NEW JERSEY'S
NINTH REGIMENT
1861-1905

REPORT OF STATE COMMISSION FOR ERECTION OF MONUMENT TO NINTH NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS, AT NEW BERNE, NORTH CAROLINA

[Illustration:


Stone Monument erected by State of New Jersey to honor the 9th Regiment Volunteer Infantry]

1861 MUSTERED IN OCTOBER, 1861 MUSTERED OUT JULY, 1865 TOTAL ENLISTMENTS 2,720 MEN 1865 THREE YEARS AND NINE MONTHS OF CONTINUED ACTIVE SERVICE IN THE FIELD

Report of State Commission
FOR ERECTION OF MONUMENT
—TO—
NINTH NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS
—AT—
NEW BERNE, NORTH CAROLINA



Dedication
NATIONAL CEMETERY, NEW BERNE, N. C.
MAY 18, 1905

PUBLISHED BY
AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION
1905

[Illustration:

International Press
THE
JOHN C. WINSTON CO.
PHILADELPHIA.
International Press Logo]

Chis Cestimonial Report

Of State Commission for erection of the Monument in the National Cemetery at New Berne, North Carolina, by the State of New Jersey, in honor of her Ninth Regiment of Volunteer Infantry

is Dedicated to His Excellency, Governor E. C. Stokes.

PREFACE

Preface

While on a trip through the South in the fall of 1901, Lieutenant E. H. Green, in visiting the National Cemetery at New Berne, North Carolina, was impressed by the fact that, while other Northern States had erected monuments to their dead, the State of New Jersey had no fitting memorial there, notwithstanding that her Ninth Regiment of Volunteer Infantry have eighty of their dead resting in that Cemetery.

Upon his return home, Lieutenant Green brought the matter to the attention of the Ninth Regiment Veteran Volunteer Association at the Annual Reunion of the Regiment, and a Committee representing that Association was appointed by its President, General James Stewart, Jr., to place it before the State authorities.

But little progress, however, was made until the latter part of the year 1903, when Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Hufty came to the aid of Lieutenant Green, and together they at once began an active personal campaign, enlisting the support of State Senators and Assemblymen, and appearing before the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Their efforts were finally successful, and on March 1st, 1904, a bill appropriating the sum of five thousand dollars for the purpose of erecting and dedicating a monument in memory of the Ninth New Jersey Regiment of Volunteer Infantry was introduced by Senator William J. Bradley of Camden County, unanimously passed by both Houses of the Legislature, and signed by Governor Franklin Murphy.

CONTENTS

Contents

ACT OF ASSEMBLY AUTHORIZING ERECTION OF MONUMENT

Act of Assembly Authorizing Erection of Monument

Senate Bill No. 176, State of New Jersey, Introduced March 1, 1904, by Mr. Bradley, Referred to Committee on Appropriations.

An Act to fittingly commemorate the memory and services of the soldiers of the Ninth Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, who are buried in the National Cemetery at New Berne, North Carolina, and appropriating the sum of five thousand dollars for the erection and expenses of the dedication of a suitable monument with which to mark their final resting places.

Be it Enactedby the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. In order to fittingly commemorate the memory and in recognition of the services of the soldiers of the Ninth Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, who gave up their lives in defense of the nation, and who lie buried in the National Cemetery at New Berne, North Carolina, the sum of five thousand dollars is hereby appropriated from the funds in the State Treasury not otherwise appropriated for the erection and dedication of a suitable monument to be erected in said National Cemetery.

2. That for the carrying out and execution of the provisions of this statute the Governor shall appoint three Commissioners from among the surviving members of the said Ninth Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, to serve without compensation, whose duty it shall be to select a suitable monument as provided for in the first section of this act, and to superintend the erection of and to take charge of the dedication of the said monument; all the expenses attending the selection, erection and dedication of said monument shall be paid out of and shall not exceed the said sum of five thousand dollars.

3. The said Commission, when appointed, shall select one of their number as treasurer of the Commission.

4. The Treasurer of the State shall, on the warrant of the Comtroller, pay to the treasurer of said Commission the moneys hereby appropriated.

5. The treasurer of the Commission shall, upon the completion of the monument and dedication thereof, report to the Governor of the State a full account of all the expenditures of said Commission, and cover into the Treasury of the State the unexpended balance, if any, of the appropriation.

6. This act shall take effect immediately.

After the awarding of the contract for the monument, it was discovered that there would not be sufficient funds in the hands of the commission to properly dedicate same in the manner in which it should be done, it being the desire that the Governor of New Jersey and Staff should participate in the event, and entertain the Governor of North Carolina. General James Stewart and Lieutenant E. H. Green therefore went to Trenton, N. J., and appeared before the Senate Committee on Appropriations, and requested an additional appropriation for this purpose. An additional amount of $1500 was promptly granted for this purpose, and made part of the original appropriation.

[Illustration:

GOV. EDWARD C. STOKES OF NJ
]


[Illustration:

ADJ.GEN. R.HEBER BREINTNALL
OF N.J.
]

APPOINTMENT OF THE COMMISSION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE MONUMENT

Appointment of the Commission and Construction of the Monument

As Commissioners to carry out the provisions of the act, Governor Franklin Murphy appointed General James Stewart, Jr., Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Hufty and Lieutenant E. H. Green, all officers of the Ninth Regiment.

The Commissioners promptly met and effected an organization by electing General James Stewart, Jr., President; Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Hufty, Treasurer, and Lieutenant E. H. Green, Secretary.

Proposals and designs were solicited from prominent stone and monument establishments in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and New England. After careful consideration of the numerous designs submitted, it was deemed advisable, before reaching a decision, that one of the Commissioners should visit the National Cemetery at New Berne in order to select a proper site for the monument, and also to aid the Commission in making selection of a design that would conform to the environments.

Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Hufty, therefore, by direction of the Commission, made a trip to New Berne, went carefully and thoroughly over the ground, and, after consultation with Major Gardner P. Thornton, the United States Government's representative at New Berne in charge of the Cemetery, selected a site immediately in rear of the five rows containing the bodies of the Ninth's soldiers, and adjoining the main drive through the Cemetery.

Upon his return, Lieutenant Colonel Hufty reported to the Commission that the original intention of erecting a shaft of any great height, as well as placing the monument on a terrace, would have to be abandoned, the foliage and shrubbery being so dense, and the general topography of the surroundings of such a nature

that the imposing effect attained by a shaft, under ordinary circumstances, would be entirely lost.

The services of a draughtsman were, therefore, secured by the Commission, and a special design and specifications prepared to meet the requirements of the situation.

A copy of the specifications and design having been submitted to the Quartermaster of the United States Army at Washington, D. C., and by him approved, bids were then regularly advertised for and invited, and contract finally awarded to the lowest bidder—M. C. Lyons’ Son, Camden, N. J.

[Illustration:

General James Stewart Jr.
PRESIDENT
]


[Illustration:

Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Hufty
TREASURER
]


[Illustration:

Lieutenant Edward H. Green
SECRETARY
]

DESCRIPTION OF MONUMENT

Description of Monument

The monument is a beautiful and substantial memorial, constructed throughout in accordance with specifications prepared by the State Commission, of the best dark Barre granite, resting on a solid concrete foundation constructed under the requirements of the United States Government.

The dimensions of the monument are as follows:

Total height, including three bases, die, cap, plinth and statue, 16′ 1″.

The statue represents the figure of a Union infantryman standing at parade rest, and is a superb specimen of the sculptor's art.

The inscriptions on the monument are as follows:

Front.

The State of New Jersey erects this monument in honor of her 9th Regiment Volunteer Infantry, whose heroic dead lie buried in this Cemetery.

1861—1865

Erected 1905

(A reproduction of the 18th Corps Badge is also cut on the front.)

Rear.

(9th Corps Badge)

Mustered in, October, 1861

Mustered out, July, 1865

Total enlistments, 2701

Right Side.

(23d Corps Badge.)

Port Walthall, Drewry's Bluff, Cold Harbor, Petersburg

Left Side.

(10th Corps Badge.)

Roanoke Island, New Berne, Fort Macon, Kinston, Goldsboro,

The Coat of Arms of the State of New Jersey appears on the face of the plinth.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEDICATION

Arrangements for Dedication

The attention of the Commission was then directed toward perfecting the details incident to the unveiling of the monument when completed, to take place May 18, 1905.

In this connection, it was decided that as many as possible of the surviving members of the Ninth Regiment should be transported to New Berne to participate in the unveiling of the monument, and with this end in view, an earnest effort was made to reach every veteran soldier of the “Ninth” and afford all who so desired the opportunity to once more visit the scenes of the great strife in which they took so strenuous a part. It eventually developed that there would be sufficient funds at the disposal of the Commission, after defraying cost of construction and erection of monument, to transport from Philadelphia to New Berne, North Carolina and return, without cost to them, all the veterans signifying a desire to make the trip, about one hundred in number.

In the meantime, Lieutenant Colonel Hufty, while on a trip south, had made a second visit to New Berne, and perfected arrangements for the care of the New Jersey party at that place, as well as the many details connected with the unveiling exercises.

The people of New Berne evinced a hearty interest in the proposed visit to their city of New Jersey's soldiers and citizens, and in the unveiling of the monument. Camp No. 1162, United Confederate Veterans, J. J. Wolfenden, Commander, extended, through Colonel Hufty, an offer to act as escort to the Ninth's survivors, and this courtesy, it is needless to say, was gratefully accepted.

An invitation was extended by the Commission to Governor Robert B. Glenn, of North Carolina, and Staff to participate in the unveiling exercises. With true Southern courtesy, Governor Glenn

immediately accepted the invitation, and, moreover, threw himself heart and soul into the visit of New Jersey's representatives to his State.

As soldiers of the Northern Army during the great civil conflict, the members of the Commission will ever bear in grateful memory the delightful correspondence ensuing between them and this big-hearted Governor of a Southern State; and the whole-souled hospitality he extended the Ninth Regiment and their guests while in North Carolina will never be forgotten by any member of the party.

THE TRIP SOUTH

The Trip South

The monument, having been finally erected, in accordance with specifications and agreement, and formally approved by the United States Government's representative at New Berne National Cemetery, arrangements were effected, through the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, for the transportation of Governor E. C. Stokes and Staff, the Commissioners, the survivors of the Ninth Regiment, and guests, from Philadelphia to New Berne and return; the appended itinerary covering the entire trip being splendidly carried out in every detail by the lines interested. Special trains were run to convey the party over the Pennsylvania Railroad, New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk Railroad, Atlantic Coast Line and Atlantic & North Carolina Railroad.

Schedule Philadelphia to New Berne, and Return, Account Unveiling Monument.

Those attending should be at Broad Street Station not later than 10.30 P. M. to procure tickets, etc.

From the moment the special train left Rocky Mount, where Lieutenant Governor Winston, of North Carolina, and Colonel Johnson, of Governor Glenn's Staff, boarded the train and gave the party a hearty welcome and friendly greeting, the trip through North Carolina was marked by ovations.

At Goldsboro, as the train pulled into the town, a salute of seventeen guns was fired; the Raleigh Rifles acting as Governor Glenn's

[Illustration:

Mrs. Wells Green.
AIDE TO MATRON OF HONOR
]


[Illustration:

Miss. Isabel C. Bryan
AIDE TO MATRON OF HONOR
]


[Illustration:

Mrs. James Stewart Jr.
MATRON OF HONOR
]


[Illustration:

Miss Augusta S. Drake
AIDE TO MATRON OF HONOR
]


[Illustration:

Miss. Adeline Claypoole
AIDE TO MATRON OF HONOR
]

escort, and a company of the local Boys’ Brigade in spotless white uniforms, were drawn up at present arms, and the New Jersey party was escorted from the train to the Hotel Kennon, where a royal Southern reception was given them by Governor Glenn and Staff. “We gave you a warm reception when you were down here forty years ago,” said the Governor, “but we propose to give you a warmer one now.”

The following splendid address of welcome was then delivered by Colonel J. E. Robinson, Editor of the Goldsboro “Argus,” who had been selected for that purpose by the Chamber of Commerce:

Mr. Avis, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Gentlemen from New Jersey:

The mission which brings you within the gates of our city on your way to New Berne, to commemorate, by the unveiling of a monument in the Federal Cemetery of that historic old town, the heroism of the boys in blue of your State, who gave up their lives for their country, appeals with inexpressibly touching pathos to every man who cherishes within his breast the spirit of liberty and gives ear to the promptings of patriotism.

The experiences of history, the transitions of power, the fall of empires, the crumbling of dynasties, the passing of monarchies, the revolts in republics—all teach this one great lesson, that no State of society, however refined and elevated, and no government, however fortified at all points, can be beyond the reach of danger, or that it will ever be safe to neglect to cherish in their hearts of the people the spirit of liberty and love of country, upon which always immediately rests and depends the perpetuity of established government. This fundamental truth has been recognized from the earliest formation of governments, and so monuments have been erected from time immemorial, by all peoples in honor of their dead soldiers, not alone gratefully to commemorate their patriotism and valor, but also to inculcate these virtues into the hearts and souls of the youth of the passing generations. The one sublimest figure in all profane history is that of Leonidas fearlessly facing the Persian hosts in the Pass of Thermopylæ, while the poetic legend that chronicles how he and his little band of immortal heroes died to a man in defense of their country has come sounding down the ages grander than any strain of martial music:

• “Go, stranger, and to Lacedæmon tell
• That here, obeying her behests, we fell.”

The arbitrament of arms has settled, and for all time, the contentions for which the boys in gray and the boys in blue battled so bravely, endured

so heroically and died so sublimely, and the parole of the Southern soldiery from the last chapter in the great fraternal tragedy, the surrender at Appomattox, down to this hour, has been kept with as untarnished honor as marked their unapproachable career in arms during the four years of their deathless struggle for the supremacy of the cause that was lost, and turning our faces to the future, Southern soldiers and Southern citizens alike have devoted themselves to rehabilitating their war-devasted country, treasuring our sacred memories without rancor, teaching our children the truths of history, and glorifying in our common country, reunited in the providence of God, the grandest government under the sun.

Holding these sentiments closest to our hearts, we, as a people, welcome you to our city in passing, and bid you God speed on your noble mission, and through you say to New Jersey that she has our approval and admiration in the rearing of the monument you go to unveil to her dead soldiers sleeping in a far away clime, in the Federal Cemetery on the beautiful banks of the quiet Neuse, and so long as our common country endures and the flag of the Nation floats at half mast over their last resting place these beautiful lines shall be appropriate:

• “On fame's eternal camping ground
• Their silent tents are spread,
• And glory guards, with solemn round,
• The bivouac of the dead.”

The Hon. John Boyd Avis, Speaker of the House of Assembly, representing Governor E. C. Stokes, who had been detained a day at Trenton, N. J., by urgent State business, responded happily, expressing the thanks and gratitude of the people of New Jersey for the hearty and cordial greeting extended them by North Carolina.

Mr. Avis said:

Citizens of Goldsboro:

It is our pleasure to be with you to-day, and we are deeply grateful to you all for the royal and enthusiastic welcome which you have accorded us. We appreciate the whole-hearted reception tendered us, and realize to-day, more fully than ever before, that there is now no North, no South, but a reunited country, the citizens of all localities vying with each other in their loyalty to the stars and stripes of our great and glorious Nation.

We come as friends and fellow-countrymen to perform a mission of tenderness and love, in memory of fallen heroes, and again I express the thanks of our party for the open-hearted manner in which you have received us.

After a further interchange of courtesies, Governor Glenn's private car was attached to the New Jersey Special, and the Jersey veterans, led by General James Stewart, Jr., gave three rousing cheers for “the good people of Goldsboro,” as the journey was resumed to New Berne.

The following special despatch from Goldsboro, May 18, 1905, to the Raleigh “News and Observer,” gives one of many evidences of esteem in which the Ninth Regiment and its officers were held by the citizens of North Carolina who were within the Federal lines during the Civil War:

Within our gates yesterday afternoon was a man who was with the New Jersey contingent, on his way to New Berne, where to-day was unveiled a monument to the New Jersey soldiers buried in the Federal Cemetery near that city. His name was Colonel Samuel Hufty, and he was Goldsboro's first Provost Marshal. He was appointed by General Schofield two days in advance of the arrival of General Sherman and his army, and in that brief time had the town so thoroughly organized and guarded that Sherman's soldiers were not permitted to ravage our town or molest a single citizen or home, and in addition to this Colonel Hufty issued provisions liberally to all in need of food. All this took place forty years ago, but yesterday he stood again upon the same ground that he had trod during those bloody times, and shook the hand of many an old soldier with whom he crossed swords in one of the bloodiest wars the world has ever known. He was cordially greeted by all our citizens—men who had opposed him in battle, the sons of many of whom have gone on across the river—and the fair ladies of our town who had turned out to do the New Jersey visitors honor.”

Upon arrival at New Berne, the local company of Naval Reserves, Captain T. C. Daniels in command, was drawn up at present arms near the station, and a salute fired in honor of the New Jersey visitors, the citizens exerting themselves to their utmost to extend a proverbial Southern welcome. At the Military Academy, where the veterans of the Ninth were comfortably quartered, the following address of welcome was delivered by Miss Ruth Watson:

Ladies and Gentlemen, Representatives and Soldiers of the State of New Jersey:

It becomes my very pleasant duty, and highly-prized privilege to voice the welcome of the students of our “New Berne Military Academy” to you,

our friends. It will be inadequately done, for words of mine will utterly fail to express their hearty greeting.

The Southern welcome, for which our people have become so noted, is never a forced one. It springs spontaneously from the hearts of our people, and especially the students of the Academy. Always do we realize that those we greet, and to whom we proffer the hospitality of our homes and schoolrooms are not strangers; rather are they friends and relatives, the common descendants of men who in earlier days sent forth the youth of their households to fight for the cause which was honorable and true—the cause of American Independence. The men of New Jersey and North Carolina who differed in 1861, fought side by side in other wars.

We greet you as representative citizen of our sister Commonwealth, and a constituent part of the great Nation which we love, and over which floats the “Starry Banner,” emblem of Liberty. We trust that your coming may strengthen the ties which unite us as a great people, make us stronger and nobler for the duties of citizenship, as well as help us, the girls and boys of our schools and town, to be better students and citizens.

The school girls and boys welcome you, as well as the men and women of our city.

It is needless to say that the latchstring of our people is never drawn in; the truth is that we have no latchstring—we have never had one, and I am sure we never will have one, when it is a matter of receiving among us such as go to make up organizations and bodies of men as splendid as yours. We are proud and glad to offer you the comforts and cheer of our homes, our schoolrooms, and the warm greeting of our hearts. Enjoy yourselves to the utmost while you are with us—you cannot please us better, and we will feel that you have been among friends.

In the name of our students and people, from the bottom of my heart I bid you “welcome.” The brave soldiers who fought on both sides are always welcome to our hearts and homes.

• “Nor shall their memory be forgot,
• While Fame the record keeps,
• And Heaven marks the hallowed spot,
• Where valor proudly sleeps.”

Upon the evening of their arrival at New Berne, May 17, a public reception was tendered the New Jersey visitors by the people of New Berne in their beautiful Court House, upon which occasion

[Illustration:

Mrs. Samuel Hufty
ASSISTANT MATRON OF HONOR
]


[Illustration:

Mrs. Charles E. Pancoast
ASSISTANT MATRON OF HONOR
]


[Illustration:

Mrs. E.H. Green
ASSISTANT MATRON OF HONOR
]

the Beaufort Plowboys’ Flag, captured by the Ninth New Jersey Regiment at the Battle of New Berne, March 14, 1862, was returned by the Hon. J. Boyd Avis, representing Governor E. C. Stokes, of New Jersey, to Governor Glenn, of North Carolina, amid a scene of wild enthusiasm on the part of both Northerners and Southerners, who packed the building.

The opening address of welcome was delivered by the Hon. M. De W. Stevenson, of New Berne, a Confederate veteran and member of New Berne Camp No. 1162, U. C. V., introduced by the chairman, Mr. J. J. Wolfenden.

On the part of himself, his comrades and his townspeople, Mr. Stevenson warmly welcomed the representatives of the great State of New Jersey and survivors of their Ninth New Jersey Regiment. and their friends. He referred to the fact that he was present at the Battle of New Berne, when the town was taken by General Burnside and his troops. The long period since the war, he stated, had changed and softened all feelings, and, while he gloried in the record of the Confederate officers and soldiers, he loved his country, and was proud to be a citizen of the United States of America. Mr. Stevenson called attention to the large audience then present, including the Governor of North Carolina and Staff and the many beautiful ladies and gallant men of the South, and the New Berne Camp of Confederate Veterans, who had come to welcome New Jersey's representatives and soldiers. He referred to the war with Spain, and said that the cry of “Remember the Maine” had been heard by both Union and Confederate veterans, who marched shoulder to shoulder; that President Roosevelt and General Joe Wheeler were together at San Juan, and that Ensign Bagley, a North Carolina boy, had given his life for his country on his ship in one of the harbors of Cuba. He spoke of the gallant Fitzhugh Lee as a Confederate soldier, and of his great services to his reunited country; of the life and example of the great and illustrious Robert E. Lee. There is now no part of this great country, the speaker said, more true, loyal or devoted, than the South, and in case of necessity, it would respond to the proper call with its brains, blood and treasure to defend, protect and preserve it from all enemies, and ever assist to build up and make greater this land of freedom.

More than forty years ago, Mr. Stevenson continued, some of the New Jersey boys came here in time of war. The Southern boys did not want them, and tried to keep them away, but now they come in time of sweet peace, on a noble mission, sent by a great State to do honor to the memory of their comrades who have passed over the river, and that it gave him great pleasure to welcome the representatives of the State of New Jersey, survivors of the Ninth Regiment and their friends, and requested them to take full charge of the city.

The Hon. John Boyd Avis, Speaker of the New Jersey House of Assembly, was then introduced, and in the following admirable address, frequently marked with applause, presented the Beaufort Plowboy Flag to Governor Glenn, of North Carolina:

Governor Glenn, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Representing the Governor of the State of New Jersey, I desire to express my sincere thanks, for the hearty and enthusiastic welcome that we have received from the people of North Carolina, not only in New Berne, but ever since we crossed the State line.

I regret that Governor Stokes is not here to speak to you to-night, but I am advised by telegraph that he will surely be with us to-morrow.

The legions of Jersevmen are again invading the State of North Carolina. Not, thank God, in a warlike spirit; not as an hostile army, marching to the tune of martial music; not with a feeling of enmity, for we are enemies no longer.

No, Jerseymen and Jerseywomen invade your soil to-night as friends, brothers and sisters, on a peaceful mission; to unveil a monument in memory of our illustrious dead; to those who loved their country and its cause, and who gave up their lives in its service.

North Carolina and New Jersey have between them common bonds of fellowship and unity. Both States were of the original “thirteen” colonies, who threw off the yoke of British oppression, and both had representatives in the Continental Congress on that memorable day when the Declaration of Independence was signed, and proclaimed to all people, declaring that these “United States are and of right ought to be free and independent.”

The soldiers of our States stood shoulder to shoulder in the struggle that followed, and fought valiantly to maintain the principles of that declaration.

After the Revolution all went well between the two States for many years; the people prospered; business increased, and the Nation became a power in the world. Eventually the North and South differed in their construction of our Constitution; the South declaring that each State was sovereign and an independent unit; the North maintaining that we were a union of States, one and inseparable. These opinions were honest ones on both sides, and finally led to the secession of the Southern States from the Union. Then, instead of being allies, instead of sympathizing with each other's views, instead of fighting shoulder to shoulder, we find the men of New Jersey and those of North Carolina fighting face to face, each bent upon the destruction of the other, and the maintenance of their views by force.

Would to God that day had never come, and may the day be now past when the deeds of devotion and valor in that great war shall be spoken of as Northern prowess and determination, or Southern bravery, but may we hereafter speak of the heroism and courage of American soldiers, fighting for ideas, each believing themselves to be right, as their training and surroundings gave them the power to see and distinguish.

The call came from Lincoln in the North; a call for seventy-five thousand volunteers, and the answer came, “We are coming, Father Abraham, three hundred thousand strong.”

New Jersey's boys donned the blue and responded to the call in large numbers; some joined the Ninth New Jersey, and in the early part of the year 1862, under the command of General Burnside, found themselves, on this battlefield, face to face with soldiers of North Carolina, who in their suits of gray had loyally responded to your Confederacy.

The battle was fought, and the boys in blue gained a victory; not a victory cheaply won, however, for they were fighting men of their own Nation, of their own blood, and of equal bravery. At roll call, after the battle, it was found that about eighty of the Ninth New Jersey had answered their last roll call, and most of these found a final resting place on the battlefield in this vicinity.

The great Civil War came to an end, and again peace reigns over this land of ours. We have no apologies to make, for we believe we were right, but the old differences between North Carolina and New Jersey are matters of history now.

The people of these two great States, parted by a difference of opinion and the war, are once more shoulder to shoulder as in the early days, never to separate, and willing and glad to defend the honor and integrity of our united country.

There is no enmity now; there can be no enmity at the grave, and tomorrow the soldiers of the North and the soldiers of the South will meet in harmony, to do honor to the dead who died in the discharge of their duty.

When Grant, on that memorable day, said, “Let there be peace,” there no longer remained a reason for estrangement between the two sections, and this sentiment has grown until to-night there are no sections, but a re-united country, whose people have but one aim; one object, and one intention, to make it the greatest, noblest and best in the world, and one flag, the Stars and Stripes, which we all love, and which we are all willing to serve.

The period of sectional feeling has passed. The soldier and citizen of the South is as loyal to the flag now as the soldier and citizen of the North.

The good faith of the reconciliation is attested by the loyalty of many, who during the war fought with the South. In our recent difficulty with Spain, there were no more loyal defenders of the flag than Lee, who fought with Shafter at Santiago, and Wheeler, who climbed the hills of San Juan with Roosevelt.

We come to you, to-night, with words of congratulation, and feelings of friendship and love.

The North has forgiven and forgotten all; across the chasm of the war we stretch our hands and grasp yours as brothers, grateful and glad that the time of strife is over, and that peace reigns between us now and alway.

As an evidence of the good will and esteem of the people of our State, and in accordance with a resolution adopted at the last session of our Legislature, of which Legislature I was a member, Governor Glenn, I present to you, or rather I return to you, representing the people of North Carolina to whom it belongs, the flag of the Beaufort Plowboys, taken from them in battle by the soldiers of New Jersey.

When Speaker Avis presented the Plowboy flag, which was captured by the old “Ninth” forty-three years ago in a desperate struggle on the outskirts of New Berne, he unfurled the bullet-ridden flag, and in the name of the State of New Jersey presented it to Governor Glenn, the joy of the sons and daughters of the Confederacy knew no bounds, and for several minutes the scene was one of indescribable enthusiasm. During this outburst Governor Glenn and Speaker Avis stood clasping hands with the flag gently swaying on the arm of the Governor, and the crowd again broke forth in a prolonged volley of cheers.

Governor Glenn, of North Carolina, upon receiving the Beaufort Plowboy flag said:

The Honorable John Boyd Avis, representative of His Excellency Edward C. Stokes, Governor of New Jersey, R. Heber Breintnall, Adjutant General of New Jersey, survivors of the Ninth Regiment, ladies and gentlemen of New Jersey and of North Carolina:

It is with a feeling of profound pleasure and a becoming sense of the significance of the occasion upon which we are here met, that I may greet you. The representative of one great State of the Union and the valorous soldiers of that State imbued with a magnanimous heroic spirit, fulfilling the mandate of the Legislature of their State, have come to us of North Carolina upon a mission of love and peace.

To dedicate a monument to their beloved dead, and to return to us this beautiful flag consecrated by the blood of the sons of our State who died in its defense. As the Chief Executive of this State, I desire to express my thanks and the thanks of all its citizens for this evidence of the friendliness which tends to bind closer the people of the two states. The reconciliation between us is complete, the wounds of the war are healed, yea, its scars even are removed, and as brothers and sisters of this great Republic, we here dedicate ourselves to advance its material interests and to increase its power for good among the nations of the earth. The lady who helped make this flag, and who presented it to Captain Harding of the Beaufort Plowboy Company, has come to this city from Columbia, South Carolina, to receive it from me, and to present it to Captain Harding, to whom she first presented it forty-four years ago; and to-morrow evening the presentation will take place in this Court House.

Now as so many of you are anxious to go to the rooms of the Daughters of the Confederacy and the headquarters of Camp. No. 1162, United Confederate Veterans, where our New Jersey friends will be entertained, and where the survivors of the Ninth Regiment will present a National flag to the Confederate Veterans, the exercises here will close.

At the conclusion of the reception at the Court House on the evening of May 17, announcement was made that the members of the Ninth New Jersey, and their guests from that State, would visit the rooms of Confederate Encampment No. 1162, and the “Daughters of the Confederacy.”

Upon arrival at the rooms, the “Ninth” and her guests were

tendered a delightful reception by a large gathering of the members of both associations, the rooms being filled to overflowing.

The fact that the Ninth New Jersey Veteran Association was to present a silk United States flag to the Confederate Encampment increased the interest felt on all sides.

The assemblage was called to order by Mr. J. J. Wolfenden, Commander of New Berne Camp No. 1162, U. V. C., who spoke as follows:

General Stewart, Members of the Ninth New Jersey Veterans Association, Ladies and Gentlemen:

The pleasant duty has been assigned me by my comrades of this Encampment, by the ladies of “The Daughters of the Confederacy,” and by the citizens of New Berne, to extend to you, and through you, to your comrades of the “Ninth New Jersey,” and to all who accompany you, a hearty welcome to this city, to this Association, and to the best we have to offer you. Your mission here is a noble one.

It is to honor the memory of your brave comrades, many of whom rest in our National Cemetery here; and in the exercises which follow on the morrow, we beg to assure you, not only of our sincere sympathy, but a desire on our part to render such services as in our power rests, to make the occasion which brought you in our midst, a success, and one to be pleasantly remembered by all. Again I give you greeting and welcome.

General James Stewart, Jr., responded as follows:

Commander Wolfenden, Veterans of this Encampment, “Daughters of the Confederacy,” Ladies and Gentlemen:

In the name of, and in behalf of my Comrades of the “Ninth New Jersey,” I return you sincere thanks for this cordial greeting. We had received assurances, before leaving home, that on the occasion of our present visit, we would receive a hearty welcome from the soldiers of this Encampment, and many kindnesses from the good people of New Berne, but the many proofs of hospitality and cordial good feeling which have been showered upon us since our arrival surpass anything we dared anticipate, and we become your debtors from this time forth.

We cannot forget, Mr. Commander, the great help and assistance which you and your associates have rendered our Commission during the past six months, in looking after the details of our work at this end of the line, and we gratefully acknowledge our appreciation of this service.

You have manifested toward us the true feeling of comradeship, and we heartily respond in spirit, to this sentiment. I think, sir, that we should engrave upon the tablets of our memory, the 17th day of May, 1905, as a “Red Letter Day,” for on this date the soldier from New Jersey, who had worn the blue, and the soldier from North Carolina, who had worn the gray, met and clasped hands in Friendship, Loyalty and Fraternity.

At the last reunion of our Association our Comrade Hufty, who had but recently returned from a visit to New Berne, reported that he met with the greatest kindness and good feeling on the part of the citizens of New Berne, and he was especially impressed by the cordiality of his meeting with the veterans of this Encampment; and he added further, that your Association tendered their services to act as an escort to our Association on the occasion of our present visit. This report was enthusiastically received, and it was unanimously voted to accept your kind proffer; and it was further resolved that our Association procure a National flag, and present the same to this Encampment, as expressive, in a small way, of our appreciation for courtesies extended.

In pursuance to this resolution, it gives me great pleasure, Mr. Commander, and Ladies and Gentlemen of this Encampment, to hand to you this emblem of our nationality. Under its glorious folds our country has grown step by step from a weakling, until to-day she ranks as a first-class power in the great galaxy of nations, in the civilized world.

With warm sentiments of esteem, the “Ninth New Jersey Veteran Association” presents to this Encampment this souvenir of their regard, and requests that you accept it in the same spirit of fraternal good will as that in which it is tendered.

The flag was accepted for the Confederate veterans by Colonel David L. Ward, of Governor Glenn's Staff, who said:

General Stewart:

On behalf of the New Berne Camp of United Confederate Veterans, I return you greetings, and accept the beautiful American flag so eloquently tendered by you as the best evidence of true friendship, and the spirit of brotherly love which brings you here to-night.

An old Confederate Veteran, who still bears the scars of honorable battle upon his person, remarked that he did not recognize me in a blue uniform, and I replied that forty years ago I would have worn the gray, but to-day I am proud to wear the uniform of a united country.

It is idle to speak of what the North has done, or of what the South has done. This great Republic is the common heritage of us all, and we

alike contributed to unfurl this silken flag from the highest peak in American life to teach the world the strength of intellectual and moral purity, and that it is “truth that makes men free.”

Around the American flag our hopes, our aspirations, and our ambitions cluster. It symbolizes the civil and religious liberty which America has given to the world. In the early history of this country our patriot forefathers were much divided in opinion as to what should be the design of the flag.

It is uncertain what flag was used at Bunker Hill, but the first flag used by the Northern Colonies was the “Pine Tree” flag, which bore upon one side the motto, “Que Transulit Sustinet,” and upon the other “An Appeal to Heaven.” The first armed vessels commissioned by General Washington sailed under the “Pine Tree” flag.

On June 14, 1777, the American Congress resolved, “That the flag of the thirteen States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” This flag was first unfurled on the “Ranger” by the immortal Paul Jones, whose heroic memory still inspires the American youth to high ideals of patriotism and devotion.

The design of the present flag was suggested by Captain Samuel Chester Reid, who commanded the “General Armstrong” in the harbor of Fayal, Portugal, in the war of 1812, and crippled and delayed the united British fleet, then on its way to aid in the attack on New Orleans, then gallantly and successfully defended by General Andrew Jackson. Captain Reid was a New England sailor, and Andrew Jackson, a country boy from North Carolina

These two, the North and South, one at the distant Portugal harbor, the other at New Orleans, defeated the British naval and land forces, and ended for all time the English hopes of conquering this country.

This flag has known many trials, but out of the fire of adversity, it has steadily continued to wave over a growing and expanding Republic, second to none on earth.

We thank you, and the “Ninth New Jersey Volunteers” for this silken emblem of loyalty. We will cherish and protect it. It shall float in our Southern breezes and under our clear skies, over a nation of brothers.

If the time should ever come when it needed strong arms and brave hearts to defend it, the old veterans who followed the Stars and Bars, if living, would rally around it, and if not living, their descendants, in memory of their heroism, would defend it with their lives.

Again we thank you, and welcome you to New Berne. May your stay among us be long remembered as the meeting of brave men, now united, who once stood in hostile array.

[Illustration:

Ex Govenor Franklin Murphy of N.J.
]


[Illustration:

Hon. John Boyd Avis
]

A cordial address of welcome was also made upon this occasion by Mr. Samuel M. Brinson, of New Berne, representing New Berne Chapter No. 204, United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Gentlemen of the Ninth New Jersey Veteran Association:

In the name of the “Daughters of the Confederacy,” I am commissioned to extend to you a cordial welcome to this hall, to our homes, and to every assistance we can render during your stay in our midst.

I want to say to you that it is not in response merely to the requirements of courtesy that this invitation is extended, but rather in a sincere and unaffected spirit of cordiality.

We recognize, with you, gentlemen, that happily we are to-day living in an era of good will; that the strife of sections has given way to a broad and patriotic National spirit; that the enemies of forty years ago are to-day fraternizing and finding in each other qualities of mind and heart undreamed of amid the smoke and din of war.

As the son of one who gave four years of his life in defence of what he conceived to be a vital principle of our National life, I want to say to you that from him I have learned the lesson of patriotism; from him I have imbibed the spirit of loyalty to our reunited Country.

Should our Government ever need their protection, no readier response will come than from the sons of those men who formed that grim gray battle-line—the men who fought for the right, as God gave them to see the right.

We hold as a priceless heritage the record of their struggles, their sacrifices, their heroism, but—in a broader spirit to-day—we of the “Southland” can join you in every tribute to your great commander, whose magnanimous treatment of our surrendered army cheered the drooping spirits of our disconsolate land, and bridged the chasm between the sections.

We are glad, to-day, to join you in your tribute to your departed comrades, who, with you, fought as your judgment and your conscience approved.

While I am on the floor, I want to express my own sense of obligation to members of this regiment, whose kindly acts and generous treatment were accorded those of my own blood during your trying occupancy of this town.

The names of Colonel Curliss and others of your regiment, whose unvarying courtesy was extended those within your lines will live in grateful remembrance while memory holds its rightful sway.

Again, I bid you a hearty welcome. May the noble mission which brings you here be fulfilled under most happy and agreeable conditions,

and may the granite figure stand for all time—a testimonial of the virtues of the dead and the gratitude of the living.

All present, and especially the ladies, expressed their admiration of the beautiful flag, and it was proudly borne by the Confederate Veterans in the parade on the 18th of May, receiving the enthusiastic plaudits of the people, as it was carried along the streets of the city.

The honor of your presence is requested at the Unveiling and Dedication of the Monument erected in the National Cemetery at New Berne North Carolina, by the State of New Jersey in memory of her Ninth Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, which will take place on May the eighteenth, nineteen hundred and five.

General James Stewart Jr.,

Lieut-Colonel Samuel Hufty.

Lieutenant E. H. Green.

Commissioners.

An early answer is requested.

The Unveiling Exercises

The unveiling of the monument took place on May 18, under delightful weather conditions. The details, as arranged by the State Commission, were closely adhered to, and splendidly carried out, the tireless energy of the New Berne Citizens Committee and the valuable aid rendered by them, largely contributing to the remarkable success of the occasion—not an unpleasant incident occurring to mar the day's proceedings in any manner.

In the morning Governor Stokes, of New Jersey, arrived in New Berne, and was received at the railroad station by Governor Glenn, of North Carolina, and Staff; his own Staff who had preceded him, Speaker of the New Jersey House of Assembly J. Boyd Avis, the Commissioners, and distinguished guests. As Governor Stokes stepped from the train, a salute of seventeen guns was fired, and the Raleigh Rifles and New Berne Naval Reserves presented arms.

After an informal reception, the procession was formed, and the line of march begun to the National Cemetery, under the direction of James W. Biddle, Chief Marshal, and Assistant Marshals Samuel R. Street, J. J. Baxter, George B. Waters, William Dunn, Jr., and A. C. Foscue, all of New Bern.

The line was formed as follows:

Camp No. 1162, United Confederate Veterans, on the right acting as escort.

Survivors of the Ninth New Jersey Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Captain Benjamin W. Hopper, with Frederick G. Coyte acting as Adjutant, both veteran officers of the old regiment. Color Bearer, William E. Townley, Jr.

Raleigh Rifles, Co. B., 3d Infantry, Captain W. F. Moody, commanding.

Goldsboro Rifles, Co. B., 2d Infantry, Captain S. Cohen, commanding.

Goldsboro Guards, Co. E., 2d Infantry, Captain Geo. E. Hood, commanding.

New Berne Naval Reserves, Lieutenant C. J. McSorley, commanding.

Governors Robert B. Glenn, of North Carolina, and Edward C. Stokes, of New Jersey, with their Staffs.

The State Commissioners for erecting the monument. The invited guests and ladies.

En route to the National Cemetery, the Confederate monument and graves of the Confederate heroes in the New Berne Cemetery were decorated with flowers by the Federal and Confederate veterans, and upon arrival at the National Cemetery the monument of the Fifteenth Connecticut Regiment was also decorated, and the graves of the Ninth New Jersey Volunteers strewn with flowers.

After the Governors, their Staffs, Commissioners and invited guests had taken places on the speaker's stand, immediately facing the monument, the unveiling ceremonies were opened with a beautiful invocation delivered by the Rev. G. T. Adams, of New Berne.

The President of the Commission then gave the signal to the Matron of Honor, Mrs. James Stewart, Jr., who immediately pulled the cord holding the drapery, and the beautiful monument was unveiled. Mrs. Stewart then placed upon the monument a handsome wreath of flowers, presented for that purpose by Mrs. Emma Henderson Powell, of New Berne, after which Mrs. Stewart, with her four aides, Misses Adeline Claypoole and Isabel Bryan, of New Berne, North Carolina, Mrs. Wells Green and Miss Augusta S. Drake, of New Jersey, took seats on the speaker's platform.

General Stewart's Address.

After a rendition of patriotic airs by the band, General James Stewart, Jr., President of the State Commission for Erection of the Monument, and late Colonel of the Ninth New Jersey Regiment, was introduced, and delivered the following oration:

Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is through the generosity of the State of New Jersey, in her kindly remembrance of those she sent into the field to uphold the integrity of our National Government, that we are privileged to meet here to-day, to dedicate this monument in remembrance of those of our comrades who gave their all in defending the flag of their country.

We have many, very many, of our one-time comrades, who sleep in different cemeteries both South and North, but as we fought our first and last engagement in North Carolina, during a term of near four years’ active service, and as we have between eighty and ninety of our comrades buried in this Cemetery, the survivors of New Jersey's Ninth Regiment thought this a fitting place for our State to show her recognition of the services of our regiment, by erecting this memorial on this spot; here, where our Government guards the resting place of her heroic dead; and here, too, in the midst of our one-time foe, but who to-day is the steadfast friend of the living and the dead soldier, no matter on which side he served.

The “Ninth New Jersey Volunteers” was organized as a regiment of riflemen in September, 1861, and consisted of twelve companies. The State equipped the regiment splendidly in clothing, arms and camp equipage. The fact that the “Ninth” was to be a regiment of “Riflemen” or “Sharpshooters” was an attractive feature, and drew to its ranks a very intelligent body of men; many young students forsook their colleges, and professional men—lawyers and physicians—abandoned their practice, and took position in the ranks of this regiment. As evidence that there was intelligent material in the ranks, when the regiment returned to New Jersey in July, 1865, for final discharge, there were but two officers returned with it who left with the regiment in 1861 as officers; all the others, the major, adjutant, quartermaster, ten captains and twenty lieutenants — all had been promoted from the ranks; and there was an abundance of deserving men left unrewarded by commission, simply for want of vacancies.

The Ninth Regiment was mustered in, in the United States service, October 8, 1861. On December 4 following, the regiment broke camp, and carrying 1,152 rifles, proceeded to Washington City, went into camp on Meridian Hill, and was made part of General Silas Casey's Division.

A few days later a review of the troops encamped on Meridian Hill took place, and General Burnside, who was present, noticed in particular our Ninth Regiment, and was so impressed with its fine showing of twelve full companies, as well as the splendid physique of the men in the ranks, that he persisted with the authorities until he succeeded in having the “Ninth” included in his expeditionary force. A few days later, January 4, 1862, we were sent to Annapolis, and there embarked with the Burnside Expedition for services in North Carolina. On February 8 we participated in the Battle of Roanoke Island; on March 14 the Battle of New Berne, and later the investment of Fort Macon.

Events, with us, followed each other in rapid succession. We were so fortunate as to be successful in all of these engagements—our first taste of actual war.

Roanoke Island was claimed to be the first clean victory for our arms in the East, but its importance was somewhat lessened in the public mind, owing to the splendid victory of General Grant at Fort Donaldson in the West, which took place a few days subsequent.

The capture of Roanoke Island opened up the great waterways in Eastern North Carolina to the Union forces, enabling our gunboats to co-operate with the land forces. This made New Berne, notwithstanding her long and strong line of fortifications, almost untenable for her defenders. After the retreat of the Confederates from their line of defense, they set fire to the bridge crossing the Neuse River, which halted our army, and prevented them from at once marching into New Berne.

Many fires were started in the town, but a general conflagration was averted through the persistent work, at first, of the men from the boats, and assisted later by our soldiers.

An invading army is generally charged and reputed to be an army for pillage, and, no doubt, there were those in New Berne who believed this of the Union Army, and that is why a few recklessly applied the torch. That outrage and pillage occurred in isolated cases in both armies, no doubt, is true, but I believe, notwithstanding the fierceness of the conflict, that it was exceptional with the American soldier. Speaking from my own experience and knowledge, embracing service in Virginia and North Carolina, covering near four years, I can recall to mind but one glaring outrage committed by any soldier in the different armies in which I served, and in that case, retribution followed quick and severe. It was near Kinston, N. C., in 1865, and it devolved upon me to command the troops, charged with the execution of the culprit. (Let me add that he was not a New Jersey soldier.)

During the summer and fall of 1862, the “Ninth” was kept very busy holding the enemy in check in that portion of North Carolina lying between New Berne and Wilmington. Frequent expeditions were sent into the

interior, and in many instances sharp engagements ensued. In December, 1862, an expedition of some importance was organized to reach Goldsboro and destory the railroad bridge which crossed the river at that point. This was to interfere with General Lee sending reinforcements to Wilmington. Our march was sharply contested at South West Creek, Kinston, Whitehall and Goldsboro Bridge. The “Ninth” was, for the most part, placed in the advance, and frequently the whole regiment was deployed as skirmishers. This, however, had its advantages, for after we got the enemy behind their breastworks, we did not have far to march in order to become very busy. The Confederates stubbornly contested the ground, but the superior number of our forces, consisting of about 12,000 men and forty pieces of artillery, gradually forced them out of position. Reaching Goldsboro Bridge, the Confederates made a determined stand—seeming to realize that our object was to destroy the railroad bridge. While the engagement was going on, the Colonel of the “Ninth” called for volunteers to burn the bridge; a number volunteered, but two were selected—Privates William Lemons of “E” Company, and E. S. Winands, of “K” Company. These men took their lives in their hands, for it was a most dangerous undertaking, and while the air was filled with shot and shell, the smoke in a large measure concealed their movements. They reached the bridge, ignited it, and, most fortunately, returned unharmed to their comrades. Shortly after we forced the enemy from their defenses by the railroad, when our troops destroyed a long stretch of track.

We were then ordered to return to New Berne by forced marches, and there expected to take boats for an attack on Wilmington. But General Burnside's move against Fredericksburg, Va., having failed, a despatch came to New Berne countermanding the orders for a movement against Wilmington, at that time.

Except some three months which were spent in South Carolina, where we were sent to aid in the siege of Fort Sumter, and from where we received “hurry up” orders to return to North Carolina, and join the force to be sent to the relief of General Foster, who, with a portion of his army, were besieged in Little Washington by General Longstreet, we continued our services in North Carolina until October, 1863, when we were ordered to Virginia.

There we were brigaded with the Seventeenth, Twenty-third, Twenty-fifth, and Twenty-seventh Massachusetts Volunteers. Our brigade was designated “The Red Star Brigade.” These Massachusetts regiments were companion fighters with the “Ninth” on the North Carolina battlefields; each regiment knew the dependable qualities of their sister regiments, and, welded together, they made a magnificent brigade of magnificent soldiers. The bloody battlefields of “’64,” in the armies of the James and the Potomac, from Suffolk, Cobb's Hill, Petersburg, Fort

Drewry, Drewry's Bluff and Cold Harbor, and back again to the siege of Petersburg, attested their soldierly qualities; their ranks thinned through the carnage of battle—additions being made constantly by recruits, and the incorporation of three additional regiments in the brigade to give it a show of strength, and yet those of the “Old Guard” that were left standing on their feet, maintained a steady front, and not a color was lost which they carried.

The order for our return to North Carolina was brought about in this way:

Our campaign in Virginia opened actively on the 6th of May, 1864. On this day, the “Ninth” formed part of a strong reconnoitering force which moved from Cobb's Hill to learn the position and strength of the enemy. We had proceeded less than half a mile when we became hotly engaged, and the fighting continued until the day was spent. That night we returned to our encampment at Cobb's Hill. The next morning our force moved out again, and we had a repetition of the sharp fighting of the day before. At night we returned to our encampment. The loss in the “Ninth” for these two days’ skirmishing, was fifty-three men in killed and wounded. On the 8th (it being Sunday) we rested for the struggle which was ahead of us. On the 9th the Army of the James was put in motion; moving out from Cobb's Hill, we gradually pushed the Confederates into their lines in front of Petersburg, after which our army swung around towards Richmond. On the 15th we had forced the enemy behind their works at Fort Drewry. Our men had been marching and fighting continuously for nine days, and they were exhausted, worn out. When our lines were formed in front of the Confederate works at Drewry's Bluff on the 15th, the Red Star Brigade took position on the right of our line, and the “Ninth” held the right of the brigade. The men threw up a small line of breastworks, doing the best they could, having only their bayonets and tin plates as tools to do the work with. Our right flank was entirely exposed and unprotected.

The brigade commander, General Heckman, reported this to his superior officer, and asked that a battery of artillery and two regiments of infantry be sent to guard the right flank of our line.

These reinforcements did not reach us, and this omission cost us many valuable lives.

That night, General Beauregard, with a large force, reinforced the enemy, who had been driven to the cover of the fort. Our general officer of the day, on visiting the picket line about four o'clock in the morning of the 16th, became convinced that the Confederates were massing for an attack, and he so reported to his general. About 4.30 A. M., the attack began. General Beauregard threw an overwhelming force against our lines. The Union forces withstood the first shock, and the slaughter was terrible.

The “Ninth” held their fire until the attacking forces were within fifty feet, when their volley did such execution that General Gracie's Brigade, which formed the attacking party, in front of the “Ninth,” was almost annihilated, according to Confederate published accounts. The superior numbers of the Confederate forces enabled them to lap our right flank. To meet this flank attack, first, two companies, and then the right wing of the “Ninth” Regiment was faced to the right and rear.

We held them in check, although the ground was strewn with our killed and wounded, until our ammunition became exhausted, when the commanding general ordered the “Ninth” to fall back some five hundred yards to get a fresh supply of ammunition. The men hurriedly cleaned their rifles, and, having secured a fresh supply of ammunition, the regiment deployed as skirmishers, in order to cover space, and advanced a short distance, and formed line on the left of the Ninety-eighth New York. The Confederates made several charges against this line but were in every instance repulsed, and though the “Ninth” was without support in the rear, she stubbornly held her line until darkness set in. The casualties in the “Ninth” in this engagement was over fifty per cent. of those engaged.

The battered forces of the “Ninth” continued their services in that section of Virginia until May 27, when they were sent by easy marches to City Point. On the 30th of May, the regiment was put on transports, and sent to White House Landing, reaching there June 2. Disembarking, line was formed, and we moved toward Cold Harbor. Arriving at the latter place, the regiment was at once sent into action on that part of the line between Cold Harbor and Gaines Mill. The regiment being in the front line, without breastworks as a protection, suffered severely.

The terrible struggle at Cold Harbor, which continued for ten days, is too well known to make it necessary to go into details; suffice it to say that the “Ninth” bore her full share of the fighting in that slaughter pen, as her torn and shattered ranks sadly attested. This was our first introduction and incorporation into the grand old Army of the Potomac; and in a ten days’ struggle, where the contending forces were commanded by two of the ablest generals our Civil War developed, to wit: General Ulysses S. Grant, on the Union side, and General Robert E. Lee, on the Confederate side. Oh, the pity of it! that these great generals, with their magnificent armies of American soldiers, should have faced each other in deadly strife. Forty years have passed since the Northern and the Southern soldiers laid down their arms and fraternized. To those who took part in that conflict it seems like a dream; let us so consider it, and forget it, and remember only that we are American citizens, with a community of interest and loyalty to that Government which has descended to us unimpaired from our forefathers of the original thirteen States.

Returning to the movements of the “Ninth.” Late in the day on the 12th of June, the regiment was withdrawn from the picket line and marched to White House, and there embarked on transports for Bermuda Hundreds. Disembarking, the movement towards Petersburg began. From June 14 to 21 our army gradually forced its way forward, fighting for every rod of ground gained, until the “Ninth” took position where our lines of fortifications were subsequently established, and where the “Ninth” took part in the siege of Petersburg continuously for over two months, one month and a half of which she did duty in the trenches.

In the latter part of August the brigade was sent to the North side of the Appomatox. While on that portion of our line south of the Appomattox, there was constant firing both day and night, and the men in the rifle pits could only be relieved under cover of darkness—the men going in and coming out stealthily. While north of the river, there seemed to be a tacit understanding between the contending forces that there should be no sharpshooting or promiscuous firing, except there was an attack, and this understanding was religiously observed by both sides. The change was so great from our previous experience, that the quiet really became monotonous.

It was then that the officers of the brigade urged me to see the department commander, and ascertain whether he would not send us back to North Carolina to recruit and rest up. I, therefore, called on the commanding general, stated my case, giving as a reason for the request that our ranks were thin, and it would afford us an opportunity to get recruits and drill them, and by spring he could send for us when our ranks would be filled, and we would be well fitted for the next year's campaign.

The General remained very quiet while I was talking, and I did not feel comfortable as to how he would take my request. After a moment's silence, he asked, “Do you know what that brigade did on the 16th of May?” I replied, “Their duty, I trust.” “Yes,” said he, “they always did that, but they killed and wounded of the enemy twice their number. They deserve anything they ask for, and I will issue the necessary orders to bring up five regiments from North Carolina, and for your brigade to take their places.”

This was done, and that was how we returned to our first “Stamping Ground,” in October, 1864.

We were not allowed to rest much after our return. We were almost constantly on the move in one direction or the other, and we invariably found sufficient of the enemy to sharply contest our march.

On December 5, 1904, the regiment left its camp at Carolina City, taking cars to New Berne where it embarked on transports for Plymouth, arriving at that town on the morning of the 7th. It joined the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts and detachments of the Second Massachusetts

Heavy Artillery, Eighty-fifth New York, Sixteenth Connecticut, One hundred and first and One hundred and third Pennsylvania, three companies of cavalry from the Third and Twelfth New York and First North Carolina, all under command of the colonel of the Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. The line of march was taken up early in the morning of December 9, the Ninth New Jersey, as usual, in the advance on the road to Williamstown, meeting the enemy first at Gardner's Bridge, but soon driving them from their position.

The advance was continued on the 10th, the enemy being driven from their position at Foster's Bridge and closing the day with a sharp skirmish at Bigg's Plantation, where the “Ninth” went into bivouac well in advance of the other commands.

On the afternoon of the 11th the march was resumed, skirmishing with the enemy commencing immediately, and continuing until dark, by which time a point was reached close to Butler's Bridge, within a short distance of Fort Branch and Rainbow Bluff, where the creek empties into the Roanoke. A young colored man called Mose offered his services to guide the troops down the creek to within sight of Fort Branch, where a crossing could be made, and by a detour through the town of Williamstown they could come in rear of the enemy who were strongly entrenched on the farther side of the creek at Butler's Bridge. At a conference held that night, it was determined that an effort should be made during the night to get in the rear of the Confederates who were guarding Butler's Bridge with a force of infantry and four pieces of light artillery. The colonel of the Ninth New Jersey was charged with the execution of the movement and ordered to take his regiment, the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts, and Company “A” of New York Heavy Artillery and try and accomplish the undertaking; while the other troops under the commander of the forces were to be so disposed (in case of our success) as to cut off the enemy's escape by way of the bridge and the Tarboro Road to the east and in our direction. We started on our perilous undertaking at midnight.

It was a bright moonlight night and bitterly cold. “Mose,” the colored man previously mentioned, who was thoroughly familiar with the ground, acted as our guide. Reaching the dam, a short distance above Fort Branch, we found by using the logs caught on the dam and the exposed rocks the men could work their way across. First we sent one man over to reconnoitre, and learn whether any Confederate pickets were posted in our way. Either on account of the extreme cold weather, or the remote possibility of an attack from that quarter, the Confederates had withdrawn their guard from the picket post by the old mill. The men were then instructed to muffle their canteens and bayonets and prevent any noise, and were cautioned to be silent and stealthful on the march, as our course took us inside the outer line of the works of the fort. As we quietly made our

way close to and by the fort, a sentry on the ramparts stood with his back towards us, his gun at an “order,” and his head and shoulders wrapped up to protect him from the biting winds. The colonel commanding took position opposite this sentry, intending, in case our movement was discovered, to immediately charge the fort, but the sentry was oblivious to all going on about him. Seeing such an inattentive guard upon the ramparts, the major of the “Ninth” begged the colonel to let him take the regiment and charge the fort. The colonel, while admitting that such action would in all probability be successful, declined to order it, because, if from any reason it should fail, he would justly be censured for engaging in an enterprise which would endanger the object for which the detour was ordered.

The force soon reached the town and boldly marched through its street, the inhabitants and such of the Confederates as were in its houses utterly oblivious to the fact that the Union forces were passing by. As soon as the houses were passed, the colonel directed Company “A,” Captain Appleget, and Company “I,” Captain Charles Hufty, in the advance towards Butler's Bridge, followed closely by the other troops. Upon reaching the main road from Hamilton a number of the enemy were captured in their barracks, and soon Colonel Hinton and his adjutant and surgeon of the Sixty-eighth North Carolina Regiment coming up the road from Butler's Bridge rode directly into the ranks of the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts and were captured. The bridge was almost reached before the Confederates were apprised of the nearness of the Union troops, and as soon as the alarm was given Captains Appleget and Hufty dashed into the double line of earthworks at the bridge, driving the Confederates into the trap which was supposed to be laid for them by the troops which had remained on the east side of the creek. The colonel directed the major of the “Ninth” to hold the outer line of earthworks, and himself took the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts and two companies of the “Ninth” in pursuit of the Confederates, only to find with much chagrin that the party in command of the expedition had failed to secure the road by which the Confederates had passed.

In the meantime, the Sixty-eighth North Carolina had assembled and followed our troops down to the bridge, occupying the inner line of earth-works, the “Ninth” holding the outer line, and the two were soon engaged in exchanging shots. The colonel, hearing the firing, quickly rode back upon the horse captured from Colonel Hinton, and ordered the major of the “Ninth” to charge with his regiment upon the enemy, which was quickly done, the colonel having his horse shot from under him. The Confederates retreated before the charge of the “Ninth,” and the latter rapidly changed the face of the works in anticipation that the enemy would return with reinforcements from the fort. We remained there

until the afternoon, and the enemy not approaching, a retrogade movement towards Plymouth was made.

Thus ended an expedition which should have resulted in the capture of the Sixty-eighth North Carolina Infantry, a battery of four pieces and possibly Fort Branch with its garrison and guns. The veterans of the “Ninth” and “Twenty-seventh,” having so successfully carried out their part of the programme, were excusably disgusted that their all-night's perilous and creditable work should come to naught through some one's (to put it mildly) poor management.

On March 5, 1865, we left New Berne on what proved to be the closing campaign, Major General Schofield commanding our forces. At Southwest Creek, near Kinston, and in front of Kinston, the Confederates met us in force, and for three days and nights there was the sharpest kind of fighting, and the greatest gallantry was displayed on both sides. Several times the enemy charged our line en masse, seeming determined to force us back, but our force was too strong and to well seasoned to give way.

In this engagement the “Ninth” served as a “free lance,” having the advance until the enemy's lines were ascertained, and then took the right of the line of battle. We had just repulsed a charge in our front, when an aide from General Cox rode up and said the enemy was massing for a charge on our left, and for the “Ninth” to support our men there. We “double-quicked” most of the way, and reached there just in time to be of service. The “Ninth” had only fairly got its breath after assisting in repulsing this charge, when up dashed Colonel Cox, of General Cox's staff, again, and said the enemy were about to charge our centre, and for the “Ninth” to get there quickly, which they did, and the enemy's charge was again repulsed. The Confederates, during the night, evacuated the works.

General Sherman's battle at Bentonville made the retreat of General Hill necessary. We found their fortifications very strong. In the charges which were made the opposing forces met hand to hand, and prisoners were taken by both sides.

Our army moved towards Goldsboro, at which point it was to await the approach of General Sherman's Army, which was moving up the coast. The “Ninth” was the first in Goldsboro, having the advance, and her National and State colors were floating from the cupola of the Court House before the remainder of the army reached the place.

On March 23 General Sherman's Army reached Goldsboro. Early in April, the army under General Sherman took up the line of march for Raleigh.

We had proceeded but a few miles when a courier arrived, informing General Sherman that General Lee had surrendered. General Sherman, dashing along the line, waving his hat, and shouting the news to the men. The scenes which followed this announcement beggars description; the

men seemed beside themselves with joy, for they knew this was the beginning of the end, and that the cruel war was about over. After the excitement had in a measure subsided, the line of march was again taken up.

Reaching Raleigh, General Johnston, commanding the Confederate Army in North Carolina, negotiated terms of surrender with General Sherman. The “Ninth” New Jersey was ordered to proceed by rail to Greensboro, N. C., which was General Johnston's headquarters, and establish patrol in the town, and protect public and private property. It having been reported that Johnston's Army was without commissary supplies, the “Ninth” carried with them in the same train 60,000 rations, which were turned over to the Confederate soldiers.

So, you see, citizens of North Carolina, that the Union soldier, as soon as the smoke of battle had cleared away, extended the hand of friendship and hospitality to the brave soldiers, who, for near four years had so gallantly confronted them.

And now, comrades, after a lapse of forty-three years, we find ourselves near the scene of our early struggle—not, as then, with weapons in our hands, but now our pilgrimage is one of peace, with the purpose of honoring the memory of those of our comrades who have gone before. To them we dedicate this monument, an appropriate offering from our State, to those of her “Ninth” Regiment, who fought, who bled, and who died that their country might live.

Monuments such as this may not add lustre to the dead, but they do keep in remembrance the valor of the soldier, who never weighed the cost when duty made her call upon him.

To the memory of our departed comrades, in whatever battle-ground they may have found final rest, and to the regiment in whose ranks they fell, this monument is here dedicated by their surviving comrades.

At the conclusion of his address, General Stewart formally turned the monument over to Governor Stokes, of New Jersey, with these words:

Governor Stokes:

The Commission appointed by your honored predecessor, having fulfilled the purpose of their appointment, have great pleasure in transferring to you the result of their labor, typified in this monument, and by the presence of the survivors of New Jersey's Ninth Regiment.

The valor and sacrifice which this monument commemorates, the tribute

[Illustration:

Govenor Robt. B. Glenn, of N.C.
]


[Illustration:

Hon. J. Bryan Grimes
Secretary of State, N.C.
]

to the memory of those who laid down their lives that their country might live, will be an object lesson of patriotism to this, and to future generations, as well as a reminder of some part of New Jersey's contribution to a reunited Nation.

His Excellency Edward C. Stokes, Governor of New Jersey, in accepting the monument, said:

Gentlemen of the State Commission for Erecting this Monument, Survivors of the Ninth Regiment, Ladies and Gentlemen of New Jersey and North Carolina, Daughters of the Confederacy and Members of Camp No. 1162, United Confederate Veterans, and your Excellency R. B. Glenn, Governor of North Carolina:

My duty has called me to visit this beautiful and prosperous State, and to be the recipient of a welcome that has most profoundly stirred my soul, and exemplified the proverbial hospitality for which you of the South have ever been noted. Indeed so hearty has been the welcome that I am tempted upon my return to Trenton to search the archives of the State to see if I can find another captured North Carolina flag as an excuse to again visit this State, so that I can return it and then once more be a recipient of your hospitality.

I shall, in any event, try to make annual visits so that I may partake of the food to be had here, because I notice that you grow big Governors in North Carolina, but if I cannot come, I would be glad to transplant some of the soil of North Carolina to New Jersey so that I may thereon grow to the stature of Governor Glenn.

I desire to thank the State Commission for the splendid manner in which they have executed the trust reposed in them, the monument which they have presented to me as the Chief Executive of the State, and which I shall have the pleasure to present to the representatives of the National Government is a magnificent work of the sculptor, artistic in its design, beautiful in its contour and pleasing in its proportions, it is without blemish, and is altogether a credit to them and to the State.

When I look upon this vast assemblage and consider that you, my friends of North Carolina, have come together to aid us of New Jersey in honoring the memory of our departed heroes, I can scarcely realize that those you are now honoring were one time your foes, engaged in a stupendous struggle; for now all is peace and quietness in the land, harmony has supplanted strife, and love has conquered hate. This morning, in company with Governor Glenn, I beheld a great spectacle—the men in gray and men in blue marching side by side under the folds of the emblem of the Confederacy and the flag of the United States, moved by the spirit

of veneration for the departed heroes, dropped garlands of flowers upon the graves of those who wore the gray and those who wore the blue. My hearers, the significance of that spectacle is replete with momentous interest to the Nation, for it heralds to all sections of this great country the fact that all dissension and acrimony have been suppressed and forgotten, and that we of New Jersey and you of North Carolina have joined hands in evidence of complete reconciliation.

New Jersey, like North Carolina, experienced all the vicissitudes of the days of the early settlements and the struggles for colonial existence, eking out a bare living for many years, hewing out with the axe and saw homes midst the primeval forest, sometimes enjoying plenty but more often suffering from want and sickness, gaining steadily, however, in strength and numbers until finally they were enabled to establish the colonies on a firm foundation. When the English Government in its insatiable greed began to oppress the colonies and to tax them beyond their power to bear, these two, with the others, entered their protest, and in September, 1774, met in the first Continental Congress, in Philadelphia, and in the following month passed the Declaration of Rights of the Colonies. The battle of Lexington in April, 1775, sounded the tocsin of war and events crowded each other rapidly until the Declaration of Independence was signed and promulgated July 4, 1776 — in this action representatives from both these colonies participated. Upon the soil of both there were fought many important battles, sometimes in defeat, sometimes in victory, but the sons of both earning immortal glory fighting until the consummation of victory at Yorktown. The friendship between the two colonies was thus firmly cemented, and continued as States for eighty years. Then came the conflict of the Civil War, and it is with the deepest regret that I refer to those dreadful times. New Jersey and North Carolina took opposite sides in that struggle and each sent her sons to the opposing armies. New Jersey sent into the land and naval forces 88,305 men. Among the number was the Ninth Regiment, which accompanied General Burnside to this State, and as you have just heard from General Stewart, it took part in almost all the battles in North Carolina, as well as some important ones in Virginia; New Jersey is very proud of the record of her Ninth Regiment in the field and camp, and I assure you, my friends, she is justly proud of the esteem and praise I have heard bestowed upon the officers and men by you, citizens of North Carolina, for the consideration they showed, during the war, towards your families who were left within the Union lines.

I am delighted beyond expression to see the Confederate and Union veterans exchanging fraternal greetings here to-day, and to mark with what fervor they do honor to the departed heroes of both Confederate and Union sides, meeting as citizens of the common country. Let us all pray

that never again shall fratricidal strife devastate this land and alienate those whose best interests can be subserved by building up the power and influence of the Government.

The time has now come when Grant and Lee, Meade and Jackson and all the leaders and men of both armies shall be regarded as American soldiers only, and belonging to the Nation, men of whose valor we are justly proud.

And now, to you, Gardner Parker Thornton, Superintendent of this National Cemetery, and representing the National Government, I entrust this monument erected by the State of New Jersey, confident that under your administration and that of your successors it will be cared for and preserved.

Governor Stokes’ excellent address was received with rapt attention, and was frequently interrupted by enthusiastic applause.

The monument was received for the United States Government by Major Gardner P. Thornton, Superintendent of the National Cemetery, at New Berne, N. C.

Major Thornton said:

Your Excellency, E. C. Stokes, Governor of New Jersey:

As the representative of the War Department of the United States Government, I accept from your hands the handsome monument erected by the State of New Jersey in honor of the dead heroes of her Ninth Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, and assure you that it will be my pleasure, as well as my duty, and the duty of those who succeed me, to properly care for and preserve it as a sacred memento of the valor and loyalty of those who were connected with the famous Ninth New Jersey Regiment.

A roar of cheers greeted Governor Robert B. Glenn, of North Carolina, as he rose to deliver the closing address.

It is clearly evident that the Governor of North Carolina holds a warm place in the hearts of his people, and his admirable address was rapturously received by the thousands assembled:

Governor R. B. Glenn, of North Carolina, was then announced by General Stewart as the next speaker The Governor, as his

photograph reproduced in this book indicates, is a large, healthy, vigorous gentleman of the Southern type, energetic and enthusiastic in the performance of every duty; a natural orator, finely cultivated, with a manner that inspires his audience with a full appreciation of his sincerity, his patriotism and friendliness.

His address on the occasion was responded to by all present, showing that the people then assembled were in full accord with the sentiments expressed by him.

He declared his happiness in being able to welcome to North Carolina soil those who had come from New Jersey, and especially the surviving members of the Ninth Regiment, and his Excellency Edward C. Stokes, Governor of that State, and in reply to the sentiment expressed by Governor Stokes that he would like to transplant some of the soil of North Carolina to New Jersey in order that New Jersey might raise larger Governors; he said that a little bird had whispered to him that his Excellency Governor Stokes is a bachelor, and he would earnestly recommend to him that instead of transplanting the soil of North Carolina, he should select from the many beautiful North Carolina ladies present a bud to transplant to New Jersey, thus binding in closer ties the friendship now uniting the two States of North Carolina and New Jersey.

While in 1862 the people of North Carolina met you men of New Jersey in hostile array with the sword, bullet and shell, in all the horrors of a fratricidal war, to-day they welcome you upon their soil as friends and citizens of a common country, a glorious inheritance from our forefathers.

New Jersey and North Carolina stood side by side in all the events leading up to the independence of the colonies; they alike protested against the tyranny and injustice of the mother country; they were together in signing the Declaration of Independence, marched and fought with the army in the battles of the Revolution, fraternized in its camps, suffered in its hardships, mourned in its reverses and gloried in its victories; they were at Valley Forge, Morris Plains, Trenton, Princeton, Monmouth, Springfield, at Cowpens, Kings Mountain, Camden, Guilford Court House, Hobkirk's Hill and at the surrender of Cornwallis.

[Illustration:

Capt. Ben J. W. Hopper
]


[Illustration:

Wm. E. Townley
Color Guard
]


[Illustration:

Adj't. Fred. G. Coyte
]

When the inevitable conflict came between the States, the “Old North State” was very reluctant to enter the war, but desired to remain in the Union; however, when the fight actually commenced by the firing from and on Fort Sumter, there was no other honorable course for North Carolina to adopt than to join the issue as raised by her immediate sister States.

She sent to the war the choicest of her sons, who exhibited the valor and endurance of American soldiers, they advanced farthest at Gettysburg, and fought last at Appomattox, and their bones are strewn on every battlefield from Pennsylvania to Texas. Why should it not be so? The men of the North and of the South, Americans all, were equal in valor and in bravery, in endurance and perseverance, in fearless devotion to the cause each espoused, led on the one side by such great soldiers as Lee and Jackson, on the other by Grant and Thomas, and a host of other great officers on both sides.

These sentiments invoking cheers as each name was mentioned, the Governor expressed his delight that the Union soldiers present cheered at the name of Lee, and the Confederates at the name of Grant. He thanked God that he lived to see the day when such evidences were given of complete reconciliation, and he believed he voiced the gratitude of the spirit of his own dead soldier father, which hovered over the scene, in praise and thanksgiving for a reunited country.

He declared that the people of the South loved the Country and its flag, and the men of North Carolina will join with those of New Jersey in maintaining the supremacy of the Nation, and in defending its flag whenever or wherever assailed, and he wanted the world to know that two States, once hostile, have united in peace, and can both do honor to those who died in battle.

We of the South have no apology to make for the course that we took in the late war. We did what we thought was right.

But while this is true, we honor and respect the brave men on the other side who fought and those who died to maintain their views, and we commend you men of the Ninth Regiment for thus coming to North Carolina to erect this beautiful monument in honor

of your heroic dead; coming in a peaceful and loving brotherly spirit among your one-time foes, and exhibiting a true spirit of reconciliation, a spirit that is emphasized in the color of the stone, for it is neither blue nor gray, but the sculptor who has chiseled it, either by accident or design, has so fixed its unfading tint, as to show a mingling of the blue and gray into the one solid color which it bears, this being a resultant tint of the two colors in close combination.

You have placed this monument in North Carolina soil, and it becomes a sacred part of her. Two months ago I wrote to Lieutenant Edward H. Green, Secretary of the New Jersey State Commission, that your State could place any inscription upon it that was desired, and when some of my friends objected that such license might induce the Commission to place thereon something offensive, I replied that brave men never strike below the belt; my prediction has proven true, the monument is beautiful in its design, chaste in its every feature, and in its inscription descriptive of its object.

I tell you now that if there is a vandal in Craven County and I know there is not, or one such in North Carolina, which God grant there is not, who with impious hand would chisel out a line or mutilate a curve of that glorious memorial to your glorified dead; as long as God gave me authority or power, I would have him hunted down and punished, and no prayer for clemency could stay the execution of the law, and the full expiation of its stern decree.

The following poem was then read by its author, Wilbur W. Worlock, of Brooklyn, New York.

• We stand ’mid the graves of New Jersey's dead,
• The pride of State, the Flower of our land,
• Whose spirit from body long since fled,
• At the Great Captain's command.
• Bivouacked in that camp Faith pictures afar,
• Where no long-roll is ever beat,
• They rest beyond the blue, and the stars;
• And no blast of bugle sounds the retreat.

• The Ninth New Jersey with which these Heroes fought,
• Was made up of men with nerves of steel,
• From hour of muster constant action sought
• Twenty-nine engagements is its record in the field.
• Who of us can picture the feelings of these men,
• More than one hundred days held under fire?
• Led to the charge again, and once again;
• They struggled on, were fearless, did not tire.
• ’Mid boom of cannon, roar of musketry and whizzing shell,
• These “Jersey heroes bravely fought, and nobly fell.
• For them, Death had no terror, duty towered o'er all,
• Like men nad patriots, they welcomed the last call.
• Some breathed their last in gory field, others in hospital
• Removed from home and loved ones, no farewell,
• From lips of wife, mother, children, fell on their ear,
• Ere ent'ring the dark valley we are taught to fear.
• Turn back the hands on dial aged by Time,
• Recall the battles these heroes fought,
• Extol their loyalty in prose and rhyme.
• Cherish the blessings their action brought.
• Nearly one hundred of New Jersey's sons,
• Lie uncoffined ’neath the soil we trod;
• Filled with deep gratitude we come,
• To pay homage to her veteran dead.
• Monuments crumble, dust returns to dust,
• But deeds live on, and never rust.
• Gibralter like, withstand the tide of Time.
• Each passing cycle makes them more sublime.
• Hence more than forty years after these heroes fell,
• We dedicate this monument, and tell,
• Of valiant deeds enacted from ’61 to ’64.
• As book of memory is opened up once more.
• This shaft of beauty in coming years will stand,
• A silent sentinel, proclaim throughout our land,
• That New Jersey is stanch and true,
• Reveres her dead who wore the blue;
• Attest and clearly emphasize,
• That they who for their country died,
• Within its great heart shall abide,
• Till all have passed the other side.

• Were mother earth by magic rolled,
• Into one massive sphere of gold,
• It could not pay the debt we owe,
• To those whose ashes lie below
• These green capped mounds.
• We stand ’mid the graves of New Jersey's dead,
• As May's pure air ’bove each loved one's head,
• Through the grass blades murmurs its song unseen,
• In a strain so musical and sweet,
• That the birds join the refrain,
• And the winds seem to say: “Let the brave boys sleep,
• Till at the Judgment dawn they shall waken again.”

• Oh, God; Thou ruler of all nations, men,
• Creator of the Heavens above, the earth beneath,
• Crown Thou this dedication with Love's bright diadem:
• Hallow our acts, the sword forever sheath.
• As crimson flood of war's receded at Thy will,
• The Ark of Freedom on Union's mount found place,
• Keep Thou the window of our soul wide open still.
• Admit the dove with olive branch, proclaim eternal peace.

The exercises were then closed with a benediction by the Re. G. T. Adams.

The line then reformed, returned to New Berne, and dismissed.

PRESENTATION OF BEAUFORT PLOWBOY FLAG

Presentation of Beaufort Plowboy Flag

On the evening of May 18, in New Berne Court House, before a large and enthusiastic audience, Governor Glenn, of North Carolina, presented the Beaufort Plowboy flag to Mrs. E. N. Joyner, of Columbia, South Carolina, who, forty years before, as Miss Mary Winfield, presented the flag, which she helped to make, to the Beaufort Plowboys.

Mrs. Joyner, in turn, placed the flag in the hands of the son of Captain Harding of the Beaufort Plowboys, to whom she originally gave it, Captain Harding being unable, through ill health, to be present personally.

The speeches of Governor Glenn, Mrs. Joyner and Mr. Harding, all received with great enthusiasm, are given herewith in full.

The ceremonies were concluded by the singing of “The Old North State.”

To the Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives of New Fersey, the Grand Army of the Republic, Daughters of the Confederacy, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Through the courtesy of the State of New Jersey this flag has been placed in my hands, representing the State of North Carolina, to be preserved among the State's most sacred treasures of a past never to be forgotten. It is my great pleasure here to-night to return it to the owners, the one who first made it and the one who bore it to battle. You, ladies of New Jersey, were just as true and brave from your point of view as were our dear women, but the circumstances surrounding you were not the same as ours. In the South, where almost every one lived on the plantation, every man's home was his castle and every woman there a queen. When this awful war burst upon us, it was said the Southern woman could not cope with trials, because she had been nurtured in plenty and knew no suffering, and therefore could not now suffer and be strong. They little

knew of what stuff such women were made. Those having slaves took charge of the plantations, the raising of supplies to feed the soldiers, making clothes to keep them warm, while the men were bade to go to the front and to come back only with their shields on them. Those having no slaves themselves ploughed the fields and worked the loom, that their men could go forth to fight and die for their country. In the hospitals and on battlefields they went as angels of mercy and helped the wounded, soothed the comfortless or gave solace in the dying hour. No country ever possessed grander, truer or nobler women. Among those noble women was the young, strong but shrinking, modest, patriotic Mary Winfield. She presented this flag which she had helped to make forty-four years ago. She is here to-night spared to us in the providence of God to receive it back. The child has grown into a woman of age, the wife of a soldier first in battle, since of the cross, the mother of a noble son and daughter. Behold her, my countrymen and old veterans of the North and the South and do her homage, for it is one of the grandest, most glorious incidents I have ever heard, that God has spared this glorious woman to be here and take back this flag. Madam, the tribute you paid that day to the living cause was a noble one, and, in the name of the Old North State, I have the honor and the pleasure of presenting you this flag.

From you, sir, representing his Excellency, the Governor of New Jersey, and through you from the survivors of the Ninth Regiment of your Commonwealth, who in battle won this flag from its brave defenders, we receive it back with a grateful joy.

The resolution of your State and the fraternal motives of the members of the Ninth New Jersey, preceding and leading to this unique occasion, signalize the happy truth, that “peace hath her victories no less renowned than war.”

That this trophy has been so well preserved, and is brought back again, with what honor we are all assured, is a source of satisfaction to those who had to yield it up, as well as a tribute to those of you, soldiers of the Ninth, who conquered it. In the name of the Beaufort County Plowboys, and all our fellow countrymen, most heartily do I thank you.

Your Excellency, of North Carolina, through you it is our sacred office to receive and restore this “tattered banner” to the remnant of those to whom it was one of my life's most honoring acts to entrust it in behalf of the patriotic women of our community, more than forty years ago. That they could not save it then was no dishonor to them, for “memory guards with sacred round” the record of their “sublime endeavor,” and it will

[Illustration:

Mrs. E. N. Joyner
"Who received the Plowboy's Flag."
]


[Illustration:

Miss Ruth Watson
"Who Delivered the Address of Welcome."
]

not be forgotten that it all but prostrated a regiment, and such a regiment to capture a company's flag nor then perhaps as your Excellency last night recalled until the hand that held it had yielded to a soldier's death. None but Americans could have fought so fiercely for it, none but Americans could have wrested it from Americans.

For your noble courtesy, sir, in taking this part with us, in behalf of the Plowboys and of all the veterans of the Old North State, I am most grateful.

And you, sir, representing him, your now venerable father, into whose hands this flag was placed by mine, must now and again at my hands, take it back to him, and under what circumstances the whole land knows and will glory in. The memories of the past which it enshrines need to be only spoken of but may it through those memories be a talisman to its future guardians; forever, of the chivalry which becomes the soldier, of the patriotism the citizen should exhibit, of the grace and dignity of life which make up the Christian man. Receive it, sir, bear it tenderly to the old captain, and God bless him and the loved and honored remnant of the Beaufort County Plowboys.

Mrs. Joyner:

In behalf of the survivors of the Beaufort Plowboys permit me to express the deepest feelings of love and veneration for the battle flag you have placed in my hands to-night, and to assure you that it is received with great pleasure.

As the son of the captain of that heroic company, the Beaufort Plowboys, who fought in the gallant defense of your city by the sea, I accept this flag as the emblem of their devotion to their country's cause.

I am glad that I am the son of a Confederate veteran. I am glad that I am an American citizen, and I am glad that after the wild whirlwind of battle is ended, peace reigns supreme.

Forty-three years ago this honored flag was waving in the defense of your beautiful city, but in the raging battle, torn by shot and shell and baptized in blood, it was wrested by the force of superior numbers from the brave hands that bore it and through the ever-changing vicissitudes of war found its way into the State of New Jersey. But to-day peace smiles upon our great united country, and through the softening influence of many intervening years the honored flag finds its way “back to home again.”

While we rejoice in a reunited country and welcome the return to the breast of every American citizen that feeling of brotherly love and friendship which prompts the return of the flag, yet we love to think of the Plowboys that flag represented in the days gone by, and we will continue to love and to honor the heroic bravery of those boys in gray as long as time shall last.

A banquet will be tendered the Governors of North Carolina and New Jersey at New Berne, on the evening of May the eighteenth, at eight thirty o'clock, to which you are cordially invited.

Please present this card.

Banquet

The Commission issued the following invitation:

A banquet will be tendered the Governors of North Carolina and New Jersey at New Berne, on the evening of May the eighteenth, at eight thirty o'clock, to which you are cordially invited.

In accordance therewith a banquet was prepared at Hotel Chattawka, and one hundred gentlemen from New Jersey, Raleigh, Kinston, Goldsboro, New Berne and other places in North Carolina participated.

General James Stewart, Jr., presided, while Lieutenant Colonel Hufty and Lieutenant E. H. Green, members of the Commission, devoted their efforts to advance the comfort of their guests.

Governor Glenn, of North Carolina, and his Staff, Hon. J. Boyd Avis representing Governor Stokes, of New Jersey, with the Governor's Staff, were present.

Speeches abounding in wit, rhetoric, and terms of loyalty and giving many reminiscences were made by General Stewart, Governor Glenn, Hon. J. Boyd Avis, Lieutenant Governor Winston, of North Carolina, Hon. J. Bryan Grimes, Secretary of State of North Carolina, and Hon. I. T. Nichols, of New Jersey, those of the two States vying with each other in making the affair one long to be remembered for its good fellowship and pleasantry. In consequence of the necessity for Governor Glenn and his Staff to take a train for Raleigh, the formalities of the banquet closed at a rather early hour, although some of the gentlemen continued the speeches informally until a late hour.

At the same time the banquet was given to the Governors, the New Berne Chapter No. 204, United Daughters of the Confederacy, led by Mrs. F. S. Duffy, President, Mrs. S. R. Street, Vice-President, and Miss M. L. Hendren, Secretary, entertained the ladies from

New Jersey at their Chapter Rooms with a most delightful reception, where conversation was interspersed with music, singing and refreshments. Upon this occasion, many bonds of friendship were made between the New Jersey and North Carolina ladies, the festivities continuing until a late hour. The ladies of North Carolina at this time, as well as at the reception at the Court House, sang with much spirit and patriotic fervor, “The Old North State,” written by William Gaston, who died and was buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery, New Berne, in 1844.

• Carolina, Carolina, Heaven's blessings attend her,
• While we live we will cherish, protect and defend her
• Tho’ the scorner may sneer at and witling defame her,
• Yet our hearts swell with gladness whenever we name her.
• Chorus:
• Hurrah, Hurrah,
• The old North State forever,
• Hurrah, Hurrah,
• The good old North State.
• Tho’ she envies not others their merited glory,
• Say whose name stands the foremost in Liberty's story;
• Tho’ too true to herself e'er to crouch to oppression,
• Who can yield to just rule a more loyal submission?—Chorus.
• Plain and artless her Sons, but whose doors open faster,
• To the knock of the stranger or tale of disaster;
• How like to the rudeness of their dear native mountains,
• With rich ore in their bosoms, and life in their fountains?—Chorus.
• And her Daughters the queen of the forest resembling,
• So graceful, so constant, to gentlest breath trembling;
• And true lightwood at heart, let the match be applied them,
• How they kindle in flame—oh! none know but who've tried them.—Chorus.
• Then let all who love us, love the land that we live in,
• As happy a region as on this side of heaven,
• Where plenty and freedom love and peace smite before us,
• Raise aloud, raise together the heart thrilling chorus.—Chorus.

LETTERS OF THANKS

Letters of Thanks

Camden, N. J.

Mr. J. J. Wolffenden,

Commander of New Bern Camp No. 1162, U. C. V., New Berne, North Carolina.

Dear Sir:

The State Commission, for erecting the monument at New Berne, North Carolina, to the Ninth New Jersey Regiment members who are buried in the Cemetery there, extend to you and to the members of New Berne Camp No. 1162, U. C. V., their expression of thankfulness for the extreme kindness shown by you and the members of your Camp to them and the Union veterans, ladies and citizens of New Jersey who accompanied them to your city on the seventeenth day of May, 1905.

The wonderful success of the occasion of the unveiling and dedication of the monument was largely due as the result of your kind consideration and untiring efforts; and the loyal, fraternal welcome given by the Confederate veterans to the veterans of the Ninth New Jersey Regiment as true brothers and fellow citizens of our great Republic, has endeared you to all veterans of New Jersey.

We can all glory in the valor and achievements of the American soldier, and pledge ourselves to the advancement of the interests of our common country, burying foreover all past differences.

Very sincerely yours,

James Stewart, Jr.,President.

Samuel Hufty,Treasurer.

E. H. Green,Secretary.

Camden, N. J.

Mrs. F. S. Duffy,

President of New Berne Chapter No. 204, U. D. C., New Berne, North Carolina.

Dear Madam:

The State Commsision herewith tenders to you and to the ladies of New Berne Chapter No. 204, U. D. C., their most heartfelt thanks for the royal welcome extended to them and to those who accompanied them to

New Berne to unveil and dedicate the monument erected to the members of the Ninth New Jersey Regiment, who are buried in the National Cemetery there.

By your great courtesy, bounteous hospitality and cordial reception, you have entailed upon them, and through them, upon the citizens of New Jersey an obligation they can never hope adequately to reciprocate.

The fraternal love and respect then engendered will unite the two States of North Carolina and New Jersey in a holy, loyal compact which will never be broken, and those of New Jersey will ever cherish the memory of your kindness as the happiest event of their lives.

Very sincerely yours,

James Stewart, Jr.,President.

Samuel Hufty,Treasurer.

E. H. Green,Secretary.

[Illustration:

Col. J.J. Wolfenden, N.C.
]


[Illustration:

Col. Charles W. Biddle, N.C.
]


[Illustration:

Major Samuel R. Street, N.C.
]

ADDENDA

Addenda
Personnel of New Jersey Party.

Governor E. C. Stokes, of New Jersey.

Hon. J. Boyd Avis, Speaker of House of Assembly.

Mrs. J. Boyd Avis.

General R. Heber Breintnall, Adjutant General.

Colonel Stewart Craven.

Colonel Joseph Olyphant,

Captain Harry Kramer.

Captain Harry Salter.

Mrs. Harry Salter.

Captain B. W. Cloud.

Hon. I. T. Nichols.

Mr. William Albright, Secretary to Hon. J. Boyd Avis.

Mrs. William Albright.

General James Stewart, Jr., President.

Mrs. James Stewart, Jr., Matron of Honor.

Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Hufty, Treasurer.

Mrs. Samuel Hufty.

Lieutenant E. H. Green, Secretary.

Mrs. E. H. Green.

Mr. Lewis Green.

Mrs. Lewis Green.

Mrs. Chas. E. Pancoast, Assistant Matron of Honor.

Mrs. Welles Green, Aide to Matron of Honor.

Miss Augusta S. Drake, Aide to Matron of Honor.

Mr. Theo. S. Dibble, Stenographer to Commission.

Mr. Andrew Lyons, Constructor of Monument.

Mr. D. V. Summerill.

Press Representatives.

Mr. Charles R. Bacon, Philadelphia Record.

Mrs. Charles R. Bacon.

Mr. George A. Frey, Camden Courier.

Mr. Jno. H. P. Keat, Associated Press.

Mr. Upton C. Jefferys, Camden Post Telegram.

Mr. Wm. E. Townley, Treasurer Ninth N. J. Veteran Association.

Mr. Fred. B. Appleget, son of late Major Thos. B. Appleget.

Mr. Frank B. Heckman, son of late General Charles A. Heckman.

Mrs. Frederick Scholl, Mrs. James Neal, Miss Mitchell.

Mr. Wilbur W. Worlock, Author of poem “New Jersey's Veteran Dead,” read at unveiling exercises.