Dr. Seth Rogers to his daughter Dolly, April 2, 1863—Evening

CAMP SAXTON, BEAUFORT, S. C.,

April 2, 1863. Evening.

Such is the management here that my notes no longer date from satisfactory advance posts. Four weeks ago tonight I was saying a last goodbye to our camp ground, and at a late hour went on board the steamer that was forever to take us from South Carolina. The deserted camp by moonlight saddened me, but this inglorious return impresses me more than I can express. It seemed appropriate that we should steam up Beaufort River the night of April 1.¹

It was not too late for me to visit dear old Mr. Saxton. He told me how terribly disappointed the General was at the sudden and unexpected conclusion of General Hunter to order the evacuation of Jacksonville. One night it was agreed that General Saxton should visit us in person, but early in the morning all was reversed and empty steamers were sent for us. General Hunter could not be persuaded to countermand the order.²

Today the long slumbering fleet at Hilton Head has begun to move towards Charleston. A very small force is being left to protect these Islands and you will be glad to know that we are to do picket duty in the absence of other troops. An attack upon us is not the most improbable thing to anticipate. I think our boys would enjoy a fight with almost any number of the enemy and some of our officers are slightly belligerent.

One of our soldiers who was expatiating on the pluck of the chaplain exclaimed, "My God, what for you made him preacher? He is de fightenmost Yankee I eber did see."

Last night about a hundred of the boys bivouacked on the hurricane deck and early this morning they were full of cheerful congratulations. I heard one say, "Well, Jim, how are you?" Bully, tank God." I am constantly amused by their pointed, laconic remarks.

I understand that Gen. Hunter gives as a reason for withdrawing our regiment from Jacksonville that he needed the others and dared not leave us alone. So far as safety is concerned, I would rather be on the mainland of Florida than the islands here.³ My box of supplies from the Soldiers Aid Society of Worcester, opened well today. We brought it up from Fernandina with us. The Gen. Burnside was loaded with stores for us at the moment General Hunter was McClellandized, and everything was dumped off at Fernandina. The box has arrived at the moment we most need it, and, with the exception of the lint, every article will be exceedingly useful. We confiscated a few bales of oakum up the St Mary's and I like it better than any other material for general dressing.

_______________

¹ See report of Colonel John D. Rust, in 1 Records of the Rebellion, XIV.

² He was always the most impulsive of men. - T. W. H.

³ The subsequent battle of Olustee proved that Hunter was right. — T. W. H.

SOURCE: Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Volume 43, October, 1909—June, 1910: February 1910. p. 384-5

Official Reports of Operations near Jacksonville, Fla., March 23-31, 1863: No. 1. — Report of Col. John D. Rust, Eighth Maine Infantry.

No. 1.

Report of Col. John D. Rust, Eighth Maine Infantry.

HILTON HEAD, S.C., April 2, 1863.

COLONEL: I have the honor to make the following report for the information of the major-general commanding Department of the South:

In accordance with orders received I embarked my regiment on board the steamers Delaware and General Meigs, at Beaufort, March 13, for Jacksonville, Fla., where I arrived on the 23d ultimo, having been delayed by rough weather. Major Hemingway, with three companies on the General Meigs, had already arrived. When I reached there a rebel battery mounted on a platform car propelled by a locomotive was shelling the town. The gunboat Norwich, which accompanied me, engaged it, replying vigorously, as did also a rifled Parrott 32-pounder on shore. The enemy were soon driven back. He was, as I afterward learned, making a reconnaissance, which it was his plan to follow up by an attack in force after night-fall. He expected to make the attack so close as to render our gunboats unavailable from the danger of their shells falling among our own men. Everything remained quiet during the night. The fact that our pickets had previously been drawn in at night to the edge of town encouraged this plan, which was frustrated by the arrival of the Eighth Maine Regiment and placing a night picket afterward at a distance. On Tuesday night the locomotive battery again approached and threw several 68-pounder rifled shells, striking several buildings, but injuring no one.

On Wednesday a reconnaissance in force, commanded by Colonel Higginson, and consisting of five companies of the Eighth Maine, under Lieutenant-Colonel Twitchell; four companies of Sixth Connecticut, under Major Meeker, and a portion of Colonel Higginson's colored regiment advanced along the railroad upward of 4 miles, driving in General Finegan's pickets, but were not able to overtake the enemy.

After proceeding as far as was deemed advisable, and the enemy showing no disposition to accept battle, our forces commenced to return. Soon after the locomotive battery appeared and threw several shells, but was careful to keep out of reach of our rifles. One of its shells killed privates T. G. Hoole and Joseph Goodwin and severely wounded William Willis, all of Captain McArthur's company (I), Eighth Maine Volunteers, who were the only persons killed or wounded after my arrival. On this occasion all the troops behaved exceedingly well.

Colonel Montgomery, with about 120 men of his regiment, accompanied by Captain Steedman, of the gunboat Paul Jones, made a successful expedition to Palatka, 75 miles up the river, taking prisoners a lieutenant and 14 men, with all their arms. The lieutenant violated his parole of honor and escaped. A quantity of cotton, rifles, horses, and other property, amounting to several thousand dollars, has been captured.

In accordance with Special Orders, No. 162, received from Headquarters Department of the South, I withdrew all the Union forces from Jacksonville, Fla., March 31, and embarked them on board transports, a part of which had just arrived for that purpose.

While the evacuation was taking place several fires were lit, a portion of them undoubtedly by secessionists; these fires were not confined to the lines of any regiment. Perhaps twenty-five buildings were destroyed. On my arrival I had found that many buildings had previously been destroyed, some by rebels, others by Union forces from military necessity.

Many Union families came away with us, our soldiers freely making all possible room for them on the transports.

The expedition has all returned safely.

Much credit is due to Capt. H. Boynton, of Eighth Regiment Maine Volunteers, for the careful and prudent manner in which he had administered the affairs of provost-marshal during our brief stay at Jacksonville.

Captain Cannon, of the Delaware, and his gentlemanly officers deserve mention for their kind treatment of officers and men.

JOHN D. RUST        ,

Colonel Eighth Regiment Maine Vols., Commanding Forces.

Lieut. Col. CHARLES G. HALPINE,
        Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the South.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 14 (Serial No. 20), p. 232-3

Official Reports of Operations near Jacksonville, Fla., March 23-31, 1863: No. 2. — Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army.

No. 2.

Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA,        

Lake City, Fla., March 31, 1863.

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on the night of the 24th instant I directed Lieutenant [T. E.] Buckman, chief of ordnance, to proceed with the rifled 32-pounder furnished me by Brigadier-General [H.] Cobb, mounted on a platform car on the railroad, and a sufficient infantry support for the gun, to within range of the town, and open on it with shot and shell. In obedience to this order Lieutenant Buckman proceeded to within 1½ miles of the town and opened on it with effect, throwing shell with great accuracy into those parts of the town where the enemy were located. The gun was admirably served, and great credit is due to Lieutenant Buckman and to Private Francis Soulé, of Captain [Edwin] West's company, First Special Battalion Florida Volunteers, commanding gun detachment, for its effective service. The firing of the enemy from a large number of heavy guns on their gunboats and some in battery soon became concentrated and accurate, and the gun, in pursuance of orders, was withdrawn after inflicting some damage on the enemy and without loss on our side.

On the succeeding morning the enemy advanced in force, about 1,500 strong, in three columns, driving in pickets with skirmishers, and formed in line of battle about 3 miles from town. My entire force was immediately ordered with all possible expedition to proceed to the ground where they were drawn up and engage them. The rifled 32-pounder, under command of Lieutenant Buckman, with a strong support of infantry and cavalry on left flank, protected on the right by the main body of our troops, was sent down on the railroad, and opened on the enemy as soon as they came within range, gradually approaching them until within full view of a considerable force protected by a 12-pounder Parrott gun, and engaged in destroying a culvert over which it was necessary for our gun to pass in order to shell the town. Lieutenant Buckman opened on them with effect, throwing shell with great accuracy and dispersing the party.

In the mean time a section of Captain [R. H.] Gamble's battery of Florida artillery was ordered some little distance in advance of our main body, and under command of Captain Gamble and Lieutenant [F. L.] Villepigue opened on the enemy a cross-fire in the direction where they were supposed to be lying concealed in some force. The enemy had in this fight, in addition to the Parrott gun on the railroad car, a small hand piece, with which he opened in the direction of the firing from Captain Gamble's section. He did not await the advance of the main body of our troops, but retired precipitately soon after the 32-pounder gun had opened on him. I continued to throw shell into their column for some distance on their retreat, and found evidence of considerable loss on their part--a number of guns, caps, haversacks, canteens, and fragments of human bodies and portions of skulls were found on the several roads occupied by their columns.

The conduct and services on this occasion of Lieut. T. E. Buckman, chief of ordnance, and of Private Francis Soulé, of Captain West's company (First Special Battalion), commanding gun detachment of 32-pounder rifled gun, is again entitled to special commendation.

The enemy having retired, I sent forward a strong body of infantry, under command of Major [T. W.] Brevard, First Partisan Rangers, with orders to hold them in reserve under cover from the enemy's guns, and to send forward a body of skirmishers to approach cautiously and ascertain the position of the enemy in the immediate vicinity of the town and endeavor to draw them out in force. The order was executed by Major Brevard with promptness, gallantry, and discretion. The skirmishers, under command of Major Brevard in person, advanced to within a short distance of the town. Finding the enemy's pickets drawn into their outer battery (a strong position on the brow of a hill), a ravine in front, and a strong force well posted for its defense and under good cover on either flank, and having no further object to gain, I ordered Major Brevard's command to retire, and replacing and strengthening my pickets, returned with the main body of my force to camp, having inflicted on the enemy, as I have reason to believe, a probable loss of 10 or 15 men, without any casualties to my own troops.

The conduct and spirit of both officers and men of the entire command were excellent, and I desire to mention favorably to the commanding general Col. Duncan L. Clinch, Fourth Georgia Cavalry; Lieutenant-Colonel [A. H.] McCormick, Second Florida Cavalry; Major R. B.] Thomas, inspector-general and acting chief of artillery; Maj.[R. B.] Brevard, First Battalion Partisan Rangers; Major [Robert] Harrison, Second Florida Cavalry; Major [J. C.] McDonald, Fourth Georgia Cavalry; Captain [Edwin] West, First Special Battalion; Captains [John] Westcott, [Samuel W.] Mays, P. B. Bird, and J. Q. Stewart, of Brevard's battalion of Partisan Rangers, and Lieut. ——— Tucker, commanding company from camp of instruction, and his officers and men.

On the succeeding day (the 26th instant) I placed early in the morning a strong force of infantry, with a battery of artillery, under Major Brevard, First Battalion Partisan Rangers, under cover some woods to the right of where the enemy were posted on the 25th instant, with the design of getting in their rear should they again venture out. During the day information reached me that they were out in force, and I again marched to meet them, with the intention of cutting them off, but they retired before we got near them. On the night of the 26th [instant] they were out in some force attempting to destroy the railroad track about 1 mile from town. Lieutenant Buckman was again ordered with the rifled 32-pounder and an infantry support to drive them in. This he accomplished with a few rounds. On each succeeding day I posted a large body of infantry under cover for the purpose of cutting off any force that might come out; but the enemy kept closely within their lines in the suburbs of the town and under the immediate fire of their gunboats and batteries.

On Sunday, the 29th instant, while reconnoitering the town from a position on the river, I discovered it was on fire in several places and that the transports were being loaded with troops. I immediately conjectured that the enemy were leaving, and pressed on into the town, arriving just after the departure of the last gunboat. I found the town in great part consumed, but succeeded in extinguishing the fire in some valuable buildings. There were evidences of precipitate departure by the enemy, and some quartermaster's stores were left by them, which were taken and turned over to the proper officers.

I regret to report that on the night of the 27th instant Lieutenant [O. F.] Braddock, of Captain [John] Westcott's company Partisan Rangers, who had obtained, through the solicitation of his officers, permission to proceed to the east bank of the Saint John's River to bring across the wives and children of men in the service who were there destitute and exposed to the outrages of the negro troops of the enemy, after having  <ar20_236> crossed the river, some 12 miles above my camp, and met the wagons sent by his captain to convey the women and children, was captured, with 15 men, 2 wagons, and 8 mules, by a three of the enemy under Col. ——— Montgomery. The mules were recovered by a force which I sent in pursuit, but the wagons were burned by the enemy and the women and children carried off. I have ordered the arrest of this officer (who subsequently escaped from his captors), and will ask for his trial by court-martial whenever the proper witnesses can be produced. The fortifications erected by the enemy around Jacksonville were formidable.

I desire to bring to the notice of the commanding general in the highest terms of praise the conduct and services of both officers and men of the command in the recent operations, and herewith transmit a copy of General Orders, No. 12, issued by me, to which I beg to refer the commanding general for special mention of instances of individual merit. I will, however, here mention as pro-eminently entitled to consideration the services and conduct of Lieut. T. E. Buckman, chief of ordnance on my staff, a most accomplished, brave, ingenious, and energetic officer, and Privates Francis Soulé, of Captain West's company, First Special Battalion, and James Chestnut, of Captain Chambers' company, Second Florida Cavalry; also Capts. W. E. Chambers and Winston Stephens of the Second Florida Cavalry, and their officers and men.

I have ascertained that the enemy's force in Jacksonville was as follows: Eighth Maine, 1,100 strong; Sixth Connecticut, 800 strong (whites); First South Carolina Volunteers (black troops), commanded by Col. T. W. Higginson, a full regiment, estimated from 900 to 1,500; Second South Carolina Volunteers (blacks), Colonel Montgomery commanding, not full.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOS. FINEGAN,        

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN,
        Chief of Staff, Charleston, S.C.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 14 (Serial No. 20), p. 234-6

Dr. Seth Rogers to his daughter Dolly, March 29, 1863

STEAMER Convoy, Mouth of St. John's, March 29, 1863.

This is one of the sad days of my life. The evacuation of Jacksonville is the burial of so many hopes I had cherished for the oppressed, that I feel like one in attendance at the funeral of a host of his friends. I greatly fear we are to be put back: out of active service at a moment when there is most need for us to work. I believe our retrograde movement today is an error more serious and damaging to the interests of the enslaved than appears on the surface. . . Major Strong and his party visited, last night, the picket station of the rebels, but for some reason they found no one, and the search was useless.

Early this morning all was hurry and excitement. Insufficient means of transportation caused a good deal of grief among families obliged to leave behind furniture, and caused a good deal of profanity among officers and soldiers obliged to be packed as you would pack pork. This little Convoy, of 410 tons, has six companies of soldiers with all their equipments, forty or fifty citizens with all the truck we did not throw back upon the wharf: fifty horses: all the Commissary stores and all my hospital stores, save those needed on the John Adams. Were this crowded state to last but a few hours there would be no trouble, but it is thick weather and raining like fury, and the fleet dare not put out to sea before morning. I forgot to say that we have also all our camp tents on board. Here we are for the night.

Quite early this morning the 8th Maine boys began setting fire to the town a most shameful proceeding. I came near losing my hospital stores before I could find conveyance for them to the steamer. The hospital was burned and many buildings were on fire when we left. It seemed like an interposition of Providence that a heavy rain so soon came on, which probably saved part of the town. It also seems to me that Providence is interfering with General Hunter's order in a way that may be more or less destructive. The wind is changing to the East and our prospect of getting off in the morning is passing away.

SOURCE: Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Volume 43, October, 1909—June, 1910: February 1910. p. 383

Official Reports of the Reoccupation of Jacksonville, Florida, by Union Forces, March 10, 1863: No. 2. — Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army, commanding District of East Florida.

No. 2.

Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army, commanding District of East Florida.

HDQRS. PROV. FORCES, DISTRICT EAST FLORIDA,        

Camp near Jacksonville, March 14, 1863.

GENERAL: 1 have the honor to report that on the 10th instant I received information from Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, commanding forces at Camp Finegan, of the arrival at Jacksonville of five gunboats and transports, and the landing of a large number of Abolition troops, said to be negroes. I immediately issued orders by telegraph and express trains for the concentration of all the troops which I could reach within the space of four or five days at the camp in the immediate vicinity of Jacksonville, prepared to check any movement of the enemy by land into the interior. To do this I am compelled to leave with entirely inadequate, protection many important points on the coast whence negroes may escape in large numbers to the enemy and where they have easy access to the interior.

On the same evening I proceeded to the camp, arriving there near midnight. I here found that the enemy had landed from five gunboats and transports, and he had occupied the town with so much celerity and secrecy as to have surrounded it with his pickets before the people generally were aware of his presence.

The next morning I made a reconnaissance in person, with the cavalry companies of Captains Stephens and Chambers, of the Second Florida Cavalry, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, of the same regiment, and directed Major Brevard, commanding First Battalion Partisan Rangers, with the companies of Captains Mays, Bird, J. Q. Stewart, and Asa Stewart, numbering 200 men, to advance to the immediate vicinity of the town, and cut off, capture, or kill their other pickets. The cavalry detachment under command of Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, which I accompanied, advanced into the suburbs of the town, where we found the enemy posted in strong picket force. We were fired upon by their first pickets without effect, except the disabling of 1 or 2 horses, and drove them into the town. Proceeding farther, we encountered a stronger force, which I estimated to be about two companies of infantry, drawn up in line of battle and advantageously posted. These opened on us unexpectedly, firing alternately by platoons and by file, with some degree of regularity. Our men, at great disadvantage of position, returned their fire with effect and drove them in haste and confusion from their position, killing 2 of whom we are certainly advised and wounding 4 or 5, and we have some reason to believe inflicting on them a severe loss. In this skirmish we lost a valuable life in Acting Surgeon Meredith, who accompanied the expedition, and was killed in the second skirmish with the enemy. At this point I had expected to meet the infantry detachment under command of Major Brevard, and with them to have retired from the town, capturing such pickets as were posted still farther out. The road taken was shorter than anticipated, and the two skirmishes with the enemy had accelerated our progress, so that we arrived at the place in advance of the infantry. Being under the range of the enemy's five gunboats and of his field pieces, we withdrew, bringing off the body of Surgeon Meredith.

Later in the day Major Brevard, commanding the infantry detachment, making his way into the suburbs of the town, encountered in the vicinity of the same place one or two companies of the enemy drawn up in line under cover of the trees and a house. Feeling the party with skirmishers, he then opened on them with his entire command, when they broke and fled in confusion, having first, however, returned his fire. Major Brevard then withdrew his command, and, although the enemy opened on them with shell from their gunboats, escaped without loss, having inflicted, as we believe, some loss on the enemy. We have ascertained from the reconnaissances and other sources of information that the enemy are certainly in large force in Jacksonville; that they are negroes, with white commissioned officers, company and field, and generally mulatto non-commissioned officers. From the best information that we can gather there may be 4,000 negroes now in the place, with perhaps one company of white troops. That they are expecting re-enforcements and have strongly fortified the place, having cut down all the trees, of which there were a great number, and made of them barricades and abatis; that they have posted field pieces in all the streets and covering the approaches, and have burned the houses from the river out beyond the suburbs of the town, so as to enable them to sweep with their heavy guns the whole country in rear and on either side of the place. They keep five boats with guns of long range in front and on the sides of the town, thus enabling them from the conformation of the ground to cover the country for several miles. The object of these formidable preparations, as we gather from our people who have been allowed to come out and as indicated by the probabilities of the case, is to hold the town of Jacksonville and then to advance up the Saint John's in their gunboats and establish another secure position higher up the river, whence they may entice the slaves. That the entire negro population of East Florida will be lost and the country ruined there cannot be a doubt, unless the means of holding the Saint John's River are immediately supplied. The next movement of the enemy will be to Palatka, and it may be to-day or to-morrow, and will necessitate the division of the force here concentrated. In a short time a similar landing may be effected in the vicinity of Fernandina and another division of the force required. It is impossible to do anything of importance unless I obtain the means asked for. All positions on the river, with the superior weight and number of the enemy's guns, are untenable with the means which I possess. I hope the commanding general will be able to supply me with the means absolutely necessary for the preservation of the people of this district. With the four siege guns asked for I can drive off the enemy's gunboats preparatory to an attack on the town.

I am to-day advised that the regiment of white troops in Saint Augustine have been ordered to re-enforce the enemy at Jacksonville. It is more probable, however, that they will proceed to Palatka, which is an easy march of 30 miles, through an open country, and there establish themselves. With the means at my command I shall not be able to prevent it.

To appreciate the danger of the permanent establishment of these posts of negro troops on the Saint John's River I respectfully submit to the commanding general that a consideration of the topography of the country will exhibit the fact that the entire planting interest of East Florida lies within easy communication of the river; that intercourse will immediately commence between negroes on the plantations and those in the enemy's service; that this intercourse will be conducted through swamps and under cover of the night, and cannot be prevented. A few weeks will suffice to corrupt the entire slave population of East Florida.

I herewith transmit a copy of an address which I deemed it my duty to publish to the people of the State, and which I trust will meet the approval of the commanding general; also a copy of general orders, complimentary to the conduct of officers and men of this command in the two skirmishes of the 11th instant.

The whole force which I am able to concentrate at this point, after leaving exposed many important points, will be less than 1,000 men (of all arms). I further beg leave to urge upon the commanding general the necessity of supplying me with 300 or 400 Enfield rifles and necessary ammunition for new recruits and new companies.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOS. FINEGAN,        

Brigadier-General, Commanding District of Florida.

Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN,
        Chief of Staff.

[Inclosure No. 1.]

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA,        

Camp near Jacksonville, Fla., March 13, 1863

I feel it my duty as brigadier-general commanding this district to inform the people of the district and of the State that our unscrupulous enemy has landed a large force of negroes, under command of white officers, at Jacksonville, under cover of gunboats. He is attempting to fortify the place so as to make it secure against attacks. The purpose of this movement is obvious and need not be mentioned in direct terms. It is sufficient to inspire the whole body of the people with a renewed and sterner purpose of resistance. I therefore call on such of the citizens as can possibly leave their homes to arm and organize themselves into companies without delay and to report to me. Ammunition, subsistence, and transportation will be furnished them while they remain in service. I further ask the zealous co-operation of the whole people in forcing into service all persons within the conscript age who yet remain out. With the blessing of the Almighty, the zealous support of the people and the Government, I doubt not that the detestable foe will soon be driven from their cover.

JOS. FINEGAN,        

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure No. 2.]

General ORDERS,} No.—,

HDQRS. DISTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA,        

Camp near Jacksonville, March 11, 1863.

The brigadier-general commanding desires to notice in general orders the coolness and daring exhibited by the officers and men of this command of detachments of the companies of Capt. W. E. Chambers and Capt. Winston Stephens, of Second Florida Cavalry, and of the companies of Capts. S. W. Mays, P.B. Bird, J. Q. Stewart, and Asa Stewart, under the command of Maj. T. W. Brevard, First Battalion Partisan Rangers, in two separate skirmishes with the enemy in the suburbs of Jacksonville on this day, These troops advanced with steadfast bravery while within range of his gunboats and attacked and drove him from his cover. The brigadier-general commanding commends the gallant and meritorious conduct in this affair of Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, Second Florida Cavalry, commanding cavalry force, and Capts. W. E. Chambers and W. Stephens, of Second Cavalry, and their officers and men, and of Maj. T.W. Brevard, First Battalion Partisan Rangers, commanding infantry force, and his captains, S. W. Mays, P.B. Bird, J. Q. Stewart, and Asa Stewart, and their officers and men.

The command mourns the loss of Surgeon Meredith, who fell by nobly discharging his duty.

By order of Brigadier-General Finegan, commanding:

W. CALL,        

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 14 (Serial No. 20), p. 226-9

Official Reports of the Reoccupation of Jacksonville, Florida, by Union Forces, March 10, 1863: No. 1. — Report of Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army.

No. 1.

Report of Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army.

BEAUFORT, S.C., March 14, 1863.

 SIR: I have the honor to report that the expedition which I sent up the Saint John's River, Florida, consisting of the First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, Col. T. W. Higginson commanding, and a portion of the Second South Carolina Volunteers, under Colonel Montgomery, captured and took possession of the town of Jacksonville on Tuesday, the 10th instant. As I stated in my last report to you, the object of this expedition was to occupy Jacksonville and make it the base of operations for the arming of negroes and securing in this way possession of the entire State of Florida. It gives me pleasure to report that so far the objects of the expedition have been fully accomplished. The town is completely in our possession and many prisoners. There has been constant skirmishing going on for several days, and in every action the negro troops have behaved with the utmost bravery. Never in a single instance can I learn that they have flinched. It is my belief that scarcely an incident in this war has caused a greater panic throughout the whole Southern coat than this raid of the colored troops in Florida.

The negroes are collecting at Jacksonville from all quarters. There is a great scarcity of muskets in this department. I have endeavored to procure suitable ones for the troops under my command without success. If ample supplies of Springfield muskets, smooth bore, with buck-and-ball cartridges, could be obtained it would be of the greatest advantage for this peculiar service. I am convinced that the enemy will attempt to drive us from our position at Jacksonville. He can  only succeed by the failure of our ammunition. I was obliged to send the expedition with only 50 rounds of ammunition for its artillery, a limited supply, but I was unwilling to delay the expedition until supplies could be obtained from the North.

I beg leave respectfully to report that I have great difficulty in obtaining suitable arms from the ordnance depot in this department.

It would, in my humble opinion, be of great advantage to the service if an officer could be sent here to report for your information upon its condition.

I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,

R. SAXTON,        

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

Hon. E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 14 (Serial No. 20), p. 226

Lieutenant-Colonel Abner H. McCormick to Colonel Thomas W. Higginson, March 17, 1863

HEADQUARTERS C. S. FORCES,         

Camp near Jacksonville, March 17, 1863.

Colonel HIGGINSON,
        Commanding at Jacksonville:

I hereby notify you to remove the women and children from Jacksonville within twenty-four hours from this time. After that time they will remain in the town on your responsibility. If the safe return of teams is guaranteed I will to-day send to the brick-yard church or to the town for all women and children who may wish to come within our lines.

I have the honor to be, respectfully,

A. H. McCORMICK,        

Lieut· Col., Comdg. C. S. Forces, Camp near Jacksonville.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 14 (Serial No. 20), p. 839

Dr. Seth Rogers to his daughter Dolly, March 6, 1863

STEAMER Boston, March 6.

Yesterday, at four P. M. the last tent was struck and we began to move down the river at eight this evening.¹ Like our other expedition, we have three steamers, the Boston, Burnside and John Adams. Col. Montgomery with his men and Co. A (Capt. Trowbridge), of our regiment, started last evening on the Burnside. Our Lt. Col. [Liberty] Billings with Co. B (Capt. James) and Co. C (Capt. Randolph) on the John Adams. Col. Higginson and Major [J. D.] Strong with the other seven companies of our regiment, on the Flag Ship Boston. I have left Dr. Hawks behind to care for the sick in the hospital, and placed Dr. Minor on the Adams. With me are the hospital steward and my trusty nurse, Mr. Spaulding. You may easily imagine there is not much lee-way on this steamer, calculated to carry less than four hundred. Besides we are blockaded at every turn by camp equipage, horses, army wagons etc. But the weather is perfect and the line officers cheerfully co-operate in keeping their men where I want them.

_______________

¹ To reoccupy Jacksonville.

SOURCE: Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Volume 43, October, 1909—June, 1910: February 1910. p. 370

Dr. Seth Rogers to his daughter Dolly, March 8, 1863

STEAMER Boston Mouth of St. John's River,        

March 8, 1863.

Waiting, waiting, waiting, with thermometer at 80° F. this bright Sunday. Great sandbanks like snow, atmosphere shimmering in the hot sunlight, while the young, tender foliage softens the landscape into beauty.

At daylight this morning we left Fernandina and arrived off the bar at the mouth of this river at 9.30 A. M. The gunboat Uncas came off to meet us and considerably before noon we were anchored in here with the Uncas, the Norwich and our transport, the Burnside. Why the John Adams has not reached here, we cannot imagine. This delay warns the rebs of our approach to Jacksonville and, if they choose to dispute our landing, I do not see why some lives may not be lost. James [Capt. Rogers] and I have been ashore this afternoon and have seen various wild flowers unfamiliar to us. The Colonel is deep in consultation with gunboat captains, and a steady frown indicates his impatience and perplexity about the John Adams. Rough and ready Capt. Dolly remarked when we passed her, that he was d----d if he didn't admire the Lt. Col. because he was always to be found just where we left him. His theory however about the non-arrival of the Adams is that the chaplain has gone for the last well to be dug. Wells are one of the chaplain's specialties and it would not be surprising if the theory proved correct. To me the worst feature of the delay is the exposure of our men to disease. I dread confinement in close air for them much more than I do rebel bullets.

Yesterday I heard of a little coincidence which quite amused me. One of our captains is not so broad and catholic as Theodore Parker, and very constantly manifests a jealous nature by petty complaints and watchings for evil. Yesterday morning he was speaking to me of the Colonel and remarked that the only fault he could find with him was a lack of discipline, that the men ought not to be allowed to insult their officers without severe punishment. I replied that I did not know of an officer in the regiment who was obliged to cross the track of the men so much as I, and yet, without any specific control over any but those in the hospital department, I never dreamed of being insulted and that if I were, I should feel that the fault were mine. This captain happened to be the officer of the day and, towards evening, I noticed that he was looking very demure and that he was minus his sash. On inquiry I found he had permitted some slight improprieties among the men and that the Colonel promptly put another officer in his place. I have not heard of a better disciplinarian than Col. H. and I doubt not Capt. is getting convinced on the same point.

Just now I found one of our men in a collapsed state, which will prove fatal.

SOURCE: Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Volume 43, October, 1909—June, 1910: February 1910. p. 370-1

Major-General David Hunter to Edwin M. Stanton, April 3, 1862

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,

Hilton Head, Port Royal; S.C., April 3, 1862.

Hon. E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival here on the 30th ultimo. I address you by the first opportunity since my arrival.

I find about 17,000 troops scattered along the coast from Saint Augustine, Fla., to North Edisto Inlet, South Carolina, distributed as follows:

At Saint Augustine, Fla.	200
At Jacksonville, Fla.	1,400
At mouth of Saint John's River, Fla.	70
At Fernandina, Fla.	900
At Tybee Island, Ga.	2,200
At Daufuskie Island, S. C.	1,600
At Bird Island, S. C.	300
At Jones Island, S. C.	300
At Hilton Head, S. C.	4,500
At Bay Point, S. C.	80
At Beaufort, S. C.	3,600
At Otter Island, S. C.	450
At North Edisto River, S. C.	1,400
	17,000

It is my opinion that this force is entirely too much scattered and is subject to be cut off in detail.

I shall order an abandonment of Jacksonville, Fla., and the re-enforcement of Forts Marion and Clinch. From later accounts I may add the Union feeling in Florida is not so strong as we were first induced to believe.

The batteries for opening on Fort Pulaski have been retarded by the non-arrival of the necessary guns, ammunition, &c. But Captain Gillmore, who deserves great credit for his untiring and scientific exertions, is now nearly ready, and by the next steamer I hope to be able to announce to you the fall of Pulaski. We then shall be able to hold the Savannah River with a small force and to concentrate on Charleston.

General Sherman made a requisition in December for five steamers drawing not more than 6 feet each. He informs me that they were purchased for him and sent from New York, but put into Hatteras in a storm, and are there detained by General Burnside. We are still very much in want of these light-draught boats, and, as we have but three wagons to a regiment, they are absolutely essential.

On my leaving Washington you had the kindness to promise me whatever force I might ask. We shall do all that men can do with the small force we have; but it distresses me to be in such a beautiful situation for striking strong blows without the arms to strike. I beg that you will send us at once as many men as you think we can use to advantage, as all the officers in command report the re-enforcement of the enemy on their respective fronts.

I most earnestly request that 50,000 muskets, with all the necessary accouterments, and 200 rounds for each piece, may be sent to me at once, with authority to arm such loyal men as I can find in the country, whenever, in my opinion, they can be used advantageously against the enemy.

It is important that I should be able to know and distinguish these men at once, and for this purpose I respectfully request that 50,000 pairs of scarlet pantaloons may be sent me; and this is all the clothing I shall require for these people.

I believe the rebel regiments as they retreat from the Army of the Potomac come directly to their respective States and that in this way the force opposed to us here is becoming considerably augmented.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 D. HUNTER,

 Major-General, Commanding.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series III, Volume 2 (Serial No. 123), p. 27-8

Diary of John Hay: February 29, 1864

This morning, as we neared Fernandina, I persuaded the General to go on to Jacksonville and send boat back here for us. We landed. . . .

SOURCES: Clara B. Hay, Letters of John Hay and Extracts from Diary, Volume 1, p. 170; Michael Burlingame, Editor, Inside Lincoln's White House: The Complete Civil War Diary of John Hay, p. 172.

Diary of John Hay: February 12, 1864

Received orders from the General to go to St. Augustine with despatches for Col. Osborne to move his force, except two companies, to Picolata. (Seymour asked last night for the 54th Mass. without delay. “One company is enough for St. Augustine.” “Cool for a subordinate,” said Q. A.) I went over to Halliwell and transferred my blasphemy business to him, and made ready at once to go to the Helen Getty. I concluded to go by way of Fernandina to get near my base of supplies. . . .

My first day's operations in Jacksonville were such as to give me great encouragement. I enrolled in all sixty names — some of them men of substance and influence. The fact that more than fifty per cent. of the prisoners of war were eager to desert and get out of the service shows how the spirit of the common people is broken. Everybody seemed tired of the war. Peace on any terms was what they wanted. They have no care for the political questions involved. Most of them had not read the oath, and when I insisted on their learning what it was, they would say listlessly: — “Yes, I guess I'll take it.” Some of the more intelligent cursed their politicians and especially South Carolina; but most looked hopefully to the prospect of having a government to protect them after the anarchy of the few years past. There was little of what might be called loyalty. But what I build my hopes on is the evident weariness of the war, and anxiety for peace.

SOURCES: Clara B. Hay, Letters of John Hay and Extracts from Diary, Volume 1, p. 166-7; Tyler Dennett, Editor, Lincoln and the Civil War in the diaries and letters of John Hay, p. 161-2; Michael Burlingame, Editor, Inside Lincoln's White House: The Complete Civil War Diary of John Hay, p. 162.

Genuineness of the Union Sentiment in Eastern Florida

A correspondent of the N. Y. Times gives an interesting account of the Union meeting at Jacksonville, Fla., the spirited resolutions of which we have already published.  The writer says:

About an hundred men were present, said to be nearly all the men left in the town.  The first words spoken were by Mr. Frazer:  “Fellow citizens, we are met here as loyal citizens of the United States of America.  I take it that no one is here who is not prepared to acknowledge his allegiance to the Union.”  He spoke earnestly, but only a few words.  Mr. C. L. Robinson was called to the Chair, and his speech was also short, but full of meaning.  These men felt that they were taking their lives in their hands, in thus openly avowing Union sentiments for the first time in Florida for more than a year.  But there was no mincing matters.  The whole tone of the meeting was determined, but not enthusiastic.  The matter was too serious, but the unanimity was unmistakable.  The resolutions and protest, which I append were endorsed in the heartiest manner, and the meeting adjourned, to resume its movements in two or three days.

On the same day Gen. Sherman issued this proclamation to the people of East Florida. – There was no sort of collusion, there was no attempt made to influence these people.  Gen. Sherman declined to be present at the meeting; he did not know what would be said or done beforehand; he did not issue his proclamation until the resolutions were sent to him and after the meeting he made certain of the willingness of the people to stand firm in their allegiance.  It was not attempted to induce the Floridians to return to the Union; the movement originated in themselves and forced a response from the commanding General. – After he gave orders which will secure their safety, and probably lead to a spread of the sentiment so eagerly avowed.  The citizens manifested the greatest satisfaction; invited the National officers to their houses and tables, introduced them to their families; the women and children turned out in the streets at evening parade, and every person who met a Union officer accosted him cordially.  They seemed never tired of the endeavor to convince the Nationals that their loyalty was real.  They insisted that the Union sentiment is shared by thousands of others; that many of the rebel troops are ready to desert; and indeed on one day that I was in Jacksonville half a score came in from a neighboring camp, and took the oath of allegiance.  The triangle formed by Fernandina, Baldwin and Jacksonville, is said to be especially full of loyal people.  The whole population is represented to be suffering, and at least half of it anxious to be relieved from the results of the rebellion.

At St. Augustine nearly the entire population remained in their homes and the Mayor of the place raised the American flag once more.  National troops are stationed there, so that in the southernmost State of the entire Union the loyal sentiment is found to exist in all its purity and fervor.  It is even said that a company of troops could be readily raised in Jacksonville to fight for the Stripes and Stars.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

From Pensacola

Evacuation of Forts McRae and Barrancas – The People of Florida Coming to their Senses – A Loyal State Government to be Organized.

NEW YORK, March 30. – The Steamer Empire City, from Port Royal, has arrived.  The following is from the New South newspaper of the 22d:

Gen. Sherman visited Jacksonville on the 19th and was waited on by a committee of citizens, who represented that all in town were Unionists.  The rebels, when they left, threatened to hang all who remained.

Guerrilla bands were destroying the property of all suspected Unionists, by the orders of the rebel General Trapier.

The sentiment of eastern Florida is declared to by loyal.  Rebel deserters are numerous. – Many ware willing to take up arms against the rebel tyranny.  Our troops were treated hospitably.

The gunboat Ottowa [sic] has been 120 miles up St. Johns river, beyond Jacksonville, meeting with no opposition.  White flags were displayed and the inhabitants claimed protection.

The steamer St. Mary and the yacht America were found sunk, but we are raising them.

Pensacola has been evacuated, including Forts Barrancas and McRae.  The troops raised in Florida were ordered off by refused to go.

Gen. Sherman issued a proclamation to the people of East Florida, saying he came to protect loyal citizens and enable them to resuscitate a State government.  The sole desire of the Government is to maintain the integrity of the Constitution and laws, and reclaim the revolted States to their allegiance.

At a meeting of loyal citizens of Jacksonville, on the 20th, it was declared that no State has the constitutional right to separate from the United States, and that the act of secession by Florida is void and in conflict with the Constitution, never having been submitted to the people for ratification, and they protested against all acts of the Convention depriving them of their rights as citizens of the United States; the despotism which denied them freedom of speech and the press, and forced contributions of money, labor and enlistments.  They recommended a convention to be called forthwith, to organize a State government, and the United States government be requested to keep a sufficient military force to keep order and protect persons and property.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 4

Florida Abandoned by the Confederate Government – Panic and Destruction among the Rebels

(From the Boston Journal.)

It is not often that a rebel Letter which falls into the possession of our advancing armies, contains more news or gives a more vivid description of the state of affairs in rebeldom that the following.  This letter obtained at Jacksonville, by an officer in Commodore Dupont’s squadron, who forwarded it to a friend in this city.  It will be seen that the writer, notwithstanding Florida has been entirely abandoned by the Confederate Government, according to his statement, still hugs the fond delusion that the rebel cause will succeed, and that Florida will again be linked to the Southern Confederacy by negotiation:

MULBERRY GROVE, March 7.

MY DEAR SISTER: I expect by this time you have the letter I wrote Buddie a few days ago.  Here I am, almost at a loss what to do next.  I came up from town last night with a boat load of our negroes.  Since the attack and capture of Fernandina, the Confederate Government has seen fit to abandon East Florida; and yesterday an order came from the Secretary of War for the Confederate troops to abandon the whole of Florida, and every troop in the State, together will all the cannon, arms, ammunition, stores, &c., are being removed, working day and night to do it before the Federals get entire possession of the State.  Our government has signified its inability to hold Florida, and therefore the troops here have gone to assist in breaking the cordon from the Cumberland river in Tennessee to the Chattahotie river, and there is still the additional number of 2,600 called for from the State by the Government; but the men will not enlist now, as the Government gives us no aid, and expects every man in this State to leave his home and interest, and go fight abroad.

It has been blowing a gale for the past three days from the West, which has blown all the water out of the river and prevented the enemy from coming over the bar; but we will see them here as soon as the wind changes.  The Town Council and the military heads of the militia (for we have no Confederate troops now) met yesterday and concluded to quietly submit to the yoke or destiny that may await us, as we have neither men, arms, nor ammunition.

The Federal congress has passed a bill commanding the heads of their military not to return or send to their former owners any slave who may come to them, unless such slave returns of his own free will.  If they continue to execute this law, as ‘tis said they have done it at Fernadina, our negroes may be lost; but I have most of them here, and will wait until I see what they do with those they get in Jacksonville.  If there be any danger, then I will start a wagon to carry the women and children that can’t walk, the men walking and go from here to Orange Springs, and stop there, if the enemy do not intend to go to the interior, but if they do, then I will go on South to the Everglades, where my cattle are, and I can get something to feed them with and keep them there until it be save to remove them.  I have but twenty-eight dollars in pocket, and I know I will have to beg provisions before I get there.  I am going with our negroes whence I take them, as they are mine and your and all of us only resource for living.

The postmaster is going to leave Jacksonville, and I presume the mails will soon be in the hands of the Federals, and no telling when you will hear from me again; but I will continue to write as long as I can.  The only money that I presume I can get is some uncle John owes me about $100, and this I will send you soon if he will pay me; but if I am not able to send it, show this letter to uncle, and tell him I beg him to provide all things for you there until I am free from this bondage.  Keep an account of expenditures, and I will pay him back every dollar with interest.

A scene of the wildest confusion exists here.  Masters are running and leaving their negroes with no one to look after them.  I have taken the wives of two or three of our men, to keep them contend and prevent their running back should I start.  All through the interior the lines of the railroads are thronged with the refugees and bread is sold to them at $1 per loaf.  Some of them have no place to go and are starving in the woods.  I have some corn here, and will make them catch fish for meat, as I have no money to buy with.  Some ten or twelve families are all that are left in Jacksonville.  If I was able or had the means to get out of this State, I should do it forthwith, but I have not.  I do not think we will be under the Confederate Government again until after peace is made, and then I hope the other Confederate States may get us back from the United States by treaty.

I have written in haste, but tried to state what I intend doing.  Much love to all the household.  God keep you all for his sake until I get you.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 1

The War News

The Merrimac expected out.

FORT MACON STILL HOLDS OUT.

Jacksonville, Fla., Threatened.

Our Troops landed on the Gulf Coast.

An Unexpected Change in the Federal Programme disheartens the Rebels.

A Missouri Editor silenced.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 8, 1862, p. 1

From Port Royal and Florida

NEW YORK, March 30.

The steamer Empire City, from Port Royal, has arrived.  The following is from the New South newspaper of the 22d:

Gen. Sherman visited Jacksonville on the 19^th, and was waited on by a committee of citizens, who represented that all in town were Unionists.  The rebels, when they left, threatened to hang all who remained.

The sentiment of eastern Florida is declared to be loyal.  Rebel deserters are numerous.  Many are willing to take up arms against the rebel tyranny.  Our troops were treated hospitably.

The gunboat Ottawa has been 120 miles up St. John’s river, beyond Jacksonville, meeting with no opposition.  White flags were displayed and the inhabitants claimed protection.

Pensacola has been evacuated, including Forts Barrancas and McRea.  The troops raised in Florida were ordered off, but refused to go.

Gen. Sherman issued a proclamation to the people of East Florida, saying he came to protect loyal citizens and enable them to resuscitate a State Government.

At a meeting of loyal citizens of Jacksonville, on the 20^th, it was declared that no State has the constitutional right to separated from the United States, and that the act of secession by Florida is void and in conflict with the Constitution, never having been submitted to the people for ratification.

They recommended a convention to be called forthwith, to organize a State Government, and the United States Government be requested to keep a sufficient military force to keep order and protect persons and property.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 1, 1862, p. 1

Washington News

WASHINGTON, April 29. – The Commission on ordnance and supplies have, it is said, rejected all the foreign contracts, and considerable curtailed those for the manufacture of arms in the United States.

The Ordnance Officer has issued proposals for manufacturing, within one year, Springfield rifled muskets and Harper’s Ferry rifles, together with carbines, revolvers, sabres, swords, scabbards, &c., sufficient for the use of the army.

The Department reserves to itself the right to reject any bid and to consider none made thro’ any agent, broker or party, other than the regular manufactures.

Several days ago the House passed a resolution directing the Secretary of War to communicate all the facts and circumstances within his knowledge, relative to the late evacuation by our troops, of Jacksonville, Florida.

The Secretary replies that he conceives it to be the province of the President to furnish information concerning military operations, but that the President has directed him to say that the evacuation was for reasons not deemed compatible with the public interest to disclose.

Prof. Bache of the Coast Survey, reports that next to Port Royal, St. Helena Sound is the [best] harbor on the Southern Coast. Two channels of 15 feet each at mean low water enter, and from the Sound the Country may be penetrated by gunboats nearly to the railroad. The width of the sound renders all its shores healthy, as all are freely reached by the sea breezes, and the other sea island especially is will situated for settlement and commercial town. If ever other interests than planting ones rule in this region, he looks to see its commercial advantage made use of, and the lumber from the heads of the Ashpoo and Cambahee finds a market nearer these great rivers than either Savannah or Charleston.

Wm. Ryan Hall has been appointed acting volunteer lieutenant in Com. Foote’s flotilla.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 4