FORT PICKENS, FLA., February 5, 1861.
SIR: Having heard rumors that the forts and other public property in Pensacola Harbor were to be seized by troops under the orders of the governor of Florida, and having been advised of the seizure of the forts in Mobile Bay, I deemed it proper, having received no instructions from Washington, to endeavor to prevent, by all the means in my power, a like seizure here.
On the morning of the 7th ultimo, accompanied by Lieutenant Gilman, I called upon the commander of the navy-yard, Commodore Armstrong, to consult with him in reference to some plan to be adopted to insure the safety of the public property. We had a similar consultation on the evening of the same day and on the morning of the 8th. The commodore, in the absence of any orders, deemed it inexpedient to cooperate with us.
On the morning of the 8th I removed all the powder from the magazine in the Spanish battery of Fort Barrancas to the inner magazines, because, from its exposed position, it was liable to seizure at any moment. I also caused all the batteries to be put in working order, and at night placed a sergeant’s guard in the fort with the drawbridge raised. That night a body of men (about twenty in number) came to the fort with the evident intention of taking possession. The corporal of the guard caused the alarm to be given, upon which the assailants retreated precipitately. The guard was immediately strengthened by half the company, but nothing further occurred that night.
On the morning of the 9th I received through the mail a letter, of which the following is a copy:
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, January 3, 1861.First Lieut. A. J. SLEMMER,
……..First Artillery, or Commanding Officer Barrancas Barracks, Fla.:
SIR: The General-in-Chief directs that you take measures to do the utmost in your power to prevent the seizure of either of the forts in Pensacola Harbor by surprise or assault, consulting first with the commander of the navy-yard, who will probably have received instructions to co-operate with you.……..I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
…..GEO. W. LAY,……..
Lieutenant-Colonel, A. D. C.
Immediately on its reception, accompanied by Lieutenant Gilman, I called on Commodore Armstrong to consult with him. He had received orders to co-operate with me. We decided that with our limited means of defense we could hold but one fort, and that should be Fort Pickens, as it commanded completely the harbor and the forts, and also the navy-yard, and, in case of necessity, could be more readily re-enforced than either of the others, and presented the best means of defense. In order to act on this decision, the commodore promised to send the U.S. steamer Wyandotte at 1 o’clock p.m. to take us over, to give us all the men he could possibly spare, and to allow the steamer Wyandotte and the storeship Supply to anchor under the guns of the fort, in order to protect the land approach.
At 10 o’clock a.m. I came with the greater part of my command, Company G, First Artillery, to Fort Pickens to mount guns and make necessary preparations for defense, leaving Lieutenant Gilman at Barrancas Barracks with the remainder to make the necessary arrangements for removal. At 1 p.m. Lieutenant Gilman, seeing no signs of the promised assistance, called to see the commodore, and was informed by him that the only assistance he could afford would be to furnish some provisions and take the command over, which fact Lieutenant Gilman reported to me at Fort Pickens. I immediately stopped all work, sent the men back, and with Lieutenant Gilman went to see the commodore. I stated that I had been deceived by him; that he had promised me men and the co-operation of the two vessels of war, besides the mere fact of giving us provisions and taking us over; that with my command, only 46 strong, I should never dream of defending so large a work, calculated for upwards of 1,200 men; that I had been at work on that promise, and had thus lost a day’s time in the preparation of Fort Barrancas for defense; that he had distinctly promised me what I asseverated. The commodore then sent for Commander Farrand, Lieutenant Renshaw, and Lieutenant-Commander Berryman, and gave instructions for carrying out the original design.
Captain Berryman, of the steamer Wyandotte, promised to be ready to leave his wharf at 5 p.m., at which time all should be in readiness at the Barrancas wharf for removal. I immediately returned to Barrancas Barracks to make preparations. As time was very limited all means were used to place the public property on the wharf for removal. Night came, and yet no signs of assistance. The company labored until 12 m., when a heavy fog coming in rendered it highly improbable that the steamer would come that night. At 8 a.m. on the 10th a flat-boat was sent to the wharf, which was loaded, as well as all the small boats which could be had. We were landed at Fort Pickens at about 10 a.m. On the way over, Captain Berryman turned over to me thirty ordinary seamen from the yard, without arms or equipments of any kind. We labored all day until night carrying up the stores to the fort, and arranging for its defense. I directed that all the powder in Fort Barrancas should be taken out and rolled to the beach, for transportation if possible; if not, for destruction. Nearly all the powder and all the fixed ammunition for the field battery was brought over that day. All the guns bearing on the bay were spiked by my orders, in position, as I had neither means nor time to dismount them. The provisions required were, by agreement with the commodore, to be drawn from the Supply as they were wanted, instead of sending them from the yard; yet, almost the instant we landed the master of the yard came with some small stores in a barge, bringing with him an order from Commodore Armstrong to land the stores immediately and proceed to anchor off the center wharf of the yard. As I was not ready to receive the stores, the Supply remained at her anchor that night.
On the morning of the 11th I was informed by Captain Walke that he had received another order from Commodore Armstrong to deliver the stores and return to the navy-yard. Captain Berryman also told me that he expected to sail that evening or the next morning for the south side of Cuba. I immediately caused the following note to be addressed to the commodore by my acting adjutant, Lieutenant Gilman:
FORT PICKENS, FLA., January 11, 1861.
Commodore JAMES ARMSTRONG, U. S. Navy:
SIR: I understand that it is your intention to withdraw from this fort the protection of the U.S. steamer Wyandotte and the storeship Supply, contrary to the agreement between you and myself day before yesterday. I again have the honor to state, as I did to you in presence of several officers at our last interview, that without the aid of those vessels it will be utterly impossible, in my opinion, for me to protect this harbor, and I shall therefore, in case this assistance is withdrawn, instantly relinquish all hope of defending the place, and report the state of affairs immediately by a messenger to Washington. I most respectfully request an immediate answer as to whether the assistance above referred to is to be withdrawn or not.
……….I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(By order of A. J. Slemmer, First Artillery, U.S. Army, Commanding Fort Pickens:.)J. H. GILMAN,……….
Second Lieutenant, First Artillery, Acting Adjutant of the Post.
To which the commodore replied as follows:
COMMANDANT’S OFFICE, U.S. NAVY-YARD, PENSACOLA,……….
Warrington, January 11, 1861.Lieut. A. J. SLEMMER, U. S. Army, Commanding at Fort Pickens, Fla.:
SIR: In reply to your communication of this date, I have to state that the U.S. storeship Supply was sent to Fort Pickens by my order merely to convey the provisions you required and to return to this navy-yard. The Supply is not a vessel of war, and having been sent to this station on the special service of conveying stores and coal to Vera Cruz for the vessels of the home squadron stationed there, it is my duty to dispatch her to that port at the earliest moment practicable, in conformity with the orders I have received from the Navy Department, from which orders I cannot deviate further.
The steamer Wyandotte may be retained, for the purpose of co-operating with you, until further orders.
……….I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES ARMSTRONG,
Commandant.
The Wyandotte and Supply remained at anchor under the fort that night. Captain Berryman sent me during the evening thirty muskets and bayonets to arm the ordinary seamen, which he had procured after some difficulty from the navy-yard. He also had for me some musket cartridges which were promised me from the yard, as my supply was limited.
On the morning of the 12th, Captain Walke, of the Supply, showed me a communication to him from the commodore, saying that the yard was besieged, and that when attacked the Supply must immediately proceed to Vera Cruz. I received no information from the yard what, ever of the fact. I immediately addressed a note to the commodore, to this purport:
Commodore JAMES ARMSTRONG,
……….Commandant U. S. Navy-Yard, Warrington, Fla.:SIR: I am informed that the navy-yard is besieged. In case you determine to capitulate, please send me the marines to strengthen my command.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. J. SLEMMER,……….
First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding Fort Pickens.
To which I received no reply. Several hours after this the United States flag was lowered from the navy-yard. The Supply was towed outside by the Wyandotte, and both vessels remained anchored at a distance of about five miles. That night Captain Berryman told me that his orders of the previous evening were to co-operate with me, but especially that he must not fire a gun unless his vessel was attacked. He could offer me no assistance in case I were assaulted. Left thus entirely to depend on ourselves for defense–eighty-one men, including officers–active preparations were made for flank defense, the guns being loaded with grape and canister, and the embrasures closed as well as possible.
On my arrival I found that there was not a single embrasure shutter in the fort. I caused some to be constructed, and others to be taken from Fort McRee to supply the deficiency. Just after retreat four gentlemen (three in military clothing)presented themselves at the gate, and demanded admittance as citizens of Florida and Alabama. They were told that by order no person was permitted to enter the fort. They then asked to see the commanding officer. I immediately went to the gate, accompanied by Lieutenant Gilman. Mr. Abert, engineer of the yard, presented Captain Randolph, Major Marks, and Lieutenant Rutledge. After a pause, Captain Randolph said, “We have been sent to demand a peaceable surrender of this fort by the governors of Florida and Alabama.” To which I replied that I was here under the orders of the President of the United States, and by direction of the General-in-Chief of the Army; that I recognized no right of any governor to demand a surrender of United States property; that my orders were distinct and explicit. They immediately withdrew.
At 12 o’clock at night the men were paraded and told off to the different batteries in anticipation of an attack, slow-match lighted, with lanyards and port fires in hand ready to fire. No signs of an attack; night very dark and rainy. We still labored on the 13th strengthening our position, and at night threw out sentinels beyond the glacis. Men stood at the guns as on the night previous. Night very dark and rainy. On the night of the 13th a body of some ten men were discovered evidently reconnoitering. A shot was fired by them, which was returned by the sergeant. They then retreated. Nothing more could be seen of the party that night. On the 14th nothing of interest transpired. Men by this time almost worn out with labor, standing guard, and at the batteries day and night, for we anticipated an attack at any moment.
On the 15th Colonel Chase, commanding the forces of Florida, accompanied by Commander Farrand, late of the U.S. Navy, asked for a consultation, at which Colonel Chase read me the following letter:
HEADQUARTERS PENSACOLA DISTRICT,…….
January 15, 1861.Lieut. A. J. SLEMMER,
……………U.S. Army, Commanding Fort Pickens, Harbor of Pensacola:SIR: I have full powers from the governor of Florida to take possession of the forts and navy-yard, &c., &c., in this harbor. I desire to perform this duty without the effusion of blood. You can contribute toward this desirable result, and, in my judgment, without sacrifice of the honor of yourself or your gallant officers and men. Now, as commissioner on the part of the governor of the State of Florida, I request the surrender of Fort Pickens and the public property it contains into my hands, to be held subject to any agreement that may be entered into between the commissioners of the State of Florida and the Federal Government at Washington. I would not counsel you to do aught that was dishonorable; On the contrary, to do that which will secure for you the commendation of all Christian gentlemen; and if you refuse and hold out, for whom do you consent that blood shall flow–the blood of brethren? Certainly not for the deadly enemies to the assaulters, for they are not such, but brethren of the same race. If the Union now broken should be reconstructed Fort Pickens and all the public property passes peacefully under Federal authority. If a Southern Confederacy separates itself from the Union would it not be worse than folly to attempt the maintenance of Fort Pickens or any other fortified place within its limits?
Listen to me, then, I beg of you, and act with me in preventing the shedding the blood of your brethren. Surrender the fort. You and your command may reoccupy the barracks and quarters at Barrancas on your simple parole to remain there quietly until ordered away, or to resume the command of the harbor should an adjustment of present difficulties in the Union be arrived at.
All the baggage and private property of any kind belonging to yourself, officers, men, and their families shall be preserved to you. Consider this well, and take care that you will so act as to have no fearful recollections of a tragedy that you might have averted, but rather to make the present moment one of the most glorious, because christianlike, of your life.
I beg of you to receive this communication in the same spirit in which it is offered.
……….I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. H. CHASE.
I asked, “How many men have you?” The colonel answered, “Tonight I shall have between eight and nine hundred.” I then said that I would consider his letter, and would give my answer the next morning. I also desired to consult with the captains of the Supply and Wyandotte, which vessels were lying off the navy-yard under a white flag. The colonel said he would make arrangements for their coming to the fort, and would see them as he passed, I made this request for two reasons—first, because thereby I would gain more time for resting my men (who were completely exhausted), and, second, because I deemed it but courtesy on my part to consult them with reference to anything which would affect our common flag, and because one of them was in name co-operating with me. They did not come, however. I afterwards learned that the permission came in such a form that they could not accept it.
The next morning I saw with surprise both vessels under way going out of the harbor. I immediately sent a boat with Lieutenant Gilman to learn the cause of the movement. Captain Walke desired Lieutenant Gilman to go on board the Wyandotte–that he would join him there. On Lieutenant Gilman’s representations Captain Walke ordered the Wyandotte to stay and render us assistance, and take us off if necessary on being overcome by a superior force. The following letter was then sent to Colonel Chase at the navy-yard:
FORT PICKENS, FLA.,
Pensacola Harbor, January 16, 1861.Col. W. H. Chase, Commissioner for the State of Florida:
SIR: Under the orders we now have from the War Department, we have decided, after consultation with the Government officers in the harbor, that it is our duty to hold our position until such a force is brought against us as to render it impossible to defend it, or until the political condition of the country is such as to induce us to surrender the public property in our keeping to such authorities as may be delegated legally to receive it.
We deprecate as much as you or any individual can the present condition of affairs, or the shedding of the blood of our brethren. In regard to this matter, however, we must consider you the aggressors, and if blood is shed that you are responsible therefor.
By order of A. J. Slemmer, first lieutenant, First Artillery, commanding:
J. H. GILMAN,……..
Second Lieutenant, First Artillery, Act. Post Adjt.
Captain Berryman took this letter to the yard, and then ran out of the harbor.
On the 17th I mounted one 12-pounder gun and one 8-inch sea-coast howitzer on the northwest bastion. I had previously mounted three 32-pounders in the southeast bastion, and rendered effective the 24-pounder flank-defense howitzers, besides placing my field battery on the ramparts for effective service.
On the 18th the steamer Wyandotte came again in sight. Received another letter from Colonel Chase, of which the following is a copy:
HEADQUARTERS PENSACOLA DISTRICT,
January 18, 1861.Lieut. A. J. SLEMMER,
……….U. S. Army, Commanding Fort Pickens, Pensacola Harbor, Fla.:SIR: With additional re-enforcements to my forces, arrived and expected, I would again request the surrender of Fort Pickens, referring you to my first letter on the subject, and offering the same terms as contained therein.
……….I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. H. CHASE,……….
Colonel, Commanding Forces of Florida.
Which was answered as follows:
FORT PICKENS, PENSACOLA HARBOR,
January 18, 1861.Col. W. H. CHASE, Commanding Forces of Florida, &c. :
SIR: Before I can answer your communication of this date, it is necessary that I communicate with Captain Berryman, of the U.S. steamer Wyandotte, co-operating with me. The result of such conference I will make known to you to-morrow morning.
By order of Lieut. A. J. Slemmer, First Artillery, commanding Fort Pickens:
J. H. GILMAN,……..
Second Lieutenant, First Artillery, Act. Adjt. of Post.
A gun was fired to attract attention, and signal made to send a boat ashore. The steamer came to anchor off the southeast bastion of the fort. On the morning of the 19th the following reply was sent:
FORT PICKENS, FLA., January 19, 1861.
Col. W. H. CHASE, Commanding the Forces of Florida, &c.:
SIR: In reply to your communication of yesterday I have the honor to state that as yet I know of no reason why my answer to your communication of the 16th should be changed, and I therefore very respectfully refer you to that reply for the answer to this.
By order of First Lieut. A. J. Slemmer, First Artillery, commanding Fort Pickens:
J. H. GILMAN,……….
Second Lieutenant, First Artillery, A. Post Adjt.
On the 20th a party of sailors from the steamer Wyandotte came to assist us to mount a 10-inch columbiad. They labored that day and part of the next with imperfect materials, but at last succeeded in placing it in the trunnion beds. On the 22d and 23d nothing of importance transpired. We have had almost continued rain since the occupation of the fort.
On the 24th, thinking it time that better feelings should exist toward us, I sent a boat under a white flag to the navy-yard, in order to obtain, if possible, the mail matter which had accumulated now since the 9th instant, It was refused by the authorities at the post-office. I then addressed the following note to Colonel Chase:
FORT PICKENS, FLA., January 24, 1861.
Col. WM. H. CHASE, Commanding the Forces of Florida:
SIR: I have the honor to request that you will permit Captain Berryman to procure, or have procured for him, the mail matter, letters, papers, &c., which may have accumulated for me and my command at the Warrington post-office. My mail matter has been refused me from the office, and I therefore make this request of you as commander-in-chief of the forces, and from a knowledge of your personal character.
……….I am, sir; very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. J. SLEMMER,……….
First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding.
Colonel Chase not being present at the yard, Captain Randolph, commandant, ordered my mail matter to be taken to his office. On the 26th I received the following communications:
HEADQUARTERS NAVY YARD, January 26, 1861.
Lieut. A. J. SLEMMER, U. S. ARMY, Commanding Fort Pickens:
SIR: I have this moment received your communication of the 24th instant. I have been absent at Montgomery, which will account for the delay. I will immediately inquire at the post-office about your mail matter, and attend to your request. I would also inform you that you may be supplied with fresh provisions daily if you desire. I will communicate with you again.
……….In haste, respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. H. CHASE,……….
Colonel, Commanding..
HEADQUARTERS NAVY YARD, January 26, 1861.
Lieut. A. J. SLEMMER, U. S. Army, Commanding Fort Pickens:
SIR: I have given strict orders this morning that no citizen or soldier should be permitted to pass from this side towards Fort Pickens, or to land on Santa Rosa Island, and I now inform you of the fact, and also that I shall use every effort to have my orders executed. I have just been informed that some four or five men started on a fishing excursion on the island, and as they must have been ignorant of my orders just issued, I would request that if they have landed on the island they may be sent back.
Any collision growing out of persons going over to the island or near Fort Pickens would be most unfortunate in the present state of affairs, and I would request you to join me in preventing it; and to this effect I would also request that persons in boats may be warned off, and if any should land, they should be ordered to re-embark. This should be done in a way to prevent angry feelings between the parties.
……….I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. H. CHASE,……….
Colonel, Commanding Forces.
To which I replied as follows:
FORT PICKENS, FLA., January 26, 1861.
Col. W. H. CHASE, Commanding Forces:
SIR: Your communication in answer to mine of the 24th instant is before me. I have directed Lieutenant Gilman to proceed to the navy-yard and consult with you with reference to supplies of fresh provisions and the mail facilities of my command.
……….I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. J. SLEMMER,
First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding..
FORT PICKENS, FLA., January 26, 1861.
Col. W. H. CHASE, Commanding Forces of Florida:
SIR: It gives me much pleasure to learn of your order with reference to the passage of boats and men to Fort Pickens and Santa Rosa Island from the yard and vicinity. I have given strict orders to allow no boats to land, and in all cases of boats approaching the island I am notified of the fact.
This morning I was informed by my sentinels that a boat with four men was approaching the island above the fort and from the navy yard. I immediately sent and had them apprehended, saw the men myself, and directed that they be re-embarked for the navy-yard, which was done, I believe, without any ill feelings being engendered. I will, rest assured, do all in my power to prevent any collision growing out of boats landing on the island, and sincerely hope that your orders and vigilance may prevent any from coming over without your permission and flag.
………..I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. J. SLEMMER,……….
First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding Fort Pickens.
Later in the day the mail for myself and command was brought over from the yard with the following note:
HEADQUARTERS PENSACOLA DISTRICT,……….
January 26, 1861.Lieut. A. J. SLEMMER, Commanding Fort Pickens:
SIR: I send over your mail. The mail will be delivered to you in future without delay.
……….Respectfully, &c.,
W. H. CHASE,
Colonel, Commanding Forces, &c.
I cannot close this report without saying a few words with reference to my command. From the first to this day they have nobly vindicated the honor of the American Army. Through all the toil and excessive labor by day and standing by the guns at night, for ten days wet to the skin, without adequate sleep or rest, not one word of complaint has been uttered, but the most cheerful obedience readily given to all commands. Had we been attacked during those days dreadful would have been the havoc, and we were menaced every day and night, from the 12th to the 26th, by the increasing number opposite us, numbering at one time over 2,000 men. All that prevented, I am confident (for such was the pitch to which their mad folly had carried them), was Colonel Chase’s knowledge of the strength and means of resistance within the fort, and our steady and firm adherence to the course determined on from the beginning, not to allow ourselves one moment to think of surrendering unless absolutely overpowered by numbers.
I would recommend especially to the favorable notice of the General-in-Chief, First Sergeant Alexander Jamieson, Sergeant Boyd, Corporals Caldwell and O’Donnell, of Company G, First Artillery, for especial coolness and activity in their several stations.
Of Lieutenant Gilman I have only to say that during the whole affair we have stood side by side, and if any credit is due for the course pursued he is entitled equally with myself.
I have descended into particulars in many places, but I did so to show the difficulties thrown in our way in the execution of our orders, and by persons, too, who had it in their power to render us the greatest assistance.
Troops occupy Fort Barrancas, Barrancas Barracks, and Fort McRee. No guns are mounted at Fort McRee to my knowledge. On the 11th, Lieutenant Erben, of the storeship Supply, destroyed all the powder and the materials he could not bring over to Fort Pickens which would be necessary for the revolutionists to mount the guns, thus doing good service to the United States.
The present armament here, mounted and for service, is as follows: Fourteen 32-pounders, seven 12-pounders, one 8-inch sea-coast howitzer, one 10-inch columbiad, six field pieces, twenty-five 24-pounder howitzers–flank defense. Total, 54.
I have provisions for five months for my present command; also a sufficient quantity of water.
Nothing of interest has transpired from the 26th ultimo up to this date except the reception of orders by telegraph, and since by special messenger, with reference to the landing of troops, &c.
I would most respectfully request that a surgeon be detailed for the command.
……….I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
A. J. SLEMMER, ……….
First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding Post.
Col. L. THOMAS,
……….Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters Army.
.
The original of this paper (following) is indorsed as follows:
“This paper was given me by Lieutenant Slemmer without names or dates. It relates to Fort Pickens, and is respectfully submitted.
“H. S. PUTNAM,……..
“Lieut. Top. Engineers.“Col. L. Thomas, Assistant Adjutant-General.”
..
I have eighty-two men, all told–forty-eight, Company G, First Artillery, and thirty-one ordinary seamen (of these, seventy-seven are for duty); two ordnance sergeants, and one hospital steward–not enough for the ordinary garrison duty in the present emergency. I have but two reliefs for duty. They mount guard every other day. All the casemate flank-defense guns are in good order and serviceable. In barbette I have on the land approach nearly all the guns mounted and available. I have now more guns shotted than with my command in case of an attack I could use. There are no preparations now which look to an attack on the fort that I am aware of. Scaling ladders were prepared some time since in the navy-yard, and are now ready for any emergency. Sand batteries were in progress of erection immediately opposite, but I think more to keep the volunteers employed than for effective service. The distance is too great for breaching batteries unless heavy and rifled cannon were used, of which they have none now available. Shells could, however, be thrown into the fort from these batteries. The fort can be attacked on all sides by storming parties landing from the other side in boats under cover of the night, and with a small force it would be almost impossible to prevent its being taken.
Under present orders the vessels of the Navy ordered here could, in case of an assault, render me little or no assistance, as before they could land their forces the fort would be taken.