A communication, dated Cedar Keys, June 17th, encloses the report of Lieut. Commanding E. Y. McCauley in relation to the brave assault made by Orderly Sergeant Nugent and four men upon a rebel breastwork fortification up Crystal River, It says: In this assault the Orderly Sergeant and his comrades drove a guard of eleven rebels into a swamp, capturing their arms, and destroying their camp equipage, yet withholding his fire with manly and commendable discretion lest he would hurt or kill a woman who was among the fugitives.
Chicago Daily Tribune, Chicago, IL
Editor’s Note: Orderly Sgt. Christopher Nugent became the third Marine to receive the Medal of Honor. His citation reads:
Serving on board the U.S.S. Fort Henry, Crystal River, Fla., 15 June 1863. Reconnoitering on the Crystal River on this date and in charge of a boat from the Fort Henry, Orderly Sgt. Nugent ordered an assault upon a rebel breastwork fortification. In this assault, the orderly sergeant and his comrades drove a guard of 11 rebels into the swamp, capturing their arms and destroying their camp equipage while gallantly withholding fire to prevent harm to a woman among the fugitives. On 30 July 1863, he further proved his courage by capturing a boat off Depot Key, Fla., containing 2 men and a woman with their baggage.
