Brothers of New Jersey

I am coming to you as a last resort to raise a least $1500 for the erection of a monument to the 9th New Jersey Volunteers (The Muskrat Regiment) on the New Bern, NC Battlefield.  Previous efforts have yielded a total commitment of $450.00. A $50 donation received from a NJ CWRT and $150 from an individual also wishing to honor the brave men of New Jersey, $200 from a great grandson of a member of the 9th, and a $50 gift from another NJ resident. Still short at least $1000.

The stone inscribed on the the front will read:

“This Monument Is Dedicated To The Memory Of The Brave Men Of The 9th New Jersey, Who Fought And Died Here March 14th, 1862.”

On the rear of the stone…“Muskrat Regiment” (with the 9th NJ Emblem beneath). 

Some of you know me from New Jersey and encampments I put on at Huddy Park in Toms River. Brothers, I am sincere in my efforts and honest in my dealings. The 9th NJ fought under Burnside at Roanoke Island in February of 1862 and on March 14, 1862 at New Bern, NC. The only memorial on the Battlefield now is for the 26th North Carolina regiment of the Confederacy.

I have been attempting to raise funds to have a monument erected to honor the Muskrats on March 10, 2012, as close to the 14th as we have this coming year. It has not been as successful as I had anticipated. I’ve asked the state to assist, the historical societies and the CWRTs.  All I have received is stated above.

I also sent out emails to the Camps and fellow re-enactors asking to march with me to the dedication, again no response. I am hoping that my brothers from North Carolina will march with me so that I am not the only Federal re-enactor doing so, as I was the only one in 2008 at the dedication of the 26th NC.

Brothers, this is not a sham or any scheme to raise money for something that doesn’t or won’t exist. Everyone or every Camp or CWRT will receive a copy of the program and a photo of the memorial. No one will be mentioned on the memorial, for the only name that should appear is that of the 9th.NJ.

Brothers, I have no where else to go for funding. I wish I could do it on my own, but I am unable to fund it. The 9th deserves a fitting monument for their sacrifices and devotion to duty for the State of New Jersey and the preservation of the Union. Please help.

315 Venture Path
Hiram, GA 30141