July 20

My dearest Rebecca,

   I had received word of a Federal raiding party landing by ship south of Tampa and marching inland.  The enemy's objective was apparently supplies stored at a small village.  I was ordered to proceed with such troops as I had and to muster any Southern forces I could to block the enemy. On the 19th instant I arrived at an encampment of local troops a short march from Heritage Village, a small township nestled among pine trees and palmettos where supplies for our Southern forces were stored.  I was informed that the Union force was already there.  I mustered a force of some 25 infantry and two artillery pieces and today I set on the march toward Heritage Village.  Arriving at the town, scouts went forward to ascertain the enemy's position.  The Federals were encamped near a house in a small clearing.  The scouts reported some forty to fifty infantry with two cannon near the house.  Another cannon, guarded by a few pickets, was set in the clearing close the woods.  I then advanced our troops toward the clearing with the intention of engaging the enemy there.
  The Union troops were not expecting an attack, and we enjoyed one immediate success.  I sent a small force forward toward the advanced Union gun.  These noble troops  quickly emerged from the woods, fired a volley, and rushed the cannon before any of the startled Federals had a chance to return fire, and the gun was in our hands.  Our artillery was soon engaged, and the Union gun was turned toward the enemy and put into action by Southern artillerymen.  I then deployed all of the infantry and began to push across the clearing toward the house, but the enemy brought forth his infantry and I fell back toward our cannon.  Fighting raged across the small field, and causalities were soon strewn across the clearing.  At this point the enemy withdrew his infantry and called for a parley.  I went forward and met with the Union commanders who asked to be able to clear the field of the fallen soldiers.  I agreed, and offered the Federal officers the opportunity to withdraw their troops to their ships and avoid further loss of the troops.  The offer was declined and I informed him that I would not renew the contest but if they chose to do so I would continue the engagement.  I ordered our cannon to respond if the enemy opened fire and formed my troops.
   The enemy soon opened up with his artillery and there was a brief cannon duel.  As I saw no sign of the enemy infantry, I advanced on his guns.  As we neared the Union batteries, their infantry came onto the field and soon we had to fall back.  The larger infantry force of the enemy soon pushed us back across the field, and more Federals were moving around our flank.  With our casualties mounting, I gave the order to withdraw from the field.  I drew my revolver to cover the retreat, and emptied the pistol at the enemy before a Union ball struck me in the shoulder as our troops made their way into the woods and safety.  The enemy did not stay on the field long, possibly concerned that more Confederates troops may be nearby.  Fortunately I was overlooked, and managed to find my way to some nearby bushes.  When the enemy had left, I made my way back to the Confederate encampment.  My troops thought me lost in the engagement, but my wound is slight and I have rejoined my command.  Myself and my command will be returning to our camp near Ocala.

  Your affectionate husband,
Keith