Report from Brigadier General Truman Seymour.
Commanding Officer, U.S. Forces, District of Florida.
on the engagement at Olustee, Florida
JACKSONVILLE, FLA., February 26, 1864.
Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER,
Chief of Staff:
GENERAL: I have nothing to report of consequence. The cavalry of the enemy is at McGirt's Creek. Our works here are nearly completed and are in a respectable condition for defense at any moment. Such guns as have been
indicated already are, however, much needed.
A flag was sent this morning to request measures to be taken with respect to identification of Colonel Fribley's remains. Lieutenant Jackson, aide-de-camp, was the bearer, and conversation was free.
From all that I can gather, it is probable that the enemy had 10,000 men engaged at Olustee, with some 5,000 in reserve 3 miles in rear, and this reserve came up at the close of the action. The rebel loss was heavy; rumor
says that a Savannah paper states it at 2,200, but it was undoubtedly severe. Returns of casualties, &c., will be forwarded in a day or so. The Fourth New Hampshire is ordered back to-night.
With a superior force in our presence it will be impossible, probably, to accomplish much in the way of occupancy. Several points along the Saint John's can, of course, be held, but to advance into the interior with such advantages as are possessed by the rebels, in their ability to concentrate, will be attended with constant chances of disaster.
Expecting that the major-general commanding the department will soon be here, I have made no movement, confining myself simply to the preparation of these
works.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. SEYMOUR,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Copied from The Official Records of the War of Rebellion.
Other Reports from Olustee
Battle of Olustee home page
http://battleofolustee.org/