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these gallant young soldiers,
Joseph C. Crews,
Edwin L'Engle and
John M. Johns, never entirely recovered from their wounds.
During the years that have gone by they have been often reminded of their heroic deeds on that memorable occasion by their sufferings and the scars left as a lasting memorial.
All honor to our brave defenders!
Give them the meed they have won in the past,
Give them the laurels they won in the strife.
On their return to headquarters at
Waldo they were met by
General Miller and his command at
Gainesville, also a detachment of cavalry under
Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick.
The noble matrons of the town gave them a kindly welcome, with a sumptuous dinner they had prepared in anticipation of their arrival.
In his report of this engagement
Captain Dickison said, after recounting the events already narrated: ‘I desire to make especial mention of the good conduct and gallantry of
Lieutenant Bruton, of the artillery, and the heroic men under his command.
Their conduct upon the field, under the most trying circumstances, was all that could be desired.
Sergt. William Cox of Company H, Second Florida cavalry,
acting adjutant, was conspicuous for his gallantry and is entitled to the highest commendation for the efficient services rendered by him. The entire command, officers and men, behaved in such manner as entitle them to the grateful thanks of their commanding officer and the plaudits of their countrymen.’
On March 15th
Captain Dickison reported subsequent operations in his field as follows:
On the evening of the 10th inst., I received information from Marion county, through Col. Samuel Owens, that the enemy was advancing by way of Marshall's bridge and had advanced 12 miles in the interior, burning the bridge.
I immediately ordered out my command and in two hours was in rapid
