I was researching soldiers from the 2nd Minnesota who died of disease at Pisgah Presbyterian Church, where I'm a member, in 1862, concurrent with the Battle of Fishing Creek (Mill Springs) and were reinterred at Mill Springs National Cemetery in 1867. I found a soldier from the 103rd Ohio who was among this group, but who had died in 1863. This is how I found records of the men from the 27th New Jersey who were also reinterred at Mill Springs. This is text from memory, but I believe the 27th was attached to Colonel Carter, originally of the 12th Ky Inf through Generals WIllcox and Burnside. Carter, and his brother, were somewhat religious zealots who organized 2 raids into East Tennessee from this point and Manchester, Ky. They actually met personally with President Lincoln to review the first raid which was unsuccessful and some men were hung, the second was more successful resulting in the destruction of bridges and property, known as 'Carter's Raid'. The potential raid that the New Jersey Herald reported on May 7, 1863 which would have involved the 103rd and the 27th, I don't know if that was ever undertaken. It may have been aborted following the May 6 disaster at Cumberland River. Don't know. In any case the 27th NJ was 3 miles north of Monticello when ordered to march 13 miles to Waitsboro (Camp Hoskins) to cross the river. The OR, Volume 23, 1 (where report of the disaster is made by Carter, page 310) reports other commanders refusing to cross at the time due to river conditions. So my questions are this.. why was the 27th ordered to cross the river? Pegram (Tullahoma) had already achieved his cattle raid and fought at Dutton Hill in Somerset and retreated across the Cumberland at Smith's Ford (Point Isabel,Burnside) prior to the torrential rains. Were these men part of a tactical plan and were the risks adequately considered? How were they able to get the coal barges from Camp Burnside, these would be priority items. So, anyway, I haven't checked all the facts, what you're reading is just a post. After Dutton's Hill, conflict in the area was guerilla warfare, with raids by John Hunt Morgan and chase by Frank Wolford's Cavalry. Men were shot in their beds, begetting feuds that lasted into the 20th century. These men from New Jersey must have thought they landed on the moon when they were moved to this part of southern Appalachia, I feel bad that they were killed so far from home, possibly for something that was inconsequential. I do have photos of the entrance and egress at Waitsboro today ( now under Lake Cumberland) and can share what I know as I continue to investigate. I live just a mile from Waitsboro, I'm working on a manuscript about another officer who was assigned to Carter by Horatio Wright with permission of Wm. T. Sherman. I'd like to get copies of the soldier's letters home if possible, but don't want to be disrespectful of the tragedy for this home town. BTW, my fav restaurant all time is Steve's Sizzling Steaks on Rt. 17.

I have a fair amount of information to offer about Southcentral KY in the war 1862 - 1864. Ambrose Burnside was here after Fredericksburg and apparently brought the N.J. 27th with him. The regiment played a critical role in this part of the western theatre. The poor roads and volatile rivers were basic necessities of transportation and supply. This was a major gateway to and from Middle and East Tennessee for both sides. This morning I went to Mill Springs National Cemetery and located the graves of the 6 named men and 13 'unknowns' from the disaster. All but 3 lie in adjacent plots marked by official govt. headstones noting N.J. I took photos of each headstone. I learned of the disaster by reviewing 1867-1911 internment records of the cemetery from NARA. All bodies were found in rough graves along the banks of the river and were reinterred at Mill Springs at the same time, probably the same day, in 1867. Records note the condition of the original graves with locations, such as '9 miles from Waitsboro down the river and 3 miles up river from Mill Springs opposite Simpson Ford'. You really need to understand the river and the rough terrain here to understand how the accident could have occurred and how the bodies were found and identified. The river has cut 100 ft. cliffs along it's path, a fordable stream in dry season, raging torrent in wet. So, there is a good chance that Eliakim Sanders is one of the unknowns. 2 other possibilities are that the body was not found or that an original grave was not found. The Cumberland was dammed downriver in the early 1950's to form Lake Cumberland. Camp Burnside, Camp Hoskins at Stigall's Ferry (Waitsboro) and the area around the Mill 13 miles from here towards Monticello, KY are under water now. I was very happy to find this site to answer what was a mystery to me about the deaths and would be happy to share what I know, re: troop movement, encampments, terrain, etc. Terry

Hello my name is Chandler Franks and my 1st Cousin 5x removed fought with 24th New Jersey Volunteer Co D from 16 Sep 1862 to 29 Jun 1863 when he mustered out. I am still getting all of his information but I have to say that I really like your guys page. I do reenactments with the 4th U.S Infantry Co C out here in Washington State. Hope to make it back east some time for a reenactment. Just keep doing what you guys are doing, - 2nd Sergeant Chandler Franks

My name is Jarlath MacNamara and I am a researcher here in Ireland, of the 19th Century Bandmaster , American and Irishman , P S Gilmore 1829-1892 and leader of the 22nd NY Regiment Band commonly called the Gilmore Band of NY. During the Civil War he was the most important Bandmaster of the period and recently a Radio Documentary was launched here in Ireland called "The Bandmaster" which was re-broadcast in NY on WNYE on June 2nd This can be listened to here on http://www.nyuirish.net/radiohour/ . Gilmore was one of the best known Irish of the period in America and I am asking have you any record of Gilmore's Band or indeed Gilmore himself performing to any of the Irish Regiments in NYC or Nationally . In addition I wish to inquire in regards the GAR , and their parades and indeed Banquets later on . I know that Gilmore was the Commander of GAR 452 in NY later renamed P S Gilmore GAR with permission from Washington DC GAR headquarters after his death in 1892. I attach my card which has a synopsis of his career on the reverse side of the card. Any suggestions that you have regarding this topic would be great or its research would be also wonderful

I have been trying to get all the info. that I can find regarding the Cumberland River Disaster. I am trying to confirm where Eliakim Sanders may be buried and if there is some kind of a memorial there. His wife, Jermina Sanders/Saunders is buried along with other family members in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Rockaway Boro, NJ. across from my grandparents Dodge. My Grandma Dodge is a granddaughter of Eliakim Sanders. My father did mention a little about all this, but they have passed on now, so it is wonderful to know that I can reach out to you all. I am truly impressed with your website, activity and dedication. Hope to visit you all sometime and see you at an event and the next ceremony on May 25, 2019 @ 1 PM for those men who perished in the river. It brings tears to my eyes. God bless you all..

Gooday, your website is great for the 27th New Jersey Vol Inf. My direct descendant, Captain George W. Crane, of Co. E was from Essex County, and his 7th Gen Grandfather was Jasper Crane, who founded Newark, with Robert Treat. I have been researching how many Crane's served in the civil war that descended from my 10th Gen grandfather, Jasper Crane. Thanks for keeping this history alive. James Crane Cincinnati, Ohio

Dear John & Pam: I hope you are happy and well and still doing the reenactments that you love so much! I sold last May (2014) and have temporarily moved to Hamburg. I understand the mill is again for sale and I hope someone buys it that loved it as much as some of us have. Is Pam still doing her "teas". She is so giving and has a beautiful heart - as you do. My email is caprosue@gmail.com if you would like to get in touch. Hope things are well with you both. Sue

I have researched the Irish Brigade for 30 years. If you Google Irish Brigade Robert McLernon you will find some of the things I have online dmna has a file I did "Irish Brigade ...It Rushed Into the Fight With Its Well-known Gallantry." The SUV is looking for the burial site of any Union Soldier. I am going through their 69th New York list for the third time. I maintain two burial lists for all five Irish Brigade regiments, one confirmed, the other not. I regret that I don't know a thing about the 27th NJ. The SUV will have a list for them. Sincerely Robert Mclernon

Hello, My name is Todd Pagel and I am an 8th grade Social Studies teacher at John Adams Middle School in Edison. A few of the Social Study teachers were wondering if it would be possible to have reenactor come to our school to speak to our children. Does your organization do something for schools? Please let me know your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you! Regards, Todd Pagel todd.pagel@edison.k12.nj.us

Dear Sir, I noticed on your calendar for this year that you are listed as attending our Christmas in July event July 24, 25 and 26th. Can you please confirm that you will be attending? I was trying to get in touch with you and was hoping and praying that you would attend this year. We love when you set up camp and attend all 3 days and share your love of living history with the visitors and members of the Chinkchewunska Chapter DAR. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you so much. Bonnie Matthews, Chapter Regent 201-874-1428 (cell) bmatthews2564@hotmail.com