FORT PICKENS, FLA., February 12, 1861.
Hon. J. HOLT, Secretary of War:
SIR: Since the departure of Lieutenant Gilman as special messenger for Washington nothing of special interest has transpired. I am continuing the defenses, mounting guns on the ramparts, and blocking up the casemate embrasures. Having observed a battery in course of erection upon which they were mounting heavy guns, 8-inch columbiads, and as this battery would rake two bastions and the connecting curtains of this fort, I addressed the following note to Colonel Chase:
FORT PICKENS, FLA., February 11, 1861.
Col. WM. H. CHASE, Commanding the Forces of Florida:
SIR: I observe you are erecting and arming battery west of the light-house. I deem it my duty to protest against its further continuance, and also of all batteries which may bear on Fort Pickens.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
A. J. SLEMMER,
First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding.
To which I received the following satisfactory reply:
HEADQUARTERS PENSACOLA DISTRICT,
February 12, 1861.Lieut. A. J. SLEMMER, Commanding Fort Pickens:
SIR: I have this moment received your letter of the 11th instant. I am determined to make good the assurances that I have given, that no attack shall be made on Fort Pickens, and to discontinue all preparations for one, as stated in my letter to Capt. S. Barren, dated January 29. I do not consider the erection of batteries on this side as aiming at an attack on Fort Pickens; but, desiring to avoid all actual or implied preparations for an attack, I will give orders for the discontinuance of the erection of the battery.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. H. CHASE,
Colonel, Commanding Forces of Florida, &c.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
A. J. SLEMMER,
First Lieutenant, First Artillery.