| St. Augustine in the Civil War Page 5 1861-1865 ab urbe condita - 296 to 300 |
| A Provost Marshall Report on Dr. Hiems and Stephen Bacon Headquarters Provost Marshall General Department of the South Port Royal April 11th 1863 Col Jas F Hall Provost Marshall General Dept of the South Colonel Surgeon Snow reports to me that Dr Hiems and Mr. Stephen Bacon, two very old men brought here from St Augustine under an order of General Hunter that all persons who had relatives in the rebel army and who would not take the oath of allegiance should be sent beyond the lines. It appears that the Commandant at St. Augustine, after these men were placed on board the US transport to be sent to Jacksonville assumed to send them here. Surgeon Snow assures me that these men are old and that they are both declining in health and that although they are rebels, yet they can do no harm if sent away, and will probably die if detained here. They desire to be sent back to St. Augustine. Dr Hiems has a son in the rebel army. He claims to reside in Virginia. At the solicitation of Dr Snow, I apply to you for instructions in the premises. Mr. Gladding is still very ill. The surgeon entertains serious apprehensions as to his recovery. General Hickman assumed command here this morning. Do you not need the troops recently returned? I cannot see the necessity for them here. The news from N C is quite unfavorable. It is reported that General Foster is surrounded by the enemy, batteries in his rear. Your family is quite well. Everything in your department goes on smoothly. I forward you sever copies of your Genl Ord Perhaps you may need them for distribution. We are in anxious suspense concerning option. We are in anxious suspense concerning operations of the army and navy. If the navy should fail you must engineer them out of Charleston. I have the honor to be Your Obedient Servant Geo S Batcheller Lt Col 115th N Y Vols A Dep Provost Marshall Genl Dept of the South 7th Conn Infantry 7th Conn Volunteers May 7 the 7th New Hampshire was replaced by the 7th Conn. Volunteers with Col Joseph R. Hawley in command. They would remain in St. Augustine until August 2nd. The regiment thought that their principal duty was to regulate and feed the St. Augustine population. Col. Hawley promptly rounded up 150 head of cattle belonging to Daniel Futch. He would later be General Hawley. His wife Harriet Foote Hawley served as a nurse and teacher and visited St. Augustine. Her sister (Katherine Foote) was also a teacher at St. Augustine. The principal duty at St. Augustine was to regulate and feed the resident population, numbering about 700 whites and 300 colored. A foraging party sent out by Colonel Hawley brought in 150 head of cattle captured from a Confederate contractor named Daniel Futch. One hundred men were required for guard duty. (Regimental History) We learn that the following are among those who have arrived in this city: The three Misses Buffington and brother, Mrs. Putnam, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Panotty, wife and daughter. Also, the mother of Gen. Kirby Smith, who is seventy-six years of age. Mr. Quincy, an old gentleman of eighty years of age, with his wife, two daughters and two sons, took the train for Charleston. Mr. Buffington was detained as a prisoner at Hilton Head. . . . MEMPHIS DAILY APPEAL [ATLANTA, GA], June 15, 1863, p. 2, c. 2 More on Mrs. Smith Letter from Headquarters 1863 From Lt Col Asst. Adjutant 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. * * * SAVANNAH [GA] REPUBLICAN, June 12, 1863, p. 1, c. 1 More Banished Families - Several families from St. Augustine, Fla., arrived in this city on Wednesday night, by flag of truce via Hilton Head and Pocotaligo, among them Mrs. Smith, the mother of Gen. Kirby Smith, Mrs. B. A. Putnam, wife of Judge Putnam, Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Pacetty, and others. 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. Deportations We have announced before that Gen. Hunter, the Federal commander at Hilton Head, had ordered that all the citizens of St. Augustine who sympathized with the South, or who had relatives in the Confederate army, should be banished from that city. In pursuance of this barbarous order, on Tuesday, the 28th of May, the Federal steamer Boston was at the wharf at St. Augustine, prepared to receive the exiles. Some thirty or forty citizens, men, women, and children, were embarked on board the steamer, which proceeded on her voyage, the exiles being uniformed of their destination. Many supposed that they would be landed at Fernandina, but, upon their arrival there, they were informed that the order from General Hunter was peremptory for the steamer to proceed to Hilton Head. The steamers accordingly arrived at that port. The prisoners were not taken on shore, but were kept on board one week. They were then taken to Beaufort, and placed in a dwelling there, guarded by Federal troops. This, we learn, was done to protect them from the insults of the Federal troops, frequent complaints having been made by political prisoners of the ill treatment received by them at the hands of the Yankee officers and soldiers. From Beaufort they were conveyed in accommodation wagons to the Confederate lines, and by railroad a portion of them arrived in this city on Wednesday night by the Charleston train. On their arrival within our lines, they separated in different directions, in search of relatives and friends, many of them being comparatively destitute, having been robbed of their property and driven from their homes with scant means. We learn that the following are among those who have arrived in this city: The three Misses Buffington and brother, Mrs. Putnam, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Panotty, wife and daughter. Also, the mother of Gen. Kirby Smith, who is seventy-six years of age. Mr. Quincy, an old gentleman of eighty years of age, with his wife, two daughters and two sons, took the train for Charleston. Mr. Buffington was detained as a prisoner at Hilton Head. . . . MEMPHIS DAILY APPEAL [ATLANTA, GA], June 15, 1863, p. 2, c. 2 Passes in St. Augustine 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 Kirby, 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 Covent 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 privates 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 O S Sanford Capt 7CV Provost Marshall Celebration of the Battle of Bunker Hill (Regimental History) June 17th was the anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill which was celebrated by a meeting in a church. The celebration consisted of speeches by Colonel Hawley and Lieutenants Dempsey and Wildman and music by the glee club. Population of St. Augustine (The New South - June 20, 1863) The Fernandina Peninsula states, from figures furnished by the Provost Marshal, that St. Augustine has a population of 706 whites, of whom 297 are males, and 409 females; and 321 colored,---128 males and 193 females, making the total population 1027. 4th of July in St. Augustine At Fort Marion Kate Foote raises the flag and Harriet Hawley fires the cannon. The Case of the Montones HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Saint Augustine, Fla., July 7, 1863. Lieut. Col. E. W. SMITH, A. A. G., Dept. of the South, Port Royal, S. C.: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing has occurred since my last dispatch worthy of special mention. A little tug called the Montones, Captain Hayes, came into this port on her way to Montones, Cuba, and was viewed with great suspicion. Such I find to have been the case at Fortress Monroe, Beaufort, N. C., and Hilton Head. At the latter place she was thoroughly overhauled. I had detectives at work, but was unable to get sufficient evidence to warrant me in seizing her. One of the crew, a rampant, noisy rebel and armed blockade-runner, I arrested and sent by todays boat, the Collins, to the Head. I recommend that he be sent to New York. The Montones would be a most serviceable boat for the rebels in Indian River, and despite her excellent papers I fear such may be her destination. There is scarcely a whisper of disloyalty here, though undoubtedly there may be latent treason. The people seem to be satisfied with the government of the post, which I endeavor to keep thorough and strict, though kind. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. R. HAWLEY, Colonel Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, Comdg. Post. 10th Conn to Morris Island Months before the 10th Conn had been split up with several companies participating in the assault on Fort Wagner. Having heard of another attempt being planned. Colonel Hawley requested that the remaining 6 companies of his regiment would be relieved from garrison duty and ordered into active service. The request was granted. 48th New York Volunteers 48th New York Volunteers The 48th N Y Volunteers arrived on the 2d of August after its losses on Morris Island. On August 13 1863 the command changed to the 48th New York Volunteers. Five companies were quartered in the barracks and three were sent to Fort Marion. Major Dudley Strickland was in command. (First Report). 2nd Lt. James Nichols was appointed Provost Marshal. Lieutenant Ingraham was in charge of the office of the commissary. The contribution of this regiment to the town was the theater with its fixtures brought from Fort Pulaski and their organization called "Barton Dramatic Association." Lieutenant James M. Nichols became the provost marshal at St. Augustine. "As provost-marshal, I had the complete supervision of the city, the receiving of flags of truce, and the regulation and examination of the correspondence between the inhabitants and their friends within the Confederate lines. All nre-arms had been taken from the citizens by my predecessor; but the owners were permitted to use them occasionally for hunting, under certain restrictions. People were allowed to come in and go out of the city, when it was apparent that no harm could result, and the planters outside were encouraged to bring in produce and other supplies under the scrutiny of men detailed for the purpose." (From Perry's Saints) The regiment would get a two months rest in St. Augustine. Living in St. Augustine (Perry's Saints) "Among those whom I recall of the good people who resided there were Mrs. Anderson and her son, the doctor, whose delightful home in the suburbs, in its surroundings and furnishing, but more especially in its charming atmosphere of culture and refinement, so often helped us to throw off the hardening and brutalizing effects of army life and associations. The Misses Mather and Perritt, with whom a number of our officers boarded, natives of the North, driven to this softer climate by delicate health, were in the fullest sympathy and accord with us, and were not only exceedingly kind, but afforded much assistance, by reason of their familiar acquaintance with t,he city, its affairs, and its people.. ..Occasionally, the pickets were fired upon, but no regular attack was made. Communication was undoubtedly kept up between the citizens and the enemy, outside the city, in spite of the great precautions taken to prevent it. Applicants for admission to the city were reported waiting at the picket stations almost daily, some of whom were received and others turned away. Visitors came to the city by almost every steamer, and the abundant leisure of most of the officers allowed of their generous entertainment." Rebels About How the Freedman Live (Commercial Advertiser). August 21, 1863 The 48th regiment New York volunteers, under command of Major D. W. Strickland, is now well established at this post and in good working order. as many of its members were severely wounded, or killed, at the assault on Fort Wagner, the force here is not large. The soldiers, however, are of that class who, when danger threatens, are undismayed, and hence, especially as no particular cause for alarm exists at present, we feel that the force at this point is all that is needed. Some restlessness is manifest outside of our lines. On Saturday night, 15th inst., a boat load of rebels was discovered to be inside on of the picket posts, evidently on the capture of the post. The design was fortunately frustrated. For a night or two following alarms were given, but for these there was no good foundation. A native of this city came in a day or two after, and reported that Captain Dickinson was outside with two hundred cavalry. ... Recreation In games with picked nines from other regiments it generally won the laurels. In a game with the nine of the Forty-seventh New York, played at Fort Pulaski, January 3, 1863, it won by a score of twenty to seven. But the great source of amusement was the theatre. It may be doubted if anything (in that line) was as fine in the war as the three theatres which were erected respectively at Fort Pulaski, Ga., at St. Augustine, Fla., and at Hilton Head, S. C., by the Forty-eighth Regiment, where entertainments of a not unpretentious class were given by the actors and actresses of the " Barton Dramatic Association." It so happened that there were in the Forty-eighth several professional actors, and especially one scenic artist. Major Barrett, who was its president, has furnished from memory a list of the members of the Association, and a sketch of its career : James A. Barrett, President. Robert Dixon, Stage Manager and Tragedy. James White, Heavy Tragedy. C. L. Harrison, Scenic Artist and Costumer. A. J. DeHaven, Property Man and Comedian. William H. Owen, James Barnes, Joseph Murphy, John Dupree, Comedy and Song. E. J. Barney, Thomas B. Wood, James S. Wyckoff, J. L. Michaels, Walking Gentlemen. Lewis W. Burr, Abraham J. Palmer, Leading Ladies. Vitruvious Witcomb, Old Lady. N. W. Pease, John Stewart, Chambermaids. The Regimental Band, Orchestra. The leader of the band at St. Augustine was George F. Miller and among its members: Doering, Fitch, Weed, GofT, Stewart, Jones, J. A. and A. B. Dupree, Ivans, Shannon, Sweeney, Thompson, Monell, Whitcomb, and " Frenchy." They called themselves "the big blowers." St. Augustine wasn't all play and rehab. Sgt. Gotlieb Hamel 18 was wounded by the accidental explosion of a shell. Order for St. Augustine Hospital Given (New York Herald) August 19, 1863 General Orders - No 91. Department of the South Headquarters in the Field, Folly Island, S. C., Oct. 19, 1863 On the recommendation of the Medical Director, a convalescent camp or barracks will be established at St. Augustine, Florida, where hereafter all sick and convalescent officers and soldiers, requiring a change of climate "to save life or prevent permanent disability," will be sent. The Medical Director will assign a suitable medical officer to the charge of the convalescent barracks, who will proceed without delay to St. Augustine, and under the direction of the Post Commander will select a suitable building for the purpose, and make such requisitions for bedding, furniture, medical stores, &c, as may be required for two hundred men. A portion of the barracks will be set aside for officers, the remainder for enlisted men. Details for attendants will be made, on application of the surgeon in charge, by the Post Commander..... Major General Q. A. Gillmore W Gillmore Burger, Assistant Adjutant General Dr Seth Rogers and the Purpose of the New Hospital (Dr. Seth Rogers, Letters) Dr. Seth Rogers was the surgeon for the 33rd USCT. He gave this analysis: "It is a pretty severe official joke that General Gillmore is just now playing off on those who have obtained surgeon's certificates stating that change of climate is necessary "to prevent permanent disability" or to save life." Since the 19th ins't all such have been sent to Convalescent Camp at St. Augustine, Fla. instead of North. The almost impossibility of getting out of the Department in any other way than on a surgeon's certificate has led to abuses that are best remedied by this change of programme. It seems hard that those who really need to go North should have to suffer for the exaggerated complaints of the unworthy. Capt Rogers (33 USCT) has been sick in hospital nearly a month and Surgeon Hayden has sent a certificate to Headquarters before my return. Yesterday I saw him off to St. Augustine. Fortunately he is convalescent and can meet the disappointment better than he could two weeks ago. Condition of the Townspeople (Brooklyn City News, undated) The condition of the negroes is about as it has been. They are now gathering the fruit of their Spring and Summer toil. The quantity is not large, but as, on account of the great demand for vegetables the prices received are high, they have made a pretty good thing of it. The ordinary price of peas has been fifty cents a peck, potatoes fifty cents a peck; small watermelons, forty and fifty cents, etc. it is now time to prepare their gardens for Fall and Winter crops. For this purpose seeds are much needed. We hope to receive a supply from friends at the North. It is said that crops cannot be procured from seeds raised here. The explanation of this phenomenon is to be found in the poverty of the soil, occasioned by the neglect to manure and otherwise enrich it. It is to be regretted that much of the toil of this industrious class of citizens is unrequited. The frequent and sudden change of regiments, often between the visits of the paymaster, prevents the soldiers from paying their wash bills, and thus the earnings of weeks, as well as the little stock of starch and soap, are swept away. The women, in this way, lose from three to thirty dollars each. An industrious shoemaker informs me that by these changes he has lost more than one hundred dollars. I am ashamed to state that in some cases our soldiers do not pay when, they have the money. This is the exception not the rule. 24 Massachusetts Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Replace the 46th New York On October 1 a skirmish took place with Confederate forces. October 4, 1863 The Twenty-fourth who had also come from Morris Island replaced the 46th New York. Special Orders Hdqrs Dept of the South No 546 In the Field Folly Island S C Sept 28 1863 IX Col FA Osborn Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers will proceed with his regiment to Saint Augustine and assume command of that post. 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 wharf 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 abolition 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, Plants 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. 10th Connecticut Volunteers Camp of the 10th Connecticut Volunteers During the last of October the 10th Connecticut would move to St. augustine. The camp was made outside the city gates. New tents were issued floors and bunks were built and some had chimneys of cochina. Chaplin Trumbull who had been held prisonner from being captured tending to the wounded at Fort Wagner was returned to the unit. Captain J. S. Engles was Provost Marshal, Lieut Benjamin Wright, post-adjutant, Lieut. Sanford B. Palmer, post-quartermaster. Lieut-Col Leggett commanded the regiment. Attack on the Wood Cutters 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 (the commander of the 24th Mass was Major Charles H. Hooper). Lieut Walker of the 24th Mass was killed in the attack (seemingly accidentally by Union troops as reported by the New South Newspaper). Privat William Burns of the 10th Conn was also killed. Captain Dickison was commended by the Union for the care he took of Lieut.Walker as he used his saddlebags as a pillow and covered Lieut. Walker with his horse blanket. One soldier was instantly killed and 24 were captured. Twenty-two of these were from the 10th Connecticut. 1864 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 Jubilee,'' 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. from the Diary of Lieutant James H. Linsley, 10th Conn: "Anniversary of Presidents proclamation of Freedom celebrated by Freedmen of Florida. Addresses on the Plaza by Anti-Slavery men of New England to the negroes of this slave ridden state of Florida. Music by the colored schools who came out in procession in gala dress. Winding up with fine collation provided by the colored people, to which the army officers of both regiments and the hospital and others were invited." Chaplain Trumbull recalled "One old 'Uncle Tom,' white-haired, smiling-faced, and tearful-eyed, after passing from group to group of the merry throng, with a fuller appreciation of the import of the whole affair in contrast with his past, and in earnest of the future of his long'enslaved and now emancipated pelple, said to me, out of the depths of his briming heart: 'I jus'tank de Lord I eber libed to 'member dis day. Bress de Lord! Bress de Lord!" Joseph Remington appointed U. S. Marshal Joseph Remington was appointed as U. S. District Marshal (March 31, 1863) and confirmed by the Senate on January 20, 1864. Although still under marshal law this was one more sign of the returning civil liberties to the people of St. Augustine. Headquarters, Department of the South, Hilton Head, S. C., Jan. 31, 1864 General Orders No. 16. In accordance with the provisions of the Presidential Proclamation of Pardon and Amnesty, given at Washington on the 8th day of December, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-three, and in pursuance of instructions received from the President of the United States, Major John Hay, Assistant Adjutant general, will proceed to Fernandina, Florida, and other convenient points in that State, for the purpose of extending to the citizens of the State of Florida an opportunity to avail themselves of the benefits of that Proclamation, by offering for their signature, the oath of allegiance therein proscribed, and by issuing to all those subscribing to said oath, certificates entitling them to the benefits of the Proclamation. Fugitive citizens of the State of Florida, within the limits of this Department, will have an opportunity to subscribe to the same oath and secure certificates, in the office of the Post Commander at Hilton Head, South Carolina. By Command of Maj.Genl Q.A. Gillmore Ed. W. Smith, Asst. Adjt. General Feb 20, 1864 Who were these freed slaves? Rev. Greely's Sunday School Class: These persons are from 20 to 75 years of age, and almost of all the shades from the pure imported African to the complexions so light that you would never suspect their relation to the race. About a dozen of these are considerably advanced in life, and owing to the [..?..] of their comprehension and lacking the power of retention, the labor for the first few weeks seemed to produce the only effect of the answering echo to the voice, but presently the faculties began to awake, the seed sown to germinate and now they feel proud to be able to read and spell in monosyllables of three and four letters. One over 70 yrs of age who was stolen from Africa since her [..?..] can do better than this. The great eagerness of these to learn to read the Bible, prompts them to such diligence and perseverance that I have no doubt they will soon succeed if they can get the large print Testaments; can you furnish them? If so, direct to Rev. [..?..] Richards at Beaufort S. C., and he will convey them to this place. Is it strange that these elderly people are [..?..] to learn when the very life-elements of those faculties which God had given them have been so nearly crushed out by the [..?..] of their task-masters. But they can learn and will learn to read the word of God, which is a more precious idea to them than the possession of silver or gold. You can't imagine what a beam of Joy passed over their countenances yesterday morning in Sabbath School, when I told them they should have a New Testament of large print when they got able to read it. The younger members of the school are making very good progress, and some learn very rapidly; but I cannot perceive that color makes any difference in their capacities. ...This laborious, and inconvenient arrangement is necessary to accommodate the pupils of different ages and employment. Many have impaired eyesight. Others are out at days work, and by the week, and can only attend in the evening. The mother will come in the day and the daughter in the evening when there is a family and work to attend to at home, &c., &c. and there is no other way to teach this large class of individuals, only by this irregular and inconvenient way, but so long as we see order coming out of chaos we will be patient, cheerful, and happy, looking on the bright side Fundraising for a Chapel Tent for the Tenth (Hartford Daily Courant Feb 2, 1864) We believe a chapel tent costs about four hundred dollars: St. Augustine, Fla., Jan. 23, 1864 Mr. Editor - The soldiers of the veteran Tenth need a new chapel tent. They had one which -- like many of their own old comrades--was long since worn out in hard service. It was a comfort to them while it lasted, as a gathering place for Sabbath services and evening prayer-meetings, and as their library and reading-room. They want another just like it. Will not some of my generous fellow-citizens provide funds for the purpose? If so, let them hand their contributions to A. G. Hammond, Esq., at the Exchange Bank, and thus do something more for the brave men who are doing so much for them. Respectfully yours, H. Clay Trumbull, Chaplain 10th C. V. Troops move to Picolata Jacksonville, Fla., February 12, 1864 Colonel Osborn, 24th Mass. Infy., comdg. at St. Augustine FL: Colonel: You will move at once with your entire command except two good companies, under a good commander, to garrison Fort Marion and the post temporarily at Picolata. Leave a field office in command if practicable. You will take three or four days of cooked rations and 80 rounds of ammunition per man, leaving your camp equipage and heavy baggage behind to follow. The veteran volunteers are not to be taken, but are to go to Hilton Head, as already ordered. No females are to accompany the command or follow it. They should be sent North. Your post commissary is to accompany you. The garrison of Fort Marion are to remain in the fort nights, with the gates closed. Q. A. Gillmore, Major-General, Commanding (War of the Rebellion) Arrival of Rev. Reynolds 19 Feb 1864 Rev Mr. Reynolds arrived yesterday; he is trying to get the Post Chaplain job. Miss Sarah Mather gives Rev Reynolds a room and his breakfast and tea. Withdraw from Picolata Headquarters U. S. Forces, St. Augustine, Fla., February 22, 1864 Brig. Gen. J. W. Turner, Chief of Staff: General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Communication dated, Fernandina, Fla., February 21, 1864 at 6 o'clock last evening. Teams were immediately dispatched for the baggage of the two companies stationed at Picolata, and all arrived here safe this morning. I have now at this post about 180 men for duty, including 16 musicians, 50 recruits, who have never been initiated into the mysteries of handling a musket, and 30 men, detailed for duty in the different staff departments. The force at my command is entirely inadequate to furnish a proper picket and provost guard in case of actual danger from outside, but if any difficulty occurs, I shall do everything possible with the means at my disposal, which I trust will prove sufficient for any emergency that is likely to occur. Of that however, you are much better able to judge than I am. J. L. Otis Colonel Tenth Regiment Conn. Vols., Comdg. Post. ex-Senator Yulee (Harford Daily Curant 2/24/1864) The house of ex-Senator Yulee, at St. Augustine, Florida, is now the headquarters of the federal commandant of that port. A letter says: "Yulee has never held office under the confederate government, not in the State government of Florida since she seceded, and therefore, being included in President Lincoln's amnesty proclamation, he is laying his plans to be one of those who assist in bringing the State back into the Union, so as to be "right side up." A Military Hospital for St. Augustine T. Seymour Brigadier-General, Commanding Headquarters District of Florida February 25, 1864 Report of Surg. Adolph Major, U. S. Army Office Chief Medical Officer Dist. of Florida ... It is, perhaps, not out of place to recommend that no general hospitals, above those already existing be established, and especially that the general hospital at Jacksonville may merely be conducted as a receiving depot, whence to forward to the above hospitals, adding thereto Saint Augustine, Fla. The remoteness from the main depot of supplies of the department, with all its annoying and delaying circumstances, and the readiness with which the returning empty transports can be employed for transportation of sick and wounded, prompts me to come to this conclusion; and while the interior of Florida, in regard to healthfulness among a large command is yet to be tested, there presents itself at the convalescent hospital at Saint Augustine a hospital arrangement which, when completed will meet all demands of sanitary law, with no heavy expenses. Should the army of occupation advance toward Middle Florida there will be an easy and quick communications with the delightful seaside of the old Spanish colony. Adolph Majer, Surg., U. S. Vols, Chief Medical Officer, Dist. of Fla. Official An article in the Hartford Daily Courant already listed this hospital in Dec 5, 1863. "The 10th Regiment has a force of 635, of whom 349 are on duty; 181 are on the sick list, of whom 54 are absent from the regiment. Eight of the officers of this regiment are on the sick list. A convalescent camp has recently been established at St. Augustine under command of Surgeon Myers and a few of the sick from Connecticut regiments have been sent there. It is one of the healthiest localities on the Southern coast." Religious Services Chaplain Trumbull said that "Protestant residents were glad to attend the army chaplain's services, if they attended any. The convalescent camp of the Department of the South, then at St. augustine, furnished a large contingent of officers, in addition to the regiments on duty there. There was, therefore, quite a congregation and quite a pastoral field for the single army chaplain on duty there at that time. We held regular services, at one time in the Presbyterian Church, and at another time in the Episcopal Church. I conducted a service with preaching in the forenoon; a Sunday-school in the afternoon, a prayer-meeting in the evening, on Sundays; and on Wednesday evening we had mid-week prayer-meetings. This was in addition to special services in the hospitals, in the military barracks, and in the meeting-places of the colored people." Services were also held in the old Catholic chapel of Fort Marion. The Silent Comforter Chaplain Trumbull also brought with him a bookn called the Silent Comforter. It was a collection of Bible texts in the form of a wall roll for display in a hospital or a sick room. The text were in large type and turned day at a time. A copy was suspended in the chapel-tent, his tent and in St. Augustine also in the military guard house of the provost-marshal at the old government quarters. Structure of the Government in 1864 Rev. T. W. Lewis, by Government authority, has taken possession of the Methodist Church edifice in behalf of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev Brinkerhoff was the Superintendent of Contrabands (from February 1863) and a Baptist Preacher. The services he conducted at the Methodist church were nondenominational. Greely was able to take over the Methodist building and Brinkerhoff moved to the Presbyterian Church. Greely also preached one Sunday a month in the Episcopal church. The soldiers of 17th Conn regiment were without a chaplain. (An agent of the Christian Commission would take over the roll of chaplain by 1865.) Another minister Rev. Greely moved from the African Methodist Church to the American Missionary Association. Capture of the Navy Tug Columbine. (May 28, 1864) By the arrival of the steamer Charles Houghton from Jacksonville this morning, intelligence reaches me of the capture by the rebels of the armed navy tugboat Columbine up the St. John's River, a few miles beyond Pilatka. I have made mention in a previous letter of the capture a few days ago of a number of the Seventeenth Connecticut Regiment who were doing picket duty at Picolata. In order to recapture the men of the Seventeenth, also to annoy and damage the rebels up the river, Gen. Gordon ordered the expedition on which the Columbine was lost. The Columbine left Jacksonville with forty colored soldiers on board. She was to proceed to Brown's Landing which is above Pilatka, to take on board fifty others, and then return to Picalota, it being the intention to evacuate all the places on the river beyond that point. It is supposed she had been to Brown's Landing, taken on board the fifty soldiers, and was on her return when she was captured. All the information in regard to the affair is gathered from three of the Thirty-fifth United States Colored Troops, who arrived at St. Augustine with the report that they leaped from the Columbine when she was fired upon, and made their way overland to that point. They state that the rebels opened upon her with two guns, one of the shots taking effect in the rudder, thus crippling the vessel, and forcing her to beach. She was then at the mercy of the enemy. The Columbine carried two 20-pounder guns, and was valued at $20,000. As to the report of her capture we must rely wholly upon the statements made by the three men of the Thirty-fifth Regiment to parties who came to Hilton Head in the Charles Houghton. In passing up the St. John's, above Pilatka, a few days ago, the Charles Houghton was fired upon by a rebel battery on the bank. Eight shots were fired, four of which took effect. One shot went through three state-rooms and lodged in a pile of knapsacks. No one was injured. Information has been received that the rebels have another supply of torpedoes ready to place in the St. John's River below Jacksonville, at about the same place where the Harriet A. Weer was destroyed. Unless extra precaution is taken we shall hear of another torpedo disaster before long. It is about time that this Florida business should be attended to. It may be all very fine to lose on an average two steamers a month and have nothing to show for it, but it is any but a paying operation to the Government. Go to Page 6 |
| Col Francis Osborn 24 Mass Volunteers St. Augustine Commander in 1863-64 Florida Memory |
| Col John L Otis 10th Connecticut Commander in St. Augustine |
| John Hay Lincoln's Secretary |
| This particular copy of this rare public broadside of Lincoln's proclamation was received on February 15, 1864 at Union Army headquarters in St. Augustine, Florida, where Major Hays was authorized to administer the oath to such persons of that vicinity. |
| Col. Joseph Hawley 7th Conn |
| Dept of South Troop Reports August 30, 1863 December 31, 1863 |
| Gillmore Medals Company C - Corporal Dennis O'Brien Company D - Corporal Frederic A. Felch Company E - Private John Biderman Company F - Corporal Henry A. Allen. Company G - Private Leander Parmelee Company H - Private John M. Millikin Company I - Corporal John J. Cochran, Private Rufus Aggett Company K - Privates James A. Howard, Elisha F. Soule |
| Major Dudley Strickland |
| 48th Flank Marker |
