| Return to 33rd USCT 34th USCT See also General Saxton Col Thomas Wentworth Higginson Dept of the South |
| General Rufus Saxton to Colonel Thomas Wentworth Higginson Up the St. Johns March 5, 1863 War of the Rebellion |
| Headquarters, Beaufort, S. C. March 5, 1863 Colonel,-- You will pleas proceed with your command, the First and Second Regiments South Carolina Volunteers, which are now embarked upon the steamers John Adams, Boston, and Burnside, to Fernandina, Florida. Relying upon your military skill and judgment, I shall give you no special directions as to your procedure after you leave Fernandina. I expect, however, that you will occupy Jacksonville, Florida, and intrench yourselves there. The main objects of your expedition are to carry the proclamation of freedom to the enslaves; to call all loyal men into the service of the United States; to occupy as much of the State of Florida as possible with the forces under your command; and to neglect no menas consistent with the usages of civilized warfare to weaken, harass, and annoy those who are in rebellion against the Government of the United States. Trusting that the blessing of our Heavenly Father will rest upon your noble enterprise, I am yours, sincerely, R. Saxton Brig-Gen, Mil Gov. Dept. of the South. Colonel Higginson, Comdg. Expeditionary Corps. |
| General Rufus Saxton |
| Col. Thomas Wentworth Higginson |