New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-06-01
ADDITIONAL WAR NEWS.
LIEUT.. SLEMMER AND FORT PICKEN

stationed at BarrGncas Barracks ia the Bay OF feNsa-
cola n command of about 80 men belonging TO the ,S'
Regiment of regular artillery. lie was assisted I'D 'ne
discharge of his duties by jeremiah H. Gilman, ha-
tive Of Maine who Second Lieutenant OF the same
regiment That htle handful of men have thus lar |
played conspicuous part in our national drama, their
incorruptibe bravery having secured to the United
States Government that important post Fort PckeDs.
Their men having been worn ont by arduous labSrs,
md the fort having ben Reinforced these trueheaed
soldiers have been home TO recuperate their ener-
eies Lieut. Semmer and bis command, numbering 81
nen in all arrived here few days since and were i'm
sediately ordered Fort Hamilton, where they are
ii present. During brief conversation yesterday
with several Of these returned soldiers we learned the
oowiDg facts in relation to the early conduct OF affairs
q: Fort Pickens:
Early in January, rumors reached Fort Bsrancas to
the effect that movement was ON foot among the
Rebels of Florida which had for its object the seizure
Of the forts and public property in Pensacola harbor
Lieut. Semmer resolved to do all in bis power TO pro-
sec. the property under his care, but he had then re-
ceived no definite instructions from Washington. On
the 9TH of January he proceeded to the Pensacola
Nsvy-Yad then in charge of Com. Armstrong, for the
purpose of consulting with that officer in reference to
the best means to be employed in protecting the Gov
snment property at Pensacola. This property COM
psised the Pensacola Eavy-Yard, Fort Pickens Fort
barrancas, Fort McKee, naval hospital, and light
house.
Commodore Armstrong, after due elaboration, de-
cided that ua much a. be had received instructions
from Wsshm. on, he could not cooperate with The
army but would endeavor 70 take care OF the Navy
Yard. Lieut. Slemmer Immediately returned TO Bar
ssncss and commenced fortfyng that post determined
% hold out as long as possible. The powder, which
was deposited in an exposed position, was removed to
safe quarters the work of planting cannon was COM
Deneed and every precauuon taken against surprise
On the night Of the Sth Of January the guard dscov-
cred some men prowng about the fort and fired upon
them. The next day orders were received from Gen.
Ecos directing Lieut.. Senmer and Commodore Arm
strong TO defend their positions. Lieut.. Semmer I'M
nediately had another conference with Commodore
Armstrong when they agreed TO fortify themselves IN
Fort Pickens that being the most commanding poston.
Commodore Armstrong promised all the assistance in
his power offering an armed steamer to convey the
txoops from Barrancas to Pickeps and offering supply
Of provisions When this assistance was needed it was
not forthcoming; on the contrary, Lieut. Slemmer was
forced 70 90 second time for it, and then obtained
only portion Of that which be had been led to expect
Instead of teing protected by armed steamer his
men were conveyed Pickens in supply ship, which
could easily have been captured by the rebels. The
troops we're subjected to many Inconvenience, and
seriously exposed, in consequence OF Commodore Arm
vrongs non-fulfllment of bis promises.
Before leaving Barrancas Lieut.. Semmer spiked all
she guns commanding Fort Pckens and the harbor.
On arriving at Pickens, the soldiers Immediately COM
uenoed repairing the fort aud replacing the guns 1t
kad rot been occupied since the Mexican war; and was
very much dilapidated. Commodore Armstrong had
prouised Lieut. Slemmer that the war-steamer Wyan-
ns should cooperate with him in repeng any attack
OF pickels and also offered TO send over number Of
men. 1t subsequently appeared that Capt Bergman
of che Wyandot,e had orders from Commodore Arm
.sroog 10 cooperate with Lieut.. Semmer, but not to
Gre a pun unless his vessel attacked The thirty
c.A;nsrv seamen furnished from the Navy Yard were
lv obtained after much importantly on the part Of
Lieut.. Senmer.
On the Eth Of January the Lieutenant learned acci-
asnsay that the Navy Yard was besieged, but had no
afcia notice of it. lie immediately dispatched meg
songer to Com. Armstrong, begging him, In case be
nemplated capituiation, to send awarningo Pickens
No reply to this was vouchsafed Shortly after the
,e.zrn of the messenger, the United States flag was
hsuled down from the Navy Yard. The Wyandotte
-as Supply then out of the hsrbor, and came to
anchor at distance Of five miles thus leaving the few
in Pickens almor entirely at the mercy of the
Il lls who had overcome Com. Armstrong. Some
Sy Lieut.. Semmer, but it wholly insufficient, and
his men were worn out with the fatigue consequent
sfoD the handling Of the heavy guns and doing inces
SAINT guard duty.
The same night that the Navy was surrender
,scd three men came to Pickens and demanded admt-
s';Ssce citizens Of Florida aid Alabama. They were
seaed whereupon they asL ed 10 the commanding
officer. Lieute. Slemmer and Gilman went 20
meet them. when Mr.. Albert Engineer Of the Navy.
Yard introduced the str1ngers Capt Randolph
Major Marks, and Lieut. RutIedge. Capt. Randolph
Immediately demanded in the nsInes Of the Gov.
ernors Of Florida and Alabama the Peaceable sur.
render of Fort Pickeps. Lieut.. Slemmer replied that
he did not recognize the authority Of the Governors
mentioned particularly be bad other instructions
from the President Of the United States and Lieut.
Gen Scott. TbereupOn the Rebels Withdrew threaten
Ing All immediate attack. Tie uen ia Pickens slept
little that night, every being stationed at gun,
end all anxiousy expecting the opening OF the siege.
Every day The Fort being rendered more enable,
the men and their officers working oheenuily day and
night and undergoing all Of hardshipe. On the
might of the 18th ten Rebels accommodating
Tire For, and fired upon ty the guard. They
took 10 their heels Immediately and were not eeeI
agar,
On the 18th Lieut.. Sion waited upon BY
Col. w. III. Chase, who represented himself as com
ns2ndjDg toe Florida forces in the EavyYsrd, num-
bering 900 men, BY order Of the Governor be banded
the Lieutenant letter demanding tie surrender OF the
fort and Inporing him TO avoid boodshed. lie repre-
sented TIA. Il would be manly Christian, and honor