Communication from 1st (Bvt) Sgt. Bartholomew from the Camp of the 2nd Florida Infantry, Co E

Captain Andrew Sealing Commanding

Near Ocala, Florida

November 3, 1865

Dear Capt. Bocken, Sir,

On Friday, November 1, the 2nd Florida Infantry, Company E consolidated its forces near Ocala, Florida. Upon arrival in camp, I found that acting 2nd Sgt., Robert Valentine, had already arrived and had selected a fine piece of ground for the 2nd to camp upon. We found the Company situated between the 8th Florida infantry and the 3rd Florida infantry. Captain Sealing and Lieutenant Griffith took their place at the head of our street. Our troops continued to arrive throughout the day and into the evening hours.

On Saturday, November 2, the troops arose around 6:30 AM and after roll call and a hearty breakfast were drilled near the parade grounds where the dress parade would later occur. Around 1 PM, the camp was alerted to the presence of a Yankee column of infantry and artillery on the move in our direction. Under the command of Captain Sealing, the 2nd Florida moved into position along a tree line at the edge of a large field. The Company was asked to probe ahead of our lines for any enemy presence. Contact came quickly as we were engaged by small force to our front. The Company was able to make use of a natural defensive position behind a berm where fire was poured into the ranks of the enemy. As the action progressed, support was received from troops to our right, and the 2nd Florida was given the order to take the enemy position ahead of us and after a brief, but hot fight, the enemy was pushed back. However, as our forces move forward, enemy resistance became much more stout. The fighting remained hot and the 2nd was ordered into the mouth of the enemy. At the end of the day, although the Company fought with honor, the 2nd Florida, I regret to report, sustained heavy casualties. Among the wounded were Captain Sealing and Lt. Griffith. Fortunately, for Florida, they were able to return to the ranks of our company. Other casualties included the capture of some of our boys by the federal force, including 1st (Bvt) Sgt. Bartholomew. Luckily, as the Yankees were discussing methods of execution, he was able to beat a hasty escape back to friendly lines. The Colors of the 2nd Florida were temporarily captured by the Yankee hordes, but corporal Sullivan put up a brave and honorable fight to keep the Colors of the 2nd Florida in our hands.

The 3rd of November started quietly with the men eating breakfast, performing some light drill, and some even had the opportunity to attend church service. In the early afternoon, the Federal flags appeared blowing in the breeze, cresting over a hill in the distance. The Federals were moving on the Marshall Plantation. The 2nd Florida, along with the rest of the battalion, was ordered to stay hidden in the woods until the moment to strike was ripe. As the Yankees moved closer, our artillery opened fire. To their surprise, the Yankees soon saw our formable line move out of the woods-the line was comprised of the 2nd Florida, 8th Florida, 3rd Florida, and 37th Alabama, among others. This day would not go the way the Yankees hoped. After a succession of frontal assaults, our unit was part of a brilliant flanking maneuver which allowed our forces to entrap the Yankees and destroy their command. Captain Sealing can take great honor, in your absence, knowing that he commanded the troops with the same care, effectiveness and efficiency as you would have, Sir.

Captain Bocken, our troops all fought as bravely and nobly as any force ever has. I would recommend special commendation for Pvt. William Jackson for his outstanding attitude, precision on the battlefield, and his ability to adapt during a campaign. I would also like to commend Pvt. Oscar (Lillian) Thorpe. Although a fresh fish, she proved to be a quick learner, an able fighter, and an excellent addition to our unit. I would also like to acknowledge the bravery and efforts of our two newly promoted Corporals, Sullivan and McNally.  I am confident they will continue to learn and grow in their role as NCOs of the 2nd Florida Infantry, Co E.

I would also like to acknowledge that the 2nd Florida infantry is thankful for the hospitality and kindness of Capt. Porterfield and the 8th Florida infantry, who graciously shared their bounty of food and drink at each meal. We owe them a debt of gratitude.

Your humble servant,

First (Bvt) Sergeant Bartholomew