Union Army

Union Army. . Capturing Tallahassee was not General Newton’s primary objective even though the capital lay just eighteen miles north of St. Marks. His plan was to take St. Marks and the fort there, destroying the railroad, bridges, and other property in the area., ”The expedition, though it did not effect all that was anticipated, was far from being unfruitful in its results. Two important bridges, one foundry, and two large mills were burnt; extensive salt works partially destroyed and laid open for the future to raiding parties. It is proper to state that this expedition has likewise established the blockade vessels off the lighthouse instead of outside the bar as before. Saint Mark’s is now thoroughly blockaded.” , , from Union General John Newton’s battle report, The Union infantry consisted of about 500 troops from the Second U.S. Colored Infantry and the Ninety-Ninth U.S. Colored Infantry., ”the 99th Regiment landed At forte Jefferson Florida and we lef it and went to the battle Natchar Bridge and while on that Experdition as we were Going we had Sixty Round of Carchage and 2 Days Ration in harvest Sack and our Robber Blanket woolen Blank and two pece of Artiliry to hall Through all that Mud and water…” , , anonymous Louisiana soldier, , 99th U.S. Colored Infantry, , to the Secretary of War, ”It had now been demonstrated that the enemy’s position was too strong in numbers and strength to be carried, and as our position was in low salient in the marshes, exposed to his cross-fire, of which he was not slow to avail himself, it was determined to withdraw, to the open pine barrens about 300 yards distant, in a position selected…”, ”The officers and men of the expedition behaved nobly under the most trying circumstances, marching fifty miles in forty-four hours, of which they rested only five hours, and fought or skirmished most of the time.” , , from Union General John Newton’s battle report