Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 24.djvu/78

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I reached Florida the ist of March, 1864, ten days after the battle of Olustee, and assumed command of the district, with headquarters in the field in front of Jacksonville. Remained here operating against the enemy at Jacksonville and on the St. John's river all summer, until I was ordered back to the Army of Tennnessee. We were able to confine the enemy closely to his en- trenchments around Jacksonville, and by blowing up two of his armed transports above Jacksonville and one below, put a complete stop to his navigation of the river above that city, and caused him to evacuate Palatka and to use the river below Jacksonville with the greatest caution.

On the night of the 25th of July, 1864, I received a telegram from General Bragg at Columbus, Ga., directing me to report to General Hood at Atlanta without delay for duty in the field. I started to Atlanta on the morning of the 26th of July and reached Atlanta on the night of the 28th. On the 29th I was assigned to and on the 3Oth assumed command of my old division composed of Deas', Brantley's, Sharp's and Manigault's brigades. I remained in command of these brigades until the even of the 3ist of August, when I was wounded in the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., which compelled me to leave the field and has resulted in my absence from the army up to the present time.

There are many incidents connected with my experience which would interest my children if I had time to record them, but I have not. I have hurriedly written some of the prominent facts for their edification hereafter. This is a dark day in the history of the pres- ent war, but I believe a brighter will soon dawn upon us. If dissen- sion and and faction does not distract us, we will certainly achieve our independence. The course of some prominent men in Georgia [Toombs and Governor Brown. E. A. A.] just at this time is much calculated to grieve the spirit of all true Southerners. It is to be hoped that they will desist from their factions, teachings, and prac- tices, and soon unite with the patriots of the land to prosecute with unanimity and vigor the war which our enemies are determined to wage against us.

PATTON ANDERSON.

MONTICELLO, FLA., Feb. 28, r86j.