Raynor HCA 2014-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2014
On January 26, 1863, Col. T. W. Higginson, 1st South Carolina (Colored) Volunteers departed Beaufort, S. C. on a raid up St. Mary's River, Florida to spread word of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation throughout the interior of Florida. During that expedition the 1st South Carolina received their baptism of fire at Township, Florida loosing one man killed and seven wounded. Afterwards, the US Steamer John Adams and the troops were ambushed while returning to St. Augustine and her captain was killed. After accomplishing their expected goals the troops returned their base on February 1st with both General Rufus Saxton and Col. Higginson praising their men for performing so nobly. Included here is a rare war-date Union soldier's letter, 3 1/2pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Everett W. Miner, Co. C, 7th New Hampshire Vols., St. Augustine, Florida, Feb. 7, 1863, mentioning the results of the raid, in part: "…some Ni--er troops [1st South Carolina (Colored) Vols.] had a little skirmish with the rebels and finished burning St. Mary's City in which the captain [Clifton] of the U. S. Gunboat Mohawk [John Adams] was killed. He had two balls put through his head. His daughter was down here upon the Boston. The 9th Maine has been removed from Fernandina to the expedition against Charleston & Savannah & the 7th Conn. has taken their place…there is great excitement in our regiment about going into the fight…the men, most of them are crazy to go. There has been some new promotions in our Regt…Adjt. Henderson has been promoted Maj., Engineer Webber, Adjt…Mr. Fairchild owner of a trading schooner came from Fernandina…a fellow in Co. I had some apparatus…to take pictures. If so I am going to have mine taken and sent home…".
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