Oxford Times, March 19, 1862
Letter from 90th NY Infantry
Key West, Fla. 90th Regiment, N.Y.S.V., Feb. 28th, 1862
Dear Times: The arrival on the 21st inst. of Gen. Brannon and Staff, to whom is assigned, the command of this Brigade and Post caused no little excitement in the several camps, extra men were detailed for police duty and many volunteered their services to clear away all the refuse matter which had accumulated, and to set everything in order throughout the camp.
Each Regiment attempted to rival the others in giving to their camp the most neat, cleanly and comfortable appearance. Our Regiment had the advantage in respect to location, having been the first here to select, however the Gen. manifested a satisfaction with each of the camps.
Gen. Brannon is defacto the man to command the post for he is not only thoroughly disciplined, and a thorough disciplinarian, but having been commander of the regulars here when Florida seceded, is well acquainted with the sayings and doings of the residents of Key West, and consequently knows who can and who cannot be trusted and we think he will meet out to all their just rewards.
I have been told by several individuals living here (and I believe it true) that had it not been for the timely and strenuous exertions of Gen. Brannon, that important post of Key West would today have been in the hands of the rebels.
When the State of Florida seceded, the forces here under the command of Captain Brannon were quartered in the barracks, nearly or quite a mile distant from the Fort, while this being in an unfinished state, and having but few guns mounted, was unoccupied, save by a few soldiers. One evening about this time, Captain Brannon learned by some means, that the inhabitants intended on the next morning to take possession of Fort Taylor. His determination to defeat them was immediately made, and accordingly as soon as night set in he procured all the small boats within reach, and with his men embarked in these, rowed around to the Fort and cautiously entered. Some of his men crawling in at the portholes, they proceeded at once with whatever they found in reach to obstruct the entrance, loaded the few guns that were mounted, and directed them on the town, and although the amount of provisions and water within the Fort was scarcely sufficient to supply a dozen men for two days, they determined to resist to the last.
The morning came, and the inhabitants were not a little surprised when they saw that the regulars had "stolen the march on them" and already taken possession of the Fort. After making these observations, they deemed it expedient to delay any attempt to possess the Fort. They however hoisted a secession flag and had the impudence to demand of Captain B a salute, likewise a surrender of the Fort. Captain B. replied that he should wait until his powder was all burned.
No further attempts were made in this direction. The Fort is now nearly complete, and already 100 guns are mounted. It will eventually mount 200, and can command the whole Isle and harbor. Fort Taylor is the third in size of the forts of the U.S.
The anniversary of the birthday of the great and noble Washington was observed here in a manner to suit both the reflective and sportive classes. At 9 o'clock A.M. the 3d Regiment with their respective bands assembled on the general parade ground, and were formed by Gen. B. and his aide in the following manner, Each Regiment (being closed in column, by division, first division front) forming one side of a hollow square, while the 4th side remained open. The Gen., his Staff, the Cols, and Staff officers came inside the square. When the "Farewell Address of Washington" was read by Quartermaster R.B. Locke. Appropriate addresses were delivered by several of the officers. The Bands interspersing the exercises with excellent music. The Brigade then conducted by the Gen. paraded by platoon through the principle streets.
At 2 o'clock the members of each Regiment reassembled without arms, at the parade ground to witness and perform the gymnastical feats mentioned in the afternoon programme.
First came off the foot race. There were about 15 competitors for the prize. They all ran very well, but of course, all could not win. 2d came the wheelbarrow exercise in which both officers and soldiers participated. A stake was stuck in the ground about 20 rods distant, the performer was blindfolded, made to turn around until he could make no certain calculations of either latitude of longitude when the handles of a wheelbarrow were placed in his hands, and he was directed to move in a direct line to the stake. Many attempted in this way to arrive at the stake, but none succeeded, some going directly in the opposite direction. The race in the sack caused a good deal of mirth and jollity. 4th and last on the programme was the chase for the pig. The member of the swine family selected for the occasion had been previously prepared by a free nub of the razor and sweet oil, and no pains were spared to render the rooter's narative unfit for a handle. The pig was allowed a few scramble start, when the word go was given to those prepared for the race. There was enacted the most ludicrous scene I ever witnessed. About twenty were in hot persuit of the pig. Many of them arrived sufficiently near to get their grasp on Mr. Rooter, but he taking advantage of his smooth skin would slide out carelessly, let them measure their length on the ground. Finally one more active than the rest succeeded in removing the pig from his pen and he was declared the winner of the race.
We are becoming more used to this climate, so that although the thermometer ranges from 80 to 100 degrees in the shade, we [unreadale].
No comments:
Post a Comment