Today in History:

436 Series I Volume XXXV-I Serial 65 - Olustee Part I

Page 436 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. Chapter XLVII.


Numbers 5. Report of Brigadier General John K. Jackson, C. S. Army.


HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA,
Lake City, August 22, 1864.

MAJOR: The telegram of Major-General Jones, directing, among other things, that I should go to the front, was received here in my absence, having previously returned from Tallahassee and gone to the front at Gainesville, where Captain Dickison was. I had ordered Colonel McCormick to pursue the enemy vigorously, with a view to driving them farther south, intending, if possible, to get between them and the river, and to use Dickison's command for the purpose. Upon arriving at Gainesville I learned that the enemy had abandoned his raid and fled to Green Cover Springs, on the Saint John's River, under protection of gun-boats. The enemy were not pursued by Colonel McCormick with the energy I expected, and moved off directly east and escaped him. Before receiving he order to call for a report from him I had relieved him from the position he occupied and placed Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, of the Fifth Florida Cavalry Battalion, in his stead, under the supervision of Colonel Turney.

Finding that the enemy had retreated to the Saint John's, I ordered back the force that had been at the Saint Mary's trestle (Camp Jackson), and have directed that they be advanced to Baldwin and Camp Milton. I ordered Captain Dickison to remain at Gainesville for a few days to watch a demonstration from Cedar Keys, which is threatened, a gun-boat and several barges being reported in the mouth of the Suwannee River. If nothing should come of it I have ordered him to scout in the neighborhood of Palatka and along the Saint John's.

I am anxious to repair the railroad from Camp Jackson to Baldwin and Camp Milton, in order that we may remove the iron from the Florida Railroad to complete the Georgia connection. I telegraphed to-day for the company of engineer troops at Savannah. Information has reached me that hey are not employed on important work there. If they can be spared I will be obliged to the brigadier-general commanding to order them to me. The repairs to the road will enable me to subsist and forage the command in their advance position at less labor and expense.

I am, major, &c.,

JOHN K. JACKSON,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Major C. S. STRINGFELLOW,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Charleston, S. C.


Numbers 6. Report of Lieutenant Colonel A. H. McCormick, Second Florida Cavalry.


HEADQUARTERS INFANTRY FORCES,
Darby's Station, East Fla., August 25, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day of your communication of 22nd instant, requiring a report of my recent expedition against the enemy in the neighborhood of Starke and Waldo.


Page 436 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. Chapter XLVII.