Hd. Qrs. Dist of Florida

Jacksonville Fla.

Aug 13^th. 1864.

 

Colonel W. H. Noble

Commanding at Baldwin

                                   

Colonel,

The following instructions are to guide Colonel Harris with his cavalry during the raid. He will march with all the available cavalry except twenty detailed for Col. Noble's Hd. Qrs. and one 12 pd. howitzer at daylight on Monday. He will proceed direct from Baldwin to the bridge west of Trail ridge over New River. This bridge he will destroy. He will then join Col. Noble's command. Taking with him his wagons, he will that day march as far as Stark. On arriving at Stark he will / send scouts out on the road towards Magnolia. The 4^th Mass. Cavy. from Magnolia will join him at Stark. Second day, he will proceed to or the vicinity of Gainesville. Third day will scour the country in that vicinity collecting negroes, horses, mules, wagons &c. will encamp that night in the vicinity of Micanopy. Fourth day, will march towards Palatka, sending part of his force south of Orange Creek. That portion will cross north of the creek at orange Spring. The whole force being at the crossing to assist. That night he will encamp on the road to Palatka near enough to make an easy day's march in to that point.

 

Fifth day. will arrive early in the day at Palatka, where he will find assistance, boats and rations.

           

Col. Noble will take minutes of this paper. The paper itself will / be given to Col. Harris, who will communicate the contents to the Artillery Officer, the 4^th Mass. Commander and the next two officers in rank to himself in the 75^th. The paper will then be destroyed.

           

The exact distances marched and the camps made may be varied to suit circumstances, but the general route as laid down here will be followed and the time not exceeded.

                                                                                   

Very respectfully

Your obt. Servt.

(Signed)          Jno P. Hatch

Brig Genl Comdg.

 

Pillaging will be prevented as far as practicable. Receipts will be given for animals taken, when the owner is supposed loyal. All property captured is for the benefit of the government. A watch must be kept on the guides to prevent outrages being committed by them.

                                                                       

(Signed) J.P.H.

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