Capt. (Bvt) M. Bartholomew 

2d Florida, Co. E/2nd Wisconsin, Co. E

April 13, 1864

Pellicer Creek, Florida

Captain Bocken,

Sir, I have the honor to submit the following report of the actions involving the men of the 2d Florida, Co. E and the 2nd Wisconsin, Co. E, near Pellicer Creek and St. Augustine during this weekend past.

The action commenced on the 11th of April as the 2d Florida moved toward St. Augustine under the command of the venerable Colonel C. Kearney and Major D. Dorr who had been summoned from

Tallahassee as you had been called upon to tend to important business at Bockenville. Your absence, sir, was keenly felt, yet the arrival of the Colonel upon his white stallion, the Major on his bay mare, and the return of the towering Sgt. Alonzo did much to bolster the spirits of the men. Following a sharp engagement at the pickets, Col. Kearney moved the men into position first behind a large downed tree and then, as we pushed the Federals back, behind an abandoned set of breastworks. Our boys fought valiantly at the breastworks, holding the left flank even as the right of our army, under Col. Kohl, suffered horrific losses under Federal artillery and we faced increasing numbers of Federals to our front.  As the situation grew untenable, Col. Kearney ordered a withdrawal to the banks of the creek. The men expended about 40 rounds of ammunition each and casualties were high.  As of this writing, Col. Kearney, Major Dorr, and Sgt. Alonzo are all unaccounted for as they were last seen making a last valiant charge into the enemy with the Colonel yelling, “Come on Major! Forward Sergeant! Give em the cold steel!!! For Florida!!!” This valiant action ensured the remaining men of the 2d would have enough time to reach the safety of the main line. It is my sincerest hope that we will see them in camp and on the field again.

That evening, I gathered a detachment from the 2d Florida and the 37th Alabama to clear blue bellies from the woods who were boldly attempting a rear assault on our position. We were bolstered by the discovery of Sgt. Sealing and his lost squad, effectively doubling our number. As a lantern approached, I gave challenge, and with a flash, a musket ball passed my left ear, skimming the brim of my hat.  In a hot firefight by moonlight, we easily outmaneuvered the enemy and drove them back toward St. Augustine.

On the following morn, the men donned the Federal blue of the 2nd Wisconsin, Co. E, and were consolidated with the 7th New Hampshire under Capt. Barnett and myself. While guarding a wood-cutting detail, Cpls. Jer. Kuchta and D. McNally distinguished themselves with the axe, showing the woodcutters “how Wisconsin boys do it”before we were set upon by Rebels. We narrowly escaped capture through the distractions of Pvt. French who took opportunity to run off into the woods screaming and flailing his hands in the air. The look of confusion on the Reb faces was something to behold! Later, joined by Federal reinforcements, we engaged in a fierce fight, placed in line of battle to the right of the 17th Connecticut. We arrived on the field and the enemy was almost on top of us as the dense brush along the road had slowed the column from forming a line of battle with expediency. We were ordered by Capt. Lydick of the 17th Connecticut to hold the right flank at all costs. As the fight ensued, it became apparent the enemy was weakening and Capt. Barnett ordered the men forward. It is my solemn duty to report that as we were pushing the Rebs, Capt. Barnett fell severely wounded. Taking command, I saw our boys stand fast against Secesh infantry, artillery, and cavalry, repelling multiple assaults by the rallying Confederate forces on both our front and flank. Our boys continually repelled the enemy advances until the Rebs saw it was fruitless to pursue any further action and retired from the field. It was quite the sight, Sir. The men of the 2nd showed today why they earned the name “Iron Brigade.” Each man expended between 30-40 rounds of ammunition. Casualties were high on this day as only about one-third of our men remained standing at the conclusion of the conflict. 

Special mention must be made of Private Justice Kuchta for his tireless labors in camp, not only digging the fire-pit but also chopping wood the entire weekend, and Private L. French for keeping the men’s spirits high with readings from newspapers and sharing tales from history. The camp was maintained in excellent order by the industry of every man. Furthermore, we owe a debt of gratitude to the 17th Connecticut Infantry for their hospitality as they provided meals for the entire weekend for a very reasonable rate and to Capt. Barnett for his steadfast leadership and guidance.

I remain, sir, your obedient servant,

Breveted Captain Michael Bartholomew

2nd Wisconsin, Co. E / 2nd Florida, Co. E