HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
Jacksonville, Fla., February 17, 1864
The brigadier-general commanding heartily congratulates his command on the brilliant success which has attended all their movements thus far into Florida. Three flags, 8 guns, with caissons, battery wagons, and forge, many wagons and horses, and much subsistence stores and clothing, besides large amounts of cotton, turpentine, and rosin, property valued at over $1,500,000, is the fruit of their success.
To Col. G. V. Henry and his command, the battalion of Massachusetts Cavalry, under Major Stevens; the Fortieth Massachusetts Mounted Infantry, and Captain Elder, First U S Artillery, and his battery, this achievement is principally due; and the brigadier-general commanding especially desires to praise Capt. George E. Marshall, Fortieth Massachusetts Mounted Infantry, and his small command of 50 men, who captured and held Gainesville for fifty-six hours, receiving and repulsing an attack from more than double their numbers, and after fulfilling his mission successfully returning to the designated place of rendezvous.
These deeds will be among those remembered by us with the greatest pleasure and honor, and the command may emulate, but, can hardly expect to surpass them.
By order of Brig. Gen. T. Seymour:
Copied from The Official Records of the War of Rebellion.
Chelsea Telegraph and Pioneer report on the Gainesville Raid
Boston Herald report on the Gainesville Raid