April 11, 1861; The New York Herald
The News From Washington.
WASHINGTON, April 10, 1861. Official advices from Lieutenant Slemmer confirm what I telegraphed you some ten days since upon the authority of a Cabinet officer. The Brooklyn was ordered to leave her troops at Fort Pickens, but did not land them, owing to the refusal of the commander to receive them. His reasons for this act were not disclosed to the War Department until a few days ago. They were, simply, that his supply of provisions was inadequate to the maintenance of the proposed increase of his command. The administration was greatly puzzled, in determining upon a line of action in regard to Fort Pickens, by this seemingly inexplicable movement of Lieutenant Slemmer. But, the mystery being solved, no time was lost in providing for his necessities. There can be no doubt that several of the transports which have sailed from New York since Saturday are bound for Pensacola bay, and that orders have been sent, not only to throw provisions, but also men, into the fort.
Lieutenant Slemmer’s despatches also corroborate my previous statement in reference to the relative danger in which Fort Pickens has been placed by its investment with Confederate troops. A communication can be readily effected with it by men of war, and even without reinforcements it would be in a condition to withstand a protracted siege.