Campaign of the Fourteenth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers

by J. Newton Terrill

On the night of January 6th, 1863, Co's E and K were ordered to be ready to move in the morning, and be stationed along the railroad as guards. The morning came clear and cold; every thing was packed and the men placed with their baggage on open cars. Co. E was stationed at Monrovia, seven miles distant from camp, and Co. K at Mount Airy, fourteen miles from camp, quartered in a church. The men soon became acquainted and made themselves at home. The church was situated on the main road half a mile from Mount Airy, and half a mile from Ridgeville on the Baltimore pike. Pickets and guards were stationed, although there was no enemy near. Co. E at Monrovia were placed in their tents and were compelled to lie on the ground. They were encamped near the railroad. One of their number while there was run over and killed by the cars. Eight companies remained at Monocacy. Col. Truex was appointed acting Brigadier General with headquarters at Frederick City; Major Vredenberg, Provost Marshal. The 3d Delaware regiment and Purnell Legion were at Frederick, and were temporarily brigaded with the 14th New Jersey, all under command of Col. Truex. The regiment had now been out over five months, and had yet received no pay. The men were anxious to receive their money, as several had large families at home depending upon them for support. At last the paymaster arrived. He was hailed with joy, as money was scarce. Five months' pay was due the men, but two months of it only were paid. The men were very much dissatisfied, but the promise of speedy payment soon quieted them. Two weeks later the men were paid again, the government keeping back one month's pay. As a general thing this was always done, very often the men receiving but two months' pay when three or four were due them.

The Winter passed with scarcely any snow, but rain fell in abundance. Spring opened in all its glory. The Potomac army lay inactive in their comfortable quarters near Falmouth. The roads were in such a condition that an army could not move. Early in the spring six companies were detached from the regiment and sent to Martinsburg, for the purpose of re-enforcing Milroy, the enemy threatening an attack. Arriving at Harper's Ferry, encamped on Maryland Heights three days. Arriving at Martinsburg, two companies were stationed in a church, the others encamping near the town. Co's B and G were left at Monocacy. The companies remained at Martinsburg six weeks and then returned to camp, as the threatened attack proved to be an alarm, the rebels reconnoitering and then retiring. The men now began to get tired of Monocacy, having lain there 9 months. A flag was presented to the regiment by Gov. Parker. The men were drawn up in line with white gloves, a band was hired for the occasion, and the flag was presented by the Governor in person. Although the men were denied the luxuries of life, they were far better off than the boys of the Potomac army with good tents and pretty good food. The men were very well contented. Numbers were anxious to move. Take us to the front was the general cry. Soon the order came, pack up, boys, and prepare to move. The men obeyed with alacrity, as all were glad to go, lying in camp so long. A number of articles had accumulated that were of no use to us and were left behind. The ground was as smooth and as even as a board floor, the men drilling on it so often it became hard. When we entered it it was mud knee deep. The men working with a will soon had their tents in line and arranged in perfect order. To be ready to move without delay was the order. Tents were struck and the regiment proceeded to the Relay House on baggage cars. Co.'s E and K were ordered to be in readiness, and were taken on board. Monocacy to us was a home, and with a sigh of regret we left, although anxious to move. Arriving at the Relay House at five o'clock, encamped in a field near the depot, the men lying out in the dew. The next morning tents were pitched. Just as they were ready, orders came for the men to send all surplus baggage home, as the regiment was ordered to the front to join the Potomac Army. The rebel army under Lee had again attempted the invasion of the North, and re-enforcements were hurriedly sent on. Everything was left behind. The men were now in light marching order, and were again placed on baggage cars for Harper's Ferry, eighty-one miles from Baltimore. Co. E was left at Monocacy to guard the bridge, stationed in block houses built by our regiment. Arriving at Maryland Heights, the regiment marched up the ascent in dust and sun. It was exceedingly warm, and the march very tiresome. The Heights are ascended by a circuitous route that winds around the mountain. The sun being very hot, and the roads very dusty, it was very hard for the men, and they soon became tired with heavy knapsacks, muskets and equipments. Arriving at the top, the regiment encamped near the 6th New York Heavy Artillery regiment that had lain there some six months. Their camp was in a splendid condition, clean and neat, the men being more like regulars than volunteers, wearing new clothes and white gloves. While on duty the men were compelled to lie out, having been furnished with no tents or blankets, nor did the men get any until the summer campaign was nearly over. The troops on the Heights numbered some 7,000 men, under command of Gen. Tyler.

The enemy were now across the Potomac in force, moving northward for Pennsylvania, under command of their best and ablest leader, General Lee, marching the same road they did the previous year, when under command of their wily and strategic leader, Stonewall Jackson, now no more. Lee, his superior in every respect, was now in full command of all the armies of the Confederate States, superintending the army of northern Virginia in person. Our army was commanded by Fighting Joe Hooker, Burnside's successor. Both armies were straining every nerve. Defeat to us was death. Washington, at the mercy of the rebels, would soon fall, the independence of the South achieved, and Slavery, the curse of our nation, would rule supreme. But God, in his wise providence, saw fit to rule otherwise, and victory crowned our arms.

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

The division under command of Major-General French evacuated the Heights on Tuesday, June 30, destroying a vast amount of ammunition, grain, etc. Eighty men from the 14th regiment, under command of Lieut. Bailey, were detailed to guard the pontoon bridge near John Brown's cave, until the Heights were evacuated. At four o'clock everything was ready, and the column started. Heavy guns were placed on canal boats for Washington; the sick were sent to convalescent camps, and everything that could not be taken was destroyed. Orders were read to the troops to prepare for an active campaign, and in light marching order; all baggage not really needed was sent to Washington, and the men were ready for a march. Company E, stationed at Monocacy, twenty-five miles away, was ordered to join the regiment, marching in a heavy rain, remaining but one night on the heights. At 5 P. M. the troops started, the rain pouring in torrents, marching that afternoon seven miles with knapsacks, muskets, equipments and three days' rations, passing Sandy Hook and Knoxville, small, dilapidated villages near the ferry. These places, since the war, were rapidly going to decay. Encamping in a field at night, lying on the wet ground till morning. We were on the Heights two weeks, the rain falling continually, the men constantly at work digging entrenchments and on picket, but one day being clear. As the men left they gave a sigh of relief, and hoped they would never see the place again. The rainy season had now commenced, and the roads were almost impassible, the mud in some places hub deep. It was with difficulty that the troops could march, some sinking up to their knees in the mud. But seven miles were made that day, and the troops, drenched with rain, cooked their scanty supper of hard tack and salt pork by camp fires. Rail fences were demolished and burned without regard to owners, and by the light of these camp fires, without tents or blankets, the men bivouacked for the night. This was the first march, and the men, exhausted, threw themselves upon the wet ground, and soon were buried in slumber. Pickets were stationed, and the dark, gloomy hours of the night passed slowly along.

The morning of July 1st dawned clear and bright; the reveille was sounded, and the men awakened from their slumber to prepare for a weary march. Breakfast of hard tack, coffee and pork was eaten, and the troops, in solid columns to the number of 7,000, under command of Gen. French, moved out on the road to Frederick City, passing through Jefferson, a small village on the main road. The sun came out very warm. The march was tiresome, as the men were not used to it. A great many threw away their knapsacks, the ground being covered with them. The farmers followed with their wagons, picking up everything that was thrown away. The men were glad to get rid of all unnecessary loads. The country along the route was splendid. The waving fields of grain, the crops of grass, reminded us of home. But war was desolating the land—cruel, unrelenting war! At four P. M. the column halted near Frederick City, having marched since morning eighteen miles. The roads were very bad, and the column was ordered to remain in camp one day. No passes were allowed the men to visit Frederick City, and they lay quietly in camp on the wet ground, tired and weary, the weather intensely hot, the men bathing in Monocacy. A man from Co. H, named Anderson, ventured beyond his depth and was drowned, not being able to swim. Every effort was made to save him, but without avail. His body was recovered and buried in the cemetery near Frederick.

On Friday, July 3d, the troops were ordered to change camp near Monocacy bridge, marching three miles, awaiting orders, passing through Frederick City, marching company front, the roads very muddy, encamping near Monocacy bridge, on the western side of the river. Remaining over night the men felt the need of blankets, but still none were furnished. It was raining and very disagreeable. It cleared off during the night. The fourth of July was very warm. At noon orders came for the troops to move to the support of the Potomac army, now engaged in a terrific struggle with Lee and the flower of the rebel army at Gettysburgh. Defeat to our forces was ruin; victory, everything. For four days the tide of battle ebbed and flowed. The night of the fourth found the enemy in full retreat, closely followed by our victorious Meade; a name hitherto known only to the army, but now will ever be remembered as one of our proudest leaders—Geo. W. Meade, the hero of Gettysburgh, and the commander of the Potomac army. It again commenced to rain, and the men were wet through. The guns of Gettysburgh were plainly heard. The men were not allowed any rest, but passed on, hoping to arrive in time to take part in that ever memorable battle, and to relieve those men, who for four days had driven the enemy at all points with terrible slaughter. Marching in the mud was slow, the artillery sinking deep in the mire. The divisions now numbered some eight thousand men, having been re-enforced by troops lying in the vicinity of Frederick City, passing through Middletown, a small village eight miles from Frederick City. At sunset the rain ceased for a short time, the sun setting in all its glory. The surrounding country was splendid. Our march was through a valley, the scenery being delightful. The column marched nineteen miles, halting at midnight at Boonsboro Gap; headquarters at the Summit House, eighteen miles from Hagerstown. The enemy were now in full retreat. This was the second time the Confederates had attempted the invasion of the North, and for the second time were defeated. Longstreet had several times hurled his dense columns upon our centre, trying in vain to break our lines, but each time was repulsed with terrible loss. A. P. Hill on the right and Ewell on the left, sought, if possible, a weak spot, to penetrate our lines, but firm as a rock the Union boys stood repulsing each charge, strewing the ground with rebel dead, and driving them back in confusion. Both armies were now in motion, each hoping by rapid marches to outwit the other; Lee trying to get across the Potomac, and Meade trying to intercept him. It was supposed that Lee would retreat by the way of Boonsboro Gap, and French's division was ordered to hold it, and keep the enemy in check, while the Potomac army moved, if possible, in their rear. A strong line of battle was formed, and heavy pickets thrown out. No fires were allowed. As each regiment came up they were formed in line, stacked arms and lay on the wet ground until morning. The night was very cold, and the men suffered very much with nothing but the ground to lie on, with a knapsack for a pillow and the canopy of heaven for a covering.

The division was composed of three Brigades; the first consisting of the 151st N. Y., 6th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, 10th Vermont and 14th N. J., commanded by Brig. Gen. Morris, formerly Colonel of the 6th N. Y. The regiments were very large, numbering from eight hundred to one thousand men. We remained at the Gap five days, the Potomac army passing through, Lee having halted at Williamsport, the river being so high he could not cross. As the veterans of many a hard fought battle passed, they were loudly cheered by the new troops. Their soiled and worn out garments, and their decimated ranks contrasted greatly with our well filled ranks and new clothes. They looked upon us as new recruits, and remarks were frequently made by them not altogether suiting us. Some of them were that our regiments were as large as their brigades, and that we were too green for the front. Such remarks did very well for the time, as we were not inured to hardships as they were, but the war was not yet over. After serving their three years they lay quietly at their homes, while the boys that were then called green, were veterans, destined to see more hardships and more fighting than those that enlisted at the commencement of the war. Nine hundred and sixty rebels that were wounded, with ambulances and baggage wagons, were sent back by Gen. Lee with an escort, to Richmond. They were captured, together with several important despatches, by Kilpatrick's cavalry, and brought in camp for us to guard at Boonsboro Gap. Several of them were in a dying condition. They were very destitute and ragged, with scarcely anything to eat. The 10th Vermont guarded them to Washington. The Regiment was encamped on the spot where Gen. Reno fell at the battle of Antietam, a tree marking the spot. It was on the plantation of Dr. Wise, his well being filled with dead rebels thrown in for burial. Many a parent or loving wife will never know their fate, thinking perhaps they were prisoners, and at the close of the war would return to their homes; but they are now no more. With thousands of Union soldiers their bones rest on Southern soil, there to remain until the last trump shall sound to summon them to their final account before a just and holy God.

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

On the afternoon of July 9th, orders came for the division to move and join the Potomac army, having been assigned as 3rd Division, 3rd Army Corps, now commanded by Gen. French. Gen. Sickels, one of our ablest Generals, formerly commanded the corps; he was everywhere in the hottest of the fight. At Gettysburgh, while giving command to his men, he was struck by a shell and severely wounded in the leg. It was found necessary to amputate it, and the command of the corps was given to Maj. Gen. French. The odd divisions, 1st, 2nd and 3rd, were formed in two, our division as 3rd, commanded by Brig. Gen. Carr from New York State. Leaving the gap, the division marched that afternoon six miles, joining the Potomac army at night, encamping in a field. This was our first entry in that army, and we remained there until the close of the war. The 11th New Jersey was in the 2nd division. They were raised at Trenton under the same call, and proceeded to the front a few days sooner than the 14th. They were placed immediately in active service and had already participated in several battles. At Gettysburgh they were in the hottest of the fight, losing more than one-third of their men, and fighting bravely. They now numbered but two hundred men; sickness and death on the battle field had thinned their ranks, but still they were ready for the contest and as eager as ever to be led forward. Six days had now elapsed since the retreat of Lee from Gettysburgh; the army was again concentrated and moved forward to the attack. We were now but one day's march from the enemy, strongly entrenched at Williamsport. As yet we had not seen a battle, nor had we seen an armed rebel. As new troops we were all anxious to fight, but were disappointed, perhaps for the best. After joining the Potomac army, the division encamped in a field until morning, cooking coffee and hard-tack by camp fires built of rail fences. The next morning the troops were awakened at reveille which was sounded at sunrise. At 11 o'clock a forward movement was again made, marching six miles, passing through a small village called Katyville. The stores were closed, the majority of the men being secesh. Frederick City was the base of supplies, and rations were plenty; such as an army was allowed on a march, consisting of hard-tack, salt pork, sugar, coffee and beef. As long as the troops remained in Maryland, they fared well, but in Virginia, rations were scarce, often two or three days passing without anything to eat; the troops marched very slow. As we were approaching the enemy during the afternoon, but six miles were marched. The Regiment encamping on a hill near a battery, arms were stacked, the men prepared their evening meal. The camp fires of our army were everywhere visible, and in the darkness of the night looked splendidly. At nine o'clock the bugle sounded, and orders came to move immediately. Various reports were soon circulated, but little time was given for conjecture. Soon the troops were in motion, marching back a forced march of eight miles, almost double quick, halting at twelve o'clock in the vicinity of Boonsboro Gap, near the headquarters of Gen. Meade. A line of battle was quickly formed, the troops sleeping on their arms. The Regiment halted in a field of wheat cut and shocked, the men helping themselves, making beds for the night. It being warm we slept well until aroused the next morning at reveille. The weather was close and very uncomfortable and marching very tedious. The troops had advanced farther than was intended, and were almost within the enemy's lines. The next morning orders came again to advance, marching three miles in line of battle, maneuvering in various positions. The Regiment was detailed to support a battery, remaining two days and three nights, every moment expecting to attack the enemy, and wondered why the order was not given. All were anxious to fight, and all were confident that the rebel army would be defeated. Gen. Meade held a council of war with his corps commanders, French, Howard, Sykes, Sedgwick, Warren and Hancock, and it was decided not to attack, as the army needed reorganizing and had suffered severely at Gettysburgh, the risk being too great to run. The rebel army, although defeated, would fight with desperation, and if victorious nothing could save Washington. Gen. Lee, without exception, was the leading general of the rebel army, together with A. P. Hill, Longstreet and Ewell, and they were formidable antagonists to encounter. Taking advantage of the delay, the enemy were rapidly re-crossing the river, having seized several boats, and with their pontoon train soon constructed bridges. The river was falling and everything was in their favor. While we were watching their front nothing but their advance guard was in sight. On the night of July 14th the retreat was discovered, but nothing could be done until morning. At daylight our army was in pursuit, but without avail. Their rear guard, numbering some five thousand men, was captured, the rest were safe across the river, marching rapidly toward Richmond, a weakened, demoralized army, disheartened by defeat. It is estimated that Lee lost forty thousand men in his attempt to invade the North. Gen. Meade was greatly censured by the people of the North for allowing the enemy to escape, but Lee had yet a large army and victory to our forces not altogether certain. The Potomac army by rapid marching and hard fighting, had driven the enemy from our soil, and the heart-felt thanks of millions of souls went up to God in praise. But still more was to be done; the rebels were not conquered; large armies were yet to be encountered and subdued; miles of territory hostile to the government to be occupied, and treason crushed forever. The army moved five miles to Williamsport, occupying the same ground the rebels did the night before. We saw their breastworks and fortifications, but nothing of them, with the exception of their rear guard of 5,000 men that was captured. We remained at Williamsport until the morning of the 15th, when the pursuit commenced. Orders were read to the troops to prepare for hard marching. The weather was intensely hot, almost suffocating, and the roads very muddy. We marched that day 14 miles, passing through the villages of Fairplay and Donaldsville. The march was very severe, especially for the new troops. Twenty from the 3d Corps fell out, exhausted, and died by the road; several were sunstruck. At three o'clock the troops halted in the vicinity of Sharpsburg until morning, the men nearly played out. Muskets were stuck in the ground and shelters fastened upon them, to protect the men from the rays of the sun. Tired and weary they threw themselves upon the ground and most of them were soon asleep. Pickets were placed as usual, until the next morning, when the army was again in motion, marching that day 15 miles, encamping in Pleasant Valley, near Harper's Ferry, remaining until the afternoon of the next day, the rain pouring in torrents. The weather was very uncertain, one day very warm, the next rainy and cold.