HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA,
Key West, April 13, 1861.
Lieut. Col. E. D. KEYES,
Secretary to the General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C.:
COLONEL: We arrived at this place this afternoon. Captain Meigs and I have had an interview with Judge Marvin which has been entirely satisfactory. He, though anxious to leave the place, will remain, having now the assurance of support from the military authority. I have found great industry, intelligence, and enterprise in putting forward the works at the fort, and consider it quite secure against any force that can at this time be brought against it. Brevet Major French, the commanding officer, has been untiring in his labors, assisted ably by Captain Hunt, of the Engineers, and the officers of the garrison. He and all his officers are, I am happy to say, entirely devoted to the Union and the country, under any and all contingencies. I have issued General Orders in relation to the posts, copies of which will be forwarded by the first opportunity. Finding here some 10-inch mortars, I have taken three of them with the necessary ammunition, and also, there being here two 6-pounder field batteries, I have directed one of them to be put on board the Atlantic.
We sail this evening for Fort Jefferson, where we go to get a flat, some boats, and other indispensable articles.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HARVEY BROWN,
Colonel, Commanding.
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Key West, April 13, 1861.
GENERAL ORDERS
NO. 1.
In obedience to the instructions of the General-in-Chief, approved by the President of the United States, creating the Department of Florida, and assigning it to the undersigned, he hereby assumes the command of the same.
The department comprises the State of Florida and the contiguous islands in the Gulf.
The headquarters of the department will hereafter be announced. The following-named officers compose the staff of the department, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly:
Bvt. Capt. G. L. Hartsuff, assistant adjutant-general. Capt. R. Ingalls, assistant quartermaster.
Capt. H. F. Clarke, assistant commissary of subsistence.
Dr. John Campbell, assistant surgeon. Capt. M. C. Meigs, chief engineer.
First Lieut. G. T. Balch, ordnance officer.
HARVEY BROWN,
Brevet Colonel, Commanding.