Harvey Brown to Maj. W. H. Frrench, April 13, 1861
April 13, 1861. Bvt. Maj. W. H. FrRENcH, Commanding Fort Taylor, Key West:
Sm: You will use the forces of your command, if need be, for the protection of the officers and citizens of the United States on this island in the discharge of their public duties, and the pursuit of their legitimate private occupations. You will not permit on the island any person to exercise any ofiice or authority inconsistent with the laws and Constitution of the United States, and will, if necessary, prevent any such exercise by force of arms. If unhappily rebellion or insurrection should actually exist at any time, you will then publish a proclamation, with which you will be furnished, suspending the writ of habeas corpus, and will immediately remove from the island all dangerous or suspected persons. You will before publishing this proclamation take the advice of the United States judge and attorney on its necessity and expediency re legality has been determined by higher authority), and receive with
eference their opinion, giving them that consideration and w eight to which their patriotism and legal knowledge entitle them. In exercising the authority here vested in you the greatest conciliation and torbearance must be observed, that while the duty be rigidly performed it may always be done in a spirit of conciliation and kindness.
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"Colonel, Commanding.
U. S. FRIGATE SABINE,. Off Pensacola, April 14, 1361.
Ste: I have the henge to inform you that immediately on the receipt
re-enforce Tort Pickens. It was successfully performed, on the same
night, by landing the troops under Captain Vogdes, and the marines of
the squadron under Lieutenant [John C.} Cash. No opposition was made,