November 17, 2015

Dear Captain Kearney,

     The following is a re-cap of observations during the November 12 thru November 15 Suwannee River Raid. 

     General Hardy and his Staff were very active in setting up the bivouac area, wood, pot-o-potties, etc.  There were about 6 or 7 sutlers, a bakery with delicious items, 2 period home tent families with all the trimming (The lady made a very delicious "Johnny Cake--she called it corn cake"), and several other non period food vendors.  There was a stage with speakers of the period and music on Sat. and Sun. from about 10 AM to 2 P.M.  I estimate about 200 plus spectators both days.  On Fri. we had about 150 students from different schools. 

     Lieutenant Dan was set up to receive the wounded.  His presentation was, as usual, a tribute to the Field Hospital recreation.  His nursing staff attended to the wounded on the field of battle as well as at the hospital. It was a marvel to see them treat the wounded.

     General Hardy, his Staff and members of his Brigade were extremely gracious, friendly, cordial and carried themselves as true Southern soldiers and their ladies out-did themselves in taking the field and in the home front.

     The individual Brigade companies did not seem to train or be as well trained in the Manual of Arms as the Department of the Gulf. (2nd and 3rd Florida)  They did manage the troops well but without many of the movements initiated by Captains Kearney and Short.  I was assigned to the flag company and when not carrying the flag, took up a rifle position.  The First Sargent, at one point, was more interested in checking on a wounded soldier than directing the squad that was being attacked and the Union forces were closing in on us. 

     The battle was fought on two fronts-one in front of the spectators and another along the tree line on the West side of the field.  I could not see much of the Western battle except for the cannon and musket noise and smoke.

The two Mountain Howitzers did an outstanding job in moving their guns to and fro, left or right as needed. One company had to galvanize on both days to assist the Union forces.  I would estimate that upwards of 200 soldiers took the field.

The only un-fortunate battle occurrence was when our company had reduced the Union company to a squad and we were only 30 feet apart when we pleaded with the Union commander to surrender and save the few remaining men in his command, but he did not instead choosing to retreat into the brush with his command eliminated.  What a waste.  He was the worst officer on the field.

The field of battle was at least 1000 yards long by 800 yards wide.  We could not see the Union Camp only the smoke from their camp fires. It was an excellent location for a battle. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Pvt. Ernest Martin