W. M. H. Chase to A. J. Suemer, January 26, 1861

Lieut. A. J. Suemer, U. S. Army, Commanding Fort Pickens: i

Sm: Ihave given strict orders this morning that no citizen or soldier should be permitted to pass from this side towards Fort Pickens, or to land on Santa Rosa Island, and I now inform you of the fact, and also that I shall use every effort to have my orders executed. JI have just been informed that some four or five men started on @ fishing excursion on the island, and as they must have been ignorant of my orders just issued, I would request that if they have landed on the island they may be sent back.

Any collision growing out of persons going over to the island or near Fort Pickens would be most unfortunate in the present state of affairs, and I would request you to join me in preventing it; and to this effect I would also request that persons in boats may be warned off, and if any should land, they should be ordered to re-embark. This should be done in a way to prevent angry feelings between the parties.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,