| Col. Bell declares Martial Law in St. Augustine |
| SAINT AUGUSTINE, FLA., April 15, 1862. Brig. Gen. H. W. BENHAM Comdg. Northern District, Department of the South: I have the honor to report that (finding a constant communication was kept up between the inhabitants of this city and the enemy and that the members of the city.government would not assist me in preventing it) I placed the city under martial law on the 12th instant. The day after a re-enforcement of fonr companies of my regiment arrived. I should have replaced the city officials in power had not the feeling among the citizens been that they desired martial law to still remain. I am pleased to be able to report that no ill-feeling or difficulty has arisen between the citizens and the men of my command, and that not an instance of any insult or unpleasant feeling has taken place. I have prohibited any person passing the line of my command without taking the oath of allegiance. Fort Marion has now mounted two 8-inch sea-coast howitzers, one 32-pounder gun, four iron 6-pounder guns, one 1)brass 6-pounder gun, one 24-pounder siege howitzer, and a Wiard rifled gun. Lieutenant Tardy, U. S. Corps Engineers, has arrived at this post and taken charge of putting the fort in a state of defense. Lieutenant Tardy intends to mount two 8-inch columbiads on the fort. With the ordinance stores I have drawn a requisition for I can defend the post against all the enemy now in arms in Florida. I have the honor to request instructions as to slaves belonging to disloyal men. I have retained such slaves, furnishing them with food and compelling them to work, and simply excluding other slaves from the fort. This city is in a most lamentable condition with respect to food. I have been compelled to issue Government provisions to families to prevent them from perishing from hunger. I have the honor to request instructions as to whether such issues will be permitted. Five deserters from the enemy have come in; no information of any importance has been got from them, except that one of the Saint Augustine companies wished to lay down their arms and surrender. I have used every effort to inform them that they might return here and remain unmolested. I take the liberty of suggesting again that the ordnance stores I have. drawn a requisition for are very necessary for the defense of my post. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, LOUIS BELL, Lieut. Cot., Comdg. Fourth New Hampshire Volunteers, Commanding Post of Saint Augustine. |
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| Col Louis Bell St. Augustine Commander 4th New Hampshire Volunteers University of New Hampshire |