Front matter (continued 2)

Two companies were detailed for picket each day, the remaining companies drilling brigade drill. Gen. Morris, having written a series of tactics, was desirous of practicing, and ordered brigade drill each day. Winter quarters were again the topic of conversation, as the cold was almost unendurable. Nothing was now seen of the enemy, as they lay in their old position on the Rapidan, and not very anxious to advance again, having learned a lesson from us, although surprised and compelled to fall back before it was more of an advantage to Meade than to Lee. The terrible lesson they learned at Bristoe was not to be forgotten very soon, nor our advance on the Rappahannock. But few men were lost on our side, the enemy losing heavily in men and munitions of war. During our stay at Culpepper two men were arrested as spies and sent to Washington; they were dressed in the United States uniform and belonged to the guerilla Mosby's command. Succeeding in eluding our pickets they entered our lines with the intention of returning as speedily as possible, and inform the rebels that there was but one brigade lying at Culpepper easily accessible to them; frustrated in their plans, they were arrested and subsequently met their fate as spies, being hung at Alexandria. Efforts were made to save them, but of no avail, the rules of civilized warfare demanded their execution, and the just deserts were meted out to them to the fullest extent of the law.

The brigade remained at Culpepper ten days, until the night of the 23d, when orders were given to be ready to move at daylight. Although late in the season, an advance was determined on and five days' rations issued the men. Commencing to rain the order was countermanded, the brigade leaving Culpepper and rejoining the division at Brandy Station, marching four miles; lying in the mud near the railroad until Thursday, Nov. 26, when the order to again advance was given, starting from Brandy Station at 7 a. m. The troops in three columns moved towards the Rapidan, crossing at different fords on pontoons; the enemy, not expecting an advance, were as yet unprepared, reaching the river at five o'clock, the 3d corps crossing at Jacobs' Mill Ford, the trains following in the rear; a force was left at Brandy Station to guard the railroad. After marching fifteen miles the river was reached and crossed before dark; nothing was seen of the enemy, their frowning breast works were empty. Had they been manned by a sufficient force our crossing would not have been so easy, as they had a splendid position for their artillery and a raking fire from their batteries upon our advance. The troops were soon over and formed in line of battle, throwing out heavy pickets, halting in the woods near the river until routed out the next morning. The column had advanced the evening previous until near the enemy, countermarching and encamping for the night. Every preparation was made for the ensuing day, as the enemy were moving, being aware of our advance. The morning of the 27th was cold and dreary. It was Thanksgiving Day at home, but to the poor soldier it was war, and many that entered the fight that day lived not to see the morrow's sun; they had spent their last Thanksgiving Day on earth, and now fill a soldier's grave.

Gen. French was sent in advance with the 3d corps, the 3rd division on the lead, they overtaking the enemy at Locust Grove, a dense forest of pine trees; the enemy were strongly posted. Our division had always lain along the railroad, and thus far had never engaged in battle. We were called by the other divisions of the corps, Gen. French's pets, as they thought he favored us more than the rest, he being the former commander of the 3rd division. The 1st division, commanded by Gen. Birney, was in the rear of the 3d division. When they were told we were to charge the enemy, the men of the 1st division exclaimed, "What! send French's pets in there? they can't fight." The General hearing them, in his blunt manner remarked, "We'll see if they can't fight. Move forward, boys." Skirmishers from the 122nd Ohio regiment were immediately sent out. The 1st brigade being on the advance, was for the first time engaged with the enemy, and for four hours was under fire, the men fighting bravely until darkness ended the contest, standing their ground like veterans; making a brilliant charge and driving the rebels from their position, capturing several prisoners. The whole corps was by this time hotly engaged, maintaining their ground, neither side gaining any material advantage. Gen. Carr and staff were everywhere conspicuous, and supported by the 6th corps, there was no such word as fail. The old 3d corps had long established its reputation, which was never to be lost. Ever since the organization of the Potomac army had the 3d corps been foremost in the fight; commanded by a fighting man, Major Gen. Sickles, it never wavered, always the first to enter and the last to leave. Thousands had lost their lives in the seven days' fight before Richmond, at Antietam, Chancellorsville and Gettysburgh, and thousands more were to lose their lives in the brave old 3d. Each corps was ordered to have a mark, designating it from the rest, the 3d corps choosing the diamond, an emblem of worth. This originated from Gen. Kearney, commanding the New Jersey brigade; in order to distinguish his men from the rest, he ordered them to wear a red cross; the other commanders taking it in hand until each corps had a mark and a corps flag; each division red, white and blue. Of the corps in the Potomac army, the 1st was full moon; 2nd club; 3d diamond; 5th Maltese cross, and 6th Roman cross. At Locust Grove the red and blue patches of the different divisions were plainly seen. The woods were so thick that artillery could not be used; the roar of musketry as it vibrated among the trees was awful and sublime, sounding as if the wind with all its force was rushing on moved by some irresistible power.

The officers and men of the 14th fought nobly, knowing that their reputation depended on this, their first battle. Co's B and K being on the extreme left of the line, became separated from the regiment, and did not hear the order to fall back when relieved, remaining in one hour after the regiment, not leaving until their ammunition was exhausted. The regiment lost sixteen killed and fifty-eight wounded, having been in the service sixteen months without engaging in battle, the other regiments losing in proportion. Gen. Morris rode to the front, congratulating the men for their bravery. In a few words he told them that as new troops, a brigade never fought better; that they had accomplished all that was desired of them. At dark the enemy retreated, leaving their dead and wounded in our hands. All night long the surgeons were busy dressing the wounds of our men, the cries of the poor wounded fellows as they lay writhing under the knife were heart-rending; the groans of the dying as they lay on the field were heard throughout the night. The battle was now over, the enemy had fallen back, and the troops remained on the field lying on their arms until morning. The enemy had now fallen back in their old position at Mine Run awaiting our approach; the weather very cold and mud knee deep; marched five miles, halting near Robinson's Tavern; in a pine wood in front of the enemy's breastworks, which were very strong. All Saturday and Sunday Gen. Meade and his corps commanders were engaged in devising means to force the enemy from their position on the western slope of Mine Run, being too strongly posted to warrant making a direct assault upon their works, although our forces outnumbered them two to one. Mine Run is a small stream about ten feet wide, but very deep; on each side is a low marsh, miry and reed grown. About one mile back from either side there were cultivated patches of pine trees. On the south side the Potomac army lay in line of battle all day Sunday, the 29th; none but the 3d corps had thus far been engaged, the 3d division, the heaviest. The enemy had moved out of their position to meet us, and at Locust Grove had encountered our advance. After being defeated and driven back by the 3d corps, they awaited our approach, having fortified the western slope by a strong earthwork of felled trees, shrubbery and brush, forming an almost impenetrable abattis. They had also dug a succession of rifle pits within easy musket range of the creek, manned by sharpshooters, to pick off our advance skirmishers, their line of defense extending from what was called Clark's Mountain, on the plank road, to the mouth of the stream, and was fully supported by artillery, and by our generals was considered as strong as Fredericksburg. The artillery was brought forward and placed in position in front of their batteries. Not a shot had yet been exchanged since the battle of Locust Grove, each side waiting for the other, the infantry being hidden from view by a thick woods. In order to move them forward it was found necessary to bridge the streams and morasses in various places, a work both difficult and dangerous; this was done by the 1st division of the 3d corps. Sunday passed, and at dark nothing had yet been done; thus far we had not accomplished anything; with one corps we had met their advance, and after a hard battle had driven them back a few miles in a strong position not easily flanked, with severe loss on both sides. On Sunday night the troops were massed and formed as follows: the 2d corps on the extreme left at Clark's Mountain; the left centre was held by the 3d corps; the centre by two divisions of the 1st, and the right by the 5th and 6th corps. Gen. Warren with the 2nd corps was to attack Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, and, if possible, turn the enemy's right wing; the 5th and 6th corps, under Sykes and Sedgwick, were at the same time to attack their left, while the 1st and 3d moved on the centre. The reserve artillery had all been brought forward ready for action, but for some reason the infantry failed to connect, and night slipped upon us all drawn up in line of battle. That night a change was made in the programme. Gen. Warren did not deem his force adequate to the task of turning the enemy's right, so he was still re-enforced by the 1st and 3d divisions of the 3d corps, marching at two o'clock Monday morning five miles; the 3d division placed on the extreme left in the most dangerous position, while Birney with his division was to support the artillery. The army was now placed in their respective positions, and 8 o'clock Monday morning was then set by Gen. Meade for the great battle to open. The men lay down wrapped in their blankets on the frozen ground, to rest and to dream of home. The night of Sunday was the coldest we had yet experienced; ice formed in streams an inch in thickness. Several of the men froze their limbs, and one or two lost their lives while on picket. The enemy's sharpshooters were found frozen in their rifle pits, as a great many of them had no overcoats or blankets. At 8 o'clock on Monday the artillery began to play upon the enemy, and for an hour was as heavy as ever was witnessed; the shells, as they flew shrieking through the air, were plainly seen. The enemy replied feebly, not wishing to disclose their position. The infantry did not make any demonstration whatever, and after making a great deal of noise and wasting a large amount of ammunition, the artillery was silenced by an order from headquarters. The men were already in line with knapsacks unslung, the 3d division to lead and charge their extreme right. Gen. Meade rode to the front, examined their works with his glass, and then countermanded the order, as a fearful loss of life would ensue; the weather being so cold the wounded would die if left uncared for. The 3d division remained on the left until 3 o'clock Monday afternoon, when they returned to their old position in the center with the balance of the corps. Nothing more was done during the day but to form some other plan; but the wisest plan our generals could agree on was to go back to our line on the Rappahannock and take a fresh start. Accordingly the trains were all ordered back across the Rapidan, the troops still in line watching the enemy until the trains were all safe across. General Francis Meagher was a guest at headquarters, and moved with the troops, engaging in battle with the Irish Brigade, and narrowly escaped capture at Locust Grove. Being dressed in citizen's dress, he was taken by the enemy to be a reporter and no exertion was made to capture him. Had they known that he was a distinguished general, and the leader of the old 69th New York that gave them such reception at Bull Run, they would have captured him certain; as it was, he escaped by spurring his horse out of their reach.

On Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1863, the troops were ordered to fall back, as nothing could be accomplished. The roads were in a terrible condition, almost impassable; it was with difficulty that supplies could be sent to the men by wagons over the route of thirty or forty miles. Our wounded were suffering considerably; the most of them were compelled to walk, as transportation could not be furnished; only those that had lost a limb were allowed to ride. At dark pickets were placed as usual, the main body of the army falling back, marching all night on a double quick on the Fredericksburg plank road, the weather each hour growing colder. All night long the troops moved in solid columns, a brilliant moon lighting us on our way. The trains were all safe across, and were on their way to Brandy Station, to be filled with supplies for the men. On their return the boys set the woods on fire, and they were soon burning in all directions. The pickets were relieved at 3 o'clock, when Lee discovered the retreat; his army was soon in motion, but too late to do any good. By daylight the army was all safe across the Rapidan, having marched, or rather run twenty miles; several of the men were unable to keep up and were captured. The troops crossed at Germania Ford, on two pontoon bridges, which were taken up at 6 o'clock, and our batteries placed on a hill ready for action. The rebel cavalry made their appearance on the opposite side but were soon driven back by a few shells, retiring suddenly with the few prisoners they had captured. The pursuit was now abandoned, and the men, foot sore and weary, threw themselves upon the ground and were soon buried in slumber. Rations were scarce, the men having nothing to eat, and we were yet some distance from Brandy Station, our base of supplies. The troops were allowed to rest until noon. The men had become scattered during the march, and were now joining their commands. Meade halted on the banks of the river, hoping Lee would give battle. The men were in fine spirits and were now anxious to fight the rebel army away from their entrenchments in an open field; but Lee declined to give battle, and after exchanging a few shots with the rear guard of our army, both armies retired from the river, Lee moving back to Mine Run, the Potomac army to Brandy Station, to enter winter quarters. At noon the column again moved, marching but five miles, halting in a dense woods, with nothing to eat until two o'clock the next morning, when the column again moved, marching nine miles, and arriving at Brandy Station at 10 o'clock, the troops occupying their old quarters near the railroad; the camp was welcomed with joy; weary, hungry and nearly tired out, after an absence of eight days, returned, having crossed the Rapidan, accomplishing but little. Fighting two days on slim rations; recrossed again, having lost about two thousand men in killed, wounded and missing. Again the people north were clamorous for the removal of Meade; why did he not attack Lee in his entrenchments? was the cry; Richmond must be taken, and all such remarks. It was rumored that Hooker was again to take command, and we were to return immediately to Mine Run; but the military men of the Potomac army knew that the fortifications at Mine Run never could be taken by the Potomac army, especially at this time of the year. If Lee was driven out of his works, the success could not be followed up, as the cold was too intense to permit a campaign of long duration.

On the 4th of December, 1863, the troops were ordered into Winter quarters, as nothing more could be done that Winter. The railroad was guarded from Alexandria to Brandy Station by the 1st corps, the main line extending from Culpepper to the Rapidan. Camps were now laid out in regular order, each brigade by itself, the 1st brigade encamping on the plantation of John Minor Botts, one of Virginia's noblest sons, who, at the commencement of the war, refused to aid in breaking up the Union formed by Washington and his compeers, one of the best governments the world ever saw. Because he would not aid in bringing civil war, and aid in slaughtering thousands of innocent men, he was for three months confined in Libby Prison by the rebel leader, his daughter sharing his confinement with him without a murmur. He was finally released on parole, and was now residing at his mansion near Brandy Station. Trees were felled by the men and comfortable Winter quarters built. As far as the eye could reach were seen the tents of the Potomac army, occupying several miles of ground; the 6th corps on the extreme right, near Hazel River; the 5th corps on the left. Tents were soon built, the crevices filled with mud, and a shanty built of stones, the whole covered with shelters, three or four tenting with each other. Give a soldier a knife, and with a few articles a tent will soon be built. Brandy Station, a place heretofore but little known, was now the base of supplies for the army, trains running as far as Culpepper, where the Cavalry were encamped. Corduroy roads were built, fatigue parties being sent out each day under competent officers. Large store houses were built, and thousands of bushels of grain stored for the horses and mules. During the Summer the troops had nothing to eat on the march but hard-tack, sugar and coffee. Extra rations were now issued, some of the men faring better than at home. Rations were issued every five days of hard-tack, soft bread, sugar, coffee, beef, pork, pepper, salt, beans, dried apples, potatoes and onions, the government always feeding the men well while lying in camp. Furloughs were now granted the men for ten days, some two hundred going each day. The people home had seen so many soldiers that they were tired of them; a great many that were Copperheads, afraid to come themselves, entertained no respect for the boys in blue, but turned a cold shoulder to them. They cared not though, as long as they had done their duty at the front, and despised the sneaking Copperhead as not worthy of notice. Camp life was now entered upon by the men with activity, knowing that spring would open with a hard campaign. Drills were again in order, inspections and reviews. Brandy Station was thronged with visitors from the North, who looked with wonder upon the magnificent array of men, that for the past three years had been battling for union and for liberty. The armies must again be recruited for the spring campaign; great inducements were held out to the men, and furloughs suddenly stopped. Any soldier that would re-enlist for three years would receive three hundred dollars bounty and thirty-five days furlough; all other furloughs were stopped. The men anxious to see home, and thinking that the war would soon be over, re-enlisted in large numbers, receiving their bounty and furlough. Nearly the whole of the 87th Pennsylvania in the 3d division re-enlisted; this was the finest drilled regiment in the service, their term of enlistment expiring in the spring. The mails were now running regular once each day. The paymasters arriving, the troops were paid in full and the sutlers patronized largely. President Lincoln now issued a call for three hundred thousand more men. In view of the large bounties offered, a great many worthless men enlisted, soon after deserting; the most of them were caught and were sent back to the headquarters of the different divisions, and placed under arrest. A Provost Guard was formed at each division headquarters, composed of picked men of the regiments, consisting of one hundred men, five Sergeants and eight Corporals, whose duties were to guard all prisoners, and in time of action to keep up all stragglers, and while lying in camp to guard headquarters. Court Martials were now in session, and each man under arrest was tried, and if found guilty of any misdemeanor was immediately sentenced and placed in confinement until the sentence was carried into effect. Some were sentenced to hard labor, some to forfeit their pay, and various other sentences according to the decision of the court.

Lee was now encamped in the vicinity of Madison Court House, his main force in a dense wilderness, and comfortably quartered in log houses, each army picketing the Rapidan, whose swollen waters would not permit crossing at this time of the year. Occasionally a small force of cavalry was sent out to reconnoitre, but failed to draw any portion of the enemy from their entrenchments. The headquarters of Gen. Meade were on a hill and tastefully arranged, near Brandy Station. A new signal corps was organized; several from the 14th were detached and placed on duty in this corps. This branch of service was of great use to the army, as orders could be signalized with rapidity from one part of the army to the other. Sutlers were in abundance at Brandy Station, erecting shanties for their goods. Shoemaker shops, watch making and ambrotype galleries were built, and Brandy Station soon became a thriving town. The 14th was encamped in an old rebel camp, the men using their old houses, refitting them as good as new. As none but re-enlisted men were allowed furloughs, the rest of the men contented themselves with passing their time in camp with various amusements, playing match games of base ball when not on duty. The Rapidan was strongly picketed, details from the regiments made every three days. The 14th now numbered but six hundred men for duty, three hundred and fifty less than when the regiment left New Jersey. Nearly one hundred had died; sixteen had been killed by battle; some were on detached service; some in hospitals, and, sad to say, numbers had deserted. Gen. Morris was on leave of absence, his place being filled by Colonel Truex, acting Brig. General. Several ladies now visited the army, the most of them officers' wives, remaining until the spring campaign commenced.

In the latter part of December, a man named Armprister from the 3d division was found guilty of desertion. He was sentenced to have his head shaved, a board placed on his back marked utterly worthless, and to be drummed out of camp. Such scenes were not common, this being the first occurrence of the kind in our division. Capt. Allstrum of Co. G, 14th N.J., was appointed Provost Marshal of the division. His duty was to see that all military rules were obeyed; that all sutlers and purveyors were licensed, and to confiscate all rebel property that was fortunate enough to fall into our hands. The discipline of the army was now perfect, everything arranged and in perfect order; one grand master mind at the head; the people North forming no idea how everything was conducted, and with what precision each order was executed by the men. A revival now spread throughout camp, and many became converted. Chaplain Rose, of the 14th New Jersey, by his exertions organized prayer meetings each evening, and through his means a greater part of the men were led to seek God. Regimental churches were built of logs, covered with tents furnished by the Sanitary Commission, and tracts, books and papers distributed daily by men interested in the cause. A great many that were converted were killed in the ensuing battles of the coming campaign, which was destined to be the hardest ever witnessed. Tools were furnished the men in abundance, and tents and churches rapidly erected. A pioneer corps was also organized for each brigade. The tools were packed in boxes, and carried on mules, slung across their backs. During active service they were to march ahead of the troops, clearing the way; also to bridge streams and ditches; build officers' tents, and to make themselves useful in various ways. The troops were now taught to maneuver by brigades and divisions; each afternoon was brigade drill and dress parade, the officers and men presenting a fine appearance, having lain in camp long enough to get fixed up. Clothing was issued in abundance, and everything that was needed for an army was forwarded to the men. Boxes were sent from home, but each one was examined by the Provost Marshal to see if liquor was concealed therein; the men were not allowed any. If the friends at home saw fit to send it for sickness, it was taken from them and used by the headquarters officers. Various dodges were resorted to by the men to obtain whiskey; packages of flour were sent, with a small flask concealed in the inside, which was eagerly drank by them, as rum of any kind was a luxury.

The month of December had nearly passed, and the holidays were rapidly approaching; the cold storms of winter kept the men pretty close, the weather being too bad to permit drilling. Christmas and New Years were very dull, the men receiving two months pay and new clothing, and the officers drinking their good whiskey.

Gen. Carr's headquarters were in a large white house, opposite John Minor Botts', two miles from Brandy Station, and about a quarter of a mile from the division. As there were several ladies visiting the Potomac army, a grand ball was given and preparations made accordingly. An addition was built to the house by men detailed from the division and everything was arranged in perfect order; the room was handsomely decorated with flags and evergreens. The night of January 25, 1864, the ball was given, and everything passed off pleasantly; it was very largely attended, but the privates were not allowed to enter; the ladies were elegantly dressed. The 1st New Jersey Brigade Band, and 87th Pennsylvania were engaged, and the music was excellent. The tickets were ten dollars; dancing was kept up until morning; the supper was magnificent, costing two thousand dollars; cooks were sent from Washington, and everything that could be had; trains of cars coming up during the afternoon loaded with officers bringing their ladies with them. The leading generals of the Potomac army were present, the most prominent among them being Meade, Warren, Hancock, French and others. They enjoyed themselves very well, but the most of them were better at fighting than at dancing.

Nothing occurred to disturb the dull monotony of camp life during those long Winter months, everything going on as usual; re-enlisted men returning, others going in their places. On the morning of February 6th, the troops received marching orders, to pack up with three days' rations and hold themselves in readiness to move, as a reconnoissance in force was ordered to find out the whereabouts of Lee's main force. At five o'clock in the afternoon the command was given to start; the 3d corps commanded by Gen. Birney, Gen. French being home on leave of absence. The Provost Guard and 122d Ohio were left to guard the camp and headquarters; the 3d division in advance; raining hard. The weather had been very pleasant for some time, until orders were given to move, when a storm suddenly came up and continued for three days. The first corps met and engaged the enemy at Culpepper Ford, and after a brisk engagement of several hours, our forces retired, being unable to cross the river. The reconnoissance discovered Lee in position, his line extending from the Rapidan to Orange Court House. The troops marched eight miles, remaining in line of battle two days south of Culpepper, when they returned to their old quarters, the 1st corps losing about two hundred men in killed and wounded, but bringing in several prisoners with them. All was again quiet in camp; everything dull. On the 25th the paymaster again arrived, paying the men two months' pay. Colonel Cook from New Jersey was present, taking home for the soldiers thousands of dollars. The division was now reviewed by Gen. French, near Brandy Station, several ladies being present; it was composed of three brigades, numbering six thousand men. On the 28th, the weather being extremely fine, a reconnoissance was again ordered by the 6th corps, moving out early in the morning with three days' rations; the other corps were ordered to hold themselves in readiness if needed. Nothing, however, was discovered, the enemy refusing to leave their entrenchments; on the 3d of March the corps returned, having been gone three days.

On the 29th of March the regiment was again mustered in for pay by Col. Truex; every two months was muster, this being the eleventh time since our enlistment. The men were formed in line, and their arms and accoutrements examined, each man answering to his name; if not accounted for he could not be mustered, nor could he receive his pay.

In view of the coming campaign, it was found necessary by the authorities at Washington to place at the head of the army a general, giving him full command of all the forces then in our armies, to rank as Lieutenant General. Congress was for some time unable to decide which of our generals was the most competent. General Grant, then in command of the southwestern army was finally chosen, and ordered to report immediately at Washington. The hero of Vicksburg, of Port Hudson, and of Pittsburg Landing, was placed in chief command, with a commission as Lieutenant General, wearing three stars.

From an early period in the rebellion Grant had been impressed with the idea that active and continuous operations of all troops that could be brought into the field, regardless of season and weather, were necessary for a speedy termination of the war. The past two years had led us to believe that the resources of the enemy and his numerical strength were far inferior to ours, but as an offset to this, we had a vast territory hostile to the government to garrison, and long lines of river and railroad communications to protect to enable us to supply the operating armies. The army in the east and west had thus far acted independently and without concert, like a baulky team, no two ever pulling together, enabling the enemy to use to great advantage his inferior lines of communication for transporting troops from east to west, re-enforcing the army most vigorously pressed, and enabling them to furlough large numbers during seasons of inactivity on our part, to go to their homes and do the work of producing for the support of their armies. It was now the firm conviction of our leading men that no peace could be had that would be stable and conducive to the happiness of the people, both North and South, until the military power of the South was entirely broken.

On the 16th of March General Grant arrived at Brandy Station and proceeded immediately to the headquarters of Gen. Meade. After reviewing the different corps, he rapidly re-organized the army. The 3d corps was broken up, and placed in different corps; our division was placed in the 6th corps as 3d division; the 14th had been in the 3d corps eight months; what had been an organization so long was now no more. Gen. French was relieved from the front and ordered to report at Washington, and placed in command of the troops near Baltimore. The Potomac army now consisted of but three corps, 2d, 5th and 6th, of thirty thousand each. The 2d corps was commanded by Hancock; the 5th by Warren, and the 6th by Sedgwick; General Meade still retained his position as commander of the Potomac army, receiving his orders from Grant. Sherman was placed in chief command in the southwest, and proved himself a successful commander.

The 3d division, which heretofore consisted of three brigades, was now formed in two brigades; the 1st was commanded by General Morris, consisting of the 14th New Jersey, 10th Vermont, 106th and 151st New York, and 87th Pennsylvania. The 2nd brigade was commanded by Col. Keifer, afterwards Brigadier General, and composed of the 110th, 122d and 126th Ohio regiments, the only western troops in the Potomac army; the 6th Maryland, 67th and 138th Pennsylvania troops, now commanded by General Prince, the former commander of the 2d division, General Carr reporting at Washington. The officers all met at headquarters preparatory to the breaking up of the corps, and indulged in a jolly time; groups were taken by artists, and after spending the day in mirth, they returned to their quarters at night. Birney's old division lay in camp near the 6th corps; they were ordered to join the 2d corps, and our division to take their camp and join the 6th corps. Gen. Prince was relieved, and General Ricketts placed in command of the division. Heavy rains now came on and the order to change camp was countermanded until April 1, when the division moved. The 14th regiment had built a new camp, every tent on a line, and each one of an exact size; pine trees were planted, and it was decided by General Meade to be the handsomest camp in the Potomac army. The men were very sorry to leave, and some of them threatened to burn their tents; the quarters we were to occupy were in a poor place, far from the main road and very lonesome, but as soldiers we were accustomed to such things, often putting up tents and then compelled to leave them in a hurry.

General Grant, having now assumed command, determined to bring the war to a close as soon as possible. As it was too early for a forward movement, the troops were permitted to remain in camp another month. Grant, in consultation with his officers forming their plans for the coming campaign, having every confidence in Meade, they were constantly together. Grant first determined to use the greatest number of troops practicable against the armed forces of the enemy, preventing him from using the same force at different seasons against first one and then the other of our armies, by ordering all armies to move at the same time, he superintending each movement, his headquarters with the Potomac army.

During the month of April, 1864, several men from the division banded together and formed negro minstrels, building a house of logs covered with canvass. Twenty-five cents was charged for admittance; part of the proceeds were for the benefit of the Sanitary Commission; the house was crowded each evening, as it was sometime since the men had seen anything of the kind.

Behind the Union lines there were many bands of guerillas, and a large population that were hostile to the government, making it necessary to guard every foot of road or river used in supplying our armies. In the South a reign of military despotism prevailed which made every man and boy capable of bearing arms a soldier, and those who could not bear arms in the field acted as Provost Guards for collecting deserters and returning them; thus enabling the enemy to bring almost his entire strength in the field. Active preparations were now made on both sides for the campaign which was shortly to open; of the magnitude of the work before us none then knew. The enemy had concentrated the bulk of their forces into two armies, commanded by Generals R. E. Lee and J. E. Johnson, their ablest and best generals. The army of the Southwest, under Sherman, was to oppose Johnson, and the army of the Potomac, under Meade, to oppose Lee, all under the immediate command of Grant. The army commanded by Lee occupied the south bank of the Rapidan, covering and defending Richmond, the rebel capital, against the army of the Potomac. The army under Johnson occupied a strongly entrenched position at Dalton, Ga., covering and defending Atlanta, a place of great importance as a railroad centre, against the armies under Sherman. These two armies and the cities covered and defended by them, were the main objects of the campaign. General Meade was instructed by Grant that Lee's army would be his objective point, and wherever Lee went he must follow. From the position of Lee's forces two different routes presented themselves, one to cross the Rapidan below Lee, moving by his right flank, the other above Lee, moving by his left. Each presented advantages over the other, with corresponding objections; by crossing above, Lee would be cut off from all correspondence with Richmond, or from going North on a raid; but if the army took this route, all we did would have to be done while the rations held out; and it separated us from Butler moving from Fortress Monroe; if we took the other route, Brandy Station could be used as a base of supplies until another was secured on the York or James River. After a long consultation with Meade, Grant decided to take the lower route.

The Potomac army had now lain in quarters five months, the men expecting every day orders to move. The papers North were urging a forward movement, but Grant knew his own plans best and wished no advisers. Three large armies were now to move on Richmond as soon as ordered by Grant; the Potomac army covering Washington and in Lee's immediate front; an army from Fortress Monroe commanded by Butler, and a large force under Seigel to move up the Shenandoah Valley.

The month of April was drawing rapidly to a close, and every preparation had been made for the campaign soon to open. Supplies were forwarded to Brandy Station in vast numbers; wagons packed with ammunition and forage; the troops furnished with clothing and shoes; all condemned horses and mules branded with the letter C and sent to Alexandria to be corralled until sold, and others sent in their places; and all batteries were furnished new guns and new horses, equipped for a hard campaign. It having now been decided by Grant to move across the Rapidan below Lee, preparations were made to start. Orders were sent to all generals commanding different posts, to move not later than May 4, and by one combined movement of all the armies to crush, if possible, the rebellion. The most formidable foe to encounter was the army under Lee; leaving the other armies to the discretion of their commanders but subject to orders, he turned his whole attention to that one point, but as usual issuing and receiving all orders. On the 1st of May the troops were all drawn up in line, and orders read to them as follows: That the campaign was soon to open; that every man must do his duty; that no straggling nor foraging would be allowed, and all private property to be protected. As there were several regiments whose term of service expired soon, they were very reluctant to move, as they had served three years faithfully. Orders were read to them especially, that if any of them were found lurking in the rear or refusing to move forward, they would be immediately shot, and commanders of regiments instructed to see that on a march the troops moved in regular order.

The 14th regiment had now sixteen months to serve of the three years. Twenty months had passed since leaving New Jersey, and numbers were no more. The regiment had been recruited and was now ready to move with six hundred men and a full compliment of officers. Owing to the weather and bad condition of the roads, operations were delayed later than was intended. Every thing being now in readiness, and the weather favorable, orders were given for the forward movement to commence immediately. The first object aimed at was to break the military power of the rebellion and capture the enemy's important stronghold. General Butler was to move on Richmond with a force from Fortress Monroe, which, if successful, would tend more to ending the war than anything else, unless it was the capture of Lee's army. If Butler failed to take Richmond, it was Grant's intention by hard fighting, either to compel Lee to retreat or so to cripple him that he could not detach a large force to go North, and still retain enough for the defences of Richmond. It was well understood by both Butler and Meade, before starting on the campaign, that it was the intention of Grant to place both armies south of the James, and in case of failure to destroy Lee without it.

Before giving Butler his final instructions, Grant visited Fortress Monroe, giving him, in minute details, the objective points of his operations, as the army of the Potomac was to move simultaneously with him. Lee could not detach from his army with safety, and the enemy could not have troops elsewhere to bring to the defences of the city in time to meet a rapid movement from the north of the James river. Commanding all our forces as Grant did, he tried to leave, as far as possible, Gen. Meade in independent command of the Potomac army. The campaign that followed proved him to be the right man in the right place; but his commanding always in the presence of an officer superior to him in rank, has drawn from him much of that public attention that his zeal and ability entitled him to, and which he would otherwise have received.

Having now given as far as possible the objects of the campaign, the results of which will hereafter be shown, I will now proceed to give a brief but true account of the campaign, in which the 14th regiment took an active part, during the ensuing sixteen months, commencing from the advance across the Rapidan, until the surrender of Lee's army and the overthrow of the rebellion.

All was quiet in camp, the men wondering when the forward movement would commence, when, on the morning of May 3d, 1864, orderlies were seen riding in all directions. That something unusual was going on was apparent to all. The long roll was beaten, the men falling in line without arms, and ordered to be ready to move in the morning, with five days' rations. The afternoon was spent in packing up and writing home, as none knew how soon the chance would be given them to write again. For five months we had spent pleasant times in Winter quarters; but those times were now over, and all the scenes of the previous years of war were to be enacted again. For a time the men had almost forgotten war. All had confidence in Grant and Meade, and hoped the war would speedily close. All surplus baggage was sent to the rear. The forward movement commenced early on the morning of the 4th of May, under the immediate direction and orders of Gen. Meade. Before night the whole army was safe across the Rapidan, the 5th and 6th corps crossing at Germania's Ford, and the 2d corps crossing at United States Ford; the cavalry under Major General Sheridan moving in advance with the greater part of the trains, numbering about 4,000 wagons, meeting with but slight opposition; passed the railroad we lay before, changing quarters with Birney's division. At last the army has moved; the Summer campaign has commenced, and the North will soon look for stirring news; with Grant as leader there is no such word as fail. The day was very fine, the air rather cool, and the troops in good spirits, anxious to change the dull monotony of camp life for more active service in the field. The distance marched that day by the troops was 15 miles. This was considered a great success, that of crossing the river in the face of an active, large, well appointed and ably commanded army. At the different fords Lee had erected very formidable breastworks to retard the advance of the Union army, but changing his plans his army remained in position in the Wilderness, and the works were found unoccupied. No signs of the enemy being seen that night, the troops encamped in a dense thicket of pines extending for miles. Lee had chosen a strong position in the woods known as the Wilderness, having erected strong earthworks and manned them with three army corps, numbering, as near as can be ascertained, 120,000 men, under command of Ewell, Longstreet and Hill.

Early on the morning of the 5th, the advance corps, the 5th, under the command of Major General G. K. Warren, met and engaged the enemy outside of their entrenchments, near Mine Run. The battle raged furiously all day, the whole army being brought into the fight as fast as the corps could be brought into the field, which, considering the density of the forest and narrowness of the roads, was done with commendable promptness. Gen. Seymour, of Florida, arrived, and was placed in command of the 2d brigade of the 3d division. Gens. Grant, Meade and staff were at the front in the thickest of the fight, and were loudly cheered by the men; some 400 prisoners were taken that day, among them several officers. Five miles only were made that day, neither side gaining any advantage; darkness coming on the firing ceased for a short time, the troops building breastworks. Gen. Ricketts and staff being near the front, a shell exploded in their midst, killing the horses of two staff officers, but not injuring them. The 3d division was divided, the 1st brigade being sent to re-enforce the centre, the 2d brigade the right; the 14th was in the fight the entire day, and lost heavily; the 2d brigade was fortunate, losing but few men. Gen. Sedgwick formed the 6th corps in position, and the men lay behind their breastworks until morning, the stars shining brightly. This was the first day's fight in the Wilderness, resulting in no material advantage to either side; but the losses were heavy, as both armies fought with desperation, and both were confident of success. Gen. Burnside was ordered from North Carolina with the 9th corps, and was at the time the army of the Potomac moved left with the bulk of his corps at the crossing of Rappahannock River and Alexandria Railroad, holding the road back to Bull Run, with instructions not to move until he received notice that a crossing of the Rapidan was secured, but to move promptly as soon as such notice was received. This crossing he was apprised of on the afternoon of the 4th, and by 6 o'clock on the morning of the 6th, he was leading his corps into action near the Wilderness Tavern, or, as it was then called, Robinson's Tavern, his troops having marched a distance of over 30 miles, crossing both the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers. Considering that a large proportion of his command, probably two-thirds, was composed of new troops, unaccustomed to marches and carrying the accoutrements of a soldier, this was a remarkable march.

The battle of the Wilderness was renewed by us on the morning of the 6th, and continued with unabated fury until darkness set in, each army holding their old positions. At night the enemy by a decisive movement succeeded in turning our right flank, and a general stampede ensued, horses, wagons and pack mules moving to the rear. The 2d brigade was in the hottest of the fight and suffered severely, the 6th Maryland losing more than one-half of their men and nearly all their officers. General Seymour, commanding the brigade, was captured together with several hundred prisoners, but the promptness of Gen. Sedgwick, who was personally present, and commanding that portion of our line, soon re-formed it and restored order; the 1st brigade still in a position near the centre and under fire, but losing few men, the troops holding their positions during the night. On the morning of the 7th, reconnoissances showed that the enemy had fallen back behind their entrenchments, with pickets to the front covering part of the battle field. From this it was evident that the past two days' fighting had satisfied Lee of his inability to further maintain the contest in the open field. Notwithstanding his advantage of position, and that he would wait an attack behind his works, as he could not be driven out by a direct assault, orders were issued to move immediately, and, if possible, get between him and Richmond. On the night of the 7th the march was commenced towards Spottsylvania Court House, the 5th corps moving on the most direct road; but the enemy became apprised of our movement and having the shorter line was enabled to reach there first. On the morning of the 8th General Warren met a force of the enemy which had been sent out to oppose and delay his advance, to gain time to fortify the line taken up at Spottsylvania. This force was steadily driven back on the main force, within their recently constructed works after considerable fighting, resulting in severe loss on both sides. It has been currently reported and afterwards believed, that the Union army was defeated in the first two days' fight in the Wilderness, but that the bull dog courage of Grant refused to stay whipped, and unlike our former generals, instead of retreating back across the Rapidan, he determined on a flank movement on the enemy's right, and although unsuccessful at first, it finally resulted in the capture of Richmond. Burnside's corps was partly composed of negro troops; they were in a fine condition and looked extremely well. All day long on Sunday (7th) the 5th corps engaged the enemy at Spottsylvania; at dark they were relieved by the 6th corps, and the 14th New Jersey was again heavily engaged. Forming in line the troops erected works during the night after marching that day fifteen miles, passing Chancellorsville, where a number of bones and skulls lay around, the remnant of the old Chancellorsville battle ground, where the rebel General Stonewall Jackson was killed. The enemy had now strongly entrenched themselves, assuming the defensive. Our losses in the last four days were severe. Finding that Lee would not again leave his works, nothing was left but to attack him, although a heavy loss of life would ensue in charging their works; there was no other alternative. In those battles thousands of brave men lost their lives in vain attempts to take the enemy's works, and hundreds of wounded were hourly brought in from various portions of the line. Hospitals were established in the rear, and surgeons were busily engaged in amputating limbs and dressing wounds. The weather was very warm, and the men suffered from thirst, as water was scarce. During the night the troops remained in line, with but little sleep.

On the morning of the 9th, General Sheridan started on a raid with a large cavalry force, to cut the enemy's communications; all day long skirmishing was kept up, but not resulting in any battle. Major General Sedgwick, who had so long commanded the 6th corps, an able and distinguished soldier, was killed; he was at the front, on the left of the 14th regiment, superintending the planting of a battery, when a bullet from a sharpshooter struck him in the forehead, killing him instantly. He was carried to the rear and his remains sent North; his loss was greatly lamented, as he was beloved by all. Major Gen. H. B. Wright succeeded him in command, the former commander of the 1st division. General Morris being with him at the time, was also wounded in the leg; Col. Truex succeeded him, being placed temporarily in command of the brigade. The night of the 9th found the men in the same position. The morning of the 10th was spent in maneuvering and fighting without any decisive results; at noon a general engagement commenced; the rattle of musketry and artillery was awful; this was the sixth day's fighting; the enemy had been flanked from their strong position in the Wilderness, at Mine Run, and with their whole force at Spottsylvania were opposing us with desperation. Orders were now read to the men that Sherman had whipped Johnson at Dalton, and that Butler was advancing on Richmond; the troops were encouraged at this news and fought desperately. At 6 o'clock a division of the 6th corps made a charge and captured a rebel brigade numbering nearly three thousand men. Nothing but skirmishing was kept up on the 11th until the morning of the 12th, when a general attack was made on the enemy in position. This day will ever be remembered as the hardest day's fighting the world ever saw; the entire line engaged in all was over 200,000 men; the woods being very dense. Early in the morning the 2d corps, Major General Hancock commanding, carried a portion of the enemy's line, capturing the most of Bushrod Johnson's division of Ewell's corps and twenty pieces of artillery; but the resistance was so obstinate that the advantage gained did not prove decisive. The rebels made three different charges to retake the line, but were foiled in every attempt, our men mowing them down like grass, as they lay piled on each other three and four deep; this was called the slaughter pen; the 1st New Jersey suffered severely in this charge. The 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th were consumed in maneuvering and skirmishing at various points, but nothing important was gained; re-inforcements were now arriving in large numbers from Washington; our losses thus far were over 20,000 men. Deeming it impracticable to make any further attack upon the enemy at Spottsylvania, orders were issued on the 18th with a view to a new movement to the North Anna river, to commence on the night of the 19th at 12 o'clock. Late on the afternoon of the 19th, Ewell's corps came out of their works on our extreme right flank, but the attack was promptly repulsed with heavy loss. This delayed the movement to the North Anna river until the night of the 21st, when it was commenced; but the enemy having again the shorter line and being in possession of the main roads, were enabled to reach the river in advance of us and took up a position behind it. At 11 o'clock the troops started, marching all night and passing Guinia Station, the enemy's former base of supplies, halting Sunday morning for breakfast, and marching altogether thirty miles; halting for the night on the main road; the 14th encamping at a place called Flipper Store; marching again on the 23d ten miles, the 5th corps reaching the river in the afternoon, followed closely by the 6th, and halting at night at Mount Carmel Church, three miles from the river; the 2d and 9th corps got up about the same time, the 2d holding the railroad bridge, and the 9th laying between that and Jerico Ford. General Warren effected a crossing the same afternoon, and succeeded in getting into position without much opposition; soon after he was violently attacked, but repulsed the enemy with great slaughter. On the morning of the 24th, the 6th corps moved five miles, crossing the river on pontoons at Jerico's Ford, and passing the enemy's rifle pits hastily thrown up, but more hastily evacuated on the approach of the 5th corps; the 2d corps now joined the others, and lay in a pine woods until morning.

On Wednesday, the 25th, the 3d division was ordered to move, marching five miles to Noles' Station, for the purpose of destroying a portion of the Virginia Central Railroad, forty miles from Gordonsville and thirty from Richmond; the men stacking arms went to work with a will, and the road was soon destroyed for a distance of eight miles; at night the division moved back to their old position with the corps. During the afternoon Gen. Sheridan rejoined the army of the Potomac from the raid which he had started upon at Spottsylvania, having destroyed the depot at Beaver Dam and Ashland Station, four trains of cars, large supplies of rations, and many miles of track, besides re-capturing 400 of our prisoners who were on their way to Richmond under guard; met and defeated the enemy's cavalry at Yellow Tavern; captured the first line of works around Richmond, but finding the second line too strong to be carried by assault, he re-crossed to the north bank of the Chickahominy at Meadow's Bridge under heavy fire, and communicated with General Butler. This raid had the effect of drawing off the whole of the enemy's cavalry, making it comparatively easy to guard our trains.

According to orders, Gen. Butler moved his main force up the James River, and succeeded in taking Petersburg and destroying the railroad, but, failing to fortify his position, he was attacked in a fog by Beauregard and driven back; his army, therefore, though in a position of great security, was as completely shut off from further operations against Richmond as if it had been in a bottle strongly corked, and it required but a small force of the enemy to hold it there. The army having been sent to operate against Richmond was now lying at Bermuda Hundred, without power to do anything. Butler had thus far proved himself a military governor, but when it came to taking an army in the field he was not competent; but had General Sheridan been placed in command, Richmond would have fallen and the war ended sooner, thereby saving thousands of lives; but those scenes are past, and errors that are now seen if known at the time could have been avoided. The enemy were now enabled to bring the most, if not all, of the re-enforcements brought from the South by Beauregard, against the army of the Potomac, and in addition to this a very considerable force was brought in, not less than 15,000 men, by calling in the scattered troops under Breckinridge from the western part of Virginia. The position at Bermuda Hundred was as easy to defend as it was difficult to operate against the enemy. Grant therefore determined to bring from it all available forces, leaving only enough to secure what had been gained, and accordingly on the 22d, the 18th army corps, under command of Major General W. F. Smith, joined the army of the Potomac. On the 24th of May the 9th corps, which had been a temporary command, was assigned to the army of the Potomac, and from that time forward constituted a portion of General Meade's command. Finding the enemy's position on the North Anna stronger than any of his previous ones, Grant ordered another flank movement on the night of the 26th to the north bank of the North Anna river, and moved via Hanovertown, to turn the enemy's position by his right, starting at dark and re-crossing at Jerico's Ford, marching seven miles and then halting in the morning at Chesterfield's Station to issue rations. Thus far our regiment had taken an active part in the campaign, losing a great many men. Leaving Chesterfield at seven o'clock, we marched during the day twenty miles, passing Concord Church and Bowersville. Generals Torbert and Merritts' divisions of the cavalry, and the 6th corps were in advance, crossing the Pamunkey river at Hanovertown after considerable fighting, and on the 28th the two divisions of cavalry had a severe but successful engagement with the enemy near the river. On the 29th and 30th the troops advanced with heavy skirmishing to the Hanover Court House and Cold Harbor Road, and developed the enemy's position north of the Chickahominy. Late on the evening of the 31st the enemy came out and attacked our left, but were repulsed with considerable loss. An attack was immediately ordered by General Meade along the entire line, which resulted in driving the enemy from a part of his entrenched skirmish line. The 14th was on the skirmish line during the afternoon, and lost several in killed and wounded. Orderly Black of Co. I was shot in the heart and instantly killed; Col. Truex was slightly wounded in the hand, but remained on duty during the time; he was a brave officer and a fighting man, always at the head of his men when they were in action.

On the 31st General Wilson's division of cavalry destroyed the railroad bridges over the North Anna river, and defeated the enemy's cavalry. General Sheridan on the same day reached Cold Harbor Road, and held it until relieved by the 6th corps and General Smith's command, which had just arrived via White House, from General Butler's army.

Grant had thus far failed to exterminate Lee, but, confident of success, he determined, using his own expression, to fight it out on this line if it took all summer. The 6th corps had thus far suffered severely in those terrible battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, losing over 10,000 men; but there was yet more to be done, as Lee was merely acting on the defensive, choosing his own position. On the morning of June 1st, 1864, the army was again ordered to move, the 6th corps in advance, starting at two o'clock a. m., and marching fifteen miles, relieving the cavalry at Cold Harbor; the roads were very dusty and the sun very warm; a heavy line of battle was formed during the afternoon; again the enemy were ahead of us and were strongly entrenched awaiting our approach; the cavalry had discovered their position and awaited our arrival. An attack was made at five o'clock, forming in four lines of battle, the 3d division being ahead, and the 14th New Jersey in the front line. A terrible battle was fought which lasted long after dark; the losses were very heavy on both sides; the 14th suffered severely, losing in the fight, in the short space of two hours, two hundred and forty in killed and wounded; Lieutenant Stults, of Co. H, and Lieutenant Tingley, of Co. E, were killed. Our men were compelled to fall back a short distance, entrenching during the night and building three lines of works. Firing continued during the night; a great many wounded had fallen between the lines unable to move, and lay all night under fire from both sides. Robert Perrine, of Co. K, being wounded in the hip fell in a ravine, being unable to move; he was struck eight times while lying there and mortally wounded; he was brought in next morning, and died at the White House. The Colonel of the 106th New York was also killed, his body lay but a short distance off from our lines, but the firing being so heavy it was impossible to get to him. The other corps having been held in readiness now came up and formed under a heavy fire, the 9th corps on the extreme left, the 5th on the right, and the 2d, 6th and 18th in the centre. We were now but twelve miles from Richmond, and had, at an immense loss of life, succeeded in driving Lee steadily back from Mine Run. The dust and heat were almost intolerable and flies and lice were in abundance. The men were compelled to lie close, as skirmishing was continued day and night. During the attack the enemy made repeated assaults on each of the corps not engaged in the main attack, but were repulsed with heavy losses in every instance. The 2d of June was spent in getting troops into position for an attack on the 3d, when the enemy's works were again assaulted in hopes of driving them from their position; in the attempt our loss was heavy, the 14th again suffering severely. Both armies were very much weakened by repeated losses, the enemy acting only on the defensive. Over 350 men had been lost from the 14th since crossing the Rapidan, but one short month before, and more were yet to be lost ere the rebellion would be crushed. The troops remained in line at Cold Harbor twelve days, and forts were built, heavy lines of works erected, and a regular siege commenced. Firing was kept up by the pickets and sharpshooters day and night, the men lying close when not on duty; many were shot while going after water and cooking. There was no place to wash and the weather was intensely hot; officers and men were covered with lice, huddled together as they were behind the works. Those twelve days were days that never will be forgotten; the sufferings of the men can never be told; it was death to stand up, as the bullets were continually flying through the air.

On the night of the 9th the enemy made an attack along the line, hoping to surprise our men, but they were handsomely repulsed by the 2d corps, driving them back from their first line of works. On the afternoon of the 6th a flag of truce was sent in by Lee requesting a suspension of hostilities for two hours, for the purpose of burying the dead between the lines; it was granted by General Meade, the pioneers were sent out and the wounded brought in, the dead being buried where they lay. But a few moments before both armies were engaged in hostile combat, now all was as still as death, the men talking with each other and exchanging papers, the Yankees trading sugar and coffee for tobacco; the works were lined with unarmed men, all gazing upon the solemn scene. The two hours soon passed, the signal was given, the men rushed back to their arms, and the rattle of musketry was again commenced along the line, Lieut. Tingly's body was recovered, but the body of Lieut Stults could not be found. The brigade was still commanded by Colonel Truex, the regiment by Lieut. Colonel Hall. The men were weary of the campaign, but there was no rest, it being Grant's determination to take Richmond. From the proximity of the enemy to their defences around Richmond it was impossible, by any flank movement, to interpose between them and the city. The army was still in a condition to either move by Lee's left flank and invest Richmond from the north side, or continue the move by his right flank to the south side of the James. Grant's plan from the start was to defeat Lee north of Richmond, if possible; then after destroying his lines of communication north of the James River, transport the army to the south side and besiege Lee in Richmond, or follow him south if he should retreat. After the battle of the Wilderness, it was evident that Lee deemed it of the first importance to run no risks with the army he then had, and acted fully on the defensive behind his works, or feebly on the offensive immediately in front of them, and in case of repulse could easily retire behind them. Without a greater sacrifice of life than Grant was willing to make, all could not be accomplished that he had desired north of Richmond; he therefore determined to hold the ground we then occupied, taking advantage of any favorable circumstances that might present themselves, until the cavalry could be sent to Charlottesville or Gordonsville to break the enemy's communications between Richmond and the southwest, and to cut off their supplies, compelling them in time to evacuate Richmond; when the cavalry got well off so that the enemy's cavalry would follow, to move the whole army south of the James by the enemy's right flank, and, if possible, cut off all supplies from all sources except by the canal.

On the 7th, two divisions of cavalry were sent under General Sheridan against the Virginia Central Railroad, to join with Hunter, who was then moving up the Shenandoah Valley. Seigel had met the enemy and was defeated by them with heavy loss, and was superseded by General Hunter. Thus far the work of the three armies had been but one-half accomplished. From the start, Butler was to take Richmond and Petersburg; Siegel to move on Lynchburg, and the Potomac army to whip Lee. Butler and Siegel had both failed, and the Potomac Army, that had never yet failed, had thus far accomplished all that was desired of it, and was left to finish what the other armies could not do. When Sheridan started for Lynchburg he was instructed to again join the Potomac army, choosing his own route in returning, after fulfilling his instructions.

Attaching great importance to the possession of Petersburg, General Smith's command, the 18th army corps was sent back to Bermuda Hundred via White House, to reach there in advance of the army of the Potomac. This was for the express purpose of capturing Petersburg, if possible, before the enemy became aware of our intentions and re-enforce the place. The 1st New Jersey regiment, whose term of office had now expired, were relieved from the front and sent home; they bade their comrades good-bye with happy hearts, soon to meet their loved ones at home. For three long years they had battled for their country, and their thinned ranks showed that they had suffered severely. The 14th had still fifteen months to serve, the hardest yet to come.

Finding that nothing more could be accomplished at Cold Harbor, the movement to the south side of the James commenced. After dark, on the night of the 12th, one division of cavalry under General Wilson, and the 5th corps, crossed the Chickahominy at Long Bridge, and moved out to White Oak Swamp, to cover the crossing of the other corps. The advance Corps reached James River at Charles City Court House on the night of June 13th; the 6th corps was left to guard the rear and the trains; marching on the night of the 12th twenty miles, halting thirty-two miles from Richmond; on the morning of the 14th marched eight miles to Charles City Court House, halting at noon near the river and pitching tents; guarding the rear until the trains passed; a pontoon bridge was laid, the troops crossing at Wyandott's Landing. The 3d division, the rear of the entire army, remaining on the banks of the James three days, until the trains had all passed. The army had now joined with Butler and moved on Richmond. After the army had crossed, the pontoons were taken up, and the 3d division placed on transports, and after sailing 25 miles—a splendid moonlight night—we landed at Bermuda Hundred at three o'clock the next morning. The James is a splendid River. One year ago the 14th was on the cars riding to Harper's Ferry; now in the vicinity of Petersburg. After landing the division marched eight miles, halting at five o'clock near Butler's headquarters for breakfast; cannonading and musketry at the front; the army was now in position, having failed to capture Petersburg, were investing the place.

During three years the armies of the Potomac and Northern Virginia had been confronting each other. In that time they had fought more desperate battles than it had ever fell to the lot of two armies to fight, without materially changing the vantage ground of either. The southern press and people, with more shrewdness than was displayed in the north, finding that they had failed to capture Washington and march on to New York, as they had boasted they would do, assured that they only defended their capital and southern territory; hence Antietam, Gettysburg, and all the other battles that had been fought, were by them set down as failures on our part and victories for them. Their armies believed this, and it produced a morale which could only be overcome by desperate and continuous hard fighting. The battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna and Cold Harbor, bloody and terrible as they were on our side, were even more damaging to the enemy, and so crippled them as to make them wary ever after of taking the offensive. Their losses in men were probably not so great, owing to the fact that we were, save in the Wilderness, almost invariably the attacking party, and when they did attack it was in the open field. The details of those battles, which for endurance and bravery on the part of the soldiery, have rarely been surpassed, are too fresh in the minds of every one to be repeated again. During the campaign of forty-three days from the Rapidan to James River, the army had to be supplied from an ever-shifting base by wagons, over narrow roads and through a densely wooded country, with a lack of wharves at each new base at which to conveniently discharge vessels. Too much credit cannot therefore be given to our chief quartermaster, as the trains were made to occupy all the available roads between the army and our water course, and but little difficulty was experienced in protecting them.

Before proceeding farther, it will be necessary to explain as briefly as possible why Petersburg was not taken. As soon as the crossing of the army commenced, Grant proceeded by steamer immediately to Bermuda Hundred to give the necessary orders for the capture of the place. The instructions to Butler were to send to General Smith immediately that night all the troops he could give him, without sacrificing the position he held. After remaining with Butler a few hours, he returned immediately to the Potomac Army to hasten the crossing, and throw it forward to Petersburg by divisions as rapidly as possible. We could thus re-enforce our army more rapidly there than the enemy could bring troops against us. General Smith got off as directed, and confronted the enemy's pickets near Petersburg before daylight the next morning, but for some reason did not get ready to assault their lines until near sundown; then, with a part of his command only, he made the assault, and carried the first line for a distance of two and a half miles, capturing fifteen pieces of artillery and three hundred prisoners. This was about seven P. M. Between the line thus captured and Petersburg there was another line, and there was yet no evidence that the enemy had re-enforced Petersburg with a single brigade from any source. The night was clear, the moon shining brightly, and favorable to further operations. General Hancock, with two divisions of the 2d corps, reached General Smith soon after dark, but instead of taking those troops, and pushing at once into Petersburg, he lay quiet until morning, when the enemy under Beauregard came down from Richmond in force, and by the next morning the inner line of the works was fully manned by rebel troops. An attack was ordered the next morning, but failed, as the enemy were too strongly posted. The troops commenced entrenching, and a strong line of works was built around Petersburg.

The 5th and 9th corps had now arrived, and the attack was again renewed and persisted in with great fury, but only resulted in forcing the enemy to an interior line of works, from which they could not be dislodged; but the advantage gained in position by us was very great. The army then proceeded to envelope Petersburg towards the south side road as far as possible, without attacking their fortifications. The enemy, to re-enforce Petersburg, withdrew from a part of their entrenchments in front of Bermuda Hundred. Butler, taking advantage of this, at once moved a force on the railroad between Petersburg and Richmond. The 3d division was ordered to support Butler, if necessary, and was then lying in front awaiting orders. About two o'clock Butler was forced back, the enemy re-occupying their old line. As our division was not needed, we were ordered to join the balance of the corps that had preceded us.

On Sunday afternoon, June 19th, orders were issued. Accordingly at two o'clock the division started, marching ten miles and crossing the Appomattox River on pontoons. The evening was splendid; the boats sailing on the river all reminded us of home. The negro troops were guarding the bridge, their bands playing national airs as the columns passed. At 11 o'clock the division halted near Petersburg, in full view of the city. The next day a negro was hung in presence of the army, for abusing a white lady. We remained in line the next day, the enemy shelling the train.

On the afternoon of the 21st, the corps was ordered to move and take position on the left, the 3d division in advance; passed the 2d and 9th corps, marching six miles, and forming in line of battle to cut the enemy's communications, crossing the Norfolk railroad that had been taken possession of by General Smith, in the attempt to take Petersburg; lay in line of battle during the night, and advancing the next day, building works. The Weldon railroad was reached and torn up some distance. During the afternoon the enemy appeared in force, and succeeded in flanking us, capturing several from the division; about forty from the 14th were captured and several killed. At night the troops fell back, after destroying three miles of road. The headquarters of the 3d division was at the house of Brig.-General Williams, of the rebel army. A new line of works was soon erected, the men sleeping on their arms. The house of General Williams had been ransacked from top to bottom by the soldiers, carpets torn up and everything destroyed. A splendid piano was left in the house, and as several of the men could play, dancing and singing were kept up in a rude style for several hours.

On the 22d, General Wilson, with two divisions of cavalry from the army of the Potomac, and one division from the army of the James, moved against the enemy's railroads south of the James and southwest of Richmond, striking the Weldon railroad at Reams' Station, where he met and defeated a force of the enemy's cavalry, reaching Burksville Station on the afternoon of the 23d; and from there he destroyed the Danville railroad for a distance of twenty-five miles, where he found the enemy in position and was defeated with small loss. He then commenced his return march, and on the 28th met the enemy again in force on the Weldon Railroad, near Stony Creek; moving on the left, with a view of reaching Reams' Station, supposing it to be in our possession. Here he again engaged the enemy's cavalry supported by infantry, and was cut off with all communication, with the loss of his artillery and train. A Lieutenant and a few of his men cut their way through, and succeeded in reaching headquarters. Informing General Meade of the situation of General Wilson, orders were immediately issued to General Wright to take the 6th corps and move out to the support of Wilson; starting at three o'clock on the afternoon of July 29th, marched eight miles and halted for the night near Reams' Station, the enemy retiring, as their force was insufficient to cope with the cavalry and 6th corps.

Wilson was now extricated from his perilous position, and with the 6th corps remained at Reams' Station three days. The 14th New Jersey and 106th New York were detailed to destroy the railroad. General Wilson, with the remainder of his force, crossed the Nattoway River, coming in safely on our left and rear. The damage to the enemy in this expedition more than compensated for the losses sustained; it severed all connection with Richmond for several weeks. On the 13th of July the regiment was mustered in for the thirteenth time, for four months' pay, March, April, May and June, by Lieutenant-Colonel Hall. Our lines now extended a distance of over thirty miles, from Reams' Station to the Appomattox; the Potomac army lay behind extensive works that had been erected under fire. In the recent campaign our losses had been heavy, but still the army was large, as recruits and convalescents were continually arriving. Butler's army extended from the Appomattox to Deep Bottom, with cavalry on the flank and rear. It has been estimated that Grant lost from the Rapidan to Petersburg, eighty thousand men in killed and wounded. The losses of the enemy were not so great, as they were acting on the defensive behind their works.

It was supposed the enemy would make a grand attack on the morning of the 4th of July, and preparations were made to meet them. The morning dawned and the troops were all in line behind their works; the enemy's communications were in danger, and the Potomac army must be driven back; the morning passed and not a shot was fired along the entire line. It was now evident that the enemy did not intend attacking, and the troops laid aside their arms. The weather was warm and the sand dry and hot. The men laid off in their shelter tents thinking of former days, when the 4th was spent in a different manner. At noon General Butler, for the purpose of firing a salute, trained and shotted one hundred guns upon Petersburg, and the shells were soon flying through the air; the enemy replied, and a lively cannonade was kept up until sunset.

General Hunter having been placed in command of the armies of Western Virginia, immediately took up the offensive, and moved up the Shenandoah Valley, where he met the enemy, routed and defeated them, and moved direct on Lynchburg, which place he reached on June 15th. Up to this time he was very successful, and but for the difficulty of taking with him sufficient ordnance stores over so long a march through a hostile country, he would no doubt have captured that important place. To meet this movement under Gen. Hunter, General Lee sent a force equal to a corps, a part of which reached Lynchburg before Hunter. After considerable skirmishing, Hunter, owing to a want of ammunition to give battle, retired back from the place, and moved back by the way of the Kanawha Valley; this lost to us the use of his troops for several weeks. Immediately upon the enemy ascertaining that Hunter was retreating from Lynchburg by way of the Kanawha River, thus laying the Shenandoah Valley open for raids into Maryland and Pennsylvania, he moved down that Valley. It was at first supposed to be only a small force of the enemy, and General Wallace, with a brigade of one hundred days' men and detachments from the Invalid corps, was sent to Monocacy Bridge. Their advance, consisting of a few guerillas under the notorious Harry Gillmore, were met and driven back. The troops in the Potomac army were all lying in front of Petersburg, under fire day and night, preparing to besiege the place.

At two o'clock on the morning of July 6th the bugle sounded, and the troops were ordered to fall in and prepare to move, the 3d division being ordered to Harper's Ferry; the men were glad to go, as they were tired of lying in the sand. At four o'clock the division started, and marched fifteen miles to City Point, the dust and sand so thick that nothing could be seen, the men being completely covered and no water could be had; this march was very tiresome to the men, numbers falling out on the way. City Point was reached at noon, and the men were placed on transports, and new clothing was issued. The 14th Regiment and 151st New York were placed on a splendid steamboat called the Sylvan Shore, the men enjoying the sail very much, a distance of three hundred miles, passing Fortress Monroe, Point Lookout, and the Rip Raps. The scenery along the river was grand; they landed at Locust Point near Baltimore on the morning of the 8th, at five o'clock. Rumors were now in circulation, and the people of the North were alarmed for the safety of our National Capitol, for instead of a few guerillas as was first supposed, it was a grand raid of the enemy in force on an extensive scale. So silently and secretly had this movement been conducted, that none were aware of the magnitude of the invasion. Major General Jubal Early, with a force of thirty thousand veteran troops, had taken possession of Martinsburg. General Seigel, who was in command of our forces there, retreated across the Potomac to Shepardstown, and General Weber, commanding at Harper's Ferry, crossed the river and occupied Maryland Heights. On the 6th the enemy occupied Hagerstown, moving a strong column toward Frederick City.

The 3d division, under General Ricketts, numbering but five thousand men, were placed immediately on baggage cars and forwarded to Monocacy, the first train carrying the 87th Pennsylvanian and 14th New Jersey. The enemy were now in force at Frederick City. The Baltimore American was issued that day with the following address to the public: "That Ricketts' division had arrived from the Potomac army; that the 14th New Jersey and 87th Pennsylvania had reached Monocacy, and with such veteran regiments as these nothing more need be feared" from the then supposed guerillas. The remainder of the division was forwarded as rapidly as possible, reporting to Gen. Wallace, then in chief command. Fourteen months had elapsed since the 14th regiment had left Monocacy Bridge, but the place looked natural; none dreamed that on the morrow a terrible battle would be fought on the old camping ground; grass and weeds had grown in abundance, and scarcely a vestige of the former camp could be seen. The regiment with the troops that lay there, marched up to Frederick City, and then around a circuit of ten miles, but nothing of the enemy could be seen, and halting at ten o'clock, near the bridge, in line of battle.

Saturday, July 19th, 1834, will long be remembered by the Jersey boys. The remainder of the division with General Ricketts and staff had arrived, and orders were issued to form the men in line and prepare to repel an attack, as it was now discovered that instead of a small force it was a corps of rebels thirty thousand strong. To retreat would only result in the capture of Washington and Baltimore, and it was determined by Generals Wallace and Ricketts to hold Monocacy Bridge at all hazards, and to retard the advance of the enemy as much as possible until re-enforcements would arrive. Just one year had passed since the 14th joined the Potomac army, and during that time we lost a great number of men.

At 9 o'clock the enemy's advanced skirmishers made their appearance; our skirmishers had crossed the river, and advanced with promptness to meet them. After a short time it was found impossible to withstand the enemy, as they out-numbered us six to one. Our skirmishers were driven back across the river, and the battle began, the enemy opening with several pieces of artillery; the battle raged terribly for eight long hours. The enemy crossed the river, driving our men steadily back, and coming up in four lines of battle thirty thousand strong. Our little band of five thousand men fought as if everything depended upon the issue, several times driving the enemy back, strewing the ground with rebel dead, and not until flanked right and left did the men fall back. The boys from the 14th fought nobly, but with regret saw that they must retreat. The regiment being on the extreme left of the line suffered severely; Lieut.-Col. Hall, Adjutant Buckalew and several officers were wounded; Captains Stullts, Kanine and Conover were killed, and every officer, both field and line, was either killed or wounded except Captain J. J. Janeway of Co. K. The command of the regiment devolved upon him, and he fought bravely, leading the men on. The one hundred days' men would not fight, but ran in all directions panic-struck, some of them reaching Baltimore, fifty-eight miles distant, without halting.

Eight long hours had passed, the enemy were pressing on all sides, and it soon became evident that unless we retreated all would be lost. At four o'clock the order was given to fall back, which was done in order, the men disputing every inch of the ground; we had but four pieces of artillery, and that without ammunition. The enemy poured grape and cannister into our retreating columns, mowing down the men like grass. More than one-half of the division were killed and wounded; several hid in the woods and were captured next day. It was now every man for himself; knapsacks, haversacks, and even canteens were thrown away. The main force of the enemy moved on the Georgetown Pike to Washington, the cavalry and a portion of the infantry following the retreating column as far as New Market, six miles distance. It was a hard fought battle, but what could five thousand men do against thirty thousand? Capt. Harris, from Co. C, was twice wounded, and was again struck while being helped to an ambulance; several staff officers were also wounded, among them Capt. King, adjutant general of the division. Capt. Janeway was wounded in the shoulder shortly after taking command, and was forced to leave; the regiment was now without a commander. Several recruits had arrived after the battle of Cold Harbor, and the regiment was partly filled, entering the fight with three hundred and fifty men; but ninety-five came out, two hundred and fifty-five being killed, wounded and captured in that terrible battle. Of the nine hundred and fifty men that left New Jersey, but ninety-five were left for duty, on the night of July 9th, without an officer to command them. The other regiments suffered greatly, but none of them losing as many men as the 14th. The news had reached Baltimore and Washington that the enemy were pressing on and preparations were made for an immediate defence, the citizens turning out in vast numbers entrenching. The cities were proclaimed under martial law and none allowed to leave. Time and again had the 14th regiment drilled battalion and skirmish drills over the same hills, little thinking that a terrible battle would be fought, and that the regiment would suffer as it did. Although it resulted in a defeat to our arms, it detained the enemy, and thereby served to enable Gen. Wright to reach Washington with the two remaining divisions of the 6th corps, which had been sent as soon as Gen. Grant was aware of the enemy's movement.

The 19th army corps from General Banks' command had been sent to reinforce the Potomac army, but were immediately sent north with the 6th army corps, together with the 8th army corps that had lain along the Baltimore and Ohio railroad as guards. In a few hours a large army had assembled at Washington, with the citizens of the place and every foot of ground guarded; every avenue bristling with cannon. It was three days march for the enemy from Moncacy and in that time Washington was in a state of defence; all the forts were manned and the heavy guns loaded and shotted. Citizens were armed and formed in companies, all work being suspended. The remnant of the division reached the Baltimore pike, retreating rapidly toward Baltimore, marching all night, passing through New Market, Mount Airy and several small villages along the route; reaching Ellicott's Mills on Sunday afternoon, having marched fifty-five miles without resting. Harry Gillmore, with two hundred rebel cavalry, had advanced as far as the railroad, destroying it between Baltimore and Washington, capturing a train of cars and a mail and severing all communication for two days; there was no Union cavalry near and they did as they pleased. Frederick City was filled with rebel wounded, as our boys had made every shot tell; if the first line was missed they were sure to hit one of the rear lines. Two hundred thousand dollars was demanded from the citizens, or the place would be laid in ashes; the amount was paid by the banks; the city was pillaged and the houses robbed. From Monocacy, the enemy having moved on Washington, reached Rockville on the evening of the 10th.

The 1st and 2d divisions of the 6th corps had been sent from City Point and landed at Washington, and on a double quick proceeded to Fort Stephens; by this time the enemy had reached there. Skirmishers from both armies were immediately thrown out; the enemy, with dismay, saw that instead of one hundred days' men and men from the Invalid corps, they saw the red and white cross of the old 6th corps; they had laid in front of Washington during the afternoon, intending to attack at night; during that time the 6th and 19th corps had reached there, and Washington was out of danger. The 3d division deserves all the praise for saving the National Capital; holding them in check so long at Monocacy, enabled other troops to arrive, but not a moment too soon. A severe skirmish ensued, in which we lost about two hundred in killed and wounded; the enemy's loss supposed to be greater. All was anxiety in the city, as the fighting was but three miles distant, near Tennelly Town, but when the veterans from the Potomac army arrived they were loudly cheered, and were treated well. President Lincoln and members of the Cabinet were present in Fort Stephens, witnessing the fight; the skirmish lasted two hours, in which the enemy were defeated and driven back; Washington almost within their grasp, was no longer in their power. Vain delusion! Had the 3d division retreated from Monocacy without fighting, the enemy would have reached there twelve hours sooner, and the place would have been taken and hundreds of men lost their lives. Every drop of blood shed at Monocacy, every life lost, was sacrificed in a noble cause. Those fallen heroes, whose bones lie bleaching there, if they could only know that their lives saved our National Capital from destruction, would willingly exclaim, "I die content, I gave my life for my country."