FIRST ARMED AMPHIBIOUS INVASION OF ST. ANDREWS BAY BY THE U.S. NAVY
February 19, 1862: The Confederate blockade runner FLORIDA, supplying the Confederate army @ New Orleans escaped the blockade of the U.S.S. MERCEDITA @ the mouth of the Mississippi and sailed for Havana.
U.S.S. MERCEDITA https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Mercedita_(1861)
Confederate blockade runner FLORIDA renamed the U.S.S. HENDRICK HUDSON after being captured in St. Andrews Bay by sailors from the U.S.S. PURSUIT.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Hendrick_Hudson
U.S.S. PURSUIT
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Pursuit_(1861)
APRIL 8, 1862: After capturing the sloop LAFAYETTE in the Crooked Island Sound, sailors from the U.S.S. PURSUIT along with volunteers from the LAFAYETTE sailed the sloop to the mouth of Bear Creek in North Bay while towing boats from the PURSUIT. After delays produced by the grounding the captured blockade runner FLORIDA, a Confederate unit fired upon the party as they were attempting to acquire food in the village of St. Andrews. The U.S. claimed one dead and three wounded. The success of this mission (as well as the other nine U.S. invasions over the next three years) was due to the work of Union men on St. Andrews Bay who after being captured by the U.S. Navy, declared their allegiance to the U.S. and joined the U.S. Navy. George Mortimer West states that the U.S. Navy captured 160 vessels off the coast of Florida during the Civil War and almost all of them were sloops and schooners, the vessels of "wildcat" blockade runners. (West, 1922) "But the making of salt for the people and the Confederate government overshadowed all other activities on St. Andrews Bay from the outbreak of the war in 1861 until its close in 1865."
early Fall, 1862: The U.S. Navy reoccupies the Pensacola Naval Yard and Admiral Farragut designates it the depot for resupplying the West Gulf Blockading Squadron.
September 11, 1862: FIRST ATTACK ON SALT WORKS ~ Abstract log U. S. S. Sagamore, Lieutenant-Commander Bigelow, U. S. Navy, commanding. "September 11, 1862. — At 10 a. m. sent launch and second cutter on shore armed, the first in charge of Acting Master Babson and Master's Mate Sidell, the second in charge of Acting Master Fales and Assistant Engineer Leavitt. Boats landed and employed in destroying salt works. At 11 stood underway and stood in nearer the town. At 5:45 p. m. boats still employed destroying salt works. "September 12. — At 7:30 a. m. second cutter in charge of Acting Master Fales, 15 men, launch in charge of Acting Master Babson, 17 men, left the ship to destroy salt works." From a report from Rear Admiral Lardner, commanding the East Gulf Squadron, the following additional work of the Sagamore at that time is described : Report of Acting Rear Admiral Lardner, U. S. Navy, regarding the destruction of salt works at St. Andrews and St. Joseph's bays. (No. 122) "Flagship St. Lawrence, "Key West, October 2, 1862. "Sir: I have the honor to report that salt works of the rebels at St. Andrew's Bay, capable of making 216 bushels of salt per day, were destroyed by Lieutenant- Commander Bigelow, of the Sagamore, on the 11th of September last. "The salt works at St. Joseph's Bay, estimated of capacity to make 200 bushels of salt a day, were destroyed by Lieutenant Commanding Couthony, of the Kingfisher, on the 8th of September. "Very respectfully, your obedient servant, "J. L. LARDNER, "Acting Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Squadron. "Hon. Gideon Welles, "Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C."
USS Sagamore (3rd ship from the right) at Ship Island
The wreck of the sloop LAFAYETTE https://books.google.com/books?id=aU-0X45vbS4C&pg=PA33&lpg=PA33&dq=STEAMER+FLORIDA+%22ST.+ANDREWS+BAY%22+PURSUIT+1862+April&source=bl&ots=a3qlg5t_CP&sig=ACfU3U3ndLMAo9jSv0HIqujNRdKGfD3frQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj-xbCFoNLhAhXhUN8KHUPQBGwQ6AEwA3oECAkQAQ#v=onepage&q=STEAMER%20FLORIDA%20%22ST.%20ANDREWS%20BAY%22%20PURSUIT%201862%20April&f=false
Pages 59 to 63 in George Mortimer West's book on the history of St. Andrews:
https://books.google.com/books/about/St_Andrews_Florida.html?id=YDwVAAAAYAAJ
One of the early activities of the blockading fleet was the capture of the steamer Florida, that had been engaged in taking cotton out of this bay, probably to the Bermudas, and bringing in supplies. The reports of this capture, as well as reports of other activities that will be given in this narrative, are taken from the' "Naval War Records," so far as reference is had to the movement of the men and boats from the blockading fleet, and from the "Official Records of The Rebellion" of reports made by the Confederate forces. The following are the official reports of this transaction: "Acting Volunteer Lieutenant David Cate, commanding the United States bark Pursuit, having received in formation that the rebel steamer 'Florida' which had succeeded in getting into St. Andrews was lying some twenty miles above that town, determined to make an attempt to cut her out, a volunteer expedition was organized, and left the vessel on the 4th of April, and on the night of the 6th, reached and surprised the 'Florida.' "The crew were overcome with slight resistance, and the vessel — a valuable side-wheel steamer of 500 tons — with a cargo of over 200 bales of cotton, was brought safely out."
"Flag officer McKean transmits report of the capture of the Confederate steamer 'Florida.' "United States Flag-Ship Niagara, "Key West, April 24, 1862. "Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of the report made by Acting Master Elnathan Lewis, who commanded the boat expedition from the Pursuit, which resulted in the capture of the Confederate steamer Florida, and which I did not receive in time to forward by the Connecticut. "I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, "WM. W. McKEAN, "Flag-officer Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. "Hon. Gideon Welles, "Secty. of the Navy, Washington, D. C." "Steamer Florida Prize to U. S. Bark Pursuit: "St. Josephs Bay, April 10, 1862. "Sir : I have to report that, in obedience to your order of the 4th instant, I proceeded with the boats under my command to St. Andrews Bay, to endeavor to capture any vessel or vessels that might be found loading or lying in that vicinity. We arrived at the mouth of the pass and landed at 12:30 a. m. and camped on the beach. Having been informed that a sloop loaded with cotton, bound to Havana, was lying 5 miles up Crooked Island sound, I despatched the launch with twelve men, in charge of Sailingmaster John C. Hamlin, with orders to capture her, if possible. Mr. Hamlin proceeded up the sound and took possession of sloop, which proved to be the sloop Lafayette, of Pensacola, which ran the blockade by East Pass, Pensacola, March 1, and had been lying there since, having abandoned his voyage. "Found the captain on board, who expressed strong Union sentiments. Got sloop under way, brought her to the pass and anchored her. We found that Captain Harrison of this sloop was acquainted with the bay, and volunteered his services to pilot us to the steamer, Florida, then loading at head of North bay. mouth of Bear creek. At 1 p. m. started sloop, with boats in tow; at 4 p. m. passed St. Andrews town end proceeded up North bay until 9 p. m., when the wind having died away, we anchored the sloop, and one boat leaving five men in charge under the command of James H. Barry, master's mate. We then proceeded cautiously with launch, first cutter, and twenty- five men, Captain Harrison serving as pilot. "At 2 a. m. we succeeded in passing the picket guard without any alarm being given; at 3 a. m. discerned the lights of the steamer in the distance. We then lay on our oars and drifted up the tide until we came within hail, when we were hailed by the watch, who gave the alarm, we then boarded her in both boats on both sides. We met with but little resistance, they being taken completely by surprise. On gaining the deck of the steamer, I received a pistol shot in the forehead. We then took charge of the steamer, putting the crew under guard. She proved to be the steamship Florida, loading with cotton for the purpose of running the blockade. Found the boilers empty, and immediately pumped them up. and proceeded to get the steamer in working order. Finding the engineers to be Union men, we prevailed on them to assist in getting the steamer down. "At 11 a. m. got under way and steamed slowly down the bay. After proceeding about five miles we grounded on an oyster bank, in mid-channel; used every effort to get her off without success; lay there all night. At 9 a. m., tide veering, succeeded in getting her afloat, but had scarcely gone a mile when we grounded on another bar. Finding that I could not get her afloat, and provisions get ting scarce, I held a consultation with the officers and crew, and concluded to set those on shore who did not wish to take the oath of allegiance to the United States; which we did, sending nine men and the chief engineer. "I then deemed it advisable to lighten the ship, which I d;d by throwing overboard thirty bales of cotton, considering the ship in a critical condition. I offered to the pilot, Mr. H. Harrison; Samuel Dayton, chief mate; and Robert Davidson, first engineer, $500 each; likewise to Henry Jones, second engineer, $250 ; also to each of the greasers, $50, to induce them to mike every effort to get the boat to sea. Next morning, at 9 o'clock, got the steamer afloat end proceeded down the bay. On arriving abreast of St. Andrews town, we found it impossible to cross the bay, owing to the heavy gale then blowing from the southwest; CJ.me to an anchor. "Finding provisions getting scarce, and having previously been informed by the pilot that the two families living there were Unionists, I was induced to send the sloop Lafayette, in charge of James H. Barry, with five men and the pilot, with a flag of truce, to try and procure some. Seeing a flag of truce on shore, Mr. Barry and the pilot landed and were met by a woman who told them that they could get provisions at another place. As they were going to the boat an alarm was given that a body of armed men, to the number of forty or fifty, were running toward them from the woods. They jumped into the boat and made for the sloop, but had scarcely got twenty yards from the shore when they were fired at by the rebels. They succeeded in getting on board the sloop ; while doing which, however mother volley was fired instantly killing Samuel Lawrence badly wounding James Finney and also wounding James H. Barry and the pilot. They returned the fire and succeeded in driving them back ; got sloop under way and reached the steamer. We then fired six shells into the town from our small rifled 12-pounder, which we had taken from our boat and mounted on the steamer. The gale increasing, let go the other anchor, and kept the ship . under steam all night. At 9 a. m. Jacob F. F. Wendt accidently shot himself in the groin. At 1 p. m. next day, wind abating, got under way and proceeded to East Pass. On reaching the pass and finding the sea running very high on the bar, rendering it impossible to cross without great risk, came to anchor. At 8 the next morning got under way ; crossed the bar and proceeded to St. Joseph's bay at 11 a. m. "In conclusion I have to express my entire satisfaction, with the conduct of the officers and men whom it was my good fortune to command. And furthermore, I wish to recommend to your notice the gallant conduct of Captain Harrison, our pilot, in bravely assisting to defend our men in the sloop against the tremendous odds opposed to them. I wish also to express my heartfelt thanks to Sailingmaster John C. Hamlin, and Master's Mate James H. Barry for their conduct during the expedition. "I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, "ELNATHAN LEWIS, "Acting Master and Executive Officers. "Volunteer Lieut. Cate, United States Bark Pursuit."
The Confederate report relative to this affair is found in the two letters following; one being from the Colonel commanding the Confederate troops in this section, to Capt. R. S. Smith, and the other Captain Smith's report of the part taken by himself and men in the affray : "Hdqrs. Prov. Forces Dept. E. and M. Fla. "Tallahassee, Fla., April 7, 1862. "Capt. R. S. Smith, Comdg. Marianna Dragoons, "Marianna, Florida. "Captain: You will immediately proceed in the direction of Saint Andrews Bay with your troops, and, if possible, recapture the steamer Florida, prevent all unnecessary communication with the enemy, and arrest any per son which you may have found grounds to suspect of treason. "Respectfully yours, "W. S. DILWORTH, "Colonel, Commanding District."
April 7th, 1862 — Affair at Saint Andrews Bay, Florida. Report of Capt. R. S. Smith, Marianna Dragoons. "Blue Spring Camp, April 16th, 1862. "Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, "Commanding Department. "Sir: In compliance with a telegraphic order (a copy of which is herewith enclosed) from Colonel Dilworth, then commanding, and received at my camp, six miles east of Marianna, at twelve o'clock, on the 7th instant, I started at three p. m. of the same day with my command, and arrived at three p. m. the next day at Saint Andrews Bay, having been in the saddle twenty-four hours, with only a rest of two hours to feed our horses. I found that the enemy had succeeded in getting the steamer Florida from her anchor age up North Bay, and was then opposite the town of Saint Andrews. When about three miles from the town we heard a gun from the steamer, and riding then at half speed, I met one of my advance guard just before reaching the town, who informed me that the enemy were landing from a small sloop about a mile from us. I then dismount ed my command and advanced rapidly through the woods, hoping to capture them. But the enemy saw us when two hundred yards off, and took to their boats. I then caused my command to open fire upon them. They were out of gunshot reach, but a portion of my command, who were armed with Maynard rifles, killed or disabled four or five of the seven. Having only five cartridges to the rifle, our ammunition was soon exhausted. Had I had sufficient cartridges, I am sure that I could have taken the sloop, and probably have retaken the steamer, or at least burned her. The enemy fired on us with a long range gun. carrying round balls, which passed over our heads at a distance of half a mile. They also sent a few shell after us, but no one hurt on our side. The steamer then left the bay, and, after remaining some days, I returned with my command to camp. "Yours obediently, "R. S. SMITH, "Capt. Commanding Marianna Dragoons."
February 19, 1862: The Confederate blockade runner FLORIDA, supplying the Confederate army @ New Orleans escaped the blockade of the U.S.S. MERCEDITA @ the mouth of the Mississippi and sailed for Havana.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Hendrick_Hudson
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Pursuit_(1861)
APRIL 8, 1862: After capturing the sloop LAFAYETTE in the Crooked Island Sound, sailors from the U.S.S. PURSUIT along with volunteers from the LAFAYETTE sailed the sloop to the mouth of Bear Creek in North Bay while towing boats from the PURSUIT. After delays produced by the grounding the captured blockade runner FLORIDA, a Confederate unit fired upon the party as they were attempting to acquire food in the village of St. Andrews. The U.S. claimed one dead and three wounded. The success of this mission (as well as the other nine U.S. invasions over the next three years) was due to the work of Union men on St. Andrews Bay who after being captured by the U.S. Navy, declared their allegiance to the U.S. and joined the U.S. Navy. George Mortimer West states that the U.S. Navy captured 160 vessels off the coast of Florida during the Civil War and almost all of them were sloops and schooners, the vessels of "wildcat" blockade runners. (West, 1922) "But the making of salt for the people and the Confederate government overshadowed all other activities on St. Andrews Bay from the outbreak of the war in 1861 until its close in 1865."
early Fall, 1862: The U.S. Navy reoccupies the Pensacola Naval Yard and Admiral Farragut designates it the depot for resupplying the West Gulf Blockading Squadron.
September 11, 1862: FIRST ATTACK ON SALT WORKS ~ Abstract log U. S. S. Sagamore, Lieutenant-Commander Bigelow, U. S. Navy, commanding. "September 11, 1862. — At 10 a. m. sent launch and second cutter on shore armed, the first in charge of Acting Master Babson and Master's Mate Sidell, the second in charge of Acting Master Fales and Assistant Engineer Leavitt. Boats landed and employed in destroying salt works. At 11 stood underway and stood in nearer the town. At 5:45 p. m. boats still employed destroying salt works. "September 12. — At 7:30 a. m. second cutter in charge of Acting Master Fales, 15 men, launch in charge of Acting Master Babson, 17 men, left the ship to destroy salt works." From a report from Rear Admiral Lardner, commanding the East Gulf Squadron, the following additional work of the Sagamore at that time is described : Report of Acting Rear Admiral Lardner, U. S. Navy, regarding the destruction of salt works at St. Andrews and St. Joseph's bays. (No. 122) "Flagship St. Lawrence, "Key West, October 2, 1862. "Sir: I have the honor to report that salt works of the rebels at St. Andrew's Bay, capable of making 216 bushels of salt per day, were destroyed by Lieutenant- Commander Bigelow, of the Sagamore, on the 11th of September last. "The salt works at St. Joseph's Bay, estimated of capacity to make 200 bushels of salt a day, were destroyed by Lieutenant Commanding Couthony, of the Kingfisher, on the 8th of September. "Very respectfully, your obedient servant, "J. L. LARDNER, "Acting Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Squadron. "Hon. Gideon Welles, "Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C."
USS Sagamore (3rd ship from the right) at Ship Island
The wreck of the sloop LAFAYETTE https://books.google.com/books?id=aU-0X45vbS4C&pg=PA33&lpg=PA33&dq=STEAMER+FLORIDA+%22ST.+ANDREWS+BAY%22+PURSUIT+1862+April&source=bl&ots=a3qlg5t_CP&sig=ACfU3U3ndLMAo9jSv0HIqujNRdKGfD3frQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj-xbCFoNLhAhXhUN8KHUPQBGwQ6AEwA3oECAkQAQ#v=onepage&q=STEAMER%20FLORIDA%20%22ST.%20ANDREWS%20BAY%22%20PURSUIT%201862%20April&f=false
Pages 59 to 63 in George Mortimer West's book on the history of St. Andrews:
https://books.google.com/books/about/St_Andrews_Florida.html?id=YDwVAAAAYAAJ
One of the early activities of the blockading fleet was the capture of the steamer Florida, that had been engaged in taking cotton out of this bay, probably to the Bermudas, and bringing in supplies. The reports of this capture, as well as reports of other activities that will be given in this narrative, are taken from the' "Naval War Records," so far as reference is had to the movement of the men and boats from the blockading fleet, and from the "Official Records of The Rebellion" of reports made by the Confederate forces. The following are the official reports of this transaction: "Acting Volunteer Lieutenant David Cate, commanding the United States bark Pursuit, having received in formation that the rebel steamer 'Florida' which had succeeded in getting into St. Andrews was lying some twenty miles above that town, determined to make an attempt to cut her out, a volunteer expedition was organized, and left the vessel on the 4th of April, and on the night of the 6th, reached and surprised the 'Florida.' "The crew were overcome with slight resistance, and the vessel — a valuable side-wheel steamer of 500 tons — with a cargo of over 200 bales of cotton, was brought safely out."
"Flag officer McKean transmits report of the capture of the Confederate steamer 'Florida.' "United States Flag-Ship Niagara, "Key West, April 24, 1862. "Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of the report made by Acting Master Elnathan Lewis, who commanded the boat expedition from the Pursuit, which resulted in the capture of the Confederate steamer Florida, and which I did not receive in time to forward by the Connecticut. "I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, "WM. W. McKEAN, "Flag-officer Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. "Hon. Gideon Welles, "Secty. of the Navy, Washington, D. C." "Steamer Florida Prize to U. S. Bark Pursuit: "St. Josephs Bay, April 10, 1862. "Sir : I have to report that, in obedience to your order of the 4th instant, I proceeded with the boats under my command to St. Andrews Bay, to endeavor to capture any vessel or vessels that might be found loading or lying in that vicinity. We arrived at the mouth of the pass and landed at 12:30 a. m. and camped on the beach. Having been informed that a sloop loaded with cotton, bound to Havana, was lying 5 miles up Crooked Island sound, I despatched the launch with twelve men, in charge of Sailingmaster John C. Hamlin, with orders to capture her, if possible. Mr. Hamlin proceeded up the sound and took possession of sloop, which proved to be the sloop Lafayette, of Pensacola, which ran the blockade by East Pass, Pensacola, March 1, and had been lying there since, having abandoned his voyage. "Found the captain on board, who expressed strong Union sentiments. Got sloop under way, brought her to the pass and anchored her. We found that Captain Harrison of this sloop was acquainted with the bay, and volunteered his services to pilot us to the steamer, Florida, then loading at head of North bay. mouth of Bear creek. At 1 p. m. started sloop, with boats in tow; at 4 p. m. passed St. Andrews town end proceeded up North bay until 9 p. m., when the wind having died away, we anchored the sloop, and one boat leaving five men in charge under the command of James H. Barry, master's mate. We then proceeded cautiously with launch, first cutter, and twenty- five men, Captain Harrison serving as pilot. "At 2 a. m. we succeeded in passing the picket guard without any alarm being given; at 3 a. m. discerned the lights of the steamer in the distance. We then lay on our oars and drifted up the tide until we came within hail, when we were hailed by the watch, who gave the alarm, we then boarded her in both boats on both sides. We met with but little resistance, they being taken completely by surprise. On gaining the deck of the steamer, I received a pistol shot in the forehead. We then took charge of the steamer, putting the crew under guard. She proved to be the steamship Florida, loading with cotton for the purpose of running the blockade. Found the boilers empty, and immediately pumped them up. and proceeded to get the steamer in working order. Finding the engineers to be Union men, we prevailed on them to assist in getting the steamer down. "At 11 a. m. got under way and steamed slowly down the bay. After proceeding about five miles we grounded on an oyster bank, in mid-channel; used every effort to get her off without success; lay there all night. At 9 a. m., tide veering, succeeded in getting her afloat, but had scarcely gone a mile when we grounded on another bar. Finding that I could not get her afloat, and provisions get ting scarce, I held a consultation with the officers and crew, and concluded to set those on shore who did not wish to take the oath of allegiance to the United States; which we did, sending nine men and the chief engineer. "I then deemed it advisable to lighten the ship, which I d;d by throwing overboard thirty bales of cotton, considering the ship in a critical condition. I offered to the pilot, Mr. H. Harrison; Samuel Dayton, chief mate; and Robert Davidson, first engineer, $500 each; likewise to Henry Jones, second engineer, $250 ; also to each of the greasers, $50, to induce them to mike every effort to get the boat to sea. Next morning, at 9 o'clock, got the steamer afloat end proceeded down the bay. On arriving abreast of St. Andrews town, we found it impossible to cross the bay, owing to the heavy gale then blowing from the southwest; CJ.me to an anchor. "Finding provisions getting scarce, and having previously been informed by the pilot that the two families living there were Unionists, I was induced to send the sloop Lafayette, in charge of James H. Barry, with five men and the pilot, with a flag of truce, to try and procure some. Seeing a flag of truce on shore, Mr. Barry and the pilot landed and were met by a woman who told them that they could get provisions at another place. As they were going to the boat an alarm was given that a body of armed men, to the number of forty or fifty, were running toward them from the woods. They jumped into the boat and made for the sloop, but had scarcely got twenty yards from the shore when they were fired at by the rebels. They succeeded in getting on board the sloop ; while doing which, however mother volley was fired instantly killing Samuel Lawrence badly wounding James Finney and also wounding James H. Barry and the pilot. They returned the fire and succeeded in driving them back ; got sloop under way and reached the steamer. We then fired six shells into the town from our small rifled 12-pounder, which we had taken from our boat and mounted on the steamer. The gale increasing, let go the other anchor, and kept the ship . under steam all night. At 9 a. m. Jacob F. F. Wendt accidently shot himself in the groin. At 1 p. m. next day, wind abating, got under way and proceeded to East Pass. On reaching the pass and finding the sea running very high on the bar, rendering it impossible to cross without great risk, came to anchor. At 8 the next morning got under way ; crossed the bar and proceeded to St. Joseph's bay at 11 a. m. "In conclusion I have to express my entire satisfaction, with the conduct of the officers and men whom it was my good fortune to command. And furthermore, I wish to recommend to your notice the gallant conduct of Captain Harrison, our pilot, in bravely assisting to defend our men in the sloop against the tremendous odds opposed to them. I wish also to express my heartfelt thanks to Sailingmaster John C. Hamlin, and Master's Mate James H. Barry for their conduct during the expedition. "I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, "ELNATHAN LEWIS, "Acting Master and Executive Officers. "Volunteer Lieut. Cate, United States Bark Pursuit."
The Confederate report relative to this affair is found in the two letters following; one being from the Colonel commanding the Confederate troops in this section, to Capt. R. S. Smith, and the other Captain Smith's report of the part taken by himself and men in the affray : "Hdqrs. Prov. Forces Dept. E. and M. Fla. "Tallahassee, Fla., April 7, 1862. "Capt. R. S. Smith, Comdg. Marianna Dragoons, "Marianna, Florida. "Captain: You will immediately proceed in the direction of Saint Andrews Bay with your troops, and, if possible, recapture the steamer Florida, prevent all unnecessary communication with the enemy, and arrest any per son which you may have found grounds to suspect of treason. "Respectfully yours, "W. S. DILWORTH, "Colonel, Commanding District."
April 7th, 1862 — Affair at Saint Andrews Bay, Florida. Report of Capt. R. S. Smith, Marianna Dragoons. "Blue Spring Camp, April 16th, 1862. "Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, "Commanding Department. "Sir: In compliance with a telegraphic order (a copy of which is herewith enclosed) from Colonel Dilworth, then commanding, and received at my camp, six miles east of Marianna, at twelve o'clock, on the 7th instant, I started at three p. m. of the same day with my command, and arrived at three p. m. the next day at Saint Andrews Bay, having been in the saddle twenty-four hours, with only a rest of two hours to feed our horses. I found that the enemy had succeeded in getting the steamer Florida from her anchor age up North Bay, and was then opposite the town of Saint Andrews. When about three miles from the town we heard a gun from the steamer, and riding then at half speed, I met one of my advance guard just before reaching the town, who informed me that the enemy were landing from a small sloop about a mile from us. I then dismount ed my command and advanced rapidly through the woods, hoping to capture them. But the enemy saw us when two hundred yards off, and took to their boats. I then caused my command to open fire upon them. They were out of gunshot reach, but a portion of my command, who were armed with Maynard rifles, killed or disabled four or five of the seven. Having only five cartridges to the rifle, our ammunition was soon exhausted. Had I had sufficient cartridges, I am sure that I could have taken the sloop, and probably have retaken the steamer, or at least burned her. The enemy fired on us with a long range gun. carrying round balls, which passed over our heads at a distance of half a mile. They also sent a few shell after us, but no one hurt on our side. The steamer then left the bay, and, after remaining some days, I returned with my command to camp. "Yours obediently, "R. S. SMITH, "Capt. Commanding Marianna Dragoons."
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