STEAMER Ben Deford, FERNANDINA, FLA.,
January 28, 1863.
While superintending the transfer of the wounded from the John
Adams last night, I sent ashore for mattrasses, but without success. This
morning I have been ashore and procured a bale of fine hay from Quartermaster
Seward, a gentleman who was my partner at euchre on the Delaware and who
is now very prompt in doing what he can for us, so that now our men are about
as comfortably placed as if they were in a hospital. Yesterday I saw how
difficult it is to keep down vandalism when a town is to be burned. In this
respect the blacks are much more easily controlled than the whites. Of course
we have a right to appropriate what we need in the service of Uncle Sam, but I
would be as severe as the Colonel is on individual appropriations. My only
regret about burning the town is that we did not give those “unprotected
ladies” the protection of our flag and then burn every house. I find the same
feeling among officers here in Fernandina. If we are ever to put down this
ungodly rebellion, we must act on the broadest principles of justice. If I
offer my life in the defence of my country I shall not be slow nor economical
in my demands upon my enemies. This is true justice and wise humanity. Just now
two companies were sent to St. Mary's on the Planter to load brick; I
let Dr. Minor go with them. That I did not go myself instead was the bravest
thing I have done since I came to Dixie.
SOURCE: Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical
Society, Volume 43, October, 1909—June, 1910: February 1910. p. 351-2
