Brigadier General Alexander Asboth was an active Union commander in Florida as well an experienced soldier.  In July of 1861 he was General John Fremont’s Chief of Staff.  He was promoted to Brigadier General on September 7, 1861, though Congressional approval did not occur until March of 1862 when Asboth distinguished himself at the Battle of Pea Ridge or Elkhorn Tavern, Arkansas.  Though wounded in the engagement, he was able to take the field the following day.  After serving in Kentucky, he was placed in command of the Union garrisons at the forts in Pensacola, Florida.
   In September of 1864, General Asboth prepared for a large raid across the Florida panhandle.  His force, numbering some 700 mounted soldiers, consisted of Lieutenant Colonel Spurling and three battalions of the 2nd Maine Cavalry, two companies of the 1st Florida Cavalry US commanded by Major Ruttkay, and Colonel L. L. Zulavsky with one mounted company of each of the 82nd and 86th United States Colored Troops.  With only scant Confederate forces in western Florida, little opposition was expected.  The Federal troops departed from Pensacola on September 18.  Along the way, they paused to obtain supplies from the steam ship Lizzie Davis, then resumed their march.
   The Union soldiers made their way east clashing occasionally with small Confederate forces.  At dawn on September 23, the Federal column reached Euchee Anna Courthouse.  There was a brief skirmish with a handful of Confederates, but the town was soon in Union hands.  Nine military prisoners were taken, among them 1st Lieutenant Francis Gordon of the 15th Confederate Cavalry and Militia Colonel W. H. Terrence.  Six additional prisoners were also captured, including Southern leader William Cawthon and beef contractor Allen Hart. The Federals also captured 28 stands of arms, 46 horses, eight mules, and a large amount of bar lead marked “Merchant Shot Works, Baltimore”.
   Word had already reached the Southern forces in the region about the Union column.  Colonel A. B. Montgomery, C.S.A., was attempting to consolidate the scattered Confederates to oppose the Federals.  The shortage of Southern troops was further complicated by the question of where to concentrate the soldiers, as the destination of the Northerners was uncertain. 
   General Asboth left Euchee Anna Courthouse and continued east toward Marianna.  The two companies of the 1st Florida Cavalry US had been dispatched to see to the prisoners and captured supplies.  This, along with the small losses from the occasional skirmishing, left Asboth with some 500 troops.  The Federals advanced by way of Campbellton, forcing the Campbellton Home Guard into Marianna. 
   With the arrival of the Campbellton Home Guard, it became clear the Federals were likely heading for Marianna.  Colonel Montgomery began to assemble his troops at that town.  Among his force were two companies of the 5th Florida Cavalry Battalion, and the Marianna Home Guards, Campbellton Home Guards, and Greenwood Home Guards militia companies.  The Southerners were also joined by some wounded Confederates home for recovery, and a group of elderly men and young boys who referred to themselves as the “Cradle and Grave Company”.  All together Montgomery had around 150 to 170 soldiers.
   On September 27, the Federal column approached Marianna.  Colonel Montgomery had organized his forces and deployed them on the western edge of the town.  Some of the Southerners built a barricade across the road, while others took up positions in the neighboring church and surrounding cover.  As the Federals drew near, they found the Confederates awaiting them.  The 2nd Maine Cavalry charged up the road, but was driven back in a hail of bullets from the barricade and buildings.  The Federals made another attack, but this time Asboth sent a flanking force around the town.  Soon the Confederates found the enemy in front and on their flank, but fought on as best they could.  Asboth himself was wounded in the engagement, with bullets breaking his jaw and left  arm. 
   During the fighting, orders were issued to set fire to the church to drive out the Southerners.  Flames soon engulfed the church and two other buildings. Of the numerous stories, some confirmed and some not, that have built up around the Battle of Marianna, at least one is generally regarded to be correct.  Major Nathan Cutler of the 2nd Maine Cavalry dismounted and, braving the fire, entered the church.  Finding the lectern, Cutler retrieved the church Bible to save the book from the flames, and ran from the church.
   Well outnumbered and seeing the desperate situation, Colonel Montgomery took his troops and tried to withdraw from Marianna.  Many of the local militia remained in an effort to still defend the town.  Several of the defenders were trapped inside when the church collapsed.  Others were struck down as they fled the building.  At this point some of the Southern troops surrendered to the Northerners.  Pictured at right is the Battle of Marianna monument.  Photo courtesy Florida State Archives.
   While some of the Confederates were fighting their way from the town, Colonel Montgomery was captured by Union troops.  About 40 Confederates put a fighting retreat from the town toward the Chipola River.  They successfully gained the bridge, where Surgeon Robinson, one of the officers who made it to the span, gave orders for the bridge planks to be torn up to block the enemy’s advance.  Some musketry was exchanged here, but the battle was largely over.
   The battle reportedly lasted an hour or so.  The Federals had lost 13 killed and 26 wounded.  Confederate casualties numbered 10 dead and 16 wounded, as well as some 50 or so captured.  However, accounts vary slightly as to the losses. Union soldiers also captured 95 stands of arms, 400 cattle, 200 horses and mules, and 17 wagons.  Among the Union wounded was Major Cutler, who was  left  behind  in  Marianna.   He  is  believed  to  have  later  returned  to  his command. Later that day the Federal column left Marianna, and on October 4 the Union troops returned to Pensacola.