D. D. Shea to HEADQUARTERS, CAMP HENRY McCULLOcH, December 7, 1861

SPECIAL ORDERS, ) HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS,

December 7, 1861.

No. 227. i Galveston, Tex., December 7, 1861. I. Col. John C. Moore, of Moore’s regiment, is relieved from the command of the Military District of Galveston, and will join his regiment. II. Col. E. B. Nichols, of Nichols’ regiment, is assigned to the command of the Military Distriet of Galveston.

By order of Brig. Gen. P. O. Hébert: SAML. BOYER DAVIS,

Major, and Assistant Adjutant- General.

Fort WASHINGTON, Near Saluria, Tex., December 9, 1861.

MAJOR: I have the honor to state that on the 7th instant, about 1 p. m., a vessel (sloop-of-war rig) hove in sight. She sailed to the west

of the bai and about 5 miles off. She made several short tacks off the bar and steered back to the east. At about 5 o’clock she came to anchor off the East, or Decrow’s, Channel, and 2 miles from shore. On the 8th, at noon, she made sail, and steered westward, running close to the bar. When nearly opposite our position, and 3 miles distant, I caused my four 24-pounder battery to open on her. She was struck two or three times by our shot. She put about after the first round of

the battery and steered seaward. She showed no colors up to this `

time. She is standing off and on, in sight.

I trust the commanding general will give me instructions relative to .

the present position of our battery, property, &c. I only have sufficient mules here to carry one piece to the rear. We fired sixteen shots. –

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Captain, Commanding at Pass Cavallo, Pexas.

HEADQUARTERS, CAMP HENRY McCULLOcH,

: December 14, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the commanding general of the department, that I have just returned from Captain

Shea’s camp, at Pass Cavallo. The captain is making every arrangement in his power to secure a retreat, if it should; become necessaty.