About 3 p. m. the advance of the expedition. Col. Guy V. Henry's brigade of cavalry, came upon the Confederates pickets somewhat to the east of Olustee. They were soon driven back to their supports, which opened fire, when a portion of the 7th Conn, cavalry was deployed as skirmishers and a battery placed in position to develop the Confederates force and position. It was the intention of Brig.-Gen. Truman Seymour, commanding, to engage the Confederates in front with artillery, meanwhile throwing out a brigade to fall upon the Confed erate left. The disposition was accordingly made, the cavalry skir mishers called in and the 7th N. H. deployed in their places, but the troops were hardly in position before the New Hampshire regiment broke and fled in confusion. The 8th U. S. colored infantry, moving into the same position, also broke and fled after its colonel had been killed. The 54th Mass. colored infantry, then occupied the position and the fighting continued sharp until dark, the whole Federal force except the cavalry being actively engaged. After dark Seymour withdrew, abandoning 6 pieces of artillery. His losses were 1,800 in killed, wounded and missing, and 39 horses. The Con federate casualties were about 250 killed and wounded.
On Line site dedicated to this battle
Two books have been published showing Union and Confederate Casualties.
http://battleofolustee.org/related/books.htm
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