Benson J. Lossing, Pictorial Field Book of the Civil War. Volume 1.

[171] the Wyandot must be a passive spectator! She might as well have been on the south side of Cuba, if these instructions had been obeyed.

Slemmer was now left to his own resources. He was in one of the strongest forts on the Gulf coast, but his garrison consisted of only eighty one souls, officers and men. There were fifty-four guns in position and fit for service, and five months provisions. The casemate guns, of which there were fourteen in order, were 32-pounders. Beside these there were seven 12-pounders; one 8-inch sea-coast howitzer; one 10-inch columbiad; six field-pieces; and twenty-five 24-pound howitzers for flank defense. The garrison labored unceasingly in putting every thing in working order, doing guard duty, &c., for an attack was hourly expected.

On the 12th,

January, 1861.

Captain Randolph, Major Marks, and Lieutenant Rutledge, all in military dress, presented themselves at the gate of Fort Pickens, and demanded admittance as citizens of Florida and Alabama. They were not permitted to enter, but were allowed an interview at the gate with Lieutenant Slemmer. “We have been sent,” they said, “to demand a peaceable surrender of this fort, by the Governors of Florida and Alabama.” Slemmer immediately replied:--“I am here under the orders of the President of the United States, and by direction of the General-in-chief of the Army; and I recognize no right of any governor to demand a surrender of United States property. My orders are distinct and explicit.” The intruders immediately withdrew, and Slemmer prepared for an attack that night, which was dark and stormy. All night long sentinels were posted beyond the glacis,¹ and the men stood at their guns.

On the 15th,

January.

Colonel William H. Chase, of Massachusetts, formerly of the United States Army, but now in command of all of the insurgent troops in Florida, accompanied by Farrand, of the Navy, who had just abandoned his flag, asked for an interview with Slemmer. It was granted. Chase informed him that he had full power from the Chief Magistrate of Florida to take possession of the fort, and he desired to do so without bloodshed. “You can contribute toward this desirable result,” he said, “and, in my judgment, without the sacrifice of the honor of yourself or your gallant officers and men.” He said he came to demand a surrender of the fort, which was to be held subject to any agreement that might be entered into between the Commissioners of the State (Senators Mallory and Yulee, then in their official seats at Washington) and the National Government. “I would not counsel you to do aught that was dishonorable,” said the tempter. “On the contrary, to do that which will secure for you the commendation of all Christian gentlemen.” He entreated him not to be guilty of allowing fraternal blood to flow. “Listen to me then,” he continued, “I beg of you, and act with me in preventing the shedding of the blood of your brethren.” He promised Slemmer and his garrison comfortable quarters at Barrancas, if he would only prove unfaithful to his trust; and, in conclusion, he said:--“Consider this well, and take care that you will so act as to have no fearful recollections of a tragedy ”