of the nineteenth,
the passes to the Valley were fully masked, while
Hooker "in his headquarters at Fairfax Court House,
received hourly intelligence from the cavalry outposts
in the gaps of the movements of the Confederate army
through the Valley.
" The signal stations at Aldie, Goose Creek and Fair-
fax Court House formed an unbroken chain. The"
Seventh New Jersey was detached from the brigade to
guard the signal station from bushwackers, or Moseby's
guerillas, who, we were all well aware, were all around
us in their peaceful homes in the garb of honest farmers,
and innocent of all hostile intent, as long as we were in
force among them and on the alert. From the rocky
promontory at Goose Creek, on which the signal
station was placed, there was spread out below us the
Valley of the Potomac, Leesburg, Edward's Ferry and
the mountams in the distance. It was a beautiful pros-
pect and thoroughly appreciated by the men of the
Seventh who had been for two years shut up in the
pine woods and lowlands of Virginia.''
CHAPTER VII.
hooker's perplexities aggravated — A DASHING CAV-
ALRY EXPLOIT — lee's ARMY IN PENNSYLVANIA —
THE UNION FORCES CROSS THE POTOMAC — STUART'S
RAID— GENERAL HOOKER RESIGNS.
THE Army of the Potomac was daily undergoing
serious depletion by the withdrawal of large num-
bers of the nine months' regiments owing to the
expiration of their terms of service. To supply their
places General Hooker made urgent appeals to the
government for reinforcements, but he was only par-
tially successful. Stannard's Vermont Brigade, a nine
months' command, was ordered to him and assigned to
Doubleday's division of the First Corps, Locjkwood's
Maryland Brigade was ordered to the Twelfth Corps,
and Crawford's Pennsylvania Reserves at Alexandria
were also directed to be sent to him. Stahl's division
of cavalry, six thousand strong, were added to the
Cavalry Corps. The hysterical cries of inaction which
poured down upon Hooker, while he did not permit
them to influence his actions, did produce a marked
effect upon the government, and the administration
without giving him credit for any sagacity whatever
found much fault with him, and at the same time would
Colonel Henry W. Brown,
Colonel Com'd'g 3d Regt. N. J. Vols.
{From a War-time Photograph .)
Inf.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. m
not give him the help he needed. His suggestions
were treated as of Httle account. In the very begin-
ning of the campaign when he had proposed to attack
Hill at Fredericksburg and get between Lee and Rich-
mond, the President wrote to him :
" If you find Lee coming to the north of the Rappa-
hannock, I would by no means cross to the south of it.
In one word, I would not take any risk of being entan-
gled upon the river like an ox jumped half over a fence,
liable to be torn by dogs front and rear, zvitJioiit a fair
chance to gore one way or kick the other!'
Later, on June lo, the President wrote:
" Lee's army and not Richmond is your true objective
point. If he comes toward the upper Potomac, follow
on his flank on the inside track, shortening your lines
while he lengthens his. Fight him when opportunity
offers. If he stays where he is fret him and fret himy
Yet, when General Hooker sent for Crawford's Penn-
sylvania Reserves to join his army, which had been
ordered to him, the Military Governor of Alexandria,
where the brigade was stationed, detained them there
in defiance of Hooker's order, and was sustained by
General Halleck in this act of insubordination.* There
were in the immediate defences of Washington a
large body of troops under Generals Heintzelman and
Schenck, and General Hooker's suggestion that they
be sent to the front where they could be of direct
service against the enemy, was refused. A request
*Comte de Paris.
JJ2 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
by General Hooker to General Heintzelman that the
latter send a force of two thousand men from Pooles-
ville, Md., to the passes of South Mountain, and thus
aid in keeping Lee's column still further to the west,
was likewise refused on the ground that the passes
were not part of the Defences of Washington. Hooker
was certainly in an unenviable position.
Pleasonton's cavalry performed the serviceable task
of "fretting" Stuart — forcing him to combat wherever
he could find him. A brilliant passage at arms between
the troopers of these rival chieftains took place at
Upperville on June 2ist. Gregg's division engaged the
enemy in front, while Buford swept entirely around
their flank and threw his whole line of battle upon
their weakest point. Chaplain Pyne thus describes
the scene :
" Every field was the scene of a sanguinary contest,
and every stone wall was made a fresh line of defence.
On one occasion a regiment of rebels pouring into a
field commenced forming line behind a wall, as the
Eighth Illinois were forming on the other side of it.
The race for first formation was one for life and death ;
and the eager horses came bounding into their places
with a speed that partook of desperation. At length
the Illinois regiment opened a deadly fire from their
carbines. The rebels gallantly attempted a reply but
the effort was too much for their failing endurance.
Breaking in disorder, they were chased by Buford's
exulting men, leaving twenty men stone dead in that
short minute of fire. From that moment there was no
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. n^
longer a pretence at resistance. At full gallop the
enemy hurried into and through Ashby's Gap, leaving
nearly all their wounded, a crowd of prisoners, two
guns, and several colors in our hands as trophies of the
victory. The Confederate cavalry had lost its prestige
forever."
Pleasonton at once started to rejoin the army, and this
movement was interpreted as a retreat by the enemy.
The First New Jersey Cavalry covered the rear, and
though followed by the rebels in a spiritless manner
no encounters of any moment took place. On one
occasion when the cavalry had almost reached the limit
of their day's march, the enemy opened upon them
with artillery, a piece of shell striking Louis Vande-
grift, of Company D, First New Jersey, fatally wound-
ing him. Orders had been received to fall back when
Vandegrift was hit, but before vacating the ground
his comrades concealed his body in a corner of the
fence. After the line halted for the night five volun-
teers rode back to the spot, and while four of them
faced the enemy, the other one dismounted and placed
the body on his horse. Thus guarded the five gallant
fellows rejoined their commands and Vandegrift was
given a soldier's burial. This was the only casualty
in the course of the movement.
The retrograde movement of Pleasonton convinced
Lee that Hooker would not engage him in battle
south of the Potomac, and he accordingly gave the
order for the long contemplated invasion. On the
22d of June, Ewell crossed the Potomac river and
114 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Jenkins with his cavalry brigade was ordered forward
to Chambersburg, which place Rodes and Johnson's
divisions reached the next day, Early's division taking
the road to York by way of Gettysburg. Jenkins
left Chambersburg on the arrival of these troops and
proceeded toward Harrisburg, which place Ewell had
been directed to take possession of if possible. On
the 23d, Lee having been apprised of Pleasonton's
retreat ordered the corps of Longstreet and Hill to
cross the Potomac, the former at Williamsport, the
latter at Shepherdstown, which was consummated on
the 24th and 25th, both forces uniting at Hagerstown,
in support of Ewell's advance. On the 27th, two-
thirds of Lee's army w^as massed near Chambersburg,
with Ewell proceeding on his northern mission.
General Hooker was apprised of Ewell's advance
on the 23d and on the 25th had knowledge of the
proposed movement of the two remaining corps, and
being now fully satisfied that Wasliington was safe
from a surprise movement byXee gave orders for the
advance of his army on a line parallel to that of the
enemy, taking the east side of the South Mountain.
On the 26th the Twelfth Corps crossed the Potomac
at Edwards' Ferry, with orders to proceed to Harper's
Ferry, and act in conjunction with the forces there
against Lee's communications with Richmond, and
follow up his rear through the Cumberland Valley.
The rest of the army proceeded on the line as marked
out, the First Corps halting at Middletown on the
27th, the Second at Barnesville, the Third at Middle-
LiEUT.-CoL. Charlks Ewin-g,
Major Com'd'g4th Regt. N. J. Vols., Inf.
i^Froin a War-time r/wtogra/i/i.)
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
117
town, the Fifth at Ballinger's Creek, the Sixth bring-
ing up the rear at Poolesville. The Twelfth Corps
reached Knoxville, three miles from Harper's Ferry
on its special errand. The First New Jersey Cavalry,
which covered the rear of the army, was the last body
of troops to cross the river.
Lee was kept in entire ignorance of Hooker's
prompt action, by the absence of Stuart with his
cavalry, who, with the permission of his chief, had
started to make a circuit of the Union army. Stuart's
intention was to turn the left flank of Hooker, and
delay, if not prevent his crossing of the Potomac
river. This raid, so full of discomfiture, disappoint-
ment and vexation, absolutely barren of any important
result, was of great value to the Union cause.
Leaving behmd him the brigades of Jones and
Robertson, who were to keep close watch of the
Union army and follow its movements, Stuart on the
night of June 24th set off on his famous raid. Moving
in a southerly direction he encountered the Second
Corps at Haymarket, which compelled him to make
a wide detour to conceal his movement, and on the
27th, when Lee's troops were near Chambersburg and
Hooker's army had all crossed the Potomac and were
far away in Maryland, his two columns were at
Burke's and Fairfax Stations. Following in the rear
of the Union army he reached Drainesville on the
day the Sixth Corps left it, and discovered the
important fact that Hooker instead of waiting to have
his flank turned had moved off, Stuart did not know
Il8 NFAV JERSEY TROOPS
where. Under the impression however that the
Union troops were marching in force toward Lees-
burg, he, with great difficulty, crossed the Potomac
near Drainesville, intending to rejoin Lee by marching
through Maryland. He was simply following in the
rear of Hooker's army, who had two days the start
of him.
Ignorant of the ridiculous position he was in, his
troopers began to pick up small detachments of Union
soldiers, capturing wagon trains, creating a panic
among teamsters, and committing depredations almost
within sight of the Capital. On his northward march
he did considerable damage to railroad tracks and
bridges, and burdened himself with a long train of
captured wagons, filled with supplies of all kinds, and
with which he was anxious to get to Lee's lines. But
he was ignorant of its whereabouts, and on the 29th
moved toward Westminster, where he was confronted
by a squadron of Union cavalry, who stoutly contested
his advance, and inflicted considerable loss upon him
before they gave way. On the 30th Stuart started for
Hanover, hoping to find Early there or to get some
information as to his whereabouts, but as he ascended
the small hills overlooking the town, to his dismay he
saw a column of Union cavalry marching through the
place, going north. Here was a dilemma. Retreat
was out of the question, and as he seemed to be sur-
rounded by enemies in whatever direction he moved,
he determined, with becoming audacity, to attack
Kilpatrick's column, and gain possession of the Gettys-
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
119
burg Road. His encounter with Kilpatrick, at first
successful, was turned into defeat by the timely arrival
of reinforcements, and taking a more easterly route he
marched his men all night long, arriving in Dover on
the morning of the first, only to learn that Early had
occupied all that territory but had departed suddenly.
Moving on the afternoon of the ist of July to Carlisle
he encountered General W. F. Smith's troops from
Harrisburg, who had taken possession of the town, and
remaining only long enough to demand its surrender
under threat of bombardment he started for Gettys-
burg where he arrived on the afternoon of the 2d of
July, and greeted his chief for the first time in seven
days. His men were worn out and exhausted after
their long, arduous and fatiguing journey.
In thus digressing to follow Stuart in his erratic
movement and bewildering surprises, the regular
course of events with the main bodies of troops have
been interrupted. The orders for the Union army for
June 28th directed the First Corps to Frederick City,
the Second to Monocacy Junction, the Third to
Woodsboro, the Sixth to Hyattstown, the Eleventh
to Middletown, and the Twelfth to Frederick City.
The contemplated movement on the rear of Lee's
army was thus abandoned, by the refusal of General
Halleck to permit the troops at Harper's Ferry to be
placed under Hooker's control and that officer resigned
his command, which was promptly accepted.
It is very evident that the removal of General
Hooker was a subject that had for some time been
I20 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
in contemplation by the government. He was delib-
erately refused every important thing he asked for,
and realizing that without the active support and
cooperation of the government, the army would be
crippled in an encounter with the enemy, he promptly
resigned. The feeling of the government as it existed
toward Hooker is fully explained in the following
extract from Mr. Blaine's " Twenty Years in Con-
gress " :
" The indispensable requisite to Union success was a
commander for the Army of the Potomac in whose
competency the administration, the people, and most of
all the soldiers, would have confidence. In the judg-
ment of military men it was idle to entrust another
battle to the generalship of Hooker, and. as the army
moved across Maryland, General Hooker was relieved
and the command of the army assigned to General
George G. Meade."
General Hooker would evidently have been relieved
had he not resigned, but it was clearly a mistake to
have retained him so long in command without giving
him the support and cooperation he deserved. His
request for the utilization of the forces at Harper's
Ferry was refused. General Meade was permitted to
use them without a murmur. The Pennsylvania
Reserves, refused to Hooker, joined Meade on the
march. In fact Meade, whose competency to com-
mand had yet to be proved, who had yet to win the
confidence of the soldiers as a leader, was to be as
strenuously upheld in all his acts as Hooker had been
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. \2\
repressed. The difficulty of choosing a successor to
Hooker had for some time been a source of trouble to
the Secretary of War, and it is related that when the
messenger whom Secretary Stanton had sent with the
order putting Meade in command of the army,
returned, the Secretary was impressed with the great
fact that General Meade, while he had no desire to
succeed to the command of the army, made no com-
ment on the removal of Hooker. This may or may
not be true, but General Meade very wisely made no
change in the personal staff, retaining that of General
Hooker's as his own.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE ALARM IN THE NORTH — NEW JERSEY'S GOVERNOR
APPEALS TO THE PRESIDENT — THE NEW UNION
COMMANDER — MOVEMENTS OF THE ARMIES— REMI-
NISCENSES OF AN OFFICER OF THE SECOND NEW
JERSEY BRIGADE— THE THIRTEENTH NEW JERSEY
AT LITTLESTOWN — THE NIGHT BEFORE THE
BATTLE.
THE alarm which prevailed in Pennsylvania when
Jenkins made his raid of the 17th subsided on his
return to Williamsport, only to break out afresh
and with increased anxiety when the forward movement
of Lee's army began in earnest. The Twenty-third New
Jersey Regiment had returned home and on the 27th
of June was mustered out ; the Twenty-Seventh Regi-
ment remained until the 26th of June when it left
Harrisburg for Newark, where it was mustered out on
July 2d ; the militia under Captain Murphy had
received orders from Governor Parker to return, but
the changed situation caused him to remain until all
danger was over. With Longstreet and Hill at Cham-
bersburg, Ewell with two divisions at Carlisle while
Early was moving toward York, destroying the
BvT. Major-Gen. William J. Sewell,
Colonel Com'd'g 5th Regt. N. J. Vols., Inf.
(From Photograph Since the War.)
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 1 25
Northern Central railroad, and levying contributions
on the people, and Jenkins with a large cavalry force
moving directly on Harrisburg, the invasion assumed
immense proportions.
The finest agricultural region of the North lay at the
mercy of the rebel army. If Lee's horses laughed and
his men became merry at the bounteous plenty which
surrounded them they met their Bartholomew a few
days later. The tendency to pillage and destroy was
great, and many unnecessary burdens were placed
upon these peaceful people ; but war is a terrible,
earnest thing, and General Lee endeavored to mitigate
its severities by issuing strict orders as to the manner
in which supplies should be taken. If the revengeful
spirits of his men overcame their respect for their
commander's instructions, that was a matter beyond
his immediate control.
Governor Curtin called anew for troops and issued a
proclamation for the raising of sixty thousand men.
Vain call. There were no arms with which to supply
so large an army except old flint locks and shot-guns,
and the time was short for the proper organizing of
such a host. But some came. New York, West
Virginia and Philadelphia responded, and additional
appeals were made to New Jersey for aid. The
attempt to muster into the United States service all the
troops which had volunteered for the emergency,
seemed to Governor Parker a serious thing, as it would
take from his control the militia of the State then
serving in Pennsylvania, and his own fears that New
126 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Jersey was imperilled led him to telegraph to Presi-
dent Lincoln direct as follows :
Executive Chamber, )
Trenton, June 29, 1863. \
To the President of the United States :
The people of New Jersey are apprehensive that the
invasion of the enemy may extend to her soil. We
think that the enemy should be driven from Pennsyl-
vania. There is now certainly a great apathy under
such fearful circumstances. That apathy should be
removed. The people of New Jersey want McClellan
at the head of the Army of the Potomac. If that can-
not be done, then we ask that he may be put at the
head of the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania
troops now in Pennsylvania defending these middle
States from invasion. If either appointment be made
the people will rise en masse.
I feel it my duty, respectfully, to communicate this
state of feeling to you.
Joel Parker.
The President replied as follows :
Washington, June 30, 1863.
To Governor Parker :
Your dispatch of yesterday received. I really think
the attitude of the enemy's army in Pennsylvania
presents us the best opportunity we have had since the
war begun.
I think you will not see the foe in New Jersey.
I beg you to be assured that no one out of my
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 1 27
position can know so well, as if he were in it, the
difficulties and involvements of replacing General
McClellan in command, and this aside from any impu-
tations upon him.
Please accept my sincere thanks for what you have
done and are doing to get troops forward.
A. Lincoln.
The invasion, however, came to an abrupt and sud-
den termination. On the 28th of June General Lee
had been reliably informed of the presence of the Army
of the Potomac at Frederick. This was startling news,
as he had supposed that that army was still south of
the Potomac, held in check by the ambitious and dar-
ing Stuart. He saw at once that his communications
were endangered, and, as Hooker had predicted, an
attack in Lee's rear would compel him to turn back
and give battle, or at least bring the invasion to an
end. Realizing the great peril of his position he
determined upon the no less bold and audacious plan
of threatening Baltimore, and thus he simply did what
General Meade was preparing to meet, though not
exactly in the manner in which he was compelled to.
Lee at once sent couriers to all his corps commanders
to concentrate their troops at Gettysburg, and on the
29th the rebel columns headed southward.
The change of commanders in the Army of the
Potomac from General Hooker to General Meade
was effected quietly and with no intermission in its
work. The march was continued as though nothing
128 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
unusual had happened, but there was a deep feeling of
regret at the resignation of General Hooker. The
frequent changes that had taken place in the head of
the Army of the Potomac, from the time McClellan
had been relieved by order of the President, had
almost destroyed the feeling of hero worship which
existed in its early history. The army had developed
into a self-reliant body of men, bent upon a certain
mission the success of which outweighed all personal
considerations, and its emotional nature though not
wholly destroyed, had been disciplined into wholesome
restramt. McClellan, who organized the army, had
won the affections of the men. They followed him with
enthusiasm through all the vicissitudes of the Penin-
sula campaign ; they hailed his return to command,
after the defeat of Pope, with joy and gladness, and
their final parting with him was like the separation of
life-long friends. Under any other form of govern-
ment, a change of this nature, in the very midst of an
active campaign and on the eve of an important mili-
tary movement, might have led to serious conse-
quences ; but McClellan's ready acquiescence in the
orders of his government had much to do with allaying
personal feeling in so important a matter. General
Burnside, who succeeded him, was known to the men
of the Army of the Potomac as a patriotic and loyal
man of great personal bravery, and of commanding
presence. His modesty of demeanor, coupled with
his gallantry and bravery, caused him to be received
with great cordiality, and with the same fidelity it had
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
129
shown toward McClellan, the Army of the Potomac
moved with Burnside and fought the disastrous battle
of Fredericksburg, where on Marye's Heights it vainly
expended its force in a succession of assaults which
stand unrivalled evidences of soldierly performance of
duty and personal valor. The supersedure of Burn-
side by Hooker, who had won the significant
cognomen of " Fighting Joe," by many deeds of
daring in the Peninsula, restored the confidence of the
army which had been seriously impaired by the
Fredericksburg disaster. The unfortunate result of
the Chancellorsville campaign did not destroy the
confidence of the army in Hooker's ability, and it
entered upon the Gettysburg march with all its old-
time ardor and spirit. The change, sudden as it was,
whereby General Meade succeeded to the command of
the army, caused only a momentary feeling of regret
to pass through the ranks. Hooker was beloved,
Meade was little known, except as the commander of
one of the best corps in the army. This fact reconciled
the troops at once to his appointment. He had never
won distinction, or made himself conspicuous, as had
Hooker or Kearny or Hancock ; but his qualifications,
so greatly the reverse of those which made them thus
prominent, stamped him as a man of sterling worth ;
his personal bravery was undisputed, and his heart
was in full sympathy with the government. The
characteristics of the several corps commanders were
discussed frequently on a march, and they were
generally " sized up " with great accuracy. It was the
9
130 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
prevalent belief that Meade was a " safe " man, but not
a brilliant or inspiriting- commander. The army was
willing to take him on trial.
General Meade's first action on assuming command
was to recall General Slocum and the Twelfth Corps,
from its special mission in cooperation with the forces
of General French at Harper's Ferry, and to order the
latter to occupy Frederick when the arm}^ advanced.
As strong evidence that General Hooker's removal
had been contemplated for some time past, the action
of General Halleck is significant. His first dispatch
to the new commander of the army, placed under his
control, with unlimited power, not only the troops of
General French, which were refused to Hooker, but
also the forces of Generals Schenck and Couch. For
the first time in its history the commander of the Army
of the Potomac was such in fact as well as in name.
The responsibilities of General Meade were great
and he realized it. Retaining the personal staff of
General Hooker as his own, he thus came into the
possession of information which was of great assistance
to him, but he was still ignorant of the intentions of
Lee. Having abandoned Hooker's idea of attacking
Lee on the line of his communications with Richmond,
he so disposed his forces as to interpose them between
the rebel army and the cities of Philadelphia, Baltimore
and Washington, should Lee attempt an advance on
either place. His orders to the several corps com-
manders for the 29th of June were for the First and
Eleventh Corps to move to Emmetsburg ; the Third
Colonel George C. Burling,
6th Regt. N. J. Vols., Inf., Commanding 2d N. J. Brig. (3d
Brig., 2d Div., 3d Corps.
(From a Photograph after the War.)
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
133
and Twelfth to Taneytown ; the Second to Uniontown ;
the Fifth to Liberty, and the Sixth to New Windsor.
The orders to the cavalry were for Buford to guard
the left flank of the army by moving toward Fairfield,
Gregg's division to protect the right flank at New
Windsor, while Kilpatrick was to cover the centre by
an advance to Littlestown. The army moved in three
columns, the First and Eleventh Corps forming the
left, the Third and Twelfth Corps the centre, and the
Second, Fifth and Sixth Corps the right columns.
The country through which the army was now
passing teemed with a loyal and patriotic people. The
presence of the Army of the Potomac was greeted
with every manifestation of delight. To men who had
spent the greater part of their soldier life in the pine
forests of Virginia, where population was sparse, and
what there was of it hostile to the cause they repre-
sented, and whose professed loyalty to the government
was in most cases a subterfuge to secure protection for
their property, the change to the open country of
Western Maryland, and among a people who showed
by their demeanor that they were friends to the Union
cause, was exceedingly gratifying. An officer of the
Second New Jersey Brigade in a letter to the author
thus details his recollections of events on this march,
the correctness of which every soldier in the Army of
the Potomac, at that time, will verify :
" On the 25th of June the Second Brigade crossed
the Potomac river at Edward's Ferry, marched rapidly
up the tow-path of the Ohio and Chesapeake canal.
I
134 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
which here followed the course of the river, and
bivouacked where night overtook us — on the bank of
the stream. The marching was rapid, no rests were
taken, and every man seemed to be left to himself to
plod along as well as possible. When night came on
every man halted where he was, picked out a good
spot for his night's rest and without any formality
spread his blankets and soon fell into a deep and
refreshing sleep. The bank of the river, for ten or
fifteen miles, was lined with straggling regiments. No
details for picket or guard were made, the canal on
one side and the bank of the river on the other preclud-
ing the necessity for sentries, and abandoning them-
selves wholly to the novelty of the situation, all were
soon wrapped in deep slumber. The next morning
witnessed a grand scurrying along of ten thousand
lost warriors, eager to join their colors lest 'absence
without leave' might be scored against them. Officers
and enlisted men were all in the same list, and it was
impossible to say whether colonels and brigadier-gen-
erals had lost their commands, or regiments and bri-
gades had lost their commanders. It was an open
question and has never been settled. Nevertheless,
as the sun mounted up into the sky there was a mys-
terious gravitating of the units of military commands
into their proper bodies, and a gradual augmenting
of companies, regiments and brigades as the minutes
and hours flew by, so that by the middle of the fore-
noon we were once more pushing along in solid
columns and with no straggling. We crossed the
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
135
Monocacy river on the canal aqueduct, took the road
for Point of Rocks, chmbed up the hills, in a sheltered
depression on the north side of which we bivouacked
for the night.
" The next day we marched northward through the
beautiful valley to Middletown, then turned eastward
over the mountains by the pike to Frederick City,
stripping the cherry trees on every hand and enjoying
a royal feast of that delicious fruit which abounded in
profusion and perfection just at that time. Here it was
that the Army of the Potomac first realized what it
was to march through a country inhabited by a loyal
and patriotic people. Our progress was an ovation of
cheering, svmpathetic, grateful greetings from a happy,
peaceful populace, unscathed by the devastation of
war. The cherry trees were the only property of the
farmers of Maryland that the toil-worn, hungry veter-
ans were permitted to depredate upon, and they were
stripped clean by the fortunate divisions of the army
that chanced to be in the van.
" The welcoming demonstrations of the people of
Maryland aroused great enthusiasm in the Army of the
Potomac. The profuse display of the Stars and Stripes
from almost every house, the waving of handkerchiefs,
and the smiles of fair ladies, the hearty hospitality as
exhibited by the generous distribution of biscuits,
milk, .pies, cakes, and chickens, hastily cooked, to the
appreciative soldiers was a revelation to the Army of
the Potomac all the more astounding because of its
contrast with the reception of the Massachusetts
136 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
troops two years before in the city of Baltimore, and
the well-tested disloyalty of that city and southern
Maryland in the intervening years. The rivers of
fresh milk that poured down the throats of the fifty
thousand veterans of the army in those two or three
days cannot be computed in gallons or in value, and
it was all the more refreshing and grateful because it
was a generous gift from the farmers to their defend-
ers. That night we encamped on the north side of
Frederick, after passing through that city amid the
waving of innumberable flags and the cheering of the
delighted populace. The next morning came the
thunderbolt into camp which announced the resigna-
tion of the gallant fighter and beloved commander of
our old division, Joe Hooker, and the appointment of
General Meade as his successor.
" On June 29th we marched north toward Taney-
town, the residence of the late Chief Justice of the
United States, who rendered the famous Dred Scott
decision, one of the fire-brands that helped to kindle
the flames of rebellion. We also passed the home of
Philip Barton Key, who was killed by our corps com-
mander General Daniel E. Sickles, in Washington
several years before the war, both bemg members of
Congress at the time."
The demonstrations of welcome which greeted every
corps of the army acted as an inspiration upon the
men. Fatigue was forgotten, and the one all-pervading
desire was to meet the rebel army while it was on
northern soil. As the column of Meade's army reached
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
137
northward, all unconscious of the direct approach of
Lee southward, the rebel chieftain was likewise mov-
ing without any knowledge of the whereabouts of
Meade, whom he still supposed to be forty miles or
more away, at Frederick and vicinity. The orders
General Meade gave for his army brought them in the
following position on the 30th of June : The First
Corps at Marsh Run, the Third at Bridgeport, the
Fifth at Union Mills, the Sixth at Manchester, the
Twelfth at Littlestown. The Second Corps remained
at Uniontown and the Eleventh at Emmetsburg, while
the cavalry was operating on the flanks of the army,
Kilpatrick encountering Stuart at Hanover, while
Buford was scouting about the mountains near Fair-
field, Gregg covering the extreme right by moving on
Manchester. In accordance with General Meade's
instructions, a portion of General French's command
took position at Frederick City.
The advance of the Twelfth Corps from Taneytown
to Littlestown on the 30th of June brought the
Thirteenth New Jersey Regiment to the front, their
position for the day being the extreme right of the
line. The march was void of incident until within
about a mile of Littlestown when the column halted,
owing to a report from Kilpatrick's cavalry that a
large cavalry force of the enemy was near the town.
The presence along the road of a large number of able-
bodied citizens, who had left Littlestown, was a source
of much comment and no little amusement to the
veterans, and as they loaded muskets preparator}^ to a
1^8 MEW JERSEY TROOPS
possible encounter with the enemy, the non-combatants
expressed doubt of the ability of the Army of the
Potomac to cope with the rebel forces. Moving-
forward at a rapid gait the Third Brigade of the
Twelfth Corps reached the outskirts of Littlestown,
and three regiments of the brigade with Winegar's
battery went on a double quick through the town and
to the fields beyond.
The approach of the Union army was hailed with
joy by the people of Littlestown who heartily
welcomed them by furnishing the soldiers with
abundant supplies of food. To the tired army this
generous hospitality was appreciated, and when at
night the Thirteenth Regiment with the First Division
of the Twelfth Corps went into camp on the farms of
Spangler and Le Fevre on the McSherrystown road,
they felt it no hardship to obey the strange and before
unheard-of order : " No rail fences are to be disturbed
and no rails burned for any purpose whatever."
This order was religiously obeyed, and the people of
Littlestown to this day bear testimony to that fact.
These incidents gave strong indication of near
approach to the enemy, and the Army of the Potomac
was on the alert and ready.
At Harrisburg General Couch had succeeded in
getting a few thousand militia organized and with
General W. F. Smith kept close watch of the enemy's
movements, reporting to Washington the information
thus obtained. By this means General Meade was
kept informed as to the progress Lee was making, and
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
139
on the 30th had received notification of the withdrawal
of Ewell's forces. When Ewell received orders from
Lee to return at once to Carlisle, he had disposed his
forces for the purpose of advancing upon and captur-
ing Harrisburg, and as he moved backward General
Smith, with such cavalry as he could muster, closely
followed him. Ewell had no sooner left Carlisle for
Harrisburg than General Smith occupied the place,
and when Stuart a short time after came to the town
in search of Ewell, after his long and exhaustive ride,
he found the Union forces in possession.
General Lee's orders to his army were for Heth's
division with eight batteries of artillery, followed by
Pender's division, with Hood and McLaws en echelon
behind him to march to Gettysburg. Ewell's division
was scattered, Johnson's division was sent to Green-
wood, and he was greatly delayed in rejoining his
command. This was the situation on the night of
the 30th of June.
CHAPTER IX.
THE FIRST day's FIGHT AT GETTYSBURG— GALLANTRY
OF BUFORD'S troopers — HEROIC RESISTANCE BY
THE FIRST ARMY CORPS — DEATH OF GENERAL
REYNOLDS — ARRIVAL OF HOWARD AND THE
RETREAT TO CEMETERY RIDGE — HANCOCK'S OP-
PORTUNE ARRIVAL ON THE FIELD.
GETTYSBURG! The terrible three days' con-
flict on the heights surrounding this little town,
from the masterly and heroic achievements of
Buford's cavalr}^ and the First Army Corps at Wil-
loughby Run, to the spectacular and brilliant charge by
Pickett's Virginians of Longstreet's corps on the third
day of July, has been a theme of controversy among
the chief participants and inspired the pens of the most
gifted writers to a description in detail of all the
momentous events which there happened. Swinton,
in his admirable " History of the Army of the Poto-
mac," gives a critical I'eview of the battle ; Doubleday,
who commanded the First Corps, after the lamentable
death of Re)niolds, in its desperate struggle with
superior numbers of the enemy, has written a graphic
and unvarnished account of that magnificent engage-
ment; Walker in his "History of the Second Army
CoLONEi, Louis R. Francine,
7th Regt. N. J. Vols., Inf.
{,Froin a War-time Photograph — 1863.)
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 143
Corps " pays a glowing tribute to the men who com-
posed that gallant body of soldiers, and Longstreet
has given his version of the battle from his knowledge
of Lee's plans, and in vindication of his own course,
which has opened a controversy along the southern
line of the argument that seems to grow more aggres-
sive with time. The Comte de Paris, from the stand-
point of an impartial and disinterested observer, has
furnished the most complete and thorough record of
the battle, and his unbiassed views on all the disputed
questions which have arisen will be accepted as being
nearer correct and just than those of interested contro-
versialists. To the mind of the layman, these points of
dispute are of little account. The advent of the rebel
army to the close proximity of Harrisburg ; the great
destruction it did do and was capable of doing; the
doubt and uncertainty which prevailed as to the ability
of the Army of the Potomac to repel the invasion and
drive the southern army back to its own soil, these
were the questions of great concern then. The fact
that the invasion was stayed and the Union arms
victorious over an exulting foe, is sufficient cause for
satisfaction now, and the army which accomplished it
is deserving the admiration of mankind.
If there be such a thing as chance in the affairs of
nations, good fortune had certainly smiled upon the
preliminary movements of the Army of the Poto-
mac. The Quixotic raid of Stuart, whose long absence
lured the rebel commander into a belief that his prin-
cipal antagonist was unable or unwilling to follow him,
144 ^^ ^^ J ERSE V TROOPS
was the first of a series of fortunate blunders which
contributed to the success of the Union army.
As has been already noticed General Lee had
ordered the concentration of his army at Gettysburg,
for the double purpose of protecting his own line of
communications, and being in position to threaten the
cities of Baltimore and Washington. He was thvis
contemplating just such a move as General Meade had
been preparing for, and both Generals were desirous
of fighting on a defensive line. Lee hoped by manoeuv-
ering to compel Meade to attack him, and under the
impression that the Union army was in the neighbor-
hood of Frederick, the movement of his army toward
Gettysburg was conducted in a leisurely and confident
manner. When General Meade gave orders for Rey-
nolds with the left wing of the army to occupy Gettys-
burg on the first of July, he was also in ignorance as
to the whereabouts of Lee, or what his intentions were,
and when, later in the day, on the 30th, he received
information from General Halleck that the rebels were
moving southward, he resolved to take up a defensive
position on the line of Pipe Creek, toward which the
army was to fall back should they encounter the enemy
in great numbers. He was still unaware of the close
proximity of the rebel army and did not change his
orders for the day. Thus both armies were moving
simultaneously toward a common centre neither of
them dreaming that the bloodiest drama of the war
was about to be enacted at the very place each desired
to occupy.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
145
Gettysburg is the county seat of Adams County,
and from it many roads radiate in all directions like
spokes from a hub. At the north of the town the
three roads, known as the Harrisburg, Carlisle and
Mummasburg roads, all concentrate, while the York
and Bonaughtown roads join at the east. On the
western border the Chambersburg and Fairfield roads
unite, while on the south the Emmetsburg, Taneytown
STMIIMCTBR.
POSITION OF BOTH ARMIES ON THE MORNING OF JULY I.
UNION, WHITE ; REBELS, BLACK.
and Baltimore roads, on all of which the Union army
was marching, converge. Both armies were surely
but gradually coming together, and the well-matured
plans of the Union commander were to be overruled.
The topography of the country about Gettysburg
was admirably adapted for a battle-field and the many
eminences afforded splendid opportunities for effec-
1 46 NE W J ERSE Y TROOPS
tive artillery display. It is very evident General
Meade, though a Pennsylvanian, did not have any
personal knowledge of the natural advantages the
country about Gettysburg afforded for military opera-
tions.
General Meade was fortunate in having able and
experienced corps commanders to assist him in this
trying emergency. The cavalry arm of the service
was well ofificered and ably commanded, by men who
had all been tried in desperate encounters with the
enemy, and they were nerved to any ordeal that
might present itself, while, as for the troopers them-
selves, they had measured sabres with their opponents
and did not fear them, and as will be seen in the
pursuit of this narrative, they boldly and spiritedly
resisted the infantry columns of the enemy, and with
marked effect. Watchful, sleepless, Pleasonton's
cavalry seemed to be everywhere and always just
where it was most needed. On the 28th of June, the
day that Meade took command, Gregg's division was
on the right of the army, Buford guarding the left
flank, while Kilpatrick covered the centre. Buford
had sent Merritt's brigade of Regulars to Mechanics-
town, southeast of Emmetsburg, while he accompanied
the brigades of Gamble and Devens, on a spirited
reconnoissance down the west slope of South Mountain.
On the following day he moved up the valley north-
ward to Waynesboro, recrossed the mountain range,
and at night halted on the Fairfield road along which,
in the distance, he saw the fires of Davis' brigade of
BvT. Major-Gen. John Ramsey,
Colonel Com'd'g 8th Regt. N. J. Vols.
i^Frojn a IVar-iiiiie Photograph.)
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 140
Heth's rebel division of Hill's corps. At break of day
on the 30th he dashed into the presence of the enemy,
who retreated northward after exchanging a few shots,
and satisfied of his inability to successfully cope with
them, returned to Emmetsburg where he reported to
Reynolds the events which had transpired. That
officer having received orders for" the left wing of the
army to proceed to Gettysburg the next day, ordered
Buford to take immediate possession of the town, and
hold it until the arrival of the First Corps.
This important duty could not have been entrusted
to a better or more capable man. Buford had distin-
guished himself in many previous engagements with
the rebel cavalry, but his stubborn resistance to the
infantry columns of Lee's veterans on the first day of
July, was an exhibition of daring and skillful general-
ship which entitles him to rank with the bravest and
best of those who fought so desperately and well on
that memorable field.
The encounter with Buford's cavalry on the Fair-
field road did not seem to produce any special excite-
ment in the rebel lines, as on the 30th of June when
Heth's division reached Cashtown, he dispatched Petti-
grew 's brigade, with a large wagon train, to Gettys-
burg for the purpose of making a requisition on the
town for shoes and clothing. Pettigrew was about
entering the town, when Buford came thundering
along with his four thousand troopers, and the rebel
scouts had barely time to notify Pettigrew of his
approach, and thus enable that officer to fall back to a
150 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
safe position on Marsh Creek. Halting" his column
there, Pettigrew notified Heth of the occupancy of the
town by the Union cavalry. General Buford did not
attempt to follow up Pettigrew, but took position on
the west and north of the town, posting videttes far
ahead on all the roads that were intersected by his
line. Buford knew that the rebel army was close by
and he anticipated a desperate and a serious struggle.
He at once notified Meade and Reynolds of the dispo-
sition he had made of his forces, and calmly awaited
the advance of the enemy's infantry.
'At an early hour on the morning of July ist Heth's
division moved from Cashtown toward Gettysburg,
and gathering up Pettigrew's division marched for-
ward rapidly, anticipating nothing more serious than
a brush with militia. But their first encounter with
Buford's brave cavalrymen who had been posted m
the most advantageous manner along Willoughby Run,
amazed them. Buford stoutly contested every inch
of ground, and held the advancing columns in check.
Indeed, the numerical strength of the enemy was so
great that by a persistent advance they could have
swept Buford's forces away, but the ignorance which
prevailed throughout the whole rebel army as to the
whereabouts of the Army of the Potomac, caused them
to move with caution. The Union cavalry made so
determined and stubborn a resistance, however, that
Heth supposed he had encountered a strong body of
infantry. Reinforcing his line he again advanced, and
Buford putting in his last reserve, and personally
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
151
directing the fire of his artillery, prolonged the strug-
gle until the troops of Reynolds came in sight.
When Buford saw the desperate conflict his men
were waging against superior numbers he doubted his
ability to hold the position a great while longer, and
started for the seminary building to get a view, if
possible, of the First Corps. He was quickly apprised
of its approach by the appearance of General Rey-
nolds himself, who had galloped forward in advance
of his troops as soon as he heard the booming of
Buford's guns. The cavalry had made a gallant and
glorious fight, and the check the rebel advance had
received saved to the Union army the line of hills
south of the town on which the decisive battle was
finally fought.
When the sound of conflict reached the ears of
General Reynolds, he lost no time in hurrying forward
his men. Giving orders to prepare for immediate
action he started off on a gallop to find Buford, on a
ride that would hjive been immortalized in verse had
the drama, in which he was so prominent a figure, not
assumed proportions of such great magnitude. The
regiment in the advance of the First Corps that day,
was the Ninety-fifth New York, Colonel George H.
Biddle. In its ranks were a goodly number of New
Jersey boys, mostly from the city of Newark, whose
patriotism had exercised so controlling an influence
over their emotions that they went into Ncav York
city and enrolled themselves in the first regiment
which took their fancy. While, therefore, no distinct-
152 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
ively New Jersey regiment was engaged in the first
day's battle at Gettysburg, the State was most nobly
represented by more than a score of brave fellows,
" natives all and to the manner born."
The march to the scene of action was an inspiriting
sight. General Reynolds was one of the ablest and
best known of all the corps commanders. Possessing
rare personal courage, coupled with military ability
and skill of a high order, he was well adapted to
initiate the great battle about to take place. A native
of Pennsylvania, he was incensed at the presence of
the rebel army there, and was anxious to engage them
in battle at the very earliest opportunity. His men
were all infected with the same spirit, and they moved
to the sound of Buford's artillery with that steady,
quickened motion which betokened confidence and
gave evidence of the desperate earnestness which so
distinguished them a few hours later. The Comte
de Paris in describing the spirit which animated the
Army of the Potomac says :
" The Federal soldiers and their leaders are fired by
extraordinary zeal ; like Antseus, who gathered new
strength whenever he touched the earth, it seems that
the idea of fighting on the soil of the free States, in the
midst of a friendly population threatened with a
terrible invasion, doubles their energy and their
activity. The hesitations, the delays, and the frequent
discouragements which seemed to paralyze the best
conceived plans in Virginia, have given place to a
noble emulation which urges them to dispute with
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
153
each other the honor of dealing the swiftest and
heaviest blows to the enemy. Without taking any
account of their numbers, Reynolds himself notwith-
standing the immense responsibility weighing upon
him, gives them an example of this zeal by contributing
more than any one else to inspire them with it. Sad
and dejected, it is said, before the meeting of the two
armies, he has become invigorated as soon as he felt his
proximity to the adversaries with whom he desired to
come to blows since the opening of the campaign."
Buford and Reynolds ascended to the cupola of the
Lutheran Seminary from which an extended view of
the country for miles around was obtained. Wads-
worth's division of the First Corps was observed
moving with rapid strides toward the sound of battle
and it was seen to move to the left without entering
the town, and advance up the easterly slope of
Seminary Hill. Wadsworth's command consisted of
two brigades under Generals Cutler and Meredith and
as they moved to position an aide of General Howard
made his appearance and asked for instructions for the
Eleventh Corps. General Reynolds directed that
General Howard bring his corps forward at once and
" form them on Cemetery Hill as a reserve," * and
* General Howard has no recollection of having received any such
orders, but as he did get orders to come forward, and as his corps was
to occupy some place in rear, as a support to the First Corps, nothing
is more probable than that General Reynolds directed him to go there;
for its military advantages were obvious enough to any experienced
commander. Lieutenant Rosengarten, of General Reynolds' staff.
I 54 NE W J ERSE Y TROOPS
then accompanied Wads worth to place his men in
position.
The place chosen for the battle-ground was on the
west side of the town along the course of the stream
known as Willoughby Run, its course at this point
being almost due north and south. The Chambersburg
and Fairfield roads both cross the stream, and uniting
near the town form an angle of considerable extent.
These roads also cross two elevations of ground, or
ridges, running parallel with the stream, the one
further west from the town being the scene of the first
day's fighting. On the heights nearest the town is
situated the Theological Seminary, from which the
ridge derives its name. The steeple of this building
was used by the commanders of both armies as an
observatory. The rebels were advancing on the
Chambersburg road in strong numbers when Wads-
worth arrived, and Reynolds in person posted the
Second Maine Battery in the road, and threw forward
the Fourteenth Brooklyn, Colonel Fowler, and the
Ninety-fifth New York, Colonel Biddle, (both under
states positively that he was present and heard the order given for
Howard to post his troops on Cemetery Ridge. The matter is of some
moment, as the position in question ultimately gave us the victory,
and Howard received the thanks of Congress for selecting it. It is
not to be supposed that either Howard or Rosengarten would misstate
the matter. It is quite possible that Reynolds chose the hill simply
as a position upon which his force could rally if driven back, and
Howard selected it as a suitable battle-field for the army. It has since
been universally conceded that it was admirably adapted for that
purpose. — Doubleday.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGiY.
155
Fowler's command,) in advance on the left, the other
three regiments of the brigade — One Hundred and
Forty-seventh New York, Seventy-sixth New York,
and Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania — being placed in line on
the right of the road. Gamble's brigade of cavalry
were withdrawn and formed in column on the left of
the infantry, Deven's brigade, further to the right
ADVANCE OF DAVIS AND ARCHER S REBEL BRIGADES.
UNION, BLACK ; REBELS, WHITE.
facing north, still awaiting the approach of the enemy
from that direction.
The battle which was here waged with persistent
fury, was a fitting prelude to the desperate conflict
which succeeded it, and but for the gallant resistance
made by the veterans of the First Corps in this initia-
tory contest, the admirable position on the hills south
of Gettysburg would undoubtedly have been lost to
the Army of the Potomac. Both armies thus con-
156' NEW JERSEY TROOPS
fronted each other, and were, coming- closer together
in such manner that a conflict was inevitable. To
hold the enemy in check until the rest of the army
could arrive and take position on the ridge in rear of
the town, the admirable advantages of which had pre-
sented themselves to both Buford and Reynolds, was
the imperative duty of the First Army Corps. How
well they succeeded, how desperately they fought,
how tenaciously they held their ground against over-
whelming numbers, relinquishing it only when over-
powdered, is graphically related by Doubleday.
The army of General Lee was close at hand. Hill's
whole corps was available for immediate action. Ewell
was advancing from the north, with his entire com-
mand except Johnson's division, and the small body of
men posted to contest their advance could have been
swept away like leaves before the wind ; but the rebel
leaders were not anticipating a meeting with the Army
of the Potomac. Ewell had passed through Gettys-
burg two days before, at which time no one knew any-
thing about Msade's army, and General Lee conse-
quently felt no particular anxiety concerning it. The
obstructions so far encountered were to his mind
" some gentlemen militia," who would be ready to
depart as soon as it became a little warm for them.
Davis' rebel brigade, which had been thrown for-
ward, to clear the road, formed behind a ridge, and
was unperceived by Cutler's men. When they
advanced into view the left of their line came square
upon the right flank of Cutler's small force, which was
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
157
compelled to fall back, and was ordered to re-form on
Seminary Ridge. The Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania first
perceived the enemy and opened fire, but they were
soon overpowered and with the Seventy-sixth New
York Regiment succeeded in getting away, continuing
their retreat to the outskirts of the town ; but the One
Hundred and Forty-seventh New York Regiment,
not receiving the order to fall back — its Colonel having
DEFEAT OF ARCHER S AND DAVIS BRIGADES.
been killed before the order could be given — was
being hemmed in on all sides and made a desperate
fight. As this movement of Davis' brigade also
uncovered the right flank of Colonel Fowler's two
regiments, while Archer's rebel brigade was advanc-
ing to envelop their left, they fell back in good
order. Meredith's " Iron Brigade," commanded by
Colonel Morrow — its permanent commander having
been wounded by a shell — had been formed in line
J eg NEW JERSEY TROOPS
on the west slope of Seminary Ridge, and as Archer's
brigade, preceded by skirmishers, was advancing to
get possession of a small wood between the two
roads, Colonel Morrow was ordered by General
Doubleday to secure the position and hold it at all
hazards. Enthusiastically they moved to the task, the
Sixth Missouri Regiment being detached and with
the headquarter guard composed of the One Hun-
dred and Fifty-ninth Pennsylvania, forming a reserve.
The " Iron Brigade " was composed of the Second
Wisconsin, Colonel Lucius Fairchild ; Sixth Wis-
consin, Lieutenant R. R. Dawes ; Seventh Wisconsin,
Colonel W. W. Robinson ; Twenty-fourth Michigan,
Colonel Henry A. Morrow ; Nineteenth Indiana,
Colonel Samuel Williams — five regiments in all.
Advancing boldly toward the enemy the Second Wis-
consin enveloped their right flank, capturing Archer
himself and more than a thousand of his men. Sur-
prised at this extraordinary movement the remnant
oi Archer's troops fled precipitately, being pursued
to the opposite side of Willoughby's Run by the vic-
torious Unionists.
There was now time to pay some attention to the
attack on Cutler, as Davis' men were exultant over
their success, and were pursuing the flying regiments
to Gettysburg. Lieutenant-Colonel Dawes with the
Sixth Wisconsin, advanced against the exposed flank
of Davis, and Colonel Fowler with the Fourteenth
Brooklyn and Ninety-fifth New York, joined forces
with him. Noticing this movement Davis stopped
BvT. Majok-Gen. Robert McAllister,
Colonel Com'd'g nth N. J. Vols., Inf.
(From a Steel Engraving.")
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. l6i
his pursuit of Cutler's men, and rushing into the rail-
road cut, where the grading afforded them shelter,
they made a desperate resistance, but they had entered
a trap. Fowler confronted them above, and Dawes
opened a murderous fire upon them with a section of
artillery which enfiladed their position, and he also
formed his men across the cut, by Colonel Fowler's
order to fire through it, thus having them completely
at bay. The One Hundred and Forty-seventh New
York was released from its perilous position, and
two-thirds of the enemy surrendered, the rest escap-
ing by scattering over the country.
These brilliant exploits were saddened by the death
of General Reynolds, who was instantly killed by a
musket ball immediately after deploying the men of
Cutler's brigade. General Doubleday at once took
command of the corps, and during the respite occa-
sioned by the inaction of the enemy re-formed and
strengthened his lines.
General Heth had halted his column to await the
result of the action of his two brigades, and the news
he received was far from encouraging. Replacing his
defeated and dispirited troops with the fresh men of
Pettigrew and Brockenborough supported by Pender's
division, he advanced to a renewal of the fight.
Doubleday anxiously awaited the arrival of his other
two divisions, Robinson's and his own commanded
temporarily by General Rowley. At this time General
Howard had arrived upon the scene, having preceded
his corps, and noting the precipitate retreat of the two
1 62
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
regiments of Cutler's brigade, magnified their dis-
orderly haste into a rout of the First Corps, and so
notified General Meade. At eleven o'clock to the great
relief of General Doubleday the remainder of the First
Corps came up. The enemy had established their line
in a commanding position, and their artillery was
advantageously posted, so as to sweep the Chambers-
second advance of heth s troops against the first corps,
doubleday's map.
burg road. A severe artillery duel took place at this
point, the batteries of Calef and Reynolds doing
splendid execution. Doubleday posted his troops in
the following order to meet this new attack : Stone's
brigade, of Rowley's division, being placed to the
right of the woods occupied by INIorrow, and Colonel
IN' THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
163
Biddle's brigade on the left, with Robinson's division
in reserve at the seminary, on the west of which
Robinson's men threw up a semicircular line ol breast
works, which served an admirable purpose later on.
The battle which ensued was one of the most
desperate of the three days' contest. Howard upon
receiving the news of the death of General Reynolds,
assumed command of the left wing, turning over the
command of the Eleventh Corps to General Schurz,
General Barlow taking command of the division. He
also notified General Meade of the sad event and sent
orders to Sickles at Emmetsburg and Slocum at Two
Taverns to hasten to the field. Between twelve and
one o'clock the Eleventh Corps made its appearance on
the scene of action and the divisions of Schimmel-
pfennig and Barlow were orderd to the support of
Doubleday, and were directed to extend his line to the
right, Steinwehr's division, with the reserve artillery
being ordered to Cemetery Hill, as a reserve.
A new danger however threatened the Union line
before these dispositions could be made. Buford, who
had been anxiously watching the road from the north,
where Deven's cavalry brigade had been posted,
informed Doubleday of the approach of Ewell's troops
from that direction, and Howard ordered the Eleventh
Corps to change front and keep Ewell from assailing
the First Corps in flank. This relieved the cavalry,
who withdrew and formed still farther to the right.
The movements of Ewell's two divisions had been
16^ NEW JERSEY TROOPS
well timed and both Rodes and Early came in sight of
Gettysburg- at almost the same moment. Before their
exact whereabouts were known to the Union troops
Rodes had posted a battery on Oak Hill, an eminence
to the right of and almost on a line with that occupied
by the troops of Doubleday. When the Eleventh
Corps line had been established to meet Ewell, it left a
wide interval between the left of Barlow and the right
of Cutler's brigade of the First Corps, which neces-
sitated the use of all of Doubleday's reserves, besides
attenuating his general line of battle.
Noting with satisfaction the arrival of Ewell on the
right flank of the Union line. Hill moved promptly to
attack Doubleday with his whole force. Under cover
of the dense woods Rodes succeeded in joining his
line to that of Hill, while his artillery played effect-
ively upon Doubleday's guns on the Chambersburg
road. Rodes attacked Cutler's right flank vigorously.
Doubleday proved equal to this emergency however.
He ordered Baxter's brigade to fill the gap between
Cutler and the Eleventh Corps, and as Baxter advanced
boldly up the Mummasburg road, Rodes sent O'Neal's
brigade in upon his flank. O'Neal was repulsed with
heavy loss, and Iverson's rebel brigade was ordered to
assail both Cutler and Baxter. Doubleday ordered in
another brigade, and Robinson sent forward Paul's
brigade, which took up position with Baxter. Double-
day had so far held his own against superior numbers.
All the positions south of the Chambersburg road
I
BvT. Col. John Scuoonover,
Adjt. nth Regt. N. J. Vols., Inf.
{Front a U'ar-tune Photograph^
J
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
167
had been retained, but the enemy was pressing him
hard on the right. Iverson's attack upon Robinson's
two brigades failed and his force was almost annihi-
lated, his loss being heavy in killed and wounded and
over a thousand men were taken prisoners. Daniel
came to Iverson's rescue, but arrived too late, and his
advance was checked. O'Neal, Iverson and Daniel
were each in turn defeated, and Heth, who made
a vigorous demonstration against Meredith was also
repulsed. Growing desperate the rebels determined
to assault in force, and Ramseur, who had come up to
assist Daniel, was aided by the advance of the three
brigades of Pender's division, thus throwing upon the
weakened, but obstinate Union line, a numerical force
that by pressure alone must carry the position. Assist-
ance was also coming to the enemy in another shape.
Early's entire division was advancing to the front, and
they poured down upon Barlow's division in great
numbers, who resisted stoutly, but were obhged to fall
back, leaving their wounded in the hands of the enemy,
the heroic Barlow being among them. Schimmel-
pfennig was attacked by Doles' brigade, and retreated
in hot haste, and as this division broke a general
retreat was ordered by Howard. Schimmelpfennig's
flight compelled Robinson to abandon his position,
and Doubleday having used up all his reserves was
at last compelled to fall back. Halting and re-form-
ing his line in the semi-circular entrenchment throw^n
up by Robinson's division Doubleday, aided by Buford,
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
who formed his cavalry in line of * battalion in mass
to keep open the line of retreat, held the enemy in
check for a short time.
The position of the First Corps was exceedingly
critical, and its escape from annihilation is due to the
great presence of mmd and the skillful generalship of
General Doubleday. As the columns of retreating
Unionists mixed together in the town, men became
separated from their commands, thousands were
picked up by the enemy on the streets, and the
roads leading to the rear were thronged with a
motley crew of frightened and demoralized soldiers,
whom no power seemed able to hold in check.f
A new actor now appeared upon the scene. When
General Meade, at his headquarters in Taneytown,
received the message from Howard that the First
Corps were flying from the field, there was forced upon
him the necessity of immediately deciding whether to
*General Francis A. Walker in his "History of the Second Army-
Corps" relates this incident : "When last it was my privilege to see
General Hancock, in November, 1885, he pointed out to me from
Cemetery Hill the position occupied by Buford at this critical junct-
ure, and assured me that, among the most inspiring sights of his
military career was the splendid spectacle of that gallant cavalry, as
it stood there unshaken and undaunted, in the face of the advancing
Confederate infantry."
f The Comte de Paris estimates that of the 16,000 men who went
into action on the Union side no more than 5,000 were left in fighting
condition. The First Corps was reduced to 2,450 men. Out of the
11,000 missing nearly 4,000 had been left on the field of battle, and
about 5,000 were taken prisoners; the rest had scattered.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 169
fight the battle where the conflict had begun or adhere
to his original plan of forming a line on Pipe Creek.
Instead of going to Gettysburg himself he sent for
General Hancock, who had just arrived in Taneytown
with the Second Corps, and appointed him to the com-
mand of the left wing, thus superseding both Howard
and Sickles, who ranked him by seniority, and dele-
gated to him the practical selection of the battle-field,
whether to order up the whole army to Gettysburg
and there join issue with the enemy, or to fall back to
the position originally determined upon. When Han-
cock arrived upon the scene the confusion of retreat
had not subsided. Streams of frightened men were
passing down the Taneytown and Baltimore roads to
the rear, and the powerlessness of Howard to restore
confidence to the men was apparent. Hancock
addressed himself at once to the task, and his presence
was immediately felt by the troops. Brave, even to
rashness, his manner and bearing made their impress
felt. Men, who first thought only of flight, halted,
cheered for Hancock, and sought their colors. His
presence was worth a corps of men at that moment,
and, though Seminary Ridge was lined with rebel
infantry, and Ewell's troops were advancing through
the town toward Cemetery Hill, Hancock re-formed
the line with the Eleventh Corps on the right of Stein-
wehr's fortified position, the First Corps on the left
and all the artillery at command posted in advan-
tageous positions, thus presenting a bold front to the
victorious foe. Noting the rising ground on the right
1-70 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
— Gulp's Hill — toward which Ewell was moving, he
posted Wadsworth's division there, and formed the
cavalry on the left of Doubleday. The transformation
was complete. Order had been restored out of chaos,,
and as Lee and his officers gazed upon this new line of
battle, which had formed under the very muzzles of
their guns, they mistook the deployment of this small
force in a thin line to the right and left for the arrival
of reinforcements, and hesitated to attack. Ewell was
desirous of doing so, but Lee would not imperatively
order it, and after a short contest with Wadsworth's
men, the enemy halted. This was another of the
blunders which aided the Union cause on this
campaign. Had Ewell advanced at once. Gulp's Hill
would have fallen into his possession and he would
thus have commanded the roads on which Meade's
army was then moving.
The enemy however had had more fighting than they
expected to experience. Their losses had been severe,
and though they had met and defeated but two army
corps, the fact — of which they had at last become
cognizant — that the Army of the Potomac was in front
of them, led to a magnifying of the importance of their
victory. From prisoners they had no doubt learned
that Meade's army was well on its way to Gettysburg,
and as Lee had been deceived by the show of force onj
Gemetery Hill, he preferred to await the arrival of all]
his army before attacking.
On the morning of July ist Sickles had received;
orders from General Meade to fall back to a position i
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. lyi
on the Pipe Creek line of battle, but learning- subse-
quently that the First and Eleventh Corps, which with
his own comprised the left wing of the army, were
engaged with the enemy, he promptly moved toward
the sound of action. He had resumed command of the
Third Corps only a few days previous, and was
naturally anxious to meet the enemy. Detaching De
Trobriand's brigade from Birney's division, and
Burling's brigade — composed of the Fifth, Sixth,
Seventh and Eighth New Jersey Regiments, the One
Hundred and Fifteenth Pennsylvania and the Second
New Hampshire — from Humphreys' division with or-
ders to remain at Emmetsburg, he moved promptly
forward with Birney's division, and arriving on the
field was assigned to position on the left of the First
Corps.
The Twelfth Corps advanced from Littlestown on
the morning of July ist and at noon halted at Two
Taverns, about five miles southeast from Gettysburg.
While here word was received from Howard as to the
engagement then in progress, and the order to march
was soon given. Geary's division moved directly for
Gettysburg by the Baltimore pike, and Williams' divi-
sion, taking a road leading to the right advanced
rapidly toward the sound of artillery. Proceeding
some distance, skirmishers were sent forward, and as
Benner's Hill loomed up in their front a body of horse-
men were seen on its summit closely scanning the
country around. Ewell's scouts were soon encoun-
tered and a few shots were exchanged when orders
1^2 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
were received to bring on no engagement at that
place. It had been the intention of General Williams
to take possession of the hill, but as it had become
known that Gettysburg was in the hands of the
enemy, the line was withdrawn and position for the
night taken on the east side of Rock Creek. The
Thirteenth New Jersey Regiment supported Wine-
gan's Battery (" M " First New York) during the night.
Geary's division was posted on the left of the army,
his line extending from the left of Sickles' line to the
summit of Little Round Top, the Twelfth Corps thus
holding both the right and left flanks of the Army
of the Potomac on the night of July ist. General
Slocum arrived upon the scene about half-past five,
and General Hancock, in accordance with instructions
received, turned over the command to him, and started
for Taney town Lo report to General Meade.
Hancock had performed labors almost herculean.
The very magnetism of his presence among the
defeated and retreating troops gave them renewed
confidence and courage, and when he had assigned
the last body of troops to their position for the night,
and saw that the force was strong enough to resist
any attack that might be made until the rest of the
army could be brought up, he started on his ride to
Taneytown. During the afternoon he sent two
dispatches to General Meade in which he favored
the position secured as the best on which the battle
should be fought, though the left was liable to be
turned. On his way to headquarters he halted the
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
173
Second Corps, commanded by General Gibbons, which
he met about three miles from the battle-field, as a
protection to the left of the line.
The line of battle for the night extended from the
rising ground east of Rock Creek, to Culp's Hill,
to Cemetery Hill and along the ridge west of the
Taneytown road to the summit of Little Round Top.
The Fifth Army Corps was on its way from Bonaugh-
town, and the Sixth Corps just entering Manchester,
thirty-four miles distant, had started on its long march
for the battle-field.
Among the interesting incidents of the first day's
battle is the record of John Burns, a resident of
Gettysburg. General Doubleday in his official report
of the battle says : " My thanks are specially due to
a citizen of Gettysburg, named John Burns, who,
although over seventy years of age, shouldered his
musket and offered his services to Colonel Wister,
One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Colonel Wister advised him to fight in the woods as
there was more shelter there, but he preferred to join
our line of skirmishers in the open fields. When the
troops retired he fought with the 'Iron Brigade.'
He was wounded in three places."
CHAPTER X.
THE NEW JERSEY TROOPS COMING ON THE FIELD OF
BATTLE — RAPID AND EXHAUSTIVE MARCHING —
THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT UNDERGO A FATIGUING
NIGHT MARCH — THE SECOND NEW JERSEY BRI-
GADE MARCH BETWEEN THE SKIRMISH LINES OF
BOTH ARMIES — THE TWELFTH REGIMENT IN LINE
OF BATTLE — THE DEPLOYMENT OF SICKLES' LINE
— THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT ON CULP'S HILL —
ARRIVAL OF THE FIRST NEW JERSEY BRIGADE AT
FOUR o'clock — A FORCED MARCH OF THIRTY-
FIVE MILES.
IT was nearly dark when General Hancock started
for the headquarters of the army at Taneytown
and reported to General Meade, whom he found
about ready to proceed to Gettysburg, where he
arrived about one o'clock a. m., on July 2d. Hum-
phreys' division of the Third Corps left Emmetsburg
for the battle-field at three o'clock a. m., Burling's bri-
gade with De Trobriand's brigade of Birney's division
remaining behind to guard the outlet of the moun-
tain and watch the Hagerstown road for any move-
ments of the enemy in that direction. After a long
and exciting march the division arrived on the field
Major John T. Hill,
Com'd'g i2th Regt. N. J. Vols., Inf.
I^From a IVar-time Photograph— 1^162,.)
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. lyj
at midnight and owing to the darkness could not be
given a place in line and was massed in rear of Bir-
ney's division.
The Eleventh New Jersey Regiment, belonging to
Carr's brigade of Humphrey's division, experienced
all the inconveniences of this march. They had biv-
ouacked in a wheat-field near Emmetsburg when the
news reached them that the First and Eleventh Corps
had met the enemy near Gettysburg and were being
driven back. Orders to press forward rapidly were
received, and soon the column was in motion. On
crossing Marsh Run, the troops took a road to the
left, and were marching toward Black Horse Tavern,
on the Fairfield road, which was occupied by the
enemy ; but General Humphrey discovered, in time
to conceal his presence from them, that he was on the
wrong road, and accordingly caused the column to
" about face " and retrace their steps. This long
detour was a severe strain upon the men, but without
further mishap they bivouacked east of the Emmets-
burg road about one a. m., and was subsequently
massed in rear of Birney and facing west, the Eleventh
New Jersey being next to the last regiment in the line.
The next New Jersey regiment to arrive was the
Twelfth, which with the Second Corps had halted for
the night about three miles south of the battle-field.
The column moved at daylight, and was rejoined by
General Hancock before it reached the field, which
took place about 7 a. m., and was placed in position on
the left of Doubleday's division of the First Corps.
1^8 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
(General Newton was now in command of the First
Corps, General Meade having assigned him there on
learning of the death of General Reynolds.) In the
order of alignment Hay's division — to Smith's brigade
of which the Twelfth New Jersey belonged — was on
the right, Gibbons, the centre, and Caldwell's division,
the left. This displaced the Third Corps, which
formed into column and moved still further to the left.
This movement so full of momentous and important
results then unforeseen, has led to a controversy that
will cease only when all the actors have passed off this
world's stage. General Geary, who had occupied
Little Round Top on the night of the first, had been
ordered to the right of the line, and soon after day-
break (5 a. m.) vacated the position, which was the vital
point of the whole line, and to regain and keep posses-
sion of which, brought on one of the most desperate
struggles of the whole war. Sickles' orders were to
prolong the line of the Second Corps, his left to rest
upon Little Round Top.* This is the great bone of
* General Meade, in his official report says: "The Second and
Third Corps were directed to occupy the continuation of the Cemetery
ridge on the left of the Eleventh Corps."
The Comte De Paris, in his work on Gettysburg, says :
" Between six and seven o'clock in the morning Meade sent his son
to Sickles with orders to take the position which Geary had just left.
The order was most positive, and Meade has been blamed for not hav-
ing attended to the execution of said order in person. * * * *
When Colonel Meade arrived between eight and nine o'clock, to ascer-
tain if the order which he had brought from his father had been
executed, Sickles answered him that he could not distinguish the posi-
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
179
contention : What were Meade's orders to Sickles ?
Without entering into the discussion, which has devel-
oped a wonderful amount of misunderstanding, it is
clear that General Sickles did not deem his orders so
explicit as to prevent the exercise of his own judgment
in the matter.
The ridsfe on which Sickles was directed to form
tion in which he was to replace Geary. Nevertheless, like an obedient
lieutenant, he had not waited for fresh orders, to extend his line to the
left, and before nine o'clock Birney was deploying Graham's and
Ward's brigades in the direction of Little Round Top."
Doubleday gives this version : " Sickles, however, denies that any
position was ever marked out for him. He was expected to prolong
Hancock's line to the left but did not do so for the following reasons :
First, because the ground was low, and second on account of the com-
manding position of the Emmetsburg road, which ran along a cross
ridge oblique to the front of the line assigned him, and which afforded
the enemy an excellent position for their artillery ; third because the
ground between the valley he was expected to occupy, and the Emmets-
burg road constituted a minor ridge, very much broken and full of rocks
and trees which afforded excellent cover for an enemy operating in his
immediate front."
Swinton in his History of the Army of the Potomac, says : " Sickles
had been instructed to take position on the left of Hancock, on the
same general line, which would draw it along the prolongation of
Cemetery Ridge toward the Round Top. Now the ridge is, at this
point, not very well defined; for the ground in front falls off into a con-
siderable hollow. But at the distance of some four or five hundred
yards in advance it rises into that intermediate crest along which runs
the Emmetsburg road. General Sickles, thinking it desirable to occupy
this advanced position — which he conceived would, if held by the
enemy, make his own ground untenable — assumed the responsibility
of pushing his front forward to that point."
l8o NEW JERSEY TROOPS
descended into low ground which extended for four or
five hundred yards to Little Round Top. In his front
the ground ascended gradually, and on the crest o"f this
rising ground ran the Emmetsburg road. Sickles first
formed his line as directed, Birney's left resting at the
base of Little Round Top and connecting with
Humphrey's division on the right.
The Second New Jersey Brigade (Burling's) of
Humphrey's division and De Trobriand's brigade of
Birney's division, which had been left at Emmetsburg
to guard the mountain passes, received orders at two
o'clock a. m. to rejoin the Third Corps, and began their
hurried march. To them also had come the startling
intelligence of a battle at Gettysburg, the death of
General Reynolds, and that the First and Eleventh
Corps had been driven back. At three o'clock, the
column was marching quietly and swiftly through the
streets of Emmetsburg. A short halt was ordered
after a brisk march to enable the men to make coffee.
The heat of the day before, and the sultriness of the
morning, together with the long fast and the rapid
marching had well-nigh exhausted the men, and the
prospect of a " rest " was joyously welcomed. The
little fires were soon blazing cheerily, but before the
first cup of water had reached boiling point, an aide
came galloping down the road with peremptory orders
to push forward as rapidly as possible. Not a moment
was to be lost. " Fall in ! " " Take arms ! " " Rig-ht,
face ! " " Forward, march ! " rang out over the field
from the throats of regiment and company com-
IM THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. i8l
manders. There was a speedy mounting of horses, the
rumbling of artillery was heard on the pike, and once
more the column of Jerseymen pushed rapidly on.
Crossing Marsh Run, Berdan's sharpshooters, who had
been ordered to reconnoitre the rebel position, were
seen lying along the fence in the road and firing
occasionally at the enemy's skirmishers, in the edge of
the strip of woods at the west. The column had
reached the Union line just in time. Soon after the
brigade had passed this point Longstreet had extended
his lines across the road preparatory to his fierce
charge upon Sickles' position. It was a narrow escape
from isolation, it not capture, as the small brigade
would have been overwhelmed had they come in con-
tact with the rebel column, which would liave been the
inevitable result had they remained long enough at
^' rest " to have cooked and drank their coffee. Moving
leisurely up the pike to about the point where Pickett's
division crossed it the next day in making his famous
charge, the rail fence was thrown down, and marching
across the fields to the slope of Cemetery Ridge,
Burling's brigade halted, and at nine o'clock ate their
breakfast without interference. In the mean time men
were sent forward to throw down the rail fences that
stood between the ridge and the pike. The brigade
was once more at home with its old command.
When General Meade had completed his reconnois-
sance and given his orders to the several corps, Geary
was ordered to take position on the right of the line,
where Williams' division was to join him. By this
1 82
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
move the Twelfth Corps was to be again united.
Promptly on receipt of his orders Geary moved
out and took position on Gulp's Hill, joining
Wadsworth's division of the First Gorps. At eight
o'clock, Williams' division (commanded by Gen-
eral Ruger) crossed Rock Greek and moved up
the west bank of that stream forming on the
westerly side of Gulp's Hill, and then moving by
the right flank took position as follows : McDougall's
brigade (the First) join-
ing Geary, the One
Hundred and Seventh
New York of Gol-
grove's brigade extend-
ing the line to the edge
of the woods, while the
Thirteenth New Jersey
Reofiment was formed
in rear in close column
by division. On the
right of the Thirteenth
New Jersey was an open space of about one hun-
dred yards, through which coursed a small stream
having its rise at Spangler's spring west of the Thir-
teenth Regiment's position. This open ground was
marshy, and the rest of Golgrove's brigade was formed
in the edge of McAllister's wood, on the south. As
soon as the line was established the men began con-
structing lines of breastworks out of the fence rails,
old stumps, dead limbs of trees, stones and whatever
IiV THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
183
could be found that would impede the progress of a
bullet. Lockwood's brigade, which had joined the
Twelfth Corps on the morning- of the second, was
posted to the right of Colgrove, its right resting near
the junction of the Baltimore pike with Rock Creek.
The Fifth Corps was massed near the bridge over
Rock Creek, on the Baltimore pike, in supporting dis-
tance of the Twelfth Corps. By twelve o'clock the
Union line of battle was intact, extending from Culp's
Hill on the right to the base of Little Round Top on
the left, the summit of which was used as a signal
station. The Sixth Corps was still on its long march
from Manchester.
The line of battle as formed resembled more closely
than anything else, an immense hook. Cemetery Ridge
forming the shank. Cemetery Hill the heel, and Culp's
Hill the end of the hook. It was an admirable defen-
sive position, as it could be easily reinforced at any
point by short marches, and its vulnerability was not
to remain long untested.
The course of Lee in so long remaining silent
was a source of mystery to the Union commander,
and he determined to assault the enemy on the right
with the Twelfth and Fifth Corps, supported by the
Sixth Corps on its arrival, and the order for the move-
ment was given. General Slocum and General War-
ren made a reconnoissance of the position and reported
against it, and it was abandoned.
General Lee, though quiet, was not inactive. He
had visited Ewell durmg the night and ordered him to
J §4 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
attack the Union right, but that officer objected on the
ground that the Federals were massed in his front, and
said that he should intrench his position. The rebel
army kept coming into line as the night advanced, and
they were exultant over the victory of the day before,
and confident of a more glorious result on the morrow.
General Lee himself was infected with the same spirit,
and awaited the approach of daylight with every
expectation of success. Knowing of the great alarm
the presence of his army in Pennsylvania had occa-
sioned throughout the North, it only needed a victory
over the Army of the Potomac on northern soil to
bring about the full realization of his hopes. He saw
peace won at last, the Southern Confederacy an estab-
lished fact, his army victorious and marching triumph-
antly to their homes. Infused with such a spirit, army
and commander felt themselves invincible. At daylight
the rebel line extended from Benner's Hill, where John-
son's division was posted, Early joining him and front-
ing the ridge between Gulp's and East Cemetery Hill,
while Rodes' division occupied the town, and con-
nected with Hill's corps on Seminary Ridge, which
was disposed as follows : Pender's division on the left,
Heth on the right, Anderson in rear between Marsh
Creek and Willoughby Run. Longstreet with two
divisions of his army were close by and moving for-
ward, and by nine o'clock the rebel forces were all at
hand and ready for action, except the division of Pick-
ett, which was on its way from Chambersburg, and
Stuart's cavalry who were moving to take position on
the left.
BvT. Brig. -Gen. Ezra A. Carman,
Colonel Com'd'g 13th Regt. N. J. Vols., Inf.
{From a IVar-tivie Photograph.)
i
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
187
On the Union side the same confidence was mani-
fested by the troops, and as each corps came upon the
field they reechoed the words of Doubleday's heroes
of the day before, ''■Weve come to stay!'' Thus both
sides were nerved to the most desperate resolve, and
how well they maintained it the record of the next two
days gives abundant testimony.
Small things produce remarkable results at times.
As the Thirteenth New Jersey Regiment with the
First Division of the Twelfth Corps was making their
exhaustive march on July first under a broiling sun
from Two Taverns, men fell out of the ranks in squads
by the roadside for a brief rest. Four or five women
from Gettysburg, who had fled on the approach of the
rebel army stood by the side of the road, and involun-
tarily began waving their bonnets and aprons. The
men at first waved their hands in token of recognition,
next they took off their caps to them, and finally the
column broke into a hearty cheer. Tired and exhausted
men rallied under the inspiriting huzzas, rejoined the
column and moved briskly toward the enemy.
At two o'clock in the afternoon the advance brigade
of the Sixth Army Corps, came upon the field, and at
6 p. m. the entire corps had reported after a forced
march variously estimated at from thirty to thirty-five
miles. This corps had done some remarkable march-
ing during the past three days, and with their presence
on the field, the whole Army of the Potomac was now
at hand. The First New Jersey Brigade, General
A. T. A. Torbert, commander, comprising the First,
NE W J ERSE V TROOPS
Second, Third and Fifteenth Regiments (The Fourth
Regiment was on duty at division headquarters, three
companies serving as Provost Guard and seven com-
panies guarding the ammunition trains) composed the
First Brigade, of the First Division, and reached the
battlefield at 4 p. m. The brigade with its corps had
marched fifty-five miles in three days, bivouacking on
the night of June 30th at Manchester after a march of
twenty-three miles on that day. The brigade was
encamped in a meadow near the town, and the tired,
weary men sought their soft and rich beds at an early
hour expecting to have a good night's rest, but it was not
to be. About 10 p. m. the camp was suddenly aroused
by the shrill, clear notes of the "Assembly." Every
man jumped to his feet and seized his arms. Soon the
order came to march, and the " Forward " sounded.
" Where ? " " What is all this for ? " were the ques-
tions asked but no one could answer. The orders had
been to march to Taneytown, and the observant men
in line noticed that the column was countermarching
on the same road they had gone over. Ere long the
column turned into the broad Baltimore pike and
headed westward. All night long the steady tramp,
tramp, was kept up, and when daylight broke, the
march was still continued. There was no halt for break-
fast, or coffeft, but no one murmured or complained,
and on they went, until about one o'clock, when to the
joy of every one the head of the column was seen to be
filing into an open field. A shout went up ! This
meant coffee and a little rest. Long lines stretched
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
189
across the field, and the smoke of small fires soon
showed what was being done, but hardly had the rear
of the column gained its place before a horseman was
seen coming at full speed down the pike ; his horse
white with foam told all ; his mission was one of urgent
importance. Riding up to where General Sedgwick
was standing he delivered his dispatch — the Adjutant-
General promulgated it orally : " The Corps is wanted
at Gettysburg in the shortest possible space of time."
A thrill went through every man's heart. Coffee in
various stages of brewing was emptied on the ground,
and stacks were broken ere the message was finished.
From mouth to mouth went the summons : " Our
comrades at the front want us," and but one thought
animated all. Away the column went, and on gaining
the pike, the stride of the men in their eagerness
to get forward kept the officers' horses on a dog-trot.
No more glorious sight ever met the eye of a soldier
than this one as he looked back over that magnificent
body of men as they marched up that pike on the
afternoon of July the second. Ten miles were passed
over and Rock Creek was reached, but one mile from
the line of battle. A short halt to fill canteens with
water was made. The great journey was over. The
most wonderful march ever made by so large a body
of troops had been accomplished — thirty-five miles in
eighteen hours ! The New Jersey Brigade rested near
the centre of the line of battle for nearly two hours,
when they were ordered to the left of the line where
they arrived at dark. General Torbert reports that
IQO NEW JERSEY TROOPS
there were but twenty-five men absent when the march
was ended and these reported to their commands
during the night.
A strong picket line was sent out from the brigade,
under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Wiebecke of
the Second Regiment, composed of Company D,
Captain Lipfert, and Company E, Lieutenant Gustavus
Peine, of the Second Regiment, and details from the
First, Third and Fifteenth Regiments. They became
warmly engaged with the enemy during the third and
sustained a loss of eleven men. Colonel Wiebecke
with the gallantry and heroism that always character-
ized him in action won high encomiums from his
superior officers for the gallant services rendered on
this occasion.
BvT. Brig. -Gen. Fred. H. Harris,
Captain Co. E, 13th Regt. N. J. Vols., Inf,
{From a Recent Photograph.)
I
CHAPTER XI.
THE SECOND DAY'S BATTLE — SICKLES' NEW LINE —
LONGSTREET'S attempt to turn the FEDERAL
LEFT — THE SECOND NEW JERSEY BRIGADE, THE
ELEVENTH REGIMENT, AND BATTERY " B," FIRST
NEW JERSEY ARTILLERY IN ACTION — HOOD RE-
PULSED AT LITTLE ROUND TOP — A GALLANT
AND SUCCESSFUL CHARGE BY THE TWELFTH NEW
JERSEY REGIMENT— CASUALTIES AMONG THE NEW
JERSEY TROOPS.
WHEN the line of the Third Corps had been
established by the deployment of Birney's
division in the position vacated by Geary,
its right rested on the left of the Second Corps and
its left at the base of Little Round Top. This rocky
eminence, owing to the indefinite instructions given
to General Sickles remained unoccupied, and its
importance was apparently not then appreciated by
him, or he may have thought other troops would
form on his left to cover it. But, whatever the cause,
it was unoccupied except by the Signal Corps.
Randolph's, and Clark's (" B," First New Jersey)
batteries were placed in position in Birney's front,
and were commanded by the ridge along which ran
IQ4 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
the Emmetsburg road. Seeley's, Smith's and Wins-
low's batteries of the Third Corps were parked within
convenient distance. The skirmishers placed along
the Emmetsburg road and to the front of it had been
engaged in a desultory firing during the entire
morning, and the army was momentarily expecting an
attack from the enemy. The firing kept increasing in
volume along Birney's front, and at noon he sent
forward one hundred of Berdan's sharpshooters, sup-
ported by the Third Mame Regiment, with instruc-
tions to push as far forward as possible and feel the
"enemy's right. They advanced promptly to their
work and soon became heavily engaged. The rebel
skirmish line was driven back and a large body of men
were found moving in column toward the Federal left.
The reconnoitering force were in turn driven back
with great loss, and General Birney informed General
Sickles of his discovery, who ordered him to change j
front to meet the expected attack.
This movement, which led to such important results,
has now become the subject of an excited controversy
among military critics. The simple facts in the case
seem to be these : Between Cemetery Ridge, on the
prolongation of which the Union line of battle was
formed, and Seminary Ridge, occupied by Lee's army,
was a subordinate ridge of ground, along the crest of
which ran the Emmetsburg road. The low ground,
between Cemeter}^ Ridge and Little Round Top which
Sickles occupied, was commanded by this inferior ele-
vation. The trend of this rising ground is southwest-
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
195
erlj, and the most commanding- position along its
course is the Peach Orchard at the junction of a cross
road with the Emmetsburg road. From the Peach
Orchard running easterly, the high ground continues
for a short distance and then ends abruptly at a rocky
depression known as the Devil's Den, between which
and the Round Top, there is a defile or gorge through
which runs a small stream known as Plum Run. Gen-
eral Sickles had previously informed Meade of the
nature of the ground in his front and solicited permis-
sion to make the change, requesting that a staff officer
be sent with him to examine the position. General
Hunt, Chief of Artillery, made a reconnoissance of the
entire line, extending his tour to the summit of Little
Round Top, and returned to General Meade, whom he
requested to personally examine the left of the line
before approving of Sickles' proposed advance. Gen-
eral Meade had in the mean time called a council of
corps commanders at his headquarters near Zeigler's
Grove, and was awaiting the presence of Sickles in
obedience to the call. Sickles, not hearing anything
from General Hunt, gave the order to Birney to
advance to the new ground, and ordered Humphreys
to take position on the Emmetsburg road connecting
with Birney at the Peach Orchard. He then started
for Meade's headquarters, but before he had time
to dismount the sound of Clark's guns announced
to the assembled corps commanders that the " ball
had opened." Meade then accompanied Sickles to
the threatened point of attack, and while he did not
jq5 new jersey troops
approve of the movement, saw there was no time to
make a change, as Sickles expressed himself willing
to do.
The change of front General Birney was directed to
make brought his division along the left arm of the
angle extending from the high ground above the
Devil's Den to the Peach Orchard, at the intersection
of a cross-road with the Emmetsburg road. General
Ward's brigade being on the left of the line, De Tro-
briand in the centre, and Graham on the right. Ward's
left regiment, the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth
New York, was the extreme left of the line and was
placed on the high ground west and north of the
Devil's Den. This exposed flank was protected only
by Smith's (Fourth New York) battery of rifled guns,
which commanded the gorge, with the Fourth Maine
Regiment still farther to the left at the base of Little
Round Top, supporting it. On the right of Smith's
battery was a thin belt of woods, and into the open
ground (a wheat-field) beyond it Winslow's battery of
light twelve-pounders was placed. Graham's line was
formed along the Emmetsburg road, its left being at
the Peach Orchard and refused so as to form an angle
at this point. De Trobriand formed across the extreme
point of the wheat-field to make connection with Ward
and Graham, and in position to reinforce either, as cir-
cumstances might require. Humphreys advanced his
division to the Emmetsburg road, leaving only Bur-
ling's brigade in support, which was soon after sent to
reinforce Birney's weak line. By this movement a
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
197
wide gap was made between the left of the Second
Corps and Humphreys' right, which Gibbons filled by
sending forward two regiments of his division.
The position of the Third Corps was now complete,
and it was strengthened by the batteries of Bigelow,
Phillips, Hart and Clark (" B " First New Jersey), in
the open ground north of the cross-road and in rear of
the Peach Orchard, and protected by a slight intrench-
ment dug along the road which gave to it the name of
the "sunken road." Ames' battery occupied the Peach
orchard, supported by the Third Maine and Third
Michigan Regiments, which formed in front of the
Orchard facing south, while Randolph's, Seeley's and
TurnbuU's batteries were placed along the Emmets-
burg road fronting west. Sickles had been directed to
call upon Sykes for a division of the Fifth Corps, and
Hancock also ordered a division of the Second Corps
to respond to any call for aid.
Meade and his corps commanders expected an attack
by Lee at some point in the line at an early hour, and
his desire to anticipate such a move was his reason for
his order directing the Twelfth and Fifth Corps to
charge the enemv's left on the arrival of the Sixth
Corps. That movement appears to have been aban-
doned by the adverse reports of Generals Slocum and
Warren, and ISIeade therefore changed his plans to an
offensive movement by his left, which he was not, how-
ever, permitted to make. Lee's delay in attacking the
Federal position was a source of astonishment to the
Union army and incomprehensible to Meade, who had
iq8 new jersey troops
been expecting an advance against the Union right as
more Hkely than at any other point, and the continued
silence of the Confederate leader gave rise to a number
of conjectures as to his possible intentions.
General Lee was not idle, however, but time, which
was of so much value to him, was being ruthlessly
Avasted. After the abandonment of the plan whereby
Ewell was to attack the Federal right, he had formed a
plan of attack on the left of Meade's army, Ewell to
assault the right at the sound of Longstreet's guns
Vv^hile Hill was to make a vigorous demonstration on
the centre. Ewell had expressed the belief that he
could successfully assault the right as soon as Long-
street should break through the Union left. No time
seems to have been fixed upon for the beginning of this
movement, and every hour's delay only strengthened
the Union line. General Lee informed Longstreet of
his proposed attack, but that officer attempted to dis- j
suade him from it. A long time seems to have been
spent in controversy, and finally Longstreet plead for
more time until McLaws' division, which had been on
picket should arrive.
Lee had abandoned the " offensive-defensive " plan of
operations, and to the objections of both Longstreet
and Hood to the proposed movement said : " The
enemy is here, and if we do not whip him he will whip
us." * Lee was sanguine of success. His troops had
been victorious the day before, and they, as well as
himself were filled with a belief in their invincibility.
* Hood in his letter to Longstreet.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
199
Three-quarters of an hour were lost waiting for the
arrival of McLaws, and when at last he reported, a
further delay of several hours occurred in the march of
the troops. This was occasioned by the instructions of
General Lee which called for the masking- of the move-
ment from the Federals, the design being to fall
suddenly and impetuously on the left flank of the
Union army, which Lee supposed rested on the
Emmetsburg road.
One incident was in Lee's favor. The Union cavalry
which should have been placed on Sickles' left, had by
a misunderstanding been ordered elsewhere, and there
was nothing apparently to prevent a surprise move-
ment but the skirmish line of the Third Corps. The
situation seemed favorable for a repetition of " Stone-
wall " Jackson's flank movement by which the Eleventh
Corps was put to flight at Chancellorsville ; but there
was an important obstacle to its success, which Long-
street made a wide detour to overcome. This obstacle
was the Signal Station on Little Round Top. The
officer in charge discerned the marching column of the
enemy, and at once notified General Sickles and Gen-
eral Meade of the fact. General Meade sent General
Warren, of his staff, to the Signal Station, and Sickles
ordered Birney to develop the enemy's right with the
result as previously described. There was no chance
now for a surprise.
Longstreet observed the signal station on Round
Top, and knowing that the movement could no longer
be concealed, formed his troops for the assault.
200 ^'^ ^ /ERSE Y TROOPS
Hood's division was placed on the right in the fol-
lowing order :
Laws' brigade, supported by Benning, on the right ;
Robertson, with Anderson's brigade in his rear, on
the left.
McLaws' division formed on the left of Hood, Ker-
shaw's brigade in front and Semmes' brigade in rear
of Kershaw, constituting his right ; Barksdale, sup-
ported by Wofford, the left.
Hood's division was to attack first, by crossing the
Emmetsburg road and advancing along the line, taking
the left of the Union line in flank and rear. As soon
as that was accomplished, McLaws was to deploy
across the road in two lines of battle and drive the
Federals from the Peach Orchard. These instructions
were not carried out in the manner designed, and the
battle was fought on a plan which developed itself.
General Hood, on whom devolved the opening of
the fight, had received word from his scouts who had
ascended Round Top, of the defenceless condition of
Little Round Top, and the apparent ease with which
the Federal army could be attacked in rear by passing
completely around the larger mountain, and he vainly
sought to secure a modification of the order, and to be
permitted to move to the south of Round Top for
that purpose. Three separate requests were sent to
Lee, and finally Longstreet went to Hood and repeated
the order of General Lee, which was to be strictly
obeyed.
Birney's infantry line was a weak one, but his front
I
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 20I
at the angle was well covered with artillery while
Smith's battery to the extreme left had a commanding
position. Birney having discovered the position of
the rebel column, at two o'clock ordered Clark's bat-
tery C' B " First New Jersey) to open upon them, and
after the firing of a few rounds they disappeared.
About three o'clock a rebel battery opened fire on
Clark's position, from the Emmetsburg road, about
one thousand four hundred yards to the front, and
the fire was effectively replied to, the battery soon
ceasing to annoy them. The enemy, however, were
massing their artillery under cover of which the
infantry attack was to be made. The batteries of
Reilley and Latham covered the front of Laws' and
Robertson's brigades, and further to the left thirteen
batteries were placed along the front of Seminary
Ridge, their fire converging at the Peach Orchard
and enfilading Sickles' line in both directions. At
half-past three the columns of Hood w^ro. seen passing
along Birney's front to the left. The whole artillery
line on Seminary Ridge opened upon Birney's posi-
tion, their fire taking Graham's brigade and Hum-
phreys' division — then advancing to their new line
on the Emmetsburg road — in flank. The Confederate
infantry preceded by a strong line of skirmishers,
advanced to the Federal position. The artillery which
accompanied the rebel line opened fire vigorously
upon Smith's battery near the Devil's Den which
replied effectively.
Ward's line was a very thin one and the left
202 ^E. W JERSE V TROOPS
extremely weak. There was but one regiment to
resist the whole of Laws' rebel brigade— the Fourth
Maine — and Hood having disregarded Lee's orders —
either because he was surprised at finding a hne of
battle extending from the Peach Orchard to the base
of Little Round Top to oppose him, or beheving the
latter to be the key to the whole battle-field and
easily taken, as his scouts had reported it defence-
less—directed Laws to bear to the right, and Rob-
ertson noting the movement also bore in the same
direction, and fell with crushing force upon Ward's
line at its weakest point. Sickles at once called upon
Sykes for the division which had been ordered to his
support.
When Humphreys moved forward to the Emmets-
burg road, as directed by General Sickles, Carr's
brigade was in the advance, followed by Brewster,
Burling's brigade being in the rear. The severe
artillery fire upon the fated Peach Orchard Avas then
in progress. Seeley's battery which had been ordered
to take position on the right of a log house on the
Emmetsburg road, was transferred to the left of the
building and its fire soon silenced the guns in its
front. TurnbuU's battery from the artillery reserve
took the place vacated by Seeley. In the alignment
of Carr's brigade, the Eleventh New Jersey Regiment
was brought to the Emmetsburg road, its right rest-
ing on the Smith, or Essex house, and extending
nearly parallel with the road and about twenty paces
to the east of it. In the rear of the Smith house was
Bkev. Major A. Judson Clark,
Captain Com'd'g Battel y B, ist N. J. Artillery.
{.From a ]i'ar-tiine Photograph — iZiiz.)
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 20 5
an apple orchard, and to the left or south of it, a small
peach orchard.* The Eleventh Regiment was the
extreme left of the brigade and joined the troops of
the First Division.
Soon after Humphreys had disposed his line to
meet the expected attack of the enemy, he sent Bur-
ling's brigade to the support of Birney, as already
stated. This brigade moved down to the rear of the
right of Birney's division, where it was massed in a
piece of woods south of the Trostle house, and on
the margin of the road leading to the Peach Orchard.
General Birney ordered Burling out of the woods
into an open field and immediately on unmasking,
the enemy opened a terrific cannonade on his left
flank. For half an hour the brigade was exposed to
a severe storm of shot and shell, when, at the solici-
tation of his regimental commanders, he moved the
brigade back about one hundred yards where they
could have the protection of a slight rise in the
ground. This movement, under the heavy fire of the
enemy, was made in perfect order, but it attracted
the attention of Captain Poland of General Sickles'
staff, who not understanding it rode furiously up to
Burling and demanded to know by whose orders he
had moved his brigade. " By my own," replied Bur-
*This fact has given rise to the belief that the position of the Regi-
ment was in Sherfey's Peach Orchard which was some distance further
to the left, and at the junction of a cross-road which runs from the
Taneytown to the Emmetsburg road. — Marbaker, Historian Eleventh
Rcsriiiient.
2o6 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
ling. " Take your command back to the position you
left, sir," was Poland's excited reply, and Burling at
once started to obey, but just at that moment an order
was received from General Birney to detach two regi-
ments to go to the support of General Graham.
The Second New Hampshire and the Seventh New
Jersey, Colonel Louis R. Francine, were detailed for
that purpose. The Second New Hampshire was
ordered to the support of Ames' battery in the Peach
Orchard, and in taking position its right wing fronted
the Emmetsburg road, and its left the cross-road in
rear of the orchard, thus forming an acute angle.
The Seventh New Jersey was ordered to the support
of the remaining batteries, and took position to the
rear of Clark's battery ("B" First New Jersey). It
had been at this place only a short time when the
terrific and deafening cannonade, which preceded the
advance of the enemy, began. The fire from the
rebel batteries was sharp and effective. Many of the
shells burst directly over the regiment and several
men were killed and wounded as they lay in the ranks.
Trying as the ordeal was the men of the Seventh
bore it bravely. Unable to engage the enemy they
courageously submitted to the dreadful down-pour
of missiles which broke upon them and from which
their position permitted of no escape.
The Fifth New Jersey Regiment, Colonel William J.
Sewell, was next detailed. Reportmg to General
Humphrej^s the Fifth was ordered to relieve the Sixty-
third Pennsylvania, on picket duty on the Emmetsburg
2o8 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
road. Colonel Burling was now left with but three
regiments of his brigade.
The fighting on Ward's front to the left had been
furiously kept up. The men of Robertson's brigade
threw themselves upon the Federal line, and sought
to envelop it by turning the left, the batteries of Smith
and Winslow opened upon them, at first with case-shot,
as they came nearer with shell, and when within three
hundred yards with grape and canister. The infantry
reserved their fire until the enemy were but two
hundred yards away, when they poured a terrific
voile V into them checking their advance and throwing
them into great disorder. Between the opposing lines
was a stone fence and both sides waged a sharp contest
for its possession. The battle was a frightful one. It
seemed as though both Confederates and Federals
were determined to fight until death before giving
way. For more than an hovir the lines alternately
advanced and retreated, but Robertson, in his eager-
ness to interpose between Ward's left and the gorge,
so extended his lines as to expose his flank to the fire of
De Trobriand's brigade who was on the right of Ward.
So deadly was the fire from this unexpected quarter
that the left of Robertson's line was thrown back, and
in order to avert disaster Robertson summoned up the
rest of his brigade to meet De Trobriand's fire, which
relieved Ward from the enormous pressure upon him
and he promptly advanced and recovered the ground
which he had lost.
Anderson's brigade at this juncture of affairs moved
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
209
down to the attack on De Trobriand, but he was also
repulsed with heavy loss. Benning's brigade came in
to Anderson's assistance and the fighting was renewed
with great desperation on both sides.
Laws' brigade, General Hood accompanying it, with
two regiments of Robertson's brigade moved directly
across the gorge and attempted to scale the rocky
sides of Little Round Top. Ward had no troops to
prevent the movement, and there was nothing
apparently to prevent the capture of this important
position.
General Warren had not been long on Little Round
Top before he saw the great importance of this summit
to the Union army. As he saw the movement of Hood
toward it he directed the signal officers to keep on
waving their flags while he went for troops to defend
it, and galloping out to the road he saw Barnes' divi-
sion of the Fifth Corps moving to Sickles' assistance.
These reinforcements should have been at Sickles' line
an hour before, but they were in time to save Round
Top. At the urgent request of Warren, General Sykes
detached Vincent's brigade, and detailed Hazlett's bat-
tery to accompany them. Warren returned to his post
and looked upon the frightful scene below. The inces-
sant roar of artillery and musketry ; the rapid move-
ment of troops — now blue, now gray — as they emerge
from the shelter of woods and rocks, or plunge reck-
lessly into each other's ranks ; the yells, the shouts, the
cheers which arise above the sound of musketry — all
these are seen and heard, but to Warren, who sees the
14
2IO NEW JERSEY TROOPS
enemy moving up the steep sides of the hill he occu-
pies, the terrible conflict below becomes painful, as he
anxiously awaits the arrival of Vincent. Noticing a
body of troops on the road he once more starts for
help, and at his urgent solicitation Colonel O'Rorke, of
the One Hundred and Fortieth New York Regiment,
follows him on a double-quick. During Warren's
absence Vincent emerges on the spur of Little Round
Top, and before him is spread a panorama of exceed-
ing beauty and, just at that moment, of terrible grand-
eur, but he has no time to devote to its contempla-
tion. As he posts his regiments along the rocky sum-
mit. Laws' enthusiastic Alabamians and Texans are
pushing their way up the slope. Vincent's men are
soon in position, the Sixteenth Michigan on the right.
Forty-fourth New York and Eighty-third Pennsylvania
in the centre, and the Twentieth Maine, Colonel Cham-
berlain, on the left. The enemy advance inspired by
the sanguine words of their impulsive leader, and
attack Vincent's centre. The rebels stumble and fall
over the rocks and stones which impede their advance,
but they push on, sheltering themselves as best they
can from the close fire of Vincent's men. Unable to
scale the obstructions in front, Hood extends his left to
outflank the Sixteenth Michigan, which makes a gallant
resistance but is being overpowered. Just at this
moment, O'Rorke, with his brave New Yorkers, arrives
on a run, and without any attempt at formation, they
rush madly, bravely, desperately upon the enemy, and
check their movement, capturing man}' prisoners as
Caft. AMBROSb: M. Matthews,
Co. I, 13th Regt. N. J. Vols., Inf.
{From a Recent Photograph.')
I
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
213
trophies for their gallant charge. Hazlett, by the most
extraordinary exertions has succeeded in placing his
battery on the summit of Little Round Top. Dragging
the heavy guns by hand, skillfully surmounting the
numerous obstacles in the shape of huge bowlders and
fallen trees, which were met with at every step, his
plucky artillerymen performed a service as remarkable
as it was glorious. Training his guns upon the enemy
below, he began a cannonade against the forces so
fiercely attacking Ward, and as the sound of his guns
was heard, a cheer went up along the Union line, and
all knew that Little Round Top was safe.
The battle which raged between the contesting
forces on Little Round Top, and Benning, Anderson
and Robertson's rebel brigades with the troops of Ward
and De Trobriand, was of the most desperate nature.
The two Federal brigades supported by Smith's and
Winslow's batteries resisted stubbornly, but their posi-
tion became more and more perilous. Smith leaving
three of his guns, went to the rear and opened that
section * of his batter)% firing obliquely through the
gully. The rebels were everywhere. They were
strongly disposed behind the natural defenses of rocks
and ridges and kept up an incessant musketry and
artillery fire. The Sixth New Jersey Regiment,
Lieutenant-Colonel J. R. Gilkyson, commanding, was
sent to Ward's support, and at the same time the
Fortieth New York, Colonel Egan of De Trobriand's
brigade. Proceeding on a double-quick to the most
exposed point in Ward's line, the Sixth New Jersey
214 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
took an advanced position in the gully and near the
Devil's Den, where they engaged the enemy. The
Eighth New Jersey was ordered in to the right of
Ward's brigade, probably by General Birney's direct
order, as Colonel Burling did not know what disposi-
tion had been made of it, and the One Hundred and
Fifteenth Pennsylvania Regiment took position to the
left of the Eighth in like manner, thus closing a gap
which existed in the line between Ward and De
Trobriand. Colonel Burling's command had thus been
broken up and put into action at different parts of the
line, over an extent of territory reaching from the
Rogers house on the Emmetsburg road, to the Devil's
Den, a distance of fully one mile.
The engagement had now become general along
Birney's entire front. Kershaw's brigade of McLaws'
division followed by Semmes' brigade had engaged De
Trobriand's line and finally attacked the apex of the
angle at the Peach Orchard. Tilton's and Sweitzer's
brigades of Barnes' division of the Fifth Corps moved
in to the relief of De Trobriand's worn out and
exhausted men, whose ranks had been fearfully
thinned, and met Kershaw's attack with great vigor,
but they were finally driven back, thus imperiling the
entire position.
The Sixth New Jersey and the Fortieth New York,
who had pushed down to the support of Ward's left,
" fighting like tigers," were exposed to a galling fire.
For two hours the Sixth fought the enemy in the
rocky gorge, protecting themselves by the huge
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 21 5
bowlders and ledges of rock, which are to be found
everywhere at this point, and only retired from the
field when ordered by General Ward to rejoin its
brigade. The losses of the Sixth Regiment during the
battle were as follows :
FIELD AND STAFF.
Wounded — Major Theodore W. Baker.
COMPANY A.
Wounded — Second Lieutenant Hart W. Bodine,
Corporal Smith Applegate, Corporal Thomas V.
Dougherty (killed June i8, 1864, near Petersburg,
Va.), Thomas Shields, William K. Morris, William
Walton.
Missing — Samuel Applegate, David L. Compton.
COMPANY B.
Wounded — Corporal Charles B. Yearkes (died
August 20, 1863), Andrew Holland (died July 26,
1864, of wounds received in Wilderness).
COMPANY c.
Wounded — Corporal Frederick Boorman, John Fin-
ert}^, Henry Herman.
Missing — Austin A. Skinner, Martin Williams.
COMPANY D.
Wonnded — Sergeant William D. Smith, Sergeant
Eli H. Baily, Daniel P. Bendalow.
Missing — Sergeant Edgar Hudson (supposed dead),
Samuel English.
2i6 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
COMPANY E.
Wounded — Second Lieutenant Levi E. Ay res, First
Sergeant George W. Jackson, Sergeant Charles G. P.
Goforth (died September i, 1864), William Hartman,
Edward Johnson.
COMPANY F.
Wounded — Sergeant Adam Sheppard, Samuel B.
Matlack, Charles Horstman.
COMPANY G.
Wounded — William E. Eastlack.
COMPANY H.
Wounded — Corporal Stephen Hull, Ambrose Kizer,
Peter Wean (died July 11).
COMPANY I.
Wounded — Sergeant John E. Loeb, Henry Hessel.
Missing — William D. Jacobs, James W. Lewis.
COMPANY K.
Killed — Corporal Benjamin F. Reeves.
Wounded — John Lane, Dennis Laughlin, John A.
Smith (died of peritonitis November 30, 1863).
RECAPITULATION.
Killed. Jl'oundt'd. Missi}!g. Total.
Officers — 3 — 3
Enlisted Men i 29 8 38
Total I 32 8 41
f^^mk .
Brig. -Gen. William H. Penrose,
Colonel Comm'd'g 15th Regt. N. J. \'ols., Inf.
(From Photograph after the li'ar.)
I
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
219
The Eighth New Jersey Regiment, Colonel John
Ramsey, when ordered into action advanced across
the wheat-field, taking position behind a stone wall,
from whence they were ordered further to the right,
placing them in an exposed position, with the stone
wall on their left, and a rocky hill on their right. In
front of this position there was a thick brush, big tim-
ber and rising ground, beyond which was a ravine
with a hill on the other side. A few fence rails that
were lying about were quickly seized upon and made
to form a slight protection before the coming storm
of battle should strike them. The only troops in front
were a few of Berdan's sharpshooters. While some of
the men were gathering fence rails they discovered
Kershaw's column of troops approaching in line of
battle to the attack of De Trobriand's position, on the
left of whose line they were, and quickly gave the
alarm. In a few minutes the enemy came into full
view, and then ensued a sharp, severe and bloody
struggle. The Eighth fought with the gallantry and
bravery which proved them worthy followers of the
heroic Kearny. Their ranks were rapidly thinned, and
as they fell slowly back, their colors became entangled
in a tree. The remnant of brave fellows rallied around
them with cheers and re-formed to meet the advancing
foe. At this point the Eighth was subjected to a severe
musketry fire and sustained heavy losses. Colonel
Ramsey was wounded, and the command of the regi-
ment devolved upon Captain John Langston, of Com-
pany K. A brigade of the Fifth Corps came into line
220 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
at this time and the Eighth was relieved. Its losses
were 49, out of about 1 50 men who went into action,
as follows :
FIELD AND STAFF.
Wounded — Colonel John Ramsey,
COMPANY A.
Killed — George B. Hopwood, Anson R. Waer.
Wounded — First Lieutenant Leonard M. Lambert,
Sergeant John M. Freeland, Corporal James Van
Wickle, James M. Day, Thomas Oldham, Henry M.
Shugard (died July 29).
COMPANY B.
f^AV/Av/— Sylvester W. Hardy, Charles Meeker.
Woujided — Second Lieutenant Joseph Browe, Joseph
Burroughs (died July 16), David L. Shipley, James E.
Jones, William Robinson, John Jackson.
COMPANY C.
Wounded — Charles E. Creelan, David James, Ira J.
Smith (also missing).
COMPANY D.
Wounded — Second Lieutenant Andrew J. Mandeville,
Harvey K. Ammerman, Anthony C. Bull, John L.
Hoffman.
COMPANY E.
Killed — John Classer, David Cooper.
Woujided — M ark Greengro ve.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 221
COMPANY F.
Killed — Sergeant James Riley.
Wounded — First Lieutenant Henry Hartford, First
Sergeant Daniel M. Ford, Stephen D. Longee, Thomas
Van Cleave (died July 17).
COMPANY G.
Wounded — Captain Edward C. Nichols, Corporal
John Cahill, Edward Quigley, William Riley.
COMPANY H.
Killed — Jonas W. Longenhuer.
Wounded — Captain Andrew S. Davis (died July 29),
First Sergeant William J. Donnelly, Sergeant Obadiah
Evans, John H. Gustus, Ervin Wilson, J. Irwin Lake,
Elisha Bowlby.
Missing— Qox^or-A Andrew J. Hoppock (prisoner of
war).
COMPANY I.
Wounded — William R. Ralph, John F. Clouser,
Patrick Riley.
COMPANY K.
Wounded — Corporal Benjamin Murphy.
RECAPITULATION.
Killed. IV'oitnded. Missing. Total.
Officers — 7 — 7
Enlisted Men 8 34 i 43
Total 8 41 I 50
222 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
The Seventh New Jersey Regiment suffered consid-
erably from the artillery fire of the enemy while lying
in support of the batteries, a number of men being
killed and wounded. A ball from one spherical case-
shot exploding overhead, plunged into the neck of
Corporal Eugene Pollard of Company K as he lay on
his face in the ranks. His brother and file-mate picked
him up for dead and carried his body back to the
woods and rocks where the regiment first formed, lay-
ing him down where he might be found again, when
they returned to their places.* One shell came
screaming over the regiment from the left to the right
and plunging into the ranks exploded, killing two or
three and wounding several others, among the latter
Second Lieutenant Stanley Gaines of Company K,
who was detailed to the command of another company,
which had no commissioned officer present.
At last when the fighting was the fiercest at Little
Round Top, the Devil's Den and the wheat-field, the
Seventh became exposed to a shower of flying bullets
at their backs. The regiment changed front to the
left by the right flank, bringing them to face the
lane and moving a few hundred feet over toward the
Emmetsburg road, and nearer to Trostle's lane. Just
at this time the artillery, in order to escape the advanc-
ing lines of Longstreet's hosts, limbered up and came
hastening to the rear from the Peach Orchard and
* Corporal Pollard was only slightly wounded, and the bullet which
the surgeons cut out of his neck he carried in his pocket.
i
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
223
from the field. One battery coming straight toward
the Seventh Regiment, caused the right four com-
panies to separate from the Hne, thus causing a gap,
and to avoid being crushed to death by the reckless
drivers of the battery, were forced across Trostle's
lane. The artillery became temporarily blocked in the
lane, the anxiety of the drivers caused them to lap their
horses over the pieces and caissons in front of them,
thus effectually preventing the right four companies of
the Seventh from rejoining their colors and the other
six companies on the south side of the lane. Simul-
taneously with this blockade in Trostle's lane, came the
rebel lines into the sunken road, running from the
Emmetsburg pike to Round Top, and with colors
planted on this natural breastwork, they opened a
galling fire upon the Seventh New Jersey and the
Second New Hampshire which, falling back from its
first position at the extreme angle in the Peach
Orchard, had made this its last stand, in the field about
midway between the two roads. The right of the
Seventh, which was then the color company of the
regiment commanded by Captain Hillyer, rested under
a single tree that still stands on the fence line of Tros-
tle's lane. The regiment could not return with any
effect the fire of the rebel line, as nothing but the
slouch hats of their men were visible ; they were unable
to lie down in the lane owing to the blockade of the
artillery, and there was no other shelter for the gal-
lant veterans of the Seventh, who had no thought of
leaving the field without firing one shot at the enemv
224 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
at least, before the guns were safely withdrawn.
Colonel Francine, Lieutenant-Colonel Price and Major
Cooper in a few moments saw that it would be impos-
sible to hold the men together inactive, exposed to this
concentrating and galling fire, which in a few moments
would become deadly when the rebel riflemen had
obtained a more accurate range. Believing that a
charge on the double-quick, with hearty Yankee cheers
would check the advance of the enemy's line and draw
his fire from the retreating batteries, at the same time
destroying his range, the order was quickly given :
"Fix bayonets; forward, double-quick, charge!" and
this devoted little band swept across the field with
shouts of confidence. As they reached about the pro-
longation of the line of the Second New Hampshire —
which stood like a wall, hopelessly matching its spent,
feeble and almost exhausted fire against the long line
of battle confronting it — the hopelessness of the Sev-
enth's effort was apparent, and all knew that any
further advance meant certain annihilation for the
brave Jerseymen. A halt, a hasty adjustment of the
line, and a volley at the line of dirty slouch hats in
front, was the work of but a minute, and the rattle of
musketry drowned all other sounds, while the smoke
totally obscured the rebel hats and colors.
At this point Colonel Francine, Lieutenant Mul-
lery. Adjutant Dougherty, and over one-third of the
Seventh were quickly placed Jiors du combat. The
few who were still able to get away (wounded and
unhurt) fell back beyond the Trostle house where
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 22$
they joined the other four companies, under the com-
mand of Lieutenant-Colonel Price, who rallied the
scattered fragments and made another stand near
Trostle's dwelling, until he himself fell shot through
the thigh when the command devolved upon Major
Frederick Cooper. In falling back from its most
advanced position many more were struck by the
shower of balls, among them ■ Captain Hillyer who
managed to hobble from the field with a flesh wound
in the calf of his leg.
The losses of the Seventh were severe, amounting to
114, killed, wounded and missing, as follows:
FIELD AND STAFF.
Wounded — Colonel Louis R. Francine (died July 16,
1863), Lieutenant Colonel Francis Price, Jr.
COMPANY A.
Killed — Corporal Parker S. Davis, Martin Van
Houten, James Flavegar.
Wounded — Lieutenant Robert Allen, First Sergeant
Frederick Laib (died July 7), Corporal Swain S.
Reeves, William H. Kirby, Thomas Brady, Lewis
Haag, Jonathan C. Stevens, Owen S. Clark (died July
20), John Geckler,
COMPANY B.
Killed — -First Lieutenant Charles F. Walker, George
W. Berry.
Wounded — Corporal Daniel Collins, Corporal John
W. Donnington, Sopher Powers, Wallace Waer,
15
226 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Patrick Carrigan, Stephen P. Williams, Reuben Pierce,
William Noonburg.
Missing — Thomas Flannery, Cornelius Vandervliet.
COMPANY C.
Killed — Sergeant James H. Harrison, Sergeant
James Brown.
Wounded — Corporal Robert N. Beach, Corporal
George W. Major, Corporal Alfred Husk, Stephen
W, Edwards, James Keene, John Norman, Charles
Wilson, Garret C. Bush.
Missing — John Lynch.
COMPANY D.
Wounded — Lieutenant James H. Onslow, First Ser-
geant Walter Rotherham, Sergeant John T, Pine,
Corporal Martin Cook, Corporal Samuel R. Stibbins,
Joseph Deighlebohr, Mahlon Hackney.
Missing — John Mushlee, Charles W. Guice, Charles
Stibbins.
COMPANY E.
Wounded — Sergeant Calvin J. Osmun, Sergeant James
Roseberry, Corporal Edward Creveling, Corporal
David R. Rockafellow, James McKeever (and missing),
William H. Pettit, John S. Gulick, Robert Dairy mple,
Joseph Weaver, Michael Barry.
COMPANY F.
Killed — Henry Rourke, James Bennett, Jeremiah
McNulty, Joseph Hall.
Wounded— '^^r^Qd.nX. James F. Renshaw (died July
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 22/
ii), Sergeant Edward H. Ridgway, Charles P. Piatt
(died July 24), Thomas J. Labaugh.
Missing — Edwin F. Piatt.
COMPANY G.
i^T/Z/rrt^— Corporal Thomas Flannigan, Edward Mew-
hanney.
Wounded — James Fletcher (died July 8), Henry Van
Riper, Thomas Walthall, Robert Dunkerley, John
James.
Missing — William K. Willis.
COMPANY H.
Killed — John A. Dempsey.
Wounded — Lieutenant Charles R. Dougherty, Lieu-
tenant Thomas Clark, First Sergeant Jesse C. Morgan,
Corporal William B. Davis, Corporal Lorenzo Paynter,
John Armstrong, Samuel T. Beckett, Henry F. Har-
rold, Albert Johnson, George C. Lovejoy, Samuel H.
Nelson, Joseph Wolf, Thomas W. Wyne, William J.
Wallen.
Missing — Daniel W. Simmerman.
COMPANY I.
A7//r<^— Sergeant William A. Ezekiel.
V/ounded—Yvc^t Sergeant Edward R. Holt, Corporal
Ryerson Space, Joshua Leonard, Daniel Sheldon.
Missing — Richard South.
COMPANY K.
Wounded — Captain William R. Hillyer, Lieutenant
Michael MuUery, Lieutenant Stanley Gaines, Corporal
228 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Eugene Pollard, Corporal George W. Derrickson, Cor-
poral John L. Denton, Lemuel Adams, George F*
Bayles, Charles Y. Beers (died July 6), Abel Gruber,
Jacob S. Hopping (died July i6), John H. Haley,
Robert L. Jolly (died July 22), Theodore F. Searing,
George Shipman.
Missing — Joseph Ward, John Recanio.
RECAPITULATION.
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.
Officers I 10 — II
Enlisted men 14 77 12 103
Total 15 87 12 114
The Fifth New Jersey Regiment, Colonel William J.
Sewell, which had been ordered to the relief of the
picket line on the Emmetsburg road, moved by the
right flank at a double-quick, and reached the position
named by deploying as skirmishers. The right of the
regiment rested at a white house, the left extending to
a barn on the Emmetsburg road, the line covering the
entire front of Humphreys' division. The Fifth was
subjected to a severe artillery fire for full an hour,
when the enemy's infantry (Barksdale's brigade) made
their appearance to the left and in front of the position
occupied by the regiment. Colonel Sewell at once
notified General Humphreys of the enemy's appear-
ance, and after an examination of the ground was con-
vinced that the only place to check the attack was on
the road and the crest of the hill which he held. The
enemy first encountered the left of the line of battle,
and pushed forward in such strong force as to drive in
Monument ist N. J. Brigadr — ist, 20, 30, 4TH, 15TH Rfgts.
230 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
the troops on SewelPs left. The flank of the Fifth
Regiment thus becoming exposed, the left of the line
fell back and the ground thus surrendered was at once
occupied by a rebel battery. Sewell held his men
firmly to the position expecting an advance of the
troops in his rear, but none came to his support. The
Fifth was now seriously compromised. Exposed to a
combined musketry and artillery fire which it was
impossible to withstand, it was apparent that to remain
any longer meant annihilation or capture. Rallying
the regiment on the right Colonel Sewell skillfully with-
drew it from its perilous position, at the same time
covering Seeley's battery, which was firing in retreat.
As the Fifth fell back in good order and amid a terri-
ble fire of musketry and artillery, it was noticed that
Humphreys' line was changing front to his rear and
right so as to connect with the First Division, which
had been compelled to vacate its position. The Fifth
Regiment fought with great gallantry and confronted
overwhelming numbers, but the strong and rapid
advance of the enemy carried everything before it.
Colonel Sewell and Acting Major Victor M. Healey
were both seriously hurt, the former by a musket ball
and the latter by a piece of shell. Captain E. P. Berry,
acting adjutant, was so badly hurt that his leg had to
be amputated, from the effects of which he died July 6.
The casualties complete were as follows :
FIELD AND STAFF.
Wounded— Qo\oxi^\ William J. Sewell, Captain, and
Acting Adjutant, Edward P. Berry.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
231
COMPANY A.
Killed — Second Lieutenant Henry R. Clark, Samuel
W. Bradford.
Wounded — Corporal Thomas Hannigan, Charles H.
Compton, John Haney, Michael Humphrey, John
Miller, Patrick Ryan (died July 8), Henry Schweis,
Patrick Tynan.
Missing — Augustus F. S. Singleton.
COMPANY B.
Killed — Corporal Edgar S. Van Winkle.
Wounded— C?i\^t2Cix\ Virgil M. Healy, Sergeant John
Mclvors (died July 16), Corporal John J. Keeney,
James W. Andrews, James Bell (died July 12, 1864),
Roderick Egan, Michael Fox, John H. Ibbs, Annanias
H. Lynn, George W. Trauger, George T. White.
COMPANY C.
Killed — John Ryan.
Wounded — Captain Henry H. Woolsey, Sergeant
John W. Jennings, Edward Bessigkommer, David J.
Huntington, Michael C. Manning, Michael McTigh,
George Schriber, William Waldron.
COMPANY D.
Wounded — Corporal John F, Chase, Andrew Jack-
son, John Coyle.
Missing — Corporal John H. Brady, Levi Hall,
Edward Cassaday (died January 2, 1864, at Belle Isle,
Va., prisoner of war), John Roaleff.
Missing — Lewis J. Low (supposed dead).
2^2 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
COMPANY E.
Killed— WQx\r\Q\\ Troch.
Wounded — Corporal Hugh Riley, Anton Burtz,
James R. Clark, Samuel Haines, Eli Hamilton,
Albertus K. Hibbs, Jacob Meyers, John Melcher,
William Nelson.
COMPANY F.
Killed — First Sergeant Theodore Sutphin.
Wounded — Sergeant Richard P. Ogden, George
Drummond, Jacob M. Frazer, James M. Welsh, Jona-
than Wentzell.
Missing — Corporal Samuel Ray.
COMPANY G.
Wounded — Sergeant Martin Doyle, John J. Irving,
David McManus, David Miller.
Missing — Jacob Baier, John O. Heath (missing, sup-
posed dead), David Stolter.
COMPANY H.
Killed — Samuel Henselman, Patrick Kelly.
Wounded — Sergeant Hugh Starrs (died June 29,
1864, at Andersonville, prisoner of war), Corporal
John F. Lee, George Rhinecker, Howard O'Daniel,
William H. Ketch (missing, supposed dead), Joseph
Zahn.
Missing— }o\\\\ H. Johnson (supposed dead).
COMPANY I.
Killed — Captain Thomas Kelly, William L. Bennett,
Edward Martin,
Monument jtii N. J. Vols., Inf.
234 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Wounded— '$>^rgQ.2iX\t William K, Haines, Corporal
Thomas Norcross (died October 30, 1863), Benjamin
O. Birch, Richard Nesbitt, George Whitney.
Missing— NXir^^ L. Britton.
COMPANY K.
Killed — Sergeant Samuel Shackleton.
Wounded— Q-si^ts^m Cyrus H. Rogers, William J.
Button (died September 24, 1863), William H. Cary,
Thomas Hampton, Charles B. Leonard.
Missing — First Sergeant Edwin G. Smith, James
Brady, John Easch (supposed dead), Nehemiah Sayers.
RECAPITULATION.
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.
Officers 25 — 7
Enlisted Men ii 60 16 87
Total 13 65 16 94
The praise bestowed upon the fighting qualities of
Burling's Jersey brigade is wholly deserved. General
Birney says of them : " I cannot estimate too highly
the services of the regiments from Burling's brigade,
Second Division — the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh New
Jersey Volunteers. These regiments were sent to me
during the contest and most gallantly did the}^ sustain
the glorious reputation won by them in former battles."
The absence of any allusion to the heroic conduct of
the Eighth Regiment is undoubtedly due to the fact —
as Colonel Burling says in his report — that it was taken
from him without his knowledge, and as Colonel
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 235
Ramsey, who commanded the regiment was wounded,
no report of its services was ever sent in.
Of the brilliant services of the Fifth Regiment
General Humphreys who commanded the Second
Division of the Third Corps, says :
'* Colonel Sewell, commanding the Fifth New Jersey
Volunteers, of my Third Brigade, reported to me and
relieved the pickets of General Graham's brigade on
my left, some of which extended over a part of my
front. This regiment had been posted but a short time
when a most earnest request was made by a staff
officer of General Sickles that another regiment should
be sent to the support of General Birney. At this
moment Colonel Sewell sent me word that the enemy
was driving in my pickets and was about advancing in
two Imes to the attack. * * * * Seeley's battery
had now opened upon the enemy's infantry as they
began to advance. Turnbull's battery was likewise
directed against them, and I was about to throw
forward somewhat the left of my infantry and engage
the enemy with it, when I received orders from
General Birney (General Sickles having been danger
ously wounded and carried from the field) to throw
back my left and form a line oblique to and in rear of
the one I then held, and was informed that the First
Division would complete the line to Round Top ridge.
This I did under a heavy fire of artillery and infantry
from the enemy, who now advanced on my whole
front.
" At this time Colonel Sewell's regiment returned to
236 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
the line, having maintained most gallantly its position
on picket, with very heavy loss.
* -x- * * * *
" As I have already stated, my Third Brigade was
ordered to the support of Major-General Birney, com-
manding the First Division. The accompanying report
of Colonel George C. Burling, commanding that bri-
gade, exhibits the disposition that was made of the
regiments of the brigade. In succession they, with the
exception of Colonel Sewell's regiment, were sent to
aid the brigades of the First Division. The Seventh
New Jersey, Colonel Louis R. Francine, commanding,
and the Second New Hampshire, were sent to the sup-
port of General Graham's brigade, and the Eighth
New Jersey, Colonel John Ramsey, commanding; the
Sixth New Jersey, Lieutenant-Colonel J. R. Gilkyson,
commanding, and the One Hundred and Fifteenth
Pennsylvania, were sent to the support of General
Ward's brigade. For the part taken in the engage-
ment by these regiments I must refer to the reports
of the commanders of these brigades. That they did
their duty in a manner comporting with their high
reputation is manifest from the severe loss they met
with — 430 killed and wounded. Colonel Sewell, Colonel
Francine, Colonel Ramsey, and Lieutenant-Colonel
Price, officers distinguished for their skill and gal-
lantry, were severely wounded. Colonel Francine's
wound proved to be mortal.
" Colonel Sewell's conspicuous gallantry in the main-
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
237
tenance of his post has been already mentioned by me.
He was severely wounded soon after his regiment
rejoined the main line."
General Ward, to whose support the Sixth and
Eighth New Jersey Regiments were sent, makes no
mention whatever in his report of the valuable services
rendered by these splendid regiments, an oversight
that appears strange indeed, in view of the profuse
praise bestowed on other regiments whose services
were no better, nor more greatly needed. Captain
Smith of the Fourth New York Battery, is an honora-
ble exception to both General Ward and Colonel
Tipton who commanded Graham's brigade (General
Graham having been wounded and fell into the hands
of the enemy) hi whose support the Second New
Hampshire and Seventh New Jersey went. Captain
Smith says : " At this time the Sixth New Jersey
Volunteers, Lieutenant- Colonel Gilkyson command-
ing, and Fortieth New York Regiment, Colonel Egan
commanding, came to our support. These regiments
marched down the gully, fighting like tigers, exposed
to a terrific fire of musketry, and when within one
hundred yards of the rebel line the Fourth Maine,
which still held the hill, were forced to retreat. Very
soon afterward the Fortieth New York and Sixth
New Jersey Regiments were compelled to follow."
The Eleventh New Jersey Regiment, Colonel Rob-
ert McAllister commanding, of Carr's brigade, was
also heavily engaged in the dreadful conflict which
followed the impetuous charge of Barksdale's brigade,
2^3 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
as it broke through the lines at the Peach Orchard.
They heroically braved the tempest of shot and shell
which ploughed through their ranks, and the heavy
casualty list attests their unwavering conduct during
this dreadful ordeal. General McAllister, in a recent
letter to the author, thus describes the scene :
"We (the Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers) were
in front of the apple orchard at the Smith house,
along the Emmetsburg road. During this heavy artil-
lery firing — we not being actively engaged— I ordered
mv men to lie down. The shot and shell played over
our heads and through the apple trees in our rear,
carrying the branches through the air like chaff. The
gunners and horses of our artillery were rapidly cut
down. If the destruction of life could have been left
out of mind I would have considered the scene grand
beyond description. So exciting was it that I could
not keep lying down. I had to jump up and watch
the grand duel. In about half an hour the artillery
ceased and the first charge of the rebel infantry was
made in my front. We prepared to receive the
charge. I ordered my men to * Fire.' I was on the
right of my regiment. As the rebels advanced our
pickets came into our lines, and we received the
charge. I was wounded while passing from the right
to the centre of my regiment — severely wounded by
a minie ball passing through my left leg and a shell
striking my right foot. I did not see a single man in
the regiment flinch or show the least cowardice under
that terrific cannonading or the fierce charge which
we met."
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
239
The Eleventh was assailed on the right by Wilcox's
brigade, and the charge by Barksdale at the Peach
Orchard uncovered its left. To meet his attack the
regiment was directed by General Carr to change
front by bringing the left to the rear, which movement
was as orderly and as handsomely executed under the
terrible fire to which it was exposed, as though on
parade. This brought the Eleventh directly in the path
of Barksdale's advance. Barksdale was mounted upon
a splendid horse and was conspicuous by wearing a red
fez. He rode to the right and foot of his brigade,
with ringing voice and waving sword urging his men
on, and General Carr, recognizing the worth of this
leader's example and enthusiasm sent an aide to the
commanding officer of the Eleventh, directing him to
bring down the mounted officer. Company H, com-
manded by Captain Ira W. Cory was ordered to direct
its entire fire at Barksdale, and he fell pierced (as it was
afterwards ascertained) by five balls.
The change of front to meet Barksdale's charge
brought the Eleventh to the foot of the slope in rear
of the Smith house, and there occurred its greatest
loss, the casualties among the officers being unusually
large. Colonel McAllister fell severely wounded just
as he gave the command. Major Philip Kearney, the
next m command, soon received a shot in the knee, and
spinning around like . a top fell, ten paces awav.
Captain Luther Martin, of Company D, the senior
officer, was notified to take the command, but before he
had time to realize the responsibility of his position,
240 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
was killed. Captain D. B. Logan of Company H, who
succeeded him, also fell severely wounded, and four
men who were taking him to the rear were all shot
down before they could reach a place of safety and
Captain Logan killed. Captain Andrew H. Ackerman,
of Company C, then assumed command and he, too,
soon fell dead. The regiment was being cut up at a
frightful rate, and began falling back. To check this
movement Corporal Thomas Johnson of Company I,
was ordered to take the colors — two color-bearers had
already been shot — and plant them twenty paces to the
front. He did so and remained there kneeling until
ordered back, when the regiment moved with the line
of battle to a position some distance to the rear, where
it halted behind a hedge.
The casualties in the Eleventh v\^ere heavy — over
fifcy per cent, of the number who went into action.
They were as follows :
FIELD AND STAFF.
Wounded — Colonel Robert McAllister, Major Philip
J. Kearney (died August 9, 1863), Adjutant John
Schoonover.
COMPANY A.
Wounded — Corporal Tyler L. Haring (died July 4),
First Sergeant Joseph Burns, Corporal George H.
Johnson, Emmet Burke, Christopher Snyder, Robert
E. Mayo, William H. Weaver, Nathan E. Wappen-
stein, Archibald Patten, Isaac Harlow. Daniel L.
Snider, Henry McMahon.
I A' THE GETTVSBUHG CAMPAIGN.
241
COMPANY B.
Wounded — First Lieutenant William S. Provost,
First Sergeant William Hand, Corporal Charles A.
Voorhees (loss of both eyes), Corporal Thaddeus
Doane, Corporal Andrew Webster, John H. Rue (died
July 19), Benjamin F. Jackson (died July 7), Albert
Oss, William H. Smith, Fidelle Haase, J. A. Lowther,
Samuel Stacker, Jacob Van Pelt (died July 9), John
Voorhees.
COMPANY C.
Killed — Captain Andrew H. Ackerman, Sergeant
Corum Righter, Joseph Cheston, John Clark, Jr.
Wounded — First Lieutenant John B. Fassett, Color-
Sergeant David Schafer, Corporal Amos Rockhill,
John Lindsey, Franklin Armstrong, Richard Howell,
James K. Webb, John Crane, Charles Stevenson, Peter
Cogill.
Missing — Charles Purdan.
COMPANY D.
Killed — Captain Luther Martin, Corporal Isaac A.
Hendershot, Randolph Meri-iman.
Wounded — Lieutenant Sidney M. Layton, Corporal
Manuel Runyon, Richard Burtrone, Edward Spell-
man, Theodore Waller, David C. Keve.
J/wi-z//^— Edward B. Nelson, James Beattie (reported
died July 2), Frederick C. Tuers (reported died July 3).
COMPANY E.
Killed — ^Thomas Tinney.
Wounded — Second Lieutenant Silas W. Volk, Scr-
16
242 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
geant Eliphalet Sturdevant (died July 13), Corporal
Absalom Talmadge, Corporal Elisha F. Rose, Corporal
Edward J. Kinney, Charles Bowman, James F. Gibson,
Benjamin H. Joinier, James King, Samuel W. Morse,
Thomas Scattergood, John H. Wilson, Jacob Miller
(also missing), Joseph W. Walton.
Missing — David Daley.
COMPANY F.
Killed — John L. Cozzins.
Wounded — Captain William H. Lloyd, First Lieu-
tenant Edwin R. Good, First Sergeant Benjamin F. ■
Morehouse, Sergeant Thomas D. White, Sergeant \
James C. White, Sergeant John F. Bartine, Corporal
George W. Morton, Corporal Charles Dilks, Corporal
Edward White, Corporal William H. Terhune, Edward
Powers, James Thompson, Ephraim Robbins, William
Collins, Miller H. Lewis.
COMPANY G.
Killed — George S. Bird, George H. Bunting, Henry
Elbertson, Michael Goff, Stewart Parent, Peter
Robins.
fF(?//;/<'/r^/— Sergeant O. F. Hollo way. Sergeant Ferdi-
nand W. Krug, Corporal George Holloway, Corporal
Israel Nixon, Corporal Smith H. Eldredge, Charles A.
Koenig, Thomas Lowry, George A. McGuire, George
F. Sever, Chapman Marcellus, William Emmons (priso-
ner of war), Thomas Foutch, Abijah Thompson, John
Lloyd, Joseph Fowler, Thomas Kelly (also missing).
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
243
COMPANY H.
Killed — Captain Dorastus B. Logan, Edward Barber.
Wounded — Second Lieutenant William E. Axtell,
Sergeant J. V. Lanterman, Joshua Barber, Joseph L.
Decker, B^rtley Owen, John C. Nutt, John J. Sites,
Timothy K. Pruden, Patrick King, William Halsey.
COMPANY I.
Killed — Corporal James P. Stryker, Silas D. Clark.
Wounded —Sergeant Thomas J. Thompson, Corporal
Richard J. Merrill, Corporal E, M. Robinson, Corporal
John W. Joline (died August 17, 1863), Corporal
Michael Cooney, Francis Wassimer, William H. Luce,
James Finnons, Stacey Babcock, John M. Errickson,
Alfred Barcalo, Daniel J. Buckley, George Cham-
berlin, Henry L. Molleson, Jacob L. Chevalier.
Missing- — John Desbrow, Hugh Downey (died at
Andersonville, September 19, I864.)
COMPANY K.
Killed- — Corporal Jeremiah O'Brien, Corporal W. H.
Morgan, Martin Bekie, Henry Kring.
Wounded- — First Sergeant Charles C. Reilley, Ser-
geant Edward Appleton, Corporal Amon J. Foote,
John Ardner, William Carson, Jr., Frederick Soldner,
John A. Labort, Gersham J. Froate.
RECAPITULATION.
Killed.
Officers - . - 3
Enlisted Men _ 20
Total . 23
Jl'oztiided.
Miss!
"£■■
Total.
10
—
13
"3
7
140
123
7
153
244 ^^ ^^ J ERSE y TROOPS
General Joseph B. Carr, commanding the First
Brigade, Second Division, Third Army Corps, in his
report calls the attention of the General commanding
the division to the gallant and meritorious conduct of
Colonel Robert McAllister, commanding Eleventh
New Jersey Volunteers, Major Philip J. Kearney,
seriously wounded (since dead). Adjutant John Schoon-
over, who was twice wounded, but remained in com-
mand of his regiment, and to Lieutenant John Older-
shaw, acting aide-de-camp, to whom his sincere thanks
are extended for valuable services rendered.
The fighting had been furious. Ward, on the left at
the Devil's Den, had borne the heaviest part of it for
nearly two hours, and the onslaught of Benning with
Anderson's brigade finally forced him back with the
loss of three guns of Smith's battery, and a casualty
list of frightful proportions. The attack on De Tro-
briand had caused his line to recede. His ranks were
frightfully decimated. The artillery also fell back a
short distance to get out of the way of the advancing
enemy, and if Kershaw had been able to press a little
stronger success would have crowned his efforts. But
just at this moment, when defeat seemed certain Cald-
well's splendid division of the Second Corps arrived on
the field, and Ayres' Regulars of the Fifth Corps
followed in front of Little Round Top. Another effort]
to preserve the line was to be made. Ayres detached
Weed's brigade — to which the One Hundred and
Fortieth New York belonged — to reinforce the
exhausted band on Little Round Top, where he
Monument 6th Regiment N, J. Vols., Inf.
246
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
<f. -i-i'i
m '[
Crop's _T!4_^
Cs/Pj it^jj l^ ^X^ '^Pi
arrived just in time to learn that the gallant Vincent
and the brave O'Rorke had both been killed, and their
troops menaced by another assault from Hood's
persistent veterans. Moving to the right Hood sought
to turn the flank of the Twentieth Maine. He opened
a sharp fire along the whole line, and Weed, who was
standing near Hazlett's battery encouraging his men,
received a mortal wound, while Hazlett in stooping
down to hear his
dying words, was
struck by the bullet
of a sharp-shooter
and fell upon the
dead body of his
friend a corpse. The
enemy moved to the
right to get in Cham-
berlain's rear, and in
so doing was com-
pelled to weaken his
line. Chamberlain
noticing the fact
boldly charged upon the attacking force capturing
over three hundred of them and before they could
recover from their surprise at this seeming piece of
audacity, Chamberlain, at the point of the bayonet
forced the remainder down the mountain side. It was
a glorious achievement, but only one of many of like
nature which characterized the battle of Gettysburg,
While this conflict tor Little Round Top was going
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
247
on, Caldwell's division was advancing to meet the
victorious troops of Anderson and Kershaw, who had
driven back but had not penetrated the line of Birney
and Barnes. The " Irish Brigade " commanded by
Colonel Kelley, formed amid the dreadful sounds of
the conflict, and before going into action, the chaplain,
a Catholic priest, ascended a rocky bowlder and pro-
nounced a general absolution for the whole brigade.
At the word of command they dashed impetuously
upon Anderson's line and brought his troops to a halt.
Cross and Zook and Burke's brigades in turn assailed
the enemy, but a movement by Wofford, who boldly
dashed into the line in his eagerness to aid Barksdale,
who had advanced in two lines of battle against the
Peach Orchard, compelled Birney, Humphreys, Barnes
and Caldwell's divisions to re-form on the main line,
and relinquish the Emmetsburg road and the whole
of the ground back to Little Round Top, to the enemy.
General Meade had sent for reinforcements from all
parts of the battle-field, and troops from the First,
Sixth and Twelfth Corps were promptly moving to
the scene. Hill had begun a lively cannonade on the
position of Cemetery Hill to which the batteries there
responded vigorously and effectively. Meade in his
great desire to preserve the left had stripped the
right of his line, by ordering the whole of the
Twelfth Corps to the support of Sickles, but to this
movement General Slocum warmly protested. At
his earnest solicitation Green's brigade of Geary's
division was permitted to remain on Gulp's Hill, and
248
NE W /ERSE Y TROOPS
by extending his several regiments in a thin line along
the works was able to occupy a good portion of them,
but not all. At half-past seven o'clock Ruger's divi-
sion took up position in line with Doubleday's division
of the First Corps and Birney's of the Third Corps,
forming in two lines of battle, Colgrove's brigade in
front, and McDougall in rear, Lockwood's brigade,
which had arrived earlier, was led by General Meade
into the very jaws of the enemy, and by their suc-
cessful charge, enabled
the new line to become
more firmly established.
This m o vera ent brought
the Thirteenth New
Jersey Regiment, Col.
Ezra A. Carman, to the
scene of conflict. The
Thirteenth had been
massed on the south-
easterly slope of Culp's
Hill at an early hour in
the morning, when Meade's orders to charge Ewell's
line had been given, and on the abandonment of that
scheme, relieved the Third Wisconsin Regiment in
McAllister's wood to the south of Spangler's Run.
The Twelfth-^ Corps had thrown up a line of small
breastworks along the crest of Culp's Hill, and in
McAllister's woods, and when ordered to the left
vacated them all except that part of the line held by
Green's brigade of Geary's division on the summit of
Culp's Hill.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 249
Meade had called upon every corps in the army,
during the day, except the Eleventh, for reinforce-
ments to Sickles' line, and Lhey all moved promptly
to the left, where they were put in at every exposed
point. The wounding of Sickles, put Birney in tem-
porary command of the Third Corps, but by order of
General Meade, Hancock was placed in command of
the corps in addition to his own. Hancock performed
herculean service. His watchful eye detected every
weak spot in the line and he promptly protected it.
The attack culminated by the effort of Wilcox, Perry
and Wright's brigades to break through Humphreys'
line, and Wright succeeded in piercing the centre of
the Federal position by the capture of four guns.
Wilcox was almost in a line with him, but General
Newton sent forward Doubleday's division of the
First Corps who reached Webb's line in time to see
Wright falling back, but they pursued him sharply
and recaptured six guns which had been in the enemy's
possession. By Hancock's own order the First Minne-
sota Regiment bravely attacked Wilcox, and drove
him back as far as the Emmetsburg road, but with a
loss of half its men.
Never before had the artillery branch of the service
endured such a tremendous strain. The loss in horses
and men was unusually heavy, and the abandonment of
so many guns by the Federals shows with what
desperation the fighting was carried on. Batteries
were kept at work until there were not left enough
men and horses to draw them away, and Bigelow's
battery, which took position near the Trostle house,
LONGSTREET IN POSITION FOR HIS ATTACK ON SiCKLES.
The map on the opposite page shows the Union line after Sickles' defeat.
UNION, white: confederate, black.
252 • NEW JERSEY TROOPS
was deliberately sacrificed, the men firing canister
until they could no longer load owing to the close
approach of the enemy. Clark's battery ( " B " First
New Jersey) was in the very thickest of all this car-
nage. When Kershaw's line penetrated into the Peach
Orchard a South Carolina regiment moved boldly up to
Clark's pieces. A Pennsylvania regiment lying in the
" sunken road " concealed, rose up and poured a deadly
volley into their faces which caused them to retire in
confusion. From 2 p. m. until 6.30 Clark's battery was
in continual action, and when at the retiring of the
infantry column, it was compelled to fall back, one
caisson and one caisson-body were left on the field
there being no horses to draw them off. The loss in
the battery was 2 men killed, 15 wounded, 3 missing, 2
of whom were taken prisoners. Seventeen horses were
killed and five so badly disabled that they were
abandoned. The casualties were as follows :
Killed — Thomas N. Post, Jr., Rensallaer Cassel-
man. — 2.
Wonjidcd — Sergeant Leander McChesney, Privates
Richard S. Price, Joseph M. Morris, ' Hiram A.
Grover, ' Hiram Tierney, ' Edson E. Sheppard, Patrick
F. Castello, WiUiam Riley, Robert Stuart, ' John
Truly, Anthony Collier, Joseph Baker, Chileon D.
Richards, Leopold Smally, 'Stephen McGowan. — 15.
' Hiram A. Grover, - Hiram Tierney, of the Second Michigan
Volunteers; ^ Edson E. Sheppard, ■*John Truly, of the Sixty-third
Pennsylvania Volunteers ; and * Stephen McGowan of the Ninety-
ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, were temporarily attached to the
battery, and were not members of it.
IX THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
253
Missing — Privates Henry C. Buffum, Henry E.
Davis, Daniel W. Laws — all prisoners of war. — 3.
Colonel McGilvery, who commanded the First
Volunteer Brigade, Artillery Reserve, describes the
artillery fighting at this part of the line :
" A New Jersey battery (Clark's " B " First New
Jersey Artillery) immediately on the right of the two
Massachusetts batteries, was receiving the most of the
fire of two or more rebel batteries. Hart's Fifteenth
New York Independent Battery reporting at that time
I placed it in position in a peach orchard on the right
and a little to the front of the New Jersey battery.
The four batteries already mentioned presented a front
at nearly right angles with the position occupied by
our troops, facing toward our left, the fire of which I
concentrated on single rebel batteries, and five or more
were driven in succession from their positions.
" At about a quarter to six the enemy's infantry
gained possession of the woods immediately on the left
of m}" line of batteries and our infantry fell back both
on the right and left, when great disorder ensued on
both flanks of the fine of batteries. At this period of
the action all of the batteries were exposed to a warm
infantry fire from both flanks and front, whereupon I
ordered them to retire two hundred and fifty yards
and renew their fire. The New Jersey battery was
relieved, being out of ammunition, and retired to the
rear. Captain Bigelow retired by prolonge, firing
canister, and with Phillips and Thompson on the right.
2CA NEW JERSEY TROOPS
in their new position checked the enemy for a short
time."
During the fighting on Sickles' front the enemy's
skirmishers kept up an annoying fire upon the Second
Corps' line. Their reserves occupied an old building,
known as the Bliss barn, which also commanded the
line, and about five o'clock in the afternoon General
Hayes directed Colonel Smyth, commanding the Sec-
ond Brigade, to dislodge them. Colonel Smyth called
upon the Twelfth New Jersey Regiment, whereupon
the whole regiment arose to volunteer, when he indi-
cated that a detachment of four companies would be
sufficient for the work in hand. The barn mentioned
was of brick, was five hundred and eighty-seven yards
from the line, and it and the line of the Twelfth's
advance were so completely covered by the fire of
the enemy's skirmishers and artillery, that it was
known that serious loss must result from the attack.
Major John T. Hill detached for this service compa-
nies B, H, E and G, under command of Captain
Samuel B. Jobes, the ranking officer.
The column moved out by the flank to the right
of the Bryan barn ; then, formed by company into
line. As the rear cleared the wall the movement came
under the eyes of the whole brigade and of part of
Gibbons' division, and of Robinson's division of the
First Corps upon the right, and now in close formation
the Twelfth begins its march. The artillery of Hill's
Corps opened upon the line at once, the enemy's skirm-
ishers poured in an annoying fire, his reserve from the
Monument 7111 Regiment N. J. Vols., Ink,
256 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
the shelter of the barn thinned its ranks, Jobes was
wounded, Captain Horsfalls, of Company E, was killed,
and 40 men out of the 200 were stricken down ; but there
was no wavering in that brave column of Jerseymen.
Bringing their arms to the right shoulder, and
taking the double quick, with' ringing cheers they
burst through the enemv's skirmish line with the
might of a giant, and in one bold mass closed down
upon, surrounded and captured the Bliss barn, with
the enemy's picket reserve of ninety-two men and
seven officers, and bringing their prisoners with them,
regained our lines.
No bolder attack was made upon that well-contested
field, and it deservedly gave the regiment a reputa-
tion for gallantry which it never lost.
The battle on the left had been a bloody one. Long-
street's men, nerved to their work by the belief that
victory would surely follow their assault and this be
followed by the speedy ending of the war, fought with
a valor and heroism unsurpassed ; but they had not
only the physical force of the Union army to contend
against. Every man in it who handled a musket or
wielded a sabre felt that Lee's army was in their
power, and never once thought of defeat. This battle
ground meant defeat for one side or the other, and
no man in the Army of the Potomac believed defeat
possible for them. The driving in of the First and
Eleventh Corps the day before had not disheartened
them ; but as the news of the rout at the first battle
of Bull Run created a feeling throughout the North
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
241
COMPANY B.
Wounded — First Lieutenant William S. Provost,
First Sergeant William Hand, Corporal Charles A.
Voorhees (loss of both eyes), Corporal Thaddeus
Doane, Corporal Andrew Webster, John H. Rue (died
July 19), Benjamin F. Jackson (died July 7), Albert
Oss, William H. Smith, Fidelle Haase, J. A. Lowther,
Samuel Stacker, Jacob Van Pelt (died July 9), John
Voorhees.
COMPANY c.
Killed — Captain Andrew H. Ackerman, Sergeant
Corum Righter, Joseph Cheston, John Clark, Jr.
Wounded — First Lieutenant John B. Fassett, Color-
Sergeant David Schafer, Corporal Amos Rockhill,
John Lindsey, Franklin Armstrong, Richard Howell,
James K. Webb, John Crane, Charles Stevenson, Peter
Cogill.
Missing — ^Charles Purdan.
COMPANY D,
Killed — Captain Luther Martin, Corporal Isaac A.
Hendershot, Randolph Merriman.
Wounded — Lieutenant Sidney M. Layton, Corporal
Manuel Runyon, Richard Burtrone, Edward Spell-
man, Theodore Waller, David C. Keve.
Missing —^d.\N-2ccdi B. Nelson, James Beattie (reported
died July 2), Frederick C. Tuers (reported died July 3).
COMPANY E.
Killed — Thomas Tinney.
Wounded — Second Lieutenant Silas W. Volk, Ser-
16
242 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
geant Eliphalet Sturdevant (died July 13), Corporal
Absalom Talmadge, Corporal Elisha F. Rose, Corporal
Edward J. Kinney, Charles Bowman, James F. Gibson,
Benjamin H. Joinier, James King, Samuel W. Morse,
Thomas Scattergood, John H. Wilson, Jacob Miller
(also missing), Joseph W. Walton.
Missing — David Daley.
COMPANY F.
A7//r<;/— John L. Cozzins.
Wounded — C2i^\2:\xv William H. Lloyd, First Lieu-
tenant Edwin R. Good, First Sergeant Benjamin F.
Morehouse, Sergeant Thomas D. White, Sergeant
James C. White, Sergeant John F. Bartine, Corporal
George W. Morton, Corporal Charles Dilks, Corporal
Edward White, Corporal WiUiam H. Terhune, Edward
Powers, James Thompson, Ephraim Robbins, William
CoUins, Miller H. Lewis.
COMPANY G.
A7//.Y/— George S. Bird, George H. Bunting, Henry
Elbertson, Michael Goff, Stewart Parent, Peter
Robins.
m7?/w^/r^— Sergeant O. F. Holloway, Sergeant Ferdi-
nand W. Krug, Corporal George Holloway, Corporal
Israel Nixon, Corporal Smith H. Eldredge, Charles A.
Koenig, Thomas Lowry, George A. McGuire, George
F. Sever, Chapman Marcellus, William Emmons (priso-
ner of war), Thomas Foutch, Abijah Thompson, John
Lloyd, Joseph Fowler, Thomas Kelly (also missing).
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGiY.
243
COMPANY H.
Killed — Captain Dorastus B. Logan, Edward Barber.
Wounded — Second Lieutenant William E. Axtell,
Sergeant J. V. Lanterman, Joshua Barber, Joseph L,
Decker, Bartley Owen, John C. Nutt, John J. Sites,
Timothy K. Pruden, Patrick King, William Halsey.
COMPANY I.
Killed — Corporal James P. Stryker, Silas D. Clark.
Woitnded—SergesLnt Thomas J. Thompson, Corporal
Richard J. Merrill, Corporal E. M. Robinson, Corporal
John W. Joline (died August 17, 1863), Corporal
Michael Cooney, Francis Wassimer, William H. Luce,
James Finnons, Stacey Babcock, John M. Errickson,
Alfred Barcalo, Daniel J. Buckley, George Cham-
berlin, Henry L. MoUeson, Jacob L. Chevalier.
Missing- — John Desbrow, Hugh Downey (died at
Andersonville, September 19, 1864.)
COMPANY K.
Killed — Corporal Jeremiah O'Brien, Corporal W. H.
Morgan, Martin Bekie, Henry Kring.
Wounded- — First Sergeant Charles C. Reilley, Ser-
geant Edward Appleton, Corporal Amon J. Foote,
John Ardner, William Carson, Jr., Frederick Soldner,
John A. Labort, Gersham J. Froate.
RECAPITULATION.
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.
Officers 3 10 — 13
Enlisted Men 20 113 7 140
Total 23 123 7 153
^> -f^
244 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
General Joseph B. Carr, commanding the First
Brigade, Second Division, Third Army Corps, in his
report calls the attention of the General commanding
the division to the gallant and meritorious conduct of
Colonel Robert McAllister, commanding Eleventh
New Jersey Volunteers, Major Philip J. Kearney,
seriously wounded (since dead). Adjutant John Schoon-
over, who was twice wounded, but remained in com-
mand of his regiment, and to Lieutenant John Older-
shaw, acting aide-de-camp, to whom his sincere thanks
are extended for valuable services rendered.
The fighting had been furious. Ward, on the left at
the Devil's Den, had borne the heaviest part of it for
nearly two hours, and the onslaught of Benning with
Anderson's brigade finally forced him back with the
loss of three guns of Smith's battery, and a casualty
list of frightful proportions. The attack on De Tro-
briand had caused his line to recede. His ranks were
frightfully decimated. The artillery also fell back a
short distance to get out of the way of the advancing
enemy, and if Kershaw had been able to press a little
stronger success would have crowned his efforts. But
just at this moment, when defeat seemed certain Cald-
well's splendid division of the Second Corps arrived on
the field, and Ayres' Regulars of the Fifth Corps
followed in front of Little Round Top. Another effort
to preserve the line was to be made. Ayres detached
Weed's brigade — to which the One Hundred and
Fortieth New York belonged — to reinforce the
exhausted band on Little Round Top, where he
Monument 6th Regiment N. J. Vols., Inf.
246*
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
arrived just 'in time to learn that the gallant Vincent
and the brave O'Rorke had both been killed, and their
troops menaced by another assault from Hood's
persistent veterans. Moving to the right Hood sought
to turn the flank of the Twentieth Maine. He opened
a sharp fire along the whole line, and Weed, who was
standing near Hazlett's battery encouraging his men,
received a mortal wound, while Hazlett in stooping
down to hear his
dying words, was
struck by the bullet
of a sharp-shooter
and fell upon the
dead body of his
friend a corpse. The
enemy moved to the
right to gQi in Cham-
berlain's rear, and in
so doing was com-
pelled to weaken his
line. Chamberlain
noticing the fact
boldly charged upon the attacking force capturing
over three hundred of them and before they could
recover from their surprise at this seeming piece of
audacity, Chamberlain, at the point of the bayonet
forced the remainder down the mountain side. It was
a glorious achievement, but only one of many of like
nature which characterized the battle of Gettysburg.
While this conflict tor Little Round Top was going
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 247
on, Caldwell's division was advancing to meet the
victorious troops of Anderson and Kershaw, who had
driven back but had not penetrated the line of Birney
and Barnes. The "■ Irish Brigade " commanded by
Colonel Kelley, formed amid the dreadful sounds of
the conflict, and before going into action, the chaplain,
a Catholic priest, ascended a rocky bowlder and pro-
nounced a general absolution for the whole brigade.
At the word of command they dashed impetuously
upon Anderson's line and brought his troops to a halt.
Cross and Zook and Burke's brigades in turn assailed
the enemy, but a movement by Wofford, who boldly
dashed into the line in his eagerness to aid Barksdale,
who had advanced in two lines of battle against the
Peach Orchard, compelled Birney, Humphreys, Barnes
and Caldwell's divisions to re-form on the main line,
and relinquish the Emmetsburg road and the whole
of the ground back to Little Round Top, to the enemy.
General Meade had sent for reinforcements from all
parts of the battle-field, and troops from the First,
Sixth and Twelfth Corps were promptly moving to
the scene. Hill had begun a lively cannonade on the
position of Cemetery Hill to which the batteries there
responded vigorously and effectively. Meade in his
great desire to preserve the left had stripped the
right of his line, by ordering the whole of the
Twelfth Corps to the support of Sickles, but to this
movement General Slocum warmly protested. At
his earnest solicitation Green's brigade of Geary's
division was permitted to remain on Culp's Hill, and
248
NE W JERSE Y TROOPS
by extending his several regiments in a thin line along
the works was able to occupy a good portion of them,
but not all. At half-past seven o'clock Ruger's divi-
sion took up position in line with Doubleday's division
of the First Corps and Birney's of the Third Corps,
forming in two lines of battle, Colgrove's brigade in
front, and McDougall in rear. Lockwood's brigade,
which had arrived earlier, was led by General Meade
into the very jaws of the enemy, and by their suc-
cessful charge, enabled
the new line to become
more firmly established.
T his m o vera ent brought
the Thirteenth New
Jersey Regiment, Col.
Rzra A. Carman, to the
scene of conflict. The
Thirteenth had been
massed on the south-
easterly slope of Culp's
Hill at an early hour in
the morning, when Meade's orders to charge Ewell's
line had been given, and on the abandonment of that
scheme, relieved the Third Wisconsin Regiment in
McAllister's wood to the south of Spangler's Run.
The Twelfth 'Corps had thrown up a line of small
breastworks along the crest of Culp's Hill, and in
MciVUister's woods, and when ordered to the left
vacated them all except that part of the line held by
Green's brigade of Geary's division on the summit of
Culp's Hill.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 249
Meade had called upon every corps in the army,
during the day, except the Eleventh, for reinforce-
ments to Sickles' line, and they all moved promptly
to the left, where they were put in at every exposed
point. The wounding of Sickles, put Birney in tem-
porary command of the Third Corps, but by order of
General Meade, Hancock was placed in command of
the corps in addition to his own. Hancock performed
herculean service. His watchful eye detected every
weak spot in the line and he promptly protected it.
The attack culminated by the effort of Wilcox, Perry
and Wright's brigades to break through Humphreys'
line, and Wright succeeded in piercing the centre of
the Federal position by the capture of four guns.
Wilcox was almost in a line with him, but General
Newton sent forward Doubleday's division of the
First Corps who reached Webb's line in time to see
Wright falling back, but they pursued him sharply
and recaptured six guns which had been in the enemy's
possession. By Hancock's own order the First Minne-
sota Regiment bravely attacked Wilcox, and drove
him back as far as the Emmetsburg road, but with a
loss of half its men.
Never before had the artillery branch of the service
endured such a tremendous strain. The loss in horses
and men was unusually heavy, and the abandonment of
so many guns by the Federals shows with what
desperation the fighting was carried on. Batteries
were kept at work until there were not left enough
men and horses to draw them away, and Bigelow's
battery, which took position near the Trostle house,
LONGSTREET IN POSITION FOR HIS ATTACK ON SiCKLES.
The map on the opposite page shows the Union line after Sickles' defeat.
UNION, WHITE : CONFEDERATE, BLACK.
252 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
was deliberately sacrificed, the men firing canister
until they could no longer load owing to the close
approach of the enemy. Clark's battery ( " B " First
New Jersey) was in the very thickest of all this car-
nage. When Kershaw's line penetrated into the Peach
Orchard a South Carolina regiment moved boldly up to
Clark's pieces. A Pennsylvania regiment lying in the
" sunken road " concealed, rose up and poured a deadly
volley into their faces which caused them to retire in
confusion. From 2 p. m. until 6.30 Clark's battery was
in continual action, and when at the retiring of the
infantry column, it was compelled to fall back, one
caisson and one caisson-body were left on the field
there being no horses to draw them off. The loss in
the battery was 2 men killed, 15 wounded, 3 missing, 2
of whom were taken prisoners. Seventeen horses were
killed and five so badl}" disabled that they were
abandoned. The casualties were as follows :
Killed — Thomas N. Post, Jr., Rensallaer Cassel-
man. — 2.
Wounded — Sergeant Leander McChesney, Privates
Richard S. Price, Joseph M. Morris, ' Hiram A.
Grover, " Hiram Tierney, ' Edson E. Sheppard, Patrick
F. Castello, WiUiam Riley, Robert Stuart, ' John
Truly, Anthony Collier, Joseph Baker, Chileon D.
Richards, Leopold Smally, 'Stephen McGowan. — 15.
' Hiram A. Grover, - Hiram Tierney, of the Second Michigan
Volunteers; -'Edson E. Sheppard, '^John Truly, of the Sixty-third
Pennsylvania Volunteers ; and * Stephen McGowan of the Ninety-
ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, were temporarily attached to the
battery, and were not members of it.
hV THE GBITTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
253
Missing — Privates Henry C, Buffum, Henry £.
Davis, Daniel W. Laws — all prisoners of war. — 3.
Colonel McGilvery, who commanded the First
Volunteer Brigade, Artillery Reserve, describes the
artillery fighting at this part of the line :
" A New Jersey battery (Clark's " B " First New
Jersey Artillery) immediately on the right of the two
Massachusetts batteries, was receiving the most of the
fire of two or more rebel batteries. Hart's Fifteenth
New York Independent Battery reporting at that time
I placed it in position in a peach orchard on the right
and a little to the front of the New Jersey battery.
The four batteries already mentioned presented a front
at nearly right angles with the position occupied by
our troops, facing toward our left, the fire of which I
concentrated on single rebel batteries, and five or more
were driven in succession from their positions.
" At about a quarter to six the enemy's infantry
gained possession of the woods immediately on the left
of m}' line of batteries and our infantry fell back both
on the right and left, when great disorder ensued on
both flanks of the line of batteries. At this period of
the action all of the batteries were exposed to a warm
infantry fire from both flanks and front, whereupon I
ordered them to retire two hundred and fifty yards
and renew their fire. The New Jersey battery was
relieved, being out of ammunition, and retired to the
rear. Captain Bigelow retired by prolonge, firing
canister, and with Phillips and Thompson on the right,
254 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
in their new position checked the enemy for a short
time."
During the fighting on Sickles' front the enemy's
skirmishers kept up an annoying fire upon the Second
Corps' line. Their reserves occupied an old building,
known as the BUss barn, which also commanded the
line, and about five o'clock in the afternoon General
Hayes directed Colonel Smyth, commanding the Sec-
ond Brigade, to dislodge them. Colonel Smyth called
upon the Twelfth New Jersey Regiment, whereupon
the whole regiment arose to volunteer, when he indi-
cated that a detachment of four companies would be
sufficient for the work in hand. The barn mentioned
was of brick, was five hundred and eighty-seven yards
from the line, and it and the line of the Twelfth's
advance were so completely covered by the fire of
the enemy's skirmishers and artillery, that it was
known that serious loss must result from the attack.
Major John T. Hill detached for this service compa-
nies B, H, E and G, under command of Captain
Samuel B. Jobes, the ranking officer.
The column moved out by the flank to the right
of the Bryan barn ; then, formed by company into
line. As the rear cleared the wall the movement came
under the eyes of the whole brigade and of part of
Gibbons' division, and of Robinson's division of the
First Corps upon the right, and now in close formation
the Twelfth begins its march. The artillery of Hill's
Corps opened upon the line at once, the enemy's skirm-
ishers poured in an annoying fire, his reserve from the
Monument 7TH Regiment N. J. Vols., Ink.
256 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
the shelter of the barn thinned its ranks, Jobes was
wounded, Captain Horsfalls, of Company E, was killed,
and 40 men out of the 200 were stricken down ; but there
was no wavering in that brave column of Jerseymen.
Bringing- their arms to the right shoulder, and
taking the double quick, with ringing cheers they
burst through the enemy's skirmish line with the
might of a giant, and in one bold mass closed down
upon, surrounded and captured the Bliss barn, with
the enemy's picket reserve of ninety-two men and
seven officers, and bringing their prisoners with them,
regained our lines.
No bolder attack was made upon that well-contested
field, and it deservedly gave the regiment a reputa-
tion for gallantry which it never lost.
The battle on the left had been a bloody one. Long-
street's men, nerved to their work by the belief that
victory would surely follow their assault and this be
followed by the speedy ending of the war, fought with
a valor and heroism unsurpassed ; but they had not
only the physical force of the Union army to contend
against. Every man in it who handled a musket or
wielded a sabre felt that Lee's army was in their
power, and never once thought of defeat. This battle
ground meant defeat for one side or the other, and
no man in the Army of the Potomac believed defeat
possible for them. The driving in of the First and
Eleventh Corps the day before had not disheartened
them ; but as the news of the rout at the first battle
of Bull Run created a feeling throughout the North
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
257
that the rebellion should be put down at whatever cost,
so the defeat of these two corps on the first day of July
made the determination of Meade's soldiers to win,
all the stronger.
The tig-hting for the day had not been confined
wholly to Sickles' front, and though Longstreet had
failed to turn the left of the army, yet sufficient ground
had been wrested from the Union line to give a
semblance of victory to his desperate efforts. The
Third Corps had been defeated, but the Union line of
battle was intact. A startling report, however, came
to Meade's ears from the right of the line, which he
had stripped to reinforce Sickles. This was to the
effect that Ewell had advanced and occupied the posi-
tion vacated bv the Twelfth Corps !
Correction. — In the final revision of the casualty
lists of the regiments engaged in the second day's fight-
ing, certain changes were made which were not car-
ried forward in the recapitulation, and this omission
was not discovered until too late for correction. The
following tables show the losses sustained by the sev-
eral New Jersey troops on that occasion, compared
with the number reported present for duty on June
30. From the latter an allowance of fifteen per cent,
for detailed men should be made to get at the actual
number present for action :
17
258
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
CASUALTIES ON JULY 2.
Battery " B " 1st N. J. Artillery
Fifth Regiment-.
Sixth Regiment
Seventh Regiment
Eighth Regiment
Eleventh Regiment
Total.
ENLISTED MEN.
U,
15
61
29
77
33
"3
34 40 ! 55 328 47 430 470
20
87
38
103
42
140
<
20
94
41
113
49
153
PRESENT FOR DUTY JUNE 30.
Battery " B " ist N. J. Artillery
Fifth Regiment
Sixth Regiment --
Seventh Regiment
Eighth Regiment.
Eleventh Regiment .
Total
4
15
13
22
13
139
206
233
309
185
143
221
246
331
198
275
1. 414
CHAPTER XII.
THE SECOND DAY'S BATTLE CONCLUDED — THE
TWELFTH CORPS POSITION ATTACKED BY EWELL'S
TROOPS — green's heroic DEFENCE — THE ATTACK
ON CEMETERY HILL — A FIERCE AND DEADLY
HAND-TO-HAND STRUGGLE — RETURN OF THE
TWELFTH CORPS TO THE RIGHT DURING THE
NIGHT.
GENERAL LEE'S orders for a simultaneous
attack on the ri^^ht and left of the Union line
miscarried, but had they been promptly acted
upon he would not have been any more successful.
It would have prevented the stripping- of Slocum's
line, which would have made the Union position on
the right still more difficult, if not impossible, to carry,
and the Sixth Corps could have been utilized for the
duty which called the Twelfth Corps away. Had
Longstreet turned the Federal left and got in rear of
the Union army, that would no doubt have made a
great difference in the situation, but the left of Meade's
line did not rest where Lee thought it was, and when
after the most stubborn and heroic resistance ever
made by any body of troops, the Third Corps was
forced back, it was not upon a demoralized body of
26o NEW JERSEY TROOPS
men, but to the original line of battle, to defend
which Meade had more troops at command than could
be used. It was really better for General Lee that
the attack by Ewell was delayed, but the advantage
he had gained was lost by the ignorance which caused
Johnson's division to halt all night long in the vacated
works of the Twelfth Corps.
It seems strange to those who have always consid-
ered General Lee, par excellence, the one great soldier
developed by the war, that he should have left Ewell
wholly dependent upon his sense of hearing to fix the
precise time of his attack. The instructions to Ewell
were to advance as soon as he heard the firing of
Longstreet's guns. The time fixed for the latter's
assault, after innumerable delays, was four o'clock,
and at that hour the fighting had begun in dead
earnest along Birney's front. But another providen-
tial circumstance favored the Union army. The
wind blowing directly from Ewell carried the sound
of Longstreet's artillery and the Union batteries reply-
ing to it, to the southwest, so that he did not hear
it at all ! Nearly one hundred pieces of artillery
on both sides kept up a continuous and rapid firing,
not two miles from Ewell's front, and the deafening
roar of musketry which accompanied it, made a noise
loud enough to have drowned the sound of a dozen
Niagaras, but Ewell might as well have been a deaf
man on that occasion. His silence led Meade into
the false belief that no danger was to be apprehended
from that quarter, and he had therefore stripped his
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGiV. 261
right, instead of utilizing his reserves, to reinforce the
threatened left.
Ruger's division of the Twelfth Corps, on it arrival
at the left, formed in two lines of battle west of the
Taneytown road ; while Geary, who evidently misun-
derstood the orders given him, moved to the extreme
right and halted on the Baltimore pike, east of Rock
Creek, two miles from the fighting on the left and at
least a mile to the right of his position on Culp's Hill,
with no enemy in his front.
About six o'clock Hill opened with his batteries in
pursuance of the original plan, on the Union centre,
and Ewell, hearing his guns, formed for the proposed
attack. His line, it will be remembered, extended
from Benner's Hill on the left which was occupied by
Johnson's division, Early's division being to his right
and fronting Cemetery Hill and the ridge connecting
''4t with Culp's Hill, while Rodes' division occupied the
streets of Gettysburg, and extending to the right
fronted Cemetery Hill proper. It is also urged as a
reason why Ewell did not sooner advance, that he had
sent two of his brigades on a wild-goose chase on the
York road, because of a report that a body of Federal
infantry had moved in that direction, and he was
waiting for their return. However, about seven
o'clock, just as the Twelfth Corps was vacating its
line, Johnson's division was moving down to Rock
Creek, his march being concealed by the thick woods
into which he entered. The nature of the ground was
unfavorable for the use of artillery and Johnson left
his on Benner's Hill.
262 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
The line of works constructed by the First Brigade
of Riiger's division and by the One Hundred and
Seventh New York and Thirteenth New Jersey Regi-
ments of Colgrove's brigade, were practically defence-
less. General Green had extended his brigade in a
thin line to cover the position vacated by Geary and
could furnish little more than a weak skirmish line for
the defence of the entire slope. He also established a
picket line along the bank of the stream, but Johnson's
movements were unperceived by them.
Gulp's I lill, which Johnson was ordered to assault is
a thickly wooded eminence, and the approaches to
the summit are obstructed by numerous rocks and
immense bowlders. The troops of Williams had util-
ized many of these rocks as a means of defence by con-
necting them with a line of works made of logs, stones,
branches of trees and whatever could be utilized for
the purpose. This afforded ample protection against*
the musketry fire of an infantry column and would
have been difficult to carry.
Johnson's line advanced with Steuart on the left,
Jones on his right, supported respectively by Williams'
and Nichols' bi-igades. Rock Creek, which separated
them from Gulp's Hill, is a shallow stream, and easily
forded. Crossing boldly they soon drove in the Union
pickets, and Steuart advanced to tlie vacated works on
the south followed by Williams. These were easily
taken, but Jones who advanced to attack the left of
Green met with stubborn opposition. Green, how-
ever, was hard pressed. Steuart was on a line with
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 263
his works, and to prevent a flank attack, Green
shortened his hne and extended it obUquely to the
west, and sent an urgent demand for assistance. The
fighting- waxed hotter and hotter. Attacked ^by a force
three times larger than his own, he held them all at
bay and inflicted severe injuries upon the enemy.
Jones was badly wounded and Nichols moved
promptly up to his relief. At this time a brigade from
the Eleventh Corps came to Green's assistance, and
Wadsworth extended his line to the right in support.
Night soon settled down upon the scene and the con-
flict ended save by a desultory firing which continued
for some time.
When Johnson's division moved down to the attack
on Gulp's Hill, Ewell ordered Early and Rodes to
advance and attack in their front. This movement,
which should have been performed in unison appears
to have been affected by a misunderstanding of orders.
Early moved at once with the brigades of Hays and
Hoke (Avery commanding), with Gordon's brigade m
reserve. The Confederate artillery on Benner's Hill
opened fire upon the Union position, but the batteries
on Cemetery Hill soon silenced it. As the brigades of
Early advanced to the slope of the hill, their movement
was aided by the houses and other buildings which
concealed them from the Union line, and when they
reached the ascending ground the batteries in their
front were trained upon them, but the guns could not
be depressed sufficiently to do effective work.
It was now eight o'clock, and Rodes ought to have
254 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
been in position on the left to assault there, but that
officer had some difficulty in getting through the
streets of the town to the position he desired, and
lost thereby considerable time. Advancing the bri-
gades of Iverson, Ramseur and Doles toward the
western face of Cemetery Hill a short distance he
halted them, evidently intending to aAvait the result
of Early's attack. When the brigades of Hays and
Avery emerged on the open ground to ascend the
slope, they brushed away Von Gilsa's brigade of the
Eleventh Corps, and rushed for the summit. Their
left flank became exposed to the Fifth Maine Bat-
tery, which poured an enfilading fire down their
whole line, but without checking them. In an instant
they were among the guns of Weiderick's and Rick-
ett's batteries, capturing the former and spiking two
of Rickett's guns. The order had been given to these
gallant artillerists not to retreat under any circum-
stances, but to fight to the last moment, and right
loyally they obeyed. The fighting was hand-to-hand,
rammers being used as clubs, and hand-spikes and
even stones, being hurled into the faces of the enemy.
This movement of the enemy brought their left flank
in front of Stevens' battery, which opened a terrible
fire of double canister upon them, and the Thirty-
third Massachusetts poured in, obliquely to their line,
a destructive musketry fire, but still they fought on
desperately, vainly expecting Rodes' division to attack
on the other side. In fact the Federal line was pre-
pared for just this sort of thing, and Hancock momen-
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
265
tarily expected Rodes' line to advance ; but his
trained ear heard the desperate fighting going on to
the right and rear of his position, and as the enemy
in his front remained stationary, he detached Carroll's
brigade to the rescue of Howard's guns. Advancing
with a firm tread they soon came in sight of the bat-
tle and moving rapidly over the hill plunged with
cheers and shouts into the midst of the enemy, who re
treated hastily.
As they went
flying down the
slope the Fed-
e r a 1 batteries
opened a raking
fire upon them
practically an-
nihilating Hays'
" Louisiana Ti-
ofers," which
went into the
fight one thou-
sand seven hun-
dred and fifty
strong and returned with scarcely one hundred and
fifty men! The Eleventh Corps' line was restored,
and Carroll's brigade, which did such signal service
was by the request of Howard permitted to remain on
that part of the line.
The sound of the desperate contest on the right and
right centre reached the ears of the Union troops on
266 NEIV JERSEY 'JROOPS
the left as soon as the firing in that quarter ceased,
and about ten o'clock an order was sent to Ruger to
return to his old position on the right as the enemy
were in possession on the Twelfth Corps' works.
The division promptly moved, Colgrove's brigade
leading, and as they neared Gulp's Hill a skirmish
line was sent forward to feel the position of the enemy.
One man was captured in the old line of works in
McAllister's woods, and Company F of the Second
Massachusetts advancing across the open ground into
the woods at the base of Culp's Hill and near Spang-
ler's spring, captured twenty-three men, with whom
they returned. From these it Avas ascertained that
Steuart's and Jones' brigades held the position. Filing
into McAllister's woods the brigade sought their old
works, but as it was discovered that the position of
the Third Wisconsin, which had been occupied by
the Thirteenth New Jersey, and the line along Rock
Creek, would be enfiladed by the fire of the enemy, "^
the brigade was formed on a line about fifty yards
to the rear. In taking this position two companies
* Extract from Colonel Hawley's report: " Darkness coming ^n I
received orders from you, sir, (Colonel Colgrove) to move out as we had
marched in, and following the regiment on my right flank was marched
back to the position which I had spent the day in fortifying, and there
rested under arms. It then being ascertained that the enemy had
advanced over our breastworks and occupied a rocky, wooded hill on
my left, thus enfilading my position and severing our line, by your
order I took position perpendicular to my former line, so as to face
the enemy's advance in this position, and there lay under arms for the
remainder of the night."
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
267
of the Thirteenth New Jersey, Company C, Captain
David A. Ryerson, and Company I, Captain Ambrose
M. Matthews, were refused, to connect with the right
of the Second Massachusetts, the rest of the line of the
Thirteenth running along the edge of the woods
on a rising piece 'of ground fronting Rock Creek. The
line as thus formed was as follows : Thirteenth New
Jersey on the right. Second Massachusetts centre,
Third Wisconsin
on the left. Twenty-
seventh Indiana in
reserve. The First
Brigade, McDou-
gall's, formed o n
the left of Colgrove.
During the night
also Geary's troops
returned from their
isolated position on
the Baltimore pike,
and joined with
Green's forces on Gulp's Hill. The prisoners brought
in by the Second Massachusetts were turned over to
the Thirteenth New Jersey Regiment and Company
D was detailed by order of acting Lieutenant-Colonel
Beardsley, to conduct them to the Provost Marshal of
the corps near Two Taverns.
At midnight the Twelfth Corps had all arrived and
lay in line awaiting the approach of daylight to
advance upon and drive the enemy from their posi-
tion on Gulp's Hill.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE THIRD DAV'S BATTLE — THE TWELFTH CORPS
CHARGE THE ENEMY AT CULP'S HHX AND REGAIN
THEIR WORKS— THE SECOND MASSACHUSETTS AND
TWENTY -SEVENTH INDIANA REGIMENTS CHARGE
THE ENEMY SUPPORTED BY THE THIRTEENTH NEW
JERSEY REGIMENT — LEE FOILED IN HIS ATTACK ON
THE FEDERAL RIGHT.
THE Confederates seem to have had little knowl-
edge of the topography of the country about
Gettysburg, otherwise the failure of Evvell to
follow up the great advantage he had so fortunately
gained on the night of July 2d must be classed as a
stupendous blunder. The left of Steuart's line was
within one hundred yards of the Baltimore pike, the
road over which Meade's army would be compelled to
retreat in the event of defeat. The reserve artillery of
the Army of the Potomac lay parked back of Powers'
Hill on the slope of which General Slocum had his
headquarters, while Meade's headquarters were but a
short distance off. Furthermore, the presence of the
rebel army in force on the pike would have created
consternation in the Federal army. Unquestionably
Ewell was ignorant of the advantage he had gained,
and conversation with some of the survivors shows
Monument 8th Regt. N. J. Vols., Inf.
2^0 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
that the rebels were greatly surprised at the ease with
which they got possession of the vacated works, and
feared that some Yankee trick was being played upon
them. Of the great blunder Meade had committed,
of course they knew nothing, and this was only com-
pensated for by the rapid approach of darkness, which
caused Johnson to exercise great caution in his move-
ments. He only knew the enemy was in his front, and
he determined to attack at daylight. The men whom
he commanded were " Stonewall " Jackson's veterans,
who had won many hard-fought battles, and they were
not easily to be disposed of.
During the night a conference was held in McAllis-
ter's woods, at which General Hunt, chief of artillery,
Generals Slocum, Williams and Ruger were present.
The artillery, twenty-six guns in all, had been posted
on every commanding eminence to cover the enemy's
position on Gulp's Hill, and only awaited the appear-
ance of daylight to open upon it.
As early as three o'clock Johnson began to form
his men for attack, and Geary noting that some move-
ment was contemplated by the enemy determined to
assume the offensive. At day-break the crash of
musketry was heard. Geary opened a fierce fire
along his whole front and with deadly effect. The
First Brigade sent forward the Twentieth Connecticut
to penetrate the woods at the southern base of the hill
and the Second Massachusetts and Twenty-seventh
Indiana of the Third Brigade were ordered to charge
the enemy in flank by Colonel Colgrove. The Union
AV THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
271
artillery opened along the whole line, and from this
time until ten o'clock a fierce, stubborn and desperate
battle was waged. On the success of the Twelfth
Corps now depended the safety of the army. Rein-
forcements were sent to Gulp's Hill, Lockwood's bri-
gade of the Twelfth and Shaler's brigade of the Sixth
Corps both going to the support of Geary. The
continued roll of musketry, the deafening roar of the
artillery were listened to by the waiting army with ap-
prehension. The long lines of wounded men being car-
ried to the rear gave evidence of the severity of the
struggle. The Reserve Artillery back of Power's Hill
had harnessed and was made ready for any call upon it.
The cavalry to the right were all mounted and drawn
up ready for action. The Sixth Corps in reserve were
under orders for an advance at a moment's notice.
There was plenty of support for the right, should
further help be needed. Still the battle raged. The
enemy were driven back repeatedly and they as
often returned to the charge. They were now able
to note where they were and as they caught glimpses
of the Federal wagon trains and ambulances moving
down the Baltimore pike it seemed to drive them
to desperation. Too late they realized what had
been lost by the night's delay. They fought madly,
heroically and with a bravery which only Jackson's
men could show, but they Avere at a disadvantage.
The Union line sheltered by the rocks and immense
bowlders up to the face of which the rebels charged
again and again, enabled them to inflict serious injury
2/2
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
upon their assailants, and heavy as the Union loss
was that of the enemy was treble.
When the order was given at dawn for the Second
Massachusetts and Twenty-seventh Indiana of Col-
grove's brigade to advance and attack the enemy,
there was thought to be a mistake in the meaning
of it. Lieutenant Snow who brought the oi'der from
General Ruger was asked a second and third time
uu^l!l"''">'-a«'~| ^^ ^° ^^^ intent of
D|jl'^"'^"'=^ it, and he repeated,
the order is to ad-
vance. Colonel
Mudge of the Sec-
ond Massachusetts,
when he received
the order, said, " It
is murder, but must
be obeyed! for-
ward ! " and the
brave Mudge with
as gallant a body
of men as ever lived moved out to swift and certain
death. The Twenty-seventh Indiana were to advance
and join the right of the Second Massachusetts, but
Colonel Mudge when he reached the open ground
moved at once against the enemy driving them ahead
of him, and though exposed to a deadly fire the Second
reached the shelter of the woods on the other side.
The brave Mudge was killed, and the casualties in the
regiment were severe. The Twenty-seventh Indiana
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
273
Regiment advanced gallantly, and the right companies
of the Thirteenth New Jersey changed front and occu-
pied the breastworks vacated by the Second Massachu-
setts. As the Twenty-seventh reached the open ground
they encountered a terrible musketry fire which checked
them where they were. The left wing of the regi-
ment extended to the [open ground the right resting
in the wood, the line facing northeasterly. This regi-
ment fought gallantly but was compelled to fall back,
when the Thirteenth
New Jersey returned
to its former line and
the Twenty-seventh
occupied the position
thus vacated. The
fighting continued with
great stubbornness.
The enemy seeing the
Twenty-seventh fall
back formed for a
counter-charge and ad-
vanced across the open ground to the marshy banks
of Spangler's Run, where they encountered the fire
of' the Third Wisconsin, Twenty-seventh Indiana, and
such portions of the Thirteenth New Jersey as could
reach them. The two left companies, C and I, were
in the direct front of the advancing enemy, and for a
short time a sharp engagement ensued, in which the
rebels were repulsed. The Second Massachusetts
from its position on the opposite side of the swale
18
274 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
had an enfilading fire down their Hne which precipi-
tated their retreat. During this engagement Captain
David A. R3^erson, of Company C, Thirteenth New
Jersey, was wounded, the command of the left com-
panies thus devolving upon Captain Ambrose M. Mat-
thews, of Company I ; James Parliament, of the same
company, was struck in the breast from which wound
he died a few days later, and Henry Damig, of Com-
pany G, was killed.
Walker's brigade of the enemy had been sent to the
extreme left of the line to watch the movements of
the regiments of Colgrove's brigade in McAllister's
woods. A strong line of skirmishers appeared on the
crest of the hill east of Rock Creek, and they took
position behind the rocks and trees and thus picked off
officei"s and men at their leisure. A small stone house
seemed to be filled with them, and whenever a head
was projected above the breastworks a bullet was sure
to come unpleasantly near it. The Thirteenth New
Jersey and the Twenty-seventh Indiana suffered most
severely from this fire. A stretcher-bearer of the latter
regiment went to the front, carrying a white stretcher
with him, to look after some of the wounded lying in
the edge of the woods, whose cries for water and help
were agonizing. Just as he had scaled the works and
before he had gone thirty feet to the front a rebel
sharpshooter sent a bullet through his head and he fell
lifeless at the foot of a tree. This uncalled-for act
exasperated the men, and they demanded that the stone
house should be demolished. Captain Winegar of
TN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 275
Battery " M " First New York Artillery, came down to
the line, and after examining the position returned to
his battery, which soon opened fire upon the building.
The first shot penetrated the house and as the men saw
the dust and splinters flying about they gave a pro-
longed cheer. No further annoyance came from that
quarter.
The engagement with Johnson's division lasted until
ten o'clock, when a ringing cheer broke from the men
on Gulp's Hill and it was known that the enemy were
falling back. The Third Wisconsin, of Colgrove's
brigade, advanced a picket line across the open ground
in the front capturing a few men, and the regiment
advanced up to the position formerly held by Col-
grove's regiments on the right of the First Brigade.
Geary and McDougall also advanced and reoccupied
their old position and the lines of the Union right were
once more intact.
The battle had been a hard one. For three hours of
the previous evening Green, with his little brigade,
had made a stalwart defense of the position he held,
and to the valor of his men is due the safety of the
Union army on the third of July. From the first break
of day to ten o'clock on the morning of the third — full
seven hours — the battle continued. The trees were
mangled and torn with the shells and the solid shot
which was hurled among them, and the effect of
this dreadful day's work was noticed a year later
when one part of this immense forest, where the fight-
ing was fiercest, was found to have been killed. The
trees were leafless.
2-76 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
The sight, after the battle, in the Union front was
frightful. The fighting had been waged at such close
quarters and with such desperation, that there were as
many dead rebels on the ground as there were men
who fought them. They lay in many instances close
up to the front of the Union line of works, and the
bayonet thrusts in several of the bodies testified too
plainly the terrible manner of their death and the
ferocity of the contest. With the recapture of the
position on Gulp's Hill, the fighting ceased on the
right, save by skirmishers and sharpshooters posted
along the Rock Creek ridge. The casualties in the
Thirteenth New Jersey Regiment were twenty-one as
follows :
Killed — Henry Damig, Company G.
Wounded — Company X — Edward S. Smith.
Company B — Thomas Ferris.
Company C — Captain David x\. Ryerson, Alexander
Barnes, James Winter, James Parliament (died July
27th), William Remington.
Company D— James P. Ho watt.
Company E — Corporal Thomas H. Williams (leg
amputated), John Van Winkle.
Company F — Cornelius Clark.
Company G — Captain John H. Arey, Corporal
Cyrus Williams, John Welsch, drummer.
Company H — David Latourette.
Company I — Lieutenant Charles W. Johnson (acting
Adjutant), Aaron Chamberlain, Smith P. Brown.
Recapitulation — Killed, i. Wounded — Officers, 3;
enlisted men, 1 7 ; total, 2 1 .
CHAPTER XIV.
THE THIRD DAY'S BATTLE CONCLUDED— LONGSTREET'S
CHARGE ON CEMETERY RIDGE — DISASTROUS
REPULSE OF PICKETT'S AND HETH'S DIVISIONS —
DREADFUL EXECUTION WITH "BUCK AND BALL"
BY THE TWELFTH NEW JERSEY — HEXAMER'S OLD
BATTERY (" A " FIRST NEW JERSEY) ENGAGED — THE
FIRST NEW JERSEY CAVALRY WIN NEW LAURELS.
GENERAL LEE had now unsiiccesfully attacked
both the right and left positions of the Union
army, but with a fatuity which seems incompre-
hensible, he determined upon one more assault. He
seems to have believed that the defeat of Sickles had
seriously crippled Meade's whole army, and Johnson's
success in getting possession of the vacated works of
the Twelfth Corps gave him a foretaste of victory, if
promptly followed up. The repulse of Hood at
Round Top, of Hays and Avery at Cemetery Hill,
and the failure of Wilcox and Wright to reap any
substantial benefit from their advance almost into the
Union lines on the second of July, were regarded as
mere episodes of the battle, not worthy of serious
thought. The time had come, according to General
Lee's reasoning for the one great decisive blow which
2^8 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
should end the war in his favor. But on this third day
of July the entire Army of the Potomac was on the
field, and so disposed that reinforcements could be sent
to any point on short notice. Further the Union army
felt that they had gained quite as much for their cause
as Lee considered he had accomplished for himself, and
though the stragglers, who poured down the roads to
the rear spread dismal tales of defeat for the Army of
the Potomac, the men at the front had no such feeling.
When the final charge by the Twelfth Corps was
made upon the enemy's lines, and they were forced
back to the opposite side of Rock Creek, it stimu-
lated the tone of the whole army. Confident of success
before they were sanguine now, and the further move-
ments of Lee were awaited with impatience. The deep
stillness which settled upon the battle-field after the
cessation of the fighting on the right soon became
oppressive. It was the prevalent belief that Lee
intended a more desperate move than any yet planned
but where the blow would fall could only be conject-
ured. As the centre of the line had so far escaped a
direct assault the feeling grew that there the blow
would fall, and the intuition which thus selected the
point of attack was confirmed a few hours later.
General Lee had determined the night before to
assault the centre of Meade's line, and to Longstreet's
corps he assigned the task. These troops had borne
the brunt of the fighting the day before, and their
ranks were terribly decimated. It was impossible that
they could successfully accomplish the work Lee had
Monument iith Regt. N. J. Vols., Inf.
28o NEW JERSEY TROOPS
in hand, and further they could not well be spared
from the positions they then occupied. The only
division that had not participated in the battle at any
time was Pickett's, and he was accordingly selected to
lead the charge. Pickett had arrived within a short
distance of the battle-field the night before, after a
forced march from Chambersburg, and at seven o'clock
on the morning of the third he reported to General
Longstreet. The interviews between Longstreet and
Lee were frequent. The former was opposed to the
contemplated movement and interposed every possible
objection to the determination of Lee to make the
assault. But the rebel chieftain was immovable. He
saw no reason for depression, but believed everything
was favorable for success. He construed the capture
of Sickles' advanced line as a victory, and in his official
report uses this language :
" After a severe struggle Longstreet succeeded in
gaining possession of and holding the desired ground.
Ewell also carried some of the strong positions which
he assailed, and the result was such as to lead to the
belief that he would ultimately be able to dislodge the
enemy. The battle ceased at dark. These partial
successes determined me to continue the assault the
next day."
Argument and protestation could not move the man
who thus summed up the results of the previous day's
fighting, and Longstreet was compelled to notify Pickett
of the work that had been assigned him to do.
General Lee's line of battle at daylight on the third,
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 28 1
was much the same as when night closed in and ended
the conflict of the second day. Laws' and Robertson's
brigades, were in front of the Round Tops, Wofford in
the centre west of the wheat-field, and Kershaw on the
left, occupying the Peach Orchard. The rest of Long-
street's corps stretched along the line of Seminary
Ridge, and Hill occupied his former position on the
left of Longstreet. Ewell was at that moment engaged
in a death struggle on the extreme left, but the result
was not to be awaited — victory there was confidently
anticipated. It was ten o'clock before Lee gave the
final order to form for the attack. With Longstreet he
had fully reconnoitred the ground, and that officer again
tried to dissuade him from the proposed movement.
Longstreet scented defeat. He was opposed to an offen-
sive movement and desired to turn the flank of Meade,
and compel him to attack the southern army. But all
in vain. It was finally determined to assail the Union
line with a strong column, under cover of a heavy
artillery fire, and the orders were given. Colonel Alex-
ander posted the Confederate artillery along the ridge
which Humphreys had vainly tried to hold the day
before, extending from the Peach Orchard on the right
to the Codori house on the left. A battery on the right
of the Peach Orchard, and the Washington Artillery
with Bearing and Cabell's batteries stationed on the
left were to aid in the attack. This vast congrega-
tion of batteries comprised one hundred and thirty-
eight pieces of cannon, and behind this wall of iron the
division of Pickett, with the troops that were to sup-
282 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
port him, formed for the impending collision. Pickett's
division was composed of five brigades, three only of
which were upon the field — Garnett's, Armistead's and
Kemper's — comprising in all about four thousand five
hundred men. They formed behind the rising surface
of the ground, Kemper and Garnett in the advance,
Armistead in rear, and lay down to await the order
for the charge to be made. K battery of light artillery
was detailed to accompany them. To support Pickett,
Hill contributed the brigades of Wilcox, Perry and
Wright, and Heth's division, composed of the bri-
gades of Archer, Pettigrew, Davis and Brocken-
borough, with the brigades of Scales and Lane added,
made up a total attacking force of fully fifteen thou-
sand men. This mighty host, supported by the con-
centrated fire of the largest artillery force ever gathered
together, was to launch itself upon the front of the
Second Corps and break the Union line in two.
The position of the Second Corps which was to
be the scene of the coming conflict was an admirable
one for defence. In its entire length from Zeigler's
Grove — which separates Cemetery Hill from Ceme-
tery Ridge — ■ to the copse of trees, where the left of
Pickett's line halted, is considerably less than a
mile. In the advanced edge of the wood known
as Zeigler's Grove — the extreme right of the Sec-
ond Corps' line — Woodruff's battery ("I" First
United States Artillery) was stationed, supported
by the One Hundred and Eighth New York.
On the left of this position, a natural out-
284 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
cropping of rock forms a low wall, and at a
distance of fifty yards from the grove, near Bryan's
well, a stone wall had been constructed on the natural
rock, and continued for about three hundred and fifty
yards. Hays' division of the Second Corps occupied
this position being formed in two lines of battle. The
left consisted of Smyth's brigade, posted in the follow-
ing order: The Twelfth New Jersey on the right,
the First Delaware on the left of the Twelfth, the
Fourteenth Connecticut next. The One Hundred
and Eleventh New York and One Hundred and
Twenty-fifth New York of the Third Brigade were
immediately in the rear of these regiments, on higher
ground which enabled them to fire over the front line.
The other regiments of the Third Brigade and Car-
roll's brigade were also in the rear of the line of
battle for a time, but subsequently became hotly
engaged. Arnold's Rhode Island battery occupied
a position on the left of Smyth, and in front of Arnold
the stone wall runs due west, where it connects with
a post and rail fence, thus forming a sharp angle.
Gibbon's division connected with Hays, Webb's bri-
gade, on whose line Cushing's battery was posted,
formed the right, and Hall's brigade with Brown's
Rhode Island battery, the centre, and Harrow's bri-
gade with Rorty's New York battery, the left. The.
rail fence which skirted the natural rock surface
before these brigades, was thrown down and the
rails used as a slight protection from musketry fire.
Doubleday's division of the First Corps were to the
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN:
285
left of Gibbon, Stannard's Vermont brigade being in
a clump of bushes and trees a short distance in
advance, concealed from the enemy's view. This
small space of territory was destined to become the
scene of one of the fiercest conflicts of modern times.
The lines of men thus grouped together were to be
subjected to a rain of missiles that no body of men ever
before experienced, and their courage and valor was
to be put to the severest test known in the annals
of modern warfare. The Union line as continued
to the left, comprised the following: To the left of
Doubleday was Caldwell's gallant division of the
Second Corps, which suffered so severely the day
before in trying to repair Sickles' broken line. Birney's
division of the Third Corps continued the line south-
ward and the Fifth Corps, whose line now extended
to the summit of Round Top itself, completed this
front, with the Sixth Corps mainly in reserve. At
every point where artillery could be used a battery
was posted. McGilvery had stationed forty guns
along this line in addition to the thirty guns of the
Second Corps which were commanded by Captain
John G. Hazzard.
During the time Lee was preparing his column
for attack, General Hunt, chief of artillery, was
examining the batteries along the Union line. He
made the best disposition possible of the artillery
at his command, and stationed the Reserve Artillery
within easy supporting distance. Sharp skirmish
firing broke out occasionally along the Union front.
2g6 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
and early in the day while the heavy firing on
the right was going on, the enemy in front of the
Second Corps reoccupied the Bliss barn and the
Twelfth New Jersey was again called upon to dis-
possess them. Companies K, F, D, C and A were
selected, and under command of Captain Richard S.
Thompson of Company K, the charge was success-
fully made and a number of prisoners taken. The barn
was finally burned by the Fourteenth Connecticut.
The minutes grew into hours and the Federals waited
impatiently for some sign to show what the enemy
intended to do. With the cessation of the firing on the
right the stillness grew oppressive. The same feeling
of impatience prevailed among Pickett's men. They
had been formed in line for their charge ever since
ten o'clock and the delay was growing tedious.
Finally the word passed that all was ready. Long-
street dreaded the ordeal. Pickett was anxious to
begin. Longstreet sought to impose upon Colonel
Alexander the duty of notifying Pickett what to do,
that officer bluntly refused, saying that unless the
charge was to be made he should not order the artil-
lery to fire. Suddenly, at one o'clock, two shots were
fired by the Washington Artillery — the signal for the
cannonade to begin. At once, as though the gunners
had impatiently waited for the signal, there was vom-
ited from the deep throats of the one hundred and
thirty-eight cannon along the Emmetsburg road a
volume of flame, and the air was filled with flying
missiles on their death-dealing mission. For fifteen
IM THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 287
minutes the Federal batteries remained silent, and then
from eighty guns along the Union line, all that could
be brought to bear on the position, an answering
refrain went up, which, combined with the volume of
sound proceeding from the enemy, created an ensemble
that was terrifying even to ears that had endured the
dreadful sound of artillery warfare for months. But
never before, nor since, had those who listened to the
sharp detonation of those two hundred and eighteen
guns passed through a more harrowing experience.
The ground was ploughed into furrows. Exploding
shells endangered everything within their range ; the
house used by General Meade for his headquarters
was in the very line of this terrible, dreadful and
merciless storm of iron nail. Horses tied to the fences
Avere killed by scores or, badly wounded, filled the
air with their shrieks of terror and fright. It was
chaos come again. General Meade abandoned his
headquarters and sought refuge with General Slo-
cum at Powers' Hill. Caisson after caisson, being
struck by the enemy's shells, exploded, but the line
of infantry remained as stationary and immovable as
the rocks behind which they sought shelter. A shell
would penetrate their front occasional!}^ and lessen
their number, but none moved from their places. The
artillerists, more exposed suffered greatly ; horses
were killed in large numbers, and the destruction of
gun carriages, caissons and limbers was unusually
heavy. For one hour and a-half this terrific duel had
been kept up, when, at half-past two General Hunt
288 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
ordered the firing to be gradually slackened, and in a
few minutes nothing could be heard but the firing of
the rebel guns. Replacing the disabled batteries with
others from the Artillery Reserve and replenishing
the ammunition boxes for the infantry attack which
all knew would follow, the Union artillery line was
reestablished.
The accuracy of the fire from the Federal batteries
had inflicted serious damage on the enemy's artillery,
and had also caused much destruction of life among
the infantry. Armistead's brigade was compelled to
change its position three different times to get out of
the range of the Union guns and with sighs of relief
they noted the slackening fire from Meade's line. It
was now three o'clock. Pickett formed his men for the
charge and reporting to Longstreet asked for the word
of command. He would not give it, and Pickett, with a
gleam of fire in his eyes said, " I shall go forward, sir,"
to which Longstreet simply nodded his head, and the
impetuous and brave southerner returned to his
division. Just as the rebel line proceeded on its march,
Hunt ordered up to the threatened point of attack
Fitzhugh's, Weir's, Cowan's, and Parson's ("A" First
New Jersey Artillery) batteries, which advanced
rapidly into position.
Pickett impatiently awaited the opportunity to
advance. In a short time it came in a message from
Colonel Alexander to the effect that the Federal
batter}' had been silenced. The line was formed —
Kemper on the right, Garnett in the centre, Armistead
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 289.
on the left — and as it swept through the artillery
and came into full view of the Federals, a thrill of
admiration went through the breast of every man
gazing upon the magnificent spectacle. Marching in
close order, with measured steps, as though on parade,
it moved forward deliberately, solidly. With flags
unfurled, guns aligned, obeying every word of com-
mand, the line moved steadily onward. Leaving
Wilcox behind, Pickett made a half-wheel to the left,
the movement being finely performed, but it presented
its right flank to the Union line and McGilvery con-
centrated the fire of all his guns upon it. The
accuracy of McGilvery's fire tore great gaps in the
ranks, but they were promptly closed up, and on the
assailing column came across the fields, scaling strong
fences, until it reached the base of the ridge Pickett
was directed to assault. Here he changed direction by
a half-wheel to the right, and halted his column under
the heavy fire which confronted him, to rectify his line.
Wilcox in the mean time moved forward to the right
of Pickett, but the wheeling of Pickett's line separated
them, and left a wide gap between, while Pettigrew,
who with Heth's division was to support the move-
ment on the left, was not able to get into line as soon as
desired, by having a longer distance to traverse.
When Pickett again advanced he was met by a terrific
fire of musketry and canister from the men in his front,
and McGilvery ploughed his line with shot and shell.
The Twelfth New Jersey Regiment from its com-
manding position on the right of the Second Corps, had
19
290 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
withstood the shock of the dreadful cannonade with
heroic fortitude, and watched the splendid advance of
the assaulting- column with eagerness and expectancy.
Major Hill, who was in command, encouraged the
men by his own coolness and intrepidity, and cautioned
them to reserve their fire until each shot could be
made to tell. The men obeyed, and emptying their
cartridge boxes and placing their ammunition on the
ledges of stone in front of them where they could the
more easily use it, they confidently awaited the ap-
proach of the attacking forces. The regiment was
armed with the smooth bore musket, and they used the
buck and ball cartridge, calibre sixty-nine, enabling
them to give a deadly fire at short range.
The unfortunate misunderstandings which had sep-
arated Pickett from his supports on the right and left
placed him in a perilous position. The ridge he now
essayed to reach was held by a line of men as
determined as himself and his brave Virginians. The
advocates of State Rights and Human Slavery, and the
defenders of National Unity and Freedom, were neither
disposed to flinch now that the contest had narrowed
to the space of a hundred yards. As Pickett moved
up the slope the men in blue shouted " Fredericks-
burg." Ominous word. The slaughter at the heights
of^St. Marye had not been forgotten, and the fate that
there befell Burnside's brave men in blue now awaited
the brave men in gray. Pickett's right flank exposed
itself as he advanced, to Stannard's Vermonters con-
cealed in the copse of trees, and Hancock at once
Marker i2Th Regt. N. J, Vols.
(At Bliss Barn.)
2g2 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
ordered them to move upon it. Stannard's men
poured a destructive fire into Armistead's ranks, and
disorganized, the brigade surged to the rear of Pickett,
which for a moment moved in the direction of Hays'
division. Armistead pushed his way through the mass
to the front, and then with a plunge Armistead, Kem-
per and Garnett's men, all in one confused crowd fell
upon the brigades of Hall and Harrow, and finally con-
centrated upon Webb,- where the mass swayed from side
to side like a huge wave seeking an outlet through an
opening too small for it. The fighting was now at close
quarters. Webb, heroic soldier that he was, gallantly
sought to stem the tide, but in vain. The enemy
pierced the centre, the artillery opened with canister
at point blank range, Hancock and Gibbon pushed
forward all their reserves, and Webb, Hall and
Harrow, had a desperate encounter with the enemy.
Gushing, of Battery A, Fourth United States Artillery,
advanced with his guns into the very midst of the
enemy, and Armistead rushing boldly up urged his
men to capture the battery. Inspired by the force of
his brave example a crowd broke through the lines of
Federals, and the gallant Gushing fired his last round
into their faces and himself expired from a mortal
wound previously received. Armistead had time only
to place his hands upon the guns when he fell dead by
Gushing's side. The loss of life had been dreadful on
the Gonfederate side. Armistead and Garnett had
been killed, Kemper badly wounded, and of the whole
number of field officers of the splendid division which
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 293
advanced so proudly and in such magnificent array
across the intervening fields, Pickett and a lieutenant-
colonel alone remained. Pickett was a most conspicu-
ous figure, and was in the fiercest of the fight. His
escape from death seems miraculous.
Pettigrew's command which moved out to take
position on Pickett's left, comprised the brigades of
Archer, Marshall, Davis and Brokenborough ; these
were followed by the brigades of Scales and Lane
under Trimble, who took position in rear of the right.
As Pickett made his left half-wheel, by which he
separated himself from Wilcox, his left was brought
nearer to Trimble, who hastened forward to close
up the interval while the left of the line slackened
its pace, thus changing the position of the attacking
force from a single line of battle, supported by the
two brigades of Scales and Lane, to a movement en
echelon, in the order of Archer, Marshall, Davis and
Brokenborough, with Scales and Lane in rear of
Archer and in line with Marshall, the right of Scales
extending beyond Archer's right. This part of the
attacking force bore directly toward Smyth's brigade
of Hays' division of the Second Corps, posted behind
the stone wall previously described. Colonel William
E. Potter, of the Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Vol-
unteers, in his masterly address at the dedication of
the monument of that regiment on the 26th of May,
1886, thus describes the advance and repulse of Petti-
grew's division :
" The brigade of Smyth, now about to receive this
2Q4 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
tremendous attack, was still posted as I have hereto-
fore stated. Our own regiment (the Twelfth New
Jersey) was its proper right. The strength of the
latter, as shown at the muster of June 30th, three
days before, was twenty-five officers and five hundred
and seven enlisted men present for duty, or a total of
five hundred and thirty-two. Despite the casualties
thus far it probably then had in line four hundred
men. It was armed with the Springfield smooth-bore
musket, calibre 69^a terrible weapon at close range.
The usual cartridge carried a large ball and three
buckshot, but many of the men, while awaiting the
enemy's advance, had opened their boxes and pre-
pared special cartridges of from ten to twenty-five
buckshot alone. It was the only regiment in the
division bearing the arm mentioned, and I doubt
whether anywhere upon that field a more destructive
fire was encountered than at the proper time blazed
forth from its front.
" The men were young, well disciplined, of respecta-
ble parentage, in comfortable circumstances and
almost solely of native birth. In the entire regi-
ment, as originally mustered, there were but seventy-
two men of foreign nativity, and these were almost
without exception faithful soldiers. The men had
the confidence of their officers, who were in turn
very generally trusted and respected by their men.
Of very much the same stock were the One Hundred
and Eighth New York, Fourteenth Connecticut and
First Delaware, as they then stood.
BVT. LIEUTENANT-COLONKL WiLLIAM E. POTTER,
Second Lieut. Company K, 12th Regt., N. J. Vols., Inf.
{From a Recent Pliotcgyaph.)
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
297
" The skirmishers along our front fell back before
the enemy's advance, and taking position in the
Emmetsburg road, fire with destructive effect ; they
are, however, soon driven in.
" The enemy's column first comes in contact with
the Eighth Ohio Volunteers, under command of Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Franklin Sawyer, who, with four com-
panies, deployed as skirmishers, supported them with
the remainder of the regiment as a reserve, to the
front of and somewhat to the right of V^oodrufl's
battery. Under the stringent orders of Colonel Car-
roll to hold their position to the last man, they had
maintained their post without relief since 4 p. m., of
the second of July ; having lost from their small
numbers, up to noon of the third, 4 men killed, and i
Captain, i Lieutenant, the Sergeant-Major and 38 men
wounded.
" As the enemy's column came on, according to
Colonel Sawyer's report, now ployed in mass with a
regiment in line upon its flank, that officer exhibits
brilliant soldiership. Instead of retiring his skirmish-
ers, he advances his reserve to their support, and
dispersing the enemy's regiment advancing in line, he
changes front forward upon his tenth company, closes
down upon the column itself, and opens a fierce fire
directly upon its flank. Though smitten deep, the
force of Sawyer was too light to stay the progress of
the heavy column, which swept onward with majestic
impetus to attack Smyth's* brigade. The Eighth
Ohio, however, captured a large number of prisoners
2g8 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
and three stands of colors, and its total loss during the
action was loi killed and wounded; including i
officer killed, and 9 officers, the sergeant-major, 2
orderly sergeants and 2 duty sergeants wounded.
" In our main line, to use the language of the official
report of General Hancock, the ' men evinced a
striking disposition to withhold their fire.' In our
own regiment they did so under the orders of Major
Hill, enforced by their company officers. The enemy
now reached the Emmetsburg road, the fences fall
before their pressure, and as they emerge into the
broad turnpike, Smyth's brigade rising to its feet
pours a terrific sheet of musketry into the column,
before which the whole front line seems to go down.
The masses in rear press on, but vainly strive to pass
the line of death marked by the road. The blazing
line of Smyth's brigade is in their front ; the Eighth
Ohio presses upon their left ; the guns of Woodruff
firing double charges of canister upon" their flank,
sweep down whole ranks at once. To advance is
.annihilation, to retreat is death. In vain do they make
the roost strenuous exertions to regain their lost
momentum ; in vain do their leaders, officers, color-
bearers, strong men, spring to the front and endeavor
to move the column forward or cause it. to deploy to
fire. These are instantly shot down ; and in less time
than I have taken to tell the story the whole of the six
brigades to the left of Pickett are either prone upon the
ground, or fleeing in disordered groups northward and
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
299
westward to escape the fire and to regain Seminary
Ridge.
" Just at the critical moment General Hays brought
forward from the rear the Third Brigade and formed
it in rear of the Twelfth New Jersey. These troops
did not, however, open fire, though they suffered con-
siderable loss, and one shell, it is said, exploding near
the colors of the One Hundred and Eleventh New
York, killed 7 men.
" In the height of the fight Lieutenant Richard H.
Townsend, of Cape May county, fell shot through the
heart. Promoted from the Tenth Regiment New
Jersey Volunteers, he had been able to join his new
command only three days before, and thus died in his
first battle.
" At least 2,000 prisoners and fifteen colors were
taken by Hays' division. Of the latter Smyth's bri-
gade took nine ; the Fourteenth Connecticut capturing
four, the First Delaware three, and the Twelfth New
Jersey two. The aggregate loss of the brigade in the
action was }^6(). The loss of the Twelfth New Jersey
was: killed, 2 officers and 21 men; wounded, 4 officers
and 79 men; missing, 9 men; an aggregate of 115,
about one-fourth of its total strength. The total loss
of the division in killed, wounded and missing
was 1,291.
" If I have made myself clear, it will thus be
perceived that Smyth's brigade, with Woodruff's
battery, not only checked the enemy's advance, but
practically destroyed his column. No portion of the
200 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
enemy's troops reached our line. One smooth-cheeked
lad, indeed, the leader of thousands, ran forward
through all that fire to fall dead and covered with
wounds within twenty feet of our colors. Another
reached the Byran barn, and from behind it, firing one
shot down our line, was killed by Color-Sergeant
Charles E. Cheeseman, a brave soldier, who, shot
through the body himself, died by my side at the field
hospital of the Wilderness, in May of 1864. -These two
men, like spra)^ driven from a wave, marked the
farthest limit of the enemy's advance in our front."
The disastrous fire from Hays' front threw the
attacking forces into the utmost confusion and dis-
order, and the troops of Scales and Archer who with-
stood the shock united with Pickett, but it was too
late, the force of the attacking column was spent, its
power broken, and those who could get back to
Seminary Ridge went there. Pickett's division was
practically annihilated. Out of the four thousand five
hundred men who advanced with him, not more than
one thousand returned.
Wilcox, on the right of Pickett who had become
separated from him on the advance, reached a position
in front of Birney's division of the Third Corps. With-
out any knowledge of the disaster which had befallen
Pickett on the left, he deployed his men ; but Stannard
who had returned to his place in the wood observed
Wilcox's position, and repeating the movement by
which he threw Armistead's line into confusion he
advanced two of his regiments on Wilcox's flank and
I
The General Line of Battle at the time of Pickett's Charge.
^02 ' NEW JERSEY TROOPS
poured an enfilading fire down his line. The sudden-
ness of this attack caused Wilcox to halt, and finding
himself assailed by Stannard on the left and by artillery
in front, he hastily departed with a loss of 200 of his
men.
When the enemy was forming for their charge
Battery "A," First New Jersey Artillery, Lieutenant
Augustin N. Parsons commanding, was ordered by
General Tyler, commanding the Artillery Reserve, to
advance to the support of the Second Corps, in accord-
ance with the instructions of General Hunt, chief of
artillery. Promptly at the word Parsons, and his
brave Germans who had distinguished themselves in
many fields of action with their beloved commander
Hexamer, moved into position along the Taneytown
road and by order of Captain R. H. Fitzhugh was
posted near the stone fence in front of General Webb's
position, on the left of Fitzhugh's battery (K, First
New York Artillery). "At this time," reported Fitz-
hugh, "the enemy were making a strong effort to
break the Second Corps line, their infantry having
charged up to the stone fence near a small wooded
knoll about seventy-five yards on my right, while their
artillery fire swept the ground occupied by the two
batteries. Just then there were no other batteries at
that point and there seemed to be a good deal of con-
fusion. The rebel artillery fire, from near a house and
barn, about one thousand yards on my left and front,
was especially severe, but soon materially slackened
and became very wild under a fire of percussion and
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 303.
time-shell from Battery 'K.' In the mean time Lieuten-
ant Parsons poured forty rounds of shrapnel into the
flank of the rebel infantry charging- the Second Corps,
and in about half or three-quarters of an hour the
enemy abandoned the attack on that point altogether.
" After a pause of about an hour the rebel infantry
began forming on the right of the house and barn
before spoken of while from the same quarter their
artillery opened upon us a brisk but poorly directed
and inefficient fire, to which, by direction of General
Hunt, I made no reply, but awaited the attack of
their infantry (Wilcox and Perry's brigades), who
soon charged over the open field toward some broken
ground, about five hundred yards on my left, as they
did so giving the two batteries an opportunity to pour
in an enfilading fire, which they did with great effect,
for the enemy did not reach the point but broke and
gave way in all directions when about the middle of
the field.
" Of the conduct of officers and men, both of Battery
* A ' First New Jersey Artillery, Lieutenant A. N.
Parsons commanding, and of 'K' First New York
Artillery, with Eleventh New York Battery attached,
I cannot speak too highly. Coming into position at a
critical point of the rebel charge on our centre and
under a galling fire, the guns were worked with great
deliberation and a most decided effect."
Batter)'^ " A " sustained a loss of 2 killed and 7
wounded ; 5 horses were killed and 200 rounds of
^Q . NE W J ERSE V TROOPS
ammunition expended, of which 120 rounds were
shrapnel and 80 shell.
The conduct of the Twelfth New Jersey Infantry was
also of the most exemplary character, and the reports
of all the superior officers, mention specificall}' their
brilliant achievements and the coolness and bravery
exhibited under the most trying- ordeal human nature
had ever been subjected to. Colonel Thomas A. Smyth,
commanding the brigade says : " The officers and
men behaved with the greatest coolness, and endured
this terrible fire with much fortitude. As the fire of
the enemy's batteries slackened their infantry moved
upon our position in three lines preceded by skirmish-
ers. * * * * Major John T. Hill, commanding
Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers, directed his men to
retain their fire during the charge of the enemy until
they were within twenty yards, when, at his command,
so tremendous a fire of buck and ball was poured into
their ranks as to render it impossible that one of them
could reach the breastworks."
The report of Lieutenant William E. Potter of the
Twelfth, whose duties as ordnance officer received
the warm commendation of General Hays, shows that
two thousand five hundred stand of arms were col-
lected, and that fully one thousand more were left
upon the field for want of time to gather them. The
number of prisoners General Hays estimates at 2,000.
The casualties of the Twelfth Regiment during the
two days were heavy. The loss sustained in charg-
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
305
ing the Bliss barn was severe, the total for the two
days being 115, as follows:
COMPANY A.
Killed — Private George H. Martin.
rP<??/';/c/rc/— Privates John S. Adams, James S. Butler,
Joseph S. Fletcher, Benjamin F. Guant, Isaac D. Jones,
Ira Knowlton, Joseph Morgan, Jr., David W. Scott,
Daniel Smalley, Adam Stormes, Thomas Whitzell.
COMPANY B.
Killed — Corporal Joseph B. Spachius ; Privates John
Bishop, Edward W. Coward, Samuel Piatt, William
H. Spencer.
Wounded — First Sergeant Henry P. Reed ; Privates
William L. Carty, Joseph H. Danley, Michael C.
Donegan, Samuel McCulloch, George H. Rhubart,
Edward Thomas, Charles D. F. Wilkie.
Missing — Privates Clark S. Champion (returned and
discharged), John Elliott (died at Annapolis, Maryland,
December 9, 1863), William G. Leak (returned and
discharged).
COMPANY C.
Killed — Second Lieutenant Richard H. Townsend.
Wounded — Privates Thomas Huttom, Charles Lex,
George H. Wood, William S. Woodward.
COMPANY D.
Wounded — Captain James McComb ; Privates
George W. Crumback, Enos Garrison, Robert Gant
2o6 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
(died at Field Hospital, July 3, 1863), Samuel Green,
Samuel L. Latcham.
COMPANY E.
Killed — Captain Charles K. Horsfall ; Privates
George Anderson, Isaac H. Copeland, James A. Riley.
Wounded—SGCond Lieutenant Stephen G. Eastwick ;
Corporal Thomas E. Prickett ; Privates Jacob Asay,
Matthew Cavanagh, Francis Haggerty, Joseph Meyers,
Seth C. Southard, Charles Sullivan, William Tozer.
COMPANY F.
Killed — Corporal William H. H. Stratton ; PVivates
George W. Adams, John Albright, William H.
Johnson.
Wounded — First Lieutenant John J. Trimble ; Cor-
poral Abel K. Shute (died at Hospital, Baltimore,
Mar34and, July 31, 1863); Privates Alfred Eastburn,
Joseph T. Garwood, John Grice, Joseph Jones, Wil-
liam H. Park, James K. Russell.
COMPANY G.
Killed — Privates John Conley, Thomas R. Middle-
ton, Thomas J. Rudrow.
Wounded — Sergeant Hiram Smith ; Corporal Charles
Mayhew ; Privates Edward L. Brick, Isaiah Groff,
Thomas M. Flarrison, William Herring (died at home.
May 20, 1864), Charles D. Husbands, Adam Jordan,
John H. Lamar, Aaron Parker, Nathan Parker,
Richard F. Plum.
Missing — Privates Edward H. Pancoast (returned
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
307
and discharg-ed April 5, 1865), John L. Severns
(returned and transferred to V. R. C, March 31, 1864).
COMPANY H.
Killed — Privates William S. Harker, Daniel Kiernan.
Wounded — Sergeants Alfred H. Brick, Clarkson Jen-
nings ; Corporals George A. Cobb, Edmund C. Tier ;
Privates David H. Atkinson, David Ballinger, Richard
Barnes, Isaac A. Dubois, James Lippincott, James
Magee, John Neusteal, Samuel L. Seran, James
Stretch, Charles String.
Missing — Private William L. Seran (returned and
commissioned in One Hundred and Twenty-first
United States Colored Troops).
COMPANY I.
Wounded — Captain Henry F. Chew ; Privates Jacob
Adams, Richard V. Fithian, John J. Hoffman, James
Horner, John Miller (3rd), John W. Niblick.
COMPANY K.
Killed — Privates Simon W. Creamer, Henry S.
Sockwell.
Wounded — Privates Daniel H. Carman (died at Field
Hospital July 3, 1863), William H. Dickeson, Charles
H. Simpkins, Bloomfield Spencer, Samuel Tomlinson.
Missing — Sergeant Aaron Terry (died at Anderson-
ville, Georgia, March 24, 1864); Privates Thomas C.
Galloway (died at Andersonville, Georgia, August 28,
1864), Theophilus Sutton (died at Andersonville,
Georgia, October 28, 1864).
^Qg NEW JERSEY TROOPS
RECAPITULATION.
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.
Officers 24—6
Enlisted Men 20 80 9 109
Total... 22 84 9 115
The following figures show the strength of the
Twelfth New Jersey Infantry Volunteers on the dates
named.
June 30, 1863: Officers. Men. Total.
For duty - 25 507 532
Total present 27 569 596
July 13, iSb3:
For duty - - 18 383 401
Total present 22 441 463
None of the other New Jersey regiments were
engaged in this defense of Cemetery Ridge. The
Eleventh with Carr's brigade had been ordered up to
the support of the line, but their services were not
called in requisition. The First New Jersey Brigade
was in reserve occupying a commanding position
watching the contest. They were under the orders of
General Newton* of the First Corps to whom they
* General John Newton, commanding First Army Corps, to whom
the First New Jersey Brigade was sent, reports as to the formation of
the line :
"The dawn of day (July 3) found the position of the First Corps as
follows : First Division on Culp's Hill; Second Division on Cemetery
Hill to support the Eleventh or Second Army Corps ; the Third
Division on the left centre adjoining Hancock. Between the left of the
Third Division and Sykes on the left — an interval of half a mile — there
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
309
had been sent as a reinforcement and ready for any
service.
The exhausted regiments of the Second New Jersey
Brigade were in reserve in rear of Caldwell's division,
and Clark's battery (" B " First New Jersey Artillery)
did not become engaged. The Thirteenth Regiment
lay in line of battle in McAllister's woods, and at five
o'clock with the One Hundred and Seventh New York
and two other regiments, all under command of
Colonel Carman of the Thirteenth proceeded at a
rapid pace to Rummel's farm to support Gregg's
cavalry in the fierce conflict there going on. With the
brilliant services of the First New Jersey Cavalry in
the contest with Stuart's proud horsemen. New Jer-
sey's record in the glories achieved on that historic
field will be completed.
On the second of July Pleasonton so distributed his
cavalry that Sickles was left dependent wholly upon
his own skirmish line for a knowledge of what was
going on upon his flank. Fortunately on the third
Kilpatrick took up position on the Union left with the
brigades of Farnsworth and Merritt, and moved
were no troops in position. I reported this fact to General Meade,
who authorized me to go to General Sedgwick and obtain troops from
him. While proceeding on this mission I encountered Caldwell's
division of the Second Corps, which I put in position on the left of the
Third Division, First Corps. General Sedgwick could only spare me
the First New Jersey Brigade, General Torbert, which was placed in
position on the left of Caldwell." General Newton also highly
compliments Lieutenant H. W. Jackson of the Fourth New Jersey, who
was acting aide-de-camp on his staff.
3IO
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
toward the Emmetsburg road, on which the Con-
federate trains were moving. This demonstration
commanded the attention of Law, who succeeded
Hood in command of his division, and he despatched
Robertson's brigade to intercept the movement.
Farnsworth charged the rebel infantry with great bold-
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ness, but the nature of the country with its numerous
fences furnished so many obstacles that he was driven
to bay, and suffered heavy loss. Farnsworth was
killed. Merritt on the Emmetsburg road encountered
Anderson's brigade, and he was also repulsed. The
cavalry was then re-united and posted to closely watch
the further movements of the enemy. This by-play
^-j^_i-i}Tuc: X'^i'-i-i*"^^-^:.;' >■■■■•■
Monument i2TH Regt. N. J. Vols., Inf.
^j2 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
was productive of one good result. It called from
Lee's army two brigades of infantry that otherwise
could have been of service in strengthening Pickett
when the attack upon the Union centre was ordered.
Stuart after receiving his instructions from Lee on
the afternoon of July i, ordered the concentration of
all his cavalry on the right of the Union army. Lee's
confidence in a victorious assault upon Meade's line is
clearly shown in the orders he gave to Stuart which
were to get around the Federal right, and take posi-
tion so as to strike their column in flank, in the event
of their retiring by way of Westminster. Stuart's
movement was discovered by General Howard who
reported to Meade that the enemy's cavalry in strong
force was moving to the right of the Federal line, and
General Gregg started with his cavalry to meet him.
The disposition by Stuart of his troopers was such
that Gregg saw his intentions, and posting the First
New Jersey Cavalry as mounted skirmishei-s to the
right and front in a wood, near the Bonaughtown
road, the Third Pennsylvania was deployed as dis-
mounted skirmishers to the left and front in the open
fields, and the First Maryland on the Hanover turnpike
to protect the right of his line. Stuart's force was
much larger than Gregg's, and he advanced in strong
force upon the latter. The firing of the skirmishers
grew in volume like that of a line of battle, and both
sides brought their artillery into play. Finally the
rebel horsemen mounted for the charge appeared,
and they galloped briskly forward, being met by the
IN THE GETl^YSBURG CAMPAIGN.
313
Seventh Michigan who were driven back. The First
Michigan in turn charged the victorious enemy and
drove them back to their original position. Charges
and counter-charges were made the enemy in every
instance being foiled, and as they withdrew from the
field to their left, the First New Jersey, posted in the
wood, gallantly and successfully charged the flank of
the column, driving them from the field. Chaplain
Pyne relates the following incident which occurred
during the fight :
" Sent forward as a forlorn hope, to give time for
the rest of the division to come up with unblown
horses, this little band of one hundred and fifty men,
by their undaunted bearing and steady fire, staggered
the troops that by a single charge could have ridden
over them. Refusing to dismount in spite of the
storm of bullets constantly whistling over our men,
Janeway rode from end to end of his line of skirmish-
ers, encouraging, warning and directing its every
portion — showing here as on many another field a
coolness and bravery that made him a marked man
among men. Advancing from point to point, heralding
each charge by a cheer which shook the enemy worse
than the bullets of their carbines, for more than a hun-
dred yards the First Jersey pushed their little line ;
and at last, with ammunition exhausted, they still
held their ground facing the rebels with their
revolvers. Then Janeway rode back to the reserve
and reported to Major Beaumont the condition of his
men, requesting ammunition and reinforcements. At
OI4 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Major Beaumont's request, Colonel Mcintosh ordered
another regiment to take the place of the First Jersey.
That regiment halted a hundred yards to the rear of
the line where the Jerseymen were stationed, and
would not advance any further, while the latter
resisted every effort to move them back. Presently
Colonel Mcintosh rode up to Major Beaumont sayings
'Major, where is your regiment?' 'On the skirmish
line, sir ! ' ' But I ordered them to be relieved.' ' The
other regiment cannot be got to relieve them ! ' 'I
will see about that,' said the Colonel ; ' recall your
men ! ' I have recalled them,' replied the Major, * and
they won't come.' Even Colonel Mcintosh failed to
get the relieving regiment up through the tremendous
fire to the position of the First Jersey ; old soldiers as
they were they could not calmly face it. x\t length,
however, the Third Pennsylvania came upon the line,
and the First Jersey was at liberty to retire from the
action. But no ! they sought every method to avoid
falling back. Borrowing ammunition from the Penn-
sylvanians, they kept their boldly won position, and
cheering like mad, defied the efforts of the enemy —
only a handful retiring, casting reluctant looks behind
as they went."
The charge by the New Jersey Cavalry — which the
historian of the regiment strangely omits all mention
of — was one of the most brilliant and effective exploits
during the day. General Gregg, commanding the
division, and General Pleasanton, of the Cavalry
Corps, both speak of it in their reports. There is no
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
315
official report from the officers of the regiment of its
services at Gettysburg, and none by the commander
of the brigade previous to July 4. The regiment sus-
tained a loss of 7 men woimded during the battle.
About eleven o'clock at night the brigade of infantry
from the Twelfth Corps under command of Colonel
Carman, appeared on the Hanover road, but their aid
was not required. The battle was over. Lee had
been defeated at every point, and sorrowfully he pre-
pared for the southward march, his men never more to
appear on Northern soil, except as men of peace, and
all American citizens under one flag and one govern-
ment.
The total casualties in New Jersey Regiments during
the two days they were engaged are given in the fol-
lowing table :
First New Jersey Cavalry
First New Jersey Artillery Bat. A.
First New Jersey Artillery Bat. B.
Fifth New Jersey Infantry
Si.xth New Jersey Infantry
Seventh New Jersey Infantry
Eighth New Jersey Infantry.
Eleventh New Jersey Infantry
Twelfth New Jersey Infantry
Thirteenth New Jersey Infantry
OFFICERS.
ENLISTED MEN.
"3
49
153
115
234
116
143
221
246
331
198
275
532
360
Total-
439 56 573 622 2656
The First New Jersey Brigade though not at any
time engaged in the battle sustained a few losses from
stray bullets and shells, and its detailed skirmishers
^j5 new jersey troops
also suffered somewhat. On the march back to
Virginia there were several skirmishes with the
enemy, the total casualties in the several regiments
being reported on July i8th as follows :
SECOND REGIMENT NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS.
Wo^inded—ZvXj 3d, 1863, at Gettysburg — Sergeant
William Duffy, Company C ; Charles Lenz, Gottfried
Schraitman, William Krauss, Frederick Imhaff, Com-
pany D ; Wallingsen Van Houten, Company I. On
skirmish line near Hagerstown, July 11, 1863 — Second
Lieutenant Johan J, G. Schmaltz, Corporal Ernest
Fischer. Total 8 wounded.
THIRD REGIMENT NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS.
Killed — Corporal Daniel Schuh, Company H, July 5,
1863, near Fairfield, Pa.
Wounded — Captain John Frantz, Company B, July
12, 1863, near Funkstown, Md.; John C. Martin, Com-
pany E, and Corporal Matthew H. Ivory, Company H,
both on July 3, near Gettysburg.
Total — I killed, 3 wounded.
FIFTEENTH REGIMENT NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS.
Wounded — At Gettysburg, July 3 — Isaac Cathrell,
Company A (died July 13th); Jacob B. Hendershot,
Company B ; John C. Conklin, Company K ; near
Funkstown, July 12 — Jacob O. Burdett and John
Ackerson, Company D. Total, 5 wounded.
Total losses for the First New Jersey Brigade —
killed, I ; wounded. 16.
CHAPTER XV.
AFTER THE BATTLE — SCENES ON THE FIELD— THE
CARE OF THE WOUNDED— EFFECT OF GENERAL
MEADE'S ORDER SENDING ALL WAGONS TO THE
REAR — PROMPT AND EFFECTIVE SERVICE AT THE
TWELFTH CORPS HOSPITAL — RETREAT OF LEE'S
ARMY AND THE PURSUIT.
THE battle of Gettysburg was a complete and
decisive victory for the Federal army. The
news of Lee's defeat was flashed across the con-
tinent the next morning — July 4th — and a few hours
later a dispatch from General Grant announcing the
capitulation of Vicksburg, filled the whole North with
rejoicing. Bells were rung, salutes fired, enthusiastic
greetings exchanged, public meetings held, and it is
safe to say that never before was there such a cele-
bration of the Nation's birthday as that of July 4th,
1863.
The scenes on the field of battle defy description.
Beginning on the right of the Union line, the dead
bodies of the enemy which lined Gulp's Hill from its
summit to the banks of Rock Creek presented a
harrowing sight. They were so close together that it
was impossible to walk over the ground without care-
full}^ selecting a spot for each step, and the broken
, J g NEW /ERSE Y TROOPS
muskets, straps, belts, clothing and implements of war-
fare which go to make up the debris of a battle-field,
presented a demoralizmg spectacle. Behind the rocks
and trees along the creek, and in the stone house from
which the enemy's sharpshooters did such effective
work in the ranks of the Thirteenth New Jersey and
Twenty-seventh Indiana regiments, the dead bodies
of several rebels were found, showing that the fire
from these regiments had done severe execution.
The rebel battery on Benner's Hill had met with
disaster. The dead bodies of the horses which were
killed by the fire of the batteries on Cemetery Hill,
lay where they fell, while the newly-made graves to
the rear marked the last resting places of the brave
men who manned the guns. Two disabled caissons
remained, further evidences of the destructive and
accui-ate fire of the Union batteries. In front of the
ridge which connects Gulp with Cemetery Hill,
where the Louisiana Tigers made their heroic but fatal
charge similar scenes were witnessed, but across the
open country in front of the line of the Second and
Third Corps, the sights beggared description. Dead
and bloated horses, the disfigured bodies of hundreds of
brave soldiers, abandoned material of every kind con-
ceivable met the eye in all directions. Along Sickles'
angle, in the Peach Orchard and beyond, over the
wheat-field and among the rocks of the Devil's Den,
blue bodies and gray were intermingled. Under the
porches — and even under the houses themselves —
wounded men had crawled to escape the dreadful hail
^2o NEW JERSEY TROOPS
of leaden missiles, only to die of neglect. It was such
a sight as only the destroying angel could reproduce,
and it told of the horrors of war, as only a battle-field
can tell it. But these mortifying bodies could not be
permitted to remain. Details of men, with shovels and
picks were seen moving over the field. Wide trenches
were at first dug and the dead placed side by side and
covered up, a board with the number of bodies
buried, being placed at the head of the mound. In
the case of Union men who were buried by details
from their own regiments, the board would be marked
with the name and company of the dead soldier, but it
happened in many cases that the dead of one regiment
were buried by details from other regiments, and thus
came about the long list of " Unknown " dead, whose
bodies were afterward transferred to the National
Cemetery. The number of bodies to be buried was so
large that trenches could not be dug for all, and as a
matter of sanitary policy, it became necessary to
simply cover them where they lay with earth, and in
that manner hundreds were disposed of.
The care of the wounded was however the most
important duty. The Medical Director of the army
had made ample and complete arrangements for the
establishment of field hospitals, but the trains with the
necessary supplies were not permitted to come nearer
the battle-field than Taneytown, and on July 2d all
trains were ordered by General Meade still farther to
the rear — to Westminster — twenty-five miles from the
riV 7 HE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
321
battle-field. '^ The effect of this order was to deprive
the Medical Department of the means for taking
proper care of the wounded until the result of the
engagement of the second and third days of July was
fully known. In most of the corps the wagons exclus-
ively used for medicines moved with the ambulances,
so that the medical officers had a sufficient supply of
dressings, chloroform, and such articles until the
wagons could come up, but the tents and other appli-
ances were not available until July 5th, and though
this was a disobedience of orders, yet it produced
such excellent results that the Medical Director of
the army quotes approvingly from the report of
Medical Director McNulty of the Twelfth Corps,
who says: "It is with extreme satisfaction that I
can assure you that it enabled me to remove the
wounded from the field, shelter, feed them, and dress
their wounds within six hours after the battle ended,
and to have every capital operation performed within
twenty-four hours after the injury was received."
Medical Director Letterman says of this: "I can, I
think, safely say that such would have been the result
in other corps had the same facilities been allowed — a
result not to have been surpassed, if equaled, in any
battle of magnitude that has ever taken place."
The following interesting account of the hospital
work of the Twelfth Corps, is from one of the promi-
nent surgeons of the First Division :
*Report of Jonathan A. Letterman, Medical Director.
21
322
NEW JERSEY TROOPS
" The Twelfth Corps Field Hospital was first located
in the rear of Power's Hill, but after being shelled
out on the afternoon of July second was permanently
located (by Surgeon J. McNulty, medical director
of the corps, and Surgeon A. Chapel, chief medical
officer of the First Division), on a farm owned, I think,
by G. Bushman, situated or lying on Rock Creek, near
a cross road running from the Baltimore pike to the
Taneytown road, some two or two and one-half miles
from the town of Gettysburg. The farm house was
used as a dining place for the surgeons and attendants,
and the female portion of the farmer's family were
kept busy in the preparation and serving of food. The
large barn was utilized for shelter for as many of the
wounded as it would hold, and hospital tents were
put Up in rows on each side of an imaginary street
running up in the field north from the barn. The
tents on the west side of the street were alloted to the
Second Division, and those on the east side to the
First Division. Surgeon H. E. Goodman, Twenty-
eighth Pennsylvania, was placed in charge of the
Second Division, and Surgeon J: J. H. Love, Thir-
teenth New Jersey Volunteers, had the care of the
First Division. In the First Division the chief opera-
tors were Surgeons W. C. Rodgers, Forty-sixth Penn-
sylvania ; W. C. Burnett, Fifth Connecticut, and W.
H. Twiford, Twenty-seventh Indiana. While in the
Second Division Surgeons J. A. Ball, Fifth Ohio ; A.
K. Fifield, Seventh Ohio, and E. L. Dunn, One Hun-
dred and Ninth Pennsylvania, were assigned to similar
John J. H. Love,
Surgeon-in-Chief 3d Brigade, ist Division, 12th Corps.
Surgeon 13th Regiment, N. J. Vols., Inf.
{FroD! a War-Tinie FhotografiJi .)
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 325
duty. To keep the records, provide shelter and food
was assigned to Surgeons R. T. Paine, Twenty-eighth
New York; J. A. Freeman, Thirteenth New Jersey;
Geo. W. Burke, Forty-sixth Pennsylvania ; E. L. Bes-
5ell, Fifth Connecticut ; W. T. Tibbals, Fifth Ohio,
and C. H. Lord, One Hundred and Seventh New York.
" During the evening of July second the wounded
began to arrive, and all that night and the next day
until afternoon late the ambulances were constantly
bringing in loads of wounded men. First Lieuten-
ant George M. Hard, Thirteenth New Jersey Volun-
teers, had charge of the ambulance train of the First
Division. My records state that about six hun-
dred (600) wounded were brought to the hospital.
These were sheltered, their wounds dressed, all
necessary operations performed, and everything fixed
up in good condition by Sunday afternoon, July
fourth. Then the army having left the vicinity,
Surgeon H. E. Goodman with twelve assistant
surgeons and the necessary number of hospital stew-
ards and nurses were detailed to take charge of the
hospital, and the balance of the surgeons mount-
ing their horses took a hasty gallop over the battle-
field and rejoined their respective commands late
that night at Littlestown, Pennsylvania. Surgeon
Freeman and Hospital Steward Albert Delano, of the
Thirteenth New Jersey Volunteers, were among those
left behind to assist in caring for the wounded.
. "The facility and despatch shown by the surgeons of
the Twelfth Corps in caring for their wounded at this
,26 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
battle, was the result of a disobedience of or a neglect
to obey an order issued by General Meade on July first,
reducing the medical transportation and sending all
trains, except ammunition wagons and ambulances, to
the rear, somewhere between Union Mills and West-
minster. The medical department of the Twelfth
Corps had its full allowance of supplies on hand ready
for use, and was the only corps in the Army of the
Potomac that had.
"During the memorable cannonade on the afternoon
of July third, the surgeons and attendants became so
excited that all, for a time, left their work and crowded
the top of a knoll in rear of the hospital, from which a
view could be had towai-d our line of battle. The
roar was terrific ; the ground under us trembled ; all
knew that the great crisis in the history of the Army
of the Potomac and that of Northern Virginia had
come ; that one or the other must conquer or be
defeated, and all understood what the consequences
would be in either event. The bursting shell comes
nearer. Look! there falls one in the field across the
road from us. The roar increases. The shell rain on
that ploughed field, hurling its loose dirt in great
masses skyward. The enemy must be driving our
troops, or else secured a more favorable position for
one of their batteries. See, there ! the Second Corps
Hospital, between us and Little Round Top, is under
fire, and they must move, and that quickly. Men,
wounded and otherwise, ambulances, hospital wagons,
mules, led horses, servants, surgeons, all come hurrying
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
m
through the fields under that shell fire. How soon
will our turn come ? The cannonade begins to slacken
and die out, and in a little while come the rattle and
steady roar of musketry. Which side holds its own ?
No ambulances come in ; no messengers from the
front ; no stragglers can be seen pouring over the hill,
as on the previous afternoon when the Third Corps
was fighting its great battle. The minutes seem hours.
Presently an orderly is seen hurrying across the fields.
We call him to us and eagerly ask what news from the
front. ' The Union lines stand firm/ he shouts. Each
man breathes a silent prayer of thanks to God, and
then with three cheers for General Meade and the
Army of the Potomac all return to their work."
The number of wounded who were cared for by the
medical director of the Army of the Potomac was
14,193, and Confederates 6,802 — a total of 20,995.
These figures include the Federal wounded of July i,
who fell into Union hands on the 4th.
The wounded from other corps suffered dreadfully.
During the morning of July 4th a heavy rain fell — an
occurrence which seemed to succeed ever}' great battle,
and hundreds of disabled soldiers were without shelter,
and unable to reach any. The water in Rock Creek
rose to a considerable height and in immense volume
rushed southward with great force, in several instances
carrying down with it the wounded men along its
banks who were unable to move to higher ground, and
some were drowned. The effect of the rain upon the
^28 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
dead bodies of men and horses lying on the field was
ghastly — but it would be painful to particularize.
The town of Gettysburg had not suffered much in a
material sense. • The enemy occupied it, and this saved
it from the terrible effects of a cannonade from that
side. Its residents were Union people and no attempt
therefore to shell the rebel lines there was made by
Meade. But occasionally a cannon ball penetrated the
town and in two instances houses were pierced, the
balls remaining imbedded in the brick walls where
they can now be seen.
On the morning of July fourth about eight o'clock
the Thirteenth New Jersey Regiment rejoined its
corps and with them went on a reconnoissance over
the enemy's position on the Union right. They found
no signs of Ewell's troops, that officer having retired
the night before, and passing through Gettysburg
formed a new line with Lee's army, along the ridge of
Seminary Hill. Meade did not attempt a counter-
charge after the fight on the third. General Han-
cock, when wounded, had suggested it, but Lee had
been given too much time to prepare for defence.
On the evening of the third of July Meade sent for-
ward a body of troops to feel the enemy, who
speedily withdrew, and at a council of his corps
commanders that night it was decided not to at-
attack Lee, nor to follow the same route, if he
retired. It was not at all clear to Meade's mind
that Lee was so badly punished that he was not able
to outnumber him, and taking the benefit of the
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
329
doubt, he waited to ascertain what Lee intended
doing. That officer however was preparing for his
march back to Virginia, and taking advantage of
Meade's inaction had covered a long distance before
the Army of the Potomac moved. Lee had the
shorter and more direct route to the Potomac and his
advance had reached the river several days ahead of
his pursuers, but the heavy rains had so swollen the
stream that he could not replace the bridges that had
been swept away. It was the twelfth of July before
Meade confronted him in line of battle and on the
night of the thirteenth unmolested Lee crossed over
into Virginia. A few of his rear guard were captured
the next morning by Union cavalry, but Lee, with all
his plunder, had escaped. The Army of the Potomac
recrossed into Virginia and no engagement of any
importance took place between the two armies. There
was a good deal of lively skirmishing between the
cavalry. On the fifth of July the First New Jersey
had a sharp engagement in the mountain passes north
of Emmetsburg, and again on the sixth, Lieutenant
Thomas S. Cox receiving a bad wound. On the
fourteenth the regiment had an encounter with the
Twelfth Virginia and captured its colonel. Affairs of
this kind occupied the attention of the cavalry daily,
but aside from these nothing of moment occurred on
the march.
The Comte de Paris who has made an exhaustive
research among the figures presented by both armies
sums up the effective strength during the battle to be :
230 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
For the Army of the Potomac from eighty-two to
eighty-four thousand men ; army of Northern Virginia
from sixty-eight to sixty-nine thousand men, actually
upon the field of battle. The losses were enormous
for the number of combatants engaged, amounting to
twenty-seven per cent, for the Union army and thirty-
six per cent, for the Confederates.
The losses in officers in both armies were heavy.
On the Union side were Major- General Reynolds, and
Brigadier-Generals Vincent and Weed, killed ; Major-
Generals Sickles, Hancock, Doubleday, Gibbon, Bar-
low, Warren and Butterfield, and Brigadier-Generals
Graham, Paul, Barnes, Brooke and Webb, wounded.
. The rebels lost in killed Generals Armistead, Barks-
dale, Garnett, Pender, Semmes and Pettigrew (during
the retreat) ; and Generals Anderson, Hampton, Hood,
Jenkins, Jones, Kemper and Scales, wounded. The
rebel General Archer was captured on July ist.
The list of officers of lower rank would fill a page.
The death of Hazlett and Gushing of the artillery
service, and of Colonels Rorty, Sherrill, Zook, Cross
and Willard, of the infantry each signify especially
heroic services rendered most opportunely, and under
circumstances of the most exalting nature.
The success of the Union arms at Gettysburg did for
the cause of humanity precisely what the Declaration
of Independence did for mankind in 1776. The latter
was the protest of a misgoverned people against the
encroachments of kingly rule upon their rights and
privileges ; the battle of Gettysburg proclaimed the
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
331
dawn of liberty to an enslaved race and exhibited
to the world the sublime spectacle of a nation of
freemen determined that every one within its borders
should have that liberty which the Declaration
of Independence proclaimed to be the inalienable
right of all men. The war for the Union, fitst begun
by the slaves States of the South, was waged on the
part of the government for national preservation, but
when President Lincoln issued his Proclamation of
Emancipation, the contest took on a new phaise, and
slavery was doomed to eternal destruction by the
success of the national arms. How eloquently Presi-
dent Lincoln drew the picture in his dedicatory address
at Gettysburg — a speech immortalized as a master-
piece of English composition, in the breadth of thought
as well as in the beauty of expression which character-
izes it :
'' Fourscore and seven years ago, our fathers brought
forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in
liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men
are created equal. Noav, we are engaged in a great
civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation,
so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We
are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have
come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final rest-
ing-place for those who here gave their lives that the
nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper
that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we
cannot dedicate — we cannot consecrate — we cannot
hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead,
332 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little
note nor long remember what we say here, but it
never can forget what they did here. It is for us the
living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished
work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly carried on. It is rather for us to be here dedi-
cated to the great task remaining before us- -that from
these honored dead we take increased devotion to that
cause for which they gave the last full measure of
devotion. That we here highly resolve that these
dead shall not have died in vain ; that this nation,
under God, shall have a new birth of freedom ; and
that the government of the people, by the people, and
for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
■•! ■«!/<* V^
CHAPTER XVI.
ORGANIZATION OF THE GETTYSBURG BATTLE-FIELD
COMMISSION — A RECORD OF ITS WORK — DESCRIP-
TION OF THE MONUMENTS. .
F(^R several years efforts had been made to enlist
-the sympathies of the survivors of New Jersey
regiments for the purpose of securing the erec-
tion of monuments to mark the position occupied
by each of them on Gettysburg battle-field. For a
long time little progress was made, until at a meeting
of the Eighth Regiment Association a bill was pre-
pared and presented to the Legislature for State aid in
the work of erecting monuments, which was enacted
into a law. The Twelfth New Jersey Regiment
previous to this with commendable promptness and
energy went voluntarily to work to procure a monu-
ment for themselves and were the first New Jersey
organization to erect and dedicate a monument on the
battle-field.
In 1885 the Legislature passed the bill entitled "An
act to provide for the erection of suitable monuments
to mark the position of New Jersey regiments upon
the battle-field of Gettysburg," which provided for the
appointment by the Governor of three commissioners,
to be known as " the Gettysburg Battle-field Commis-
-,^4 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
sion of New Jersey," and empowering them to call to
their aid one officer or enlisted man who was present
at the battle of Gettysburg, from each New Jersey
regiment and battery there engaged, to assist them in
locating the lines and positions occupied by their respec-
tive regiments and batteries. This bill became a law on
May 27, 1886, and the Governor subsequently appointed
the following Commissioners : Colonel James N. Duffy
of Newark, Honorable William H. Corbin of Elizabeth
and Honorable Gottfried Kreuger of Newark. The
Commissioners organized by the selection of Colonel
Duffy for president and Honorable William H. Corbin
as Secretary. , In accordance with that provision of the
law which authorized the selection of representatives
of the several regiments and batteries engaged at
Gettysburg, to aid in locating the sites of their
respective commands, the following were selected by
the commission :
First Infantry — First Sergeant William Brant.
Second Infantry — Surgeon Lewis W. Oakley, Lieu-
tenant Joseph Donovan.
Third Infantry — First Sergeant A. W. Cattell.
Fourth Infantry^ — John P. Beech.
Fifteenth Infantry — Corporal Jacob Reidinger.
Fifth Infantry — Colonel William J. Sewell.
Sixth Infantry — Joseph Smith.
Seventh Infantry — First Sergeant W. H. H. Condit,
Theodore Searing.
Eighth Infantry — Sergeant Benjamin Murphy.
i
GETTYSBURG BATTLE-FIELD COMMISSION OF NEW JERSEY
Col. James N. Duffy, President.
Hon. William H. Corbin, Secretary. Hon. Gottfried Krueger.
^-,5 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Eleventh Infantry— Frank P. Mulcahy.
Twelfth Infantry — Sergeant James White.
Thirteenth Infantry — Samuel Toombs.
First Cavalry — Lieutenant George A. Bowne.
Battery " B," First Artillery — Captain A. Judson
Clark.
The Commission, with these representatives, visited
the Gettysburg battle-field on the first of July follow-
ing and selected the positions for the monuments to the
several regiments. When the expenses of the trip were
defrayed and the payment to the Gettysburg Battle-
field Memorial Association of $3,000 was made, it was
found that but $370 remained for each regiment and
battery with which to erect a monument.
The Thirteenth New Jersey Regiment held its first
reunion since the war at Orange on October 13th
following, and appointed a committee on monument
which promptly organized and submitted a design for
the approval of the Commission. As the cost was to
be two thousand dollars, and the State appropriation
was only three hundred and seventy dollars, the Com-
mission approved the design, the committee of the
Thirteenth Regiment becoming responsible for the
balance of the money. This was the first monument
erected and dedicated by the State Commission.
In 1886 and 1887 the act creating the Commission
was amended by increasing the amount to be appropri-
ated to each regiment and battery to nine hundred and
fifty dollars each, and this sum was increased to one
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 337
thousand dollars by voluntary subscriptions from a few
public-spirited and patriotic gentlemen.
The Commission presented its first report to the
Legislature of 1887, wherein is set forth the several
locations as agreed upon, and which will be found
marked on the map accompanying this book.
The work of the Commission has been most admira-
bly performed, and the greatest care has been exer-
cised that in every particular, the foundations, material
and workmanship shall be of the very best, and the
most durable in quality. These stones are not erected
for a day but for all time and they will stand for
centuries silent monitors of the greatest battle of
modern times ; and coming generations will read the
mscriptions engraved on them with mingled feelings
of curiosity and respect for the valor of the men who
so stubbornly fought on that bloody field for the integ-
rity of the Republic and the rights of mankind.
THE MONUMENTS.
TWELFTH NEW JERSEY INFANTRY.
The handsome stone which commemorates the
services of the members of this regiment in their
gallant defense of Cemetery Ridge on the third day
of July, was erected by private subscription among
the members of the regiment and their friends, and
was the first of the New Jersey monuments put up.
As early as 1882, members of the regiment interested
themselves in the work, and at the annual meeting of
22
o^8 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
the Society of the Twelfth Regiment New Jersey
Volunteers in 1883, a monument committee, compris-
ing Comrades Joseph Burroughs, Frank M. Acton
and James S. Kiger, was appointed. At the next
meeting in 1884, the committee was enlarged by the
appointment of Comrades H. F. Chew and George
Danenhower. Under the active surpervision of this
committee the necessary funds were raised and on the
26th of May, 1886, the monument was formally dedi-
cated. Captain F. M. Riley of Bridgeton, the Presi-
dent of the Association presented the monument to the
Gettysburg Battle- Field Memorial Association and
it was accepted by the Secretary, J. M. Krauth, Esq.
Colonel William E. Potter, who was Second Lieu-
tenant of Company K at the time of the battle,
delivered the oration.
The monument is constructed of Richmond granite,
a very durable stone, and is twelve feet six inches in
height. It is located in the centre of the position
occupied by the regiment, and is one of the most
prominent in the whole line. The base of the monu-
ment is four feet. eight inches square, and two feet
high with sides rustic-dressed. The sub-base is three
feet eight inches square and eighteen inches high, fine
hammered, and containing this inscription : " 2d Brig.
3d Div. 2d Corps," on three of its sides. The die is
two feet eight inches square by four feet ten inches in
height, polished on the two faces fronting Round Top
avenue and inscribed as follows ; On first face :
/^[i^&K§^i?itftM
&
$Mmsiu:ikmm%:ma:Jii^tMlll:.'%^^^^^^^^^
^.Q NEW JERSEY TROOPS
" In memory of the men of the Twelfth Regiment
New Jersey Infantry Volunteers, who fell upon this
field July 2d and 3d 1863, and who elsewhere died
under the flag, this monument is dedicated by their
surviving comrades as an example to future genera-
tions."
On the second face :
" Buck and Ball
calibre 69."
" Tliis regiment made two separate charges on the
Bliss barn and captured it."
The capstone is three feet two inches square by two
feet high, upon each face of which has been placed the
badge of the Second Corps, the Trefoil, raised and
polished.
The capstone is surmounted by a pedestal upon
which is a representation of the missiles so effectively
used by the regiment in repelling the charge of the
enemy — buck and ball. The monument was con-
structed by Mr. Michael Reilly of Camden, N. J., and
cost entire $1,000.00.
TWELFTH REGIMENT MARKER.
Under the provisions of the law by which the New
Jersey Gettysburg Battle-Field Commission are gov-
erned, the Twelfth Regiment was entitled to a monu-
ment by the State, and the Commission very wisely
determined to place a substantial marker on the site
of the Bliss barn, in the capture of which the Twelfth
had performed one of the most daring and heroic acts
nv THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. ■ 341
which characterized the battle. The site of the Bliss
barn had been purchased by the Fourteenth Con-
necticut Regiment, who also charged upon the enemy
secreted there, and burned it, but they generously
accorded to the State Commission the right to put a
marker there for the l^welfth Regiment. This marker
or tablet is one massive piece of Quincy granite, ten
feet three inches long, three feet nine inches wide and
two feet thick, extending into the ground five feet, and
weighs about eight tons, and was constructed by Messrs.
Frederick & Field, of Quincy, Mass. The part above
the ground measures five feet three inches in height.
The stone is in the form of a tablet and base combined,
cut solid, and the upper part is polished front and back
and suitably inscribed. On the slant, or top, are two
crossed bayonets, carved, and corps badge laid on top»
face of same polished. Also '' 12th N. J. Vols," in
raised and bold face letters. On front is the following
inscription :
" Erected by the State of New Jersey, 1888, in honor
of the 1 2th Regiment of Volunteers, a detachment of
which in the afternoon of July 2, 1863, charged the
Bliss house and barn here, capturing the enemy's
skirmish reserve of 7 officers and 85 men stationed
therein."
On the rear of the tablet is the following :
" On the morning of July 3 another detachment of
the regiment charged, capturing the buildings, one
officer and one m:in, and driving back the skirmish
reserve. The regiment lost in their charges 60 officers
and men."
342 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
THIRTEENTH NEW JERSEY INFANTRY.
The beautiful memorial stone of the Thirteenth
Regiment was the second New Jersey monument
erected on the battle-field, and the first in which the
State Commission was officially interested. This regi-
ment manifested a very marked interest in the work of
the Commission, and in the erection of its monument.
At a meeting of the Regimental Association in Septem-
ber, 1886, a monument committee, comprising the fol-
lowing members of the association was appointed : F.
H. Harris, A. M. Matthews, J. J. H. Love, Albert
Delano, Samuel Toombs, John Grimes, W. S. Clarke,.
M. Conners, Charles Webber, D. A. Ryerson, G. W.
Lawrence, W. B. Jacobus, William H. Pridham,^
Andrew Jackson, Jacob White, Joseph E. Crowell,
Ogden Foxcroft, Charles A. Hopkins. The committee
worked so faithfully and diligently that by the next
July — but ten months from the time of their appoint-
ment—they had secured enough funds which, added to
the State appropriation, enabled them to dedicate the
monument with appropriate ceremonies on July i,
1887, addresses being made by Major-General Henry
W. Slocum, His Excellency Governor Robert S.
Green, Honorable William H. Corbin, Adjutant-Gen-
eral W. S. Stryker, Captain A. M. Matthews and Dr.
J. J. H. Love.
The monument stands on a knoll in an open space in
McAllister's woods, directly overlooking Rock Creek,
the site being, as near as could be determined, exactly
where the colors of the regiment stood on the third
day of July, 1863. The monument is a tablet-shaped
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN,
343
bowlder, seven feet high, five feet nine inches across
the face, two feet ten inches thick at bottom, tapering
to two feet in thickness at the top, and was constructed
by the Smith Granite Company of Boston, Mass. This
tablet rests on a granite support six feet six inches
broad at the base, three feet in height and four feet
thick, all supported by a rock foundation made of
broken stone and Portland cement. The excavation
for the foundation is six feet in depth below the
original ground surface, and the stone work has been
carried up four feet above the ground line. This pro-
tects it absolutely from frost, and as there are but two
immense stones in the monument itself it will require
an extraordinary revulsion of nature to disturb it.
The four feet of foundation above the ground surface
has been concealed from view by mounding it over and
sodding it carefully. The entire height of monument
above original ground line is fourteen feet. The height
of monument proper ten feet. On the easterly face of
the stone is carved a figure, life-size, of a soldier kneel-
ing and in the act of firing. He is represented as in
the woods, his haversack and canteen at the foot of a
tree, and all the detail of uniform and equipments faith-
fully portrayed. Across the stone is the legend :
" 13 New Jersey Vols." The inscription on the
western face is as follows :
13TH Regiment, N. J. Volunteers,
3D BRIGADE, 1ST DIVISION, I2TH CORPS.
Thirteenth Regiment, N. J. Volunteers, reached this
battle-field 5 P. M. July i, 1863, and with the brigade
-^ NEW JERSEY TROOPS
went into position on the north side of Wolf Hill.
During the night occupied a position in support of
Battery M., First N. Y. Artillery. July 2, in morning,
held position near. Gulp's Hill ; in afternoon marched
to relief of Third Corps near Round Top; at night
returned to right of the army. July 3d occupied posi-
tion marked by this monument, supporting Second
Massachusetts and Twenty-seventh Indiana in their
charge on Confederate flank. In evening moved to
extreme right to support Gregg's Cavalry.
Killed and mortally wounded, 2; wounded, 19.
Mustered in August 25, 1862. Discharged June 8,
1865.
ENGAGEMENTS :
Antietam, I862. Nancy's Creek, 1864.
Chancellorsville, 1863. Peach-Tree Creek, 1864.
Gettysburg, 1863. Siege of Atlanta, 1864.
Resaca, 1864. March to the Sea, 1864.
Cassville, 1864. Siege of Savannah, 1864.
Dallas, 1864. Averysboro, 1865.
Kulp's Farm, 1864. Bentonville, 1865.
Total losses during the war : Killed or Died of
Wounds, 75. Died of Disease and in Prison, 43.
Wounded, 244. Total, 362.
FIRST BRIGADE MONUMENT.
[First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifteenth Regiments
Infantry?)
The monument erected to the First New Jersey
Brigade is one of the most conspicuous objects on the
battle-field. It represents a watch-tower and is forty
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
345
feet in height, being constructed mainly of battle-field
granite — a dark colored and exceedingly hard stone^ —
the trimmings being of light granite. At the base the
monument is eight feet thick and in the entablature in
front the inscription is placed. The Sixth Corps
badge — a Greek cross — is cut in the stone above and
the fluted columns on each side give it the appearance
of being an entrance way to the interior. Bronze
medallions of General Philip Kearny, who organized
the brigade, and of General A. T. A. Torbert, who
commanded it at Gettysburg, are conspicuously
placed, one on each side. A carved stone, weighing
several tons, containing the State arms and the number
by which each regiment was known, the figures being
interlaced with leaves and vines, is one of the attractive
features of this handsome design. While this tower
marks the position of the brigade on the third day of
July, each regiment has separate markers designating
their position, the marker for the Fourth Regiment
being placed a little south of Power's Hill, that regi-
ment having been on duty with the division trains
during the battle. The brigade monument was de-
signed by, and the contract awarded to, the New
England Monument Company of 1321 Broadway,
New York. The monument bears the following
inscriptions :
Front :
First Brigade, New Jersey Volunteers.
Brig.-Gen. Alfred T. A. Torbert.
(ist 2d 3d 4th and 15th Regiments Infantry).
1st Brig. I St Div. 6th Corps.
•546 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
July 2 in reserve. July 3 and 4, detached from the
Corps, held this position.
Erected by the State of New Jersey, A. D. 1888, in
testimony of the patriotism, courage and patient
endurance of her volunteer soldiers.
Rear :
"Kearny's New Jersey Brigade"
Fought in all the important battles of the Army of
the Potomac from May 1861 to the end of the war at
Apommattox Court House in 1865.
Total Strength 13,805, including loth, 23d and 40th
Regiments of New Jersey Volunteers which were
attached to the Brigade.
FIFTH NEW JERSEY INFANTRY.
This monument located on the west side of the
Emmetsburg road, just south of the Rogers house
is a massive and enduring structure, and is made
of Hallowell, Me., granite. The base is six feet square,
and the total height fifteen feet six inches, and weighs
about fifteen tons. The die or lettered piece of monu-
ment rests on two bases and contains the following
inscriptions :
Front :
5 New Jersey Vols.
CoL William J. Sewell.
3d Brig. 2d Div. 3d Corps.
July 2, 1863.
Left side :
The Regiment first held the skirmish line 400 yards
to the front and left of this spot, and afterwards to
position in the line of battle here.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
347
Right side :
Losses — Killed, i8; wounded, 60 ; missing, 16; total,
94, being one-half the number engaged.
On a polished band on front of second base or
plinth in raised letters the legend :
Erected by the State of New Jersey, 1888.
Mustered in August 22, 1861.
Consolidated with 7th Regiment N. J. Vols.
Nov. 6. 1864.
Engaged in 32 battles.
The shaft has an emblem carved in high relief, con-
sisting of two muskets, cartridge box and belt, with a
laurel wreath at the stocks, enclosing a large figure 5
in centre. These military accoutrements are full size
and modeled from the actual implements, being cor-
rect in every detail. The neck of the shaft has a band
of thirteen polished face stars raised above the surface.
The monument is finished with an appropriate cap,
and is an imposing and handsome structure. The
design and the work is by Messrs. Frederick & Field
of Quincy, Mass.
SIXTH NEW JERSEY REGIMENT.
This monument, erected near the Devil's Den, is of
the obelisk style and is composed of four pieces. It
measures five feet six inches square at the bottom and
stands nineteen feet high. On front of the second base
or plinth is carved on the stone the corps badge, the
^^g NE W J ERSE Y TROOPS
face of which is highly polished. On this rests the die
piece each side of which is polished, and contains the
following inscriptions :
Front :
6th New Jersey Volunteers.
Lieut. Col. S. R. Gilkyson.
3d Brig. (Burling's)
2d Div. 3d Corps.
Erected by State of New Jersey 1888.
Right :
Engaged here July 2, 1863, being detached from
the Brigade.
Supported batteries on Cemetery Ridge, July 3.
Losses — Killed, 5 ; wounded, 29; missing, 7. Total, 41.
Left:
Mustered in Aug. 19, 1861.
Consolidated with 8th Regt. N. J. V. Oct. 12, 1864.
Engaged in 30 battles.
The top of the die is heavily moulded and on front is
a finely carved United States shield. Around the top
of the die under the moulding is a row of carved rifle
balls. On the die rests the obelisk having on its front
two crossed muskets and a wreath of laurel finely
carved in bold relief. The monument is constructed of
the best quahty of selected Barre granite and weighs
about twelve tons. Messrs. Frederick & Field are the
contractors and makers.
MONUMKNT HAirKKV B, 1 ST N. J. Akt.
(ClarkV Hattery.)
ocQ NEW JERSEY TROOPS
SEVENTH NEW JERSEY INFANTRY.
The stone which marks the heroic services of this
regiment is unique in character and different from any.
thing else on the field. It is a correct representation
of a minie ball, and is of mammoth proportions, and
mounted on two bases. These bases are of light
Quincy granite finely dressed, and the rif^e ball is of
dark Ouinc}' highly polished. The dark color of the
polished surface of the ball makes a fine contrast with
the light color of the cut surfaces of the bases, and the
effect is decidedly novel and pleasing. The first base
measures six square feet chamfered on top to receive
another octagon base. On the front side is raised a
large Third Corps badge on which appears the figure
7 enclosed by a carved laurel wreath. The other seven
sides contain the inscriptions on polished surfaces as
follows:
No. I — 7th New Jersey Vols. July 2, 1863.
No. 2— *Killed 24, wounded jy, missing 13, total 1 14.
No. 3 — Here Colonel Francine fell.
No. 4 — First Position 300 yards N. E. of this. Heav-
ily engaged there. Moved here to reinforce
Graham's brigade.
No. 5 — Erected by the State of New Jersey 1888.
No. 6— Mustered in Sept. 3, 1861. Mustered out
July 17, 1865. Engaged in 38 battles.
No. 7 — 3d Brig. 2d Div. 3d Corps.
* This is an error. The casualties will be found on page 258 of this
book.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
351
The rifle ball measures three feet two inches in
diameter, and the whole monument will stand ten feet
six inches high above foundation, and will weigh
about twelve tons. The foundation being raised about
two and a-half feet from the ground surface, with a
symmetrical mound of earth and grass at the base
makes it one of the most attractive objects on the
ground. Messrs. Frederick & Field of Quincy, Mass.,
are the designers and makers.
EIGHTH REGIMENT NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS.
This monument, situated be3-ond the famous wheat-
field, is a graceful shaft, surmounted by a cap, the
crowning feature of which is the Third Corps badge.
The base measures five feet four inches square, on
which rests a second base or plinth, which supports
the die or lettered piece of the monument. This die
measures three feet one inch square, and is four feet
three inches high. On the front appears the figure 8
encircled by a finely carved laurel wreath. The shaft
rests upon the die, and is handsomely embellished,
having in front two crossed muskets and flag carved in
high relief. The cap surmounting the shaft is finely
moulded and carved. The monument was made by
Messrs. Frederick & Field of Ouinc}^ Mass., and is
constructed of the best quality of light Quincy granite,
and weighs thirteen tons. The following are the
inscriptions on the stone :
^C2 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Front :
8th New Jersey Volunteers.
Col. John Ramsey.
3d Brig. (Burling's)
2d Div. 3d Corps.
Erected by the State of New Jersey 1888.
Right :
Engaged here July 2, 1863, being detached from
the Brigade.
Supported batteries on Cemetery Ridge July 3d.
Took into action 170.
Killed 7 ; wounded 7 officers, 3 1 men ; missing 2.
Total 47.
Lift :
Mustered in wSept. 14, 1861.
Mustered out July 17, 1865.
Engaged in 38 Battles.
Casualties — Killed 8 officers, 125 men; wounded 38
officers, 583 men. Died 2 officers, 149 men. Total 905.
ELEVENTH NEW JERSEY INFANTRY.
The handsome design for the monument to this
regiment is by The Smith Granite Company of Boston,
Mass., and represents an open book, mounted on a
pedestal of rock work. It stands about ten feet in
height and is finely proportioned. It stands near the
Smith or Essex house on the Emmetsburg road, and
shows the most advanced position held by the regi-
ment during its fierce struggle with superior numbers
of the enemy. The following are the inscriptions :
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
353
I ith New Jersey Vols.
Col. Robert McAllister.
1st Brig. 2d Div. 3d Corps.
July 2, 1863.
Mustered in August 18, 1862.
Mustered out July 1865.
Engaged in 29 Battles.
Erected by the State of New Jersey, i
This stone marks the spot reached by the right of
the regiment, the left extending toward the southeast.
The position was held under a severe fire which killed
or disabled nearly three-fifths of the regiment, includ-
ing every officer present above the rank of lieutenant.
Number engaged 275. Killed 31, wounded 109,
missing 13. Total 153. Of the missing six are sup-
posed to have been killed.
BATTERY "a" FIRST NEW JERSEY ARTILLERY.
The monument for this battery is of symmetrical
proportions and beautiful in design. Its general
dimensions are as follows : Base five feet square and
total height ten feet. It is hexagonal in design and
surmounted by a counterfeit cannon ball which adds
to the attractiveness of its appearance, and the whole
is made of granite from the quarries at Barre, Vt.
The design and workmanship are by George Brown &
Co., of Newark, N. J. The following inscriptions are
cut in square sunken letters :
23
254 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Front :
Battery A i. N. J. Art., from its position in reserve
S. W. of Powers' Hill, galloped into action at 3 P. M.
July 3, 1863. Fired 120 rounds shrapnel at Pickett's
column, and 80 shell at a battery in left front.
Erected by the State of New Jersey, 1888.
South side :
Served August 12, 1861, to June 22, 1865.
Engaged in 30 battles.
NortJi side:
Losses — Killed 2, wounded 7. Position in action 45
yards E. of this stone.
CLARK'S BATTERY '' P, " FIRST NEW JERSEY
ARTILLERY.
This monument is a large massive structure, measur-
ing at bottom six feet three inches long and five feet
three inches wide. Its height is twelve feet six
inches and weighs thirteen tons. It consists of but
four pieces and is constructed throughout of the best
dark Quinc}' granite. The die or lettered piece of
monument measures four feet long, three feet wide
and is five feet eight inches high. On each end is
carved a representation of a cannon and two rammers
which are faithful reproductions of the guns actually
used by this battery at Gettysburg. The finial or cap
has a band of thirteen stars and terminates with an
enlarged representation of a cannon ball which is cut
soHd on the stone, and is highly polished. The style
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 355
of the monument is pleasing and eminently suitable for
the brave battery for whose services it is erected by a
grateful State. The polished ball crowning the monu-
ment is especially suitable and is well calculated to
show the beauty of the Quincy granite. The die
piece contains the following inscriptions :
Front :
Clark's Battery.
Battery B, ist New Jersey Artillery fought here
from 2 until 7 o'clock on July 2, 1863, firing 300 rounds
of ammunition. Losses — Killed i ; wounded 16 ;
missing 3.
Erected by State of New Jerse}^ 1888.
Mustered in September 3, 1861.
Mustered out June 16, 1865.
Engaged in 26 battles, including all the important
actions on the Peninsula, Fredericksburg, Chancellors-
ville, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Peters-
burg, Appomattox.
FIRST NEW JERSEY CAVALRY.
The position of this regiment near Rummel's farm,
about three miles from the battle-field proper, is
marked by a handsome stone. The monument is a
massive structure consisting of six pieces, and is six
feet square at bottom and fifteen feet high. It is
surmounted by an elaborate emblem, carved in the best
manner representing saddle, uniform, cai'bine, sabre,
256 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
bugle, and in fact all the implements used by cavalry.
This emblem is two feet four inches by two feet four
by three feet four inches in height, and is a fine piece
of artistic carving in Westerly granite, all the rest of
the monument being of dark Ouincy granite. The die
piece on which the lettering is put is two feet nine
inches by two feet nine, and six feet high. At the top
is a band of raised polished fade stars. The die is
polished on all four sides. The cap is three feet five
inches square by one foot ten inches, and on the
front is the cavalry corps badge raised on a pediment
the face of which is highly polished. The weight of
this monument is about fourteen tons, and M.essrs.
Frederick & Field are the designers. The following
are the inscriptions on the stone :
North Front :
First New Jersey Cavalry.
Maj. Myron H. Beaumont.
ist Brigade, 2d Cavalry Division.
July 3, 1863.
Erected by the State of New Jersey 1888.
West Side :
Organized in September, 1861, and served to the end of
the War. Participated in 97 Engagements.
Lost — Killed in Action, 79; Died of Wounds, etc., 170;
Died prisoners of war, 34 ; Missing (supposed
dead), 12.
Monument First N. J. Cavalry.
^cg '^'^" ^^ JERSE Y TROOPS
East Side :
Fought here July 3, 1863, both mounted and dis-
mounted, holding- this position several hours.
Assisted in repelling the charges
of the Enemy's Cavalry.
South Side :
OFFICERS KILLED IX BATTLE DURING THE WAR.
Col. Hugh H. Janeway. Capt. Moses H. Malesbury.
Lt.-Col. Virgil Broderick. Lieut. Alexander Stewart.
Maj. John H. Shellmire. " Edward E. Jemison.
" James H. Hart. " John W. Bellis.
" John H. Lucas. " Voorhees Dye.
Capt. Thomas R. Haines. " Alanson Austin.
THE DEDICATION.
The formal dedication of the New Jersey monu-
ments took place on Saturday, June 30th, under the
direction of the Governor, Comptroller and Adjutant-
General, in connection with the Gettysburg Commis-
sion of the State. A provisional regiment from the
National Guard, commanded by Colonel Campbell of
the First Regiment, survivors of New Jersey regi-
ments present at the battle, and a large number of
citizens and public men were present by invitation of
the State. His Excellency Governor Robert S. Green
was the orator of the occasion and five-minute addresses
were made by representatives of the several regiments
who participated in the battle.
Biographical Sketches.
MAJOR-GENERAL JOSEPH HOOKER.
Joseph Hooker was born in Hadley, Mass., November
13, 1814; graduated at West Point July i, 1837; served on
frontier and garrison duty till 1846, and 1846-48, in the war
with Mexico on the staff of Generals Persifer Smith,
Hamer and Butler; in 1847 appointed assistant adjutant-
general ; brevetted captain, major and lieutenant-colonel
for gallantry at Monterey, the National Bridge, and
Chepultepec. In February, 1853, he resigned from the
army and engaged in farming in California, also as super-
intendent of military roads in Oregon. On the outbreak
of the civil war (1861) he tendered his services to the
government and was appointed (May 17, 1861,) brigadier-
general of volunteers, serving in the defences of Washing-
ton and on the lower Potomac until March, 1862, when he
was assigned to the command of a division of the Third
Corps, Army of the Potomac ; in the Peninsular campaign,
1862, was engaged in the siege of Yorktown, April-
May; battle of Williamsburg, May 5; Fair Oaks (second
day), Frazier's Farm and Malvern Hill. Promoted to be
major-general of volunteers, to date from the battle of
Williamsburg, continuing in command of a division and
engaged at the battle of Manassas, August 29-30, and
Chantilly, September i; appointed to command the First
Corps, September 6, 1862, he displayed great bravery at
South Mountain and Antietam, being severely wounded at
the latter battle and disabled until November when he
returned to the field, having in the mean time (September
^5o NEW JERSEY TROOPS
20) been appointed brigadier-general in the regular army,
and on Burnside's succession to the command of the Army
of the Potomac was assigned to command the centre
grand division (Third and Fifth Corps) in the new organi-
zation of that army. In January, 1863, succeeded Burnside
in command of the Army of the Potomac, and in May fol-
lowing fought the battle of Chancellorsville. At the time
of the invasion of Pennsylvania, the Army of the Poto-
mac had reached the vicinity of Frederick, Md., when?
owing to the refusal of General Halleck to place the
troops at Harper's Ferry at the disposal of Hooker, the
latter requested to be (June 27), and was, relieved from the
command of the army the next morning. For the skill
and energy by which he first covered Washington and
Baltimore from the meditated blow of the advancing
enemy. General Hooker received the thanks of Con-
gress. In September, 1863, he was assigned to the
command of the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, and
accompanied them west where they were consoli-
dated into the Twentieth Corps, Army of the Cumber-
land ; was distinguished at the capture of Lookout
Mountain, battle of Missionary Ridge (November 24-25),
the pursuit of the Confederate army, and the action of
Ringgold, Ga., November 27, 1863. In the invasion of
Georgia by the army of General Sherman, Hooker led his
corps in the almost constant fighting up to and including
the siege of Atlanta, until July 30, 1864, when on a
question of command he was relieved at his own request.
He subsequently commanded the Northern Department,
the Department of the East, and that of the Lakes;
brevetted major-general United States Army for gallantry
at Chattanooga, and October, 1868, retired upon full rank
of major-general. General Hooker died October 31, 1879,
at his home in Garden City, L. I.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 361
MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE G. MEADE, U. S. A.
George Gordon Meade was born in Cadiz, Spain,
December 31, 1815, during the consulship of his father,
Richard W. Meade. On the return of the family to the
United States, George was sent to the famous school
for boys in Washington, D. C, then kept by the late
Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase. In 1831 he entered the
United States Military Academy at West Point, where
he was graduated four years later, and commissioned
a brevet second lieutenant of the Third United States
Artillery. He received the full rank the same year, and
took part in the Seminole Indian War in Florida. In
1836 he resigned his commission and engaged in civil
engineering. In 1842 he returned to the artillery under
appointment as second lieutenant of topographical engi-
neers. During the Mexican War he served as engineer
on the staffs of Generals Taylor and Scott, distinguishing
himself in the battles of Palo-Alto, Resaca-de-la-Palma
and Monterey, and receiving as an acknowledgement of
his gallantry a brevet of first lieutenant. He was pro-
moted to a full first lieutenancy in August, 1851, and to a
captaincy of engineers in May, 1855.
Upon the first call of the National Government for vol-
unteers in 1861, Meade was summoned to Washington,
appointed a brigadier-general of volunteers, and assigned
to the command of the Second Brigade of the Pennsyl-
vania Reserve Corps. Soon after the Corps was attached
to the Army of the Potomac, and was engaged in the
advance on Richmond.
During the Peninsula campaign General Meade took
an active part in the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines'
Mill and Glendale, being severely wounded in the latter.
He speedily recovered, however, and in September, 1862,
was assigned to the command of a division in the First
^62 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
Army Corps. He again distinguished himself in the
battles of South Mountain and Antietam, and when Gen-
eral Hooker was wounded in the latter engagement,
General Meade was placed in command of the Corps,
sustaining a slight wound and having two horses killed
beneath him. For his services in this emergency he was
promoted to be major-general of volunteers in November,
1862. On General Hooker's recovery, General Meade
returned to the command of his division, and with it led
the attack, in December, 1862, at Fredericksburg. During
the same month he was placed in command of the Fifth
Corps, and with it proceeded to Chancellorsville, where
it covered the retreat of the army.
On June 28, 1863, the Army of the Potomac being at
Frederick, Md., President Lincoln appointed General
Meade commander-in-chief, as successor to General
Hooker, who had resigned. About the middle of July
General Meade recrossed into Virginia, where he had
several encounters with the enemy in October and Novem-
ber, 1863. He was second in command during the opera-
tions against Richmond in 1864, his immediate army
fighting the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court
House and Cold Harbor, and being engaged in the siege
of Petersburg. Beyond the honors conferred upon him,
already mentioned, he was promoted to the rank of major
of engineers in the Regular Army June 18, 1862; advanced,
by the several grades of lieutenant-colonel and colonel,
to the brigadier-generalship in the Regular Army July 3,
1863; received the thanks of Congress during the session
of 1863-64 ; and was promoted to the rank of major-
general in the Regular Army, to date from August 18,
1864, on Febuary i, 1865. When, on July i, 1865, the
army was reorganized on a peace basis, he was assigned
to the command of the Military Division of the Atlantic,
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 363
with headquarters at Philadelphia, where he resided in a
dwelling presented his wife by the citizens until his death
on November 6, 1872.
MAJOR-GENERAL HUGH JUDSON KILPATRICK.
Hugh Judson Kilpatrick, major-general United States
Volunteers, was born near Deckertown, N. J., January 14,
1836. He entered the United States Military Academy
at West Point on June 20, 1856, and, with a number of
advanced students, was graduated in April, 1861, by
special permission of the War Department on the prof-
fered pledge that they would, as young officers, complete
their education on the field of battle. The day he was
graduated he was also married and mustered into the
military service. He was appointed a second lieutenant
of artillery on May 6, and commissioned captain in the
Fifth Regiment of New York Volunteers, better known
as Duryea's Zouaves, three days later. This regiment
was then encamped at Fortress Monroe. During a battle
on June 10 he was wounded in the right thigh with a
grape shot.
Kilpatrick resumed the field in September following,
and was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Second
Regiment of New York Cavalry Volunteers, the " Harris
Light Cavalry, " of which he became colonel in December,
1862, and was also promoted to be first lieutenant in the
Regular Army. In addition to these promotions he was
appointed a member of the board for examining the
cavalry officers of the volunteer service, and inspector-
general of General McDowell's division. In July and
August he made a series of raids for the purpose of break-
ing up the Confederate General Jackson's communication
with Richmond, striking the Virginia Central Railroad
at Beaver Dam, Frederick Hall and Hanover Junction,
^54 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
inflicting all the damage possible. He participated in the
Rappahannock campaign, in the second battle of Bull Run
and many minor actions in the Maryland campaign, and
in General Stoneman's raid to the rear of General Lee's
army, commanded a brigade of cavalry. His boldness as
a cavalry officer was a marvel alike to friend and foe.
He was promoted to be a brigadier-general of volunteers
in June, 1863, and at the memorable battle of Gettysburg
he commanded both a brigade and a division.
In April, 1864, at General Sherman's request, Kilpatrick
was ordered to duty with that army in the West, and
sustained a severe wound in the battle of Resaca in the
following month. He was forced by his suffering to
return to the North; but as soon as he heard of General
Sherman's intentions toward Atlanta, he hastened to join
his old chief. During the March to the Sea and the
subsequent passage through the Carolinas, he commanded
the cavalry and was actively engaged, although obliged
to avail himself of the use of a carriage that his officers
fitted up for him.
In June, 1865, he was promoted to be a major general
of volunteers; in the following December he resigned his
commission in the Regular Army, and in January, 1866,
his commission in the volunteer army. These resigna-
tions were prompted by his appointment, in November,
1865, as United States Minister to Chili, an office he held
till 1868, when he was recalled. While residing at Santi-
ago, the Chilian capital, he was married to the niece of
the Roman Catholic Archbishop, who subsequently accom-
panied him to his Deckertown home. In the Spring of
1881, he was re-appointed Minister to Chili, and died at
his post on December 6 of that year. His remains were
brought to the United States, reaching New York on
October 13, 1887, and, after lying in state in the Gover-
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 365
nor's Room of the City Hall, were taken to West Point
and buried in the military cemetery on the i8th, with the
honors due his courage, his skill and his rank.
MAJOR-GENERAL ALFRED T. A. TORBERT.
Alfred T. A. Torbert, major-general United States
Volunteers, was a native of Delaware, born in July, 1833.
He was graduated at the United States Military Academy
,at West Point in 1855; commissioned a brevet second lieu-
tenant, and assigned to the Fifth United States Infantry.
On reporting for duty he was first engaged in conducting
recruits to Fort Mcintosh, Texas ; then in scouting against
the Lipan Indians in the hostilities against the Seminoles
in Florida ; again on frontier duty with the Utah expedi-
tion ; and in i860 in the march to New Mexico. At the
outbreak of the civil war, Lieutenant Torbert was sent to
New Jersey, where he was employed in mustering volun-
teers into the service from April till September, 1861. In
the latter month he was appointed Colonel of the First
New Jersey Volunteers, and, with his regiment, partici-
-pated in the Peninsula campaign in Virginia, being
engaged in the siege of Yorktown and the actions at West
Point, Gaines' Mills, and Charles City Cross Roads.
On August 28, 1862, he was given command of a brigade
in the Sixth Army Corps, and fought in the second battle
of Bull Run, at South Mountain, where he was wounded,
and at Antietam. His distinguished services in these
actions gained for him promotion to the rank of brigadier-
general of volunteers, his commission bearing the date of
November 29, 1862. In June, 1863, he returned from his
sick leave, was assigned to duty with his old corps, and
took part in its operations during the winter of 1863-64.
During the Richmond campaign he won high encomiums
^56 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
by his dashing and discreet conduct as a cavalry officer,
being in command of the cavalry through General Sheri-
dan's notable raid. He assumed command of the First
Division on General Sheridan's return, and was in many
actions in the summer of 1864, Hawes' Shop and Cold
Harbor being among them. As chief of cavalry of the
Middle Military Division, he was an active participant in
all the operations in the Shenandoah Valley, and was
subsequently in command of the Army of the Shenandoah
and of various districts in Virginia, till January 15, 1866,
when he was mustered out of the volunteer service. He
was successively brevetted major, lieutenant-colonel, colo-
nel, and brigadier - general, for his gallantry at Hawes'
Shop, Winchester, and Cedar Creek, and major-general
for gallant and meritorious services in the field during the
war.
On being mustered out of the service he retired to his
home in Milford, Del., but had been scarcely three years in
private life when President Grant appointed him United
States Minister to the Central American States. Two
years later he was sent to Havana as consul-general, and
thence to Paris in the same capacity. He entered upon
his duties in the French capital in the latter part of 1873,
and held the office till May, 1878. On August 25, 1880,
General Torbert sailed from New York city in the Havana
steamship "City of Vera Cruz," and was drowned in the
foundering of that vessel off the Florida coast on Sunday
morning following (29th). His body was washed ashore,
and recovered and reverentl}^ buried by some of the saved
seamen who were attracted by his handsome appearance
and stalwart figure. It was subsequently disinterred and
and brought north under a military escort detailed by the
Secretary of War.
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGM. 367
COLONEL SAMUEL L. BUCK.
Colonel Samuel L. Buck, who commanded the Second
Regiment New Jersey Volunteers at Gettysburg, was born
of revolutionary stock at Bethel, Vt., June 8, 1820. In
infancy he was taken to Montreal, Province of Quebec,
and at the breaking out of the first Canadian rebellion
enlisted in the Montreal Rifle Battalion which was
detailed for garrison duty during the absence of the
regular troops. A short time after this he was living in the
city of New York, and in the year 1838 enlisted in the
Sixth Regiment National Guard of New York. From
there Colonel Buck removed to Newark, N. J., and his
love of military life caused him in 1850 to join the '"Union
Blues," which was afterward incorporated with the Newark
City Battalion, New Jersey State Militia, and was com-
missioned first lieutenant and adjutant.
In response to the call for seventy-five thousand three
months' men about sixty or seventy men of the City
Battalion organized at once and elected Adjutant Buck
captain. Active measures were taken to organize a regi-
ment, which was speedily effected, and at the election for
field officers Captain Buck was elected major. Mustered
in the United States service at Trenton as the Second
Regiment New^^Jersey Volunteers, it was ordered to Wash-
ington. D. C. After a week or more delay in Washington
the regiment was ordered to report to General Runyon at
Alexandria, Va. Shortly after the first Bull Run battle
the regiment was brigaded with the First and Third regi-
ments under General Kearny as the First New Jersey
Brigade. On the 31st of December, 1861, Colonel McLean
resigned and Major Buck was promoted lieutenant-colo-
nel. At the battle of Gaines' Mills (or Farms) Colonel
Tucker was killed and Major Ryerson wounded and
^58 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
captured. From that time up to and after the battle of
Antietam Lieutenant-Colonel Buck was the only field
officer in the regiment. At New Baltimore, Md., July i,
1862, he received his commission as colonel. At the battle
of Salem Heights, while in command of the brigade,
Colonel Buck had his shoulder dislocated by his horse
falling under him, and being ordered to Washington for
medical treatment was placed on court-martial duty,
where the second invasion of Maryland found him. By
special order of the Secretary of War Colonel Buck was
granted leave to join his regiment, which he did and con-
tinued with it to the close of the campaign, when he
returned to Washington for medical treatment. During
the Wilderness campaign under General Grant until the
regiment reached White House Colonel Buck commanded
the regiment. As the three years for which it enlisted had
expired some time previous to this the regiment was
ordered home for^muster out, and on July 21, 1864, Colonel
Buck received his honorable discharge.
COLONEL HENRY W. BROWN.
Colonel Henry W. Brown of the Third Regiment, is a
native of Boston, Mass., and at the beginning of the Civil
War, resided in Philadelphia. He was engaged in recruit-
ing a company in that city and was invited to take charge
of a full company in Woodbury, N. J., which he accepted,
turning over his Philadelphia men to H. G. Sickell, who
was at that time organizing a company in Philadelphia.
On the 29th day of April he received his commission as
captain of Company A, Third New Jersey Regiment and
was mustered in May 22, 1861. On the 31st of the same
month he was promoted lieutenant-colonel of the regiment
and on May 15, 1862, was promoted colonel to succeed
Colonel Taylor, who had been promoted brigadier-gen-
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
369
eral. Colonel Brown served faithfully with his regiment
and performed distinguished and gallant services. At
Salem Heights, Va., on May 3, 1863, he was w^ounded,
while commanding the brigade, and again at Spottsyl-
vania, Va., on May 12, 1864, he was severely injured by a
shot from the enemy. Colonel Brown remained in the
service until the close of the war and was mustered out at
Trenton, June 23, 1864.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL CHARLES EWING.
Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Ewing was born in the city
of Trenton, N. J., Sunday, June 6, 1841. He was the son
of Francis A. Ewing, M. D., and grandson of the Chief
Justice of New Jersey whose name he bore. In August,
1859, he sailed as master's mate in the United States
Steamer Sumter for the African Coast, and on that
station was transferred to the United States Frigate San
Jacinto. He was sent home (to Norfolk, Va.) as one of
the officers in charge of a slaver captured by the latter
vessel, arriving in January, 1861, just before the outbreak
of the rebellion. In April of that year he went out
as ensign of Company A, Third Regiment, under the
President's call for three months' troops, being then not
quite twenty years of age. On their return in July he
went to recruiting for the Sixth Regiment New Jersey
Volunteers, three years' troops, and on September 9, 1861,
was commissioned captain of Company B. He served
with this regiment until January 8, 1863, when he was
promoted major and transferred to the Fourth Regiment
New Jersey Volunteers. He was in command of this
regiment during the Gettysburg campaign and on Sep-
tember II, 1863, was commissioned lieutenant-colonel.
Colonel Ewing was constantly in serv^ice in the field, and
was several times wounded, once at Second Bull Run,
24
o-ro NEW JERSEY TROOPS
again at Fredericksburg Heights, and again while on
picket duty. At the expiration of the term of service of
the regiment, they reenlisted for the war and Colonel
Ewing went with them. At Spottsylvania Court House
he received a serious and nearly fatal wound, being shot
through the body, which kept him an invalid for a long
time and finally caused his honorable discharge. He
regained ordinary health, but never fully recovered from
the effects of his wound. Colonel Ewing died in Trenton
March 14, 1872, in the thirty-first year of his age.
BREVET MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. SEWELL.
In the list of casualties at Gettysburg, every field officer
of the five New Jersey regiments engaged on the second of
July — except in the case of Lieutenant-Colonel Gilkyson
of the Sixth Regiment — was wounded, some of them
mortally. On this roll of honor appears the name of
Colonel William J. Sewell, of the Fifth New Jersey.
Colonel Sewell was born in Ireland in 1835, and coming to
the United States at an early age, developed a strong love
for his adopted country as he advanced in years. When
the call for troops to serve for three years was issued,
Sewell recruited a company for the Fifth New Jersey
Volunteers, and on the 28th of August, 1861, received his
commission as Captain of Company C. On the 7th of
July, 1862, he was promoted to be lieutenant-colonel of the
regiment, and on the recalling of Colonel Starr, to his post
in the regular army, Sewell was on October 21, 1862, com-
missioned Colonel of the Fifth Regiment. In all the
trying emergencies of army life Sewell was never found
wanting. Always watchful for the interests of his men he
exacted from them a faithful performance of duty, and so
well did each come to know the other that the regiment
v/as noted for its steadiness and bravery under the most
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 371
trying circumstances. This faculty, possessed by few men,
exhibited itself most conspicuously at the battle of
Chancellorsville, when Sewell led the whole brigade into a
charge, and accomplished a signal and valuable service.
The brigade, under General Mott, had heroically defended
its position on the Plank road against superior numbers of
the enemy. General Mott was wounded, and Colonel
Sewell assumed command. The men were exhausted from
their severe labors, and had expended almost all their
ammunition. As no relief came to them they withdrew.
The enemy at this time grew bold in the prospect of
victory, and taking possession of some works which had
l)een thrown up for the protection of artillery, they
defiantly opened fire upon the Federal lines. Colonel
Sewell seeing the importance of retaking the position
gallantly led the brigade to the charge and drove the
rebels from the works. But that fatality which seemed to
accompany every daring movement at Chancellorsville,
was experienced by Sewell — the brigade was not supported
and the brave Jerseymen were compelled to fall back
exposed to a terrible fire and suffering great loss.
Colonel Sewell's wounds at Gettysburg were severe, and
prevented his doing active service in the field for some
time. He recovered, however, but during the Wilderness
campaign he was prostrated by exposure. On the second
•of July, 1864, he resigned owing to ill-health, but in
September following he accepted the colonelcy of the
Thirty-eighth Regiment and remained with it until its
term of service expired — October, 1864. He was brevetted
brigadier-general for gallantry and distinguished services
at Chancellorsville, and major-general of United States
Volunteers, for meritorious services during the war.
At the time of the railroad strikes in 1877 General Sewell
was appointed by Governor Parker provisional commander
2^2 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
of the State forces at Phillipsburg, and to his well-known
reputation for military ability and personal bravery, is
largely due the subsidence of the trouble.
In public affairs General Sewell has occupied a promi-
nent place. He represented Camden county in the State
Senate for three successive terms, and in 1880 was
president of that body. He was elected to the United
States Senate in 1881, succeeding ex-Governor Theodore
F. Randolph, and served until March 4, 1887, when his
term expired.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL GEORGE C. BURLING.
General George C. Burling, the commander of the
Second New Jersey Brigade, which did such heroic service
on the second day of July at Gettysburg, was born on the
17th day of February, 1834, in Burlington county, New
Jersey, a few miles from the city of Burlington. He was
reared on his father's farm and educated at a private
school conducted by Mr. Aaron at Norristown, Mont-
gomery county. Pa. He entered into business life in
Burlington at an early age, and at the breaking out of the
war was engaged in the retail coal business. He was a
public-spirited young man and identified himself with
various measures in which his neighbors and friends were
interested, being at this time captain of the "Marion
Rifles " of Burlington — Company K, Fourth New Jersey
Militia. He promptly offered his services with his com-
pany to Governor Olden, and was accepted and mustered
in for three months' service on the 27th of April, 1861. On
their return home and muster out in July, 1861, Captain
Burling immediately recruited his original command, and
with it, a company of over one hundred men, was mustered
in for three years' service on September 9, 1861, and was
designated as Company F. Sixth Regiment New Jersey
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
373
Volunteers. On March 19, 1862, he was promoted major
and on May 7, 1862, received his commission as lieutenant-
colonel. On the promotion of Colonel Mott to brigadier-
general of United States Volunteers, Burling was promoted
colonel of the Sixth Regiment, and, as the senior officer,
commanded the brigade at Gettysburg, a position he held
until October of the same year, when ill-health caused him
to relinquish it, and compelled him to resign on March 4,
1864. He was brevetted brigadier-general on March 13,
1865.
On the 15th of October, 1862, while colonel commanding
the Sixth New Jersey Volunteers, Colonel Burling married
Miss J. T. Reckless of Abingdon township, Montgomery
coi::*ity. Pa. (formerly of Philadelphia), and their wedding
tour extended to Colonel Burling's headquarters at Alex-
andria, Va., where the bride remained until the command
was ordered away. After the close of the war, with his
health greatly broken he went with his family to reside on
a farm near Byberry (Twenty-third ward of Philadelphia)-.
Subsequently he became connected with the Pennsylvania
Railroad, at their main office. Fourth street below Walnut,
Philadelphia. General Burling died at his residence 1842
North Eighteenth street, Philadelphia, on December 24,
1885, from a pulmonary cancer, the result of a contused
wound received at the battle of Chancellorsville. He had
been wounded twice previous to this — at Williamsburg,
May 5, 1863, and at Second Bull Run, August 29-30.
COLONEL LOUIS R. FRANCINE.
Colonel Louis R. Francine, of the Seventh Regiment
New Jersey Volunteers, was born, one account says, at
Dillerville, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, March 26,
1838. Another account says he was born in Philadelphia
in 1839. He was by profession a civil engineer, graduated
274 NRW JERSEY TROOPS
from the Polytechnic College at Philadelphia in 1855, then
went to Europe in 1856 and was graduated from the
L'Ecole Polytechnique at Paris. At the outbreak of
hostilities Francine was about entering upon the prac-
tice of his profession, but when the call for three year
troops was issued he recruited Company A of the Seventh
Regiment and was commissioned its captain on September
18, 1861. He was senior captain and acted as field officer
during the greater part of the Peninsula campaign. July
8, 1862, he was promoted lieutenant-colonel, and on
December 9th of the same year was commissioned colonel,,
succeeding Colonel Revere who had been promoted
brigadier-general United States Volunteers. Colonel
Francine was a brave and fearless officer and was engc^.ged
in rallying his men when he received the wound at Gettys-
burg from the effects of which he died on July 16, 1863^
He was buried from one of the churches in Philadelphia
with military honors, Major-General A. A. Pleasonton
commanding the funeral escort. His remains are interred
at Laurel Hill Cemetery. For his gallant services at
Gettysburg Colonel Francine was brevetted brigadier-
general of volunteers on July 2, 1863.
BREVET MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN RAMSEY.
General John Ramsey, who commanded the Eighth
Regiment New Jersey Volunteers at Gettysburg and was
wounded there, was one of the young soldiers of the army,
and became noted for his daring and energy. He was
born in the city of New York October 7, 1838, and was in
his twenty-third year when hostilities began. On the 17th
of April, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Second Regi-
ment New Jersey Volunteers for three months, as a private,
and was subsequently elected first-lieutenant by his com-
pany, being mustered in April 25th. ' On the election
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 375
of Captain H. M. Baker to the colonelcy Ramsey was
made captain on May i, 1861. He was mustered out with
his regiment at the expiration of its term of service, July
31, 1861. The command participated in no battles and
Ramsey, who had little relish for that sort of soldiering,
reentered the service on August 17, 1861, as captain of
Company B, Fifth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers, and
remained in the army until the war was fought out, being
mustered out July 17, 1865. On the 7th of May, 1862, he
was promoted major of the Fifth for distinguished gal-
lantry at the battle of Williamsburg, and on October 21,
1862, was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of his regiment.
In April, 1863, he was promoted Colonel of the Eighth
Regiment.
Colonel Ramsey took an active part in all the campaigns
of the Army of the Potomac, from the Peninsula, under
McClellan, to the surrender of Lee at Appomattox on
April 9, 1865 — on which day his command formed part of
the advance line. The only important battle in which he
was not a participant was Antietam, caused by the deten-
tion of the Third Corps in the vicinity of Washington
after the defeat of Pope at the second battle of Bull Run
This corps had been sent from Harrison's Landing to join
Pope at Warrenton with all possible despatch, and reached
there only to be ordered back. On the way back to
Centreville they engaged the enemy in numerous skirm-
ishes, and receiving orders to proceed to the front again
encountered Jackson at Bristoe, whom they compelled to
retire, and reached Pope a day or two before the second
battle of Bull Run, in which Ramsey's command took
part, as also in the battle of Chantilly. The Third Corps-
then proceeded to Alexandria, and the Second New Jersey
Brigade was ordered to move in light marching order. To
make all possible speed in reaching their destination, their
^►,5 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
effects were put on board the cars, and these being burned,
all was lost. The men were used up, many of them with-
out shoes, and other articles of clothing, and were in no
condition for the Maryland campaign, which they were
thus prevented participating in. For distinguished
services in the campaign before Richmond, Colonel Ram-
sey was brevetted brigadier-general and by a special
order of President Lincoln, he was assigned to duty with
that rank. On June 5, 1864, General Ramsey was assigned
to the command of the Second Brigade, Second Division,
Second Army Corps, known as the Corcoran Legion, and
was one of the commands that was ordered to attack
Petersburg on the night of June 16, 1864, in which engage-
ment General Ramsey was wounded. When able for
duty he was given the command of the First Brigade,
First Division, Second Army Corps, and remained with it
until he assumed command of the First Division, Second
Army Corps. General Ramsey was five times wounded —
at Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Gettys-
burg and Petersburg. -On March 13, 1865, he was
brevetted major-general of United States Volunteers for
gallant and meritorious services during the war.
MAJOR-GENERAL ROBERT McALLISTER.
The subject of this sketch was born in Juniata county,
Pennsylvania, on June i, 18:3, in which State he spent
the early years of his life, but his war record belongs to
New Jersey, with whose troops he served during the con-
tinuance of the conflict. He was one of the very first to
take up arms in defence of the Union, and he was present
in the field when General Lee surrendered at Appomattox.
When the First Regiment, three years' volunteers, was
being recruited, McAllister was, on May 21, 1861, com-
missioned its lieutenant-colonel, and with it proceeded to
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
177
the Capital. He was a quiet, steady, fearless man, of
even temperament and thoroughly self-possessed. Lieu-
tenant-Colonel McAllister remained with the First New
Jersey Regiment until June 30, 1862, when he was com-
missioned colonel of the Eleventh New Jersey Regiment,
then being recruited. This regiment was mustered into
the Upited States service August 18, 1862, and was
assigned to the First Brigade, Second Division, Third
Army Corps. At Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville
Colonel McAllister displayed marked heroism. At Gettys-
burg he was wounded during the second day's fighting in
the left leg with a minie ball, and in the right foot with a
fragment of shell. For three months he was unable to
take the field, but with this exception he served continu-
ously through the" war, from the first battle of Bull Run to
the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. Colonel McAllister
was brevetted brigadier-general for his glorious behavior
at the first "Bull Pen," as the tremendous fight on Boyd-
ton Plank road, October 27, 1864, was styled, and major-
general for meritorious conduct throughout the war.
Since the war he has been engaged as general manager of
the Ironton Railroad Company, in mining and shipping
ore to the furnaces in Lehigh Valley.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOHN SCHOONOVER.
John Schoonover was born at Bushkill, Pa., August 12,
1839. He received his education from the common schools
of his native place, and the instructions of the Rev. J. K.
Davis, of Smithville, Pa. At the age of sixteen he began
the work of teaching and preparation for college. The
outbreak of the rebellion found him thus employed at
Oxford, Warren county, N. J. Soon after the proclama-
tion of President Lincoln calling for seventy-five thousand
men to serve for three months, Schoonover joined a com-
2^3 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
pany raised by Captain Campbell at Belvidere. The
company reported at Trenton, but so quickly had the
State's quota been filled — the four regiments being com-
pleted in seven days — that they reached the Capital too
late for acceptance. As the company was about to return
to Belvidere, Captain Campbell stepped to the front and
asked all who were willing to go with him for three years
to do likewise ; but seven responded — Schoonover being
one of the seven — the number of three year patriots being
so small all returned to their homes. But Schoonover's
patriotism was not of the kind that could rest content
with the acquisition of such laurels as these, and we soon
find him again at Trenton as a private in Company D
(Captain Valentine Mutchler) First New Jersey Regiment
for three years. This regiment left the State June 28,
1861. The following September Schoonover was made
corporal. The ensuing winter. Colonel Torbert, then
commanding the First Regiment, issued an order directing
each captain to select a sergeant to prepare for examina-
tion, the one standing the highest to receive a commission
as second-lieutenant of Company D. No sergeant of D
being willing to stand the trial, the subject of this sketch
was selected to represent that company. Four only
appeared for examination, the successful one being Com-
missary Sergeant S. G. Blythe. Schoonover, standing
second, was promoted commissary sergeant, dating from
March 24, 1862. He served in that position until August
2, 1862, when he received a commission as adjutant of the
Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers, then organizing at
Trenton. The Eleventh left the State on August 25, 1862,
and was first engaged in Burnside's attack upon Freder-
icksburg. This first engagement proved to the men of the
Eleventh that their adjutant was one on whom they could
depend. During the desperate fighting of the regiment
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
379
in the woods at Chancellorsville on May 3 and 4, 1862,
Adjutant Schoonover was conspicuous for his bravery and
coolness, and received honorable mention therefor. On
the second of July at Gettysburg he received two wounds
and six bullet holes through his clothing, and on the third
his horse was shot under him. He again received slight
wounds at Spottsylvania and at Barker's Mills, but he never
thought his wounds sufficiently severe to necessitate going
to the rear. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel in
1863 and brevetted colonel March 13, 1865, for conspicuous
gallantry.
MAJOR JOHN T. HILL.
Major John T. Hill was born in New Brunswick, N. J.,
July, 1836, and he was therefore twenty-five years of age
when the war broke out, at which time he was a clerk in
the Park Bank of New York City. He had no previous
military training and took but little interest in military
affairs, but his patriotism was of the most practical sort.
When hostilities opened he joined a militia company in his
native city, passing through all the grades from a private
in the ranks to captain of the company. When recruiting
began for the Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers Major
Charles Herbert, private secretary for Governor Olden,
sought to obtain for Captain Hill the adjutancy, but
recruiting for the command was so slow that the officers
became very much discouraged. Company " I " had
enrolled about thirty men, and it seemed impossible to
rise beyond that number. Major Herbert sent word to
Captain Hill that if he would take the company as it was
and fill it up to the required number he should have the
captaincy. Notwithstanding the discouragements which
had operated against enlistments Captain Hill consented,
resigning his position in the bank, and at once began the
^8o NEW JERSEY TROOPS
work of recruiting, in a comparatively short time securing
the enrollment of one hundred and three names. He was
at once commissioned and became second in order of
seniority, Captain Martin having been mustered in one
week before. The Eleventh Regiment, under Colonel
McAllister, went to Washington in August, 1862, and just
before the battle of Fredericksburg was assigned to the
Third Army Corps, taking part in that desperate engage-
ment. The following April Captain Hill received a com-
mission as major of the Twelfth New Jersey Infantry,
and joined that command in the latter part of the same
month, a short time before the beginning of the Chancel-
lorsville campaign. The Twelfth Regiment was in the
Second Brigade, Third Division, Second Army Corps,
and was closely engaged with the enemy. After the rout
of the Eleventh Corps, Colonel Willets being badly
wounded in the early part of the fight, the command
devolved upon Major Hill, owing to the absence of the
lieutenant-colonel, who was sick. The Twelfth sustained
severe losses in this engagement, and did heroic work
under the command of Major Hill. At Gettysburg the
regiment was also under his command, and its splendid
achievements on that battle-field are fully recorded in
the preceding pages. After the battle Major Hill
remained in command until the return of Lieutenant-
Colonel Davis the latter part of the Summer of 1863, and
was soon after stricken down with inflammatory rheuma-
tism, which prostrated him for two years. He was
discharged from the hospital at Annapolis in 1864, much
against his will, but the board of army surgeons exercised
the arbitrary power conferred upon them and compelled
him to take an involuntary, though honorable discharge.
Major Hill's military record throughout was that of a
brave and faithful officer, a trusted and honored com-
IN rilE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 381
mander, and his enforced withdrawal from service was
regretted by all his comrades in arms. He still resides in
the city of New Brunswick, and is President of the Ninth
National Bank, New York City.
COLONEL WILLIAM E. POTTER.
William Elmer Potter, the youngest son of James Boyd
and Jane Barron Potter, was born June 13, 1840, in Bridge-
ton, Cumberland county, New Jersey. His grandfather,
Colonel David Potter, was a soldier of the Revolution, and
saw considerable service. He was first colonel of the
second battalion of Cumberland, and, as such, was in com-
mand of- his regiment forming a part of the brigade of
Brigadier-General Hugh Mercer, at Perth Amboy in the
Autumn of 1776. He was elected brigadier-general by the
Legislature of New Jersey, February 21, 1777, but declined
the appointment. He again entered active service as colo-
nel of a battalion of State troops. On the twentieth of
September, 1777, by order of Governor Livingston, he was
detached in command of the effective troops of the brigade
of Brigadier-General Silas Newcomb to reinforce the main
army under General Washington, then retreating after the
disastrous battle of the Brandywine. He crossed the Dela-
ware with his command, and in some one of the skirmishes
preliminary to the battle of Germantown, or in that battle
itself, it is not now known which, he was taken prisoner by
the enemy. He was confined for a long time upon the prison
hulks in Long Island Sound, and was afterward released
upon parole, and was not exchanged, at least as late as
1781. He was afterward marshal of the Admiralty Court
of New Jersey, sheriff of the County of Cumberland, and
one of the commissioners to ratify the Constitution of the
United States.
The subject of this sketch having determined upon the
^32 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
law as a profession, entered the office of Honorable John
T. Nixon, as a student, in October, 1857. He remained
until September, 1859, and the same month became a
student at the law school of Harvard University. From
this school he graduated in January, 1861, with the degree
of LL. B., and in September of the same year entered the
junior class of Princeton College. Under the spur of
patriotic ardor he abandoned his collegiate studies, and in
July of the following year enlisted in Company K, Twelfth
Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. He was commissioned
second lieutenant of the same company August 14, 1862,
and mustered into the service of the United States as such
September 4, 1862. He was promoted to a first lieutenancy
of the same company and regiment August 6, 1863, and to
the captaincy of Company G February 4, 1864. Captain
Potter became brevet-major United States Volunteers for
meritorious services, May 1, 1865, by promotion of the
President of the United States, and was, in 1866, commis-
sioned aide-de-camp to Governor Marcus L. Ward, of New
Jersey, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, upon whose
staff he served for three years.
While in the field with his regiment he was detailed as
ordnance officer of the Third Division, Second Army
Corps, and acted as such in the campaigns of Chancellors-
ville and Gettysburg, on the staff of Major General
William H. French, and with Brigadier-General Alexander
Hays. He served in that capacity until October i, 1863^
and was then appointed judge-advocate of the division on
the staff of General Hays, continuing thus until he
rejoined his regiment and took command of his company.
He was wounded at the battle of the Wilderness while in
command of his company on the sixth of May, 1864, and
reported again for duty at Cold Harbor, Va., June 4, of the
same year. On the first of July, 1864, he was detailed as
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 383
aide-de-camp to Colonel Thomas A. Smyth, commanding
Third Brigade, Second Division of the Second Army Corps.
On the first of August, 1864, he was made judge-advocate
on the staff of Major-General John Gibbon, commanding
the Second Division, Second Army Corps, and served thus
until January 15, 1865, when he was detailed as aide to
Major-General John Gibbon, commanding the Twenty-
fourth Army Corps, Army of the James, and as acting
judge-advocate of the corps. He remained on duty in the
latter capacity until mustered out of service, June 4, 1865.
During this period Colonel Potter was present in the
following engagements : Chancellorsville, Gettysburg,
Auburn, Bristoe Station, Blackburn's Ford, Locust Grove,
campaign of Mine Run, Morton's Ford, Wilderness, Cold
Harbor, the entire campaign of Petersburg, Deep Bottom
(first and second engagements). Reams' Station, Hatcher's
Run, Boydton Road, assault and capture of Petersburg,
Rice's Station and Appomattox Court House. By an
order from headquarters, Twenty-fourth Army Corps, in
company with five other officers, he was detailed to deliver
the colors, surrendered by General Lee's army, seventy-six
in number, to Honorable Edward M. Stanton, of the'War
Department, which ceremony occurred on May i, 1865.
He was the only New Jersey officer present on this
occasion.
Colonel Potter, during his military career, displayed
gallantry and judgment, which won for him the highest
encomiums from his superior officers. Colonel Potter
received from Princeton College his degree of A. B. in
1863 and of A. M. in 1866. He was admitted as an
attorney at law in 1865, and as a counselor in 1869. Hav-
ing begun practice in Bridgeton, he, in 1870, formed a
co-partnership with J. Boyd Nixon, with whom he has
since continued his professional labors, and attained a
prominent position at the bar of New Jersey.
^§4 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
He was a delegate to the Republican National Conven-
tion at Chicago in 1868, as also to the convention held at
Cincinnati in 1876, and an elector on the Garfield ticket in
1880. He was elected an honorary member of the Society
of the Cincinnati of New Jersey, July 4, 1874, and presi-
dent of the New Jersey Officers' Association for 1880. The
colonel was, on the 27th of May, 1869, married to Alice,
daughter of the late Alfred Eddy, D D., of Niles, Mich.
Their children are Alfred E., James Boyd, David, Alice,
and Francis Delavan.
BREVET BRIGADIER -GENERAL EZRA A.
CARMAN.
Ezra A. Carman, colonel of the Thirteenth Regiment
New Jersey Volunteers, entered the service in 1861, being
commissioned on September 14th of that year lieutenant-
colonel of the Seventh Regiment. He was wounded in the
battle of Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 1S62, and was commis-
sioned colonel July 8, 1862. He organized the Thirteenth
Regiment, which he commanded, and with it proceeded to
Washington on August 31st. He was disabled at Antietam
and Chancellorsville, and at Gettysburg was placed in
command of a provisional brigade, which was sent to
support Gregg's cavalry, on the evening of July 3d. At
the close of the Gettysburg campaign three regiments of
the brigade to which the Thirteenth belonged were sent to
New York to aid in quelling the riots which had been in
progress there and Colonel Carman commanded the bri-
gade then composed of the Thirteenth New Jersey, One
Hundred and Seventh and One Hundred and Fiftieth New
York Regiments. When the Thirteenth Regiment, with
the Twelfth Corps, went west, he was appointed president
of a military commission which held its sessions in
TuUahoma, Tenn. In the Atlanta campaign the Thirteenth
IN THE GETTYSBUG CAMPAIGN. 385
Regiment was frequently engaged with the enemy,
notably at Resaca, Cassville, Pumpkin Vine Creek — some-
times called Dallas and also New Hope Church — Nancy's
Creek, Buffalo Creek, Peach Tree Creek, Kulp's Farm,
and several times in front of Atlanta, on each occasion
winning golden opinions for its gallantry and bravery.
On the March to the Sea, Colonel Carman commanded the
brigade, and in front of Savannah held the extreme left of
the army. The brigade was ordered to the South Carolina
shore, for the purpose of closing up Hardee's only avenue
of escape, but that wily officer, afraid of a movement of
that kind, as he had noted the crossing of the brigade to
Argyle Island in the middle of the Savannah river, evacu-
ated the city, which was entered by part of the Second
Division of the Twentieth Corps, who captured a guard
detail of the enemy who were unable to get away. At
Savannah Colonel Carman was ordered to Nashville on
special duty. He was brevetted brigadier-general of
volunteers for gallant and meritorious services during the
war to date from March 13, 1865.
BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERAL FREDERICK H.
HARRIS.
General Frederick Halsey Harris, of the Thirteenth
Regiment. New Jersey Volunteers, was born in the city of
Newark, N. J., March 7, 1830. He is descended on the
maternal side from the Baldwin and Gould families, who
settled in Newark over two hundred years ago. His
grandfather, Robert Baldwin, was born in Orange, N. J.,
and was engaged in the war of 181 2, on the New Jersey
coast. His mother was a grand-daughter of General Will-
iam Gould of Caldwell. His father's ancestors were
originally of Welsh origin and the date of their settlement
in this country is forgotten. Moses Harris, the grand-
25
2 86 h^EW JERSEY TROOPS
father of General Harris was born in Morrisania, New
York, and in 1805 moved to Newark, N. J., when the
father of the general was an infant. He was engaged for
many years in business near the corner of Market and
Broad streets in Newark as a merchant tailor. His
father's mother was a Halsey and came originally from
Elizabeth, N. J. William H. Harris, his father, was an
architect and builder for many years in Newark, where he
learned his trade.
The subject of this sketch attended private school in
Newark when a boy, being one of the attendants at the
Newark Academy — where the postoffice building now
stands — afterward attending the select school of Reverend
William R. Weeks, D. D., on Washington street. In the
Fall of 1844 he was sent to the Bloomfield Academy, then
under the management of Messrs. Holt & Rindler, where
he remained until the F&ll of 1847. A long-cherished
desire to enter Princeton College, for which he was pre-
paring, was interfered with by the serious illness of his
father, who urgently requested him to leave school and
temporarily abandon the proposed college course and the
profession of medicine, which he then contemplated. This
put an end to his schooling; until 1858 he remained in
business with his father, when he began the reading of
law in the office of Charles R. Waugh, Esq., afterward
presiding judge of Essex county, and in the office of David
A. Hayes, Esq., and was admitted to the bar in June,
1862.
The urgent call for troops after the Peninsula campaign
led him to begin recruiting for the Thirteenth Regiment,
both in the city of Newark and township of Bloomfield,
and on the 25th of August, 1862, his company, E, was
mustered into the United States service with the regiment,
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 387
and on Sunday, August 31, proceeded to Washington. He
participated in the Chancellorsville campaign and at the
battle of Gettysburg, Company E was the color company
of the regiment. During his military service Captain
Harris was constantly with his regiment and on frequent
important occasions commanding it, notably at the
time of the advance of the army to Atlanta, where
the Thirteenth under Colonel Harris was sent out
to support the skirmish line then heavily engaged.
Advancing his regiment to a knoll overlooking the
enemy's breast works, he halted it there, and when the
skirmish line was driven back, he deployed the right and
left companies as skirmishers, until the skirmish line ad-
vanced and reestablished itself. This was the nearest point
to Atlanta ever reached by any command during the siege,
and it was fortified by the Thirty-third Wisconsin Regi-
ment, which relieved the Thirteenth. On the arrival of the
regiment at Savannah Colonel Carman was sent to Nash-
ville on special service, and during the whole of the Caro-
lina campaign. Colonel Harris commanded it, participat-
ing in the battles of Averysboro and Bentonville. In the
latter battle the Thirteenth Regiment particularly dis-
tinguished itself under his command, by repulsing the
enemy, who were advancing in large numbers, and won the
highest encomiums of praise from its superior officers. At
Goldsboro, N. C, severe illness caused him to relinquish the
command to Major John H. Arey, and he went to hospital
at Newburn for medical treatment. He rejoined the regi-
ment at Washington and participated in the grand review,
and was mustered out with it on June 8, 1865. On July
17, 1864, he was promoted major and November i, 1864,
lieutenant-colonel of the regiment. For gallant and meri-
torious services during the campaign in Georgia and the
Carolinas he was brevetted colonel, and subsequently
^88 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
brigadier-general of United States Volunteers for gallant
services a-t Bentonville.
At the close of the war General Harris was married to
Miss Elizabeth J. Torrey at Honesdale, Pa. He never held
political office though frequently solicited to be a candi-
date for numerous important and lucrative positions. In
the Summer of 1865 he resumed the practice of law, and in
the Spring of 1866 became the treasurer and assistant
secretary of the American Insurance Company of Newark.
Being elected a director, he continued to perform the
duties of secretary and treasurer until the death of Presi-
dent Gould in January, 1883, when he was unanimously
elected to fill the position of president of that old and
prominent company.
JOHN JAMES HENRY LOVE, M. D.
Surgeon J. J. H. Love, of the Thirteenth Regiment New
Jersey Volunteers, was born on April 3, 1833, in Harmony
township, Warren county, New Jersey. His father was the
Rev. Robert Love, a Presbyterian minister, and he was
the great grandson of Lieutenant Thomas Love, aide-de-
camp to General Samuel Cochrane of the Continental
Army during the Revolutionary War. Doctor Love was
educated at Lafayette College, Easton, Pa., and in the
medical department of the University, city of New York,
graduating from the former in 185 1 and from the latter in
1855. When the Thirteenth Regiment was being recruited
he was appointed surgeon on July 19, 1862. He had seen
some service, however, previous to this. After the battle of
Williamsburg and the beginning of the siege of Yorktown,
May 5, 1862, he was sent out as a volunteer surgeon by
Governor Olden to look after and care for the wounded
of New Jersey regiments. On the 23d of March, 1863,
Surgeon Love was assigned to duty as surgeon-in-chief
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 389
Third Brigade, First Division, Twelfth Army Corps, and
served in that capacity during the battle of Gettysburg,
doing most efificient service in the care of the wounded.
On the first of August, 1863, when the Twelfth Corps had
settled down for a rest at Kelly's Ford, Va., after the
arduous campaign then just ended, he was appointed
surgeon-in-chief First Division, Twelfth Corps, and became
a member of General A. S. Williams' staff. In this
capacity he served until the following January, after
accompanying the. corps to the west, when on the 28th of
that month, 1864, he resigned his commission and was
honorably discharged from the service. On his return
home he at once entered upon the practice of his profes-
sion, in which he holds a high place.
CAPTAIN AMBROSE M. MATTHEWS.
Captain Ambrose M. Matthews, of Orange, N. J., was
engaged in business as a hat manufacturer when the war
broke out, and leaving his business he enlisted on May 10,
1861, as a private in Company G, Second Regiment, New
Jersey Volunteers. Twice he was offered a first lieuten-
ancy in the Excelsior Brigade, but declined, and on the
fifth of August, 1862, was discharged by Special Order
No. 223, C. S. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, at
Harrison's Landing, Va., at the request of the Governor
of the State, to assist in raising a new regiment. On
August 22, 1862. he was commissioned second lieutenant
of Company E, Thirteenth Regiment, New Jersey Volun-
teers, and was mustered with it into the United States
service three days later. At the battle of Antietam he
was wounded, and his gallant services there were recog-
nized in his promotion as first lieutenant of Company K.
On November i, 1862, he was promoted Captain of Com-
pany I. At Chancellorsville, where the Thirteenth Regi-
390 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
ment did splendid and praiseworthy service, Captain
Matthews was again wounded, and he received honorable
mention in a regimental order, issued a few days after
the return to their old camp, by Captain Beardsley, who
was then in command. At Gettysburg his Company I,
with that of Captain Ryerson's Company C, comprised
the left flank of the regiment, they being formed almost
perpendicular to the main line, creating an angle. This
brought these two companies, then commanded by Cap-
tain Matthews (Captain Ryerson acting as major of the
regiment) directly in front of the enemy, and when the
charge by part of Steuart's rebel brigade was made upon
this position, they aided in repulsing it. Captain Ryerson
was wounded, and Captain Matthews had a narrow escape
from death, a ball penetrating his hat just above the
scalp line. At Resaca, Ga., he was again wounded.
Captain Matthews accompanied his regiment through all
its campaigns, the siege of Atlanta, the March to the Sea,
the Carolina campaign, and in every emergency was
noted for his courage and coolness. He was a strict disci-
plinarian and held his men to a rigid perform.ance of duty,
and always looked carefully after their interests. No man
of the Thirteenth Regiment to-day is held in higher
esteem by his comrades than the subject of this sketch.
COLONEL JAMES N. DUFFY.
Colonel James N. Duffy, the President of the Gettys-
burg Battle-Field Commission of New Jersey, served
during the battle on the staff of General H. G.Wright,,
commanding First Division, Sixth Army Corps, his rank
being that of lieutenant-colonel and his duties those of
acting assistant inspector-general. Colonel Duffy entered
the service as captain of Company C, Second Regiment^
New Jersey Volunteers, in May 27, 1861. On July i, i86i>
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 391
he was promoted major, and on September 14, 1862, was
commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Third New Jersey
Regiment. September 29, 1863, after the battle of Gettys-
burg, he was commissioned colonel of the Fourth Regi-
ment New Jersey Volunteers, but as the organization had
become reduced below the minimum he could not be
mustered. He served with the Third Regiment until the
close of the war and was mustered out with it as lieu-
tenant-colonel June 23, 1864. Colonel Duffy has been
prominently identified with the manufacturing interests
of Newark and for several years maintained a large
factory for the manufacture of patent and enameled
leather in that city. Subsequently he started a factory in
Eldred, Pennsylvania. His appointment as a member of
the State Commission for the erection of monuments at
Gettysburg was received with great favor by all the sur-
vivors of the commands interested.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL WILLIAM H. PENROSE.
William H. Penrose was born at Madison Barracks, N.
Y., March 10, 1832, and his early life was spent in garri-
son, following his father, who was an officer in the
Regular Army, to the various posts at which he was sta-
tioned. The outbreak of the Mexican war separated the
father from his family, the latter finding a comfortable
home with the Honorable Charles B. Penrose, of Carlisle,
Pa., and William was then sent to Dickinson College.
While here the death of his father occurred, and as the
family were not in affluent circumstances, it became
necessary for the young lad to seek employment, which
he found in the machine shops at Reading, Pa. The old
military instinct, imbibed when a mere boy, kept con-
tinually asserting itself within him, and the breaking out
of the rebellion gave him the opportunity he sought to
,Q2 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
enter the service. Receiving an appointment in the
Regular Army — the commission dating April 13, 1861 — he
was assigned, as second lieutenant, to the Third Infantry,
but as he vv^as then out West and his company in Texas
he was ordered to report to the commanding officer of the
Fourth Artillery, then stationed at Fort Randall, Dakota.
From here he went to New York to join his company of the
Third Infantry which had arrived from Texas, and he
there ascertained that it had been surrendered by General
Twiggs to the State authorities, and the men paroled.
Five of the companies of the regiment were at Wash-
ington, and after considerable delay Lieutenant Pen-
rose secured his orders and transportation to go to the
Capital where he arrived two days before the first battle of
Bull Run, and found his regiment encamped at Arlington,
the commanding officer being Major (afterward Major-
General) George Sykes. The regulars were soon after
brought to Washington and put on provost duty, and
Lieutenant Penrose was selected for duty in the Secret
Service. Just after the battle of Ball's Bluff he was
called to Philadelphia by Lieutenant-Colonel Weister of
the First California Regiment (Colonel Baker's), after-
ward known as the Seventy-first Pennsylvania, and was
tendered the colonelcy of the regiment. This was a great
surprise to the young officer, but learning that he had
been recommended by some of the oldest and best officers
in the army, he consented to accept it. Days passed and
weeks flew by until at last one Sunday, while attending
church, a telegram was brought to him asking why he did
not come and take command. The telegram further stated
that Colonel Weister had his commission and the order
from army headquarters to proceed to the regiment. This
was a matter of extraordinary importance to Penrose, and
going to the adjutant-general with the telegram, that
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
393
officer, much confused, said he would see; about it. At
midnight that same night marching orders were received,
and nothing more was heard of the order until the army
had reached Harrison's Landing, when an investigation
revealed the fact that the order had been issued but Gen-
eral Sykes pigeon-holed it, as he was opposed to any
officer of his command leaving it. During the Peninsula
campaign the colonelcy of three other regiments were
offered him, but the same power intervened to prevent his
taking either of them. Sometime in January, 1863, Gen-
eral Torbert, then commanding the First New Jersey
Brigade, sent for Penrose, and asked him if he would take
a regiment. He explained the difficulty of getting away
from Sykes, but on Torbert's assurance that he would take
care of that part of it, Penrose accepted. Some time went
by and the matter had about passed from his mind when
a note from General Torbert informed him that he had
his commission as colonel of the Fifteenth Regiment New
Jersey Volunteers, and the order for him to take command
would be issued at once. Penrose received his order and
was in the performance of his new duties before Sykes
knew anything about it. From this time on the record of
Colonel Penrose is that of the Fifteenth Regiment. Its
forced march from Manchester to Gettysburg with the
Sixth Corps, is recorded elsewhere in the pages of this
book. Colonel Penrose's own recollections of what trans-
pired when the column reached Rock Creek, are thus
described by himself. As no record of the exploit appears
in the history of the Fifteenth Regiment, it is given in
full here. General Penrose says :
" We had arrived none too soon. Our troops had been repulsed at
almost every point, the fate of the army trembled in the balance.
Canteens had hardly been filled when the order came to cross. The
bluffs on the opposite side were steep, the water deep, but nothing
394 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
could stop those brave men. In we went, and up the steep ascent on
the other side. I was leading the brigade with the gallant Fifteenth.
Hardly had I reached the level ground beyond when Captain Whittier,
personal aid-de-camp to General Sedgwick, rode up in great haste and
saying to me, ' Penrose, for God's sake get to the front as quick as you
can; cut loose and follow me, everything is gone to the devil ! ' I put
the men on a dogtrot. Meeting a column crossing our track I gave the
order to close up and cut through it, which was promptly obeyed. I fol-
lowed on and came into line just in rear of the Third Regulars, who
were on the right of the Fifth Corps — our lines had been driven to the
crest of the hill. The situation was everything but encouraging. Regu-
lar formation of the troops engaged there was none. Every man
appeared to be fighting on his own hook, but with a determination not to
yield one inch further. An incident occurred just at this time, which
in my opinion had great weight in the result of that day's fight. As I
went into line a man approached me having as prisoner a Confederate
colonel mounted. The man asked me where headquarters were. I
pointed out the corps flag in a field to the rear. The colonel then
addressed me as follows: ' For God's sake, how big is this Catho-
lic corps?' (having reference to our corps badge, a Greek cross.) I
answered 'Why?/ He replied, ' You were thirty miles from here last
night. We saw your colors (corps) coming over the hill, and the orders
for our reinforcements to be pushed in were countermanded.' It will
thus be seen that our timely arrival checked a movement that, had it
been made, would have given them the crest of the hill, and cut our
army in two. As soon as my line was formed it was moved forward.
Going over the weary and worn out troops in our front, down the hill
we went at a thundering pace, driving every thing before us, across
the swamp at its foot, through the woods, never stopping until we
reached a house just on the edge of the wheat-field, where the enemy
made a decided stand. Here also stood an entire battery, every horse
killed. The enemy had captured it in the afternoon, but had had no
time to take it from the field. Here I halted, as night was coming
on, and I could see none of our troops on my right or left. Cov-
ering these guns with our rifles, I deployed two companies to my
right before I made a connection with our troops, finding them to
be part of General Wheaton's command which had gone in on my
right. Six companies were deployed to my left before finding any
one to connect with ; it was then, if I remember right, with the
Twelfth Regulars. Here we lay all night, but at the first peep of day
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 395
I advanced and took the house and secured the battery. In this posi-
tion we remained until about 12 m. of the third when I was relieved
by the Third Regulars, and after considerable search found and joined
my brigade about 3 p. m. In the last day's fight the brigade was not
called into action, and the Fifteenth was the only regiment of the
brigade that took part in the fighting on that memorable field.
The advanced position gained on the night of the second by the
Fifteenth was the same that had been occupied by the Third Corps,
and from which they had been driven, speaks louder than words for
their gallantry. Their steadiness under most trying circumstances,
speaks volumes for the discipline for which the regiment was noted,
and thus ended our share, of no insignificant value, in the turning and
decisive battle of the war."
On the tenth day of May, 1864, Colonel Penrose was
assigned to the command of the First Brigade by order
of General Grant, approved by the President. This was
a mark of distinction seldom conferred upon a junior
officer, and is probably the only instance of the kind in
the Army of the Potomac, except in the case of general
officers to command the army. On the nineteenth of
October, 1864, Colonel Penrose was brevetted brigadier-
general of United States Volunteers. He is now major of
the Twelfth Infantry United States Army, and is stationed
at Fort Sully, Dakota Territory.
MAJOR A. JUDSON CLARK.
A. Judson Clark, commander of Battery " B," First New
Jersey Artillery, was born in Fayetteville, N. Y., October,
1838, and became a citizen of Newark in i860, where he
began the study of medicine. Enlisted April, 1861, for
three months under the first call for seventy-five thousand
men and was made sergeant of Company F, First Regi-
ment New Jersey Volunteers. At the expiration of his
term of service assisted in organizing and putting into the
field the second battery of light artillery (Battery " B "
2q6 new jersey troops
First New Jersey), then known as Beam's battery, being
commissioned as first lieutenant. After the death of
Captain John E. Beam was promoted captain and the
battery was afterward known as Clark's battery. Through-
out the whole period of the war the battery was promi-
nently engaged in every important battle except that of
Antietam and won a splendid reputation for its fighting
and staying qualities. At Chancellorsville Captain Clark
was placed in command of the First Division Artillery?
Third Army Corps. When the attack on the Eleventh
Corps was made by Jackson, Clark's battery was at Hazel
Grove firing on the Furnace road. The enemy came
through to the right of Sickles' corps, and in close pursuit
of Howard's fleeing troops. The battery was immediately
turned around, and began firing to the rear with canister
which enabled Pleasonton to form his line. At Gettysburg
Captain Clark was with his battery during all of the
terrific firing of the second of July, and the gallant conduct
of the battery on that occasion is well attested by the
frequent mention, in the official reports, of its splendid
services. At the close of the day's engagement Colonel
Randolph, chief of artillery of the Third Corps, was
wounded and Captain Clark was appointed to that office
which he held until just before the fight at Mine Run when
Randolph returned to duty. At the fight at Ream's
Station in front of Petersburg Captain Clark was slightly
wounded in the forehead by a minie ball. When the terms
of service of the three year members of the battery who
had not reenlisted expired, Captain Clark accompanied
them to Trenton where they were mustered out, and
immediately afterward returned to the battery remaining
with it until the close of the war. At the time of the
surrender the battery was in position in the line of the
Second Corps, to which it then belonged. Captain Clark
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN
397
was specially recommended to the President for promotion
by General Sickles for bravery and gallantry at Chancel-
lorsville and Gettysburg, and in 1864, General Hunt, chief
of artillery Army of the Potomac, General Birney, General
Mott and others sent strong letters to the State authorities
urging that the several batteries of the State be given a
field oflEicer and recommending Captain Clark for the
place, and in 1865, General Mott sent the following
additional appeal to the Governor, but for some reason or
other was not complied with. The following is General
Mott's letter :
Headquarters Third Division, Second Army Corps, \
May 21, 1865. \
Governor :
As New Jersey has five batteries in the service, and no field
officer — four being entitled to a major — allow me to call your attention
to Captain A. Judson Clark, Battery " B," as an officer justly entitled
to the position. Captain Clark has served since 1861, is the senior
artillery officer from the State, and has on all occasions conducted
himself in an efficient and gallant manner. He is about leaving the
service, as his battery is to be mustered out, and a recognition of his
services by the State will be a just reward for gallant and meritorious
conduct in the field.
I take great pleasure in making this recommendation as the captain
has served under, with or near my command in almost all of the actions
of the Army of the Potomac.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. Mutt, Brevet Major-General.
His Excellency Joel Parker, Governor, etc.
Captain Clark was brevetted major of United States
Volunteers for gallant and meritorious services in front^of
Petersburg, by Congress, to date from April 2, 1865. Since
the war Major Clark's signal abilities have been recognized
by his own people who have repeatedly appointed him to
responsible positions, first as chief of police of the city of
Newark, then as secretary of the Board of Assessments
,q8 new jersey troops
and Revision of Taxes, and as Receiver of Taxes. He is
also a prominent officer in the National Guard of the
State.
MAJOR WILLIAM W. MORRIS.
Major William Wallace Morris was born in the city of
New York in 1830, and in 1832 his parents took up their
residence in the city of Newark. His ancestors on his
mother's side were Huguenots, who settled in Canada in
the sixteenth century, after the massacre of Paris, France.
His paternal ancestry were of the Morrises who immigrated
from Wales, and settled in Monmouth county, New Jersey,
in 1669. His great grandfathers on both sides were
soldiers during the Revolutionary War from 1776 to 1783,
and in the war of 1812 and 1814 both fought against the
British. Many of the male members of the family had
fought in every war on this continent except in the war
with Mexico. Major Morris was educated in private
schools, and learned the coach, harness and saddlery busi-
ness and was superintendent of a large factory at the time
of his enlistment. When a stripling, he joined the old
Lafayette Guards as a private, and subsequently became
Ensign, and afterward joined the City Battalion under
Major Carter. In i86i Major Morris raised a company
and was about to offer their services to the government
when a severe family affliction compelled him to defer his
departure to the field. In August, 1862, under the call for
ten thousand men he recruited Company A, Twenty-sixth
Regiment New Jersey Volunteers, having enlisted as a
private soldier, and was so mustered in September 3d.
Subsequently he was elected captain of the company, and
was mustered in the United States service September i8th.
He left with his regiment for the front from Camp
Frelinghuysen September 26, 1862, and was promoted
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN. 399
major November 19th following, and mustered in Decem-
ber 6, 1862. He took part in the battle of Fredericksburg,
under General Burnside December 13th and 14th, acting
as colonel of the regiment a considerable part of the time,
having but one staff officer to assist him — Sergeant-Major
Amos J. Cummings, the regiment numbering nine hun-
dred and seventy-five men present. Major Morris was one
of the storming column at Fredericksburg Heights, and
participated in the battle of Salem Church Ma3^ 3d and
the battle of Salem Heights or Banks' Ford May 4, 1863.
At the storming of the rifle pits at " Franklin's Crossing,"
three miles below Fredericksburg, June 5, 1863, he was
acting as lieutenant-colonel.
During the great draft riot in New York and Newark in
July, 1863, when the Newark " Mercury " newspaper office
owned by ex-Sheriff E. N. Miller, and his residence was
attacked by a mob — Sheriff Miller being at that time pro-
vost marshal of the district— Major Morris offered his ser-
vices which were gladly accepted, and Sheriff Miller com-
missioned him to organize a body of veterans, secure arms
and make arrangements with the military district com-
mander. General Wool, to put down the enemies of peace
and good order. Major Morris organized some four hun-
dred men, and many of his brother officers rallied around
him, among whom were Captains Fordham, P. F. Rogers,
John Hunkele, John Mclntee, Mark Sears, Lieutenant
Rochus Heinisch, and others. Before the arrangements
with General Wool were fully completed the riot in New
York was put down and that in Newark speedily ended.
LIEUTENANT ROCHUS HEINISCH.
Lieutenant Rochus Heinisch was born in the city of
Newark, N. J., December, 1835. He was educated in
private schools, and was brought up in manufacturing
^^OO NEW JERSEY TROOPS
and business pursuits, following the cutlery business in
his father's factory. At the age of seventeen he joined
the Putnam Horse Guards, a famous battalion of mounted
men, commanded by Major Heinisch, the father of Rochus.
Subsequently he joined Company B, Newark City
Battalion, and during the war enlisted as a private soldier
in Company A, Twenty-sixth New Jersey Volunteers. He
was afterward elected second lieutenant and was pro-
moted first lieutenant in the field. He participated in the
several engagements of his regiment, and was a faithful
and a brave soldier. At the advance of the Twenty-sixth
across the Rappahannock on June 5th, Lieutenant
Heinisch was one of the very first to enter the rebel earth
works. At the expiration of his term of service he
reentered business life, and served two terms in the
House of Assembly of the New Jersey Legislature.
COLONEL HUGH H. JANEWAY.
Hugh H. Janeway was born in New Brunswick, N. J. He
went into the service as first lieutenant of Company L,
First New Jersey Cavalry, and soon Ijecame noted for his
daring as well as for his other strong soldierly qualities.
He was devoid of fear, and many are the incidents related
of his personal encounters with the enemy, and his adven-
tures. He had been in the service but a short time when
he went on a scoutmg expedition and meeting with a
body of the enemy he boldly charged into them. Janeway
himself was wounded in seven different places, and was
left for dead, but his wounds, though severe, were none
of them fatal, and his reappearance among his men for
duty a short time after was hailed with great joy. Febru-
ary 19, 1862, Janeway was promoted captain; on January 27,
1863, major ; July 6, 1864, lieutenant-colonel, and on Octo-
ber II, 1864, colonel of the First Cavalry. During some
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
401
of the encounters with the enemy at Trevillian's Station
Colonel Janeway was wounded, but he soon after returned
and took command of his regiment. In the Weldon Rail-
road expedition in December, 1864, the First New Jersey
bore a conspicuous part. Nearing Hicksford, where the
road to Gaston and Raleigh branches off from the Weldon
line, a force of the enemy was found in strong works,
defending the crossing of the Meherin river. The works
were covered by a thick wood extending for a mile along
the road ; and along the skirts of a wood a body of cav-
alry was posted. Colonel Janeway sent forward Captain
Brooks to charge these men and clear the way. Pyne, in
his description of this action, says :
" Of course no Southern cavalry then in the field could stand against
a charge in which Robbins, Brooks and Craig were all engaged.
Along a narrow road, breaking off here and there to pursue a fugitive
visible through the trees, the Fifth Squadron swept forward at the run;
until the road took a sudden twist, and lost itself in an abbatis of felled
trees, perfectly impassable for horses. From the rifle-pits along the
front of the rebel works a heavy fire was poured into the squadron as
soon as it appeared. Robbins received a bullet through the hat, which
grazed his head; Craig and Johnson had their horses shot and some
of the men were unhorsed in like manner; but Brooks, covering his
men as well as possible, held his position until the rest of the brigade
came up. Then Sargent, with the First Massachusetts, was ordered
to make a charge. Nothing could be more gallantly attempted; but
it was wild to hope for any success so long as the enemy were not
frightened from their guns. Sargent fell dead from his horse before
they took the gallop; and the regiment pulled up in confusion, with the
loss of several horses and some men. Then Janeway and the rest of
the New Jersey took the field. Janeway was in his element at once.
There never was a quiet-mannered man who took more delight in fight-
ing, whether mounted or on foot; and no one ever did his work more
thoroughly and with more perfect management of the troops under his
command. As a consequence the regiment was always ready to do
what he directed with a confidence that made them irresistible. Dis-
mounting his whole force under cover of the woods, he charged them
26
402 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
straight into the rifle-pits, over ditches and fallen trees, under a heavy
fire of musketry and artillery from the woods behind. Nothing would
have been more after Janeway's heart than a charge onward into the
rebel forts, a quarter of a mile beyond."
At Dinwiddie Court House Janeway was in the very
thickest of the fighting and Davies, who commanded the
brigade, being wounded, Janeway succeeded him only to
be wounded in turn. Soon recovering Janeway was again
with his regiment, and at Five Forks distinguished him-
^self by his bravery. At Amelia Springs, the regiment
again encountered the enemy, and Colonel Janeway imme-
diately ordered a charge, in leading which he was shot
through the head, and died almost instantly. This
was April 5, 1865, but four days before the surrender of
Lee at Appomattox. Colonel Janeway had endeared
himself to every man in his command, and no braver
soldier, truer patriot, or courteous gentleman ever per-
ished on the field of battle than he.
COLONEL PERCY WYNDHAM.
Sir Percy Wyndham, colonel of the First New Jersey
Cavalry (Sixteenth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers), was
a member of an ennobled English family, son of Captain
Charles Wyndham, of the Fifth Light Cavalry of the
English army, and born on board the ship "Arab " in " the
Downs," September 22, 1833. When but fifteen years of
age he entered the " Students' Corps " in Paris, and took
part in the French revolution of 1848. In July of that
year he was transferred, at his own request, to the navy,
and given the rank of ensign of marines. He resigned his
commission in the French navy, April 7, 1850, and in the
following year entered the artillery branch of the English
army. Resigning in October, 1852, he received the com-
mission of a second lieutenant in the Eighth Austrian
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
403
Lancers in December following. He served a period of
two years, being promoted first lieutenant on April 15
1854, and squadron commander shortly afterward.
On May i, i860, he resigned from the Austrian service
to enter the Italian, and was commissioned a captain on
the twentieth. He greatly distinguished himself by his
dashing gallantry in the battles of Palermo, Nuloggo,
Rager and Capua. On July 20th he was promoted to the
rank of major and placed in command of his regiment,
and on October r, to that of lieutenant-colonel on the field
before Capua and given command of a brigade by General
Garibaldi in person. He was knighted on the field by
King Victor Emanuel and appointed a chevalier of the
Military Order of Savoy. Colonel Wyndham remained in
command of his brigade till October 8, 1861, when he
obtained a leave of absence for twelve months and came
to the United States to offer his services to the Federal
Government.
Early in the month of February, 1862, upon the special
recommendation of General McClellan and by the appoint-
ment of the Governor, he became Colonel of the P'irst
New Jersey Cavalry. He assumed command of the regi-
ment on the 9th, and called upon officers and men alike to
aid him in securing the most efficient condition by a strict
obedience to orders and thorough military discipline.
The joint influence of Colonel Wyndham and Lieutenant-
Colonel Karge was felt almost immediately, and by the
middle of May the regiment was performing meritorious
military service. On the afternoon of June 6, the regi-
ment drove the enemy through the village of Harrison-
burgh, Va., and fell into an ambuscade in the woods, to
the southeast of the town, in which Colonel Wyndham was
captured and considerable loss sustained ; the colonel soon
afterward escaped. October 30. a skirmish took place
^04 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
between a detachment of cavalry under command of
Colonel Wyndham and a force of rebels stationed at
Thoroughfare Gap, resulting in the retirement of the latter
to the almost impassable hills in the vicinity ; and on
February 2, 1863, Colonel Wyndham surprised Warrenton,
Va. He took part in General Stahl's reconnoissance,
leading the advance in the attack upon the enemy at
Snicker's Ferry, and during the raid of General Stoneman
through Virginia in April and May, 1863, he commanded
the cavalry which took possession of Columbia.
The regiment was on almost constant duty from the day
Colonel Wyndham took command, scouting, raiding and
fighting ; while its impetuous leader was time and again
placed at the head of a brigade when services of an extra-
ordinary character were to be attempted. He was severely
wounded in the battle of Brandy Station, June 9, 1863, and
was mustered out of the service on July 5, 1864, when
he opened a military school in New York city at which he
was doing fairly well. Wyndham, however, was an
adventurer, of a roving disposition, and when war broke
out in Europe — 1866-1867 — he gave up his school, joined the
Italian army and was appointed by Garibaldi a member of
his staff. At the close of this war he returned to New
York and with an Italian chemist, engaged in petroleum
refining. An explosion of one of the large stills ruined
them, and Wyndham went to Calcutta where he started
the well-known comic paper ''The Indian Charivari."
While in Calcutta he organized an Italian opera company,
and married a rich widow. It would be natural to find
him now settling down for the remainder of his days, but
married life evidently possessed little attraction for him,
as soon after that event he went into lumber operations,
and in speculation in timber forests at Mandalay lost all
he had made in Calcutta. He then attempted to induce
IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
405
the Burmese Government to cultivate cotton on a large
scale, and while they praised his schemes and promised
generous aid in putting his ideas into execution, they did
not provide him with any means to carry them out. He
then became a hanger-on of the court at Mandalay and
suffered many indignities at their hands. He had become
reduced to great poverty, and had pawned his jewels and
decorations to get money enough to pay his debts. While
at Mandalay he constructed an immense balloon and
hoped by giving exhibition ascensions to be able to
amass sufficient means to release his decorations, but his
first ascension led to his death in the following tragic
manner, as described in the Rangoon (India) " Gazette "
of January 27, 1879 :
" How little did a single soul among that vast crowd of
people assembled on Saturday last in and about Dalhousie
Park to witness the balloon ascension, which had been
advertised for the last two months and more, imagine that
they would be spectators— nay, participators — of a tragedy
which resulted in the death of one of the most adventurous
men of the day. Throughout the whole day one stream of
human beings had flowed toward the Royal Lakes, on the
margin of which Colonel Wyndham's balloon had been
inflated. The balloon was about seventy feet in height
and at the largest part ninety or one hundred feet in
circumference, made of common white shirting with a
coat of waterproof va.rnish and a somewhat slight network
of thin ropes over it, the ends of which were tied around
the edge of the wickerwork car in which the aeronaut was
to take his seat. Crowds of all caste and degree, from the
fashionable European lady and gentleman to the veriest
cooly who could afford a few annas for entrance money,
went around the baloon, examined its exterior, peered into
its interior through its wide mouth and criticised it or
4o6 NEW JERSEY TROOPS
expressed their wonder. About a quarter past six o'clock
Colonel Wyndham got into his car, in which four small
bags of sand and some refreshments had been previously
placed. Colonel Wyndham having given the signal to
those who held it down, the balloon was gently released
and rose, swaying for a short while from side to side then
straightening itself and rising majestically upward. When
it had reached an altitude of about three hundred feet it
was seen to burst — open out — and then to collapse, the
whole falling into the lake about a hundred yards from the
bank, the remnants of the balloon falling over the car
which contained Colonel Wyndham. A lot of boats pulled
as fast as possible to the spot, but owing to the vast spread
of cloth presented by the fragments of the balloon, it was
full ten minutes before Colonel Wyndham's body could be
recovered. It was immediately conveyed ashore, where it
was placed in the hands of Doctors Oswald and Johnstone,
but although they exerted themselves for over an hour all
efforts to restore animation proved unavailing. It is the
opinion of medical men from the appearance presented by
the body, the bleeding from the nose and the peculiar
nature of the accident, that before reaching the water he
had been asphyxiated by the rushing out of the hot air or
gas from the balloon. As to the causes of the balloon's
collapse there can be little question. It was made two
years ago of flimsy v/hite shirting, not improved by keeping,
which when inflated showed several cracks or rents in it.
These flaws, when pointed out to him. Colonel Wyndham
said were nothing ; he had gone up in balloons with holes
the size of a man's head. Thus ended a singular and
adventurous career."
1743
i
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