Today in History:

850 Series I Volume XIV- Serial 20 - Secessionville

Page 850 COAST OF S. C.,GA.,AND MID. AND EAST FLA. Chapter XXVI.

CHARLESTON, S. C., March 30, 1863.

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

General Finegan telegraphs yesterday from Baldwin:

Enemy, black and white, evacuated Jacksonville to-day; have doubtless gone to Hilton head. They burned most of the town before leaving:

He went immediately after with his troops and saved some valuable buildings. It seems the objects of the expedition was to make me divide my forces.

I call specially the attention of the Government to the wanton destruction of private property in Jacksonville.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

CHARLESTON, S. C., March 30, 1863.

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

French consul and family leave to-day in steamer Milan. Spanish consul left beginning this month. British consul several month ago.

This indicates those powers with no representatives here except vice consuls. Should Hunter take this city would it not be advisable to order away all foreigners not in military service?

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DISTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA, Numbers 12.
Lake City, Fla., March 30, 1863.

The brigadier-general commanding has much pleasure in commending in the highest terms the conduct and services of the officers and men of the command near Jacksonville in the recent operations against the enemy. The duties imposed on them were severe, constant, and dangerous. They were performed by both officers and men with a cheerfulness and gallantry which would be creditable to any troops in the service. The command was composed of the companies of Capts. Winston Stephens and [W. E.] Chambers, of the Second [Florida] Cavalry (Lieutenant-Colonel [A. H.] McCormick commanding), assisted by Major R. Harrison, of that regiment; the companies of Captain [Edwin] West, of First Special Battalion; of Captain [S. F.] Rou's company, serving as infantry; Captains [John] Westcott, [S. W.] Mays, [P. B.] Bird, J. Q. Stewart, of First Partisan Rangers, and the independent infantry companies of Captains [Samuel E.] Hope, John Bryan, A. [A.] Stewart, O. F. Peek, C. Beggs, [A. P.] Mootey, and Lieutenant Tucker's company, from camp of instruction, commanded by Major T. W. Brevard; and the artillery companies of Captains [R. H.] Gamble, [Joseph L.] Dunham, and [Henry F.] Abell, with five companies of Fourth Georgia Cavalry, Colonel [D. L.] Clinch commanding, three of which served as infantry under the command of Major [J. C.] McDonald, of that regiment. Colonel Clinch, as commanding officer of forces, during his stay was active and efficient in the discharge of his duty, and, with Major McDonald and his officers and men, was eager and ready to meet the enemy on all occasions. Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, commanding cavalry, and Major R. Harrison, Second Florida Cavalry, with Captains Chambers and Stephens and their officers and men, performed constant and severe duty, watching and


Page 850 COAST OF S. C.,GA.,AND MID. AND EAST FLA. Chapter XXVI.