March 10, 1861, Atlanta Constitution
Pensacola, Fla.–
The U.S. man-o-war Brooklyn and other U.S. vessels will no longer be able to obtain coal and water at the former U.S. Navy base in Pensacola harbor, the Brooklyn’s commander has been informed. Boats still visit the U.S. ships (which bear supplies and men for Ft. Pickens but have not been permitted by U.S. authorities to land them). There is much trafficking with those aboard. (In the meantime a clash looms: The Confederate War Department yesterday issued a call for 5,000 more men to defend Pensacola and Pres. Lincoln on Tuesday directed the Union War Department to dispatch troops to Ft. Pickens.) As for the Brooklyn’s water supply, the Pensacola Observer said: “We advise the fleet to run down to Vera Cruz (in Mexico) for a supply and give their sails an airing.” Gen. Braxton Bragg has arrived to take charge of the secession forces.