January 28, 1861, The Charleston Mercury
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., January 19, 1861. The Facts of the Seizure of the Florida Forts.
In your paper of the 7th instant (which I have just seen) appears, in a letter to Messrs. W.M. LAWTON & Co., from their Fernandina correspondent, the following: “A order came from the Governor this afternoon, and the Everglade will leave here at midnight for St. Augustine, to have the forts there taken and bring us some guns, etc. We have since learned that the detachment of Fernandina Volunteers has executed promptly the wise order of Governor PERRY.” For the credit of the Ancient City, I beg you will allow me to correct this statement. Governor PERRY, on the 4th instant, appointed Mr. GEORGE C. GRASS, of this place, an aid de Camp, with orders to proceed to St. Augustine, seize the forts, arsenal, etc., and, if necessary, to call to his assistance such additional aid as might be necessary. On the 7th instant, this order was promptly executed by St. Augustine troops alone, and the Fernandina Volunteers had no more to do with it than they had with the capture of Fort Moultrie, in Charleston. Marion, which is the only fort at this place, is (as also the arsenal), in possession of the State, and is garrisoned by Capt. J. L. PHILLIP’s Light Infantry, and by Capt. G. C. GIBBS’ Artillery Company. The latter is occupied in mounting 32 pounders and 8 inch howitzers. An unarmed detachment of Fernandina volunteers reached here per Everglade on Sunday, 6th inst., with an order for guns, &c., and after getting them on board, went to sea again on the 12th. This alone was the object of their visit. They were not even present when Major GIBBS demanded and received possession, nor were their services required, though had they been, they would have been promptly rendered. As there was no garrison to overcome, aid was not asked for. On the 12th inst., intelligence of the secession of this State was received here. A beautiful flag, the work of the ladies of St. Augustine, was hoisted, and salutes fired by detachments from the Jacksonville Infantry, Capt. STEELE (here for arms), the St. Augustine Blues, Capt. PHILLIPS, and the Marion Artillery, Capt. GIBBS, while all the church bells rang a joyful peal. Under Spanish and under English rule, this old Fort has taken many a hard knock and may take many more; but never yet has its colors been lowered to an enemy, and please God they never will be.
C.