| By October 1860 The St. Augustine Examiner declared: "We shall advocate with all the force God has given us the immediate formation of a separate confederacy of the cotton states. If that be sucession or treason, make the most of it." Bishop Verot On January 4, 1861 in response to President's Buchannon's call for a day "set apart for Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer throughout the Union" Bishop Verot gave a sermon in St. Augustine on slavery and abolition. In his sermon Verot defended slavery and slave holder's rights. However, he also asserted that the Christian doctrine opposed the African slave trade and spoke for the rights of free negroes. The sermon spoke against rape of black women by their owners. Laws of marriage also apply to slaves. Slave families must not be separated. Master must provide for slave. Slaves must be provided a religious education. He proposed the Confederacy adopt a code for the rights of owners and the rights of slaves. The sermon earned Verot the title of "Rebel Bishop." Leaving the Union Governor Madison Stark Perry called for a state convention to vote and adopt an ordinance of secession.The citizens of St. Augustine met in the courtroom on December 15, 1860 to decide on representatives to send to Tallahassee for the secession convention. The representatives selected were R.G May and Mathew Solana. On January 10, 1861, they voted for the secession of Florida from the Union.The St. Augustine Independent Blues (the local militia) along with a unit from Jacksonville were present when the Commander of the Blues, Major Benjamin A. Putnam announced the decision for separation from the Union.The “Stars and Stripes” were lowered and the “National Flag of Florida” was raised. St. Augustine Examiner, 19 Jan 1861 - The Revolution Progresses It is done. On Saturday afternoon several of our citizens who arrived from Tallahassee where the State convention had assembled and is now in session, brought us the intelligence that the Secession Ordinance had been passed by that body, declaring that Florida withdraws herself from the Confederacy of states existing under the name of the United States of America. Capture of the Fort by the Confederates (Deo vindice - Motto of the Confederacy) By the time of the Civil War St. Augustine has tourists from the North, hotels, boarding houses, and many people with Northern sympathies. However, with the State of Florida, St. Augustine becomes part of the Confederacy. (Census 1860 St. Johns County)The Fort (which had been renamed Fort Marion by the Americans) was taken over even before the formal withdraw of Florida from the Union. This meant waking up one lone guard who gladly left (after obtaining a receipt for the key). No. 2. Report of Ordnance Sergeant Henry Douglas, U. S. Army, of the seizure of Fort Marion, Saint Augustine. SAINT AUGUSTINE, EAST FLORIDA, January 7, 1861. SIR: I am obliged to perform what is to me a painful duty, viz, to report to the Chief of Ordnance that all the military stores at this place were seized this morning by the order of the governor of the State of Florida. A company of volunteer soldiers marched to the barracks and took possession of me, and demanded peaceable possession of the keys of the fort and magazine. I demanded them to show me their authority. An aide-de-camp of the governor showed me his letter of instructions authorizing him to seize the property, and directing him to use what force might be necessary. Upon reflection I decided that the only alternative for me was to deliver the keys, under protest, and demand a receipt for the property. One thing certain, with the exception of the guns composing the armament of the water battery, the property seized is of no great value. The gentleman acting under the governors instructions has promised to re- ceipt to me for the stores. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY DOUGLAS, Ordnance Sergeant, U. S. Army. Col. II. K. CRAIG, Chief of Ordnance Department, U. S. Army. By January 15 the coast survey schooner Dana captained by F. W. Dorr was "captured" by the authorities in the St. Augustine harbor. St. Augustine Examiner, 20 April, 1861 War We have always said that the Abolition Government at Washington meant War; we have never for one moment thought otherwise, our opinion has been predicated upon the known implacable nature and wicked mischievous devices that have always marked the course of fanatics – above all it has been based upon a knowledge of their hatred to us – they do not love us, depend on that. U.S. Military Department A new U. S. Military Department was created, composed of the States of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, and Major-Gen. Hunter was assigned to its command. The headquarters were at Beaufort, South Carolina. Gen. Hunter was the department head. The Port of Beauford, South Carolina captured in November, 1861 by amphibious attack became the supply depot of the U.S. Naval blockade. St. Augustine Examiner, 4 May 1861 -- St Johns Rail Road The St Johns Mirror has the following: This Road has its terminal at Tocoi, on the St John’s River and St Augustine, it is all graded save one mile and a half, the crossties are upon the line, and theiron laid about three and a half miles, with iron on hand to complete the track for seven miles or about half the entire road. The work on the road, owing to the political troubles and the general pressure, has been temporarily stopped; but arrangements are now made to recommence and carry it through with dispatch. St. Augustine Examiner, Saturday June 29, 1861 POST OFFICE NOTICE From and after the first day of June next, postage on letters under 500 miles is ½ oz. Weight will be 5 cts. Over 500 miles, 10 cts, additional weight will be charged in proportion as under the old U. S. Laws. Postage of Weekly Newspapers weight not to Exceed 3 oz. To actual and bonafide subscribers 10 cts per quarter. Semi-weekly, tri-weekly, and Daily in proportion. Such being the instruction of the Postmaster General of the Confederate States of America. Lawrence Andreu, Post Master Rafael B. Canova was the mayor of St. Augustine from Nov 1860 through Nov of 1861. He was replaced by Paul Arnau who served until the U. S.Navy returned. (War of the Rebellion Naval Records) 341 W. FIFTEENTH STREET New York, February 26, 1862. Mr. SECRETARY: I have several times been menaced with the seizure of my property in the South, and yesterday I was warned from a friendly source that my presence there had become necessary for its safety, all that I have being in the hands of sequestrators for the Government of Davis. In this last stage of affairs (common, no doubt, to many others), and as it is not my pleasure to go South at this time, I address myself to you, asking the protection of the United States under the treaty with Spain, holding property as I do in east Florida by descent from a Spanish subject of the country, and having myself at the time of the cession been a resident in the province. I beg to state these facts with emphasis. Since the time that the conspirators took up arms there has in no wise any attempt been made by the Government to pacify the interior of the Peninsula of Florida or the eastern shore by even the looking in of a gunboat as high up the St. Johns River as Jacksonville, or in passing the harbor of St. Augustine. On the average of once a week for a period of nearly four months the Jeff Davis hovered in the Gulf of Florida within a degree or two of latitude of that town, watching for prey, and finally it only disappeared by the commander, Coxetter, attempting to enter the port, supposing himself to be pursued by a United States vessel of war, when he wrecked his vessel. That town is the undisturbed residence of that privateersman, where he has his family, and has property, as also have Hardee, Kirby Smith, and Loring, all late of the U. S. Army, now active generals in the cause of the conspiracy. Through these ports have been received from neutral countries necessaries, particularly salt, coffee, quinine, opium, in exchange for pitch and cotton. Some passengers are passing (or have passed until very lately) by these means, and also correspondence The Garibaldi, schooner, I am inclined to think, still continued to make her trips from Jacksonville. The commerce of St. Johns River has, in no instance, as I have said, been disturbed, and, in a word, the entire Peninsula of Florida by sufferance only is in rebellion, and while incapable of self-defense, sends troops to Richmond and attempts at last, by confiscating the property of contumacious citizens, to supply means for carrying on the war to the Confederate Government. With great respect, I am, sir, your obedient servant, BUCKINGHAM SMITH The Naval Blockade January 15, 1861 Coast Guard Survey Steamer Dana was seized in St. Augustine. On April 19, 1861 Lincoln proclaimed the Naval blockade of the south. At the time the U.S. Navy possessed only 3 steamships and 90 ships. It had over 3,000 miles of coastline to blockade. By the war's end, however, Lincoln had commissioned about five hundred ships, with an average of 150 on patrol at any one time. These ships captured or destroyed approximately fifteen hundred blockade runners. Cotton exports dropped from 10 million bales to 500 thousand. St. Augustine was a port city. By August 16, 1861 Abraham Lincoln placed commerce in Florida under the Secretary of Treasury. On August 18, 1861 the then famous Confederate privateteer brig "Jeff Davis" was grounded on the bar outside the St. Augustine harbor. It was piloted by the sometimes St. Augustine resident Captain Louis Mitchell Coxetter who was annointed the "John Paul Jones" of the Confederacy. Surrender to the United States Navy Nov 7, 1861.Officer Du Pont’s 77 ship expedition captured Port Royal. It was the largest US fleet assembled to this time. Major. Gen. George B. McClellan to Maj. Gen. T. W. Sherman, Feb. 14, 1862, wherein McClellan ordered: "St. Augustine might as well be taken by way of an interlude, while awaiting the preparations for Charleston." February 1862, Secretary of War Judah P. Benjamin ordered Robert E. Lee to withdraw troops from the seaboard and send them west. "The only troops to be retained in Florida are such as may be necessary to defend the Apalachicola River, as the enemy could by that river at high water send his gunboats into the very middle of the State of Georgia." The night before Commodore Dupont arrived the St. Augustine Blues and Jefferson Beauregards with 20% of the population set sail for New Smyrna. The gunboat U.S.S. Keystone State had already been guarding the harbor entrance.. On March 11, Du Pont in his Flagship Wabash, together with the Isaac Smith and Huron joined this gun boat off St. Augustine's bar. Comander C. R. P. Rogers and Captain Dennis of the Coastal Survey landed in St. Augustine on March 11, 1862. Arnau left the surrender of the city to Christobal Bravo. At City Hall Rodgers told the Council that they were to accumulate all Federal property, and furnish a guard over it until Union troops could arrive to take over the garrison duties of St. Augustine. Immediately they were to hoist the Stars and Stripes at the fort, and be held responsible for order until the garrison could land. After the City Council complied with these instructions, the city was considered surrendered. Gomacindo A. Pacetty became mayor from March 24, 1862 until the city was placed under marital law on April 12, 1862. General T. W. Sherman issued a circular to the people of East Florida about Union aims in Florida. The Provost Marshall (some St. Augustine Reports) would be in charge day-to-day life in St. Augustine. In June Col. Bell will receive an order that would allow him to deport residents that refuse to take the oath of office but it is later recended. Confederate St. Augustine lasted one year until the return of the U. S. Navy. On March 11, 1862 United States troops took charge of St. Augustine. (See news article) (Civil War St. Augustine Pictures) Offical Report Detailed report of Commander Rodgers, U. S. Navy, regarding the occupation of St. Augustine, Fla. U. S. FLAGSHIP WABASH, Off St. Augustine, Fla., March 12, 1862. SIR: Having crossed the bar with some difficulty, in obedience to your orders I approached St. Augustine under a flag of truce, and as I drew near the city a white flag was hoisted upon one of the bastions of Fort Marion. Landing at the wharf, and enquiring for the chief authority, I was soon joined by the mayor and conducted to the city hall, where the municipal authorities were assembled. I informed them that having come to restore the authority of the United States, you had deemed it more kind to send an unarmed boat to inform the citizens of your determination than to occupy the town at once by force of arms; that you were desirous to calm any appre- hension of harsh treatment that might exist in their minds, and that yofl should carefully respect the persons and property of all citizens who submitted to the authority of the United States; that you had a single purposeto restore the state of affairs which existed before the rebellion. I informed the municipal authorities that so long as they respected the authority of the Government we serve, and acted in good faith, municipal affairs would be left in their hands so far as might be consistent with the exigencies of the times. The mayor and council then informed me that the place had been evacuated the preceding night by two companies of Florida troops, and that they gladly received the assurancs I gave them, and placed the city in my hands. I recommended them to hoist the flag of the Union at once and in prompt accordance with this advice, by order of the mayor, the national ensign was displayed from the flagstaff of the fort. The mayor proposed to turn over tq me the five cannon, mounted at the fort, which are in good condition and not spiked, and also the few munitions of war left by the retreating enemy. I desired him to take charge of them for the present, to make careful inventories, and establish, a patrol and guard, informing him that he would be held responsible for the place until our forces should enter the harbor. I called upon the clergymen of the city, requesting them to reassure their people and to confide in our kind intentions toward them. About 1,500 persons remain in St. Augustine, about one-fifth of the inhabitants having fled. I believe that there are many citizens who are earnestly attached to the Union, a large number who are silently opposed to it, and a still larger number who care very little about the matter. I think that nearly all the men acquiesce in the condition of affairs we are now establishing. There is much violent and pestilent feeling among the women. They seem to mistake treason for courage, and have a theatrical desire to flgure, as heroines. - Their minds have doubtless been filled with the falsehoods so indus. triously circulated in regard to the lust and hatred of our troops. On the night before our arrival a party of women assembled in front of the barracks and cut down the flagstaff, in order that it might not be used to support the old flag. The men seemed anxious to conciliate ns in every way. There is a great scarcity of provisions in the place. There seems to be no money except the wretched paper currency of the rebellion, and much poverty exists. In the water battery at the fort are three fine army 32-pounders of 7,000 pounds and two VITI-inch seacoast howitzers of 5,600 pounds, with shot and some powder. There are a number of very old guns in the fort, useless and not mounted. Several good guns were taken away some months ago to arm batteries at other harbors. The garrison of the place went from St. Augustine at midnight on the 10th for Smyrna, where are said to be about 800 troops, a battery, the steamer Carolina, and a considerable quantity of arms and ammunition. Local Reply Harriet B. Jenckes to Mary Martha Reid: St. Augustine 10th March 1862. Tomorrow God willing I will add to this, if W. H. does not come for it as promised. Dear friend. The City is in motion today, I have not seen so much bustle for a long time. The Blues are ordered to Smyrna this aft. & I hope as much as a pair of pants will not be left behind, if our safety depends on their going. Yesterday the alarm was given that the War Steamer which has been off for some days, was landing Troops. The Catholic congregation left en'mass not heeding the remonstrance of Father Lance. Today they are sounding and placing buoys in the Channel. I have heard the City Fathers (among them George Burt) have decided upon raising a White Flag on the fort, and barracks, to invite the gun boats in when they come (They say to prevent the place being burnt by bombs.) Walton told me he hoped I would join them, I told him I would see them all in a bad place first, a set of Granies. Already they smell the parched Coffee selling in Fernandina at 10 cts. pr lb. Flour they say at $5. and here many families have but one meal a day. Coming events cast their shadows before. I can do nothing but walk and talk. To day I sent Old Sam to cut up the flag staff, a parcel of girls had cut down in the square (Anna H. giving the first blow) to boil salt with, Mrs. W. & I were to share it. The Marshal stopped him, I did not think I was doing wrong, as Mr. S. Mrs. Smith and a number had said what a pity it could not be taken off the ground. I paid 50 cts. to help put it up. Anna D. does not know what to do. To day nothing can be had to transport the servants to Palatka, and as we hear the Federals have Jacksonville, she cannot take the girls there now, it is too late. I have the napkin you [wrote ?] of. I am sorry you sent the $2 I meant you should keep it for the hats. The blessing of God rest on you & yrs. Pray for us, yr. friends. 11th Brought in safety to see the light of another day. 12th What a day of trial and anxiety increased by the invitation to the Federals to come in, by the hoisting of a white flag on the fort. Dennis the Federal officer was escorted about the town, by the Mayor Bravo. (Arneau threw up the office in disgust.) The keys have been surrendered and the inhabitants told they would not be molested. The officers also say they had no intention of coming in at present. It has leaked out that some one three or four days since bad been out to the vessels, But it is kept secret who it is. S--y and her son in law B. are suspected, at all events a guard of 17 escorted them to the Boats that took the blues to Smyrna. I hope they may be shot. Lieutenant Cate was captured by Captain Dickison in January 1863. The Picket Lines There were pickets at the bay bridge that crossed the St. Sebastian and along King street and built a breastwork along the north side of the city which would be Mission Avenue today. The breastwork extended from the St. Sebastian river to the North river. The opening was where San Marco Avenue is today. It had a large tree that could block the entrance with limbs sharened projecting out to prevent a charge. Meeting at the Presbyterian Church Around October 1862 the Presbyterian Church was used for a meeting of the locals. Col French stared with a prayer. Then he and Billings made speeches to the poeple urging them to take the oath of allegiance voluntariarily to the government. If they did not take the oath they would be required to leave the city. Provost Marshall Administers Oath of Allegiance Office of the Provost Marshall St Augustine Fla June 14th 1863 Colonel I have just finished administering the Oath of Allegiance and the issuing of Descriptive Passes to the inhabitants at this Post, with the following exceptions. To a few persons who are invalids and upon whom I shall call during the present week and to the Rev Edward Aubriel, Rev Bernard Aubance and Rev F Katrio Kerby, priest officiating at the Cathedral of St Augustine in this City, and also to Mary Aloysious, Mary Evangelista, Mary Magdalenia and Mary Monica, sisters of Mercy at the Convent of St Mary in this City and to the Misses Luzzie and Ellen Hennery boarders at the said Covenant. The above named persons have expressed a desire to me to take the Oath of Neutrality and I am now waiting for instructions from you as to the course I shall pursue with them. Your order in relation to the "Examination of Passes" is received and before executing it, I would ask whether it is necessary at this Post, in as much as I have just issued the Passes, and know that there can be no reason of taking the Oath by anyone at this Post. Four orders concerning those "Desiring to escape the Draft" and the "Sale of Wines, Liquors and Ales" are received and will be immediately obeyed. I send to you by this Steamer five men named Richard Parker, William Loach, William Barrow, John Barrow, and Jackson Knowles. Richard Parker and William Louch were conscripted by the Confederate authorities fled, and arrived at this post June 3rd 1863. John Barrow, William Barrow and Jackson Knowles were privated in Capt Oakes Co Con Inf, deserters and arrived at this post June 13th 1863. I also send you the Registry of Descriptive Passes issued and of Oaths administered at this Post to June 14 1863. I also send you a letter addressed to Andrew Floyd, prisoner at Hilton Head, containing eight dollars, one addressed to Bartolo Genovar prisoner at Hilton Head containing two dollars and one addressed to William Gardiner prisoner at Hilton Head containing two dollars, all of which I have receipted for, and a box and parcel for Bartolo Genovar. I understood that some furniture sent from here for Lehr Middleton was seized at Hilton Head and now remains there. I am directed by Col R Hawley Co what the furniture is old family furniture belonging to a Mrs Cobb, a loyal woman residing at the North, and has been in the charge of Mrs Clarissa Anderson, a loyal woman living in this City, at whose request it was sent North to protect it from any accident that might happen to it here. The Women were the Most Difficult My dear daughter (from St. A) this is an attempt to communicate to you, the risk is great and the success doubtful I have but a short time to do much and can only impart to you of an unhappy situation. We are under the hand of the oppressor - the cords are drawn upon us, tighter and tighter every day. The object, the assumed object of the invaders, is to subjugate us, to exterminate us, to starve us even into submission. Since the 11th of March we have been in their hands in the first place the City Authorities being of the native population - Romanists, ignorant and timid through to conciliate and secure for purposes of their property raised a white flag to the blockading Fleet. Capt. of the Wabash came in and these week and foolish people surrendered the City to them. Our volunteer company had left the day before, and there is no doubt but there was and had been constant communication with the vessels off by Traitors, and northern tradesmen who have lived with us like the snake in the fable, have been warmed in our bosom, nourished, made strong by ill gotten gains and have turned against us and stung us -- a painful exhibition of the depravity of Human Nature. At the first coming in, everything was promised, the quiet possession of our property, every thing to go on n the good old way -- ample supplies of provisions at cheap rates etc etc. Soon altho there was no shew of resistance, he tables were turned. A large military force thrown in Martial Law proclaimed and the most unheard restrictions over all our movements, houses taken possession of the furniture and use of utter ? of our servants, a military governor, a provost marshal, etc. The Court House so near us if filled with men, Sentinels at every corner, pickets planted in every direction to stop all intercourse with the country - armed men all the time in the streets - no one permitted to be out after nightfall, without a pass, no provisions allowed to be sold to citizens. It is now said without taking the oath of allegiance, evidently a determination to starve the poor women and children into submission especially the wives and children of the volunteer companies now absent on service. No lady or any person permitted to cross the bridge without taking the oath. Our servants stray about the town without doing any work perfectly insubordinate By order of Col Louis Bell (4th New Hampshire) commandant (appointment as 1st commandant), Certain disgusting exhibitions of treason having been made by some women of the City, It is ordered that any person showing any evidence of treason by word or act, will be arrested at once, and placed in Confinement as Traitors, by orders from Headquarters. Rebel flags having been waved by children before houses in the City, it is ordered upon another occurance of this kind, the house will be immediately seized, and all the inmates placed in confinement. The immediate cause of this order is said to have been that some young girls (native Floridians) kissed some splinters of the old Flag Staff upon the Square, and took some of the ashes, where the Yankees had been burning the stump, and some little children up town, were seen playing with their little flags or remnants of them For the troops life had its normal rythms and problems. On June 9th, 1862 Captain N. H. Brown the provost marshall officated at the marriage of Mr. James F. Tilton of New Hampshire to Miss Mary A. the second daughter of George W. Walton. The Bridal supper was held at the Florida House along with officers, privates and the regimental band from the 4th New Hampshire. On June 13, 1862 a pleasure boat capsized in the harbor and 3 members of the 4th drown: Charles C. Cofran, Luther L Libby and John Lamay. In a story for the St. Augustine Historical Society in 1912 by E. C. F. Sanchez he states that "the Colonel (Bell) was a cross grained coward and a hater of everything southern; a caitiff of the lowest order." Sanchez lists a Col French and a Colonel Liberty Billings as provost marshals for the town. On March 12, 1863 an advanced picket guard 2 miles north of town was attacked by 80 horesmen under Capt Dickinson. A Union sergeant and 4 men were captured. Commander Col Putnam was characterized by soldier Joseph R. Hawley as “staid here too long and got too found of secesh (Ed: nickname and insult for Confederates), let the people run in and out of the lines, socially went with secesh, didn’t attend to business generally…but let all the good loyal people feel almost ostracized as old abolitionists used to." Hawley to Charles Dudley Warner, 14 June 1863, “Letters of Hawley,” E. C. F. Sanchez 50 years later would describe Col. Putnam: "He was a kind-hearted true gentleman, a gallant officer who while he did his whole duty as an officer did not domineer over or attempt to oppress the women and children. He was afterwards killed at a battle at Fort Wagner, off Charleston on the 18th of July 1853, and many of the people of St. Augustine were saddened and wept, because of his death." Letter from Headquarters 1863 From Lt Col Asst. Adjtant Gen'l to 10 Army Corps of Dept South written to Mrs. Frances Webster Mrs. Francis M. Webster Geneva, Ontario County, NY Madam: I am instructed by the Major General Commanding Dept. to acknowledge the receipt of your note dated 9th inst. relative to the case of your mother, Mrs. Josie Smith, of St. Augustine Fla; and in reply to acquaint you: That there was not the slightest disposition on the part of the Officer Commanding St. Augustine to molest or deport any of the peaceful, or non-combatant, residents of that place; until it was found, that, by the abuse of your injudicious license of speech, defamatory of the government, serious difficulties were likely to arise among the more ignorant and turbulent of the population; and until it had also been found, that communication with the enemy, of a nature prejudicial to the public interests, was being kept up from within the lines of St. Augustine. In this illegitimate correspondence it was found that Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Putnam and others were involved, and the order for them to quit the lines & to live amongst those with who they sympathized was thereupon issued. Nevertheless, as a mark of respect, the only one he was at present with power of paying, to the memory of your late gallant husband., Lt. Col. Webster, and also in deference to the memories of the gallant Kirby Smith, who fell in Mexico, and that other Kirby Smith who more recently fell at Cornith, I am instructed by the Major General Commanding to announce to you that Mrs. Smith will not be molested, nor deported, and to issue orders accordingly to the Commanding Officer at St. Augustine. * * * From Mrs. J Smith April 2 1863 Thursday, April 2nd, this a dark dark day. At 4 o'clock this afternoon, my Sister Helen, Mrs. Putnam, left her home. Her own happy comfortable home, expelled from it by order of Gen'l Hunter, Comd S. Dept. because her husband is a Southern man. Called a secessionist. He has not born arms against the Union, has not been in this place since before the Northern Troops were in possession, was absent in the country when they came in -- She left in the steamer Neptune, Capt. destination Hilton Head, a prisoner, escort Lieut. Davis 7th New Hampshire Vol. Altho I have been under orders myself for because I have a son in The Confederate Army, Gen'l Kirby Smith on information of friends, and statement of physicians, I am exempted permitted to remain on account of age. 77 years, infirmity and ill health. (In the end she was not exempt. She was removed in May of 1863 and went to Savanah Georgia. Newspaper account of removals) St. Augustine's African-American Union Soldiers The African-American population of St. Augustine celebrated their liberation on January 1, 1863 in the old Spanish cemetery (one of the few slave populations that were able to take advantage of the Emancipation Proclamation of Abraham Lincoln). The newly freed slaves and the population of African-Americans that had already been free blacks responded by volunteering for the U. S. army. The 21st, 33rd, and 34th USCT regiments were filled with the freed men of St. Augustine. The following is a sampling of the pension records of these men: Joseph Cryer, Pablo Gray, James Sanchez, Simon Williams. (Organization of the 33rd USCT) (Organization of the 21st USCT) First Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation "It was the first anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation or of its application, and the colored population made the most of it; nor was the celebration confined to them, since the regimental bands played the old year out and the new one in. A stage or platform had been erected on the plaza for the speakers and, at 11 a.m., the colored people, several hundred in number, came marching up to the stage by twos, old and young, and of both sexes. Union officers and men were also present and, first in order, was the reading of the famous proclamation; the bands played, Judge Stickney presided, Chaplains Trumbull and Willson spoke, and the colored preachers told the people what was expected of them. The negro children sang songs, such as "John Brown's Body," " The Year of Jubilo,'' etc. Then came an invitation for the officers of both regiments, the two bands, and other people to partake of a collation prepared in the Court House Hall. The two bands united in playing Hail Columbia, and then all started for the building. The negroes formed on the plaza, while the officers and musicians devoured the food within the hall. The soldiers standing around had infinite amusement in hearing the colored folks sing their own peculiar melodies. After the bands had filled up with food, they came out and again tuned their instruments, giving many national airs, ending with "Yankee Doodle." Later came amusements of their own in the several quarters of the companies. Gander or stag-dances were the order of the evening, and if the music was primitive, the "light fantastic" was energetic, and the fun ran merrily on till a late hour, and well it was that it should, for as yet these men realize nothing of the exactions of the approaching Battle Summer and, ere the year is ended, many a brave boy in blue who on this New Year's night is so blithe and gay, will sleep beneath the soil of Old Virginy, an offering for his country's need." An eyewitness account from the 24th Mass Volunteers. Lincoln's Plan for Reconstruction In December of 1863 Abraham Lincoln issues his Proclamation for Amnesty and Reconstruction. A Union Meeting was held in St. Augustine on December 19, 1863. Tax Commissioner Stickney called the meeting to order and Judge David R. Dunham was elected chairman (surprisingly he did not mention this role in his request for a pardon from Andrew Johnson - however he listed that he was at the warf to greet the Commander Rogers). Bartarlo Oliveros attended the meeting along with Samuel Walker, William Alsop, Calvin Robinson and G. N. Papy (as secretary of the meeting). Resolutions were passed for the abolution of slavery and in favor of a Florida Constitutional Convention to be held in March 1864. This group would have an executive committee that would continue meeting and later chose Stickney, Plantz and Philip Frazier were chosen as delegates. They were not accepted by the Republican Unionists Convention. The Convention instead chose a member of Buckingham Smith's group. “The President’s plan for the restoration of Florida will be a failure, and that is now the opinion of his secretary Mr. Hay. We discussed the subject yesterday and the conclusion arrived at was, that Mr. Hay would make an effort to enroll one tenth of the voters in 1860. In case of failure, which he thought certain, he would go back to the President and ask a change of program like that with which I started.” Major Hays was authorized to administer the oaths. Guarding St. Augustine Soldiers from New England guarded St. Augustine. (letters from 2nd Lieut Ever C. Shedd Co. A. 7th Regt. N. H. Vol.) In June 1863 Col. Joseph R. Hawley of the 7th Connecticut was in command at St. Augustine. He would later be General Hawley. His wife Esther Hawley served as a nurse and teacher and visited St. Augustine. Her sister was also a teacher at St. Augustine. On August 13 1863 the command changed to the 48th New York Volunteers. Major Dudley Strickland was in command. (First Report) On December 30 another attack was made on the wood gathers from St. Augustine by Captain Dickison CSA. The attack would involve members of the 10th Connecticut and 24th Mass Volunteers. In April, 1864 the 17th Connecticut was sent from Jacksonville to St. Augustine to replace the 10th Connecticut 1864. It would stay through June 1865 when it would be replaced by the regular army.. On December 24 Col. William Nobel was captured on a buggy ride to Jacksonville (unarmed). He was taken to Andersonville where he remained to the end of the war. (Union Notice of Capture) (Confederate notice of capture) February 1865 made the 17th Connecticut the most unlucky regiment in St. Augustine. First members were lost to Captain Dickison at a dance, then dressed in the Union uniforms Captain Dickison attacked a force at Braddock Farm killing Col Wilcoxon (Nobel's replacement). The Union also had its share of raids (3rd USCT). In March of 1865 a prisoner release by the Confederates at Andersonville was attempted. It did not occur because the commander at St. Augustine could/would not sign the release form. (See St. Augustine's Civil War Most Disgraceful Episode.) April 25, 1865 a schooner entered the St. Augustine Harbor with its flag at half-mast bearing the news that Abraham Lincoln was dead. Our hearts too were made to rejoice at glorious intelligence (Lee’s surrender) and the Freedmen of this place seemed to feel doubly sure of their freedom which their old task-masters, especially mistresses, seemed to feel for the first time that there were signs of (?) and that all was lost! And they wept and groaned saying we shall never have our niggers back again. But when the news of the President’s death came two or three days after, they took heart again— taunting the colored people about their dark prospect of being free and some of our people began to talk of going north to escape enslavement again, for as Massa Lincoln was gone they feared their hope was gone too. But their confidence settled back again into the strong arm of their God, which they said was above all and they would trust Him to carry their cause through. Harriet B. Greely to Whipple AMA April 29, 1865 St. Augustine Historical Society, MC 10 Box 2, Folder 55 … 1865 Clarissa Anderson to Andrew Anderson… 8 May 1865 Letter received by the Maj that the war was over. The soldiers made great demonstrations. But it does not remove the sadness caused by the president’s death. It is hard to believe that our country is again at peace. The minute guns are now firing for our lamented president. How sad it makes me feel. St. Augustine's Confederate Soldiers The Confederate forces of St. Augustine were recruited into the St. Augustine Blues and the St. Johns Greys. On the plaza you will find the monument to the Confederate War dead. It is the oldest Confederate monument in the State of Florida. Domingo B. Usina fought in Company "B" Third Florida Volunteers. There were three African-American soldiers in the Confederate army: Antonio Welters, Isaac Papino, and Emanuel Osborn. They served as musicians until they were discharged in 1862. Remembering the United States Soldiers of St. Augustine is more difficult. General William Wing Loring On the west side of the plaza you will find a monument to Confederate General William Wing Loring. He was one of the three generals in the Civil War from St. Augustine. The Sons of the Confederacy Chapter in St. Augustine is named the William Wing Loring Chapter. General Loring died in New York on December 30, 1886 and his ashes were buried at Grace Episcopal church in New York. City Council in St. Augustine gave $100 toward moving him back to St. Augustine and with the help of others the General's ashes arrived by train on March 17, 1887 and lay in an oak coffin in the Plaza, guraded day and night by sentries. He was laid to rest first in Evergreen cemetery but was moved to the west side of the plaza in 1920. General Edmond Kirby Smith Confederate General Edmond Kirby Smith (sculpture of General Kirby Smith and Alexander Darnes) was a West Point graduate (military statue in the U. S. Capitol). He fought in Mexico and served with the 2nd Cavalry in Texas. He commanded the Trans-Mississippi Department after the fall of Vicksburg. His boyhood house is the site of the St. Augustine Historical Society Research Library). General Stephen Vincent Benet The Union General was Stephen Vincent Benet, the grandfather of the famous poet. Stephen Vincent Benet was the son of Peter Benet a Minorcan. Peter was known as the "King of the Minorcans." He served as a police officer, Justice of the Peace, a Church Warden, alderman and was Mayor for one month. He was the Collector, Assistant Surveyor, and Surveyor of the Port of St. Augustine for the Federal government. Stephen Vicent Benet was Florida's first appointee to the Military Academy at West Point in May of 1845 and graduated 3 in his class. He served as Brevet Second Lieutenant of Ordnance to the Chief of Ordnance in the U. S. Army. he invented and perfected the first centerfire metallic infantry cartridge that helped in the creation of the Gatling Gun General Edmund J Davis The Union General Edmund J. Davis was born in St. Augustine October 2, 1827 the son of William Godwin Davis and Mary Ann Channer. He was given command of Texas union soldiers (1st Texas Cavalry) and was present at the surrender of General Kirby Smith. He late became Governor of Texas. African-American Education During the war education comes to St. Augustine (picture of potential school site) with the U.S. Army. Teachers across the north volunteered to teach the newly freed slaves. Two associations are located in St. Augustine during this time: the New York Freedman's Association and the American Missionary Association. The first AMA teacher in Florida Carrie E Jocelyn, began her work in St. Augustine in 1863 and was soon joined by Rev.(Report to AMA) and Mrs. George Greeley (Report to AMA). (Joe M Richardson. Christian Abolitionism: The American Missionary Association and the Florida Negro." (unpublished) (Rev Greeley's report from Jacksonville settlement) Mrs. Greely, in seeking food and clothing for pupils who ranged in ages from 20 to 75, said, "They were the most destitute objects I ever saw, many of them almost naked." The Ex-Slaves The WPA and others in the 1930s begin to record oral biographies of the ex-slaves. Some of these are tainted by simple childhood memories but the ones recovered for St. Augustine include: Ed Lycurgas, Cloe Job, Mary Ann Murray. The St. Augustine newspaper also did stories about ex-slaves in the 1930s: Christine Mitchell and George Edwards Go to Reconstruction |
| St. Augustine in the Civil War by Gil Wilson (Introduction) 1861-1865 ab urbe condita - 296 to 300 |
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| General Edmond Kirby Smith Library of Congress |
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| General Stephen Vincent Benet Library of Congress |
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| William Wing Loring Florida State Archives |
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| Col H. Putnam 7th New Hampshire Infantry St. Augustine Commander in 1863 University of Miami |
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| Commodore Dupont - Capture of St. Augustine |
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| Col Francis Osborn 24 Mass Volunteers St. Augustine Commander in 1863-64 Florida Memory |
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| General David Hunter Head Dept of the South University of Miami |
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| Col Louis Bell 1st Commander of St. Augustine Post 4th New Hampshire University of New Hampshire |
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| Governor Madison Stark Perry Florida Memory |
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| Captain James J Dickison - CSA |
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| Col William H. Noble, 17th Connecticut Commander at St. Augustine Captured by Captain Dickison Highest ranking prisoner at Andersonville U.S. Army and Heritage Center |
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| Col Edwin Seneca Greeley 10th Connecticut Commander in St. Augustine |
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| General Edmund Davis Library of Congress |