A patriotic family

The following story is copied word for word from the Ocean County Emblem
– Tom’s River, NJ June 12, 1861

“A patriotic family”

Before the departure of the14th regiment from Brooklyn, N.Y., a man who carried on a blacksmith shop in connection with his two sons went to the headquarters and concluded to enlist. He said that he could leave the blacksmith business in the hands of the boys “he couldn’t stand it any longer, and go he must.” He was enlisted. Next day down comes the oldest of the boys. “The blacksmithing business wasn’t very drivin’, and he guessed John could take care of it.” “Well,” said the old man “go it.” And the oldest boy went it. But the following day John made his appearance. He felt lonesome, and had shut up the shop.The father remonstrated, but the boy would enlist, and enlist he did. Now the old gentleman had two more sons who “worked the farm” near flushing.The military fever seems to have run in the family, for no sooner had the father and two older brothers enlisted, than the younger sons came in for like purpose. Pater familias was a man of few words, but he said that he “wouldnít stand this anyhow.” The blacksmith business might go to some other place, but the farm must be looked after. So the boys were sent home. Presently one of them reappeared. They had concluded that one could manage the farm, and had tossed up who should go with the 14th, and he had won the chance.This arrangement was finally agreed to. But on the day of the departure, the last boy of the family was on hand to join and on foot for marching. The old man was somewhat puzzled to know what arrangement could have been made which would allow all of his family to go but the explanation of the boy solved the difficulty. “Father,” said he, with a confidential chuckle in the old man’s ear, “Iíve let the farm on shares!” The whole family, father and four sons, went with the 14th regiment.

The Ocean Emblem, Tomís River, NJ June 12, 1861

(Would be nice to know their names and if any made it back home) Ed. – Al Platt
We expect to move from here tomorrow, about three miles, to the Chain Bridge, which crosses the Potomac, near the Maryland shore. I will write as soon as we get settled in our new Camp so that you will know where to send the “Emblem,” that it may arrive safely. We have instituted, I think, a grand and good thing. It is this:-We hold, in our different tents, prayer meetings every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings. These meetings are well attended, and as quiet, orderly and attentive as any that I have attended. Last Sunday morning we had Divine service in the woods just back of our Camp. We were all marched out there about nine o’clock and drawn in a square to listen to a sernon from the Rev. Mr. Robbins, of Washington City. He was listened to with great great attention to the end of his discourse, which lasted about an hour.

On Sunday evening the Capt., 1st Lieut., and seven Non Commissioned officers went over to Meridan Hill, which is only about half a mile from our camp, for a walk. The view from the Hill is really magnificent. When we had reached the top of it we had to pause for a few moments, in admiration, to gaze upon the glorious scene which lay stretched out before our Nature loving eyes. You can gaze for miles around upon the beautiful landscape which is spread out before you, clothed in Nature’s most beautiful garment. Down at our feet, in a delightful valley which is nearly surrounded by hills, is situated the Capitol of this mighty Republic; and just now the last rays of the setting sun are shining upon it a mass of glorious splendor. To the south we can see Virginia’s once happy but now distracted land, glittering in the receding beams of the departing sun, covered with the white tents of the noble defenders of the Nation’s honor and existence. On every hill top and in every valley are seen the tents of the patriot volunteers who have left their peaceful homes in defence of this glorious country and its sacred cause. I write this in haste, as I expect to hear a call every moment, “Turn in.”

More Anon,
J.F. Thibeaudeau

(This writer is with Company F., 14th Regiment NJ Vols.) Ed. – Al Platt