The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-04
BY w. ]. Miner.

incident to the discussion Of thnse
d{ys so many years ago-which Saele
particularly vivid to the minds of the
ten Veterans around the table Of
Capt. Holt's--was the re-reading of
the story of 1.-THE Battle of Santa
Rosa Island the First Battle Fought
on Florida Soil During the Civil
War;" It was written by w. J. Mil
ner, now of Birmingham, at request
Of Pelham Chapter u. d. G.. of
Birmingham, Ala, and is as follows:
From term of service as Con-
federate soldier, extending over a
period of nearly four years, the fol-
lowing narrative of personal expert
ences is selected, not because of the
importance of the battle described
but for the purpose of giving some IL
lustration Of the spirit of patriotism
courage and devotion to duty with
which, In the earlier days of the
Confederacy, the men and boys com
Posing its army were inspired-the
men who became the nucleus around
which were formed the armies whose
achievements make the memory OF
the Confederate soldier one to be
cherished and honored by all future
generations.
u Immediately after the secession OF
the states Of Florida and Alabama
the navy yard, forts and other gov
eminent property upon the mainland
IN the vicinity of Pensacola were
taken possession of by the state
troops, the United States officer in
command, Lieutenant Slernmer, re-
firing to Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa
Island, opposite.
This fort, already strongly forti-
fed, was strengthened and its gar
rison increased by the United States
government. In addition to the gar
ison inside the fort, regiment known
as BILLY Wilson's Zouaves," said to
have been recruited from the worst
element in New York city, was sta
toned on the island about half q
mile eastward OF the fort, to guard
II from q land attack in that direc-
ton. It was also under the protec-
ton of The guns Of the bIockading
squadron and withal was quite for
midabla.
Early IN 1881 General Bragg was
placed in command of all the Con
federate 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
nanded by Colonel John K. jackson
and recruited principally from the
very best social element of the En-
i pire state. Company A Of this regi-
nent, better known as the "ClincI
Rifles" commanded by Captain Chas
A, Plat, was from Augusta, and 1t,
personnel was exceptionally fine, so
eially and otherwise. It was nearl,
one hundred strong, proficient il
drill and well equipped, being armeC
with Mississippi rifles with sabr,
bayonets. Its uniform was darI
green, trimmed with gold lace an,
brass buttons. It's splendid appear
aqce was fully equaled by its fight
ing qualities. Alas, how few of tina
noble band were left in 1855! To tn,
best of my information, only abou
twenty-five or thirty came back i
their homes after the war.
Pensacola Boy.
NY father was then living nea
Pensacola, and l enlisted in this com
pany, having abandoned my Studio
at college with that end IN view
Guard duty. daily drill and dress pa
rade we're a feature of camp life
under which the boys soon began {,
ehafe, clamoring to be led into bat
tie.
One evening, October Z. 1861, tn
company being assembled for dres
parade and Grill as usual the captain
upon taking command, said "WeT
not have any dress parade this even
ing. / have on hand tonight a yer,
haxardous expedition. and wan
from this company sixteen voIun
teers. and do not want any man t
go who is not willing to die uonigh
II necessary" The company durin,
this speech, was standing at ~orde
arms" ''Now," continued he, "thos
of you who are willing to 20 vii