This Ryker case (6.25” x 5.25”) holds relics from around Olustee, Florida. Included are a Gardner, Enfield, round ball, .58 & .69 minie bullets, as well as a fired Spencer bullet and copper rimfire case. Found by well-known relic hunter Chuck Thompson while he was stationed in Florida; gifted to Dean Thomas for his collection.

In February 1864, Maj. Gen. Quincy A. Gillmore, launched an expedition into Florida to secure Union enclaves, sever Rebel supply routes, and recruit black soldiers. Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour moved his 5,500-man force from Jacksonville deep into the state, meeting little resistance. On February 20th, as he advanced toward Lake City, he approached Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan’s 5,000 Confederates entrenched in an open pine woods near Olustee. The Union forces attacked but were repulsed. Seymour, believing he was attacking Florida militia units, sent in his forces piecemeal. The battle raged, and eventually the Union line broke and retreated.

The Union losses caused Northern authorities to question the necessity of further Union involvement in the militarily insignificant state of Florida.  [jet] [ph:jet]

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