FORT TAYLOR, KEY WEST, FLA.,……….
January 26, 1861.
SIR: I have to report that no demonstration has been made upon this fort to this date. There is no apprehension from the population of Key West, but I have no doubt that a force will soon appear at any moment from the mainland. If my company was filled up to a hundred men, and a sloop of war stationed in this harbor, there would be no danger of any successful attack, or even an attempt at present. The defenses are improving daily.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. BRANNAN, ………
Captain, First Artillery, Commanding.
Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U.S. Army, Washington, D. C.
.
P. S.–I have received no communication from the Department in answer to my letter of December 11, 1860.