S.C.,

March 5, 1863.

COLONEL,--You will please proceed with your command, the 1st and 2d
Regts. S.C. Volunteers, which are now embarked upon the steamers John
Adams, Boston, and Burnside, to Fernandina, Florida.

Relying upon your military skill and judgment, I shall give you no
special directions as to your procedure after you leave Fernandina. I
expect, however, that you will occupy Jacksonville, Florida, and
intrench yourselves there.

The main object of your expedition are to carry the proclamation of
freedom to the enslaved; to call all loyal men into the service of the
United States; to occupy as much of the State of Florida as possible
with the forces under your command; and to neglect no means consistent
with the usages of civilized warfare to weaken, harass, and annoy those
who are in rebellion against the Government of the United States.

Trusting that the blessing of our Heavenly Father will rest upon your
noble enterprise,

I am yours, sincerely,

R. SAXTON,

_Brig-Gen., Mil. Gov. Dept. of the South._

Colonel ----, Comdg. Expeditionary Corps.

[C]

FLAG SHIP WABASH,

PORT ROYAL HARBOR, S.C., March 6, 1863.

SIR,--I am informed by Major-General Hunter that he is sending Colonel
---- on an important mission in the southerly part of his Department.

I have not been made acquainted with the objects of this mission, but
any assistance that you can offer Colonel ----, which will not interfere
with your other duties, you are authorized to give.

Respectfully your obedient servant,

S.F. DUPONT,

_Rear-Adm. Comdg. S. Atl. Block. Squad._

To the Senior Officer present at the different Blockading Stations on
the Coast of Georgia and Florida.

[D] "The effect was electrical. The Rebels were the best men in Ford's
command, being Lieutenant-Colonel Showalter's Californians, and they are
brave men. They had dismounted and sent their horses to the rear, and
were undoubtedly determined upon a desperate fight, and their superior
numbers made them confident of success. But they never fought with
artillery, and a cannon has more terror for them than ten thousand
rifles and all the wild Camanches on the plains of Texas. At first
gli