The Portland daily press., 1863-03-26
COMMUNICATIONS.

HEADQUARTERS % REG. 8. c. Vols,
On board U. S. Ship BURNSIDE,
jackson. Fla, March 10. 1863.


jackson, Fla, March 10, 1868.
To the Editor of the Press. e ~s
The country is patiently awaiting the devel-
opment of the success of the experiment of
making soldiers OF the negroes. We are be-
ginning TO see the results of the trial, and
thus far 1t must be acknowledged that the ex-
pertinent 10 proving eminently satisfactory,
and the blacks are proving themselves worthy
material, beyond the most ardent expectation,
with which to make soldiers.
An expedition composed of the 1st and I'd
S. c. Volunteers, under the command Of Col.
Higginson Of the First was dispatched from
Beaufort on Thursday and Friday the 5th and
9th instants, with instructions to rendezvous at
Fernandina, and proceed from that point The
U. s. ship Burnside, on which was the I'd S.
c. regiment, commanded by Col. Jim Mont
gomery, so well known in the history of Kan
sas, being considered slow sailer, was dis
patched on Thursday evening, In order that
she might arrive as soon rs the other ships.
She proved to be faster sailer than was sup
posed. We reached FernandDa at 10 A. NJ.
Friday, and waited the arrival of the Boston
and John Adams, which composed the remain
der of the expedition, until Saturday at noon.
We were met at the wharf by Col. Hally, of
the 7th Connecticut, In command OF the post,
who warmly welcomed us, and invited us to
his quarters. where we were entertained in a
most gentlemanly and cordial manner The
Colonel ordered a train TO be run TO the out
post pickets, and we were invited to take a
ride into the country. This was diversion
we little expected in this country, and we
very eagerly accepted the invitation, and made
up partyicomposed of Col Montgomery,Q. M.
Dickey, the very efficient Quartermaster of
the I'd South Carolina. who has been for a
long time Quartermaster's Sergeant of the
9Th Maine, commissioned for that important
position by Gen. Saxton, and better selection
could not have made-Csptain Holt, formerly
Captain Of Co. A, Sth Maine, the Master of the
US. Gunboat Mohawk, lying at that port, be-
sides several other officers. and your humble
servant The train was under the direction of
the Quartermaster Of the 7tl CONNECTICUT.
As the rebels had condescended TO leave for
Union use only one car, and that freight car,
our accommodations were Of course not the
most elegant; nevertheless we enjoyed the
trip highly rs we were whirled away across
the swamps Of Florida, four or five miles in
Land, and were received and cordially made
welcome by Capt Dennis of the Seventh, in
command Of picket, and treated to splendid
bowl OF oysters.
After taking such observations OF secesh
swamps as we desired, we returned to the cars,
which were waiting for us, came back to the
city, and went on board ship, very highly
pleased with our days diversion.
would like to give a brief description of
1cEiaAdlua, uub tiiBc ioIDlurs anu MY Wtfk
lies In another direction. The Boston and
Adams did not arrive until Saturday, at noon.
1t was determined then to sail ut sunrise Sum
day morning. At sunrise the Burnside and
Boston sailed from Fernandina, but for some
reason yet unexplained the Adams remained
behind. We reached the mouth of the st.
Johns river at 10 A. NJ, the weather from the
beginning having been most delightful, and
came TO anchor under the guns of the u. s.
e1fna Nnrwteh and ITnea tatf af hat
point; and here we waited impatiently for the
appearance Of the Adams, before we could
proceed further. The much wished for boat
made her appearance on Monday, 9th inst, at
near noon. OF course q council of war was
necessary, and of course 1t was held; and IL
was determined TO wait and sail a. Q o'clock
this Tuesday morning. At the appointed
time the steamers got under weigh, the trans
ports preceded by the gunboats, and pushed
up the St Johns on one of the most beautiful
moonlight mornings that one could wish. The
soldiers were distributed throughout the ships
behind temporary barricades, ready TO respond
TO any attack the rebels might feel disposed to
make from the banks. There had been several
batteries upon the bluffs at different points.
but they had evidently been removed, and II
there were any rebels at any point they evil
IDENTIFY did not like the appearance of the war
dogs ahead, and therefore considered 1t very
important to keep themselves quiet, as they
did, except when hare and there rebel or
contraband skedadded for the woods. We
proceeded to this city, 25 or 80 miles from the
mouth of the river, and came alongside the
wharf without molestation. While we were
doing so few Of the inhabitants made their
appearance, and some Of the fair secesh walked
leisurely down upon the wharves and very
coolly surveyed the proceedings. When they
became satisfied OF the character of the troops
we had on board they left in infinite disgust,
but evidently In state of great perturbation,
as was afterwards proved when We had land
ed. They said they would have been glad to
have seen white troops, "But to bring those
horrid nggers! Oh, 1t IL insuferabe! They
will surely murder u.s." We assured them
they should not be moested, but they fear the
/. negroes cannot be restrained by the officers.
The discipline of the troops is, however, most
excellent.
Immediately upon landing and taking pos
session OF the town, sentinels were stationed
at the corners Of the streets, and the ways
of approach and egress to and from the city
were immediately guarded. 1t was very