Letter
Unknown to First Lieut. A. J. SLEMMER, January 3, 1861
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, January 3, 1861.
First Lieut. A. J. SLEMMER, First Artillery, or Commanding Officer Barrancas Barracks, Fla. :
Srr: The General-in-Chief directs that you take measures to do the utmost in your power to prevent the seizure of either of the forts in Pensacola Harbor by surprise or assault, consulting first with the commander of the navy-yard, who will probably have received instructions to co-operate with you.
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Lieutenant-Colonel, A. D. C.
Cuar.1V.) REPORTS.
Immediately on its reception, accompanied by Lieutenant Gilman, I
ealled on Commodore Armstrong to consult with him. He had received
Cuar.1V.) REPORTS.
Immediately on its reception, accompanied by Lieutenant Gilman, I
ealled on Commodore Armstrong to consult with him. He had received
orders to co-operate with me. We decided that with our limited means
of defense we could hold but one fort, and thut should be Fort Pickens,
as it commanded completely the harbor and the forts, and also the
navy-yard, and, in case of necessity, could be more readily re-enforced
of defense we could hold but one fort, and thut should be Fort Pickens,
as it commanded completely the harbor and the forts, and also the
navy-yard, and, in case of necessity, could be more readily re-enforced
Editor's Notes
From: Operations on the Pacific Coast, Pt. 1. Location: Washington. Summary: The General-in-Chief orders First Lieutenant Slemmar to coordinate with the navy to prevent surprise seizure of Pensacola Harbor forts, prioritizing defense of Fort Pickens for strategic control.
Topics
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 50, Part 1
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