W. E. Martin to Omar. XV.) NAVAL DESCENT ON CEDAR KEYS. 15, January 4, 1861

January 4, 1861.

GENERAL: I avail myself of your suggestion to-day relative to the action of the 1st merely to report that a detachment of my regiment, under Maj. G. W. Oswald, reported to Colonel Jones early in the day, and participated in the engagement with their double-barreled guns and navy revolvers ; that I was detained by General Pemberton at his headquarters, and it was in carrying orders for him that I had the pleasure of meeting you, and my local knowledge, which I have diligently aequired, enabled me to point out the way through the woods which you followed. Further, I have only to add that after the engagement I, with Colonel McGowan, rode at full speed to the causeway near the enemy’s position, ascertained the condition of the wounded, and with the same gentleman and Dr. Turnipseed and some soldiers returned and brought away the wounded in a wagon, the enemy shelling us while 80 engaged.

Respectfully submitted.

ede Colonel Mounted Regiment,

Brigadier-General DONELSON.