The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1862-10-29

Z. 9. SrrAMER "E. B. HALH,"
81. Johns River. Fla. Sept. 18th.


have thought many times OF writing you, but
there Vas nothing of special Importance to com
nunicare. Yesterday received three of your
papers, and il struck me that # could get up .
short letter possessing ooe-hali the interest 20
your readers that your locals and editorials
have tor me, i. vas worth the effect.
| The object of the blockad,ng squadron here
is to keep the river open 80 far Is Jacksonville,
twenty i've miles in the interior. Jacksonville,
you will remember, was occupied BY our forces
under Gen. Wright, several months since, with
out opposition atterwsrds the place Vas evacua.
ted There . deal Of talk about the Z" Tn
ion feeling on the part Of the inhabiiants-iI
ras talk. nothing else. I don't believe there
are twenty Union men in the State, yet there are
hundreds who are too coz ardy TO enlist IN The
rebel cause, that remain II home, working what
slaves they have been able to retain, and every
time gun boat heaves in sight they hoist .
white flag and send the she rebels down TO the
bank OF the river to waive white Handkerchief.
and cheer US on our way.
Well, q few days since We we're ordered &
Port Royal for repairs, leaving two vessels here
Four days after we left, while the Uncas va.
lying quietly at anchor under u. Johns bic g.
the rebels opened fire on her from q powerfu
battery they had erected under cover 81 the
trees, on the summit OF the bluff. The 4" Un
cas- fought them an hour, when che was joined
by the PATRON" The work was warm, bu,
the batteries we're too strong and our forces re
ured. The Uncss proceeded to Port Roy al
Admiral Dupont ordered the Paul Jones" and
" CimeroDe TO get under way, started the car
penters and boiler makers away from this ship
and directed Us TO return here. By the wsy
the admiral is a Evs man. Every one love.
him.
To day We fought the battery for four hours
The Paul Jones and " Cimerone " in the ad
vance. A shot from the " Cimerone diemoun
ted the best gun on the battery, and think We
must have damaged them badly. The Paul
Jones received one shot, but all of Us came gu,
Of the action unframed There are rumors oi
another battery on Yellow Bluff, and when the
river lie clear again, and the Union feeling " q,
Jacksonville clearly understood, il l am alive
you shall have the particulars.
| Friday, Oct. 5.
| The battery is ours. Gen. Mitchell sent down
two regiments, and it was the intention TO make
simultaneous attack. This afternoon ~e ~ere
ordered by Capt. Steadman Of the "Paul Jones "
TO proceed toward the battery in company with
the "Uncas" and feel their position. Our com
handing officer, Capt Smell, was told to act at
his discretion, and after an hours Smelling, the
rebels were found to have abandoned the work
A boat loaded under the charge Of Ensign Stshl.
and in very few moments the old Gag vas
hoisted on the rebel staff, by rebel hslya ards.
The feet cheered the Hale" and the party on
shore returned the salute with will Soon the
Paul Jones" was under way, and with the
Hale" passed up the river to Jacksonville
The rebels left in such haste that We secured
four valuable guns and large quantity Of am
muni,on Their tents are still standing, and
their stock Of provisions, consisting Of bacon,
coffee, sugar, &c, ia ours. We captured, also,
fifty Sharp's rifles and a lot Of Hsrper's Ferry
muskets.
Orders have been given US to return down the
river to night, for guard duty. As We passed
the flag ship the following conversation ensued
'' Hale ahoyl" AYE, aye, Sir" Who hoist
ed tina, Gag on the battery ?" cit was done by
my order, sir" ~ congratulate you, sir; and
away We 60, satisfied that it was sound discretion
10 show our colors, and that the senior Office,
approves our action.
| October 9th.
Since the above vas written, Jackson vile be-
been re occupied BY the Union forces. and y.
have been up the river one hundred and twenty
three miles Stopped at Penlatki and had 81
interview with ,hs Hon. Mr. Mosely, the frs
Governor Of Florida The old gentleman a.
sured the that he voted against secession, hat
always opposed it, and that his life had been re
peatedly threatened for his course. The Cover
nor is an old man. relic of by gone days. Thir
ty years of official position, when the county
was united and prosperous, had taught him 4
love the Union. When be said this, I though
Of certain Michigan Statesman, who never re
signed his Office unless he was sure Of bette,
one. The comparison might be continued fur
Their, but time and space 70, bids.
October 10th.
The object of the expedition has been accom-
plished. We have captured the rebel steamer
Gov. Milton. As write she is stationed Cd IN.
wharf at jacksonville. Nov We are bound dowr
the river, for what purpose know not, and j
known, duty would forbid any communication 0
it, We are permitted to write Of VIA, has oc
CURED, but all guesses or surmises are strictly
forbidden.
AZ stated in the outset, il these random lines
are Of interest to those with whom / have beer
80 long associated, to you as the conductor Of
public journal, shall be happy to furnish DC
casonal Offering
One thing more. cav in the Republic an a
Ii, of those comprising Company A, Of the 2G,i
Regiment. Many are old and valued friends
some my old associates in the Auditors Office
God bless them all. aud DO hope tina, the goot
people Of Lansing will remember the gallant Eel
lows. You don't krow how much good il doe,
me to receive a home paper, or how gladly
box OF gentle reminders OF home is received. /
e er man thanks God for home and friends, il
is when he is away from them, yet often remind
pray for his welfare. Then do see TO il that al
our BOYS, III every Regiment duly provided
| tor. A. 9. W.
TIE SOLDIERS AND THE PRESIDENTS PRocLA