The Palatka news and advertiser. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1902-1905, 1902-08-28
GEN. J. J. DICKSON DEAD.
FlOrida'S Hero Soldier Passes Away
At 0eala.

The passing away of Gen. j. j.
Dickson at his home in Ocala last
Saturday night removes an historic
figure.
He was distinctly the soldier here
of the state. and has often been re-
ferred to as the 'Marion of Florida. -
Gen. Dickson was born in SoutE
Carolina, in which state his boyhood
days We're passed. The family then
removed to Florida.
When the Florida people organized
for defense as soon as the state Sc
ceded, amongst the foremost in
raising companies was j. J. Dicki-
son, whose preference led him to
raise II company of cavalry, which,
however, was changed to artillery,
of which Dickson was made first
lieutenant; John NJ. Martin, captain.
After various services until May,
1852, Lieutenant Dickson, on the or
ders of General Finnegan, raised a
company of cavalry, which went in
to service as Company H. Second
Florida regiment, for three years of
the war. Very soon this cavalry
company was in the enemy's front
at Palatka. The Federals were at
the time making demonstrations
along the St Johns river and at
tempting to open the way to overrun
all Florida. Their enterprise gave
Dickson early and many opportuni-
ties to show his daring and skill,
which he did near st. Augustine and
Palatka. The Confederates were
70 fa -
ter which misfortune Dickson s
command guarded for sew veral
months the larger part of Florida
which lies between Smyrna and st.
Augustine, and their next service
was at the honor post of outpost du-
ty, to which they were assigned by
Colonel Scott. During the active
scouting and skirmishes which at
tended the discharge of this impor-
tant assignment, they not only gave
valuable information as to the ene-
my's movements, but fought num-
Der of little battles. The skirmish-
ing was, in fact, nearly incessant, in
which Captain Dickson demonstrat-
ed the efficiency of his fine company
as well as his fitness to command
them. In these first, as well as in
subsequent campaigns, he won fire.
quent concentrations in general or
ders, and made himself secure in the
confidence of his men. The month
of May, 1864, is especially notable for
many exploits, bravely, skillfully
and successfully conducted, among
them being the surprise and capture
of considerable detachments of the
enemy at Welaka and Fort Butler
| Various annoying and damaging at
lacks were also made upon the Fed
eral gunboats and transports on the
st. Johns river by the Confederate
cavalrymen with their artillery. In
one of the engagements Captain
| Dickson forced the surrender of the
COlumbine, a new and superior Fed
eral vessel, whose gallant men, l4t
in number, defended their boat unit
over half had been killed.
May of Dlckison's movements
during the time he kept the enemy
from overrunning the State calls t.
mind the career of Marion, the SOutl
Carolina partisan ranger of the Rev
olutionary War. The same shrewd
ness, daring and military mother wi
belonged to both these heroes. Tn,
general field of his operations includ
ed the part of Florida which tn
enemy greatly desired to occupy
but he baffled them at all points an,
surprised them by the celebrity of hi
move nents. After the gunboa
achievement there was further fight
ing near Palatka, ana then hot pur
suit of Federal raiding force, wit
fighting at Baldwin, Fort Butler
Waldo and Gainesville, August II
1854, when Dickson gained a com
plete victory. The battles succeed
ing these brilliant affairs were nea
Green Cove Springs, st. Augustine
Braddock's Farm near Crescent Cit
} and No. 4, closing only with tn
tidings of Lees surrender. Afte
AppOmattoX this brave and tireles
leader and his brave men surrender
ed under spirited protest, and wer
paroled at Waldo.
After the war Captain Dickson re
manned in Florida, among peopl
who honored him for his remarkabl
military services.
He became major general of Stat
Troops in 1898, and was also chose
commander of the Florida division
Upited Confederate Veterans, whic
high and honored position he hel
continuously until about three veal
ago, then being made honorary con
mander.
: Gen. Dickson also served wit
lf.tsnattn.. In tha aqfao ~ hAankau