Horatio G. Wright to H. Bisbee, Jr, April 10, 1862

Lieut. Col. H. BISBEE, Jr., Ninth Maine Regiment, Commanding Post, Fernandina, Fla.:

COLONEL: Three companies of the Fourth New Hampshire Regiment, now on board the Cosmopolitan, are to be added to the garrison of your post, and I have instructed their commander, Maj. J. D. Drew, to report to you. As it isdesirable that companies of the same regiment be kept together so far as possible, you will relieve those of the Ninth Maine, now at Fort Clinch, by these three companies of the Fourth New Hampshire Regiment. In withdrawing the forces from Jacksonville it was necessary for the security of such of the inhabitants as had given free exhibition to their Union sentiments to remove also, and I have brought them with me, with such of their effects as our means of transportation permitted. To these people you will assign such of the vacant houses in Fernandina as may be needed for their temporary homes, and, as many of these people have lost their all and will not have the means of purchasing provisions, you are authorized to furnish them from the Government supplies at the post to the extent necessary, not exceeding one ration to each person of twelve years old and over and a half ration to those under that age. Such persons among them as have the means of paying for their subsistence must of course do so. Provisions supplied under this authority must be regularly issued, and you should appoint an officer to superintend the same, if necessary, and to make the proper returns therefor.

L shall proceed to Hilton Head with the Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, and as I am not sure what arrangements will be adopted in regard to commands, brigades, &c., you will make your reports and returns, till further orders, to the headquarters of the Northern District. Requisitions for supplies will be made to the same headquarters.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant