22 April, 1862

My Dearest Mary Paige,

After more months than I care to admit, the army is on the move.  We are to abandon Fort Clinch and report by train to Tallahassee.  I will then inform you of my whereabouts.

Our last two days at the fort were the most active in recent months. Saturday started normal enough with morning parade and breakfast. I had the pleasure to watch Sgt. Turnbull of the 37th Alabama drill veterans and new recruits alike.  With more men like him, our soldiers can meet the enemy confident in their abilities. Unfortunately, it was interrupted by the USS Ottawa, we turned the garrison out to make a showing. The Ottawa was turned away and sadly so was the blockade runner it was chasing. The blockade runner was carrying we found out later was the pay for the officers and some mail. Lt. Jakobson led the men back to fort and had the whole garrison singing "Dixie". After our afternoon luncheon, we did have pay call for the Enlisted men, I assisted Captain Hardy in this endeavor. I then turned my attention to catching up on some last minute paperwork. In the afternoon hours we entertained ourselves with a game of rounders, this to was interrupted by the Ottawa. I must admit I have concerns regarding its presence, being that our artillery crews have already left the fort and we have spiked the guns that are left. After supper we had a near calamity, Part of the Northwest wall collapsed and several men were injured. Our Surgeon, Major Riker and his staff, saw to the wounded and only one soldier met the Lord. Several ladies of the Nassau County Ladies Aid Society were at the fort boosting morale and sewing for the cause. They planned to have a bazaar on 25th at the fort, but now I 'll venture that their plans will be changed.

Sunday started with morning parade and loading of baggage into the wagons. I know I have complained of my assignment in past letters, but I do feel a certain amount of attachment to this pile of sand and brickwork. Later Sunday morning we captured a spy. It was an entertaining bit of espionage, a woman of strong Irish descent from Fernandina was seen often visiting the fort and passing notes to suspect fishermen. The Corporal who apprehended her presented me with a letter she had on her person, it spoke of a lost gray pony and  was to catch it unawares. As you could deduce, the fort was the "gray pony". We had the provost incarcerate her and sent for the local constable. One of the ladies of the society asked what will become of her? If she is found guilty, she will be taken out to the Union ships and turned over. She asked, "What if she were a man?" "He would be shot or hanged." I replied.

At one o'clock, what remained of the garrison turned out for the evacuation of the fort.  As our flag was lowered, several ladies went to sobbing.  Chaplain Roger lead us in prayer and reminded us that we have a greater duty ahead. General Hardy wished us farewell and told us he'll see us in Tallahassee. Captain Vaughn marched us out of the fort and to the depot.

Well my darling, that is all I have time for, Sgt. Major Stellmach is ordering me on the train.

Keep me in your prayers
Edward