THE LAND OF FLOWERS, 28 July 1883.
Gamble's Battery and the "Truth of History."

Editor LAND OF FLOWERS: It is refreshing this hot weather to witness the commendable promptness with which the Floridian steps forward to vindicate the "truth of History." It is to be regretted, however, that the writer did not seek some light himself before venturing to enlighten others. As a consequence he has fallen into errors quite equal to those from which he kindly rescues the Jacksonville Herald.

The object of these few lines is to give a brief statement of things as they were; confident that Captain Dyke's military career will lose none of its lustre by so doing.

At the organization of Gamble's Battery of Artillery F. L. Villepigue, Secretary of State, was elected first; C. E. Dyke second; and E. W. Gamble third Lieutenant.

At the battle of Olustee or Ocean Pond the whole Battery and not just " the Section of Artillery commanded by Lieutenant Dyke, supported by the 64th Georgia, was sent to the front in advance of General Finegan's command to bring on the fight as the armies approached each other in open country." And Lieutenant Gamble's, equally with Lieutenant Dyke's Section "had hot work during the time the advanced force bore the brunt of the opening battle while the main line camp up." Lieutenant Dyke's horse was shot, but bore its gallant rider through the fight off the field and did not die for several days after.

The Battery consisting originally of six guns, had been divided many months previous to the battle of Olustee. First Lieutenant Villepigue was promoted and placed in command of this new battery, and Sergeant P. Houstoun (Captain Houstoun) and Jas. May were elected first and second Lieutenants respectively. By this division Lieutenant Dike became 1st and Lieutenant Gamble 2nd Lieutenant of the Gamble Battery.

Owing to continued ill health Captain Gamble was forced to resign immediately after the Olustee fight. Arrangements for his so doing were abut perfected prior to that struggle. But it was foreign to the nature of that brave soldier to leave his post, feeble as he was, upon the approach of danger. Calmly he led his Battery to the fray and by his command was fired the first gun on that memorable field.

The foe vanquished and driven to his gun boats, Captain Gamble retired from military duty and was assigned to a position in the Revenue Department.

A month or more after the battle of Olustee, the Battery now known as Dike's, was ordered to Andersonville where it was soon stripped of its horses for the use of Johnson's Army.

Earthworks were erected around the Prison which were armed and manned by Captain Dike's Battery and remained under the command of that efficient officer until the "fitful dream was over."

W.