Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-04-11
Affairs In Florida.

The Pensacola correspondent of the N. Y.
Tribune writes from the U. S. steamer Brook
lyn, of Pensacola bar, April I'd:
can assure you our condition has been de-
plorabie enough for some time past. At one
period, we were almost reduced to the point of
starvation, so successfully had the edict of
Gen Braxton Bragg, forbidding all communi-
cation with United States vessels, been carried
out. As We were thus necessitated to procure
the necessities of life elsewhere, we cup
anchor" on the 22d ult., and steamed direct
to Key West, at which place we arrived in ex-
quiet, but as we run into the harbor, the hot
headed rebels that observed us busted them
selves in hosting secession flags, and rs they
were tauntingly flung to the breeze, accompa-
MED the act with shouts Of derisiOn.
Their contemplate actions did not receive
the least notice from us; as our mission was
not hostile one, quietly communica ated
with the shore, and in an incredible short
period OF time, had made purchases of such
articles of daily consumption as ii was actually
necessary for us to have.
1t was a subject of much merriment to us to
become acquainted with the fact that imme-
diately upon the secessionists, or those inter
ested in the raising Of the flags, becoming ap-
prised of our partial dealings, in the purchas
Ing OF our provisions, they became pocket
stricken to such an extent, that ere the next
morning orders had been issued to lower the
rebel ensigns, with what little effect they soon
became aware: 1t did them no good, however,
rs under the circumstances he would not have
expended a single dollar with them
1t is rumOred on shore that reinforcements
to the number Of 5000 men are en- route for
Pensacola. The force stationed there at present
amount to L 500 men. Well, "the more the
merrier." as that curse of every southern eli
mate, "Yellow Jack" will soon be upon them,
unless L am wofully mistaken, to lessen their
numbers and thin their ranks. Already tho
weather is becoming extremely warm, and as
L write the perspiration is rolling down my
cheeks.
What assured you in former communica-
tion, viz: that the secession soldiers here are
nothing more than drunken rabble-a terror
to the whole neighbOring country, has been
verified In manner that leaves not the least
doubt In my mind that some of the so-called
soldiers are eminentiy more fit to grace the
inside of penitontiary, than the ranks of an
army
Lieut.. Gilman arrived few days since, in
surveying schooner, with dispatches for the
ships and Lieutenant Commanding Slcmmer of
Fort Pickens. He also brought money to pay
the men at the fort, and to settle the beef and
bread bills OF the contractors.
The Warrington Light Infantry have re-
moved from their quarters at the north gate,
to the Redoubt, where they are stationed in
charge Of the magazine
Immediately after our arrival at our old
anchorage ground, off Fort Pickens, we received
the 81 troops, which at the time of our leaving
Tor Key West We transferred to the frigate Sa.
bine. This was the "unkindest cut of all. - ms
we had ardently hoped, and even prayed, that
instead OF this action on our part, we could
land them, or rather hand them over to Lieut..
Slemmer of Fort Pickens. Such orders, if they
are ever to be received, trust will speedily
come, as the insurgents are working night and
day like beavers, fortifying their positions,
er our worthy Government holds back. the
worse 1t will be for all parties, and the greater
the destruction when the climax is attained.