The Monitor-register., 1896-09-11
New Jersey Regimental Re-

Mullica Hill on Friday last, and the
occasion, as usual at these yearly gather
ings, was a red-letter day to the
veterans. The citizens displayed a liberal
amouot of bunting and numerous flags
were floating from many of the residences
along the main t~horoughfare. The re-
union exercises were held in the town
hall, the opening prayer being offered by
the Rev. F. l.. Jewett, of the Methodist
Episcopal church. The address of well
come was made by the Rev. Mr.. Moore,
and was responded to by Comrade Cap
tain Brooks. George Meley was the
presiding officer of the day, and Comrade
John Loukins was secretary in the
absence of Comrade Florence Blyler, the
Secretary of the Association. Several
interesting addresses were made By
prominent veterans, alter which the
following officers we're elected: President,
Captain Edward L Stratton; Secretary,
Florence Blyler; Treasurer. DR.. Charles
A. Weideman. 1t was decided to hold
the next annual reunion at Pitman Grove,
on September 4, 1897.
The reunion was one of the most inter-
estiug in the history of the association,
i the wives and families of many of the
veterans attending and listening with
interest to the business of the associat ton
and the addresses made.
HISTORY OF THE REGIMENT IN BRIEF.
The Twelfth Regiment was organized
under the provisions of an act of Congress,
approved July 90. 1861, and under a call
issued by the President of the United
States, dated Washington D. e., July T.,
1862. for 800, 900 additional volunteers to
serve three years, or during the war. This
regiment was one of the five regiments
required as the quota of this State under
the call and as set forth 10 a telegram
received from the War Department., dated
July 8, 1862. The raising of the regiment
was commenced Immediately, and was
completed under the provisions of General
Order No. rs, War Department, dated
July 8, 1862. The regiment was fully
organized, equipped and differed by the
Ash day of September, 1862, at which time
It as mustered into the service of the
United States for three years, at Camp
Stockton, near Woodbury., by Captain
William B. Royal, having a full compile
ment of men-OficeIs, SO; non-com-
missioned officers and priva es, 953; total,
992. 1t left the State September Z, 1862,
en- route for Washington, but on arrival
at Baltimore, Md, and by reason of a
threatened invasion of Pennsylvania and
Maryland by the euemy, an order was
issued assigning the regiment for duty
under General Wool, commanding the
district, who ordered it to proceed imme-
diately to Ellicott's Mills, Md. AT this
| point the regiment remained about three
months, in the performance of provost,
picket, and escort duty. guarding bridges
aud the railroad. On the 105h of Deem.
Der, 1862, ia conn liance with orders from
The War Department, Washington, D. G,
dated December 6, 1862, the regiment
proceeded to Washington and reported
the following day. and Oh the 18Th pro
ceeded to j)in the Army of the Potomac,
where it arrived on the ooh. aud at once
entered upon active duty. At different
times during the years 1868, 1864 and
1865 the st 1ength of the regiment was
Increased by the joining of a large num-
Der of recruits, substitutes and drafted
men. Ga the 55h day of June, 1865, the
filters and enlisted men of the Eleventh
New Jersey not entitled to discharge
under existing orders joined the regiment
by transfer. The regiment continued its
organization and remained in active
service until the close of the war. and
those coming under the provisions of
General Orders No. 26, Headquarters
Army of the Potomac, dated May II,
1865, we're mustered out at camp near
Munson's Hill, Va, June 4. 1866, by
Harvey Y. Russell, Captain Tenth Regi-
ment Infantry, New York Volunteers,
Assistant Commissary of Musters, Second
Division, Second Army Corps. The re-
mainder we're mustered out of service near
Washington, D. c., July Is. 1865. by
Timothy W. Kelly, Captain 164tn Regi-
ment Infantry, New York Volunteers.
Assistant Commissary OF Masters, Second
Division, Provisional Corps Army of the
Potomac, in compliance with orders from
War Department, A G.. O., Washington,
D. G.
The Regiment was first attached to the
Second Brigade, Third Division, Second
Corps; then to the Third Brigade, Second
Division, Second Corps, and at the close
of the war ives attached to what WAS
known as the Provisional Corps, Army of
the Potomac.
SOME OF H ENGAGEMENTS.
The Regiment took part in the follow
ing engagements: Charlottesville, Va;
Gettysburg, Pa; Failing Waters, Md. !;
Auburn Mills. Va: Bristoe Station, Va;
Blackburn's Ford, Va. Robinson Tavern,
Va; Mine Run, Va; Wilderness. Va;
SPOTS y~lvania, Va Spottsylvania Court
House, Va: North and Anna River, Va;
Tolopotomy, Va; Cold Harbor, Va;
Before Petersburg, Va; Deep Bottom,
Va; Mine Explosion. Va North Bank
of James river, Va; Ream's Station, Va;
Fort Sedgwick, Va; Watchers Run, Va;
Dabney Mills, Va; Boydton Plank Rur,
Va; Capture of Petersburg, Va Sailors
Creek. Va; High Bridge, Va; Farm
well, Va, Lees Surrender (Appomattox),
Va.
William P. Haines. known as the
Fighting Quaker" one of the best known
veterans In the country, and a candidate
for State Senator, amused the veterans
greatly oy his reading of an original
poetic effusion, which, in brief, was a
sketch of the Twelfth Regiment, from
Charlottesville to A~ppomattox. Mr..
Haines dedicates it to Eli wood Griscom,
''he was my pard." Mr.. Griscom lives in
Woodbury.. The poem follows:
A SKETCH OF THE TWELFTH REGI-
MENT.
In this busy life. there is always a place
For the holidays and the days of grace,
And the Fourth of September, in sixty-two.
Win be long remembered by me and you.
W u oOAot ' INV
dears,
Were left at home with many tears.
With never a question but what we were
right,
In our earnest efforts to learn to fight;
And the 18th New Jersey Volunteers
Was sworn for the war, or three long years
One thousand men, the brave and true,
We're comrades then to me and you,
Whilst the quiet streets of Woodbury. town
Were awakened to life by our marching
round.
Then Off we went to learn the drills,
On the pleasant fields of Ellicott's Mills;
AND some of our boys great courage showed
AT that picket post on the Helton road,
Where the Only Rebs that disturbed our
sleep
Were old John Dorsey's pigs and sheep.
And at Leicester bridge, what glorious luck,
When Cole and Griscom stopped That duck,
Who knowledge gained midst water and
grass
That a picket-post he could not pass.
But marching order came one day
When two short months had passed away
And, with tents all safe on the b. & o. train, |
We bid farewell to our girls again.
Saw Washington City, and changed our
arms,
While fredericksburg was working its
harms;
Tried marching down those Maryland roads
With tender feet and heavy loads,
Over the fair Potomac waite rs float
On the eagle famous Red Bank boat,
And just at dark a landing seek
At government wharf on Aquai Creek,
And after long and weary tramps.
At Falmouth town we pitched our camps;
Then toiled that long. cold winter through |
With picket drill and grand review,
Had snowbal fights, and thought it fun