H^d Quarters Dist of Fla

Jacksonville Aug 13, 1864

 

Colonel W. H. Noble

                       

Colonel

The route designated by me in our private conversation, will be carried out as nearly as possible. Col Hart has been ordered to report to you tomorrow with three companies. He will march his command down the Rail Road after leaving Baldwin picking up the companies stationed on the road as he marches. If they have any heavy baggage they will send it in by rail on Sunday evening. The 104^th will take position at Cedar Creek except those companies on the road between that point and Jacksonville who will occupy their present position.

                       

Col Hart will march from Baldwin one hour after the troops have / left under Col Noble. He will set fire to the buildings at Baldwin before marching

                       

These instructions will be furnished Col Hart in writing by Col Noble. If Col Noble desires it, he may order up from Camp Milton one Company of 104^th making Col Harts force at Baldwin four companies, and delay the setting fire to the houses at Baldwin untill noon instead of one hour after Col. N^s marching. Two trains go up on Sunday, none on Monday beyond Cedar Creek. Send back the train as soon as loaded, so that it can make a second trip

                                                                                   

Very Respectfully

your obt Serv^t

(Signed)          Jno. P. Hatch

Brig Genl Comdg

 

Col Hart will take up the boards laid down on the trestle, between Baldwin and Cedar Creek to prevent the enemys scouts using the bridge. He will not burn the bridge.

(Signed)          J. P. H.

 

approval

            W H Noble

            Col Cmd US Forces

                        Baldwin

 

Colonel Hart will after the last train goes down this evening order up one more Co making 4 in all at this Post & 104^th Penn Vol Regt & will occupy in the morning of tomorrow at about one oclock our Picket line will [?] and will about noon tomorrow set fire to all the buildings in Baldwin & to the piles of rail road ties and timber that may be collected here & to the water tank at the [?] Road & then comply with the contained instructions as to the destruction of it by troops.

                                                                                   

W H Noble

Colonel Army

US Forces Baldwin

SOURCES