February 20, 2023

Camp in the vicinity of Tampa

Colonel Kearney and Captain Alonzo,

I respectfully submit an after-action report for the Olustee battle.

Saturday’s battle saw fierce fighting about a mile west of the Olustee crossing.  There were about 150 southern soldiers under the command of Colonel Keith Kohl.  For our part of the battle, the Federals out flanked us but we gave them a punishing fight until we were forced to leave the field.  There were many casualties on both sides.  From my limited view it seemed there were more Federals left on the field than our side.

Sunday’s battle was very different.  The fight was just as intense.  Our artillery kept the Federals busy while the infantry advanced.  At one point we ran low of ammunition but were successfully resupplied.  This gave the infantry the ability to completely push the Federals off the field.  We held the field at the end of the day and the Federals, defeated and made a hasty retreat to the coast.

I would like to commend Lieutenant Mike Katz for joining the 2nd Florida Company E with men from the 32nd Georgia Heavy Artillery Battalion out of Savannah.  He and his men were dismounted but fought on foot like devils.

Captain John Porterfield of the 8th Florida served as wing commander.  Due to our proximity to artillery, the addition of wing commanders by Colonel Kohl made battlefield communications possible.

I arrived in camp on Thursday afternoon.  There was no difficulty in setting up camp.  Shortly after I arrived, I welcomed Captain Alonzo to camp and turned over camp responsibility to him.  The remainder of the day was uneventful.

Friday morning, Captain Alonzo woke to find he was unwell.  He remained in his tent until late morning when he went to be with his family in Lake City.  The hope was that he would return to fighting form by evening or the next day.  I received several dispatches from him with the final indicating that he was not better and must leave camp and return home.  The men of the 2nd Florida assisted with packing his wagon and we bade him a reluctant farewell with wishes for a speedy recovery.  I assumed command of Company E.

Saturday night another solder, Pvt. Brett Maney also went on the sick list with similar conditions as Captain Alonzo.  Pvt. Maney also left camp but returned to fight in the morning much improved.

During Sunday's march to the battlefield, General Poythress halted the column for a few minutes.  I discovered standing right with the 2nd Florida Mr. Frederick Douglass.  Recognizing him as a man of words, I introduced him to the unit.  He spoke briefly about his wish that while we fought bravely for our side, that we would one day recognize his desire that we free his people.  He wished us safety in battle, and commented that we are all brothers under God.

I would like to commend my sergeants.  Ord Sgt. Sealing and QM Sgt. Griffith both stepped up to the roles of 1st sergeant and 2nd sergeant respectively.  Both men acquitted themselves very well in battle.   Both men with Corporals Valentine and Arnaud handled camp duties in such a way as to reduce the burden of command.

We had one fresh fish in the ranks, Pvt. Ransom Maggerd.  He fought bravely and has enlisted with the company.  Our recruit from Otter Springs, Pvt. Felix Arriaga fought like a mad man and is truly a great addition to the company.  Corporals Valentine and Arnaud plus Pvts Clyde Foss, Larry French, Charlie Frye, Brett Maney and Kurt Weinschhenk took a strong fight to the enemy and are also commended.

1st. Sergent Sealing fell in on Sunday wounded.  I appeared he was in a fight with a wild-cat, but recovered to fight.  I never heard the details of  how he was wounded.  I expect that perhaps we'll hear that story at our next camp-fire.

A former solder from our company, Pvt. Chuck Riley visited camp and was well received by the men.

I would like to thank Colonel Kohl and Captain Porterfield for the free and rapid flow of information from command and camp provosts.  In particular, Colonel Kohl was helpful in gleaning intent and parameters from the lengthy ‘camp rules’ missive provided at registration.  

Sirs, it was my honor and privilege to command Company E.  There is no other finer group of soldiers anywhere in the army.  Without their attention to duty, support and enthusiasm I would not have been successful. 

This report is my final duty as Captain.  I return the unit intact and improved to Captain Alonzo.

Most respectfully submitted.

I am your humble and obedient servant,

Capt. Tom Dye (Bvt)

2nd Florida Volunteers, Company E

“The Hammock Guard”