Headquarters, Hardy’s Brigade

Near Olustee Station

February 1864

To My Fellow Comrades in Arms,

My wagon returned safely to the homestead following our Ocean Pond Campaign. Owing to a bout of illness upon my return, I was delayed in committing this after-action report to paper concerning the late engagement at Olustee.

The Brigade began arriving upon the field on the 12th instant, at which time a suitable campsite was procured, along with sufficient firewood and an ample supply of water. The remaining troops arrived by late Friday evening, the 13th. As the 13th gave way to the 14th, the men stood eager for action. The day commenced with the posting of colors and a parade of the line, after which we returned to camp and made preparation for the contest yet to come. Our effective strength for the engagement was reported at approximately forty men.

We were ordered to form with Colonel Kohl and advance to the field of battle. Upon arrival, Colonel Kohl took command of his wing, while Colonel Porterfield assumed direction of Hardy’s Brigade. Orders were then given to advance in support of troops already heavily engaged and sorely pressed upon their front and left. The Brigade moved forward in column of companies, then formed line of battle upon the right of the first company and engaged the enemy with steady volleys and well-directed fire.

The engagement which followed was severe and obstinate, with casualties sustained on both sides. The unit we were sent to support was turned upon its flank and compelled to retire, whereupon our Brigade was likewise forced to withdraw. At this juncture, Colonel Kohl advanced his command and took position upon our right flank. The forces upon our left continued to give ground, and owing to the inability of the left wing to maintain its position, we were again compelled to retire and were finally pressed from the field.

The men returned to camp much vexed at the course of the day’s action, occasioned largely by the Department of the Gulf’s inability to halt or delay the flanking movements of the Federal forces. Nevertheless, the men fought with valor and bore themselves in a manner worthy of their country and their colors. Arms were afterward cleaned, and a hearty meal was shared among the command. The evening concluded with a local barn dance and fellowship around the campfires, which served greatly to raise the spirits of the men.

On the following morning, after parade and colors, and after a solemn memorial held for the fallen of the enemy at Olustee, the command prepared for the day’s operations, having been ordered to take the field as Federal troops. After inspection, we marched to the opposite side of the field and formed ranks with the Union forces, Hardy’s Brigade being designated the 3rd Division for the day.

The Brigade advanced, cleared the wood line, formed column of companies, and then deployed into line of battle upon the right of the first company, engaging the enemy with vigor. The opposing force was driven from the field, leaving us exposed to distant artillery fire. After a prolonged interval, the Southern troops were observed advancing. A fierce contest again raged across the field, with both sides advancing and yielding ground by turns. The men of the 2nd Florida executed a most effective buzz-saw movement, holding the Southern troops in check with admirable steadiness.

As with the rest of the Union line, our ammunition ran low, the trains being too far to the rear to effect timely resupply. A withdrawal was therefore ordered. At this moment, the Confederate forces, having been resupplied, advanced with great determination, and a general skedaddle ensued, each man striving to preserve himself and render what aid he could to his comrades. We formed for the final salute, and shortly after delivering it were ordered from the field owing to the approach of severe weather—high winds and heavy rain, with reports of possible tornado activity.

The storm soon broke in full force, and the men sought shelter where they might. The skies cleared at approximately 7 o’clock in the evening. Many commands departed during the storm; others remained until the weather abated and then struck their camps. This commander remained upon the field until Monday morning and then departed.

The men of the 2nd Florida, 8th Florida, and 37th Alabama conducted themselves with notable gallantry, and their marksmanship proved second to none. This commander received numerous compliments regarding the steadiness of their fire and the aggressiveness of their conduct throughout the campaign. It is with pride and respect that I submit this report of operations at Olustee Station.

I remain,

Your Obedient Servant,

Colonel John Porterfield

Postscript – Orders Received

Orders have been received directing the command to report for our next engagement at Broxton Bridge, South Carolina. I trust I shall have the honor of meeting you there upon the field.