HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA,
Fort Pickens, April 19, 1861.
Lieut. Col. E. D. KEYES, Secretary to the General-in-Chief Washington, D. C.:
COLONEL: I respectfully report for the consideration, and I hope for the approval, of the General-in-Chief the reasons inducing me to urge on Captain Meigs and Lieutenant Porter a delay in forcing an entrance into the harbor of Pensacola. Aware of the desire of the Government that a ship should be placed there, and knowing that I was opposing the wishes of Captain Meigs, nothing but a profound sense of its necessity would have induced interference on my part; but, believing if the actual state of this post at this time were known that no such instructions would have been given, I did not hesitate to express my views and wishes in the case.
As I have already reported to you, I found this post in the worst possible condition for hostilities—the batteries out of order; some of the largest and most important guns dismounted; the necessary traverses and other protections for the troops unprepared; the garrison deficient; the subsistence nearly exhausted; the ammunition (except powder) not sufficient in important articles for one day’s service; a total want of Engineer, Quartermaster, and Ordnance tools and implements, and the fort in a complete state of confusion, all requiring the labor of every man in it; the steamer Atlantic lying here with large supplies of indispensable stores, which can only—without extreme inconvenience, involving great time and labor—be landed within range of the guns of Fort McRee, and the vital importance of getting these stores ashore, rendered, in my judgment, delay in encountering hostilities of the utmost importance, and any act of ours provoking, or I may say assuredly and certainly causing it, to be premature and unwise.
Time with us is everything, and I can see but little injury accrue from delay. I cannot and will not see the flag of my country fired on without returning the fire, and I am desirous not to be placed in this category until I am able efficiently to defend myself and assail the enemy, which now I cannot do.
I desire that my remarks on the condition of the fort may not be considered as reflecting in the slightest degree on my predecessors in command. To Lieutenants Slemmer and Gilman too much praise cannot be awarded for their energy, zeal, and perseverance in keeping this post—a truly forlorn hope—and I trust they will receive the reward their gallantry merits. To Brevet Major Tower, of the Engineers, and Lieutenant Whittemore very great praise is due for associating themselves voluntarily with Slemmer in the day of his darkest hour, and for their efficiency in assisting the defense. Captain Vogdes had been in command but a few days, and had done everything during that time that his means permitted.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HARVEY BROWN,
Colonel, Commanding.
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[Inclosures.]
U. S. TROOP-SHIP ATLANTIC, OFF SANTA ROSA,
April 18, 1861—1 a.m.
Col. H. BROWN, Commanding Expedition:
DEAR SIR: It is so quiet to-night that I think it quite important to make use of the opportunity to land all the men possible, and as I find that the boats carry more than we expected, and one-half of Mr. Hildt’s company is already on shore, I have ventured to use some discretion and land the rest of his company with Major Hunt’s. This leaves only the battery to be landed to-morrow with their horses. We will request the fleet to cover the landing of the horses and battery, and you can send a company of infantry to their assistance should it appear that it is best to place them east of the fort. This can only be determined after a reconnaissance of the island.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. C. MEIGS,
Captain, U. S. Engineers.
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U. S. TROOP-SHIP, ATLANTIC, April 18, 1861.
Col. HARVEY BROWN, Commanding Department of Florida:
DEAR SIR: I advise you to call upon Captain Adams to send a sailing ship to Key West to order up the Crusader with two companies of infantry and such stores as they can spare. The Wyandotte from long service, without time for repairs, is liable to break down at any moment, and the Crusader will be very useful in her place. The zeal and energy of her commander in this cause, too, will tend much to your advantage. The three companies left at Fort Taylor will be able to hold that place against all opposers. When relieved the Wyandotte might go to Key West to report, but at present, at any risk, she must be kept here. Let the carpenters make wagon-bodies as soon as possible. We will, by the Wyandotte, send boats to the nearest landing-place. Captain Barry says his horses are strong enough to be used.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. C. MEIGS,
Captain of Engineers.
P. S.–I will bring mattresses for the carpenters from the boat. They should be encamped and kept in good humor. They are more valuable than soldiers just now.
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U. S. STEAMSHIP POWHATAN, OFF PENSACOLA,
April 18, 1861.
Col. H. BROWN, U. S. Army, Commanding Fort Pickens, Florida:
DEAR SIR: In looking carefully over the orders of the President in relation to my entering the harbor, I find them so imperative that they leave no margin for any contingency that may arise. Your letter to Captain Meigs, of the 13th, requesting me not to go in and draw the fire on you before you had time to prepare, is quite sufficient to satisfy me that any such course on my part would be very indiscreet, but, to satisfy the authorities in Washington, I would be obliged to you if you would address me a little more fully on the subject, and state as near as you can your actual condition, and the time required to make up deficiencies. If you think that in two days’ time you will be ready for me to make the attempt, please notify me, for after that time I shall have to run the gauntlet by moonlight, which would no doubt be a good time for an exhibition, but darkness would suit better for a piece of strategy. I know that I am here to give you aid and comfort, and keep any of the enemy from crossing over in boats on the inside, but while I will do all I call in the way of aid, I cannot do much in cutting off boats where I now am. Will you please make such suggestions as your good sense will dictate, and I will endeavor to follow them as near as I can.
I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID D. PORTER,
U. S. Navy