9th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry

9th Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry
New Jersey state flag
Active	October 1861 to July 1865
Country	United States
Allegiance	Union
Branch	Army
Type	Infantry
Equipment	Springfield rifle muskets
Engagements	Roanoke Island, New Bern, Fort Macon, Deep Creek, Kinston, Walthall, Drewry's Bluff, Cold Harbor, Siege of Petersburg, Wyse Fork, garrison duty at Goldsboro
Commanders
Notable commanders	Colonel Joseph W. Allen, Charles A. Heckman, Colonel Adam Zabriskie, Colonel James Stewart, Jr.

The Ninth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry (also called Jersey Muskrats) was an American Civil War infantry regiment from New Jersey that served from October 1861 through July 1865 in the Union Army. The regiment got its nickname, Jersey Muskrats, during the Battle of Roanoke Island when they successfully "sloshed through shoe sucking mud into waist deep water in 'division' formation", giving the regiment a two company front flanking the enemy. The regiment was the last to leave the state in 1861 but the first to see battle.

The 9th took part in the Burnside Expedition into North Carolina. The regiment remained in North Carolina with the occupation force until early 1864 when the first enlistment was up. In January 1864 the regiment went back to New Jersey where more than 50% of those whose three-year term was about to expire reenlisted. This allowed the regiment to add "Veteran" to the name, a mark of distinction for the men. Those who reenlisted for three more years were given a 30-day veteran furlough. The regiment then moved into Virginia leading to the Siege of Petersburg. The 9th was then transferred back to North Carolina for garrison duty for the remainder of the war.

The 9th was raised as a regiment of riflemen with broadsides posted throughout the state during September 1861 for 'sharp shooters', men who could show proficiency with a rifle. Recruiting started in September but the first muster occurred on 5 October at Camp Olden near Trenton. The camp was named for the governor of New Jersey, Charles Smith Olden. The regiment's nickname was the Jersey Muskrats.

The regiment was issued new Springfield rifle muskets (possibly the Springfield Model 1861) in late November after being issued smoothbore muskets. The men, recruited as sharp shooters, protested and Governor Olden made a special request to get the best weapon available to men.

Key training dates:

The 9th moved out of Camp Olden on 4 December for Washington DC to join the Union Army. The regiment participated in the North Carolina Expedition (also called the Burnside Expedition) into Roanoke Island, North Carolina commanded by Ambrose Burnside.