May 8, 1864

My dearest Rebecca,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits, and that all is well.

My command was recently in battle with a Federal raiding force from the Union garrison at St. Augustine.  The enemy force numbered around 60 to 70 and consisted of Union infantry, including a company of Zouave or Chasseur troops, and one artillery piece.  I took my command and encamped in the woods along a road east of the St. John's River, near a little town called DeLeon Springs in Volusia County.  Additional Southern troops joined us here, and soon we mustered a force of some 50 soldiers.  I was honored to find your father among the cavalry troops who reported to the camp.

On the afternoon of May 5th, the Union troops attacked and captured the encampment, driving our troops from the camp.  I withdrew the command a few miles toward the town and encamped.  I sent some of the cavalry troops to locate additional Southern troops nearby.  These reinforcements reached the camp on Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

Reinforced, our troops were now resolved to reclaim the encampment captured on Saturday.  The battle took place on the ground we contended for on Saturday, in the woodland near the camp.  On the afternoon of May 6, Union Chasseur pickets were located in the woods; the fancy red trousers of these troops were easily seen among the trees as we approached the camp.  I sent a small company forward to drive in the pickets, and found the enemy building log breastworks.  The Union infantry took up positions in the works, supported by their artillery, and Union infantry began to flank our left.  I sent two companies to support our troops already in the battle, and one company to the left to block the Union flank attack.  A brisk fight ensued, and our forces drove the Federals from their defenses to a second set of log breastworks.  Our gallant troops soon attacked these works from front and left flank, and the enemy withdrew from the field.  The enemy has since returned to St. Augustine, and my troops are enjoying a respite.

I am hoping to be able to enjoy this respite myself.  I may be able to call upon you at Magnolia Manor Plantation soon.  Please know that I am well and in good health.  Kindly give my best wishes to your family for me.  I miss you, and think of you often and hope to be able to see you soon.

Take care.  I remain,
Major Keith Kohl, commanding 4th Florida Infantry Company G.