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After Action
Report
Heritage Village 2005 by Lew Zerfas After Action Report to Col. Sherman: Coaling at Egmont Key, Florida May 22, do. I must regret to report a major
failure in the operations on the western peninsula of Hillsborough
County. This expedition's secrecy had to have been compromised
which I will explain in detail.
As you may recall, the purpose of
this expedition was to gather about thirty-eight known pro-Union people
from this area along with amassing as much supplies as possible, mainly
foodstuffs, for movement to our station at Egmont Key at Tampa
Bay. We had the camp at the settlement known as Heritage Village.
We were near the end of our task
and loading the wagon when I decided to send out a small patrol of
Marines under Master Burridge. The only known rebels in the area
were small forces at Clearwater Harbor to the north and Piney Point to
the south. We all felt comfort with the size of our force, which
numbered about sixty plus artillery, believing we would not be attacked.
At about 2:30 hours, the patrol
came under small arms fire distant enough from the camp so that the
firing was quieted by the foliage. I immediately ordered beat to
quarters and sent the skirmishers forward to assist the patrol. I
then took the remainder of the Pennsylvania men and remnants of the
other companies fell to our right flank in support. I then took
the remainder of the Fort Henry's force as close-in support, but we had
to withdraw from the woods toward the camp. Captain Kannenberg's
Pennsylvania men and remnants of the other companies fell to our right
flank in support.
It was when the Reb's brought a
howitzer to the field when I realized that we were not up against the
local militia, but most likely the guard from Fort Brooke in
Tampa. We then had to break to the rear behind our own
artillery. This gave us the advantage of two guns to one.
After several rounds and inflicting injury to the enemy, I advanced the
battalion overtaking their gun and turning it. We were about to
load and fire when a second enemy force advanced, forcing us back again.
We asked for a truce to clear the
wounded from the field. I then asked for the enemy's commander, I
believe he mentioned his name as Major Kohl, for surrender, which he
adamantly turned down. The Major's uniform and that of two of his
officers indicated that perhaps they were regular Confederate forces,
not local militia.
Upon returning to our lines, we
resumed artillery fire. Thereafter we advanced as infantry, we
were repelled by the overwhelming number of well trained enemy
troops. We had to vacate the camp and return to the Fort Henry's
launches with all able forces and all Unionists civilians, moving all
of those wounded that could be carried. The surgeon and his
assistants worked diligently to comfort the men in this hot climate and
aid the wounded.
We lost fifteen men to the
enemy. I can not supply you with enemy losses as they were moved
into the woods with haste. We also lost one 12-pdr howitzer, one
mortar, one wagon, two bushels of oranges, two large barrels of flour,
two small barrels of corn, one small barrel of molasses, several bales
of hay for the animals at the Egmont station. All civilians are
now at Egmont Key.
The relocation of the civilians was
successful, but the loss of sailors, marines, and army infantry, plus
the artillery, other weapons and supplies was a high price to pay for
this expedition.
This surprise attack had to be the
result of Confederate spies. The movement of a cannon and troops
from Fort Brooke would have to take much time and advanced
planning. Perhaps all Unionists need to be questioned as to who
had information concerning our plans for the expedition.
I remain, Your Most Obedient Servant,
Actg. Vol. Lt. Edward Y. McCauley, commanding Colonel Leroy Sherman, commanding 4th Brigade U.S.
Staff and company commanders.
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