The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-11-12

n
American Civil War more than
hundred million dollars ~ be-
Ing spent to rchabilitatc and maintain
tho old forts that guard the American
coast line.
This system OF for,iiications, which
stretches over tho 5,55s miles OF Amer
lean scacoast makes the United States
the most strongly fortified nation Ia tho
world. Some OF these old forts. about
which historical celebrations arc now
centring. have Witnessed many thrills
ing scenes. Wars come and go--but
these mighty guardians SIN lay like
sleeping earthquakes ready TO bclch
forth their 1900 pound projectiles, hurl-
ing them "a distance OF ten miles. with
velocity, upon leaving the muazle OF
400 feet per second.
There sinmbcrs to-day. down on the
coast OF Florida, one OF the most an
Gent of these old giants. II is exactly
NIFTY years ago since 1t was aroused
from it's peacefulncss when the arst
musket shot OF the Civil War was fred
from old Fort BHrrancas. There is but
one man known TO be still living who
witnessed that event, which was the
omen Of the greatest rratricidal war in
tho worlds history.
This weathcrbcatcn old fortress,
they were masters OF tho Gulf coast
more than two hundred years ago
stands on sandy cminence at the
mouth OF Pensacola Harbor. "Old
Hickory" Jackson. while on his march
OF conquest through Alabama and
louisiana. just 90 years ago next year.
stormed the ancient citadel and cap
tured IL for the United States.
1t remained dcsolste for many yeara
&c he q N IN,
stretch its limbs. old Barrancas again
became Inhabited. until to-day IL stands
like knight in It's million dollar
armor, challenging any foe that dare
nssail its flag.
First Mmsket Shot In the Great War
FIFTY Yenrs Ago.
The anniversary that Fort Barran-
cas- liz now observing. however, is quite
unusual even in the adventures OF these
old fighting citadels Barrancas has
flown three different hagH over It's ram
parts in It's fGhting career. II is ex-
actly nifty years ago that IT lowered the
Stars end Stripes. which had replaced
tho colors of spain. and unfurlcd the
new ensign OF the Confederacy.
1t was one midnight carly in 1861
Tho garrison of the United States army
holding Pensacola Nnrbor was startled
TO learn that state troops from Florida
and Alabama were organized to cap
ture the ancient Spanish fort and the
navy yard. The captain and the senior
first lieutenant of the fort were on
leave OF absence.
Behind the circular walls of old
Barrancas stood the Junior officer. Lieu
tcnant Slcmmer. with his eighty one
men--and upon him rested the respon-
Eib!l!ty. The guard on the ramparts
could see indistinct forms apprcachins
from the town AS they came nearer
he counted twenty men.
Who comes there?"
His hail rang out In the quiet South
crn evening. But tho nsures did not
answer. The guard raised his gun and
fred. Two days later, the 18th of jan
nary, the garrison withdrew to Fort
Pickcns to make its stand against in
vaston. and old Burrancas. with its sis
ter Fort McRec. costing moro than
100000. with it's lis guns, became the
proud posscssion OF the confederacy.
First DennMa ca- Surrender In the
Great War.
Fort Pickens stands across the har-
Dor on Santa Rosa Island, commanding
the entrance to Pensacola. 1t too, has
many tales to tell on this semi-ce
tennial 1t bears the distinction of
having been the scene of the first de-
mand for surrender In the Civil War.
Three times ii refused the demand and
held its colors throughout the four
years of war.
1t was here. fifty years ago. the 9th
of this October. that Wilson'S famous
Iouaves from New York lost sixty
seven volunteers in holding the island
against the Confederate troops who
lost ninety in their attempt.
The most famous of these old forts
and one that is now being visited by
thousands of travellers every month
is historic old Sumter. Old Sumter
looms In Charleston harbor like mons