W. S. Dilworth to T. A. Washington, April 4, 1862

MAJOR :

I have to report a most successful skirmish, which took place at Smyrna on [the] 23d ultimo—Capt. D. B. Bird, Third Regiment Florida Volunteers, C. S. [Army], commanding post, the skirmishers commanded by Captain Strain, Third Regiment, and Lieutenant Chambers, of Captain Owens’ independent troop of cavalry.

The enemy landed, or attempted to land, from gunboats Penguin and Henry Andrew in launches, when our men fired into them. The enemy retreated to the opposite side of the river and abandoned their launches, ‘five in number.

Captain Bird reports 7 killed, 3 prisoners, and about 30 wounded. Among the killed were Captain Mather, of the Henry Andrew, and Lieutenant Budd, of the Penguin. A runaway negro also was captured, who had piloted the enemy into the inlet to Smyrna, and who was to be hanged.

This skirmish I regard as quite a success; not a man on our side killed or wounded. :

Smyrna is the place where arms, &c., for [the Confederate States have been landed, and the enemy were seeking to capture them. The enemy are preparing to advance from Jacksonville to Baldwin to cut them off there. ,

I have the honor to subseribe myself,

respectfully, your obedient