1st Lieutenant Adam J. Slemmer to Lieutenant-Colonel Lorenzo Thomas, March 18,1861

FORT PICKENS, FLA., March 18, 1861.

Lieut. Col. L. THOMAS, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army:

SIR: I have the honor to report that since my last report nothing has happened to disturb the peaceable relations existing between the United States forces and those opposing us. I have placed the fort in condition for defense as well as the means in my power would permit. The contractor has refused to furnish fresh beef, alleging that he is without funds for purchasing cattle. The United States is indebted to him for three months' supply.

If the intention of the Department is to place re-enforcements in the fort, I would recommend that subsistence stores be sent immediately.

On the morning of the 12th instant four negroes (runaways) came to the fort, entertaining the idea that we were placed here to protect them and grant them their freedom. I did what I could to teach them the contrary. In the afternoon I took them to Pensacola and delivered them to the city marshal, to be returned to their owners. That same night four more made their appearance. They were also turned over to the authorities next morning.

On the evening of the 12th I received this communication:

• Brigadier-General Braxton Bragg to Adam J. Slemmer, March 13, 1861

As I was absent at Pensacola delivering up the negroes, I did not see Captain Wood. I made the following answer, accompanying it with copies of the agreement entered into by Colonel Chase and the War Department, with copies of such other papers as would enable the general to understand our positions:

• 1st Lieutenant Adam J. Slemmer to Brigadier-General Braxton Bragg, March 13, 1861

To which I received the following reply:

• Brigadier-General Braxton Bragg to 1st Lieutenant Adam J. Slemmer, March 13, 1861

The battery which the general mentions has no reality, and I so requested his aid, Lieutenant Gaines, to inform him.

On the 15th I made the following answer:

• 1st Lieutenant Adam J. Slemmer to Brigadier-General Braxton Bragg, March 15, 1861

I sent yesterday by mail (via New Orleans) my monthly returns and muster rolls for February. I hope they will arrive safely. I was then not aware that Commander Adams would send a special messenger.

I would most respectfully call the attention of the commanding general to the fact that there is mention of a notification being given as to the termination of the agreement on either side.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

ADAM J. SLEMMER,    

First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 1 (Serial No. 1), p. 361-3; Don Carlos Seitz, Braxton Bragg, General of the Confederacy, p. 32

1st Lieutenant Adam J. Slemmer to Brigadier-General Braxton Bragg, March 13, 1861

FORT PICKENS, FLA., March 13, 1861. 

General BRAXTON BRAGG, Comdg. the forces, &c., near Pensacola, Fla.:

SIR: Your communication of this date reached this post during my absence. I have the honor to send you a copy of the agreement entered into between Colonel Chase, Senator Mallory, and the War and Navy Departments, with such other communications as may enable you to understand our relative positions. Please let me know as soon as convenient whether you will consider the agreement binding on your part or not. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ADAM J. SLEMMER,    

First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 1 (Serial No. 1), p. 362