June 28, 1861
Page 2
Interesting from Pensacola
[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT]
Pensacola, Wednesday night, June 26
Commodore Mervin visited Fort Pickens this morning in great ceremony. Salutes are now the order of the day.
The steamers Vanderbilt, Swan and Illinois are all in the immediate vicinity of Fort Pickens, unloading war implements, stores, etc. There has been no addition to the fleet within the last twenty-four hours. Yesterday evening at 6 o’clock there were thirteen vessels, of all classes, in view—several of them small steamers. The steamer Mississippi, with Commodore Mervin on board, and the Niagara, occupy their old positions.
A large number of troops have been landed on the Island from the recently arrived transports. A regiment of Zouaves are said to be among them.
Citizens are not permitted any longer to visit the Navy Yard, and news from below is scarce.
This evening Capt. Homer sent up his caisson wagons to convey the members of the “Ladies Military Aid Society” to the parade ground of the State Artillery, two miles below the city. And such laughing, talking, and enjoyment generally, was never before seen, as they went dashing through the streets with their waving banners. What would become of the war and the soldiers, if it wasn’t for the women? A Pensacola woman is a great institution.
P. S. The steamer Cahaba has just arrived from the eastward and anchored in the fleet. Her decks are, or seem to be, crowded with men. Verily, our neighborhood is getting thickly settled.
Another small man of war steamer has arrived outside.
[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]