February 12, 1861; The New York Herald
WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 1861.
Lieutenant Putnam, of the army, who was despatched some days ago by the Secretary of War to Pensacola with despatches to Captain Slemmer and Captain Walker, commander of the Brooklyn, has just returned with despatches to the government from these officers. He left Pensacola on the 7th Instant. He says affairs were tranquil when he left, but does not know how long they will remain so, as there were a good many who were belligerently inclined. The Mississippi troops had returned home. The Alabama troops, however, were still there, and seemed determined to precipitate a collision.
Major Chase was doing everything in his power to prevent an attack. His conduct was severely condemned by the Alabama, Mississippi and Florida troops. They were and still are anxious to make an attack upon Fort Pickens.
There were five United States vessels anchored off Pensacola. The Brooklyn was among the number, having just arrived, and presented a warlike appearance. The Alabama troops regarded this fleet as a menace, and were disposed to fire into them.
The insurgent troops were quartered at the Navy Yard, having taken possession of all the stores belonging to the United States. In fact, it was the only means of subsistence which they had. They had also sent large quantities of these supplies to other points on the coast.
A private letter, dated Fort Barrancas, February 1, says:–
We are getting on quietly here–doing nothing, comparatively speaking. Mount guard at nine o’ in the morning; company drill at ten; battalion drill at four, and dress parade at five in the evening. There is no prospect to taking Pickens soon. Out of the two thousand State troops assembled here a few days ago, about four hundred have left. The Mississippi regiment leave here tomorrow–so we will have only about one thousand men remaining–an insufficient number to make a successful attack on the fort. The troops are impatient for a struggle. Col. Lomax would have led on the attack long since had he been in command. The 4th of March next, I hear, will find us before an engagement takes place.
The following corps are here:–The Blues Metropolitan Guards and Rifles from Montgomery; the Light Infantry and Zouaves from Tuskegee; Auburn guard and Wotumpka Light Guard. They number about 380 strong–quite a small number and rather poorly equipped, but full of patriotic fire and zeal, and ready to die for their country.