H. A. Adams to A. J. Sluemmer, April 11, 1861

Lieut. A. J. SLUEMMER, Commanding Fort Pickens, Fla.:

Sir: You have stated in your communication to me of the 10th instant, that from information received through private hands you have reason to believe that the safety of the fort depends on its immediate re-enforcement. Will you be pleased to lay this informationin full beforeme? So many unfounded rumors have been in circulation to this same effect that it is necessary to be cautious, and my orders are positive not to land re-enforcements unless the fort is actually attacked or preparations are making to attack it. Should vour information be such as to justify it, I will have re-enforcements landed as soon as practicable when the state of the sea will admit of boats landing outside the harbor and at night, as you recommend.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,