The Nevada Democrat., 1861-05-30
How Fort plckens & sltuated.

The subjoned descriptions are taken from
a letter in the Mobile Mercury:
Pensacola is now TO become the grand
theater of the struggle, and the focal point
OF national interest. Warrington navy yard
is about eight miles from Pensacola. 1t IA
about two miles from Fort Pickens, which
is on the southern point of Santa Rosa
Island. This Island which Is about ,orty
miles long, and an average of mile wide.
divides the waters of the gulf from those OF
the Bay. The entrance is about mile wide.
1t lies between the south end of Santa Rosa
Island, on which stands Fort Pickens, and
a landspit Of the main land, just opposite.
on which stands Fort McRea. Fort Pickens
is five hundred yards from the end of the
island, and Fort McRea is so near the water
that its base is washed by every wave that
breaks upon the beach. Pickens and McRea
are 1000 yards apart. The main land op-
posite Fort Pckens Is semicircular in form.
the navy yard forming the northern point
aud Fort McRea the southern point The
space between Is occupied by the village OF
Warrington, which extends parallel to the
beach for mile.
Next comes the Marine Hospital next
Barrancas Barracks next Fort San Carlos
last Fort McRea. The further point Of any
part of this semi-circle is not exceeding two
miles from Fort Pickens. One Thousand
yards in the rear of Fort Barrancas stands
Barrancas Redoubt. These are all the
points IN the field of operations which have
local designation and name.
The navy yard is occupied only By Capt.
Lees company OF Georgians from Atlanta
1t has ITO men. Sixty-eight of them being
machinists, 1t has been converted into
company 0fsappers and miners. The south
end Of Warrington-the Barrancas Bar
racks. Fort BARRACKS. and Barrancas Re.
doubt-are occupied by the Alabamians.
Barrancas Redoubt. the most important Of
all these positions, is occupied by the Red
Eagles, under Capt. Ben. Lane Posey, who
is commandant of the Redoubt. The space
between the Redoubt aud Barrancas Bar.
racks is occupied by the Georgians. Tho
Mississippi Brigade is posted between Fort
Barraucas and Fort McRea, Immediately
in the rear of the lighthouse
Our main reliance for offensive opera
tons is upon the small batteries along the
beach. There are three Of these in the ma.
Wy yard, mounting about four 32's each.
! There is another battery--an admirable
One-at the south end OF Warrington. It Is
just opposite the main gate ofFort Pickens
which is distinctly visible from It. This
battery will knock down the gate. Tho
best battery Of all Is one of three ten-inch
Columbiads, between Fort Barrancas and
the Lighthouse. The next hest Is battery
Of four eght-nch Columbiads, inst below
the Lighthouse. These bear on the south
side of Fort Pickens. which is mere brick
wall only four feet thick. This part Of the
Fort was never finished. Columbiads will
soon demolish II. That will be very well, but
then comes the tug of war. It will be tan
imminent deadly breach" indeed, to rush
into, and hecatombs Of men will perish in il.
The feet usually lies about Elk miles
from Fort McRea. It has lately taken
nearer position, in line of battle to rake
with its broadsides the island approaches to
Fort McRea.