[Wabash, off
Fernandina, March 6th, 1862]
Captain Davis has in charge for you a rifle captured at
Fernandina, which I desire you to do me the honor to accept. The victory was
bloodless, but most complete in results. The defenses have astounded us by
their capabilities, scientific location, and formidable character, with
wonderful immunity from danger. Their cannon are heavy and fine; one
120-pounder rifle-gun, which they had slung in the trucks to get away with, but
dropped on the beach, we have nothing to compare with. The most curious feature
in the operations was the chase of a train of cars by a gunboat for one mile
and a half; two soldiers being killed, the passengers rushed out into the
woods, one of your late members among them, Mr. Yulee; he passed the night
under a bush, and I hope had a blanket, for it was the coldest of the season.
SOURCE: William Salter, The Life of James W. Grimes,
p. 170
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