Ata ' E. Hopkins to Robert H. Anderson, April 6, 1862

This report is respectfully referred to War Department. Although East and Middle Florida has been constituted a separate department, reports and returns continue to be made to these headquarters. J. C. PEMBERTON, Major-General, Commanding.

No. 2. Report of Oel. Edward Hopkins, Fourth Florida Infantry.

HEADQUARTERS FoURTH REGIMENT FLORIDA VOLS., Lake City, Fla., March 30, 1862.

SIR: Your order to evacuate the island of Amelia was received on Tuesday, February 25. In accordance with that order I consulted fully with Colonel McBlair, commander of the batteries, as to the best method of effecting the important duty specially assigned him. I furnished him such details of men as were deemed necessary, and, in short, all things which our position would admit of.

On Saturday, March 1, I ordered Capt. J. M. Martin, Marion Artillery, to place his battery 2 miles beyond the railroad bridge, on the mainland, leaving a strong guard to protect the same, and to return with the rest of his command to the island, which he did, and rendered 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 return (the necessary guard excepted) to the island. This dismounted corps, under its efficient commander, was useful to me throughout.

I had previously caused the 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 1 a written notice, to wit, that on Sunday, March 2, at 10 a. m., a speci train would leave the city expressly for the transportation of all women and children desirous of leaving. But little heed seemed to have been given to the second admonition.

No demonstration beyond the usual blockade was made by the enemy until Sunday, March 2, about 9 a. m. A bark, bearing French colors, appeared in the offing and hoisted signals for a pilot, whereupon Lieut. Col. D. P. Holland went out to her with a white flag, taking with him 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 6.30 p. m. that I issued the order to break camp and transport everything to the railroad depot. This was effected by 2 o’elock 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 Saint Andrew’s Sound, of which fact Colonel McBlair was duly notified. In consequence of this information he very properly placed his command en route for the city, where it arrived about 1.30 o’clock in the morning. l

At 1 o’elock on Monday morning I repaired to town, and at 2.30 a. m. ordered all the troops (three companies of the Fourth Regiment Florida Volunteers excepted) to take up the line of march to the main-land. These three companies I retained for the protection of the citizens and for the more speedy removal of our equipage. No trains were permitted to go beyond 2 miles from the railroad bridge. The rush for succor and aid was perplexing. Duty on one side and commiseration for the sufferers rendered my position very distressing.

At 12 m. I was informed that four of the enemy’s gunboats had come around 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 p. m., in company with Colonel McBlair, I left Fernandina. It was now that 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 a. m., I ordered Second Lieutenant Deakle, of Company C, Fourth Regiment, to burn the trestle-work on the side next the main-land, which he accomplished, under fire of the enemy’s gunboats, without loss. You are aware, sir, my orders restricted me entirely to. my immediate command, Colonel McBlair having full charge of the batteries.

In conclusion, I will add that nothing was lost belonging to my command. My ill-health prevented an earlier report, as well as one more fall cg complete. OT ,

respectfully, your obedient servan