On the 15th Colonel Chase, commanding the forces of Florida, accompanied by Commander Farrand, late of the U.S. Navy, asked for a consultation, at which Colonel Chase read me the following letter:

Lieut. A. J. SLEMMER,
U.S. Army, Commanding Fort Pickens, Harbor of Pensacola:

SIR: I have full powers from the governor of Florida to take possession of the forts and navy-yard, &c., &c., in this harbor. I desire to perform this duty without the effusion of blood. You can contribute toward this desirable result, and, in my judgment, without sacrifice of the honor of yourself or your gallant officers and men. Now, as commissioner on the part of the governor of the State of Florida, I request the surrender of Fort Pickens and the public property it contains into my hands, to be held subject to any agreement that may be entered into between the commissioners of the State of Florida and the Federal Government at Washington. I would not counsel you to do aught that was dishonorable; On the contrary, to do that which will secure for you the commendation of all Christian gentlemen; and if you refuse and hold out, for whom do you consent that blood shall flow--the blood of brethren? Certainly not for the deadly enemies to the assaulters, for they are not such, but brethren of the same race. If the Union now broken should be reconstructed Fort Pickens and all the public property passes peacefully under Federal authority. If a Southern Confederacy separates itself from the Union would it not be worse than folly to attempt the maintenance of Fort Pickens or any other fortified place within its limits!

Listen to me, then, I beg of you, and act with me in preventing the shedding the blood of your brethren. Surrender the fort. You and your command may reoccupy the barracks and quarters at Barrancas on your simple parole to remain there quietly until ordered away, or to resume the command of the harbor should an adjustment of present difficulties in the Union be arrived at.

All the baggage and private property of any kind belonging to yourself, officers, men, and their families shall be preserved to you. Consider this well, and take care that you will so act as to have no fearful recollections of a tragedy that you might have averted, but rather to make the present moment one of the most glorious, because christianlike, of your life.

I beg of you to receive this communication in the same spirit in which it is offered.

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

                                                                    WM. H. CHASE.

I asked, "How many men have you?" The colonel answered, "Tonight I shall have between eight and nine hundred." I then said that I would consider his letter, and would give my answer the next morning.  [deletion]

The next morning I saw with surprise both vessels under way going out of the harbor. I immediately sent a boat with Lieutenant Gilman to learn the cause of the movement. Captain Walke desired Lieutenant Gilman to go on board the Wyandotte---that he would join him there. On Lieutenant Gilman's representations Captain Walke ordered the Wyandotte to stay and render us assistance, and take us off if necessary on being overcome by a superior force. The following letter was then sent to Colonel Chase at the navy-yard:

Pensacola Harbor, January 16, 1861.

Col. W. H. Chase, Commissioner for the State of Florida:

SIR: Under the orders we now have from the War Department, we have decided, after consultation with the Government officers in the harbor, that it is our duty to hold our position until such a force is brought against us as to render it impossible to defend it, or until the political condition of the country is such as to induce us to surrender the public property in our keeping to such authorities as may be delegated legally to receive it.

We deprecate as much as you or any individual can the present condition of affairs, or the shedding of the blood of our brethren. In regard to this matter, however, we must consider you the aggressors, and if blood is shed that you are responsible therefor.

By order of A. J. Slemmer, first lieutenant, First Artillery, commanding:

                                    J. H. GILMAN,

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 On the 18th the steamer Wyandotte came again in sight. Received another letter from Colonel Chase, of which the following is a copy:

January 18, 1861.

Lieut. A. J. SLEMMER,
            U. S. Army, Commanding Fort Pickens, Pensacola Harbor, Fla.:

SIR: With additional re-enforcements to my forces, arrived and expected, I would again request the surrender of Fort Pickens, referring you to my first letter on the subject, and offering the same terms as contained therein.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                        W. H. CHASE,

Colonel, Commanding Forces of Florida.

Which was answered as follows:

January 18, 1861.

Col. W. H. CHASE, Commanding Forces of Florida, &c. :

SIR: Before I can answer your communication of this date, it is necessary that I communicate with Captain Berryman, of the U.S. steamer Wyandotte, co-operating with me. The result of such conference I will make known to you to-morrow morning.

By order of Lieut. A. J. Slemmer, First Artillery, commanding Fort Pickens:

                                        J. H. GILMAN,

Second Lieutenant, First Artillery, Act. Adjt. of Post.

Col. W. H. CHASE, Commanding the Forces of Florida, &c.:

SIR: In reply to your communication of yesterday I have the honor to state that as yet I know of no reason why my answer to your communication of the 16th should be changed, and I therefore very respectfully refer you to that reply for the answer to this.

By order of First Lieut. A. J. Slemmer, First Artillery, commanding Fort Pickens:

                                        J. H. GILMAN,