February 17, 2014

Deland Homestead

My Compatriots of the 2nd Florida, Co. E,

Greetings from my DeLand plantation, Ashe Haven, cotton picker and firearms sales!

I needed to comment on the battle Saturday and compliment the command structure of our Union Company. While under adverse conditions, Capt. Kearney, Sgts. Dorr and French, could not have done better. Their coolness under fire in leading the company should be recognized. Three cheers!

After, for me, a too long march around the grounds, the company entered the battle, after crossing very treacherous palmetto growth. Our lines held together and straight, better than should be expected of any army. Upon the first volley, fired by our wing, the Confederates facing us, began to whither. During a number of "double quick" maneuvers, I fell behind and from those positions, behind the ranks, I was able to see the grandeur of the blue hosts, as they moved, unwaveringly into the fire put out by the Confederates. Certainly by 1864 the uniformity of arms and uniforms, along with superior numbers, causes the Union men to appear to be unbeatable.

I must be honest in my assessment here, when I say that the Union Army, in the numbers seen on Saturday, appears to be of a far greater discipline, strength and determination than do the ragged looking rabble that attempted to stop us.

Admitting my knowledge of the lack of resupply of all necessary war goods to the Confederates, I cannot see how the South continued to fight for these past three years. Surely by Feb. 1864, the overwhelming strength of the North demonstrates the for all practical purposes the war is over. Only needless death and wounds will be the bounty of those brave souls on both sides, who upon orders, continue this conflict.

Viewing the odds in favor of the North from the first blood drawn during the Baltimore Riots, early in '61, and up until today, the question has never been: "Why the North is triumphing over the South?" But rather; "Why it has taken so long for the north to triumph over the South?" Of course, to us the answer is evident. The South has had spirit and heart, that for a time, at least, overwhelmed even the greater military and industrial strength of the North.

While I was remove from the field of honor at the end of the battle on Sat. I hope that the Sunday battle went at least as well, or perhaps better.

God save and keep our Union!

Respectfully submitted,

Pvt. Steven L. Ashe,  Day Traitor