Year: 1861

fr0m Pensacola IN an old SKIN, some TWO weeks ago


snce which time he has remained on the upper end o


tie island about eight miles dstsnt, living wborte


berres did not come into the Fort for fear Of bent


sent back TO Pensacola. He is a runaway lie lei


bis beloved master without pass that ia TO say


he seeded. But he came away empty-handed and


without stealing any of bis masters dimes, or old
clothes, or other cbates except himself as his con-
dtion abundantly testihes Had Floyd or Davis been
"boIn in thatar station Of life that s If they were
niggers in servitudebefore making their escape they
would have contrivsd, doubtless to add larceny and
Heacbey, and perhaps murder and rape to the crime
OF desertion. This negro, however satisfied with
merely "resumiDg" the rights and powers over bis
own person, heretofore delegated to Mr. Pilot Nixon.
From conversation with bim gather what had pre-
viousy learned from reliable sources that there are
large numbers of slaves in and about Pensacola,
anxousIy awaiting their opportunity to escape from
bondage. They are closely watched, however, and
can scarcely 20 ten steps in any direction without
"pass." The numerous sentineIs ranging along the
beach, from Pensacola TO Fort McCrea thus posted
much 10 head of runaways from the peculiar nsti-
tuition as TO guard against attack from the United States
troops Thus far the negroes in this vicinity have
de no systematic efforts for their freedom because
the passage is not clearly opened before them. They
doubt the reception they will meet at this post, and
have lively sense Of the consequences of being
sent back 10 their owners. But the stampede Will
commence sooner or later, and il Is a wise prophet
that can tell US the end thereof. The problem is
surely working toward It's solution. The bile
which has afflicted our country during past genera
tons is coming to head ut last. We are get
hut


the love Of liberty is irrepressble and to all
humanity. In Missouri in Virginia, and here in PEN
sacola, wherever the " conflict becomes practical
instead Of theoretical the inevitable tendency of the
black man TO escape the servude which oppresses him


10 manifested. Heretofore it was latent, and partially
expressed. The negro, seeing no exodus from the
house Of bondage, has made effort for freedom.
And have heard accordingly, of that beautiful re-


adonship between master and servant inducing on
the side paterna care, support, and protection
and developing esteem and veneration the other
thus binding the slave 20 his master more closely and


nseparably than chains audrivets can DO it, believe


in the paternity Of the relationship to certain degree
The tie Of coasaHgutnity ought TO be strong one
but it exists not between the oPpressor and the op
pressed. Every word that ia uttered regarding the


love Of the negro for the man who claims TO own him
is the nerest boeh He is human and personal
Liberty is the highest aspiration Of every human being
lie may fear but he will also hate, whatever stands
between him and bis coveted boon. His degradation
il deep his ignorance unqualified, and bis doom in all
respec u dafk one. But et ray of light dawn upon
his clouded intellect let the weight which keeps him
down be ghtened the buoyancy Of hope, and be will
quickly rice to the surface and sock to escape not
from s low snd subordinate condition, which ia nor
ual, but from unmitigated oppression. Show him an
outlets, and he will speedily fill it. The lie of aee


ton which binds the slave to bis master is rope of
sand. lie has been kept in place by stern and


enting force--by physical power against which it
WIS utterly hopeless to struggle. And the great North
has in years past constituted the main element of that
power She might have continued for years to come
perhaps forever only the South has discarded her only
support, and Kicked away the very prop upon which
her lettering institutions rested We are already be-
ginning perceive and realize the inevitable result.
The slaves unchecked and unawel BY the Federal
arm, piH emaHepate themselves. For the love of hui
manity let hope they have not learned too well the
Lesson of cruelty and intolerance. il will be fearful
spectacle but no matter for surprise if the millions Of
degraded and brutazed Africans in the South having
once thrown off their shackes rise up in the majesty





the proud and naughty which placed the heel
their neeks, and has added year after year to its
crushing weight


An important addition is about to be made TO the
maueut of Fort Pckeus consisting of eight 42pouuder
ried guns. They arrived by three days since,
and are now landed on the beach. A few days more,
and they will be in position constituting our most
powerful batteries and capable of great effect in bat
tering down the Notifications of the enemy.


Concerning Gen. Braggs intention, but little is
known on this side Of the channel. His dispositions


atterly have been conducted with les of ostenaton
and more Of secrecy than heretofore; and we are
therefore left in the dark in regard 10 his plan foper
ations IL is quite certain that be intended to begin
the bombardment the latter part of last month. To
that end the effort was made believe on the night Of
the Odd to float the dry-doek from the Navy
Yard TO tue narrow part Of the channel
opposite McCrea, and there sink it, II being
considered absolutely necessary 10 close the channel
against our war vessels before opening bost ites
Foruuatey or otherwise, as the case may be, they
succeeded only in getting the dock out into the bay and
then compelled to sink it partially, TO prevent its
being driven by u strong north wind against our own
shore 1t is undoubtedly owing to this circumstance that
hostiitie were not commenced.


1t BE- hoped our troops are not to be kept bere
awaiting Gen. Braggs pleasure. We are
doubtless well prepared for active measures now as
we ever shall be. Are we, then to wait week after
week for the encmyto multiply offensive works around
us, TO gather all his strength about him, and finally
select bis own time for opening, as well rs his own
manner Of conducting hostites against usi Its true
the commander of Fort Pickens has been ordered to act
10 aafo Ruf thafy wa riy reQ
months ago, before the bombardmept Of Fort SHUTTER,
when dun hope was felt or iegned of adjusting our
difficulties mcsby. Since that, marvellous revolu-