For a long time, Fort Pickens, on the island of Santa Rosa, at
the entrance to the harbor, was occupied only by a small body of Federal
soldiers and marines--less than one hundred, all told. Immediately
opposite, and in possession of the other two forts and the adjacent
navy-yard, was a strong force of volunteer troops of Florida and Alabama
(which might, on short notice, have been largely increased), ready and
anxious to attack and take possession of Fort Pickens. That they could
have done so is unquestionable, and, if mere considerations of military
advantage had been consulted, it would surely have been done. But the
love of peace and the purpose to preserve it, together with a revulsion
from the thought of engaging in fraternal strife, were more potent than
considerations of probable interest. During the anxious period of
uncertainty and apprehension which ensued, the efforts of the Southern
Senators in Washington were employed to dissuade (they could not
_command_) from any aggressive movement, however justifiable, that might
lead to collision. These efforts were exerted through written and
telegraphic communications to the Governors of Alabama and Florida, the
Commander of the Southern troops, and other influential persons near the
scene of operations. The records of the telegraph-office, if preserved,
will no doubt show this to be a very moderate statement of those
efforts. It is believed that by such influence alone a collision was
averted; and it is certain that its exercise gave great dissatisfaction
at the time to some of the ardent advocates of more active measures.
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