EXPEDITION AGAINST ST. MARKS, FLA.
March 4–12, 1865.
An expedition set out from Key West about the 1st of March, under General Newton, having for its main object the occupation of St. Marks. The troops were landed from Appalachee Bay, near the light house at the mouth of St. Marks river, and encamped about two and a half miles from that spot, in order to await the landing of the artillery, and the cooperation of the gunboats, which were to ascend the river, and assist in the assault. A dense fog unfortunately occurring at the time, several of the gunboats went ashore, and none were able to ascend the river. The enemy, by this delay, received timely information of the movement, and were prepared to meet it.
Previous to landing the troops an expedition was sent to cut the railroad bridge and two turnpike bridges over the Oclokony river, and to destroy the trestle work over the Ocilla river. Another expedition was sent to cut the railroad between St. Marks and Tallahassee. These enterprises were unsuccessful. On the following morning an advance was made along the road towards the bridge over the East river, where it was found that the planking had been torn up by the enemy, who was posted on the opposite side, with one piece of artillery, prepared to dispute the passage.
Two companies of a colored regiment, commanded by Major Lincoln, made a gallant charge towards the bridge over the open space intervening, before whom the enemy fled with great rapidity. They were followed by the two companies, who acted as skirmishers, capturing the piece of artillery, which was immediately turned on the flying rebels.
The bridge was promptly repaired by the soldiers of the Ninty-ninth colored regiment, and, crossing, the line of march was commenced towards Newport. On reaching Newport a dense column of smoke indicated that the bridge which it was necessary to cross, was destroyed.
Leaving Major Weeks at Newport bridge to guard against any attempt of the enemy to cross and get in the rear of the Union troops, a service that he gallantly performed under an incessant fire from the enemy, the column pushed on towards the Natural bridge, some eight miles above, with the design of crossing there. Here it was discovered that the enemy was strongly posted on the opposite side, determined to oppose its passage.
At daylight on the following morning, Major Lincoln, with two companies of the Second cavalry, commenced the attack, and succeeded in driving the advanced posts of the rebels over the bridge; but his further progress was checked by a superior force, who were strongly intrenched, besides being protected by marshes, thickets, and other natural defences.
Reconnoissances were made with the view of ascertaining the practicability of crossing at some other place, but without success, and it was determined to attempt to force a passage over the bridge. Accordingly Colonel Townsend, in command of the Second colored, was ordered to turn the enemy’s flank, and Major Lincoln to make the direct assault, supported by Colonel Piersoll, commanding the Ninety-ninth colored.
Advancing gallantly to the charge, Colonel Townsend drove the enemy before him. They fled precipitately, abandoning their breastworks; but, unfortunately, the Union soldiers encountered, right in their way, a wide deep ditch, impassable to troops, and were compelled to return.
Finding that the enemy were too strong in numbers and position, while the Union troops were posted in a low, marshy position, it was determined to withdraw about three hundred yards in the rear, in an open pine barren, which had been previously selected. This was done in good order.
The rebels, now supposing that the Federal force were in full retreat, advanced in force, with artillery and infantry; but, to their surprise, they were received by a perfect line of infantry supported by artillery. Two desperate charges were made by the enemy, but they were repulsed with heavy loss on the part of the assailants, and the Union troops remained masters of the field. The Federal loss was about one hundred and fifty in killed, wounded and prisoners.
No further advance was deemed prudent by General Newton, and he accordingly reembarked his troops, and returned to Key West.