October 2023

HQs of the 37th Alabama

Col. Kearney,

I arrived on the evening of the 13th with Co. H, 37th Alabama near the little Manatee River. We met up there with Co. E, 2nd Florida and as senior Officer took command. I met with both Officers, Capt. Bocken of the 2nd Fl. and Lt. Williams of the 37th Ala about our plan of action. Both Companys were depleted of men and supplies, but were well lead and had the resolved to do their duty.

Saturday the 14th, after Colors and drill we began our advance on the train station at Parish. When we neared the station, we observed Federal troops along with local civilians boarding a train. We also observed Federal troop preparing to load a strong box onto the train. I ordered a small detachment from the 2nd Fl. to attack the Federals with the strong box in an attempt to draw the Federals out of the train. The Federals stormed out of the train to confront the rest of 2nd Fl. which I ordered forward immediately. While the 2nd Fl. hotly entertained the Federals, I ordered the 37th Ala. to swing around to the right to engage the left flank of the enemy. The enemy fled back onto the train with their strong box and began to flee north on the train.

Unfortunately for the Federals, the train engine had taken some damage and could only move at a slow pace. I decided to withdraw and load my men on some wagons we discovered nearby and move quickly north to Periwinkle Junction a few miles to the north to ambush the train.  On arrival at the Junction, we placed a barricade across the tracks. The 2nd Fl. took position next to the barricade at the north end of a clearing. I then placed the 37th Ala. in a thick stand of trees at the south end of the clearing. My hope was that the federal would disembark the train to clear the tracks and engage the 2nd Fl. which was order to slowly fall back to move the enemy farther away from the train. The 37th Ala. would wait for my signal to advance from cover against the enemy's rear.

The train came along slowly and halted at the barricade. The Federals came out and quickly fired on the 2nd Fl. who then began to fall back as planned. The federals, thinking that they had the advantage moved farther away from the train. Now was the time to spring the trap, on my signal the 37th Ala. roared out of the woods and slammed into the rear of the enemy's forces .Chaos and confusion blew through the ranks of the enemy as they tried to get back to their train. During the confusion we were able to recover the strong box and its contains. The train was able to increase its speed due to the repair of its pressure valve and sped away south. In this action we suffered light casualties and captured several prisoners, including a Captain. As always our men behaved bravely and steadfast to achieved this victory.

The next day we returned to the station to find an empty train on the tracks. While Inspecting the train we were fired on by a hidden artillery battery. The 37th Ala. was almost completly destroyed by this most destructive fire. Collecting all of our wounded we climbed into the train as a force of Federals of unknown strength began to advance on us.

We moved up the track for a few miles and came across a painful scene, several Confederate soldiers being forced to take the oath of allegiance to the Union by Federal troops. I ordered to stop the train and sent forward the 2nd Fl. and what was left of the 37th Ala. to rescue our people and give the Yankees a good thrashing. The enemy fired a few shots and ran away into the woods. The enemy at the station hearing rumors of our return with reinforcements fled the area and, in their haste, didn't destroy the station. In this action our total casualties were 30% of the Battalion, most being the 37thAla. Special attention is to be given to Capt. Bocken and Lt. Williams for their coolness under fire and invaluable advice.

Your obedient servant

Capt. Alan turnbull,

Acting Commander Florida Battalion