June 18th 1864
Brig. Gen. Woodbury
Comdg District
Key West & Tortugas
General.--
As the prize Steamer "Emma" is on the eve of leaving, I cannot omit writing. The intelligence from the interior is that the Rebs to the number of 150 are stationed near the Alafia River, having fallen back 25 miles from their former position, leaving all south of that River to our paternal care & affection. Small squads occasionally make raids towards us a few miles, and secure any one, whether friend or foe, for their special malediction. The last one was the person of the notorious "Jake Summerlin" the great cow-driver, Indian agent &c, & one who has done more for the confederates, & more injury to us, than any other in his position. They have actually driven him from his home, and threatened death & destruction to his family. This is as I would have it, & the poison works finely. Driven to desperation he will come to us.
Another case is that of old Mr. Carlton, who drove his sons in the Rebel Army, with shouts of exultation. The Rebs have we hear, carried him off in Irons northward. One of his sons at home on furlough, seeing his father treated thus, came to us & I have the pleasure to-day of seeing him bear arms directly under our glorious old 'Banner.' The Florida Cavalry are respected even by their bitterest enemy. To-day I shook hands with a man, who offered a $1,000, for a horse to meet me in battle, at Tampa last December -- his name is John Collier; he enters as a Soldier, under his old flag. In the ranks of our guard to-day stands the greatest Guerilla extant, "Frank Ivey" the despoiler of the whole Eastern Coast of Florida -- he is obedient, & I expect to make him a corporal.-- I feel an inward exquisite satisfaction in all this, without the smallest spark of resentment.
To mar this picture somewhat, as I returned from K West 3 boys of Capt Green's Co. ran away home. They have been sent for, & think they will be brought back.
The most deplorable evil is the want of Forage, one horse at least dies weekly, & usually our best stock. It cannot be helped. They were driven hard & long.
Our comdg off - Capt. Childs is heart to soul with our operations, & feels with us, the want of active service. Oh for a hundred good horses to dash over the green praries. The health of the command is very well, only 6 sick, nothing serious.
Henry A. Crane
Capt. &c
April 25, 2001& links = October 18, 2001