Copyright (c)

Editor-in-Chief: Gilbert V. Riddle

Contributing Editor: Tom Fox.

Mission Statement: To provide a means for the dissemination of period information concerning the Eighth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers and its’ members during and after the Civil War.

Gettysburg Extracts:

The Approach March:

Headquarters 8th Regt. N.J.V., Camp at Gum Springs, Va. June 20th 1863

Sir:

I have the honor to report that there are no enlisted men detached as Officer’s Servants or waiters from this command. [signed] John G. Langston, Capt. 8th N.J.V., Comdg. Regt.

To: Capt. F.W. Eayre, A..A. Genl., 3rd Brig.

Source: National Archives. Records Group 94, Adjutant General’s Office. Muster Rolls & Regimental Papers, 8th NJ Inf. Civil War.

Consolidated Morning Report of the 8th Regt. N.J. Vols. June 28th, 1863. Commanding Officer: Colonel John Ramsey. Present for duty, Field and Staff – 4 and 4 enlisted men, aggregate 8. Co. A: 3 officers and 17 enlisted men. Co. B: 1 officer and 17 men. Co. C: no officers and 23 enlisted men. Co. D: 1 officer and 12 enlisted men. Co. E: no officer and 16 enlisted men. Co. F: 2 officers and 15 enlisted men. Co. G: 1 officer and 21 enlisted men. Co. H: 1 officer and 20 enlisted men. Co. I: no officers and 9 enlisted men. Co. K: 1 officer and 11 enlisted men. Total: 14 officers and 165 enlisted men, aggregate 179. Present for duty equipped. Staff 4 officers and 1 enlisted man. Co. A: 3 officers and 15 enlisted men. Co. B: 1 officer and 14 enlisted men. Co. C: 18 enlisted men. Co. D: 1 officer and 10 enlisted men. Co. E: 15 enlisted men. Co. F: 2 officers and 11 enlisted men. Co. G: 1 officer and 17 enlisted men. Co. H: 1 officer and 19 enlisted men. Co. I: no officers and 7 enlisted men. Co. K: 1 officer and 10 enlisted men. Total: 14 officers and 137 men. Unequipped enlisted men – Staff: 3 Co. A: 2, Co. B: 3, Co. C: 5, Co. D: 2, Co. E: 1, Co. F: 4, Co. G: 4, Co. H: 1, Co. I: 2, Co. K: 1. Total: 28.

Headquarters: 8th Regt. N.J. Vols. Station: Near Middleburgh. Date: June 28th, 1863.

[signed] Wm. B. Mason, 1st Lt. 8th N.J.V., Adjutant.

Source: National Archives. Records Group 94, Adjutant General’s Office. Muster Rolls & Regimental Papers, 8th NJ Inf. Civil War.

June 11th 1863, broke camp, and started for Rappahannock Station from whence to Warrenton Junction, Centerville, Gum Springs & Edwards Ferry, Va., where we crossed the Potomac River on Pontoons and marched to Point of Rocks, Jeffersonville, Middletown, Frederick City & Taneytown, where we are awaiting orders to proceed on the march. Distance marched about 180 miles.

[signed] John G. Langston, Capt., 8th N.J. Vols., Comdg. Regt.

Station: Taneytown, Md.

Date: June 30th, 1863.

Source: National Archives. Records Group 94, Adjutant General’s Office. Muster Rolls & Regimental Papers, 8th NJ Inf. Civil War.

Headquarters 8th N.J.V. July 1st 1863.

Report of the unarmed men in the 8th N.J.V.

Field Music: 10, Officers Servants: 1, Hospital Dept.: 3, Quartermaster Dept.: 1, Teamsters: 9, Orderly for Commanding Officer: 1, Adjutants Clerk: 1, recommended for Invalid Corps: 1, Unarmed men for which a requisition has been made for arms and equipment: 7. Total: 34.

[signed] John Ramsey, Colonel 8th N.J. Vols.

Source: National Archives. Records Group 94, Adjutant General’s Office. Muster Rolls & Regimental Papers, 8th NJ Inf. Civil War.

1st Lieutenant Henry Hartford of Co. E, 8th NJV recounted that on "the morning of the 2d of July we marched from Emmittsburg towards Gettysburg. We halted about midway … marched towards Gettysburg and joined the Division. When we halted the Roll was called."

Source: National Archives. Records Group 153. File 1162.

Some chose not to stay and face the Elephant and some took a coffee break:

Corporal Robert Smith of Co. E, 8th NJV recounted that Private Daniel Riker of Co. E, 8th NJV "left the Regiment on the 2d of July 1863, about and hour before we opened the engagement at Gettysburg. We were on the march. We had that morning about 8 miles to march from where we were stationed, to were we fought. We marched very hard. We generally do when we get going. I remember the road was very fatiguing. There was a great deal of mud on the ground … about 8 o’clock … we stopped to make coffee, about 2 miles or more from Gettysburg."

Source: National Archives. Records Group 153. File 1162.

In the Maelstrom:

Colonel John Ramsey recounted that "shortly after the Regiment became actively engaged during the afternoon of July 2d, he [Lt. Manderville] made the attempt to go to the rear. I ordered him back to his Company, which order he failed to comply with, until I drew a pistol, then he went back. I believe he remained with the Regiment until after I was wounded. I was wounded in the afternoon and left the field and remained at the 3rd Corps Hospital until July 3rd when I went to Littlestown."

Captain Abram N. Freeland, Co. A, 8th N.J.V. recounted that "the first I saw him [Lt. Manderville] after the Regiment was repulsed, was to the rear, he said he was wound. He limped and placed his hand on his thigh."

Lieutenant Robert S. Brown, Co. A, 8th N.J.V. recounted that "when the Colonel drew his pistol he [Lt. Manderville] was in the REAR OF THE Regiment about 15 paces from the Colonel."

Asst. Surgeon James J.B. Ribble of the 8th N.J.V. recounted that he "saw Lt. Manderville coming out of the engagement on the 2d of July at Gettysburg at a time when wounded men from different Corps were passing me. He reported to me as wounded by a piece of shell on the leg as near as I can recollect. I did not investigate whether he was wounded or not. His wound was represented as contused."

[Lt. Manderville was founded Not Guilty.]

Source: National Archives. Records Group 153. Judge Advocate General’s Office. LL-161.

The Woods:

Lt. Robert S. Brown, Co. A, 8th NJV recounted that he "saw Lieutenant Manderville with his Company [D] trying to keep the men together during the engagement on the 2nd of July at Gettysburg. He was with the Regiment until we were forced to retire. I missed him then and did not see him until the Regiment was in the woods."

Source: National Archives, Records Group 153, LL-161.

Aftermath:

Colonel John Ramsey, of the Eighth New Jersey Regiment, who was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, on Thursday, arrived at his home in this city [Jersey City, N.J.] last evening. He was wounded by a spent musket ball in the left shoulder, but not seriously injured. The Colonel took into action 159 men and brought out 50 men and 2 officers. Captain Langston [Co. K] of the Regiment is now in command. The Second Brigade, to which the Eighth Regiment is attached, is now reduced to about 400 men.

Source: The American Standard. Jersey City, New Jersey. Vol. 4, Number 294. July 7, 1863.

Hospital:

At 5 o’clock Friday morning, a train containing 657 wounded soldiers, direct from the battlefield of Gettysburg, arrived at the Hospital in this city [Newark, N.J.], among whom were the following, belonging to New Jersey Regiments.

Eighth - James Day, Co. A [wounded in the ankle]

John Jackson, Co. B [wounded in the bowels]

Corporal John Cahill, Co. G [wounded in the leg]

Edward Quigley, Co. G [wounded in the knee, slight]

Source: Sentinel of Freedom. Newark, N.J. Tuesday. July 14, 1863.

Among wounded officers at the Church Home and Infirmary, Baltimore are Captain E.C. Nichols and A.S. Davis, of the 8th New Jersey Regiment. Captain Nichols is wounded in the right thigh below the hip bone, and by a ball through the leg. Captain Davis is also badly wounded, though neither are regarded dangerous.

Source: Sentinel of Freedom. Newark, N.J. Tuesday. July 14, 1863.

Casualties in New Jersey Regiments:

We receive as yet the names of but few of the injured members of New Jersey Regiments in the battle:

8th – Lt. C.F. Bowers, Quartermaster, …

8th sent to Baltimore; Wm. Robinson, Co. B, thigh.

Source: Sentinel of Freedom. Newark, N.J. Tuesday. July 14, 1863.

Eighth New Jersey Regiment:

The Eighth Regiment, it is stated, has become so reduced, in numbers, only having 45 men, as to be consolidated into one company, under the command of Captain A.N. Vreeland, and is now doing guard duty at Antietam. Michael McCristle of Co. B and Wm. Tunnison of Co. C are among prisoners recently captured by the rebels.

Source: The American Standard. Jersey City, New Jersey. Vol. 4, Number 304. July 20, 1863.

The Eighth Regiment has lost another accomplished officer in Capt. Andrew S. Davis, of the city [Newark, N.J.]. who died from wounds received at Gettysburg. Captain D. was out with the regiment as Lieutenant, having been a Sergeant in the 1st Regiment (3 months men). He was for some time recruiting officer in this city [Newark, N.J.] Capt. Nichols of the same regiment, we learn, lies in a critical condition from a wound in the same engagement. Henry M. Shugard, of Co. A, has died from his wounds, and his body together with that of Capt. Davis, has been forwarded. The Regiment, we learn, has lost all its officers but three from death, wounds or sickness, and is reduced to one company under Captain Vreeland, which, however, is still with the army, and when last heard from was three miles from Warrenton.

At a meeting of the officers, ex-officers and members of the 8th Regiment, held last evening, a committee was appointed to make arrangements for the funeral of Capt. Davis and report at an adjourned meeting this evening. The funeral will take place from the Halsey st. M.E. Church, to-morrow, at 2 ½ P.M. Company C, Capt. Colvin, 1st Regiment, together with the members of the 8th Regiment now in the city, with Rubsam’s Band, will escort the body from the residence of his brother, in Congress st., to the church, and thence to the place of burial. Capt. Davis leaves a wife and two children.

Source: Newark Daily Advertiser. Newark, N.J. Friday. July 31, 1863.

Death of Capt. Andrew S. Davis.

At a meeting of the members and ex-members of the 8th Regiment, N.J. Vols., held at Newark, N.J., on the evening of July 30th, 1863, of which Thomas S. Martin, late Lt. Colonel of the 8th Regiment N.J. Vols., was President, for the purpose of drafting resolutions expressive of their feelings at the loss they have sustained in the death of Captain Andrew S. Davis; on motion of a committee, consisting of C.W. Kennedy, Lieut. A.J. Manderville, Lieut. L.M. Lambert, was appointed to draft said resolutions: -

Whereas, In the inscrutable ways of Divine Providence, our brother officer, Capt. Andrew S. Davis, 8th Regiment N.J. Vols., was called upon to sacrifice his life in the late battle at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2d, 1863, as a tribute to the memory of our fellow comrade be it

Resolved, That in common with his bereaved wife and family we lament the untimely loss of our generous friend, accomplished officer and heroic soldier, whose integrity and purity of character were pre-eminent, and whose highest ambition, forgetful of self, was always for his country’s good.

Resolved, That in his death the nation has lost the services of a gentleman and a soldier, whose merits, equaled only by his patriotism, would have adorned any position in which he may have been placed.

Resolved, That we condole with his afflicted wife and relatives in the irreparable loss of a dutiful husband, affectionate brother, and a disinterested friend.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to his wife and family, and one for publication in the Newark Daily Advertiser and Morristown Banner.

C.W. Kennedy, Lt. A.J. Manderville, Lt. L.M. Lambert.

Newark, August 1, 1863.

Source: Newark Daily Advertiser. Newark, N.J. Saturday. August 1, 1863.

Died:

At Baltimore, on the 29th inst., of wounds received at the battle of Gettysburg, Henry M. Shugard, aged 21 years, eldest son of Henry Shugard. [wounded in hand and shoulder.]

At Baltimore, from wounds [thigh] received at Gettysburg Captain Andrew S. Davis, of Co. H, 8th Reg’t N.J. Volunteers, aged 30 years and 4 months.

Killed July 2d, in the battle of Gettysburg, Pa.; Charles Meeker, of Co. B, 8th Reg’t. N.J. Vols., aged 18 years, 8 months and 14 days, son of William T. Meeker of this city [Newark, N.J.].

Source: Sentinel of Freedom. Newark, N.J. Tuesday. August 4, 1863.

U.S. Convalescent Hospital, Patterson Park, Baltimore, Md. August 6, 1863.

This is to certifiy that –

Archer N. Hicks, Co. B; James Day, Co. B; Nathan L. Nichols, Co. G; John Murphy, Co. G; Thomas McCabe, Co. G; b. Looney, Co. G; Edward Hicks, Co. D; John Liese, Co. F; 8th N.J. were detailed to act as litter bearers to the wounded arriving at Baltimore July 5, 1863 and were returned to duty from the Hospital July 28, 1863.

[signed] S.D. Fellman, Surgeon N.Y. Vols., in charge.

Source: National Archives. Records Group 94, Adjutant General’s Office.

Headquarters Eighth New Jersey Volunteers, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 3rd Corps.

Camp near Brandy Station, Va. January 1864.

Sir:

I have the honor to inform you that Nathan L. Nichols, Drummer Co. G, 8th N.J. Vols. Dropped as a deserter on the 5th of July 1863 returned to duty on the 11th day of August 1863, and is now doing duty with his Company and Regiment.

The circumstances under which he was dropped as a deserter are as follows, Captain Nichols being severely wounded, and anxious to get to Baltimore, ordered N.L. Nichols and several others who was there at the Hospital to place him on a stretcher and carry him to the R.R. Depot, then to accompany him to Baltimore, which they complied with. Of course Captain Nichols had n authority for doing so.

When they arrived at Baltimore they were detailed as attendants at one of the Hospitals by a Surgeon instead of being sent to their Regiment.

When I returned to the Regiment I dropped those men as deserters for the purpose of having them rejoin their Regiment, it had the desired effect.

I hope that this explanation may be satisfactory and his pay resumed.

Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant, John Ramsey, Colonel 8th N.J. Vols.

To: R.F. Stockton, Adjt. Genl., State of New Jersey.

Source: New Jersey State Archives. Records Group: Dept. of Defense. Subgroup: Military Records. Series: Civil War. Box 84, Book 405, item 120.

To the Monuments:

Designation of soldiers to assist in locating lines –

Where rank is given it is the rank held at the time of the battle of Gettysburg: Eighth Infantry – sergeant Benjamin Murphy. [Page 17]

Land for the Monument -

Eighth Regiment – The monument to the Eighth Regiment stands on the bank of a small brook at the extreme southerly corner of the Wheat-field. The Commissioners bought of Rosanna Wible, in the name of William H. Corbin, an acre of land for this monument, and upon being repaid the cost of the same conveyed it to the Memorial association. [Page 22]

Private contributions to cost of Monuments -

Veteran Association Eighth Regiment (for Eighth Regiment - $350.00. [Page 25]

Contracts for Monuments –

Eighth Infantry – Contract dated September 1st, 1887, awarded to Frederick & Field, of Quincy, Massachusetts; price of monument and two markers, $1,350; material, Quincy granite. [Page 25]

Cost of Monuments –

… the entire cost of erecting the monuments. It does not include cost of land or any expenses of locating the positions, but is confined strictly to the cost of making the monuments and putting them in place. The cost of markers for the several regiments is included:

Eighth Infantry … $1,425.00. [Page 27]

Source: Final Report of the Gettysburg Battlefield Commission of New Jersey. Trenton, N.J. Printed by The John L. Murphy Publishing Company. 1891. Commissioners: James N. Duffy, Gottfried Krueger, William H. Corbin.

April 15, 1863 - Surgeon McKelway detached to Corps Hospital. Lt. Mason, Co. K, appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. Co. B: Private M.W. Leonard detached with Battery. Co. C: Private John Kinney from detached service to duty. Co. D: Private J. Lair from daily duty to duty and L. Day & C.A. Berry on detached service. Co. G: Corporal James Green gained from desertion. Co. I: J.J. Brady discharged, J.P. Taylor gained from desertion, S. Mayo on detached service. Co. K: 1st. Lt. Wm. B. Mason transferred to Field and Staff.

[April 16, 1863] - Co. I: Private M. Gavan gained from desertion and lost by discharge.

April 17, 1863 - Co. E: Private J. Smith reported deserted and discharged.

April 18, 1863 - Co. E: Geo. Arculauies sent to General Hospital. Co. H: Private Jacob Unangst sent to General Hospital. Co. K: Privates F.B. Smith and Haywood sent General Hospital.

April 19, 1863 - Co. A: Private George Deeker sent to hospital. Co. B: Private D. O’Donnell discharged April 27, 1863. Co. C: Private Egbert discharged [?], Private Maxwell absent without leave. Co. G: Private Thomas McCabe under arrest. Co. H: Nathan Coon discharged. Co. K: Privates Kain and A. King discharged.

April 20, 1863 - Co. A: Private W. Flannigan, M. Flannigan, W. Percels, P.J. Mahoney, John Wood, C. Bryan and L. Dischler sent to General Hospital. Co. B: Corporal Shipley on sick furlough for 30 days. Private Z. T. Crane on leave to General Hospital. Co. C: Private M.M. Christle D.D. R. Gillanders and W. Chmuete to General Hospital. Co. D: Private J.B. Freeman and F. Coles sent to General Hospital. Co. E: Private P. Cavenaugh sent to General Hospital. Co. F: Private Henry Fletgh sent to General Hospital. Co. G: Private Thomas McCabe from arrest to duty. Co. K: Privates O. Nally and Peter Spikers furlough for 30 days. Private John Quackenbush sent to Hospital.

April 21, 1863 - [no entries]

April 22, 1863 - Co. C: Private John Maxwell absent without leave to duty.

April 23, 1863 - Co. D: Sergeant Conk absent without leave. Co. F: Capt. George M. Stelle and Private Vaupel absent without leave. Co. I: Barney Ganley absent without leave. Co. K: W.H. Fields gained from desertion and absent under arrest.

April 24, 1863 - Co. D: Sergt. Conk from absent without leave to duty. Co. F: Capt. Geo. M. Stelle from absent without leave to duty. Co. H: 2nd Lt. Henry Lunger honorably discharged. Co. I: Barney Ganley from absent without leave to duty.

April 25, 1863 - Q.M. Sergt. Eaton from absent without leave to duty. Co. F: Private Vaupel from absent without leave to duty. Co. K: George Dempsey from absent without leave to duty.

April 26, 1863 - Co. Co. A: Sergeant Gillen on furlough for 8 days.

April 27, 1863 - Co. C: Sergeant C. Raymond reduced to the ranks.

[April 28, 1863 - no entries]

[April 29, 1863 - no entr - Co. B: W.W. Oliver from present sick to absent sick.

May 25, 1863 - Co. F: Private Peter Weingarten deserted May 18, 1863. Co. H: Private Isaac S. Thatcher on detached service. Co. K: Private John Quackenbush detached to Corps Head Quarters.

May 26, 1863 - Co. E: Privates Knapp and Elysa to detached service from extra duty. Co. K: Captain Langston Commanding Regiment.

May 27, 1863 - Co. F: Lt. H. Hartford to present sick from absent sick. Co. I: Private J. Ayers deserted from hospital May 10th.

[May 28, 1863 - no entries]

[May 29, 1863 - no entries]

[May 30, 1863 - no entries]

May 31, 1863 - Co. A: Stephen Rhodes gained from desertion. Co. E: Corporal Robert Patterson missing in action. Co. F: Charles Akers died at Hospital May 27, 1863. Co. K: S. Quackenbush from detached duty to duty.

June 1, 1863 - Col. Ramsey from absent sick to duty June 1st 1863. Co. C: Private John Sherry from absent sick to daily duty. Co. E: Private E. M. Stewart from daily duty to duty. Co. F: Capt. Stelle absent with leave.

June 2, 1863 - [no entries]

June 3, 1863 - [no entries]
June 4, 1863 - [no entries]

New Jersey Historical Society. 8th N.J. Morning Reports.

fore we opened the engagement at Gettysburg. We were on the march.