FORT PICKENS, FLA., March 18, 1861.
Lieut. Col. L. THOMAS, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army:
SIR: I have the honor to report that since my last report nothing has happened to disturb the peaceable relations existing between the United States forces and those opposing us. I have placed the fort in condition for defense as well as the means in my power would permit. The contractor has refused to furnish fresh beef, alleging that he is without funds for purchasing cattle. The United States is indebted to him for three months’ supply.
If the intention of the Department is to place re-enforcements in the fort, I would recommend that subsistence stores be sent immediately.
On the morning of the 12th instant four negroes (runaways) came to the fort, entertaining the idea that we were placed here to protect them and grant them their freedom. I did what I could to teach them the contrary. In the afternoon I took them to Pensacola and delivered them to the city marshal, to be returned to their owners. That same night four more made their appearance. They were also turned over to the authorities next morning.
On the evening of the 12th I received this communication:
HEADQUARTERS TROOPS OF CONFEDERATE STATES,
Near Pensacola, Fla., March 13, 1861.To the U. S. Officer commanding Fort Pickens, Fla.:
SIR: The bearer of this communication, Capt. R. C. Wood, Army of the Confederate States, waits upon you in my behalf with the purpose of obtaining information necessary to enable me to understand our relative positions. He will communicate to you my views, and receive such reply as you may be pleased to make.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
BRAXTON BRAGG,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
As I was absent at Pensacola delivering up the negroes, I did not see Captain Wood. I made the following answer, accompanying it with copies of the agreement entered into by Colonel Chase and the War Department, with copies of such other papers as would enable the general to understand our positions:
FORT PICKENS, FLA., March 13, 1861.
General BRAXTON BRAGG, Comdg. the forces, &c., near Pensacola, Fla.:
SIR: Your communication of this date reached this post during my absence. I have the honor to send you a copy of the agreement entered into between Colonel Chase, Senator Mallory, and the War and Navy Departments, with such other communications as may enable you to understand our relative positions. Please let me know as soon as convenient whether you will consider the agreement binding on your part or not.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. J. SLEMMER,
First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding.
To which I received the following reply:
HEADQUARTERS TROOPS OF CONFEDERATE STATES,
Near Pensacola, Fla., March 13, 1861.Lieut. A. J. SLEMMER, Commanding Fort Pickens:
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge your communication of this date with its inclosures. In announcing to you my intention to conform strictly to the spirit of the agreement entered into by Colonel Chase, I beg to suggest to you that the erection of a battery on Santa Rosa Island bearing directly on our navy-yard is, in my view, directly in conflict with the spirit of the agreement. The erection of the works on this side bearing on the channel cannot, I conceive be taken as a menace against Fort Pickens, and the act seems to me fully justified as a means of defense, and especially so under the threats of the new administration.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BRAXTON BRAGG,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
The battery which the general mentions has no reality, and I so requested his aid, Lieutenant Gaines, to inform him.
On the 15th I made the following answer:
Fort PICKENS, FLA., March 15, 1861.
Brig. Gen. BRAXTON BRAGG,
Comdg. Forces C.S., near Pensacola, Fla.:
SIR: I placed yesterday your communication of the 13th instant before the commander of the squadron off the harbor. This will account for the delay in announcing to you that the assurances given are perfectly satisfactory. Of the erection of the batteries on either side, I have only to say that our views on that point are directly opposite.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
A. J. SLEMMER,
First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding.
I sent yesterday by mail (via New Orleans) my monthly returns and muster rolls for February. I hope they will arrive safely. I was then not aware that Commander Adams would send a special messenger.
I would most respectfully call the attention of the commanding general to the fact that there is mention of a notification being given as to the termination of the agreement on either side.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. J. SLEMMER,
First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding.