The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-11-23
THE BATTLE OF SANTA ROSA ISLANDx
FIRST FIGHT WAS in DURING THE WAR

From a term Of service as confederate
soldier extending over period Of nearly
four years. the following narrative Of per-
sonal experience Is selected. not because
of the Importance of the battle described,
but for the purpose Of giving some illus
tration Of the spirit OF patriotism. cour-
age and devotion to duty with which, in
the earlier days OF the confederaey, the
men and boys composing its army were
| inspired-the men who became the nucleus
around which we're formed the armies
whose achievements make the memory OF
the confederate soldier one to be cherish
ed and honored by all future generations
Immediately after the secession of the
states Of Florida and Alabama. the navy
yard forts and other government prop
erty upon the mainland in the vicinity of
Pensacola were taken possession by the
state troops. the United States officer In
command. Lieutenant Slemmer, retiring
to Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa island
opposite.
This fort already strongly fortified was
Strengthened and its garrison Increased
by the United States government. In adj
dition to the garrison inside the fort, a
regiment known as "Billy Wilson's zou-
aves," said to have been recruited from
the worst element in New York city, was
stationed on the island about half a mile
eastward of the fort. to guard 1t from a
land attack in that direction. 1t was also
under the protection of the guns of the
blockadlng squadron and withal was quite
formidable.
Early in 1851 General Bragg was placed
in command Of all the confederate forces
in the vicinity. and began organizing
them into an army which had. by the
middle Of summer Increased in numbers
to several thousand. Among these troops
was the Fifth Georgia regiment, COM
manded by Colonel John X. Jackson, and
recruited principally from the very best
social element of the empire state. Com
pany A of this regiment, better known as
the "Clinch Rifles" commanded by Cap
tain Carries A. Plat, was from Augusta,
and its personnel was exceptionally fine,
socially and otherwise. 1t was nearly
one hundred strong, proficient in drill and
well equipped. being armed with Missis-
sippi rifles with sabre bayonets. Its uni
form was dark green trimmed with gold
lace and brass buttons. It's splendid app
pearance was fully eduailed by its tlght-
ing qualities. Alas. how few of that noble
band were left in 1861 To the best of my
Information, only about twenty-five came
back to their homes after the war.
My father was then living near Pensa-
cola, and enlisted in this company, hav-
ing abandoned my studies at college with
that end In view. Guard duty, daily drill
snd dress parade were a feature of camp
life, under which the boys soon began to
ehafe, clamoring to be led into battle.
One evening, Oct Z, 1851. the company
being assembled for dress parade and drill
as usual, the captain upon taking COM
nland, "We'll not have any dress parade
this evening. 1 have on hand tonight a
very hazardous expedition, and want
from this company sixteen volunteers,
and do not want any man to go VINO is
not willing to die tonight II necessary"
The company, during this speech, was
standing at "Order arms" "Now," con-
tinued he, those of you who are willing
to go viii bring your guns to shoulder
arms" If he had given the command,
shoulder arms the order could NOT
have been more promptly and completely
obeyed than was the response to the cap,
tain's call
We'll" said he 81 can't take you all
as would like to do. SO I'll be compelled
to make detail" He then selected ten
men from the right of the company who
were, of course, the tallest men. This
said the captain, us not giving the little
men a chance" whereupon he proceeded
down the line selecting a man here and
there until the number was completed
Being one of the little men," 1, was,
near to the left end of the rear rank. My
heart thrilled with delight when the cap
tain pointed his finger at me and said,
"you." and proudly stepped to the front
with the Others Being one of the young
est boys in the company and new re-