A new fight, new project, and yea, I am stoked.

Hi all,

Well even though we don't get much attention, I am going to use this to share a concern..

A couple of years ago, it came to my attention that we had a unit from New Jersey that suffered heavily during the Gettysburg campaign. No, its not the 11th New Jersey..

I speak of the 1st New Jersey Cavalry.

Yes they fought and well I might add at Gettysburg during July 3 and the repulse of Stuarts men over on what is now called East Cavalry Field.. They have a wonderful monument over there btw.

But their main place of service was at Brandy Station where they lost their Colonel, Lt Colonel, major and squadron commander. All killed or captured or badly wounded.

The place they fought on at Brandy Station was the subject of a great deal of controversy as the Brandy Station Foundation failed to do its duty. It failed to protect the ground on which they served. And lost so heavily.

Eric Wittenberg a good friend of mine, and also well known author and Civil War historian called the BSF out on their lack of fulfilling in essence their chartered duties. It wasn't until Eric and Bud Hall basically let the world in on what the BSF had not done. And the situation was well I will not call it fully resolved yet.

The property and house that sit on top of this key position is up for sail. It carry's a tidy price tag. At least a couple of million.

Now I not a well known historian and certainly do not carry nor have the weight of authority that Bud Hall or Eric have, but I do have a voice. And a loud one. Any one of my friends including Eric will tell you that.

Ok you might ask, what is the project?? Whats got you so well worked up.....

I want to issue a call to arms to all of my Civil War friends. We have a chance to buy this land, and give it to the CWT. I wouldn't put it in the hands of the BSF unless there is a complete turnover of those who are in control now. But if you are concerned about this like I am. And want to help out and set something right. To correct a wrong that is so horrendous. Here is your chance.

I will be staying in touch with Eric.. And will find out where to send any funds.

I plan to give as soon as I know where to send the money. All I want to know is.. Are any of you, any of my other friends in? We can do no less. And if you dont want to do it for yourself. Do it for those sons of New Jersey who on a warm June day, layed it all on the line. For you and me.....

Its up to us..
TO ARMS!!!!!!
Jim

Robert, John, Ackerman and wellll yea me!

I posted early about the impact that the 11th has had on my life. I reread that this morning, found myself thinking further on. Then in my minds eye I went back to some of the letters that McAllister wrote post Gettysburg. And even into his after action report.

Robert McAllister was a middle aged man thrust by choice mind you into one of the darkest time in our nations history.  We know that from his letters.

At the center of his belief system as it were, was his Christian faith. It matters not that he was of the Presbyterian persuasion, what matters was his deep abiding faith.

This value system as our day and age would put it, helped him to ensure that the 995 officers and men under him would be able to serve, thrive and yes even how in a strange way meet death so they could fight.

But the interesting thing was he didn't pound into his mens heads that they must do this they must do that , he lived it. Though he despised any alcoholic beverage of any kind,ever since birth, he didn't necessarily looked the other way, by his writings he understood that it was well part of other mens lives.

His example of living his faith and that's what he did. He had daily prayer and bible reading. Some joined right in as well with him, but for the most part the 11th kind of had this stand off ishness to it all.

But slowly and surely as time went on, as the war wore on, it slowlycame to be understood that well it would be good for the rest of them that they joined in.. And among them were John, Andrew and William and so many others. Till the whole regiment joined in.

I marvel at that. According to Marbakers regimental history, this all paved the way for two revivals that swept the Army of the Potomac, not once, but twice. Once after Chancelorsville and then Gettysburg.

The interesting thing though is the impact that had on Robert... He rejoiced in it, but he also seemed to be well some what in awe of it. Humbled by it.

It impacted John Schoonover.. And also Andrew Ackerman. And also Dunning. Schoonover so much that he continued it on after he took over and McAllister returned but moved up the command ladder.

Ackerman, from some of the writings, seemed to have accepted it and was beginning to embrace it all till he was killed at Gettysburg. Dunning much the same way though he is gone from the Army after Gettysburg..

So were does the "ME" come in you ask? I noted my discovery of the 11th and McAllister as a whole helped to pull me out of a tail spin that almost cause me to make decisions that would have profoundly impacted me. Most likely have shortened my life, or left me miserable.

Though I didn't fight with him, heck I didn't even live then, but in my own time and way, I did. Its most likely why when I go to Gettysburg now, and stop to pay my respects to the 11th. When I walk up to the monument, time seems to just well part. And for that sliver of time, the 11th, McAllister, John and me, well we are together. All of them.... For you see...... He not only saved all of them.. He saved me......
JIM

Back to the 11th NJ

I see there are 7 of you following this blog. I would love to see a lot more.. So if you all would be so kind to pass the word  on this I would deeply appreciate it..

I am asked repeatedly why my fascination with this regiment?  A couple of reasons..
First and foremost is its service at not only Gettysburg, but Chancellorsville and then also the rest of the war. Its two biggest points of service are first Chancellorsville and then Gettysburg. Though Gettysburg is where it basically almost gets knocked out of existence.

The other is the men who led it. Between McAllister and then the other colorful men like Kearny, and Martin and Schoonover just to name a few. All very different,  and also very strong leaders. Especially McAllister and Schoonover.

Having said that, back to Gettysburg.

We have talked about the controversy's with it.. How it got out to where it serves and then also why that is important.

We have talked about the men who led it..

But we need to talk about how it fights.....

In several books and even magazines Carrs Brigade is lumped in with the rest of Humphreys division as ones who fought a bit and then ran...

However in the first hand accounts, especially Marbakers regimental history, and then McAllisters letters the regiment was steadfast, courageous, and full filled its duty.

The casualty list bears that out. With the command structure shot to pieces, McAllister down, Kearny is mortally wounded and dies in August. The deaths of Martin, Ackerman and so many others shows that it didn't fire just a few volleys and run away. It paid a huge price.

The tendency I think is to lump the 11ths record in with the division as a whole. And thats wrong. Why does that happen? Because I for one believe the fighting for the Klingle farm, like so many other fights on July 2, is confusing, frustrating and at times tough to put all the parts together. So its easier to just say that they fought a bit and ran like the dickens.

Welll some thoughts for you to ponder....
JIM

Interested in the 11th NJ? Me? Nahhhhh..

I have been so busy working and helping with edits on other peoples works besides having a life  I forgot to update this... My apologies.. Its been since March.. YIKES!!!

OK... Its time to get back to it.. But before I do.. A question from a co-worker got me thinking about why I have been reading and writing so much about New Jersey at Gettysburg.. And then specifically why the 11th New Jersey Volunteers.

Ever since that hot August afternoon, on a break from the heat outside at Gettysburg itself a chance meeting between myself and the wife of a historian, I have spent a great deal of time reading, researching, photographing on New Jersey there. I have so immersed myself in the research into the 11th NJ that I find myself just shaking my head at it all. Some times it has taken on a life of its own. I have also spent by now, what has to be hundreds of hours and thousands of miles driving from home to places such as Belvidere NJ, in Warren County, to Sea Girt New Jersey, to Manasquan, to Somers Point NJ, to Cape May, to Phillipsburg, to Stroudsburg Pa, Easton Pa, and even many trips to Gettysburg. And countless hours in the State Archives of New Jersey, the War College library at Carlisle, and by now ohhh 20 to 30 historical societies in New Jersey and Pa alone..  I owe an incredible debt to people like Bette in the State Archives and Sue and so many others.. And even the Monroe County historical society where I found leads into John Schoonovers life that are still slowly but surely coming into the light of day after being hidden for over a century.

I have handled the shell fragment that tore the bottom of the boot of McAllister at Gettysburg and the part of a canister round that almost killed him. I have touched the pistol that Schoonover fired most likely in every engagement that he served in.  Caress with tears in my eyes the buttons that were on McAllisters coat, the Eagles shoulder boards that he wore as a Colonel of the 11th.  My paper back edition of his letters is now so dogged eared from use and reading and rereading I just may have to replace it, as I dont want to wear out the hard bound version I know have as a gift from a very dear friend. Some one who I have come to know and cherish as a very good friend and is a nationaly known historian in his own right.

I cannot understate the impact of all of this has on my own life. My own sense of self worth. All during a time when I almost quit it all, and got off by myself for the rest of my days, surrendering to a depression so deep that it was robbing me of my sense of values, moral center, and spiritual place and peace.

All of this has played a huge role in the recovery of me. Of refinding me. It has recentered me. Especially getting to know a man who has been in Heaven now for over 100 years.  I speak of Robert McAllister.

His life, his persistence, his persevering ad midst such horrors of such magnitude that would have caused even stronger men to curl up and just die. He survived and thrived during that time. And became a leader that men looked up to. His life, his sense of duty, has caused me to rally. To as he puts it in the 11th New Jerseys regimental history, to press on... Press on.. Press on..

The men of the 11th New Jersey.. The Ackermans, Mounts, Martins, Dunning, Kearny, all of them.... I owe them a debt I will never ever be able to pay.....

Some one once said of me that I was basically a low life, with no meaning no purpose. And yes at one time he would have been right...... But now... I have been given a new life, a renewed sense of purpose. To press on.....

I can do no less.. I have to .. For not only my sake but for them as well...... I owe them that.. So I can make sure I say thank you for saving me. And in that they get the glory and the honor that is so deservedly theirs. Not mine. Theirs.....

To them..... I say thank you! And I salute each and every one of you......
JIM

11th New Jersey at Gettysburg... Part 4.. Locations, you want locations?

Hi all,
Sorry for the time lapse in the update of this blog. First day I have had to sit down, and put this together.

The 11th arrived with the rest of the III Corps some time during the early hours of July 2,1863. The very first place it finds itself is in the area behind where the statue to Father Corbys monument now stands stretching towards with the wonderful monument to the officers from New York served at Gettysburg.  Thats what this series of included photos show. The last being Corbys statue.

The interesting thing is that when the 11th NJ wakes up after falling asleep where it stopped, the view west would have been in a surreal. Before them lay the battlefield the ground they would advance, first with flags snapping in the breeze, bands playing, to take up their positions and then fight, bleed and give that last full measure..  This last photo shows the view of what they would have seen once the day had cleared and brightened. In the distance in this last shot is the Klingle Farm complex. Not quite a mile away. Oh yes btw, according to LBGs and other friends of mine.. This is the position that the III Corps was supposed to take up.

It makes my blood boil when I stand there and look out. Why? Because if Longstreets Corps advances over this ground, its a wide open killing field .. In my honest opinion it would have been a killing field. Wide open.. The area that looks like scrub and trash is the Cordori/Trostle Thicket.. Plum Run..  I will never understand it.

And the 11th NJ and the rest of the III corps units that advance out there pay for this mistake with their lives!
That makes me furious...
JIM

The 11th New Jersey at Gettysburg Part 4 Location, Location, Location

I have shared the story of how I got start on my focus on New Jersey at Gettysburg, so I will not go over that again, unless it is felt that I needed to so. Therefore I will go from there.

One of the incredible things of New Jersey at Gettysburg is that the units from NJ were involved in almost every key part and point of the three days Even to the point of having representation in other units and means of service that included all three days. We had men who were part of Brig General, John Bufords staff, we had men in a New York battery that served on all three days. We even had men in such notable units as the 14th Brooklyn or better known as the 84th NY.

The places that still ring down through history. THE WHEATFIELD, THE VALLEY OF DEATH, THE PEACH ORCHARD, THE BRYAN FARM, or the field of Picketts Charge.. All places that are even known to those with even a basic knowledge of not only Gettysburg, but the Civil War itself.

But how many know of the FIGHT FOR THE KLINGLE FARM? If I were to take a vote I bet I might even among my closest friends get ohhhh maybe a couple of handfuls of votes. The Klingle Farm is not that well known.. And yet... 4 brigades of the Army of the Potomac basically get so badly mauled that they are never again the same as they were even before the battle.  And in the midst of this carnage not one, but TWO regiments from New Jersey. The 5th New Jersey and the 11th New Jersey.

By way of quick review, the 5th was from George Burlings 2nd NJ Brigade. And the 11th from Joseph Carrs brigade. The 5th was the orphan as the other regiments in and around the farm were from the same brigade as the 11th NJ.

So where is the farm you might ask? Its located on the Emmitsburg Road. The two more famous farms are to its south and north. On the North is the Cordori Farm. By about a 1/2 mile. To its south, by about 500 yards is the Sherfy Farm.. Both on the Emmitsburg Road.  The Klingle farm or "Klingel farm" can be found here on Gettysburg Daily http://www.gettysburgdaily.com/?p=13285. And this update gives you an great idea of the land around it. I will post some other photos later on..

This complex sits atop one of the highest points if not the highest point on what is known as the Emmitsburg Road ridge line or spur. This ridge line runs through the heart of the battlefield with its lowest points in front of the Angle and also the southern end of it as it tails off.. Its one of the reasons why Sickles moves his III Corps  out to man this spur.

So with that Introduction done, what will follow is basically the places the 11th will find itself in during its part in the fight for the farm. Its an interesting study. So stay tuned!
JIM

A bit of house work

Hi all,
There are many who know me and know me well. I love to share what I learn. However, I also know from the past experience of friends that there are folks who will plagiarize from blogs and websites. It has happened t several times to dear friends.

Having said that, I will say this... All of the information I will refer to here can be found in different places.
However one will have to dig to get to a great deal of it. A lot of it has been gathered over hours and hours of research and travel. Its a passion of mine. It has taken 6 years of reading, and researching. One can do it.

Here is a brief reference list of where a large portion of it can be found.

The New Jersey State Archives: The manuscript collection of all of New Jerseys Units in the War of rebellion.
The Robert McAllister Collection, Alexander Special Library, Rutgers University Library.
The History of the 11th New Jersey Regiment of Volunteers -Thomas Marbaker Longstreet Publishing
The Getysburg Atlas Maps - Phil Liano
The Gettysburg Guide J. David Petruzzi and Steve Stanley
The Official Records of the War of Rebellion- DVD and Gettysburg 3 volumes
The War Time Letters of Robert McAllister- James I Robertson
The Belividere Apollo Feb 26 tto March 6,1891 Warren County Library Archives
New Jersey in the Gettysburg Campaign - Sam Toombs - Longstreet Publishing.
Gettysburg  Regimental Strengths and Loses - Dr David Martin and John Busey - Longstreet Publishing
The Schoonover Papers and family Geneology- Stroudsburg Pa.
New Jersey in the Gettysburg Campaign- Dr David Martin (to be published spring 2012)
Emails with various LBGs and park historians.
Emails Dr David Martin
Emails Joe Bilby
Atlantic County Historical Society- Manuscript collection
The New Jersey National Guard Museum and Library  Sea Girt NJ  Manuscript Collection all regiments

This is only a portion but it will get one started.
Again, if you borrow from this, please ask me first. DO NOT JUST COPY AND PASTE!

Thanks again for reading my blog.....
Back to sharing.
Jim

The 11 th New Jersey Regiment of Volunteers at Gettysburg Part III - A controversy

Or better known when the ground doesn't match the After Action Report. 


During the later afternoon hours of July 2,1863 the III Corps is ordered to advance to a line that begins just south of the Cordori Farm, extending down the Emmitsburg Rd ridge line, through the Peach Orchard, then makes a turn back towards the Rose Farm, extending through the Wheatfield and ending on Devils Den.

The 11th NJ is part of those who are ordered along with its Brigade under Joseph Carr to the Emmitsburg Rd by the Klingle Farm complex. The units with it are the 12th New Hampshire, 2 Massachusetts regiments, and the 120th NY. The 5th NJ is ordered there as well (We will touch on the 5th in another post).  Two artillery battery's are ordered there as well.

This photo is what creates the controversy.
That is little old me. Over my left shoulder is the Trostle Barn. The side to us is the north side of the barn. Over my right shoulder is the Trostle house. With the other out building in between. So ok whats the problem. Notice whats to my immediate left and actually to my right. Boulders right?  Where I am standing is just WEST of Plum Run. During the time of year when the advance would have taken place, this is filled with thorn bushes, and scrub and other growth  what I refer to as trash. Then in this area there are other boulders, some of them as big as a standard 8'X8" room in a house! With some even larger mixed in for giggles.

The controversy is this. It is reported in several AARs that the units who marched out to not only the Peach Orchard but the Emmitsburg Road marched THROUGH this garbage in battle formation with flags flying and bands playing. Now we all know Civil War combat formations were basically linear. That means rows on rows of men, shoulder to shoulder.. The problem is the rocks and the boulders and all the other trash would have hindered this great display in spades. Then on top of all this. as one would get out of the little valley that is Plum Run there is a row of thick brush, along a fence line (According to the Warren map its there at the time of the battle) that would have been intertwined with the undergrowth. Not very conducive to the combat formations of the period.

Oh yes I almost forgot.. There is Plum Run itself. Its described in the writings of the period to be much as it is today. Meandering, through the little valley, at times wider then about 8 feet with sections of it up to a mans waste. At the time of the battle it was a trickle of what it would be AFTER the battle, but still, thousands of feet marching through it, would have after only a few had passed through it, a slippery mess on the western bank of it...

So how if the accounts are true do they get out there? I suspect Humphrey s division was split into two parts. One the Trostle lane which ends just north of the Peach Orchard and then there is in the Warren Map another farm lane that is in essence just south of the Cordori Farm. Now it makes sense if that is the case. But then again, that's not what I have read in the after action report.

Its quite possible I am making a mountain out of nothing. But this has had me thinking for quite a while.... And in the book as I have them advancing out there, to take up the position, I have them using the little lane just south of the Cordori Farm.

There are others who are more knowledgeable about this then me... But for now.. There is a controversy that I cannot sync up with the ground. Lt Col (ret) Wayne Wachsmuth has always said. "The Ground drives the battle".. In this case, the ground and the accounts don't sync up...
JIM

An Apology

Hi folks,
My very dear friend Steve Basic pointed out to me that I needed to slow down and reread my posts before I do so. They have been filled with misspellings and pronunciation errors.  In my eagerness to share what I have learned with you my audience, I have neglected to cross my ts and dot my is.
From now on I will do so..
Thanks Steve for bringing this to my attention.
JIM

The Old Electric Map at Gettysburg- thoughts on preserving it

http://www.civilwarlibrarian.blogspot.com/

The above link will take you to an article on the old electric map... Now I for one would like to see this thing saved and re-displayed. Actually I have always found it a better tool then what passes for explanation in the new Visitor Center at Gettysburg. It gives one a true sense of a couple of things.

1.) The vastness of the battlefield.
2.) How close it was to a Confederate Victory.
3.) The heroic efforts on both sides. And the different keys to it.

So I am in favor of finding a way to save this. There was a time when I was thinking about getting involved in trying to save it. But was discouraged from it. But hey, if the GPMA wants to.. GO FOR IT!!!!!!
JIM

New Jersey at Gettysburg The 11th NJ - Part II -C A missing hero

The  photo is of Capt Andrew Ackerman Co C.. KIA Gettysburg July 2,1863. Orginaly from Jersey City and musters into the regiment as a 2nd LT, he takes command of Co I, shortly after Chancelorsville.
A quiet man as noted by Marbaker in the regimental history of the 11th NJ, he was also a student of the bible, another religious man.  A fine officer fearless in battle, was in the front ranks of his company as it exchanged volleys with Barksdales boys.
Standing next to Schoonover,  there is the smack of a bullet and Schoonover turns to look into the vacant eyes of Ackerman as he sank to the ground with out a word.  There is no record of where on his body he was hit, but I think I have it pretty close to where he went down. Most likely some where behind the house.
After his death, his remains are transported back to Jersey City where he is buried. And then reburied again as the first cemetery fell into disrepair.
From there, no one knows what happened to his remains as that cemetery also went out of business.
Bob McAvoy thinks his remains are either in a mass grave in one of Jersey Citys main cemeteries or under a parking garage for a local hospital. No one is sure.
He photo is one of several from the 11th New Jersey found on the wall of faces in the Visitor Center Museum at Gettysburg.. I make sure when ever I am down there, if I can, I go, and pay my respects to him. His picture is in reach of my touch. And I also tap it to let him know he isnt forgotten.
He is unfortunately forgotten in our day and age. He doesnt deserve his fate. But then again, he died in my mind a hero.
Rest in Peace Captain.
JIM ;-(

The 11 th New Jersey Regiment of Volunteers at Gettysburg Part II B -Phillip J. Kearny

 

The OTHER Phil Kearny.... 

Most people who know any thing about New Jersey in the American Civil War, know of Major General Phillip J. Kearny.  But very few folks know that we had TWO Phillip J. Kearnys.  This photo is of the one who was the Nephew of the Major General. 

Like a number of others, he too entered into service with the 1st NJ Volunteers. But as the Master Sgt. 

When the 11th New Jersey musters in, he joins it as a 1st Lt, Co F . Rises through the ranks quickly as casualtys mounted in the regiment.. 

He is the Major of the 11th New Jersey at Gettysburg. And is second in command as it enters the fight at the Klingle Farm..  Now as most know regiment command structures during the Civil War where setup as follows.. Colonel, Lt Colonel , Major, then Company Commanders all Captains , the the SGT Major or Sargent Major of the regiment.  And so on and so fourth. Well the 11ths Lt Colonel Stephen Moore was back in New Jersey in a hospital with a very bad case of dysentery. So bad that it will cause him to resign his commission and leave the army in late July 1863. Because of this illness Kearny as major was second in command.  

When the first volleys are fired by the regiment, Kearny puts his hand on Schoonover shoulder, yells into his ear that "we are going to have one hell of a fight here". no sooner gets the words out of his mouth and a bullet hits him in the knee, spinning him like a top, landing 10 feet away from Schoonover.  He is carried from the field......... The second officer to go down...... 

The 11 th New Jersey Regiment of Volunteers at Gettysburg Part II a -Schoonover

Talk about a battlefield promotion. 

In the middle of this is the sketch of John Schoonover. Born in 1828 he raised by his parents in Bushkill Falls. 

When the war clouds begin to gather they find him living and working as a teacher. He attends the same church as  the McAllisters where while there is no mention of it, he steady personality and qualities that will surface during the Civil War, come under the watchful eye of Robert McAllister. When the war opens, he signs up as a Private in the 1st New Jersey Regiment of Voluntees. When the 11th New Jersey is form he is obviously asked by McAllsiter to join the 11th NJ where he becomes its in essence bookkeeper with the rank of 2nd LT.  Thats where he is when the 11th faces the elephant for the first time at Fredricksburg. With the 11th serving more as fire supports its not till the 11ths gets into the tough sport it finds itself at Chancelorsville that he earns the notierty that will eventually bring him the command of the 11th. He is lauded by the way in McAllsiters after action report for Chancelorsville.
Gettysburg while it tests the mettle of the regiment as a whole, ir brings Schoonover from bookkeeper to Lt Colonel in command of the regiment. How could that happen you may ask  ?
In a spand of roughly 15 to 20 minutes, the regiment loses all its officers above the rank of 2nd LT and command of the regiment falls to Schoonover, who even though wounded himself three times assumes command of it and retains command till the end of the war. Though not completely uncommon in the Civil War, to go from the secretary of the regiment to commanding it in an afternoon, must have had his head spinning.  Though once again its because of bravery and steadfastness that gives him the mantle of command. 

Part II The 11th NJ at Gettysburg Its Colonel

The man to your left is Colonel Robert McAllister.
Born in Juanita County Pa he raised on the farm of his father which he works into the 1830s. He meets his beloved wife and they marry and settle down to a farmers life.
However the farm fails and he and his wife leave, and begin to make there way east till they finally settle it first Oxford Furnace NJ and then eventually Belvidere NJ. They will call Belvidere home through the war period.

He gains the military knowledge that will serve him so well during the Civil War from commanding the local miliria first in PA and then New Jersey. Rising to the rank of Brig General of Militia.

Quiet, ,a man of incredible deep Christian faith, his soft spokeness is overwhelmed by a booming voice that could be heard above the din of battle and also over the training ground.

His philosphy of fighting from the front of the regiment, leading there was much as Stonewall Jacksons. When it was his time, God had preordanined that. So why would or should he worry about his demise?

When he took command of the 11th NJ, he was at every drill, every inspection, so meticulous was he, he would point out a button out of place, or a coat not just put on right or shoulder boards not just right or even if a non oms officers strips were incorrect. His men grumbled at this so much that they started calling him "Mother McAllister"... Even the camps had to be set up just right...

Then the regiment faced battle for the first time. And as other regiments melted away around them they stood firm. Their casualty counts showed that. But also the men began to realize that what he had been doing is instilling the discipline he knew they would need to survive. And that term of "Mother McAllister", became a term of deep endearment. One that will last the rest of his life..

At Gettysburg, he leads the regiment up to the Emmitsburg Rd.... Placed next to the Klingle house he notes in a letter not published that he wasn't entirely happy with it, but that's where they were....

When Barksdales 3 of 4 regiments advanced into the range of the regiments guns, he roars "FIRE!!!!!!!"
And the regiments 290 assorted guns roared as one sending their rounds down range...

However he doesn't see it to end of the battle.. He no sooner gets the words out then he goes down.. Hit twice......
JIM

Sick as a .........

Hi all,
Welllll I went and got myself so sick I couldn't lift a finger to write.. I haven't forgotten as well ....
So now that I am on the mend, I will post more...
Back at it we go!!!!!!
JIM

A new book coming out New Jersey at Gettysburg

Hi all,
I wanted to give you all a heads up.
Early spring a new book published by Longstreet Publishing will be coming out. The narrative is written by my good friend Dr. David Martin. Titled New Jersey at Gettysburg it will include an explanation of what each unit did at Gettysburg. Where the monuments are located and if you have GPS you can track each of the positions that units were at during the 3 days. It will also include bios on key officers from NJ at the battle.

John Winkleman, LBG expert on NJ at Gettysburg, along with several others contributed to the book. Phil Liano was kind of enough to allow Doc to use his maps.

I excited about this book coming out. And knowing DOC like I do, I think it will serve a gap that is so sorely missing on NJ at Gettysburg.  I will let you know the publishing date for it. Personally I cannot wait..
JIM

The 11 th New Jersey Regiment of Volunteers at Gettysburg Part 1

Hi folks,
Its late in the day, but I promised an update or at least part one of a five part series on the 11th at Gettysburg..
Part 1 is going to be this .. And intro. Part 2, introduction of the officers.. Part 3 Prelude to Gettysburg, Part 4 Gettysburg.. Part 5 Post Gettysburg and a bit of what ever happened to.....

The regiment was made up of men from every county in the state at the time, except Gloucester. A good portion of them where from the top of the state, but there were men from Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean and also Burlington County, along with Salem and Cumberland..

They represented a broad range of the society of New Jersey at that. time. From the common laborer, dock workers, farmers and fisherman to accountants, lawyers, railroad men and teachers.

It takes almost 30 days from time the call goes out calling men for 3 years service, to the time they muster in in mid August 1862 in Trenton NJ. Given a broad range of weapons including .577 Springfields, enfields, .69 caliber smooth bores and even a belgian rifle or two. Its this mismash that will give the QM of the regiment headaches as they will hold on to this variety of weapons through out the conflict..

They muster in with 996 officers and men. Standard size for a regiment of the period.  And given their first set of colors, both state and national during the muster in ceremony. The first national flag, tattered and war worn, has disappeared to history.. It was replaced post Gettysburg by another flag of which, it now rests in the State Archives at 225 State Street in Trenton.

They board the trains for Washington, about the time the Army of the Potomac is fighting for its life on the plains of Bull Run.... Their saga, their story has only just begun...

May I Introduce the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association.. or THE NJCWHA

Hey all,
Welll back in 2003 I had met Joe Bilby while stomping the cemetery where my Mom and other families are buried. We chatted and the next thing I know I am invited to join the NJCWHA. Welllll I showed up at the annual meeting and as some one once said the rest is history.
I have been a member of the Board of Trustees ever since. Now I am about to be elected to my 4th term. I found myself tonight thinking about what has transpired since then And now I am so deeply involved with it its a part of my daily living.
The organization is dedicated to the preservation of the Civil War Flags from the State of New Jersey, anddddd deeply dedicated to educating the general public and also Civil War nuts like us in what New Jerseys part was in the late War of Rebellion.
As the 150 anniversary and commemoration of the Civil War goes on, the organization is committed to not only commemorating  this incredible time in our nations history, its also dedicated to preservation as well.
The Board is led by Dr David Martin. Author, publisher and professor at the Peddie School in Hightstown. NJ. Dr Dave or DOC as I have grown to call him is also now numbered among my dear friends. But I have also gotten to know Joe Bilby another author. Jim Madden author and our treasurer. Mike Horgan, John Kuhl, Andy Megill, Norm Dykstra our secretary and Iron Brigade officianado. Johnathan Kinney, and Tom Burke who I found out tonight has been recruited and will serve as the reenactor coordinator for To Appomattox. The new multipart series that is going into production in May 2012.
Its a great organization and doing so much.. And tonight I realized how much I count all of these dear men as friends, and yes in a way.. Family. One more we also picked up tonight as a new Trustee, Mr Bob Costello, who I have gotten to know over the last 3 years and does a great MR LINCOLN.. I know I am forgetting others. So many working now behind the scenes....
Thanks guys!!!!!!!!!
JIM

The Answer to the 20th Maine Vs the 11th NJ..

Here is the answer.... According to the book compiled by Dr David Martin and John Busey, "Regimental Strengths and loses at Gettysburg".. 20th Maine... This is a stunner btw... 20th Maine. 125 total... 29 kia,91 wounded and 5 missing... drum roll please... 11th nj 17 killed outright 124 wounded (about a third of these were dead by the middle of August) and 12 missing.. Of those 12 6 end up in Andersonville all but one die there. Total 153... 55.6% of engaged strength.. Blow you away yet??? ;-)

The saga of the 2nd New Brigade or better known as where oh where did my brigade go!?

During the afternoon hours of July  2, 1863, the 2nd New Jersey brigade found itself playing a game of "Musical locations"... First it found itself siting basically in the woods across the road from the Trostle house. Then it moved to some where just north and west of the Trostle Barn, Only to find itself under artillery fire. It moved again back across the street.. And then back again.. Its commanding officer George C. Burling found himself grumbling and telling a Sickles staff officer to basically leave them alone.

Finally the crescendo of the fighting on that end of the field, the brigade began to get broken up. The 6th, 8th and the 115 Pa found them selves being led by the Colonel himself to the WSW corner of the Wheatfield. However even those 3 regiments didnt stay together for long for the 6th found itself going to into what is going to be later known as the Valley of Death.

The 5th NJ is requisition and finds itself up on the Emmitsburg Rd, where it will later join together with the 11th NJ as they defend the Klingle Farm complex.

The 7th NJ, under Colonel Francine finds itself laying in support of the 1st NJ Light Artillery Battery B, or better known as Clarkes Battery...

The other regiment from the brigade is the 2 New Hampshire. They will find themselves in the Peach Orchard, at the tip of Sickles Salient where they will fight gallantly.. Even fixing bayonets and charging.

All the whille this is going on Burling is basically having his brigade dealt out piecemeal to meet the Confederate advance. Burling eventually will find himself with nothing left to command and reports to General Birney for further orders.

All of these regiments suffer any where between 30% and 50% casualties.

20 th Maine vs the 11th NJ.. Who had the higher casualties?

I put this out there tonight for a couple of reasons..
One is to see if any one reading this blog.. And the other is to prove a point.....
So lets get to it.....
Any one want to jump in?
I will give it 24 hours.
JIM ;-)

New Jersey Units at Gettysburg.. By Corps

Hi all,
Well I thought I would begin to acquaint you with the units from New Jersey at Gettysburg.
They had as follows.

II Corps

12th New Jersey Volunteers ( Buck and Ball boys) Two monuments. The Bliss Farm and the Bryan Farm

III Corps
5th New Jersey - North of the Klingle Farm on the West side of the Emmitsburg Road.
6th New Jersey - Valley of Death. at the base of the ridgeline that Devils Den is part of. On the right side of Crawford Ave
7th New Jersey. The Minie ball. located just north of the Peach Orchard.
8th New  Jersey. SSW in the Corner of the Wheatfield With in sight of the Rose Farm
11th New Jersey. Just SOUTH of the Klingle Farm. on the Emmitsburg Road

12th Corps
13th New Jersey Splanglers Spring. Just south of the parking lot for lower Culps HIll and the spring itself.

 VI Corps
The FIRST JERSEY BRIGADE. 1,2 4 and 15 regiments. Their monument to al of these regiments stands  on what some of come to call the Meade Spur down off of Little Round Top. Just south of the PA monument, also acroos the street for the intersection of US Ave and Hancock Blvd.

ist New Jersey Light Artillery
Battery A, Hexamers Battery. Maybe the easiest monument to find on the field
South side of the PA Monument
Battery B Clarkes Battery. The Peach Orchard and next to the 7th New Jerseys monument

1st New Jersey Cavalry - East Cavalry Field.
JIM

More on the Desecration at Brandy Station..

I am sure that Eric would not mind.. Included is the link to his thoughts and discussion at Brandy Station. And once again folks this is the area from which the 1st NJ Cavalry attacked up Fleetwood Hill.
http://civilwarcavalry.com/?p=3101
Please click on this link..
Thanks
JIM

Desecration at Brandy Station.....

One of the things I will also do, is point my readers to other issues that are near and dear to my heart. And one of them is Preservation.

I have not commented on what has happened at Brandy Station till now.

Eric Wittenberg who is even more familiar with the issue at Brandy Station and the battle that took place there, has explained and also pounded away at those who created the problem. Far better then I could

But I will say this. WHEN you go to Eric's Blog, you will find a well documented explanation of the problem that occurred. But I will add this.. Where the problem occurred on the battlefield is where the 1st New Jersey Cavalry attacked from up Fleetwood Hill. The 1st NJ, lost its Colonel, its Lt Colonel killed and mortally wounded. It also lost its Major as well. The regiment suffered heavily at Brandy, and to have the ground the fought on so badly desecrated is beyond acceptable. Men paid that last full measure there. And they were from my home state. Brandy Station was part of the Gettysburg Campaign. The 1st New Jersey Cavalry monument can be found over on East Cavalry Field at Gettysburg.

Some thing tells me, though the regiment did not suffer heavy casualties at Gettysburg itself. It only lost I think one killed and several wounded though they were in the middle of the fighting on the third day. They picked Gettysburg. And not Brandy Station. Which is in actuality where it really belongs. In my opinion.
Thanks for reading.
JIM

New Jersey didnt do any thing at Gettysburg? Or how I got started ..

Several years ago now, I was in the old Cyclorama at Gettysburg. I was standing next to a diorama of Picketts Charge. A young lady walked up as I was standing there. And we got talking. She asked me where I was from and I told her , "New Jersey"... She goes, well they didnt do any thing here! They had only 15% casualties!
I knew enough about the battle back then to know this wasnt right. and set off to find out as Paul Harvey would say, THE REST OF THE STORY!

So out of that chance meeting began a passion a drive to know what DID NEW JERSEY DO at Gettysburg?
And it shocked me... They were in every part of the battle and yes even the first day. They were at places that are now part of Gettysburg lore.. The Wheatfield, The Peach Orchard, The Valley of Death, Sickles Salient, and the Repulse of Picketts Charge.  4400 men serving in 11 different units. Across all three parts of the army. And their service was historical. Yes one whole brigade was basically observers but the rest .. Oh yes the rest... At least two regiments suffered over 45% casualties, with one 56% lost. More then even a certain regiment from Maine. But thats what this blog is going to be about. To share THE REST OF THE STORY..
JIM

Intro, the purpose and yea.. I am going to try again

Hi all..
Well we are going to try this again.. This time we are going to focus on Ta DA! New Jersey at Gettysburg.

By way of review Gettysburg was not only a 3 day battle in the American Civil War, fought over 3 long bloody days, but it began in the early days of June of 1863 and ended about Mid July of the same year. Over that time, two very large armies totaling between 160,000 to 180,000 marched from basically just south of Fredricksburg Va, up the the heart of Maryland and also the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia into south central Pa.

New Jersey was in the middle of that. What this will be about will to share the research that I have spent gathering over the last decade on New Jersey and its role in the battle, but also we will touch on the lives of the men who served in the units from NJ that fought there.

I will also use it to share the behind the scenes going on as I began to wrap up the book that has been a labor of love for so many years. Into the Vortex of Fire the 11th New Jersey in the Gettysburg Campaign. I also have two other books in the beginning stages. I will also use this to share the goings on there as well...

And then last but not least, as a member of the board of Trustees of the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association, I will share as much as possible the goings on and the up coming events as we push forward to the 150th Anniversary of the battle.

So off we go........
JIM