| Capture of Col Noble Union Commander of St. Augustine |
| Captain BURGER,
Jacksonville, Fla., December 27, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General, Department Headquarters: CAPTAIN: I regret to inform you that on the 24th instant Colonel Noble, Seventeenth Connecticut, Captain Young, One Hundred and Seventh Ohio, and Lieutenant Rice, Thirty-fifth U.S. Colored Troops, were captured by three of the enemy’s scouts while in route from this place to Saint Augustine. Colonel Noble was here as a witness before a general court-martial, and was to have returned before Monday 9 a. m. When I gave Colonel Noble permission to go to Saint Augustine I cautioned him especially in reference to the necessity of being always armed, of not traveling without escort, & c. As far as I can learn neither of the parties captured had arms with them. Captain Young was permitted to go at large on the ground of ill-health and retirement from service about to be consummated. Every practicable effort is being made to rescue these officers, but I have very little expectation, notwithstanding the hopes held out by scouts, & c., that they will be successful. I trust that the cavalry force destined for this district may be sent as soon as practicable, and that the infantry, temporarily withdrawn, may be also returned. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, & c., E. P. SCAMMON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. |
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| Col. William H. Noble 17th Connecticut Commander of St. Augustine |