[Inclosure.] TORPEDO SERVICE, Charleston, January 17, 1865. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the destruction of one of the enemys monitors on the night of the 15th instant by a torpedo in Charleston Harbor. 1 had been engaged for some ten daysbefore placing torpedoes in the locality where the monitor was struck. For some time past the enemys picket-monitors have been in the habit of venturing much closer in the harbor than usual, and it has been my ambition to teach them a lesson, as well as our friends, upon the subject of torpe- does, and it is a pleasure to me to announce that one of these turreted monsters has met a fitting fate. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. SIMON, Captain, in Charge Torpedo Service. Brig. Gen. G. J. RAINS, Chief of Torpedo Bureau, Richmond, Va. FEBRUARY 5, 1865.Action at Braddocks Farm, near Welaka, Fla. Report of Capt. J. J. Diekison, Second Florida Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS SOUTH FLORIDA FORCES, Waldo, East Fla., February 9, 1865. MAJOR: I have the honor respectfully to report that on the morning of the 1st instant I left this encampment with the following detachment of my command: Company H, Second Florida Cavalry Regiment, sixty- four men, commanded by Lieutenants McCardell and McEaddy; Com- pany B, of same regiment, thirty-three men, commanded by Lieutenant McLeod; Company H, Fifth Florida Battalion, twenty-three men, com- manded by Lieutenants Haynes, Brantley, and Haile. On the evening of the 2d instant I crossed the Saint Johns River at Palatka and moved in the direction of Picolata. When within a mile of the post I found it impracticable to make a successful attack. I then made a flank move in the direction of Saint Augustine and Jacksonville, where I captured seventeen prisoners, including a captain and lieutenant, with an ambu- lance. I then learned that a raiding party had left Saint Augustine for Valencia. Dividing my command in two parties, sending one by the Kings road toward Pallicier Creek, the other by Cowpen Branch, my advance met a small party of the enemy and captured one of them. We continued our march and met the enemy at Braddocks farm, where I engaged them, taking 51 prisoners (including a lieutenant- colonel and two captains), killing 4 men (including an adjutant), also 18 deserters and tories, 10 wagons and teams with seed cotton (about 9,000 pounds), and a number of small arms and horses. I recrossed the river on the 6th iifstant without the loss of a man. My officers and men behaved most gallantly, and deserve the highest praise for their conduct and obedience to orders. The march was very hard and fatiguing, having undergone hard travel both night and day to accomplish my design. I sent in all 68 Yankee prisoners and 18 deserters. All of which is respectfully submitted. I am, major, yours, respectfully, J. J. DICKISOIN, Captain, Commanding Forces. Maj. H. C. GOLDTHWAITE, Assistant Adjutant- General.