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of Dunham's and Gamble's artillery near Baldwin.
Company H, Captain Dickison, and Company B, Captain Gray, were on the outposts between Green Cove Spring, Palatka and Welaka, and other exposed points along the river, with one section of Dunham's artillery.
The Sixth battalion of infantry, with detachments of the First, Second and Fourth, were at and near Waldo, commanded by Colonels Hopkins, Brevard and Martin.
Lieut. Mortimer Bates, with one 12-pound howitzer and one Napoleon gun and 25 men, reported to Captain Dickison at his headquarters near Palatka, and on the next day while these officers were looking for the most favorable point on the river to engage the enemy's gunboats should they make their appearance, a courier came up in great haste from our pickets on the river below Palatka, with the exciting report that ‘the river was full of gunboats coming up.’
Our headquarters being some 3 miles from the river, Lieutenant Bates was directed to proceed with all possible speed to the camp, bring up his battery, and report to Captain Dickison on the hill overlooking Palatka and the river.
Captain Gray was also directed to report with all the cavalry at the same place.
Very soon the full command reported.
By this time two gunboats and four transports were sighted coming up. Captain Dickison dismounted the cavalry, marched into Palatka and took position in the well-arranged intrenchments made by the enemy during their occupation of the town a short time previous.
They were scarcely concealed in the breastworks when the transports moved to the east side of the river and commenced landing troops.
Two regiments landed, moved out into the field, formed and marched off in full view of our men. Very soon one of the gunboats loaded with troops passed by, going up the river.
Not being near enough to engage her with small-arms, every man was ordered to be quiet until she passed.
This boat proved to be the Columbine.
Captain Dickison then mounted 50 men and taking the artillery, Captain Gray
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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