The Evaluation of Fernandina--Col. Edward Hopkins's report.
Headquarters, 4th Raot. Pla Vols.
Lake City March 30 1862.
Sir
--Your order to evacuate the Island of Amelia was received on Tuesday, the 28th day of February, 1862. In accordance, with that order I censabed fully with colonel McBlair, commander of the batteries, as to the best method of effecting the important duty specially assigned him. I furnished him with such details of men as were deemed necessary, and in short all things which our position would admit
On Saturday, March 1st, I ordered Captain J. Martin, ‘"Marion Artillery,"’ to place his battalion two miles beyond the railroad bridge, on the main land, leaving a strong guard to protect the same, and to return with the rest of his command to the island, which he did, and fendered me important service to the end. I also directed Captain Owens, commanding ‘"Marion Dragoons,"’ to take his horses to the position assigned the artillery, and returned, the necessary guard excepted, to the island.
This dismounted corps, under its efficient commander, was useful to me throughout.
I had previously caused she citizens of Fernandina to be notified that ample transportation would be furnished all who desired to leave the city, that orders had been issued for that purpose.
Finding that the citizens paid no attention to this notice, I issued, on Saturday, March 1st, a written notice, to wit: That on Sunday, March 2d, at 10 o'clock A. M., a special train would leave the city expressly for the transportation of all women and children desirous of leaving; but little heed seems to have been given this second admonition.
No demonstration beyond the usual blockade was made by the enemy until Sunday, 2d of March About 9 o'clock A. M. a bark, bearing French colors, appeared in the offing, and worsted signals for a pilot, whereupon Lieut.-Col. Holland, of the heavy artillery, went out to her with a white flag, taking with him six soldiers of the 4th Florida regiment.
She proved to be a Federal vessel, and they were captured by the perfidious cruet and taken off. I have the happiness to state that they have since been released, and are again at their posts.
About ten o'clock the same day several ships have in sight, bore down near the bar, and anchored.
It became evident that an attack would be made on Monday, the 3d.
Our position was critical.
As the enemy had full view of my quarters, it was necessary that the usual camp quiet should prevail.
It was not until half-past 6 o'clock P. M. that I issued the order to break camp and transport everything to the railroad depot.
This was effected by two o'clock the next morning.
At an early hour in the night I received a dispatch from Colonel Styles, saying that from nineteen to twenty-one of the enemy's gunboats were in St. Andrew's Sourd, of which fact Colonel McBlair.
was duly notified.
In consequence of this information he very properly placed his command on route for the city, where they arrived about half-past 1 o'clock A. M.
At one in the morning of Monday, I repaired to town, and at half-past 2 o'clock A. M., ordered all the troops, three companies of the 4th Florida regiment excepted, to take up the line of march to the mainland These three companies I retained for the protection of the citizens.
For the more speedy removal of our equipage, no trains were permitted to go beyond two miles of the railroad bridge.
The rush for succor and aid was perplexing.
Duty on the one side and commiseration for the sufferers on the other, rendered my position very distressing.
At 12 o'clock M., I was informed that four of the enemy's gunboats had come round the north end of Cumberland Island and entered the Sound.
At 1 o'clock, it was reported to me that they were moving across; whereupon I ordered the companies to file across the bridge, and at 2 o'clock. P. M., in company with Col. McBlair, I left Fernandina.
It was now all trains should have been removed to a place of safety, and no difficulty would have occurred.
The three companies behaved well.
There was no confusion — not the slightest.
The train fired into was not injured.
On Tuesday at 4 o'clock A. M., I ordered 2d Lieut. Deckle, Company G, 4th Florida.
volunteers, to burn the trestle work on the side next the mainland, which he accomplished under fire of the enemy's gunboat without loss.
You are aware, sir, my orders restricted me entirely to my immediate command, Col. McBlair having full charge of the batteries.--In conclusion, I would add, that nothing was lost belonging to my command.
My ill health prevented an earlier report, as well as one more full and complete in detail. Sir
