During the operations about Pensacola narrated in the previous chapter, the organization of troops continued throughout the State. Simultaneous with the formation of the First Florida regiment there was a gathering of the clans from all quarters; company after company organizing and forming into battalions of infantry to be eventually consolidated into regiments and brigades. Before the expiration of two years after the State had seceded, there were eight infantry and two cavalry regiments, besides independent companies enough to form two regiments of infantry that had been ordered by the secretary of war to other States, where they remained in active service until the close of the war. When the armies of Lee and Johnston surrendered the survivors of thousands of Florida's valiant sons were paroled who, through all the battles of the army of Tennessee and in all the Virginia campaigns after the first battle of Manassas, had fought with a gallantry and unfaltering fidelity that will ever reflect luster upon their State's proud roll of honor.

On account of the heavy demand for troops made by the war department, the State forces were comparatively weak for the protection of her territory with its extended line of seacoast. From accounts given by veterans who were identified with these forces we learn that they consisted of one battalion of cavalry, eight companies of independent cavalry, two battalions of infantry, three independent companies of infantry and two artillery companies. The aggregate was not more than 1,800 effective men, scarcely one man to every mile of coast exposed to the power of the enemy.

The second regimental organization of infantry, designed for service in Virginia, was begun early in April, 1861, soon making up the complement of ten companies which were destined to win a name and fame for their State on the fields of the Old Dominion. The Second infantry went into encampment near the Brick church, about a mile from Jacksonville, almost exactly where La Villa junction now stands, until the 13th of July, 1861, when they were mustered into the Confederate States service by Maj. Wm. T. Stockton. On Monday, the 15th of July, they left Jacksonville by rail for Virginia, arriving in Richmond on Sunday afternoon, the memorable 21st of July, just as the wires were flashing the news of the great victory achieved by the Confederates at Manassas.

Next in readiness for service was the Third Florida regiment of infantry, organized early in August, 1861, under a call from President Davis for two additional regiments to assist in the defense of the Florida coast. It was composed of ten companies of the most prominent citizens from counties in south, east, middle and west Florida, some of them having formed part of the volunteer militia of the State before the war. Among them were the Jacksonville Light infantry, St. Augustine Blues and Jefferson Rifles. Others of the companies had been organized under the State law after the war became imminent, and many of them had been called out for temporary service before they were accepted to be mustered in as a part of the provisional army of the Confederate States. For this latter purpose they were rendezvoused on Amelia island, except the companies from Duval and St. John's, which were on duty in their own counties. The regiment saw little active service during the first year of its organization, but a great deal of hard labor was performed by them and other volunteer troops in throwing up sand batteries on Amelia and Talbot islands, and thus strengthening the eastern part of the State. But one skirmish was had with the enemy in that section, which resulted in the loss of their noble lieutenant, Thomas Strange, a veteran of the Mexican war and a gallant and efficient officer. He had been sent with a small reconnoitering party to the vicinity of Jacksonville, and was killed after capturing a Federal post. The two Jefferson companies, under Capt. D. B. Bird, were ordered during the winter of 1861-62 to New Smyrna, to protect the government stores which were brought into Halifax river from Nassau.

On March 26, 1862, a detachment made up mostly from these two companies, while on duty at the beach on Amelia island, under Captain Strain, who had succeeded Captain Girardeau in command of Company H, attacked some launches which were attempting to land from the blockading fleet to destroy our stores. The fight resulted in the loss of several of the boats, and most of the occupants were killed, wounded or captured. After the evacuation of Fernandina the companies not engaged in the Smyrna expedition were stationed at Cedar Keys, where, by their experience in the hardships and discipline of camp life, they were prepared for the arduous service which awaited them later in the war when assigned to duty in the army of Tennessee. During the operations of this command in Florida, the field officers were Wm. S. Dilworth, colonel; Arthur T. Wright, lieutenant-colonel; and Lucius S. Church, major. Colonel Dilworth had enlisted as a private in the Jefferson Beauregards, Lieutenant Colonel Wright had been in command of the Columbia and Suwannee Guards, and Major Church was a lieutenant in the Madison Grey Eagles.

Early in the spring of 1861 ten more companies of volunteers were organized as the Fourth Florida regiment of infantry, and at once assigned to duty in the State, where they showed a devotion and daring that entitled them to the highest commendation. Company F, Captain Williams, from Bradford county, was sent to Cedar Keys in June, where Company C, of the Second Florida, under Capt. Walter R. Moore, was stationed. On the 4th of July, 1861, details from these two companies went aboard the steamer Madison to make an attack on certain vessels lying out in the gulf, and captured three schooners. Companies D, E and K of the regiment were stationed on the coast of Tampa bay, a very isolated and unprotected part of the country, having no railroad communication with the interior of the State; Companies B, C and I at St. Marks, a very important fishing point and port for shipping lumber and other stores; Company F at Cedar Keys, and H and G at Fernandina until the evacuation of that place in March, 1862, when they were ordered to Camp Langford in the vicinity of Jacksonville. The enemy having landed at Jacksonville soon after the occupation of Fernandina by the Federal forces about the 12th of March, on the night of the 24th Lieutenant Strange of Company H, and C. H. Ross and Frank Ross of Company 1, Third Florida regiment, with ten volunteers, attacked the Federal picket at the Brick Church, killing four and capturing three. In this skirmish Lieutenant Strange was mortally wounded. Soon after this event the Fourth Florida was ordered to Corinth, Miss.

While these organizations of infantry were being effected, other volunteer companies were formed of men who desired to enlist in another and very essential branch of the service in a country so open to invasion, and they were soon ready to be united into independent battalions and regiments of cavalry. In a State whose line of seacoast, washed by the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, was more than 1,200 miles in extent—with no gunboats and cruisers to protect her seaport towns, neither adequate shore batteries—the defense of the territory required great skill and sagacity in the disposition of our military forces at or near these exposed points and great activity in the troops, and for this purpose our cavalry was especially fitted, as they could bear up better under long marches through forests and swamps than the infantry.

During the latter part of the terrible conflict they were a great bulwark of protection to our homes from large invading forces that would attempt to march into the interior. Constantly were they on the alert, continuously engaged in scouting and skirmishing, bearing a valuable part in the defense of the most important sections of the State, moving with a rapidity and accuracy which seemed incredible to the enemy. Many of their brilliant exploits are vividly remembered with a thrill of pride: such as their defeat and capture of large bodies of infantry, cavalry and artillery, and their occasional capture of posts on the east side of the St. John's river, which portion of the State had been in possession of the Federals since our evacuation of Fernandina and St. John's bluff.

The companies forming the First Florida cavalry, commanded by Col. G. W. M. Davis at its first organization, were encamped for several months at Camp Davis, about six miles from Tallahassee, performing all the duties necessary for military training, by which discipline they were admirably fitted for the perilous services assigned to them in the army of Tennessee, where they were distinguished for their intrepid gallantry and fortitude in the battles of Richmond, Perryville, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. After the abandonment of the coast defenses early in 1862, several gunboats passed the fortifications at the mouth of the St. John's river and Yellow bluff, anchored in front of Jacksonville and landed a considerable force. Colonel Davis was ordered to send a detachment of his cavalry to Camp Langford, near the city, to aid in meeting this emergency. He sent Lieut.-Col. George Troupe Maxwell, with the greater part of the regiment, to take part in the anticipated conflict. They were soon on the line of march for the first time to meet the invaders of Florida soil. On their arrival scouts were sent out to reconnoiter, who reported that a strong picket-guard was stationed at the Brick church. A small command under Lieutenant Strange of the Third Florida was ordered to capture the guard, if possible without bloodshed. Thus began the first encounter in which this regiment engaged. The Federal picket guard, though about half our number, wounded several of our men before they gave up the post. It was in this engagement that Lieutenant Strange was mortally wounded. Soon after the enemy retired to the gunboats and Jacksonville was evacuated. It would have been of no advantage to the Confederates to occupy the town, as the gunboats could have at any time shelled the place and destroyed many homes of helpless citizens who were unable to leave. The regiment soon returned to its encampment near Tallahassee, remaining there a short time, when it was ordered to Chattanooga to join the army of Tennessee under Gen. Braxton Bragg.

The Second Florida cavalry, made up of prominent citizens from all parts of the State, was not organized into a regiment until after the evacuation of Fernandina. As independent companies they had been doing valuable service in defense of the middle, western and eastern portions of the State. Prominent among the squadrons operating in west and middle Florida, supporting Dunham's, Abel's and Gamble's artillery, was Col. George W. Scott's battalion. Two companies had been detached and assigned to duty on the west side of the Chattahoochee river to protect the country lying between that point and Pensacola from raiding expeditions. Independent companies under Captains Thigpen, Smith, Blocker, Milton, with Partridge's, Leigh's, Smith's, Turner's and Pickett's independent cavalry, assisted by several other independent companies, were employed for the protection of other important points lying on the west side of the Suwannee river. The counties lying between and beyond these rivers possessed great productive capacity, and the character of their supplies made them of inestimable value to the State and to the Confederacy; there. fore the occupation of this territory was greatly desired by the enemy, and only by a judicious disposition of our forces could there be any security against the advance of raiding parties guided by deserters who were familiar with the country round. Many important points on the Gulf coast, Pensacola, Apalachicola, St. Joseph's and St. Andrew's bays, were blockaded and unprotected.

On the west side of the Chattahoochee river our forces, though comparatively small for the duty required, were able to keep the enemy at bay for a long period, no demonstrations being made to call them into any serious conflict with the Federal troops, then in safe possession of Pensacola, the most valuable stronghold on the extreme western coast.

Dunham's battery, which had been received into the service in March, 1862, and was at this time stationed near the Chattahoochee river, prevented the enemy from ascending the river to effect a landing, but as soon as the water fell in the Apalachicola river so low as to prevent its navigation, the battery was removed to the St. John's river, where the enemy was in large force, and used to cover the erection of a battery on St. John's bluff, five miles from the bar, to prevent the enemy ascending the river higher than that point. This movement was successfully accomplished and the enemy repulsed after four hours hard fighting, the Confederates holding for a time possession of the river from that point up. Captain Dunham, by his admirable management of his splendid battery, performed an important part in the engagement.

Gen. William A. Owens, who had some years previous moved from South Carolina, and was an honored citizen of Marion county and one of the largest planters in the State, organized in 1861> the first volunteer independent company of cavalry in Marion county, known as the Marion Dragoons, composed of material not surpassed in any part of the Confederate States. Their personnel was so superb, their horsemanship so splendid, and their equipments of such superior quality, that Gen. R. E. Lee, while on a visit of inspection to the troops and fortifications on the island of Fernandina, paid them a high compliment, saying that they were the finest looking and most superbly mounted company he had seen, not excepting the Black Horse cavalry of Virginia. This command was enrolled in the Confederate States army and assigned to duty in the summer of 1861 at Fernandina. The officers in command were Wm. A. Owens, captain; Wm. C. Chambers, first lieutenant; Samuel Ross, second lieutenant; and A. McCormick, third lieutenant. The company remained on duty until the evacuation of the island. Owing to impaired health Captain Owens resigned the command and retired to his plantation home to begin another work essential to the well-being of a community: devoting his time and energies to the material support of the cause, the protection of the neighborhoods around, and caring for the helpless families whose protectors were in the field. His nobly generous soul ever cherished a patriotic pride in the career of the gallant men who had once formed his military family, and who were greatly endeared to him by the warm friendship existing and their high estimate of him as a true patriot and noble gentleman. The Dragoons, after the resignation of their beloved commander, were divided into two companies, Lieutenant Chambers being appointed captain of one command and Lieutenant Rou captain of the other. By this arrangement there were nine independent companies of cavalry, and the tenth was formed by special order of General Finegan, authorizing Capt. J. J. Dickison to raise a company of cavalry to make up the complement for a regiment to be mustered into the Confederate States army for three years or the war, as the Second Florida regiment of cavalry.

Some time previous to this, Maj. J. J. Dickison, a citizen of Marion county, fitted for cavalry service as a staff officer of General Hardee while a citizen of South Carolina, had engaged in recruiting soldiers for independent cavalry service in the Confederate army. Before his company was complete a proposition was made by Capt. J. M. Martin, a graduate of the Charleston military school, who preferred artillery service, that the company be changed to artillery. This was agreed to, provided he would accept the position of captain, to which proposal he assented It was then organized at Ocala as the Marion Light Artillery, with John M. Martin, captain; J. J. Dickison, first lieutenant; R P. McCants, second lieutenant, and Wm. Tidwell, third lieutenant.

On the 4th of November, 1861, the company was ordered by Governor Milton to Fernandina, and instructed to call on Col. D. P. Holland for the battery of field pieces in his possession belonging to the State of Florida, with all its equipment, and to report to Brigadier-General Trapier, commanding district of Florida. In the absence of Captain Martin, Lieutenant Dickison reported the command to Col. Charles Hopkins, then in command of the post, and was received by him into the Confederate States army. On the 21st of November Lieutenant Dickison reported first and second lieutenants present with 6 non-commissioned officers, 45 privates and 26 horses, with certainty of 29 additional privates with the requisite number of horses, the remaining officers to arrive in a few days with a roll of 106 men. He was then ordered by Colonel Dilworth, commanding the department, to make requisition on the quartermaster and commissary, the company having been received into the Confederate service as field artillery and attached to the Third regiment of Florida volunteers.

The company remained on Amelia island about five months. On the concentration of the enemy's gunboats in good view of the island, General Trapier deemed it advisable to remove his forces to the mainland, as our defensive works, consisting mostly of sand batteries, were not impregnable. During the evacuation of the island the gunboats came up and shelled the trains as they were moving freighted with our troops and many citizens who sought refuge in the interior. The only casualties were the killing of two worthy and prominent citizens. As couriers were continually coming in with reports that the enemy were landing, the artillery was kept ready for any emergency and was ordered from place to place to intercept the invaders. For a short time this command encamped near the St. Mary's river and thence were ordered to Sanderson, where, from the unprecedented severity of the weather, they suffered privation and much sickness, which resulted in several deaths from measles and pneumonia. From this point they were ordered to Camp Langford, thence to Three-mile branch in the vicinity of Jacksonville, where they remained faithful sentinels on the outpost until the latter part of May, at which time the company was reorganized.

In June, 1862, a telegram was received from the war department ordering Captain Martin to proceed to Dalton in supporting distance of Chattanooga. On their arrival they did not long remain inactive, being soon ordered to join Gen. Kirby Smith, and doing most effective service in their first and most important fight at Richmond, Ky. On this memorable occasion the gallant and heroic Martin was seriously and at the time feared to be mortally wounded. Our brave Johnson, Tidwell, Boring and Holshouser were killed early in the engagement, nobly displaying the valor and chivalry of men devoted to a sacred cause. At this battle, the Marion light artillery was the only corps from Florida present, and was placed in a most conspicuous position. Gen. Kirby Smith briefly addressed them just as the fight commenced, and in his own eloquent manner appealed to the corps to maintain the honor of their State in the coming fight, and nobly did they respond to the appeal. The battery was immediately moved forward into the hottest part of the battle, and by its efficiency contributed in no small degree to the glorious achievements of that memorable day.

On recovering from his wound, Captain Martin returned to his command in the West and remained at his post until elected a member of Congress. After serving two terms he desired to engage again in active service in the field and was assigned to duty in Florida, with a command of six independent companies of infantry, which were eventually consolidated into the Ninth Florida regiment and ordered to Virginia, where they were destined to pass through many sanguinary conflicts, coming forth from their baptism of fire and blood with all the honor and distinction that could be desired by the Confederate soldier—the highest type of a patriot in arms.

At the reorganization of the Marion light artillery Lieutenant Dickison, preferring cavalry service, withdrew from the command, and it was then that he received the order, previously mentioned, from General Finegan, to raise a cavalry company to complete the Second Florida cavalry regiment, to be mustered into the Confederate State's service for three years or for the war. The new company which he formed was composed of citizens from the counties of Marion, Alachua, St. John, Putnam, Bradford, Duval, Columbia, Clay, Volusia, Sumter, Hillsboro, Nassau and Madison. It was organized in August, 1862, at Flotard pond and mustered in by Maj. R. B. Thomas, adjutant and inspector-general on General Finegan's staff, electing as its officers J. J. Dickison, captain; W. H. McCardell, first lieutenant; D. S. Brantly, second lieutenant; M. J. McEaddy, third lieutenant; with 5 sergeants, 4 corporals and 63 privates. During the period 1862-63 the roll was increased to 70 privates and changes made in rank of officers. Dr. J. A. Williams held the position of surgeon until the close of the war. From Flotard pond they moved to Gainesville, remaining there a week, procuring arms and ammunition, the horses being private property; thence to Jacksonville, where they did picket and other duty for several weeks, and later were ordered to Yellow bluff, and thence to Camp Finegan.

After the enemy began demonstrations on the St. John's the command was ordered to Palatka, 75 miles from Jacksonville. While on the march they captured a large number of negroes who were endeavoring to escape to the enemy, and by this timely capture discovered a plot which had been set on foot to drain that part of the country of slaves. They also captured a number of deserters. A small scouting party was sent from Palatka in the direction of St. Augustine, where they captured 1 lieutenant, 2 non-commissioned officers and 2 privates. Information being received that the Federal troops were in the habit of visiting at the Fairbank place, about one and a half miles from St. Augustine, Captain Dickison crossed the San Sebastian river early in October, 1862, and proceeded to the point where it was expected the enemy would appear. They did not come out in usual force or at the usual time. Six companies, about 350 strong, had crossed the San Sebastian river four miles below the point at which our forces had crossed, to capture our wagon train and cut off the escape of our forces. A detachment of our command held them in check until the train was drawn off, when Captain Dickison came up with his detachment and captured their rear guard of 1 officer and 26 men. The enemy held their position for several hours, then fell back in the direction of St. Augustine, without doing any injury to the Confederates, 43 in number, who had so gallantly repulsed them. The next night our command returned to Palatka and was ordered to Jacksonville where they engaged in several hot skirmishes. Soon afterward being sent back to Palatka, they engaged the transport Mary Benton, with 500 negro troops under Lieutenant-Colonel Billings, March 27, 1863. This officer was wounded and about 75 killed and wounded, without loss on our side. The following day Jacksonville was evacuated. For several months afterward the company guarded all the country from St. Augustine to Smyrna. This duty being too heavy the command was reinforced by Company C, Capt. Wm. C. Chambers, and did good work protecting the landing of supplies from our blockade runners.

In the meantime the enemy's gunboats were concentrating in the St. John's river, and the Confederates, having neither naval forces nor batteries at the time on the river, could make no resistance. Jacksonville was in possession of the enemy, affording opportunity to land at pleasure a large army. Fernandina was held by them, a valuable stronghold, where they could concentrate troops and at any time advance with a force of 15,000 to 20,000 troops into the heart of the country, our forces having been greatly depleted by the call of troops to Virginia and the western army.

In the winter of 1863 Captain Dickison was ordered to Fort Meade to act in concert with Colonel Brevard, who was sent to take command of a battalion near that point as the enemy was in considerable force in the neighborhood of Fort Myers. At this critical time the enemy, learning of the scattered state of our troops and being strongly fortified by reinforcements from Hilton Head, made rapid preparations for an invasion of the State, anticipating an easy capture of Lake City, a permanent occupation of that region and a triumphant march on to Tallahassee, the capital, where they could be in communication with the Federal forces at the Gulf ports. With such co-operation the whole State would be occupied by the Federal army.

Before reaching Fort Meade Colonel Brevard was ordered to return with his troops, in anticipation of the battle of Olustee. After a march day and night of 575 miles with little rest, they were too late by twelve hours to take part in the battle.

A frightful disaster which signalized the spring of 1863 in west Florida was the explosion of the boilers of the gunboat Chattahoochee. This vessel, carrying six guns, had been built for the protection of the river whose name she bore, and at the time of the accident was lying at anchor 25 miles above Apalachicola. On May 30th Commander John J. Guthrie was informed that nine Federal launches had come up the river and captured the schooner Fashion, loading with cotton, and he immediately ordered steam up to go to the assistance of the schooner. In a few moments the boilers of the gunboat exploded, sinking the vessel, killing 16 persons and severely scalding many others. Among those who lost their lives was Midshipman Mallory, who had distinguished himself by pushing his way first aboard the frigate Congress at Hampton Roads, after she had struck her colors to the Virginia. The guns of the Chattahoochee were taken off and mounted in battery on the shore, and reinforcements being sent down by General Cobb, then in command in that district, the enemy was prevented from taking advantage of the disaster. In a short time the gunboat was raised and repaired so that she was of service thereafter in defending the river.

In the winter of 1863-64 Florida was an inviting field to Federal aggression. The few Confederate troops left in the State were scattered over the vast extent of territory they gallantly sought to defend, and it appeared that a strong body of Federal soldiers could with little opposition advance into the center of the heart of the State, expel the regularly constituted authorities from the capital, and organize a quasi-State government which should recognize the supremacy of the United States. In a letter to General Gilmore, commanding on the coast, dated January 13, 1864, President Lincoln authorized such a proceeding on the ground that an effort is being made by some worthy gentlemen to reconstruct a loyal State government in Florida, and he sent his private secretary, Mr. John Hay, with some blank books and other blanks to aid in the reconstruction. Accordingly General Gilmore, on February 5th, ordered Gen. Truman Seymour to proceed with a division of troops from Hilton Head to Jacksonville. Admiral Dahlgren sailed with a squadron of five gunboats to escort the transports, and the expedition of about 7,000 men, including cavalry, infantry and artillery, was landed at Jacksonville on February 7, 1864. On the receipt of this intelligence, General Finegan, then in command of the forces, immediately notified Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, who had an effective force of near 350 men of all arms at Camp Finegan, to guard against a surprise.

On the night of the 8th, General Finegan reported,

the enemy advanced from Jacksonville with great rapidity in three columns, cavalry in the advance, artillery and infantry following, under command of Brigadier-General Seymour. They approached Camp Finegan as the command there were in the act of retiring. Their largely superior numbers deterred Lieutenant-Colonel Mc-Cormick from attacking them, and in the darkness of the night he withdrew his command with caution and address and joined me at Camp Beauregard, near Ocean pond on the Olustee, on the 13th inst. The enemy with celerity pressed on to Baldwin, capturing on the way five guns of Companies A and B, Milton light artillery, which had been ordered to Baldwin. They remained at Baldwin a short time, continuing their march on to Barber's the same night. At this point they were met by two companies of cavalry under Maj. Robert Harrison, Second Florida cavalry, whom I had ordered to join me, and who with much gallantry checked their progress for several hours at St. Mary's crossing with but small loss to us and a considerable loss to the enemy. On the 9th I removed all the government stores from Sanderson except 1,500 bushels of corn, which was burned under my orders.

On the 10th the enemy reached Sanderson. On the 11th they were within 3 miles of Lake City. Here I had hastily collected, principally from the district of middle Florida, a small force of 490 infantry, 110 cavalry and two pieces of artillery. On the night of the 10th I placed this force in a favorable position two and a half miles from Lake City, in the direction of the enemy. At 9:30 the enemy advanced upon us with a force estimated to be 1,400 mounted infantry and five pieces of artillery. Here they opened upon us, fighting as infantry, and skirmished heavily with my advance line. Discovering my position and its strength and probably presuming my force larger than it was, they retreated to Sanderson, thence to Barber's on the east side of the St. Mary's river, where they constructed field works and concentrated their whole force for a final movement on Lake City. In the meantime I used every possible effort to gather reinforcements, and on the 13th moved to Ocean Pond on Olustee.

On the 13th General Finegan reported that the cavalry command of Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, which was charged upon by the enemy and dispersed at Camp Finegan on the night of the 8th inst., had nearly all reached him. He also said:

This expedition is really formidable, and, organized as it is with so large a force of cavalry or mounted infantry, threatens disastrous results unless checked at once by a sufficient force. They are now fortifying Baldwin and a position on the St. Mary's river. I should have more cavalry to prevent their superior mounted force from making raids into the rich counties of Alachua and Marion and destroying the large amount of sugar and syrup which has not yet been sent to market. The supply of beef will now be suspended until the enemy has been driven out. I am intrenched at the Olustee to-night, and have about 1,800 infantry, 450 cavalry, and two batteries and one section of artillery. It is hardly prudent to move forward against so large a cavalry force, which can operate by forced marches in the night on my line of communication and perhaps cut me off from middle Florida by making a detour through the country and a sudden descent on the bridge over the Suwannee, where I have but 30 men. I will act cautiously until the plans of the enemy are more fully developed. They are piloted by traitors familiar with every portion of the country, and, knowing the position and strength of my command, the whole district will be ruined unless timely reinforcements are sent forward. Their cavalry and artillery are at this time at Sanderson, 10 miles from Olustee, and their infantry about 5 miles in the rear. They credit me with a much larger force than I have. At Lake City they skirmished heavily with my forces for several hours, till they discovered my works and artillery, when they withdrew and retreated to Sanderson. I was not in a position to follow.

After the main body of the Federal force had reached Barber's plantation, the advance was delayed for want of transportation. General Gilmore, who had accompanied the expedition, returned from Baldwin to Jacksonville and thence sailed for Hilton Head, where he issued a proclamation, announcing that he had occupied Florida, and calling on the people of the State to take the oath of allegiance to the United States. Before leaving he instructed Seymour to hold Baldwin and the south fork of the St. Mary's as his outposts from Jacksonville, and occupy Palatka and Magnolia, on the St. John's. But on the 7th, Seymour informed him that he was advancing toward the Suwannee river, though without supplies. Gilmore answered hastily, complaining that Seymour was not following instructions and repeating that the objects of the Florida expedition were as follows: First, to bring Florida into the Union; second, to revive the trade on the St. John's river; third, to recruit the negro regiments and organize a regiment of Florida white troops; fourth, to cut off in part the Confederate supplies drawn from Florida. On the morning of February 20th, General Seymour moved out from Barberjs, with all the disposable force at his control, with the intention, he afterward reported, of meeting the enemy at or near Lake City, and of then pushing the mounted force to the Suwannee river, to destroy if possible the railroad bridge at that stream.

By the 13th of February there was concentrated near Lake City a Confederate force of 4,600 infantry, 600 cavalry and three field batteries, 12 guns. This force was organized into two brigades. The First brigade, Col. A. H. Colquitt, included the Sixth, Nineteenth, Twenty-third, Twenty-seventh and Twenty-eighth Georgia regiments; the Sixth Florida battalion and the Chatham battery of Georgia artillery. The Second brigade was composed of the Thirty-second and Sixty-fourth Georgia volunteers, First regiment Georgia regulars, First Florida battalion, Bonaud's battalion infantry and Guerard's light battery, Col. George P. Harrison commanding the brigade. The cavalry was commanded by Col. Caraway Smith, and the Florida light artillery was unattached, in reserve.

General Finegan encamped his little army on a line between Ocean pond and a cypress pond, a position which met the approval of Lieut. M. B. Grant, who was sent from Savannah to act as engineer officer of the command. The country along the line of the railroad east of the Suwannee is exceedingly low and flat, with such streams as would be of little assistance to a defense. The position selected by General Finegan was, in fact, according to the engineer the only point offering any advantages whatever between Lake City and the south prong of the St. Mary's, the latter being in possession of the enemy. Before the arrival of Lieutenant Grant two small works had been thrown up under direction of Major Bonaud, Second Florida battalion. The left of the line rested upon Ocean pond, a sheet of water some four miles by two, while in front of the line and to the left of the railroad was an open pond, averaging 250 yards in width, extending to within 300 yards of Ocean pond. To the right of the railroad and at an average distance of 400 yards in advance of the line there extended a thick bay, impassable except within 200 yards on the right of the railroad. Intervening between this bay and our line was an open field over which the enemy would have to advance in approaching the works. Major Clarke, of the engineer corps, arrived, and the fortification of this strong line continued under his direction until the 20th, when the battle was brought on unexpectedly in advance of the fortified line. The enemy advanced that morning early, in two columns, one by the railroad and the other by the Lake City and Jacksonville road, and they pushed forward rapidly, supposing they had only to contend with the forces they had previously met, and unaware of the reinforcements concentrated at Olustee.

As soon as General Finegan was advised of this movement he sent forward Colonel Caraway with the cavalry, who found the enemy three or four miles east of the Confederate position, and reporting that fact engaged in skirmishing with the Federal advance guard. Col. George P. Harrison, commanding the Second brigade, was then instructed to send forward the Sixty-fourth Georgia and two Companies of the Thirty-second, and these troops, going forward from the intrenchments at noon, were instructed to engage the enemy lightly and fall back with a view of drawing him to the works. Next, Colquitt was ordered forward to support the cavalry and infantry, and next the remainder of Harrison's brigade. Thus the battle was brought on some distance to the east of the line selected for defense. Said Colonel Harrison in his report:

I had scarcely put my command in the double-quick when the report of artillery in my front indicated that the fight had opened. Quickening our pace we moved on until within a few hundred yards of the place where the road we were upon crossed the railroad. Here I halted for a moment, but observing General Colquitt forming his line, and seeing the position across the railroad of the enemy, then sweeping the front of my column with a battery in position near the cross-roads, I moved to the left in double-quick, crossed the railroad and formed line of battle upon the left of that just established by General Colquitt. About this time the action became general. Being now at long range I advanced in conjunction with the right of the line to within about 200 yards of the enemy, who stubbornly stood his ground. In about this position the field was hotly contested by both parties for about an hour, when the enemy gave way slowly before the close pressure of our gallant men; but soon a new line of the enemy appeared and our advance was checked. His resistance now seemed more stubborn than before for more than twenty minutes, when the enemy sullenly gave back a little, apparently to seek a better, position, but still held us at bay. Now the results of the day seemed doubtful. It was whispered down the line, particularly in the Sixth and Thirtysec-ond Georgia regiments, that our ammunition was failing and no ordnance train in sight. This I immediately reported to General Colquitt, who urged that we hold our ground, stating that ammunition would certainly reach us directly. This, I am proud to say, was heroically complied with by my command, many of them for fifteen or twenty minutes standing their ground without a round of ammunition. Seeing the critical position of affairs I dismounted, placed one of my staff whose horse had been disabled upon mine, and he, with the remainder of my staff and couriers, was employed in conveying ammunition from a train of cars some half mile or more distant. By several trips they succeeded in supplying sufficient ammunition to our line to enable the reopening of a rapid and effective fire, before which the enemy had commenced to retire slowly, still keeping up his fire upon us, when the First Florida battalion, under command of Lieut.-Col. C. F. Hopkins, and a section of Guerard's battery, under Lieut. W. Robert Gignilliat, arrived from the intrenchments. I at once ordered the former to the support of the Sixty-fourth Georgia, whose ammunition was nearly exhausted, and the latter to take position and open fire near the left center. These reinforcements, together with some that arrived upon the right, served to embolden our men and intimidate the enemy, for their retreat now became more hurried and their fire less rapid and effective. Under instruction from General Colquitt I now threw forward the Sixth and Thirtyond Georgia to flank the enemy upon their right, which movement succeeded admirably, for soon their right was exposed to a cross fire, which told upon their ranks with fine effect. A general advance of our line now drove the enemy, who retreated, at first sullenly, but now precipitately, before our victorious arms for some miles, when night came on, and by order of General Colquitt we ceased firing and our line halted.

Colonel Caraway Smith, commanding cavalry, gave the following account of the service of his troops;

On the morning of the 20th, it being reported that the enemy were advancing from the direction of Sanderson, I received orders from the brigadier-general commanding to advance and meet them for the purpose of ascertaining their position and number. I accordingly moved out with all the cavalry force then available, which consisted of 250 men, Fourth Georgia cavalry, Colonel Clinch commanding, and 202 men of the Second Florida cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick. I discovered the enemy about four miles distant from our encampment, occupying in force the second crossing of the railroad from Olustee. I reported the fact to you immediately and directed Colonel Clinch to advance a body of skirmishers from his regiment to attack the enemy's pickets, which he did promptly and was pushing the attack earnestly when they were met by a much larger force from the enemy, which compelled them to retire to their horses. This they did in good order. The enemy then moved forward with his whole force, skirmishing on our rear, which we resisted with our rear guard, keeping him in check, while the cavalry retired in line and in perfect order. This skirmishing was kept up until we reached the first crossing of the railroad from Olustee. There I found our infantry and artillery under the command of Brigadier-General Colquitt, from whom I received orders to dispose of the cavalry on the right and left wings of our army, to prevent any flank movement of the enemy. I accordingly ordered Colonel Clinch to occupy the left with his regiment and Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick with the Second Florida cavalry to take position on the right. Early in the action Colonel Clinch received a severe wound in the leg which made it necessary for him to retire from the field and the command of his regiment then devolved upon Captain Brown, who kept an efficient guard on the left flank while Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick protected the right. On two occasions I discovered that the enemy was attempting to cross the railroad on the right of our infantry, evidently for the purpose of turning that wing, when I directed Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick to dismount a portion of his regiment and drive him back, which he did effectually. Thus by the vigilance of the cavalry on the right and left, the enemy was prevented from deploying his large force so as to turn either flank. The Fifth Florida cavalry battalion, commanded by Maj. G. W. Scott, was not brought upon the field until late in the evening, in consequence of the jaded condition of the men and horses from hard service for the twenty hours preceding. He, however, joined Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick on the right, about the middle of the contest, and rendered him prompt assistance. The fight terminating at night and our infantry lines not being perceptible to me through the woods, and the face of the country being cut up by swamps, making it very favorable for ambushing under cover of night, I deemed it inadvisable to push forward with the whole cavalry force until further information could be had of the position of affairs. In addition to this, after the order to move forward was being executed, another order was received to the effect that we were getting under the fire of our men and also that I should beware of an ambush. I attached the more importance to this order because it had already been discovered that a large body of the enemy's cavalry were resting on the opposite side of a swamp from us. The cavalry, however, as soon as possible followed up the enemy and gathered a number of prisoners, amounting to about 150. In addition to this, several prisoners were taken by Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick and Major Scott while protecting the right flank.

I have to report that Colonel Clinch and three men of the Fourth Georgia cavalry were wounded. One of the wounded men is missing and supposed to be dead. It is due to the companies of Captains Stephens and Maxwell, of the Second Florida cavalry, to state that the conduct of the men and officers while acting as the rear guard of the cavalry, as we were falling back before the enemy, was highly satisfactory. They behaved with the coolness and deliberation of veterans.

Brig.-Gen. Alfred H. Colquitt, commanding First brigade, in his account of the battle, said:

Intelligence having been received of the approach of the enemy, I was instructed to take three regiments of my own brigade, with a section of Gamble's artillery, and proceed to the front and assume command of all the forces which had preceded me, consisting of two regiments of cavalry under command of Colonel Smith; the Sixty-fourth Georgia regiment and two companies of the Thirty-second Georgia. Subsequently other troops were sent forward and I was directed to call for such reinforcements as might be needed. About two miles from Olustee station I found the enemy advancing rapidly and our cavalry retiring before them. I threw forward a party of skirmishers and hastily formed line of battle under a brisk fire from the enemy's advance. The Nineteenth Georgia was placed on the right and the Twenty-eighth Georgia on the left, with a section of Captain Gamble's artillery in the center. The Sixty-fourth and the two companies of the Thirty-second were formed on the left of the Twenty-eighth and the Sixth Georgia regiment was sent still farther to the left to prevent a flank movement in that direction. Instructions were sent to Colonel Smith, commanding cavalry, to place his regiments on the extreme flanks and to guard against any movement of the enemy from either side.

The line of infantry was then ordered to advance, which was gallantly done, the enemy contesting the ground and giving way slowly. Perceiving that the enemy were in strong force, I sent back for reinforcements and a fresh supply of ammunition. The Sixth Florida battalion and Twenty-third Georgia regiment soon arrived for my support. The Florida battalion was formed on the right of the Nineteenth Georgia and in such position as to come in on the left flank of the enemy. The Twenty-third was put on the left of the Sixty-fourth. Colonel Harrison coming up with the Thirty-second and First Georgia regulars took position on the left between the Twenty-third and Sixth, and was instructed to assume the general direction of the left of the line. The section of Gamble's artillery in the center having been disabled by the loss of horses and injury to limber, Captain Wheaton, who had early arrived upon the field with the Chatham artillery and had taken position on the right, was ordered to the center to relieve Captain Gamble. This battery moved forward and took position under a heavy fire and continued to advance with the line of infantry until the close of the action. Toward night, when Captain Wheaton's ammunition was almost expended, a section of Guerard's battery, of Harrison's brigade, moved up under Lieutenant Gignilliat, and opened fire on the enemy, furnishing Captain Wheaton with part of his ammunition.

After our line had advanced about one-quarter of a mile, the engagement became general and the ground was stubbornly contested, With two batteries of artillery immediately in our front and a long line of infantry strongly supported, the enemy stood their ground for some time, until the Sixth Florida battalion on the right flank and all the troops in front passing steadily forward, compelled them to fall back and leave five pieces of artillery in our possession. At this time, the ammunition beginning to fail, I ordered the commanding officers to halt their regiments and hold their respective positions until a fresh supply could be brought from the ordnance wagons which, after much delay, had arrived upon the field. Major Bonaud's battalion came upon the field, followed soon after by the Twenty-seventh Georgia and the First Florida battalion. These troops were put in position near the center of the line and a little in advance, to hold the enemy in check until the other commands could be supplied with cartridges. As soon as this was accomplished I ordered a general advance, at the same time sending instructions to Colonel Harrison to move the Sixth and Thirty-second regiments around on the right flank of the enemy. The Twenty-seventh, under Colonel Zachry, pushing forward with great vigor upon the center, and the whole line moving as directed, the enemy gave way in confusion. We continued the pursuit for several miles, when night put an end to the conflict. Instructions were given to the cavalry to follow close upon the enemy and seize every opportunity to strike a favorable blow.

The results of the engagement in the killed and wounded and prisoners of the enemy, and our own loss, will be found in the reports rendered directly to you. The gallantry and steady courage of officers and men during the engagement are beyond all praise. For more than four hours they struggled with unflinching firmness against superior numbers until they drove them in confusion and panic to seek safety in flight.

Col. George P. Harrison, who commanded on the left, displayed skill, coolness and gallantry. The officers commanding the various regiments did their duty nobly. Colonel Evans, commanding the Sixty-fourth Georgia, and Captain Crawford, commanding Twenty-eighth Georgia, both gallant officers, were wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Barrow of the Sixty-fourth Georgia, a brave and gallant officer, received a fatal shot while gallantly attempting to rally his men. Captain Wheaton and the officers and men of his battery are entitled to special commendation for their courage, coolness and efficiency. Captain Grattan, assistant adjutant-general, Lieutenant Colquitt, aide-de-camp, Major Ely and Lieutenant Estill of my staff, were active and conspicuous in every part of the field. My thanks are due Lieutenant Thompson, Second Florida regiment, and Mr. Sterling Turner, volunteer aides, for their gallant services. The names of those in the ranks entitled to be particularly mentioned may be furnished in a subsequent report.

The service of the artillery is appropriately mentioned in the reports of several officers. Capt. Robert H. Gamble, commanding Leon light artillery, said that in the action of the 20th inst. 77 enlisted men, with all the officers of the company, were engaged. The total number of casualties were as follows: Gun-Corporal Craven Atkinson and Private M. B. Smith, killed; A. C. Mc-Cants struck by a fragment of shell and J. B. Lynn struck by a spent ball and B. Bishop wounded in hand, since returned to duty; J. D. Sauls and Wm. Bishop injured by gun carriage. I desire to commend specially for their coolness during the engagement Sergt. R. F. Phillips, Corporals J. R. Lewis and A. W. Mason, Privates James Lee, A. D. Cone, Thomas Neary, Dennis O'Connor, A. M. May, J. J. Smith and Brickle. Lieutenants Dyke and Gamble, chiefs of sections, and Lieut. J. N. Whitner, chief of the line caissons, rendered all the assistance in their power in handling the guns. First-Sergt. F. B. Papy was also active in the discharge of his duty. Two battery horses were killed and seven wounded. These accidents among the horses threw several teams into confusion, during which two limbers were badly injured. The trail of the 12-pounder howitzer was crushed during the action by the recoil of the gun, but firing was continued from the piece until the broken end of the trail was so deeply imbedded in the earth as to render the gun no longer serviceable, when it was carried off the field.

To these reports may be added the more comprehensive account of General Finegan, commanding the heroic little army. He said:

On the 20th inst. the enemy advanced in three columns, since ascertained to have been twelve regiments of infantry, nine of white and three of black, estimated at 8,000, and some artillery, number of guns unknown, and 1,400 cavalry. At noon the enemy were within 3 miles of my position. I ordered the cavalry under Colonel Smith, Second Florida cavalry, supported by the Sixty-fourth Georgia, Colonel Evans commanding, and two companies of the Thirty-second Georgia, to advance and skirmish with the enemy and draw them to our works. The remaining force was placed under arms and prepared for action. Apprehending that the enemy was too cautious to approach our works, I ordered Brigadier-General Colquitt, commanding First brigade, to advance with three of his regiments and a section of Gamble's artillery and assume command of the entire force then ordered to the front, and feel the enemy by skirmishing, and if he was not in too heavy force to press him heavily. I had previously instructed Colonel Smith, commanding cavalry, to fall back as our infantry advanced and protect their flanks. This movement was predicated on the information that the enemy had only three regiments of infantry, with some cavalry and artillery. Perceiving that in this movement the force under Brigadier-General Colquitt's command might become too heavily engaged to withdraw without a large supporting force, and intending that if the enemy should prove to be in not too great strength to engage them, I ordered in quick succession, within the space of an hour, the whole command to advance to the front as a supporting force, and myself went upon the field. These reinforcements were pushed rapidly forward and, as I anticipated, reached the field at the moment when the line was most heavily pressed, and at a time when their presence gave confidence to our men and discouragement to the enemy. I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkins, commanding First Florida battalion, and Major Bonaud, commanding Bonaud's battalion, to fall into line on the left in the direction of the enemy's heaviest firing. After I had ordered these reinforcements and they were some distance on the way to the front, and while I was on the way to the front, I received from Brigadier-General Colquitt, commanding in front, a request for the reinforcements which had already been ordered. The engagement became general very soon after it commenced. The enemy were found in heavy force: their infantry drawn up in three supporting lines, their artillery in position, cavalry on three flanks and rear. I ordered Brigadier-General Colquitt to press them with vigor, which he did with much judgment and gallantry. They contested the ground stubbornly and the battle lasted for four and a half hours. At the end of this time, the enemy's lines having been broken and reformed several times, and two fine Napoleon and three 10-pounder Parrott guns and one set of colors captured from them, they gave way entirely and were closely pressed for 3 miles until nightfall. I directed Brigadier-General Colquitt to continue the pursuit, intending to occupy Sanderson that night, but in deference to his suggestion of the fatigue of the troops and the disadvantages of the pursuit in the dark, and in consequence of a report from an advanced cavalry picket that the enemy had halted for the night and taken a position which was subsequently ascertained to be incorrect, I withdrew the order. During the continuance of the battle, also after the enemy had given way, I sent repeated orders to Col. Caraway Smith, commanding cavalry, to press the enemy on his flanks and to continue in the pursuit. But through some misapprehension these orders failed to be executed by him, and only two small companies on the left, and these but for a short distance, followed the enemy.

The enemy retreated that night hastily and in some confusion to Sanderson, leaving a large number of their killed and wounded in our possession on the field. Their loss in killed, both officers and privates, was large. Four hundred and eighteen of their wounded were removed by us from the field, and 400 or near that number were buried by us; also 200 prisoners were captured, several officers of high rank were killed and others severely wounded. Their loss cannot be less than 2,000 or 2,500 men, 5 superior guns, 1 set of colors captured, and 1,600 stand of arms; also 130,000 rounds of cartridges, as appears from the report of the ordnance officer herewith enclosed. The victory was complete and the enemy retired in rapid retreat, evacuating in quick succession Barber's and Baldwin and falling back on Jacksonville. The enemy's forces were under command of Brigadier-General Seymour, who was present on the field.

The conduct of Brigadier-General Colquitt entitles him to high commendation. He exhibited ability in the formation of his line and gallantry in his advance on the enemy. I have also to speak most favorably of Col. George P. Harrison, commanding Second brigade, who exhibited in the engagement all the qualities of a capable and efficient officer. Col. R. B. Thomas, as chief of artillery, likewise rendered efficient service on the field. Colonel Evans, commanding Sixty-fourth Georgia volunteers, and Col. Duncan L. Clinch, commanding Fourth Georgia cavalry, were wounded while bravely performing their duty. Lieutenant-Colonel Barrow, Sixty-fourth Georgia volunteers, and Captain Cannon, commanding, and Lieutenant Daney, of the First Georgia regulars, also Lieutenant Holland, commanding detachment from conscript camp, all officers of high promise, were killed. Among the killed and wounded were many other officers and men who had distinguished themselves on other fields, for a detailed statement of whom and for instances of individual merit I refer to the reports of brigade commanders. Our loss in the engagement was 93 killed and 841 wounded, a large proportion very slightly. In the opening of the engagement the cavalry, under command of Colonel Smith, skirmished with the enemy with spirit and retired to the flanks in obedience to their orders.

On the 22d inst., having repaired the railroad so as to secure my supplies, I advanced the command to Sanderson, pushing the cavalry rapidly in the direction of the enemy; and from Sanderson to Barber's and thence to Baldwin and to a point 12 miles from Jacksonville, where my further progress was arrested by orders from Brigadier-General Gardner, who had been directed to assume command.

Lieutenant Drury Rambo, Company A, Milton light artillery, was ordered to the front about 1 p. m., taking a Parrott gun forward by rail, but was informed that the piece could not be used. After the enemy gave way he threw a few shells into their ranks.

In General Harrison's report he mentioned the following casualties in the First Florida battalion: Lieut.-Col. C. F. Hopkins, wounded in arm and thigh, slightly; Lieut. S. K. Collins, Company E, wounded in face, slightly; Lieut. Theophilus Williams, Company F, wounded in breast, slightly. The official statement of casualties showed a total loss in the Confederate ranks of 7 officers and 86 men killed; 49 officers and 798 men wounded, and 6 missing; aggregate, 946. The Sixth Florida battalion lost 1 officer, Lieut. Thomas J. Hill, and 8 men, killed, and 4 officers and 69 men wounded; the First Florida battalion lost 3 men killed and 47 wounded, and the Second Florida battalion (Twenty-eighth Georgia) lost Lieut. W. W. Holland, and 11 men killed, and 2 officers and 93 men wounded.

Under date of February 22d General Beauregard, at Charleston, sent the following congratulatory message to General Finegan: I congratulate you and your brave officers and their commands on your brilliant victory over the enemy on the 20th inst. Your country will be cheered by this timely success, and I trust it is but the earnest of heavier and crushing blows which shall destroy our enemy on the soil of Florida.

Commendation from still higher sources also came to cheer the hearts of the defenders of Florida, in the following joint resolution of thanks to General Finegan and the officers and men of his command:

Resolved by the Congress of the Confederate States of America, That the thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby tendered, to Brig.-Gen. Joseph Finegan and the officers and men of his command, for the skill and gallantry displayed in achieving the signal victory of Ocean Pond, Fla., on the 20th of February, last.

The prominent officers engaged on the Federal side in this memorable battle under Gen. Truman Seymour were Colonels William B. Barton, Joseph R. Hawley, J. Montgomery and Guy V. Henry, commanding brigades, and Capt. John Hamilton, commanding artillery battalion of three batteries. The Federal loss, according to their official reports, was 11 officers and 192 men killed; 42 officers and 1,110 men wounded; 2 officers and 504 men missing; an aggregate of 1,861.

While our victory was complete at Olustee, the Federals had the vantage ground in that we were not in sufficient force with persistent troops to pursue them vigorously, thus giving them time to fall back to their intrenchments and with their rapid extension of field works render their position almost impregnable to such force as we could array. After their defeat in a battle where the opposing forces were nearly equal, the Federals fell back to the 2,000 retained in rear near Jacksonville to guard their line of communication, and received not less than 5,000 reinforcements, the estimate of troops concentrated in and around Jacksonville being not less than 12,000, probably from that number to 15,000. Thus strongly intrenched and supported by not less than four gunboats, it was not advisable for the Confederates to attempt an attack. The spirit of our troops would have led them to make an attempt to carry the works around Jacksonville, but it would have been at a great sacrifice of life and to no purpose, as the gunboats would have controlled it. As there was no reason to doubt the correctness of the estimate made of the strength of the enemy, the only measures to be adopted for expelling them from their base of operations was the concentration of all available forces at our command at such places as would be best for a successful operation against their approach. This could only be done by placing troops at favorable points on the St. John's, and so fortifying them as to prevent such an invasion as the one attempted by them, which had ended so disastrously. It was, therefore, absolutely necessary for the protection of the State that our Florida forces should still have the support of the troops that had come to their assistance at the battle of Olustee.

Menaced by a formidable army not twenty miles distant it was truly a momentous crisis, and our commanding generals, deeply impressed by the gravity of the responsibility, moved their headquarters to Baldwin to be nearer the field of action and in readiness for any emergency. The opportune arrival of General Beauregard was hailed as a harbinger of relief. His presence infused new life into the army, and the confidence in his generalship and strategic ability inspired a stronger hope of ultimate success. For nearly two weeks he remained at Baldwin, making such judicious disposition of the troops as Would be most advantageous in the event of a defensive or aggressive movement. The same forces that were engaged in the battle of Olustee were retained:

Colquitt's brigade: Sixth, Nineteenth, Twenty-third, Twenty-seventh and Twenty-eighth Georgia regiments and Chatham artillery. Harrison's brigade: First Georgia regulars, Thirty-second and Sixty-fourth Georgia regiments, Bonaud's battalion, Fourth Georgia cavalry, and Guerard's battery.

District of East Florida, Brig.-Gen. Joseph Finegan: First Florida battalion infantry, Col. Chas. A. Hopkins; Second Florida battalion infantry, Col. Theodore Brevard; Sixth Florida battalion infantry, Col. John M. Martin; independent company Florida infantry, Capt. J. C. Eichelberger; independent company Florida infantry, Capt. B. L. Reynolds; independent company Florida infantry, Capt. John McNeill; five companies Second Florida cavalry, Lieut.-Col. A. McCormick; company independent cavalry, Capt. James D. Starke; company independent cavalry, Capt. W. H. Cone; Milton light artillery, Company A, Capt. Joseph L. Dunham; Milton light artillery, Company B, Capt. H. F. Abell.

District of Middle Florida, Brig.-Gen. W. M. Gardner: five companies Second Florida cavalry, Col. Caraway Smith; Fifth battalion Florida cavalry, Col. G. W. Scott; Fourth battalion Florida infantry, Maj. James F. Mc-Clellan; Florida partisan rangers, Capt. W. J. Robinson; Florida light artillery, Capt. Robert H. Gamble.

Having satisfactorily arranged matters in Florida and instructed the major-general in command as to the mode of operations decided upon, General Beauregard returned to South Carolina. On his arrival at Charleston he sent the following report, March 25th, to Gen. Samuel Cooper, at Richmond:

. . . On February 7th Brigadier-General Finegan reported by telegraph that five gunboats and two transports of the enemy had made their appearance in the St. John's within 5 miles of Jacksonville; and on the next ay announced the arrival of eighteen vessels (gunboats and transports), the landing of the enemy in large force, and an immediate advance on the night of February 7th. General Gilmer was at once directed to put in motion and to report to General Finegan all the troops he had been previously ordered to hold in readiness for such an emergency. General Gardner, commanding in middle Florida, was telegraphed to send to the imperiled quarter, with all possible celerity, every soldier he could spare. Colquitt's brigade was ordered from James island to Savannah with a light battery. General Finegan was advised of what was done and instructed to do what he could with his means to hold the enemy at bay and to prevent the capture of slaves; and at the same time I reported to you this hostile movement and my intention to repel it as far as practicable with infantry to be withdrawn from Charleston and Savannah, but requested in consequence of the very recent discharge of some 5,000 South Carolina militia, that other troops should be sent to take their place and avoid danger to Charleston and Savannah. Scarcely had Colquitt's brigade begun to move when the enemy, in anticipation, doubtless, of my attempt to reinforce Finegan, made a strong demonstration on St. John's island. Though assured of the purpose of this movement it assumed, however, so serious a form as to compel me to divert temporarily General Colquitt and three and a half regiments of his brigade to reinforce General Wise, then confronted by at least two brigades of the enemy, about 4,500 strong, pushed forward in advance of the bridge-way between St. John's and Seabrook islands, and in addition several regiments of infantry were detached from Sullivan's and James islands to be in readiness for the development of the enemy's purposes.

On the night of the 11th of February I ordered all our batteries bearing on Morris island to open a heavy simultaneous fire on that position, as if a cover for an assault, and with the hope of forcing the enemy to withdraw from St. John's island to the protection of his own works. This strategem seemed to have produced the desired effect, or assisted to make him abandon the movement on St. John's island and withdraw hastily before daybreak, thus releasing and enabling Colquitt's command to meet and defeat the enemy at Ocean Pond, some 13 miles in advance of Lake City.

In the meanwhile other troops had been dispatched to the theater of war from the works around Charleston and Savannah and the positions covering the Savannah railroad. This was done, indeed, to a hazardous degree, but as I informed the secretary of war by telegraph on the 9th ult., I regarded it as imperative to attempt to secure the subsistence resources of Florida. General Finegan was also apprised of these reinforcements on February 11th, and instructed to maneuver meantime to check or delay the enemy, but to avoid close quarters and unnecessary loss of men. While these reinforcements were en route the enemy again attempted to delay them by a movement against Whitemarsh island near Savannah, and it became a measure of proper precaution to halt at Savannah two of the regiments on their way to General Finegan for the development of the enemy's plans, one of which regiments I felt it prudent to detain there to the present.

The want of adequate rolling stock on the Georgia & Florida railroad and the existence of the gap of some 26 miles between the two roads, subjected the concentration of my forces to a delay which deprived my efforts to that end of full effect. The absence of General Hill making it injudicious for me to leave this State, I directed Brigadier-General Taliaferro to proceed to Florida and assume the command, not knowing at the time that Brigadier-General Gardner, commanding in middle Florida, his senior, had returned from sick leave and was fit for field service. Apprised of this, I directed General Gardner, on the 21st ult., to assume command and organize for a vigorous offensive movement preliminary to the arrival of General Taliaferro; but subsequently, the victory at Ocean Pond having taken place in which I supposed General Gardner, though not in immediate command, had taken an active part, I directed that officer to assume chief command and, dividing his forces into divisions, to assign General Taliaferro to one of them; soon after which I was advised by the war department of the assignment of Maj.-Gen. James Patton Anderson to the command of the forces in the State of Florida.

Gen. D. H. Hill having arrived at these headquarters on the 28th of February, I left for Florida the same evening. On the 2d inst., I reached Camp Milton, General Gardner's headquarters, in rear of McGirt's creek, 12 or 13 miles distant from Jacksonville, where I found our troops in position. The day preceding our advance pickets had been thrown forward to Cedar creek, within 6 or 7 miles of Jacksonville.

On the 3d inst. Maj.-Gen. J. Patton Anderson also arrived at Camp Milton and assumed command on the 6th inst. of the forces, now about 8,000 effective of all arms. In the meantime it had been ascertained from reliable sources that the enemy occupied Jacksonville with at least 12,000 men; that the position, naturally strong, had been much strengthened since the battle of the 20th ult., and that four or five gunboats in the St. John's effectually commanded the approaches to the place. Under these circumstances it was determined not to attempt to carry the position by assault, as in effect instructed by your telegram of the 4th inst.

Everything indicates that the rout of the enemy at Ocean Pond was complete; nevertheless the fruits of the victory were comparatively insignificant, mainly because of the inefficiency of the officer commanding the cavalry at the time, no serious attempt being made to pursue with his command, while the exhaustion of the infantry, so gallantly and effectively handled and engaged, and our want of subsistence supplies and ammunition, made an immediate pursuit by them impracticable.

Unless our present forces should be considerably increased and amply supplied with means for a regular siege of Jacksonville, our operations in this quarter must be confined to the defensive — that is, to prevent the penetration of the enemy into the interior, on the line toward Lake City or into the lower portion of the State, to which end a position has been selected on the St. John's a few miles above Jacksonville for a battery of one rifled 32-pounder, three rifled 30-pounders, one 20-pounder and one 10-pounder (Parrotts) and two 8-inch siege howitzers, by which, with torpedoes in the river, it is expected transports at least can be obstructed from passing with troops beyond Jacksonville. Cavalry pickets have also been established for the protection of the railroad to Cedar Keys from injury by raiding parties set on foot from the west bank of the St. John's.

I have for the present organized the forces under General Anderson into three brigades, commanded respectively by Brigadier-Generals Finegan and Colquitt and Col. George P. Harrison, Jr., three meritorious officers, the last two of whom have won promotion by their active participation in the combat of the 20th tilt., at which it is proper to say Brigadier-General Colquitt commanded on the immediate field of battle. He has seen much service likewise in the army of Northern Virginia.

The cavalry has also been organized into a brigade under Col. Robert H. Anderson. The four light batteries of four pieces each were placed under command of Lieut.-Col. Charles C. Jones, and two batteries of siege guns (six pieces), present on the field under Maj. George L. Buist. It is hoped this arrangement will enhance the efficiency of the troops, who are in fine spirits and good condition.

Too much praise cannot be awarded to the brave officers and men who encountered and defeated twice their number at Ocean Pond, and I commend them to the notice of the government. They are in all respects worthy comrades of those who on other fields have done honor to Southern manhood.

After the battle of Olustee the Second Florida cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, skirmished in the vicinity of McGirt's creek and Ten-mile station, driving in the enemy's pickets and preventing their advance. While it was deemed hazardous to venture on any decided assault, the general commanding, appreciating the spirit which animated our troops, who were growing impatient at the inactivity forced upon them, determined upon making an advance upon the enemy's outposts to ascertain his position and strength and, if advisable, make an attack. For this purpose a reconnoitering party was sent forward, consisting of Scott's battalion of cavalry, under Major Scott, and Company H, Captain Dickison, Second Florida cavalry. They soon came up with the advanced force of the enemy, who was also reconnoitering, consisting of infantry, cavalry and artillery. Our troops immediately charged, and the enemy stubbornly resisted, while falling back, until they reached Cedar creek, within 6 miles of Jacksonville. A large number of the enemy, having concealed themselves in a thick palmetto scrub, opened fire from their ambush upon a detachment of about 80 of our cavalry while crossing the long causeway, instantly killing Captain Stevens, Second Florida cavalry, a splendid young officer greatly beloved by his command, and wounding several others. At this critical time our main force of four regiments of infantry, 200 cavalry and three pieces of artillery, came up and advanced over the causeway, and the fight became general, about 5 miles of ground being contested, the skirmishing and general engagement lasting from 11 a m. to 3 p. m. Our forces having effected a crossing on the enemy's right, intending to turn their flank, they hastily retired, falling back to theThree-mile run, where they halted and were reinforced by cavalry and artillery. This vigorous repulse of a force numbering about 3,000 infantry, 500 cavalry and 2 pieces of artillery, after contesting our advance step by step, attested the bravery with which they fought against superior numbers. Our loss was 7 killed and 12 wounded. The enemy acknowledged a loss of 2 killed, 4 wounded and 5 taken prisoners, but later information gave the number of their wounded at about 40. To have advanced upon the enemy in their fortified position would have been attended with disastrous consequences.

The defensive campaign now entered upon was one of great activity. The troops, divided into detachments of infantry, cavalry and sections of artillery, were quartered at such points as were most exposed and upon which the enemy was expected to make an early advance. The only security was in untiring vigilance, and several cavalry companies were deployed for outpost duty, notably among them Col. G. W. Scott's battalion of cavalry, and Company H, Second Florida cavalry, commanded by Capt. J. J. Dickison; Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick with the remaining companies of the Second Florida cavalry command being stationed in the vicinity of McGirt's creek, about 12 miles from Jacksonville. The infantry was placed on the entire line of railroad from McGirt's creek to Waldo, and through the unprotected country lying between the railroad and the Ocklawaha river. Detachments from the Fourth Georgia cavalry were on duty in this locality to strike the enemy in an advance from Palatka to Orange Springs, at that time a city of refuge for families who had been driven from their homes on the St. John's river.

Captain Pearson, while en route for Tampa, was ordered to repair to Orange Springs, as the enemy was supposed to be advancing up the Ocklawaha river in barges from Welaka. At the same time an order was given to send a train down toward Cedar Keys to bring back Captain McNeill's company to the point nearest Orange Springs, to co-operate with Capt. John W. Pearson of the Sixth Florida battalion, and others. Thus every necessary precaution was taken to prevent the enemy from penetrating the country.

The Fourth Georgia cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, was quartered at Waldo, to be ready when necessary to unite with the cavalry force under Col. R. H. Anderson, who was to operate upon the right flank of the enemy in case of a general advance of the enemy upon the front. While these preparations were under way, a request was made by General Gardner for Colonel Scott's battalion, but the exigencies of the service did not admit of compliance. No troops could be spared from the seat of war, therefore a detachment of the siege train was ordered to guard the Aucilla trestle, and Caper's battalion, Wimberly's company and two infantry companies were posted at the Suwannee bridge to prevent depreda-tions in middle Florida.

The districts of Middle and East Florida having been united in the district of Florida and embraced in the department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, Maj.-Gen. Patton Anderson was assigned to the command of the district. He assumed control March 4, 1864. His territory was divided into sub-district No. 1, embracing all that portion of Florida between the Choctawatchee river and bay (in west Florida) and the Suwannee river, commanded by Brig.-Gen. William M. Gardner; and sub-district No. 2, embracing all of Florida east of the Suwannee river, Brig.-Gen. Joseph Finegan commanding.

General Beauregard issued special orders for disposition of forces March 5, 1864, transferring the Twenty-sixth Virginia regiment from Finegan's brigade to that commanded by Col. George P. Harrison, Jr.; the Fifty-ninth Virginia regiment from Harrison's brigade to Finegan's; the First Georgia regulars from Finegan's brigade to Colquitt's; and Capt. J. J. Dickison was ordered to proceed at once with his company to Palatka and resume his post there, and the commanding officer of the Fourth Georgia cavalry was directed to hold himself in readiness to support him with his whole command if necessary. Brigadier-General Gardner was ordered to establish the military posts from Clay landing on the Suwannee river to Tampa, garrisoning the post with the troops previously occupying them, under the order of General Finegan.

Major Buist, commanding heavy artillery, was directed by Major-General Anderson to order a detachment of 85 men under his command at Madison to be armed with small-arms and posted at the Aucilla bridge as a guard for its defense, leaving the siege pieces and a sufficient guard at Madison. Col. John M. Martin was directed to proceed with troops detached from the Sixth Florida battalion to the point nearest Orange Springs, and thence by forced marches to the most favorable locality for intercepting the boat expedition of the enemy, now supposed to be operating on the Ocklawaha river, Pearson's, Westcott's and McNeill's companies to co-operate. Colonel Harris, commanding at Waldo, was directed in the event of Colonel Anderson falling back from his position to join him with all the cavalry under his command, including Captain Dickison's company. In this disposition of our forces, the most advantageous positions were taken, with a view to be ready for an immediate concentration in any emergency.

At the time Major-General Anderson assumed command the enemy occupied Jacksonville with a force estimated at about 12,000, having strong fortifications on the land side of the place and the additional defense of gunboats in the St. John's river. The Florida troops, with reinforcements from other States, numbering about 8,000 of all arms, had taken position on the west side of Mc-Girt's creek, 12 miles from Jacksonville. Under the supervision and direction of Generals Beauregard and Anderson, breastworks and stockades were constructed at this position, and similar fortifications of a more permanent character were thrown up at Baldwin, 8 miles in the rear of McGirt's creek, and at the intersection of the railroads running from Fernandina to Cedar Keys and from Jacksonville to Lake City. For a time there were many indications which gave promise of an advance of the Federals, and every preparation was made to meet them at McGirt's creek in the first place, or in the event they should turn that position, then at Baldwin, where it was believed a successful defense might be made against a superior force.

Our effective force operating near Jacksonville was, infantry 6,290, cavalry 1,568, artillery 487. BrigadierGen-eral Gardner, by vigorous measures with the limited force at his command, assisted by civilians, had by this time succeeded to a great extent in suppressing the lawlessness of the bands of deserters and disloyal persons, restoring quiet and establishing a sense of security within the threatened settlements. Preparations were also made for similar measures against such bands in south Florida, whenever a sufficient force could be safely detached from our main force, then confronting superior numbers at Jacksonville.

To prevent the enemy's gunboats from so defiantly navigating the St. John's a number of torpedoes were planted in the channel of the river, 15 miles above Jacksonville, through the skill and energy of Capt. E. Pliny Bryan, of General Beauregard's staff, and the enemy's communication with the garrison at Palatka was rendered precarious. Therefore, another advance not being probable, it was deemed practicable to make a vigorous assault upon Palatka, the movement being greatly encouraged by the fact that one of the largest transports, while descending the river from Palatka, exploded a torpedo and sunk in three fathoms of water. A section of artillery, under Lieutenant Gamble, supported by infantry under Captain Grieve, First Georgia regulars, was sent to complete the wreck, and firing a few rounds at that portion above water, Captain Bryan with two men boarded her and set fire to her upper works. She proved to be the steamer Maple Leaf with the camp and garrison equipage of three regiments, recently arrived at Jacksonville and hurried up to Palatka. A few weeks later the transport Hunter, on a return trip from Picolata, having on board quartermaster supplies, was also destroyed by a torpedo near the wreck of the Maple Leaf.

An aggressive movement being determined upon, General Finegan was directed to proceed by rail from Baldwin to Waldo with about 2,500 infantry and six pieces of artillery; thence by nearest route to Palatka, which place he was to attack and carry, after which he was to be governed by circumstances and await further orders. Between Waldo and Palatka he was to be joined by Colonel Martin, Sixth Florida battalion, with about 450 infantry, and Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, Fourth Georgia cavalry, with the same number of cavalry. On account of the condition of transportation by rail from Baldwin to Waldo, he was provokingly detained, consuming more hours than miles traveled, so that when he was to have begun the assault at Palatka he had not been able to move his command from Waldo, 38 miles distant. Our scout on the river bringing in information that a large reinforcement of infantry and cavalry had arrived at Jacksonville, it was deemed prudent to recall General Finegan and hold all our available force to meet any attempt on the part of the enemy. On April 13th Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick was ordered to scout the country on his left and front, round Broward's neck and Yellow bluff, with the view of discovering if the enemy was making any movement from that quarter; and Col. R. H. Anderson, commanding the cavalry force in front, was directed to send Captain Dickison's company immediately to Palatka and take position as formerly and report to Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, Fourth Georgia cavalry, at Waldo. Under this special order and information that the enemy had passed up the river toward Palatka, Company H, Second Florida cavalry, 145 strong, was sent with all haste to that point. On their arrival they ascertained that the enemy had landed with 5,000 men. Captain Dickison reported to Colonel Harris asking for reinforcements, and the latter moved his command, about 125 effective men, to Sweetwater branch, 12 miles from Palatka. Scouts were-sent out and reported that the enemy occupied the town. A detachment of the Fourth Georgia cavalry was ordered to support Captain Dickison in driving in the pickets and ascertaining their position and strength, which was soon accomplished, and three pickets with their horses captured. Simple as was this capture, the event was marked by a daring that gave luster to the heroic deed.

The enemy were strongly fortified and remained in Palatka nearly six weeks. During this occupation of the town our cavalry frequently skirmished with them, and with untiring vigilance awaited results. A detachment of 16 men under Captain Dickison, on one occasion was met by a superior force of the enemy, and after a hot skirmish which lasted forty minutes, holding their position without giving an inch, the enemy was reinforced and our men fell back in good order without loss. The enemy's loss was 5 killed and 8 wounded. A few days after we drove in their pickets and took position on the hill overlooking the town. Lieutenant McEaddy was sent to ascertain the true position of the enemy's pickets, and a secret night expedition was planned to capture the post, which proved successful, the entire guard of 8 men being captured. Subsequently Colonel Tabb, now in command at Waldo, ordered Captain Dickison to make a reconnoissance. this was done and the enemy opened fire on our advance guard. The firing soon became general; the enemy sent forward two regiments, one white and one colored, which were held in check for about four hours. Night coming on, the enemy withdrew, with a loss of 11 killed and 22 captured. Our troops then retired in good order without any loss, though the enemy outnumbered them eight to one. On April 22d, in conveying notice of his relief by Col. J. M. Martin, Sixth Florida battalion, Colonel Tabb expressed to Captain Dickison the high appreciation in which you and your command are held. The faithfulness, promptness and superior judgment which you have at all times manifested, give assurance of those soldierly qualities which inspire confidence and command respect and admiration everywhere.

The following communications from Adjutant-General Barth to Captain Dickison commanding, will give a clearer idea of the stirring events that followed and the operations of this gallant command:

April 30th—The enemy, about a regiment strong, are reported as being at Fort Butler in Volusia county on the evening of the 28th inst. The major-general commanding desires that you be on your guard and ready for any emergency.

May 3d—Your dispatch of the 30th ult. relative to the enemy being at Fort Butler was received last evening, and the major-general commanding directs me to say that your dispositions as detailed therein are fully approved.

May 11th—Another company is ordered to report to you. Major-General Anderson approves your suggestions and directs that you strike the enemy whenever you have an opportunity of doing so to advantage.

May 17th—Capt. J. W. Pearson's company is ordered to leave Orange Springs. This change will render it necessary for you to watch the approaches to Marion and Sumter counties.

In obedience to these instructions Captain Dickison, accompanied by two of his men, reconnoitered near the enemy's post on the river side opposite Welaka; and the next day at sundown, with a detachment of 35 men of his command, accompanied by Capt. H. A. Gray, Second Florida cavalry, with 25 of his command, marched 9 miles before reaching the St. John's river. Under cover of night they crossed the river in their small boats, then marched 7 miles to reach the enemy's post. At daybreak they arrived at Welaka. Placing two detachments on the flank of the enemy, Dickison moved in on the center with a detachment, capturing the pickets and completely surprising the enemy. He then sent in a demand to the officer commanding for an unconditional surrender, which was complied with. Being advised that a large cavalry force was not far distant, no time was lost in returning to the boats and recrossing the river, with a capture of 62 men, 1 captain and 1 lieutenant, without having fired a gun. After crossing the river, feeling assured all was safe, a needed rest was taken.

Having planned another expedition, 15 miles up the river to Fort Butler, and having transportation for not more than 25 men, he set out with this heroic little band and his gallant Lieutenant McEaddy. He crossed little Lake George and, leaving a guard of three men with the boats, marched a short distance. Anticipating another capture, Captain Dickison wrote demanding the surrender of the Federal command. While thus engaged, a cavalryman rode from a farmhouse near by and was within 50 yards of our men before he was seen by our picket. The men were ordered not to fire and a vigorous pursuit was made, one detachment of 12 men under Sergt. Charles Dickison—son of the captain—following in the direction of the house, while the other detachment under Captain Dickison pursued the horseman down the road, but he succeeded in making his escape. Captain Dickison then made a rapid advance with his detachment on the enemy's post, 2 miles distant, the location being shown by a bright camp fire. Moving cautiously within two hundred yards Lieutenant McEaddy was sent forward with a demand for surrender. The captain in command held a short parley, and very reluctantly complied.

Apprehending the possibility of a revolt when the Federals should see that they had surrendered a garrison of 26 infantry and 6 cavalry to a small detachment of Confederates without firing a gun, the captured arms were secured and given in charge of two men, with orders to push off without delay. By this capture 12 slaves and 2 farm wagons were recovered. Captain Dickison recrossed the river and arrived at headquarters at o o'clock the next morning. The detachment under Sergeant Dickison marched 15 miles down the swamp to avoid the Federal cavalry, and reached the camp next evening, shouts of welcome greeting them on their safe return from their perilous and tiresome march. The following announcement of this spirited exploit was made by General Anderson:

The major-general commanding has great pleasure in announcing to the troops under his command the result of a gallant expedition against the enemy's detached posts, undertaken on the 19th inst. by Capt. J. J. Dickison, Second Florida cavalry. Crossing the St. John's river in small boats, Captain Dickison surprised and captured the enemy's garrisons at Welaka and Fort Butler, taking 88 infantry and 6 cavalry, with the arms and equipments, and returning with his brave command safely to their camp, bringing in the whole capture, after an absence of forty-four hours, during which time they traveled 85 miles and effected the results herein detailed without the loss of a man. Such an exploit attests more emphatically the soldierly qualities of the gallant men and their skillful leader who achieved it than any commendation it would be possible to give. The major-general commanding feels, however, that his thanks are due them, and, while thus publicly rendering the tribute so justly due, indulges in the confident hope that every officer and soldier in his district will emulate the patriotic endurance and daring displayed by Captain Dickison and his command.

On May 24th General Anderson assigned still more extended duties to this command, advising Captain Dickison of inability to picket Green Cove Springs and Bayard with any other forces than those you command. He therefore directs that you picket these points.

The withdrawal of a large number of troops from Jacksonville to join the Federal forces concentrating in South Carolina and Virginia, afforded Major-General Anderson the opportunity so long desired of sending a command to south Florida to the support of the few scattered companies who were so bravely defending the wide extent of country along the Gulf coast against the destructive raiding parties that were continually alarming the citizens by ruthless invasion of their homes—plundering the plantations, carrying off slaves and destroying valuable property. On account of the difficult access of our troops to this more distant part of the State, without railroad facilities, an expedition to that field was one attended with great inconvenience and fatigue, and could not have been undertaken while threatened by so formidable a force of the enemy in front. But the time for action in this department had come, and for such purpose the Sixty-fourth regiment Georgia volunteers was detached. Lieut.--Col. Theodore Brevard, of the Second Florida battalion, familiar with the country and citizens, and upon whose judgment, skill and courage reliance could be placed, was assigned to the command of the expedition. His instructions were of a general character—to repel the advance of raiding parties, arrest deserters, punish and drive out plunderers, and to afford every assistance in his power to the agents of the government whose duty it was to collect beef cattle for the army.

He had proceeded only a little over 100 miles, reaching the borders of the field of operations, when urgent orders reached headquarters which caused the immediate recall of the regiment for service in South Carolina. As soon, however, as new dispositions could be made and transportation obtained, another force—Bonaud's battalion—was sent to the same quarter under Lieutenant-Colonel Brevard. Much good was derived from the expedition, generally by reason of the protection afforded by it to the agents of the commissary department, in collecting supplies for the army, as well as the confidence its presence inspired in loyal citizens and planters, whose property was in constant danger from lawless bands.

On the 15th of April, 1864, the enemy began sending troops away by sea to Hilton Head, and continued to do so until the 12th of May, when it was estimated that 8,000 Federal soldiers had been withdrawn from Jacksonville. Meanwhile, Major-General Anderson was directed by the commanding general at Charleston to transfer to Savannah the Eleventh and Eighteenth South Carolina volunteers, Twenty-sixth and Fifty-ninth Virginia and Sixty-fourth Georgia regiments, this depletion of our forces being unavoidable in consequence of orders from the war department transferring a large number of troops from South Carolina to Wilmington, N. C. Owing to the continued call for troops for the army in Virginia, other orders rapidly followed, and by May 8, 1864, nearly all the troops that had been sent to reinforce our Florida forces had been sent away. All the cavalry and part of the infantry and artillery marched across the country from Camp Milton through Georgia, by the most expeditious route to Savannah under the circumstances. On account of the removal of these troops from the State, the most vigorous preparations were made to so dispose of our forces that the middle and eastern portions of the State could be guarded and protected against raiding expeditions.

Orders were issued to every department to be on guard and ready for every hostile demonstration. Lieut. C. B. Dyke was ordered to report at Camp Milton without delay with the section of Gamble's battery under his command, and Lieut. Mortimer Bates, with one section of artillery from Captain Dunham's battery, was ordered to report to Captain Dickison. Our forces at this crisis were scarcely sufficient for a vigorous defense against a large invading force, and the utmost caution and vigilance were required. Sections of Gamble's and Abell's batteries were held in middle Florida awaiting the attacks which from indications were imminent. On the west side of the Chattahoochee river the country was guarded by two detachments from Scott's battalion of cavalry, one independent company of cavalry and a few independent companies of infantry, assisted in every emergency by civilians, who were ever ready to fall into line.

After the bombardment of Pensacola and its subsequent evacuation, the Confederate forces, consisting of Alabama and Georgia regiments and a detachment of Florida troops, had taken strong positions a few miles from Pensacola at Pollard, Blakely and Gonzales, guarding all approaches to Mobile, Montgomery and Tallahassee against any expedition that might advance from Pensacola. Vigilance at every point was our only security at this trying crisis—one that indicated that the great conflict was rapidly determining to a momentous issue. Even in the darkest hour hope lured us on. God, the Creator and Supreme Ruler of the Universe, alone governs the destiny of nations. To man—the master work of His hand—is given dominion over earthly things, subject to His gracious overruling and by Him led to carry out His deep designs and work His will. What God has wrought let no one make the impious attempt to destroy. He is His own interpreter.

The principal problem in the summer of 1864 was to cover with the forces at our command the large area of country lying between the St. Mary's and the St. John's rivers, and the more thickly populated counties between the rivers and the Gulf coast. The Federals, still in strong force at Jacksonville under the protection of their gunboats, could advance at will into the country. Our only practicable preparation was in providing all facilities for a rapid concentration of our forces and making such dispositions of detachments of infantry and cavalry as would check and harass the enemy in his approach. The cavalry formed a valuable adjunct in such operations. Colonel Scott's battalion was in position at Camp Milton; Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, Second Florida cavalry, in the neighborhood of Cedar creek and Front creek, with sections of Dunham's and Gamble's artillery near Baldwin. Company H, Captain Dickison, and Company B, Captain Gray, were on the outposts between Green Cove Spring, Palatka and Welaka, and other exposed points along the river, with one section of Dunham's artillery. The Sixth battalion of infantry, with detachments of the First, Second and Fourth, were at and near Waldo, commanded by Colonels Hopkins, Brevard and Martin.

Lieut. Mortimer Bates, with one 12-pound howitzer and one Napoleon gun and 25 men, reported to Captain Dickison at his headquarters near Palatka, and on the next day while these officers were looking for the most favorable point on the river to engage the enemy's gunboats should they make their appearance, a courier came up in great haste from our pickets on the river below Palatka, with the exciting report that the river was full of gunboats coming up. Our headquarters being some 3 miles from the river, Lieutenant Bates was directed to proceed with all possible speed to the camp, bring up his battery, and report to Captain Dickison on the hill overlooking Palatka and the river. Captain Gray was also directed to report with all the cavalry at the same place. Very soon the full command reported. By this time two gunboats and four transports were sighted coming up. Captain Dickison dismounted the cavalry, marched into Palatka and took position in the well-arranged intrenchments made by the enemy during their occupation of the town a short time previous. They were scarcely concealed in the breastworks when the transports moved to the east side of the river and commenced landing troops. Two regiments landed, moved out into the field, formed and marched off in full view of our men. Very soon one of the gunboats loaded with troops passed by, going up the river. Not being near enough to engage her with small-arms, every man was ordered to be quiet until she passed. This boat proved to be the Columbine. Captain Dickison then mounted 50 men and taking the artillery, Captain Gray remaining in command in the breastworks, endeavored to intercept the gunboat at Brown's landing, about 3 miles distant, but was too late by five minutes to engage the boat, which continued on her way. Returning to Palatka he met a courier sent by Captain Gray with information that the gunboat Ottawa, the largest boat on the river, carrying 13 guns, two of them 200-pounder rifled guns, and one of the transports that had landed troops on the east bank, were then on their way up the river. He at once ordered his command to follow and press on rapidly to meet the boats at Brown's landing. At sundown a halt was ordered, and Lieutenant Bates unlimbered his guns and moved cautiously to the landing. The men were dismounted and ordered to take position in the swamp, to protect the artillery. At dusk they reached the wharf at the landing and the two guns were put in position. The boats were anchored not more than 200 yards from the landing. Just as we were ready to fire the enemy lighted up their boats, making them a fine target for our little battery, whose fire created great confusion on board. The admirable management of our guns gave us the advantage of 28 rounds before the enemy responded. The transport, as soon as she hoisted anchor (being badly crippled) left without firing a gun, but the Ottawa at each round poured into us a heavy broadside, aiming in the darkness at the flash of our guns. This made necessary the removal of our guns, which was done in the best order and with admirable coolness. The injury to the Ottawa was such that she did not move off for thirty hours. The report of her loss showed several killed and wounded. Not a man was hurt on our side.

The following day, the 23d of May, 1864, Captain Dickison, with Lieutenant Bates' battery and a detachment of sharpshooters from his cavalry, marched to Horse landing, 6 miles distant from the place of his engagement with the Ottawa and transport the night previous. The guns were put in position on the wharf at this landing and the sharpshooters placed behind cypress trees a short distance on the left. The purpose was to capture the gunboat Columbine, which had passed up the river the night before. At 3 o'clock in the evening she came in sight, and Captain Dickison cautioned his men to be cool and not fire without orders. The boat moved slowly on and though bearing dread missiles of destruction was truly a thing of beauty. She was allowed to come within sixty yards before a gun was fired. The wildest confusion ensued. By the time she was opposite our guns we were ready to fire again. By this round the boat was disabled and floated down the river about 200 yards from our battery and 100 yards from our sharpshooters, striking a sand bar. Then a hot fire ensued, the enemy having two fine 32-pounder rifle guns and 148 men with small arms, but after forty-five minutes she hoisted her flag of surrender. Only 66 of the 148 men were found alive when Lieutenant Bates went aboard to receive the surrender, and of this number one-third were wounded. Several of them died that night. The officers were all killed or wounded excepting the commanding officer. This officer informed Captain Dickison that his first lieutenant, who was killed, was one of the best officers in the navy. He requested to be permitted to bring the remains of this officer to Dickison's headquarters for interment, and that his winding sheet should be one of the three captured United States flags—which request was granted. Never did a command fight with more gallantry than our artillery and sharpshooters in this daring affair, every man displaying remarkable coolness and bravery. There was not a casualty on our side.

After removing the prisoners and the dead, the arms, etc., at sundown Captain Dickison ordered the boat burned, as it was impossible to save her from the enemy, several gunboats being in the river below. The Columbine was almost entirely new, and considered a very fast and superior boat. The orders from Major-General Foster captured on the Columbine explained the Federal movements. The gunboats were ordered to guard each landing, to keep a lookout for sharpshooters and to use all means to prevent Dickison from crossing the river, while the two regiments were to scour the country for his command on the east side of the river, where he had only a few days previous captured two posts.

On reporting this victory Captain Dickison was handsomely complimented by the major-general commanding, and was directed to retain for himself one of the captured swords, reserving the next best for Lieutenant Bates, of the artillery. He returned to his headquarters near Palatka, and during the month of June and part of July the command continued to perform effective service, frequently engaging in skirmishes with detachments of the enemy and capturing their pickets.

Emboldened by their numerical strength and the fact of our having so wide an extent of country to guard with greatly reduced forces, the enemy marched from their intrenchments at Yellow bluff to make an assault on Lieut.-Col. A. H. McCormick's command. The latter reported regarding this affair substantially as follows:

On the 13th of July scouts from Tucknett's point reported that six vessels had arrived at Jacksonville the day before, but owing to the distance they could not ascertain whether they were loaded or not. At daylight on the same day the enemy advanced upon our pickets on Cedar creek at the railroad, but made no further demonstration in that direction. A scout from Broward's neck reported that two of our scouts, Turner and Houston, of Second Florida cavalry, had been captured by the Tyson's (tories). We afterward found they had been brutally murdered. On the 14th it was ascertained that quite a large force of cavalry had landed at Broward's neck, and advanced as far as Neill Turner's. Lieutenant Cone, who was then at Higginbotham, with a detachment of 25 men, and who was promptly advised of their advance, reported them to be in considerable force. He remained at his post watching their movements until early the next morning, when Captain McElvey, of the Fifth Florida cavalry battalion, joined him with 30 additional men. He found about 40 of their cavalry, who retreated rapidly before him. He pursued them until he learned that a body of infantry had landed up Trout creek, and was marching in his rear. He then fell back to Hall's branch and skirmished with them until he was flanked by the infantry. He withdrew to Little Trout creek and then to Higginbotham's, and here he skirmished with them until he was almost surrounded. He then retired down the road leading off direct to Baldwin, covering all the approaches with his pickets. The enemy now rested at Higginbotham's and put out infantry pickets; while Captain McElvey camped near Green's plantation on the Baldwin road. The enemy now being in the rear of our pickets on the line of Cedar creek, Major Scott, who commanded at Camp Milton, called them in with his whole command to the junction of the roads leading from Higginbotham and Camp Milton to Baldwin, about 2 miles from Baldwin. During the skirmishing referred to, the enemy were reinforced with 80 cavalry and two pieces of artillery. Their infantry force was composed entirely of negroes. Our left at Camp Milton being now turned, it was deemed best to concentrate our force around Baldwin for its defense, leaving Captain McElvey with 55 men near Higginbotham's to watch their movements. On the morning of the 16th, 50 mounted men were sent down under Captain Gwynn to relieve Captain McElvey's command, which had been without forage for more than twenty-four hours.

Acting under instructions from Major Scott, Captains McElvey and Gwynn, before the former withdrew his command, made a joint reconnoissance for the purpose of attacking the enemy should they find he was not too strongly fortified. They soon found that it was impossible to dislodge him, even with our whole force. The enemy, however, showed no signs of advancing during the day, but held his position firmly. On the morning of the 17th Captain Simmons, Second Florida cavalry, was sent down with 50 men to relieve Captain Gwynn's command. During the day, while our cavalry was confronting them, their cavalry under Major Fox dashed up the north end of the King's road to Callahan and burned two flat-cars loaded with railroad iron and Mr. Jones' house, carrying off his horses. On this raid they arrested Joseph Hagans and Washington Broward, citizens, and carried off Mr. Geiger's negroes and burned the house of Joel Wingate. They also carried off the horses of Elijah Higginbotham. About 100 negro troops accompanied this raiding party as far as Thomas' swamp. Reliable citizens whom they visited on the route to Callahan state that they had 125 cavalry and 100 infantry negroes. All the damage done on this raid was accomplished in one day, the distance being very short from the line of the road to Broward's neck to Callahan. On the night of the 17th Captain Dunham arrived at Baldwin with 84 effective men. I also received instructions from you to attack the enemy next morning at daybreak with my whole force, if I did not consider them too strong; and if so, to send for Captain Rou's command and act on the defensive. I was satisfied they were too strong for me, and especially in the position they occupied. I accordingly telegraphed for Rou's command and determined to attack the enemy as soon as it arrived. Two trestles about 12 miles from Baldwin having been burned during that night the train from Gainesville could not come through, and the companies of reserves did not reach me until the 18th.

Meanwhile I had sent Major Scott with his entire effective cavalry force, 200 in the saddle, to feel the strength of the enemy and to ascertain if there had been any change in his position. He found upon arriving at Higginbotham that the enemy had retired in the direction of Yellow bluff. He was delayed some time in crossing Trout creek, the bridge being burned, compelling him to cross a ford higher up. He reports that from the appearance of their camps their force must have been larger than had been reported. He did not come up with the enemy, they having taken to their boats. Major Scott then returned with his command, and on the 19th reoccupied Camp Milton and re-established his videttes on the line of Cedar creek. It is but due to Captains McElvey and Gwynn and Lieutenant Cone, who were sent to watch the enemy, to say that I consider their statements entirely reliable. They are cool, intelligent and discreet officers, and gentlemen of unquestioned veracity.

It was the determined purpose of the general commanding at Hilton Head to make such vigorous advances in the interior of Florida with overwhelming forces, that our troops would be forced, after a desperate resistance, to surrender or retire into Georgia and fall in with our army concentrating there. His dream at midnight in his guarded tent was of the hour when Florida, her knee in suppliance bent, should tremble at his power. But the trophies of a conqueror were not for him. Florida's beautiful capital, Tallahassee—the rose garden of the State, the city of fairest women—was never captured. The enemy held every place on our Atlantic coast, and at Key West, a Gibraltar for them, their fleet could be reinforced at will and expeditions sent out to bombard every important town and city on the Gulf coast. Once obtaining possession of east Florida their victory would be complete, and soon the entire State would be under Federal authority.

About the 15th of July, indications pointing to an advance of the enemy toward Cedar creek and Camp Milton, Captain Dickison was ordered to report with his command at the headquarters of the general commanding. On the march he was overtaken by a courier from his pickets on the river, with the information that the enemy had landed a large force at Palatka. Sending his men forward under Captain Gray he promptly returned to his encampment, verified the report, and hurried a dispatch to headquarters, requesting the commanding officer to return his command at once, that he might hold the enemy in check and prevent an invasion of the interior. Meanwhile he took a small detachment from Captain Rou's company, under Lieutenant Dell, and with 15 of his pickets made a reconnoissance, meeting a battalion of cavalry, which with greatly superior force pushed him back, captured three of his pickets and took possession of his camp. Captain Dickison then sent to Orange Springs for Capt. W. A. Owens' command of militia, and late that evening Company H returned. Next morning Captain Dickison moved forward cautiously, sending Lieutenant McEaddy in advance, who soon reported the presence of the enemy. Presently his advance encountered the enemy's rear guard and a hot skirmish commenced. Very soon Captain Dickison was up with the main force of the enemy, consisting of one battalion of well mounted cavalry, about 280 strong, armed with Spencer rifles, six shooting navy pistols and sabers. Scorning all odds, charge after charge was made by our brave men, the enemy giving way sullenly. They were 6 miles from Palatka, at which place they had a large force of infantry and artillery, not less than 3,000 or 4,000 strong; but our little band of determined men continued to press on, driving back the ruthless invaders of our homes, killing, wounding and capturing them, until the hill overlooking the city of Palatka was reached.

Captain Dickison with about 30 men was engaged in a hand-to-hand fight, the rest of the command having charge of prisoners, when the commanding officer of the Federals ordered them to cease firing. This indicated a surrender, and the Federals, coming down from a half-speed to a walk, threw our men more than half way down the enemy's lines. Dickison, believing it a surrender, ordered his men to cease firing, and dashed down the line to prevent any escape. Just at this critical moment the enemy opened a deadly fire, and Sergt. Charlie Dickison, son of the captain, was shot through the heart. He with four of his brave comrades were on the opposite side of the enemy's column. As he fell from his horse, Sergeant Crews, a gallant young soldier, sprang from his horse and clasped him in his arms, calling to the captain that his son was killed. At this time the enemy's column moved, and as they passed, Captain Dickison advanced toward his dying son and received him from his grief-stricken comrades. This noble youth, his heart-blood flowing from his wound, still breathed but never spoke again. Peacefully resting on the bosom of his beloved father, his pure spirit took its heavenward flight to that bright world where his angel mother awaited him with rapturous welcome. The victory was no price for such a loss. With the heaviness of a sorely wounded spirit, the bereaved father carried the lifeless form of his beloved one, on horseback, to the encampment 6 miles distant. The mournful cavalcade proceeded 6 miles before transportation could be secured, and then Captain Dickison, stifling the cries of nature, made a detail of six of his brave boys, under Sergeant Crews, and confided the precious remains of his first-born to their care, to be conveyed to the ladies of Orange Springs as a sacred trust, while he remained at his post to keep watch over the enemy.

That night the Federal forces evacuated Palatka, taking with them a number of their wounded. The next day we buried their dead. Their loss was 14 killed, about 30 wounded, and 28 captured; our loss 1 killed and 1 wounded. The bold and dashing advance of the Confederates no doubt convinced the Federals it was the advance of a large force that would attack them the next day, and caused their hasty retreat. Our troops took possession of the town and held it several weeks. This victory added fresh glory to Dickison's command, and inspired in them the hope of future brilliant achievements to be crowned with like success.

By instructions of Gen. Braxton Bragg, Maj.-Gen. Patton Anderson was directed to report to General Hood for duty in the field, and he left Florida on the 26th of July, 1864. On his arrival at Atlanta he was assigned to command of his old division. Gen. John K. Jackson was ordered to the command of the district of Florida, and he remained on duty until the 30th of September, when he was succeeded by Gen. William Miller, of the First regiment of Florida volunteers, who had been relieved from duty as commandant of conscripts. Encouraged by the success of the expedition against our posts at Cedar creek and Camp Milton, another, more formidable, was attempted and successfully carried out by the Federals, who ascended the St. John's river 25 miles to Black creek and there landed their troops. While crossing the south fork of the creek they were met by our cavalry acting as dismounted skirmishers, and three of the enemy were seriously wounded. Major Scott with 98 men bravely contested the Federal advance, but they pushed on to Darby's still, 5 miles in rear of Baldwin, compelling our forces to fall back to the St. Mary's river. The enemy took possession of Baldwin and held that important post until their defeat a few weeks later at the battle of Gainesville, when they retired to their intrenchments at Jacksonville.

These operations are fully described in the report of August 15th by Lieut.-Col. A. H. McCormick:

On July 23d, Maj. G. W. Scott, commanding outposts, reported that five transports with troops had gone up the St. John's river and were supposed to be landing them at the mouth of Black creek. I immediately ordered him to send a scout in that direction, which was promptly done. We soon learned, however, from other sources, that a large body of the enemy were in the neighborhood of Middleburg, and were probably making their way to Starke or Trail ridge on the Florida railroad. Major Scott was then directed to move with his whole cavalry force, leaving his pickets on the line of Cedar creek and a guard at Camp Milton, to meet the enemy and check his progress. Accordingly, on the night of the 23d, Major Scott with 98 men moved down near Middleburg, and on the next day met and repulsed from 200 to 500 of their infantry, driving them across the creek. He then fell back about 5 miles to a creek to obtain a more advantageous position and to guard other approaches, and there camped for the night. Early next morning he was preparing to move against them when their infantry attacked his pickets. He sent forward skirmishers and drew them on, while he withdrew his main force to the west side of the creek to make a stand there. The enemy's cavalry dashed upon our skirmishers so suddenly and rapidly that they succeeded in capturing one man and driving the rest back. He learned upon crossing the creek that a body of cavalry had passed around to his rear during the night, by a road he was not advised of, and were making their way to Baldwin or some point on the Florida railroad; and fearing from the exposed condition of Baldwin that they would capture it, he moved his command with the utmost dispatch to that place. It was soon ascertained that they had crossed the railroad at Trail ridge, and, tearing up about 30 feet of the track, had passed in the direction of the St. Mary's trestle. We soon received information that they had burned the trestle and captured Lieutenant Packard and four men of the guard on duty at that place. I had already ordered Captain McElvey, of the Fifth battalion Florida cavalry, who was left in command at Camp Milton, to withdraw his pickets from Cedar creek and fall back to Baldwin. Had also dispatched a train for Captain Spencer's company of reserves and the working party on the Florida railroad engaged in taking up the iron from Callahan. I now determined to defend Baldwin, notwithstanding communication with Lake City was broken; for though our supplies were only for twenty-four hours, we had possession of an engine and train, and provisions could have been shipped us from the St. Mary's trestle, if carried to the trestle on this side. At that time I supposed that the force in our rear was not more than 80 men, and that they had probably retired after burning the trestle. Meanwhile Captain Cone and Lieutenant Reddick, in command of separate detachments, had been sent to the rear for the purpose of getting fuller information. They left about 3 p.m. After night it was discovered that two other trestles between the St. Mary's and Baldwin were also on fire, and soon the guard at those points reported that the enemy had fired them. It was then apparent that the force had not retired from our rear, and also that our source of supplies was effectually destroyed, even should we succeed in driving them back. Up to 2 o'clock a. m. on the 26th, I could hear nothing from Captain Cone or Lieutenant Reddick, which led to the belief that they were either captured or cut off by a larger force than at first reported, which latter proved to be true. My force at Baldwin consisted of 216 cavalry under Major Scott, Captain Spencer's company of reserves, about 40 on duty, and Captain Villepigue's battery of four guns. At the hour referred to I called a council of officers and we determined to evacuate Baldwin and move by way of Brandy branch and Lang's ferry, on the Big St. Mary's, to this position on the west side of the south prong of that river.

The whole command moved from Baldwin at 3 o'clock a. m. on the 26th, and crossed Brandy branch at 6 p. m. Here our pickets reported that the enemy's cavalry were in pursuit. The command was immediately put in position to receive them, and soon about 100 cavalry made their appearance, but after five or six shots from Captain Villepigue's battery and a few rounds from our skirmishers they retired. We then crossed the St. Mary's at Lang's ferry, and on Thursday, the 28th, the command arrived and took position at this place. I have since learned that on the night of the 25th three regiments of negroes, one of whites, one of cavalry, and four pieces of artillery reached Darby's still, six miles west of Baldwin.

I have to report the following loss in prisoners: Lieut. D. M. Packard, Second Florida cavalry, and 3 men on guard at St. Mary's trestle; Assistant Surgeon Wilson and Sergeant Carrol, Captain Villepigue's company, and Private Pendarvis, Company K, Second Florida cavalry; Sergeant Denham, Fifth cavalry battalion, and 2 men on scout in direction of Trail ridge; Private J. E. Purdom, Company B, Second Florida cavalry, on a scout; Private Roche, Company G, Second Florida cavalry, wounded and captured in action at Black creek—making a loss of 2 officers and 10 privates.

On the 13th of August, 1864, Captain Dickison was given command of all the State troops called into service by virtue of the provisions of general orders from the adjutant and inspector's office, Tallahassee, July 30th. After the fight at Palatka, Company H, Second Florida cavalry, continued to perform heavy picket duty on the St. John's river, frequently engaging in skirmishes with the enemy. On the morning of August 15th a simultaneous movement was made by the Federals from Jacksonville and Green Cove Springs with a force of about 5,000 negro infantry, several batteries of artillery, and 400 cavalry. They advanced on our forces near Baldwin, driving them across the Little Suwannee, made a flank movement in the direction of Lake City up to Fort Butler in Bradford county, thence flanking around to Starke, a small town on the railroad 14 miles north of Waldo, where they plundered the town and citizens. Captain Dickison had encamped at Waldo, but the raiders having cut the telegraph wires and torn up the railroad track, no communication could be held with the Confederate forces at and near Lake City. At sundown, Captain Rou with a detachment of his company, Second Florida cavalry, came up to Waldo and reported the enemy at Starke. They remained there but a short time and moved on, flanking Dickison's command about 10 miles below. Just at dark Mr. Boulware and Dr. McCrea came with haste to our headquarters, reporting the enemy in large force at their plantations, burning Boulware's mill, gin house and other buildings, with about 60 bales of cotton. Captain Dickison immediately prepared to follow them with about 130 cavalry: Company H, about 25 of Captain Starke's company from the Fifth battalion of cavalry, and one section of artillery under command of Lieutenant Bruton, about 90 infantry, new recruits who had reported to Captain Dickison, and Captain Rou's detachment of about 30 men. In all, our cavalry force consisted of about 180 men. The infantry moved out on the road leading to Gainesville under Colonel Earle, staff officer of Governor Milton, while Captain Dickison pushed forward with the cavalry and artillery. The enemy's cavalry, with one piece of artillery, moved through the country in the direction of Gainesville, leaving in their camps near the Boulware plantation 5,000 negro infantry and several sections of artillery. Concluding the latter were there for the night, Dickison followed the raiding party with great rapidity, the enemy occasionally stopping at the plantations and farmhouses on the line of march, taking with them all the negroes, horses and mules. They completely sacked Col. Edward Lewis' plantation, carrying off all the negroes, about 125 in number. Mrs. Lewis, who was alone on the plantation—her husband and son with our command—on hearing of the advance of the enemy, had four large plantation wagons loaded with her most valuable furniture, bedding, clothing, etc, ordering her teamsters to put in four mules to each wagon and drive them to a place of safety in the woods near by. As soon as the Federals came up, by fierce and cruel threats the slaves were intimidated and gave information where the wagons were concealed. They were ordered to drive them on and for all the negroes to follow. Just at daylight Captain Dickison rode up with his advance. Mrs. Lewis met him down the avenue and in heart-thrilling words told of her great loss. She had been robbed of everything, only one decrepit slave left, who was not able to follow the others. Captain Dickison sent down his line for Mr. Lewis and requested him to remain with Mrs. Lewis. With lofty patriotism she said, Go on with the command and do your duty and help avenge this invasion of our homes. We record with proper pride that by 10 o'clock that night all of her property, excepting one carriage horse killed, was safely returned.

Learning that the enemy was moving on to Gainesville, 12 miles distant, Captain Dickison continued his march. At this time Capt. W. A. Owens, with a detachment of 15 of the State militia, joined the force. This gallant soldier was one of the first citizens in Marion county in the organization of the Marion Light Dragoons. His health failing, he was compelled to resign, but he soon secured a commission as captain of militia and enrolled a small force of such as were not able to be in the regular service. After the war closed, he said that as he rode by his side on this occasion, Captain Dickison with deep feeling said to him: We will meet the enemy very soon; we must win this fight or the country is gone. I can see in my brave men a determination to sacrifice their lives or win the fight, and I know they will win it. They have seen their homes invaded and the sore distress of their helpless families and neighbors. Such men may be killed, but never conquered.

As Dickison rode on with his advance—his surgeon, Dr. J. A. Williams, by his side—he saw in the distance the enemy's rear guard near Gainesville. When within one mile of Gainesville he formed his line for the fight. Lieutenant Bruton was directed to throw two shells into the enemy's line. The enemy held the railroad at each crossing and were in the depot, and Dickison, dismounting most of his men, ordered a detachment under Captain Rou and Lieutenant McCardell to move up on the left and take the depot, while Lieutenant McEaddy with a mounted platoon on the right flank and Lieutenant Dozier in the center advanced and drove the enemy from the road. Our artillery was in the rear, shelling with good effect, and the enemy's artillery was near Beville's hotel shelling our battery at a furious rate. Soon the Federals were driven from the depot, and with our small arms we got a cross-fire on their guns, killing every horse but one in the caisson. The fight grew very exciting, the right and left closing in around the town. After a fierce resistance of about two hours the enemy began to give way and our gallant men charging them on all sides they were soon in full retreat in two columns. At this time Captain Dickison dashed through the streets, calling to his men to mount their horses and follow, which was quickly done—the enemy scattering along the roads and through the woods, pursued on every side by our brave boys. The pursuit continued as far as Newnansville, 15 miles distant, many being killed and captured on the road. Their main column, with one piece of artillery, led by Colonel Harris, of the Seventy-fifth Ohio, was followed by Dickison and his command, who captured the gun one mile from town, in front of Dr. McCrea's residence. It was supposed that Colonel Harris' command had been reduced to 40 men during the pursuit. They had gone about 4 miles when they were met by a scouting party of 4 men who had been sent out the day previous to ascertain the movements of the enemy, and returning to our camp that morning found the command gone. Hearing our artillery in the direction of Gainesville they pressed on to the scene of action, and at a most opportune time passed through a long lane that turned abruptly to the right and there met 30 men with one lieutenant in full retreat, coming upon them before either saw the other. These 4 daring young soldiers demanded a surrender, which was immediately made, the enemy naturally supposing they were the advance of a reinforcement on the way to Captain Dickison. The prisoners were ordered to throw down their arms. Just then Colonel Harris was seen riding up with 10 men. Sergeant. Poer, who was in command of this daring little party, dashed off through the woods, ordering his prisoners to follow, and giving orders to his men to fire upon the first man who refused to obey. The colonel, seeing the capture of his men, made no attempt to rescue them, but turned in an opposite direction, around a plantation, and with a small remnant of his command made his escape and reached the negro troops he had left at Boulware plantation the night before, and a general retreat was ordered to their headquarters at Green Cove Springs on the St. John's river. Sergeant Poer, with his invincible command of three heroic boys, brought in their prisoners that evening to our headquarters at Gainesville.

On Captain Dickison's return to Gainesville he found some 200 prisoners, several of them commissioned officers. The only officer who escaped to tell the story of their defeat was Colonel Harris. The major commanding the Fourth Massachusetts battalion of cavalry, with two of his men, who were making their escape on foot, their horses having been killed in the fight, were captured when they had nearly reached the St. John's river, about 50 miles from Gainesville. They were brought to Captain Dickison, who met the major, whose name was Fox, and said pleasantly, Major Fox, how is it you allow the Gray Fox to outrun and capture the Red Fox? It was well known that this officer with his fine battalion had been sent on the St. John's river especially to capture Captain Dickison, but he suffered the fate of similar expeditions. One hundred and seventy-five men of the Confederate command were in the fight. The remainder did not come up until the fight in the town was over, after which they scoured the country, doing most valuable service in capturing the enemy for more than 40 miles from Gainesville. There were 52 of the Federals killed in the town. It was never correctly learned how many were killed in the retreat to the river. The prisoners captured, including a number of officers, were about 300, many of them badly wounded. Several hundred stand of arms, one fine 12-pound howitzer and 260 horses fell into our hands. Our loss was 3 men killed and 5 wounded, of whom 2 died the next day. Several wagons were recovered that had been stolen in the raid, loaded with the plunder collected, some of it valuable silver plate; also 200 slaves that had been carried off from the plantations. This property was carefully guarded and turned over to the proper owners.

The plan of the enemy, as shown by the orders captured, was to march the next day with the 5,000 negro troops and several sections of artillery into Gainesville, confident of the successful occupation of the town by their large cavalry force. If such had been their success they would have secured several thousand bales of fine sea island cotton as a rich prize, and untold horrors would have been enacted in desolated homes. But they failed, for our heroes were fighting for their homes and all that was dear to them in life, and their battle-cry, Victory or Death, sent terror into the hearts of the invaders.

This victory saved east and south Florida. The counties of Bradford, Alachua, Marion, Levy and Hernando, lying between the St. John's river and the Gulf of Mexico, were known by the enemy to be among the most valuable portions of the State, owing to the almost inexhaustible supplies of sugar, syrup, cattle, with oranges, lemons, limes, arrowroot and other semi-tropical productions, which were of inestimable value to the State and the Confederacy. Our largest and most productive interest—sea island cotton—and the immense supplies of corn and forage, made it of the highest importance that this wide extent of country should be closely watched and the advances of the enemy checked, preventing widespread desolation and the carrying off of the slaves, who were the only able-bodied tillers of the soil, and better fitted for field work than the white man.

Too high an estimate cannot be placed upon the importance of the great responsibility resting upon the gallant men whose duty it was to be a living bulwark between the enemy and the helpless families whose homes were imperiled. Only by the most untiring vigilance of our patriotic soldiery could the inestimable resources of our beautiful peninsula be preserved and rendered available to their utmost capacity. Truly did they immortalize themselves in the proud victory won at the battle of Gainesville. The general commanding at Charleston conveyed to Captain Dickison his congratulations, and stated that he took pleasure in bringing this and several other instances of gallantry on the part of yourself and noble command to the notice of the President, and in recommending you for that promotion which your repeated acts of good service so justly entitle you to receive. He begs that you will make known to your officers and men his appreciation of their gallantry and good service.

Gen. Sam. Jones, commanding the district of Florida, in a letter to Adjt.-Gen. Samuel Cooper, asked that Captain Dickison be given adequate rank, so that he could take command of the cavalry in Florida, and added, I have reason to believe that the name of Captain Dickison is held in great terror by the enemy. A surgeon who was captured at Baldwin, and who has since been exchanged, reported that the forces of General Birney were kept in a constant state of dread lest Dickison should come upon them. Gen. J. K. Jackson, in General Orders No. 44, said: With pride and pleasure the brigadier-general commanding announces to the troops of this district the brilliant victory of Capt. J. J. Dickison and the forces under his command. After a forced march from Waldo they met the enemy at Gainesville, and undaunted by the superiority of his numbers, attacked and completely routed him. This unparalleled success merits for the gallant little band in south Florida the everlasting gratitude of their countrymen, whose homes and honor they have saved from a brutal soldiery. The brigadier-general commanding tenders to them his sincere thanks, and promises that every effort on his part shall be exerted to secure to their leader the reward of promotion which he so richly deserves and which they have enabled him to win.

In obedience to the order of General Jackson Captain Dickison remained for a few days in Gainesville with his forces as a corps of observation. Meanwhile on August 26th the troops under the command of Capt. Edward J. Sutterloh and Lieut. John B. Dell, Company F, Second Florida cavalry, had a brilliant engagement with one of the enemy's gunboats on the Suwannee river, repulsing the enemy and adding to the renown of the Florida troops.

A letter from Camp Dickison, Waldo, to the Lake City Columbian, well describes the situation early in September and the service of the militia: Three Federal prisoners, stragglers from the recent raiding expedition to Gainesville which suffered such disastrous defeat, have been captured within the past few days by the troops of this command. The enemy is known to be in large force at Jacksonville and Magnolia. All that can be said is that our troops are as ready to administer to these merciless invaders the same chastisement they were wont to give on past occasions. The State troops in this command are doing much to entitle them to the sincere gratitude of their country. Truly such an exhibition of patriotism has never been witnessed, certainly never excelled in the annals of warfare, as has been demonstrated in this glorious little State. The grandfather vies with his offspring in deeds of valor; and the silver-haired patriarch, bowed with the weight of years, stands firmly by the side of his fair-haired boys in forming that solid phalanx contending for all that is dear to them and against which the combined forces of the enemy cannot successfully combat. At Gainesville, though suddenly assembled upon the emergency, under command of Judge Thomas F. King, the citizen soldiery emulated the example of their com- rades, the sturdy veterans and victors on many fields of carnage, and by their valor and intrepidity contributed much to the glorious result. On September 22d, the State troops, under Captains King, Dudley and Richards, were sent home on furlough with the congratulations of the commanding officer.

on the morning of the 25th of September, 1864, the usually quiet little town of Marianna, in west Florida, of about 2,000 inhabitants, was in a state of great anxiety over the report that the Yankees were coming. The nearest railway station was Quincy, some 50 miles east, and the nearest point on the gulf coast, St. Andrews bay, about an equal distance, where a number of Federal gunboats blockaded the sound. Pensacola, the largest naval station in the South, 150 miles to the west, was held by the Federals. The inhabitants, aside from the slaves, consisted of well-to-do planters, mostly emigrants from North Carolina and Georgia. The politics of this county previous to the war was strongly Whig, and secession was bitterly opposed; but after the war commenced the young men volunteered freely in the Confederate army. A small detachment of Confederate cavalry was then stationed at and near Marianna, about 300 men all told, residents of Jackson and adjoining counties, and men of fine intelligence. At Marianna was a cavalry company, commanded by Captain Chisolm; two other companies detached from Colonel Scott's battalion of cavalry were stationed, one under Capt. W. H. Milton 25 miles south of Marianna, and one under Captain Jeter 20 miles west, at Hickory hill. They were under the command of Colonel Montgomery, once a lieutenant in United States army and appointed from private life. He was a martinet with little or no experience in the field. There was also a post hospital in charge of Assistant Surgeon H. Robinson, C. S. A.

The scouts had often brought alarms that the Yankees were coming from St. Andrews bay, but they generally proved false. On this occasion, however, September 25th, Colonel Montgomery made a personal reconnoissance and found the report well founded. He hastily returned to headquarters and sent out couriers to his scattered companies, with orders to report in all haste at Marianna. The church bells were rung, calling out all citizens to the court house, where a meeting was held and resolutions passed to repel the invaders. A few Confederate soldiers, then at home on sick leave, formed a nucleus of an organization which was at once perfected. Grayheaded old men, boys under 16 years of age within the town and ten miles around, regardless of-previous Union sentiment, arrived with shotguns and formed what they themselves called The Cradle and Grave militia company, in all about 200, and partly mounted. They elected Captain Norwood, a prominent Unionist, as their captain, and reported for duty to Colonel Montgomery, full of ardor and brave endeavor.

Two roads enter Marianna from the west in parallel lines, one from Campbellton and the other from St. Andrew's bay. At the point where the two roads unite in the center of the village, forming the main street, there was on the left an Episcopal church and cemetery, and opposite the church a large two-story boardinghouse. Another road, diverging from the Campbellton road, led around the town in the rear. As Colonel Montgomery had no pickets out he did not know from which direction the Federals would advance. He ordered his hastily levied militia to form a line, and constructed an abatis of old wagons and logs of wood across the street at the junction of the Campbellton and