“9Th New Jersey Infantry and the Bermuda Hundred Campaign” Walt Lafty

April 8, 2021 The Civil War: April 12, 1861 - August 20, 1866 “9th New Jersey Infantry and The Bermuda Hundred Campaign” Walt Lafty

Join us at 7:15 PM on Thursday, April 8, for an online web conference (no Notes physical meeting). Members from the President... will receive ZOOM dial- Spring is here, daylight has shifted, baseball season has in instructions via email. started, basketball is half way through its season and This month’s topic is Walt thoughts of being outdoors increase. Two changes from Lafty on “9th New Jersey past Aprils are the two questions we are all asking each Infantry and The Bermuda other: Have you had your shots? and when can we gather Hundred Campaign” in person again? A big change from six months ago as A campaign that was an integral part of Grant’s spring hope is on the horizon and optimism rising. Thank you all offensive plan of 1864, the fighting in Bermuda Hundred in for living risk free lives in the last year and avoiding contact May of that year is mostly forgotten. Overshadowed by the with the virus. We are grateful for your diligence and plan other battles in Grant’s push to Richmond, the Bermuda to see many of you soon. Have received positive feedback Hundred Campaign suffered thousands of casualties. With and appreciation for our round table being in the lives of engagements that started at Port Walthall Junction on our members. I thank the Board for keeping it on track May 6, the campaign concluded at the second battle of during the unique year we experienced. Drewry’s Bluff on May 16 with over 6,000 casualties in that Be sure to order your Old Baldy CWRT apparel before final battle alone. April 12th from our store. Details are in this newsletter, It ended with the famous quote on the resulting situation on our website and Facebook page. Welcome to our new for Union Commanding General Benjamin Butler, that members and all who have renewed for 2021. Great things he “was in a bottle . . .the enemy had corked the bot- will continue to happen with your support. I hear Bill and tle”. It was also a campaign in which the 9th New Jersey Nancy Buchanan are looking forward to our birthday cele- Volunteer Infantry Regiment would suffer its greatest loss- bration for Old Baldy at his statue in Fairmont Park at noon es of the war. The 9th was the only New Jersey Infantry on May 15th. Bill and Debbie Holdsworth hope you will Regiment in the entire Army of the James. There were also join us for our placement of a wreath at General Winfield two artillery batteries representing the state of New Jersey. Scott Hancock’s tomb at 11 AM on May 29th in Montgom- ery Cemetery. Take advantage of an opportunity to get Walt Lafty is a member of the Old Baldy CWRT and the out, get fresh air and see follow Old Baldy members. Delaware Valley CWRT where he is a Board member as well as a member of the Preservation Committee. He also Last month we gathered twice to socialize and learn. First serves as Secretary for the Baker-Fisher Camp #101 Sons Christopher Klein visited us, on the 11th to tell us about of Union Veterans of the Civil War, located in Hatboro, “when the Irish invaded Canada.” We were pleased to have PA. In addition, Walt is the Research Administrator for the members of the Meade Society join us and get us to 50 G.A.R. Museum and Library in Philadelphia. attendees on our Zoom cast. We hit our record, let us top it this month. All learned much about this incident that many of us did not know about before last month. On the last Continued on page 2

Treasure's Anouncement Page 2 • Old Baldy is Waiting Page 2 • Raffle Book Notice Page 2 • Today in Civil War History Page 3 Covid Info Page 3 • Raffle Book Donation Notice Page 3 • White Roses Page 4 • Dobbin House Page 5 • March Meeting Page 8 The Invalid Corps Page 9 • Old Baldy Clothing Store Sale Page 11 • Events Page 14 • 2021 Speaker Schedule Page 14

1 Continued from page 1 Notes from the President Thursday of the month, Paul Prentiss led a discussion on camp life during the war. Thank you to those who contrib- uted letters from soldiers. Look for another discussion in From the Treasurer’s the future. Quarantine Desk This month Walt Lafty will share his research on the “9th New Jersey Infantry and The Bermuda Hundred Cam- Well, it has been a very different kind of year, what can paign.” Tune in for this informative presentation about I say? Fortunately, our Round Table has continued to this key part of Grant’s spring plan in 1864. Later in the flourish, even though we’ve had our meetings onZoom . month we will assemble for another member sharing night In fact, our membership has grown. to hear about Dr. Ray Klien’s trip with Flat Old Baldy to A big shout out goes to Rich, our President and head Cambodia and Dave Gilson doing a walking tour of Civil cheerleader. Also, thanks to Dave Gilson for continu- War London. Do not miss this entertaining evening. Let ing to bring us great speakers with a very diverse range Dave know how great the programs have been. Tune in to of topics. And to the rest of us, the Old Baldy Members, our gatherings for a chance to win a book from the raffle. congratulations and thank you. Watch for details in the coming months on two projects It has been through our presentation on Zoom that we we are working on to advance our round table in southern have not only been able to keep our current members New Jersey and nationally. The first is a joint fundrais- engaged, but have reached new viewers and recruited er with the Battlefield Trust for Maintenance work at the new members Slaughter Pen at Fredericksburg. The other is a project to distribute our Civil War sites map to schools in south Jer- We thank all our great members for your support and sey. We will need your assistance to make these ventures continued commitment to our success. Your support a success. We will have a member profile in next month’s has made it possible, not only to permit us to bring newsletter. Still seeking more volunteers to interview and these special speakers, but to continue giving char- document our members. Do get your write ups of what itable donations to some very special organizations. you have been doing to pass your time away from us in the Some included are The Memorial Hall Fund, American last year to Don Wiles so he can share it in the newsletter. Battlefield Trust, Gettysburg Foundation and Civil War Trails Foundation. Continue to support local businesses and count the days until we gather in person again. See you all on As the year came to an end, it is time again to show the 8th. your support with your 2021 Membership Dues. Rich Jankowski, President Though we remain on a strong financial footing, we have been unable to pursue our normal fund- raising activities. Thus, making your dues that much more important this year. Tired of looking On a personal note, I have always felt that our orga- out the window? nization was so much more than just a Round Table. It is a group of people brought together by a common “Old Baldy enjoyment of Civil War history, but more importantly, waiting for us people I love having wonderful conversations with, but also being with them. I miss you all. I await the day to join him when we can meet in person, shake hands, hug and sit on May 15th” down for dinner at the diner . (His Birthday) Thank you again. Stay safe. $25. regular dues $35. Family membership Mail to: Frank Barletta Do you long for the sweet smell of grass and sounds 44 Morning Glory Drive, Marlton, NJ 08053 of birds chirping? Do you need some warm spring sunshine to kiss your face and gentle breeze to rustle your hair? Do you miss actually seeing your friends Reinstating Book Raffle in person? Well it sounds like you may have caught a case of Spring Fever and we are offering a cure. Join In an attempt, to make our Zoom meeting more like our us in celebrating Old Baldy’s 169th birthday in in-person meetings, the board has proposed having a draw- beautiful Fairmont Park on Saturday 15 May. Round ing at the end of each Zoom meeting. Table members are venturing out for a few hours in the sun to picnic on the grass by the statue on Lansdown The Raffle will be for the book written by our speaker for Drive so please join us in Fairmount Park on Saturday that night’s meeting. This will also be a thank you to our May 15th at 11 AM to celebrate with family and friends. speaker for making their presentation. There is plenty of parking is available at the “Please Rules: The name of each 2020 member will be put in a hat. Touch Museum” lot. Please sign up by contacting: Additionally, those members attending the Zoom meeting Paul and Susan Prentiss at will have their names added to the hat (a second chance). [email protected] At the conclusion of the meeting, a winning name will be 865-745-8336. drawn. Good Luck 2 Today in Civil War History By Frank Caporusso, Member OBCWRT

I am providing links to several sites 1862 Tuesday, April 8 where you can sign up for CoVid vaccination. Western Theater Please act quickly as appointments General Pope’s command takes Confederate positions on Island Number Ten, capturing 3000 prisoners; 17 Confed- at some venues are extended out to June. erates are killed. The Rowan School of medicine has a rolling signup and you can try that site 1863 Wednesday, April 8 Daily to check for appointments. However, as opposed to FEMA sites it is only Registering as CURRENT supplies Naval Operations The ironclad Keokuk founders owing to the damage are available. This site seems to open at inflicted by the Confederate batteries in Forts Sumter and 8:30 AM and fills VERY quickly. Moultrie. 1) - Rowanmedicine.com/vaccine/registration Western Theater 2) - Virtua.org Still smarting from being placed under Grant’s command, McClernand’s XIII Corps presses forward through the tan- These 2 sites are “site specific” gled Louisiana waterways. Several vicious skirmish actions You can also see a list of sites throughout NJ occur near New Carthage, as the Confederates contest the and links to each registration site slow Federal advance. in general at : Covid19.nj.gov. 1864 Friday, April 8 If you are over 65, have ANY chronic illness, or work / volunteer in any type of healthcare The North setting PLEASE note this as it should help you The US Senate passes a ioint resolution, voting 38 to 6 to abolish slavery and approving the thirteenth amendment move closer to the top of the list. (My friends to the constitution. Unthinkable before the war, the lack of are being pushed into June but since I work in opposition reflects the change of attitude resulting from health care, I was able to schedule three years of conflict. in early February Trans-Mississippi MOST centers are NOT doing walk-ups Without waiting for General E. Kirby Smith to arrive Gen- contrary to many rumors. If you go to a eral Richard Taylor advances with 9000 Confederates and occupies a defensive position at the edge of one of the vsccination center at the end of the day few clearings in the forest at Sabine Cross Roads. Banks’ you MAY be given a leftover dose column arrives and the leading brigades, some 4500 men, but I wouldn’t count on it deploy for action. After two hours’ indecisive skirmishing, Taylor launches his men forward and crushes the head of Banks’ army. The superior Union artillery is helpless in the forest and several batteries are overrun immediately. The defeated Union troops recoil onto the front of the wag- on train, panicking the drivers and those troops hurrying forward to join the battle. In scenes of great confusion, David Dixon is Banks’ men are routed for over three miles. The retreat is checked by Emory’s division, which stands firm. Union donating three copies losses are 113 dead, 581 wounded, and 1541 missing or captured, for a total of 2235. Taylor’s troops suffer of his book: about 1000 killed and wounded. "Radical-Warrior"

1865 Saturday, April 8 for the raffle May 13th meeting. Eastern Theater Lee plans to break through Sheridan’s cavalry to resume the retreat. But Lee and his officers agree that if the Federal Remember to tune in horsemen are supported by infantry, they will have no choice but to surrender. to win...

3 “Those White Roses”

Each Month we would like you to meet some of these the Civil War ended and the wounded returned home, Sar- heroic women. ah disappeared into the pages of history. Nurses were not part of the Armies, There was no Nursing Cornelia Hancock Corps. These were women who went off to contribute their Cornelia Hancock was born on February 8, 1840, at Han- efforts to helping the wounded, dying and ill. They helped cock’s Bridge, New Jersey, the youngest child of Thomas in Hospitals, Battlefields and Camps. There are very few Y. and Rachel (Nicholson) Hancock. Her secret desire as records and photographs of these brave women so the a child was to escape the quiet Quaker community of her accounts are few. birth. Her chance came in July 1863, when she joined her brother-in-law, Dr. Henry T. Child, a surgeon at Gettysburg. Bridget Divers (Deavers) She served as his nurse. Bridget was born in Ireland, but her date of birth and the date she came to the United States is unknown. What is Cornelia had applied earlier to Dorothea Dix but was reject- known is that Bridget enlisted as a nurse for the First Mich- ed because she was too attractive. Cornelia traveled alone igan Caval- to Gettysburg and arrived three days after the battle. She ry when her wrote to her sister: husband en- We went...to one of the churches, where I saw for the listed as first time what war meant. Hundreds of desperately a private wounded men were stretched out on boards laid across early in the the high-backed pews so closely as they could be Civil War. packed together. The boards were covered with straw. Bridget Thus elevated, these poor sufferers’ faces, white and did her job drawn with pain, well, and were almost on a her activi- level with my own. ties attract- I seemed to stand ed the at- breast-high in a sea tention and of anguish. admiration of Mary Livermore, Administrator of the United States Sanitary Commission. Bridget was honored for She began by her acts of heroism in removing wounded men from the cooking and clean- battlefield while still under fire. When her husband’s unit ing, and just eight was assigned to Major General Phillip H. Sheridan, Bridget weeks later, Cornelia gained the nickname the Irish Biddy because Sheridan had was in charge of trouble pronouncing Bridget’s name. On more than one ten tents of ampu- occasion, Bridget encouraged the retreating soldiers to tees. Two months hold the lines of combat, and thus prevented Union defeat. after her arrival Bridget often picked up the weapons of fallen soldiers and in Gettysburg, Dr. fought alongside of the men. She served with the army of Child recommended occupation in Texas and then later when they returned to Cornelia Hancock that Cornelia take Michigan. Her husband was killed during the occupation a month of rest and of Texas. Unhappy with the solitude of retirement, Bridget Cornelia returned to rejoined the Regular United States Army as a laundress in her sister’s home in Philadelphia. Inactivity was an alba- California. There are no details of her death or where she tross about Cornelia’s neck and in October 1863, she went was interred. to Washington to care for the freed slaves. Cornelia was dis- illusioned by the poor treatment of Sarah Dysart negroes, and wrote to her sister: ”... Sarah Dysart of Tipton, Pennsylva- where are all those good abolition- nia volunteered after hearing Presi- ists north that do so much talking dent Lincoln’s request for nurses in and so little acting?” Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Sarah had absolutely no experience in nursing While in Washington, an ambu- and no idea of what to expect. She lance driver tossed out five children worked in the field hospitals at Harp- who were infected with smallpox. ers Ferry, Nashville, Chattanooga, Cornelia placed the children in a and Gettysburg. She accompanied hospital tent and cared for them recovery parties into raging battles, herself. Her action impressed caring for the wounded until they the Surgeon General and he could be removed from the field. allowed her to work wherever she Soldiers gave her a gold watch for her bravery. The medi- wished. The Quaker community in Philadelphia paid her a cal officers of the Twelfth Army Corps awarded her a gold meager salary for her activities. On February 10, 1864, the badge shaped into a cross with a crown set in pearls. After Surgeon General reassigned Cornelia to the Third Division,

Continued on page 5 4 Continued from page 4 - "White Roses"

II Corps field hospital at Brandy Station, Virginia, where he Quaker volunteers. In 1886, a children’s nursery and classes needed a competent head nurse. for illiterate adults were added to the organization’s catalog of activities. Three months later the Brandy Station hospital was operat- ing smoothly and Cornelia was moved to the First Division, Serving the underprivileged was not Cornelia’s only occu- II Corps with a permanent pass granted by Secretary of pation during the 1880s. She also established “Wrights- War William Stanton. She walked in Grant’s bloody trek ville” where she cleaned up the slums, improved municipal through the South. By late June 1863, Cornelia was in services, banished livestock except as a means of transpor- charge of several field hospitals, including tation, created a school, bank, the army hospital at City Point, Virginia and library. ”Wrightsville” was which she considered her base point until Cornelia’s attempt at giving the the war’s end. impoverished another chance at a better life. There is no record Her merits were extolled by the New York of the length of time “Wrights- Tribune article published on May 31, ville” survived. In 1914, Corne- 1864, entitled ”What a Woman Can Do - lia, who never married, retired An Incident of the Late Battle.” Cornelia from her philanthropic activities. was awarded a silver medal of apprecia- A niece living in Atlantic City, tion from her patients. New Jersey asked Cornelia After the Civil War, Cornelia accompa- to live with her and her family. nied Laura Towne to the South where Cornelia accepted and re- they opened a school for freed slaves near Beaufort, mained with the niece until her death in 1927, at the age South Carolina. The school was supported by the Soci- of 87, the victim of chronic nephritis. She was buried at ety of Friends. Cornelia served as principal of the school Homerville, New Jersey. The letters Cornelia had written from 1866 until 1875, when she was forced to resign her to her sister in Philadelphia during the Civil War (from July position due to illness. After three years of recuperation, 1863 until May 1865) were published in 1937 under the title Cornelia founded the Society for Organizing Charity in Phil- of The South After Gettysburg. The book describes a front- adelphia, Pennsylvania to aid the impoverished. Five years line nurse’s activities during the battle’s aftermath. later in 1882, Cornelia founded the Children’s Aid Society and Bureau of Information as a branch of the Society of Editor’s Note: These stories are from a book “White Ros- Organizing Charity. Both organizations were operated by es... Stories of Civil War Nurses. Authored by Rebecca D. Larson. Available on Amazon.

The Gettysburg Dobbin House

Editor's Note This is my connection to Gettysburg and the Civil War; my paternal father was Curvin H. Heiss, designer and owner of the Diorama and the Dobbin House between 1950s and 1960s. This is a brief version of the history of the house. Don Wiles, Member OBCWRT. Reverend Alexander Dobbin And The Historic Dobbin House Tavern And The Gettysburg Diorama "Four Score and Seven Years" before President Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address (1863-87 = 1776), Gettysburg's oldest and most historic building, the Dobbin House, was built. Just imagine the residents of the then eighty-seven- year-old house who probably sat on the balcony to watch as Lincoln delivered his speech a few hundred yards away at the National Cemetery! After studying the classics in Ireland, Dobbin and his bride, Isabella Gamble, set sail for a new life in the New World. Reverend Alexander Dobbin, who built the Dobbin House, Shortly after his arrival in America, he became pastor of was an early frontier pioneer who helped settle and civilize the Rock Creek Presbyterian Church, located one mile this area. Born in Ireland in 1742, he grew to be a man of north of Gettysburg. keen foresight, a person highly respected by his peers, an educator of men of stature, a Minister and a rugged individ- In 1774, the Dobbins purchased 300 acres of land in and ual who played a major role in the founding of Gettysburg. around what is now the town of Gettysburg and com- Continued on page 6 5 Continued from page 5 - "Dobbin House"

"National Geographic", served as a "station" for hiding runaway slaves on their perilous journey to freedom on the "Underground Railroad." After the battle of Gettysburg ceased, and the armies had departed, it served as a hospital for wounded soldiers of both the North and the South. Dobbin's historic home has been recognized by being placed on The National Register of Historic Places, the Pennsylvania State Historical and Museum Commission Registry, and Gettysburg Historic Landmarks. Today this historic house appears virtually the same as it did over 200 years ago. Its native stone walls, seven fire- places, and hand carved woodwork have been painstaking- ly restored to their original beauty 6 character, with interior decor in the traditional eighteenth century manner. Many of the home's antique furnishings are identical to those listed in the Inventory of Rev. Dobbin's Estate. The china and flat- ware exactly match fragments which were unearthed during the re-excavation of the cellar. The servants’ period-clothing is completely authentic right down to the tie on pockets! From Diorama To Restaurant The "Dobbin House Museum" continued under Lippy's ownership for the next thirteen years. Then, in August 1954, John sold the house to the "Gettysburg Battlefield Diorama, Inc." This corporation, conceived by Curvin Heiss of Gettysburg, was formed to exhibit more then 3,000 Civil War soldier miniatures which Heiss and his son "Corky" had completed. These were placed on a realistic (though com- pressed) model of the Battlefield— complete with flashing lights to simulate smoke, and a taped narration that included sound effects. In order to install the "Diorama," the inner walls on the second floor had to be removed to accomodate a small auditorium. A museum and gift shop continued menced construction of a farm and the Dobbin House, for downstairs. use as their dwelling and as a Classical School, today's equivalent of a combined Theological Seminary, liberal The "Diorama" became a well known tourist attraction, arts college. Dobbin's school was the first of its kind in largely because it made one of the earliest uses of the new America west of the Susquehanna River, an academy electronic technology of the 1950's thatwas capturing the which enjoyed an excellent reputation for educating many imaginations of Americans. It was a real forerunner of the professional men of renown. many other "sound and light" displays that are now so much a part of the Gettysburg tourist district. However, in Rev. Dobbin needed a large house for his school and 1967, the "Gettysburg Battlefield Diorama, Inc." sold its family, for his Irish wife had borne him ten children before rights and the house to Mr. and Mrs. her early death. John Adamik of Aspers. Though the He remarried Adamiks worked enthusiastically to the widow, Mary maintain the feature, stiffening compe- Agnew, who tition from other Civil War attractions already had made it more difficult to operate. In nine children of the summer of 1977, they sold the her own! Rev. house to A. Kenneth and Thelma H. Dobbin, a short, Dick of Gettysburg, though retaining stout, smiling the "Diorama," which they dismantled gentleman who in August of that year. wore a white wig, became a highly The Battlefield Diorama respected community leader, as The Battlefield Diorama, installed in well as minister 1954, was created by Curvin Heiss and educator. He with the help of his son. Mr. Heiss is worked diligent- a local Gettysburg citizen and a life- ly to establish in 1800 an autonomous Adams County, long student of the battle. More than which originally was part a of neighboring York County. six years were devoted to the construction of the miniature Thereafter, he was one of two appointed commissioners to scene. Each figure was originally carved in wood to create choose Gettysburg as the County seat. a mold into which lead was poured. The soldiers have mov- able heads, arms, and legs. Each tiny man was painted in In the mid-1800's, a secret crawl space, featured in detail, and an estimated 10 gallons of paint and 300 brush-

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es were used in the art work. The Battlefield Diorama has a doorway through an original wall to been visited by travelers from every state in the Union provide access to a restroom. Care and from many foreign countries. Distinguished guests was taken to construct these alter- include President Eisenhower, members of his family and ations, however, so that they could be Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery. removed easily if a future owner wished to do so. The work was completed in the spring of l978, and the “Dobbin House All of the glory and all of the carnage of the great battle Restaurant“ opened in May of that year. takes place before the eyes of the visitor on a platform eight feet wide and thirty-eight feet long. The battle action Since 1978, Jacqueline White has assumed ownership of is highlighted by the winking flashes of 550 miniature the Dobbin House, and in August 1984 completed a major bulbs. Rifles crack, cannons belch flames, and tiny clouds addition to the restaurant on the north side of the building. of smoke drift across the battlefield. Spotlights focus on Prior to the beginning of this work in October 1983, Mrs. each maneuver during the day, while at night tiny lanterns White afforded this writer the opportunity to undertake a glow in General Meade's headquarters. Nearly 30 miles of salvage archaeological dig on the lot. With some initial wire are required to operate the action on the diorama. guidance from state archaeologists Barry Kent and Steven Warfel, and the field supervision of Stephen Hinks, then a The visitor listens to a tape-recorded narrative which graduate student in archaeology at the College of William explains the events that take place on the platform. and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, we excavated an area 18 Approximately 3800 miniature figures participate in the feet by l2 feet to a uniform depth of eighteen inches. Though battle, each complete in authentic detail even as to rank we did not discover any significant “features“ (foundations and regimental insignia. Nine hundred different postures of outbuildings, for example), We did uncover several trash rail fences, and even battle flags. The scene shows the pits that yielded more than 2,000 ceramic and crock shards, site of the battle from the foot of Big Round Top at the hundreds of glass fragments, assorted nails, buttons, clay south to Barlow's Knoll at the north. The visitor surveys marbles, bottles, and relics of the battle—minie balls and the struggle from a point just behind the Union line. shell fragments. Perhaps the most interesting finds were To The Restaurant... items that could well have been from the Dobbin household, including pieces of" 18th century “Queensware“ and The purchase of the Dobbin House by Mr. and Mrs. Dick “Chinese Export Porcelain.“ One other compelling find was began a significant new chapter in the development of a late 18th century stoneware chamberpot, reconstructed the building as a tourist attraction. Formerly the owner after locating widely scattered fragments. Since 18th centu- of“Fantasyland,’” a popular children’s amusement park ry trash patterns were generally less sanitary than our own, once located on the Taneytown Road just south of town, and because householders literally threw some trash “out the Dicks were moved to invest money in the building at the window,“ it is quite likely that someone in the Dobbin the urging of their daughter, Jacqueline Dick White, who household tossed this pot out. The chamberpot, and other wished to see the building restored to its 18th century items discovered in the house and cellar during restoration, appearance and opened as a period tavern. Though the are on exhibit in the “porch room“ museum. original exterior of the house remained largely the same, a number of major alterations had taken place on the It would be inaccurate to call the end of this study a “con- inside, most notably the removal of several walls. Local clusion,” for much more has yet to be uncovered. Most 18th contractors Don and Allen Crouse began restoration in century ministers kept diaries, and wrote voluminously, yet the fall of 1977, and immediately encountered two major none of‘Dobbin’s correspondence has come to light. challenges—raising the house eight inches (it had sunk Certainly other information will follow. after a beam cracked), and eliminating a quagmire of mud Note: If you visit Gettysburg be sure and stop by the from the shallow basement in order to excavate a cellar Dobbin House for a look at the oldest house deep enough to accomodate “The Springhouse Tavern.” in Gettysburg and try their fare... In addition to these problems, the building had to be completely rewired, and the inner walls that had been removed on both floors had to be replaced. Much of the original woodwork had been damaged or removed, and to restore it, Frank Auspitz of York was hired to repair or replace windows, shutters, mantles, chair rails, and base-boards where needed. Though every effort was made at a faithful restoration, a number of compromises were necessary in order to com- ply with state and federal regulations for a public restaurant, including a new kitchen addition, a fire escape, and 7 “WHEN THE IRISH INVADED CANADA: The Incredible True Story of the Civil War Veterans Who Fought for Ireland’s Freedom” Presentation by Christopher Klein March 11 Meeting

By Kathy Clark,Member OBCWRT

A group of Irish Union and Confederate veterans tried to in- Christopher Klein vade Canada five different times. They wanted to hold Can- ada hostage until the independence of Ireland became a Along with many men fighting and reality. It seems that the borders between the United States dying the Irish were dying in great and Canada was a target during different times in thetr number too. By 1863, the Broth- history. The Fenian Brotherhood tried five different times to erhood had a constitution and achieve this goal but failed every time. Some of these inva- rules for general government. They sions started with the Continental Army fighting during the signed up Irish members at their Revolutionary War. One such incidence was called the “Pig Headquarters at Union Square, War” when an American, Lyman Cutler, shot a large black New York. The society was still pig as he was rooting in his garden eating his potatoes. banded by the church. A split began within the members After he shot the pig, he found out that it was owned by an who wanted to get the British out of Canada rather then go Irish man, Charles Griffin. You can imagine that Charles to Great Britain to set the Irish people free. was terribly upset. Cutler offered $10 to compensate for the pig but Griffin was not satisfied with this offer. There was If the Brotherhood wanted to get revenue to invade Cana- a threat by the English authorities to arrest Cutler and the da in the future the members decided to issue war bonds. residents wanted military protection. Hundreds of thousands of Irish immigrants subscribed. The money from the sale of bonds were to go to buying guns, Captain George Pickett and his men were told to go to San ammo, food, clothing for their members as they continued Juan island to prevent the British from landing and the a series of raids into Canada. The purchase of the bonds Americans began to occupy the islands with war ships. It was also used to try to seize the transportation system of took General Winfield Scott to negotiated with Governor Canada. The bonds were issued and six months later they Douglas to solve the problem. Both sides agreed to retain could be redeemed but that never happened. During this military occupation of the island. The Union Jack still flies time Confederate ships were being made in British ports. over the “English Camp”. The Confederacy was not happy when the CS Alabama Before the “Pig War”, 1845-1852, was the potato famine was attacked by Great Britain and Canadian forces. The because of the failure of the potato crops to produce Confederate states wanted reparations for the attack on healthy potatoes. The famine continued over several years their ship. After going to President Andrew Johnson with of planting. The potato was a particularly important crop the complaint as well as the growing anger toward Canada for the poor Irish family. The families were starving to death a bill was passed in 1865. The bill stated that equal men and many left the country and came to America along with from both sides were to come together to invade Canada the Irish flu. One of the reasons the Irish families want- until the army got paid for the attack on their CS Alabama. ed to come to America was for religious freedom. They The attack never happened. Another attempt to invade the wanted to practice their Catholic religion openly. By 1854, Eastern ports of Ontario and Quebec failed. Land boats elections were held for seats in Congress and judges. The from Chicago, Detroit, Vermont, Cleveland, and Buffalo sentiment at the time was that the elected officials did not were sent to the St. Lawrence River to gain control of the want the Irish to live in America. Many Irish were deported waterway. Ontario and Quebec attacked but found that the because of these elections, taking their family and going invasion was falling apart. The troops were experienced, back to their own country. It seems that the Irish were not many had fought in the Civil War, but did not get enough getting along very well with the residents of the United men to make the numbers needed. States. The only thing they had in common was to band Many men who wanted to continue to fight after the Civil together in church so they could continue their Irish history War participated in the first raid on the island of Campobel- for future generations. lo. It was not a success for the Fenian Brotherhood. Gun- By 1858, the Fenian Brotherhood was founded by John boats from US and Britain came into the battle and Feni- O’Mahony and Michael Dohery with the sole purpose to an’s left. Another plan was from St. Albans, Vermont with band together to “overthrow British rule in Ireland”. This 1200 Fenians arriving by train. They raid stores food, fired organization was banded by the Pope even though it was a few shots, and took down the flag from the British custom an active organization for the Irish. As the organization was house and then marched home. General George Meade getting started the Civil War began. Patriotism was strong met the US troops and sent them home by train. in America and many Americans enlisted in this war. At Two months later, the Battle of Ridgeway with John O’Neill the same time many Irish wanted to enlist and by 1863-64 and his army with the goal of capturing Quebec and Union camps were actively recruiting Fenian members. making it the seat of the Irish Republic-in-exile. The army Continued on page 9 8 USS Caronde

Continued from page 8 - "The Irish" boarded barges and crossed the Niagara River at Buffalo organize the Canadian provinces into their own country. to capture the British colony of Canada, hold it hostage Thank you to Christopher Klein for the most informative and ransom it for Ireland’s independence. This was one presentation on the Irish and their attempt to invade Can- of the first Irish raids. The Irish Republican Army claimed ada. The story was explained and brought out information the right to hoist an Irish flag over Fort Erie replacing the that some of the members of Old Baldy were not aware of Union Jack. They were able to get supplies, weapons, and in Irish history. After reading Christopher Klein’s book the ammunition which was purchased from the US govern- story between the Irish and Canada became even more viv- ment and smuggled into Buffalo. In this battle was the first id. This was another presentation organized by Dave which and only battle that O’Neill’s army was victorious. Even brought another aspect of our history to the roundtable. though the supply lines were cut by the US government This program was a great success. the men were forced to retreat to the US. Continued at- tacks in 1870 and 1871 failed. After 1871 the movement collapsed. The purpose of the raids was to conquer Canada and ex- Deane Smith won a copy of change it with Great Britain for Irish independence. But the “When the Irish Invaded Canada” only thing the raids increased was anti-American feelings by Christopher Klein at the in Canada. In its own way a developing sense of Canadian March meeting. nationalism which led the provinces into forming their own Confederation in 1867. As a result of Canada’s new found A paid member will earn a copy of the presenter’s spirit through their militia’s strength they were able to book at the end of the meeting. “The Invalid Corps”

by Byron Stinson, CWTI, May 1971 This patchwork body of amputees and walking who were weary of real campaigning but who wanted to wounded did yeoman service, including some real see the war through. The idea was not wildly successful action. When asked if the Inva- but it did remove the hated words lids would fight, their command- “Invalid Corps” from the record. At er could only answer, “General, about this time, without fanfare, the they can't run!" Quartermaster General began to issue regular uniforms to the Veteran Continued from March Issue Reserve—a measure that did won- After January 1, 1864, boards ders for morale. meeting in Annapolis, Maryland, and Interestingly, after January 1864, Columbus, Ohio were charged with a silence of a year settles over the “purification of the Corps from Corps in the Official Records. After a officers of inferior ability.” Despite flurry of orders and directives there stiff consideration of field service, is almost nothing in the book until dis- ability, general education, DeForest’s famous defense (which sobriety, and efficiency, only one was written after the war). Yet by officer in twenty-four was passed October 1864 the Corps mustered over. Apparently the mere existence a respectable 30,000 men in twen- of the boards kept the grossly inept ty-four First Battalion regiments and from applying. The Field Record of 155 Second Battalion companies. the Officers of the Veteran Reserve The idea of a limited duty force is Corps, a booklet published after the so sound that the silence can only war, seems to be an apology for the be interpreted as indicating it had officers of the Corps. Apology or not, settled down to the work at hand. it shows that a hearty 82 percent of them had been literally shot to piec- So many armed men, so widely dis- es by Rebel gunfire. Those with such illnesses as “general persed, sooner or later must collide with the enemy. Their debility” and “paralysis” had seen so much action that to clashes—trivial in comparison to The Wilderness, Atlanta, question their devotion would be unchivalrous. and Cedar Creek -—were encouraging to the “condemned Yankees.” Their first brush was with Morgan’s Raiders, July By January 1864 the Corps mustered 491 officers and 14, 1863; Whitelaw Reid describes the action of the 43d 17,764 enlisted men. In the spring, to cash in on the “vet- Company of the Second Battalion at Camp Dennison, Ohio: eran volunteers” movement, the War Department changed the name of the Invalid Corps to the Veteran Reserve The Governor [of Ohio] then ordered Colonel Neff, then Corps and opened its ranks to three-year-men after the in command of the post, to hold himself in readiness, expiration of their regular enlistments. The opportunity and take every precaution against being surprised and to rejoin in the Corps offered an alternative to soldiers overcome by the enemy. The Colonel, in obeying these

Continued on page 10 9 Continued from page 9 - "Invalid Corps"

Company H, 9th Regiment, Invalid Corps

orders, armed the little force of invalids and a few of las. They were reasonably successful and claimed to have the Governor’s Guards [88th Ohio Infantry] on duty broken up the Mitchell gang by killing Mitchell, shooting at headquarters and stationed then in appropriate posi- up some twenty-odd members of the bunch, and capturing tions . . . One small detachment [of raiders] did find its their horses. The 23d lost two men wounded in the fracas. way within about a mile of Camp Dennison but was Without question their finest hour came in July 1864, when so roughly handled by a force of invalids under Cap- Early’s ragged legion tested the Washington defenses before tain Van Doehm that they hastily withdrew and joined drifting back into the Valley. Anxiously awaiting the arrival the main body of freebooters. of the VI Corps from the Army of the Potomac, Generals The historian of the 88th Ohio, however, saw the Corps as Montgomery Meigs and Christopher C. Augur larded their less than the answer to the weary Nation’s prayers: works with 4,400 men of the 1st, 6th, 7th, 9th, 14th, 19th, and 24th Regiments of the First Battalion. Lt. Frank Wil- In October 1863, the 88th Ohio was again relieved of keson, Recollections of a Private Soldier in the Army of the the monotonous guard duty at Camp Chase and sent Potomac, was unimpressed as he watched them pass his to relieve the 150th Ohio on provost duty at Cincinnati. battery at Fort Totten: A detachment of the Veteran Reserve Corps took the place of the 88th Ohio at Camp Chase, but, from the Late in the afternoon, July 10th, word was sent to inform looseness of discipline and a strong disgust for the us from Washington that Early was marching with his duty, a complete failure was made; so much so, that entire army on the Capitol, and that he was then near the commandant of that important prison informed the Rockville. That evening the motliest crowd of soldiers I ever War Department that he should decline to be held re- saw came straggling out from Washington to man the rifle- sponsible. . . . pits which connected the forts. This force was composed of quartermaster’s employees, clerks from the War, Navy, Throughout the fall and winter of 1863-64, the 16th Reg- and State Departments, convalescents from the military iment under the command of Major Gaebel campaigned hospitals, and the veteran reserves, the latter clad in the in the mountains of Pennsylvania against paramilitary distinctive dress of the corps. . . .They gabbled, and were units resisting the draft. Despite their infirmities, the 16th evidently trying to keep up their courage by talking loudly specialized in night raids which served to keep “treason- and boastfully on their determination to hold the rifle-pits at able organizations from coalescing into units of dangerous all hazards. I smiled sorrowfully. . . . size.” One man of the 16th was killed and several were wounded. (Following the provost officers, so many of Despite Wilkeson’s sorrowful smile, the 6th Regiment, af- whom had been murdered, it would seem the men of the ter a 23-mile march, threw a skirmish line in front of Fort Invalid Corps would be exposed to the bullet and knife of DeRussy which cost them an officer and four men wound- the assassin to an alarming degree. Surprisingly, of the ed. The 9th Regiment went into action at Fort Stevens on 60,000 who served only fifteen were murdered. This rate July 12, 1864, under the eye of President Lincoln. They is no higher proportionally than that for the army as a drove in the Rebel skirmishers and “held them at bay until whole.) DeForest tells of the 18th Regiment, in line of bat- nightfall with a sharp fire.” Five of their men were killed tle with the 32d Maine and the 67th Pennsylvania, at White and seven wounded. It has been pointed out that they were House, Virginia, (June 20, 1864). As the brigadier tensely supported in this action by “several hundred” men of the awaited an attack by Wade Hampton’s cavalry, he repeat- VI Corps—still, the 9th was there. There was a problem with edly inspected the position of the 18th. Unable to contain the 6th Regiment which replaced the 128th Ohio Infantry his apprehension, he finally asked the major in command, at Johnson’s Island. Somewhat more charitable than the “Sir! Will your men fight?” Eyeballing his line of scare- writer for the 88th Ohio, the author of the 128th’s history crows and amputees, the major shifted his chew, “Gen- blames the hard winter of 1864-65 for the troubles of the eral, they can’t run!” Western regiments had their share 6th, “. . . for of those who remained, infirm as many of them of the general troubles. The 23d was sent to Louisville to were by their wounds and disease, the climate and exposure protect the Louisville & Lebanon Railroad from guerril- proved too severe; so that all who remained for guard duty

10 Continued on page 11 Continued from page 10 - "Invalid Corps" did not make good the places of the 128th OVI. The 6th In Early's attack on Washington Regiment left the command the Invalid Corps helped early in 1865.” Captain De- to repulse the attack, Forest, after fighting with the but their aid was not appreciated. 12th Connecticut from New Orleans to Opequon, applied for discharge on December 2, 1864, and “went home with what seemed a totally ruined constitution.” After two months of invalidism, during which he wrote Miss Razlenel’s Conversion from Secession to Loyalty, he felt recuperated enough to man- Major General age limited duty status. He Jubal Anderson Early was appointed commander of Company I of the 14th Regi- ment and stationed in Washington, D.C. Later he became is of interest. The 92d is similar to scores of other solid, if the last commander of the Veteran Reserve. undistinguished, regiments that served the Union during the Civil War. Mustered September 17, 1862, it remained in the Considering the dirty duty heaped upon the Corps it is Western theater, seeing action at Tullahoma, Chickamauga, little wonder they are unremembered by history. Their last Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta, and job was to supervise the mustering out of the line regi- Bentonville. Fifty- one of its members were killed in action ments in the summer of ’65. Coming home had none of and 193 died of disease. Seventy-one were transferred to the picnic atmosphere of mustering in. Homefolks who the Veteran Reserve Corps, three fourths of whom went to weren’t heartily sick of the war were busy haggling in First Battalion Regiments. The First Battalion men went to local politics, and most politicians were as yet blissfully ten different regiments, the 7th and the 15th each accumu- unaware of the veteran as a voter. Chip-on-the-shoulder lating a dozen or so from the 92d over a two-year period. veterans were easily stung by any oversight on the part The Second Battalion men all went to different companies. of local officials and responded by rioting when they Private Smith A. Day of Company I pulled the 152d Com- fancied themselves slighted. The worst disturbances were pany, while Private James M. Maxwell, also of Company at Elmira and Rochester, New York, where the 1st Regi- I, drew the 154th Company—even though they were both ment was called out “to put down disorders committed by transferred on the same day (April 30, 1864), at Nashville, disbanding regiments.” In its three-year term of service, Tennessee. the Corps lost sixteen men killed in action while twenty-six died of wounds, and 1,640 of disease. For their pains they enjoyed the disapproval of General Grant, who opposed all plans for retaining them as part of the army. DeForest wrote his report for the Official Records in an attempt to Old Baldy justify their services. In his words, “But for the Secretary of War it would have been mustered out before now” (No- Clothing Store Sale vember 1865). What are the fashionable Old Baldy Members Other than the Secretary of War, only the Medical De- wearing this spring, summer and fall? partment came forward to defend them. Surgeon General Joseph K. Barnes said the last kind word, “. . .this military Why of course it is high quality Old Baldy apparel organization will provide the most economical and advan- offered by Tuttle Marking Services. The store is open. tageous mode of supplying a permanent Corps of nurses Check out the website Old Baldy Store to see our spe- and attendants. . . . [the surgeons are] highly pleased with cial branded Tees, Polos, Jackets and Hats. Show your the manner in which duty is performed.” In July 1866, support but be ready to explain our unique organization Captain DeForest and his six remaining clerks were trans- to people intrigued by Old Baldy on your clothing. It is ferred to the Bureau of Freedmen and Refugees under simple to order, just go to the website, and choose the Major General O. O. Howard. It was all over for the Invalid item, size and color. Be sure to add to your cart and Corps. then hit PLACE YOUR ORDER. It is that simple. Your orders will be delivered to your home by mail in time The Corps was ahead of its time and suffered thereby. to wear at the Old Baldy Birthday celebration on May In modern armies limited duty status is conferred by 15th. The $12 shipping charge is for all your items (not the physical qualifications established for the various spe- each) and the postage will be adjusted (down) if you are cialties—-different for the aviator and the flight surgeon, for only ordering a light tee-shirt. the frogman and the yeoman. Jury-rigged as it was, the Invalid Corps provided important employment for soldiers You need to act right away because the store is only who would otherwise have been lost to the service, and opened for a limited time. The Order Deadline is Mon- gave a disciplined structure to the dispirited, disorganized, day, April 12th. , and don’t forget to checkout this link unhappy, hangers-on of the Union Army. An analysis Old Baldy Store of the 92d Ohio Infantry, as a representative regiment, Continued on page 12 11 12 Continued on page 13 13 Kevin M. Hale Award for best Historical Newsletter in New Jersey

WEB Site: http://oldbaldycwrt.org Schedule of Old Baldy CWRT Email: [email protected] Speakers and Activities for 2021 Face Book: Old Baldy Civil War Round Table April 22, 2021 – Thursday Member Sharing night Dr. Ray Klein: Flat Old Baldy Travels Cambodia - One Thousand Years of War, Massive Construction and Old Baldy Civil War Round Table of Philadelphia Destruction, Five Years of Civil War...What Next?? Camden County College Dave Gilson: A Walking Tour of Civil War London Blackwood Campus - Connector Building May 13, 2021 – Thursday Room 101 Forum, Civic Hall, Atrium David T. Dixon 856-427-4022 [email protected] "Radical Warrior: August Willich's Journey from Founded January 1977 German Revolutionary to Union General" June 10, 2021 – Thursday President: Richard Jankowski Jeffery William Hunt Vice President: Kathy Clark “Meade and Lee at Rappahannock Station: Treasurer: Frank Barletta The Army of the Potomac’s First Post-Gettysburg Secretary: Sean Glisson Offensive, From Kelly’s Ford to the Rapidan, Programs: Dave Gilson October 21 to November 20, 1863” Membership: Arlene Schnaare July 8, 2021 – Thursday Dr. Christian B. Keller Trustees: “The Great Partnership: Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Paul Prentiss Jackson, and the Fate of the Confederacy” Tom Scurria Dave Gilson Questions to Dave Gilson - 856-323-6484 - [email protected]. Editor: Don Wiles - [email protected]