$2 Florida Keys Sea Heritage Journal

VOL. 17 NO. 3 SPRING 2007 USS SHARK

OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Lt. Perry and the US Schooner Shark in Pirate Waters By John Viele Copyright 2007 The young naval lieutenant who took formal possession of the island of Key West for the United States on March 25, 1822 went on to become one of the most distinguished naval officers of his time. His full name was Matthew Calbraith Perry and, at the time, he was actually a Lieutenant Commandant (equivalent to a Lieutenant Commander in today’s Navy). He commanded the U.S. Schooner Shark attached to the Squadron, better known as the Antipiracy Squadron Born in 1794, in Newport, Rhode Island, Perry was one of six naval officers all from the same family. His father, Captain Christopher Perry, served in privateers and Continental Navy ships during the Revolutionary War and the Quasi War with France. His older brother, Lt. Matthew Perry. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, commanded the squadron that as a midshipman. After a brief frigate. Shortly before the end of defeated the British in the Battle of period of training aboard a receiving the war, he married. Appointed Lake Erie during the War of 1812. ship, Perry reported aboard the U.S. First Lieutenant of a Navy brig, he Three other brothers were naval Schooner Revenge commanded by made a cruise to the Mediterranean, officers. One commanded a ship at his brother, Oliver Hazard Perry. but arrived too late to take part in the Battle of Plattsburg; the other During the War of 1812, he served the war against the Dey of Algiers. two brothers died while still in the aboard the frigates President and During a four-year peacetime naval service. United States and was slightly furlough, he commanded his father- In 1809, when Perry was fifteen, wounded by an exploding gun his father arranged his appointment while his ship was chasing a British (Continued on page 12) SOCIETY NEWS AND NOTES By Tom & Lynda Hambright In the Florida Keys Sea Heritage Lake Okeechobee, and from thence Journal of Fall 2004 we printed to the Caloosahatchie River and information on the fish kill of 1878 down to the Gulf. We believe it can at Fort Jefferson. Since then we be accomplished. Will some of our have found he following articles young men, who love real sport, try about the excess water in South it? We Hope so.” Florida and the fish kill around “Smack fishing for the present Key West. Some of us believe this is entirely destroyed owing to the is more proof that the fish kill was poisonous water along the Gulf caused by fresh water run-off from Coast. It is more than six weeks the Everglades. Some scientists are since, that a single smack has been not sure that this was the cause or able to carry any live fish to Cuba.” The Florida Keys Sea Heritage only cause. The following three “From Tortugas. By the arrival Journal is published quarterly. items are from the Key West of the U.S. Schnr. Matchless, Capt. Subscription is available through newspaper “Key of the Gulf” of Russell, we learn that the poisoned membership. Copyright 2006 by October 26, 1878. water has reached that fortification, the Key West Maritime Historical “Mr. John G. Webb of Sarasota, and its adjacent islands. The dead Society of the Florida Keys, Inc. has written a very interesting letter fish are so numerous around the The art on the masthead, the USS in the “Sunland Tribune” of the 12th place, that the commanding officer Shark, was drawn by Bill Muir. inst., giving a detailed account of is compelled to employ police a boat party from Fort Bassinger parties to carry them off by the Editor: Lynda Hambright on the Kissimmee River to Fort cart loads and bury them. Large Production:Tom Hambright Myers. They sailed directly over number of fish are daily seen to die Letters and articles are welcome. the prairies to the head of the all around the fortification, and even Please write to: Editor, Florida Keys Caloosahatchie, and thence down the conchs and other shell-fish are Sea Heritage Journal, KWMHS, P.O. to Fort Myers. They describe the reported dead. Box 695, Key West, FL 33041. country as being submerged some It is believed that the late winds five feet under water, with little or from the N. and E. have driven the Key West Maritime no prospect of its subsiding before dead fish and poisonous water far Historical Society Christmas. Mr. Webb suggests out into the Gulf. Tortugas is not Board of Directors that an expedition be fitted out in less than 100 miles from the nearest this city, to go to Shark River into Mainland.” President: Edward J.Little,Jr. Vice President: Winifred Fryzel Secretary: Corey Malcom Treasurer: Lynda Hambright

Andrea Comstock George Craig Tom Hambright Mary Haffenreffer John Jones Sheri Lohr Don Lowe 1857 map of Florida showing the area of the trip. Photo credit: Monroe County Julie McEnroe Library. John Viele New Members David Harrison Wright Laaurie Baker, Seattle, WA; Sawyer, Key West; Anthony Celeste Erickson, Key West; Paul Speerling, Grosse Pointe Park, MI; Hartung, Littleton.CO; Sharon & David & Marcia Zensinger Key Joyce Keenan, Key West; Ronald West.

2 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2007 Commodore Rodgers Inspects Thompson’s Island by John Viele In August 1823, the Antipiracy Squadron, based at Key West (then called Thompson’s Island), was hit by an epidemic of yellow fever. Commodore Porter, who had contracted the disease on two previous occasions, was one of the victims. By the end of August, there were forty cases, and before the end of September, forty-eight deaths. Porter reported the situation to the Secretary of the Navy and, without waiting for orders, headed north with most of the squadron. Commodore John Rodgers. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. Unaware that Porter had already left the island, the Secretary with intermittant [sic] fevers, only send the sick, I shall send Doctors ordered Commodore John Rodgers, one case out of the whole assuming, Williamson & Hoffman, leaving president of the Navy Board of at this time, a malignant Type. They Surgeons Mates Conway, Van Brunt Commissioners (comparable to are however all in a very low state, & Boyce who will be quite sufficient today’s Chief of Naval Operations) and I have engaged two vessels for any exigencies likely to occur. I to proceed to Key West to examine which I found here by accident would however recommend your the situation and determine the to Transport them to Norfolk at sending out a surgeon and one or advisability of continuing to use the $10 per head – the three Surgeons two mates as soon as convenient to island as a naval base. who came with me and Surgeon relieve those gentlemen. Rodgers sailed to Key West Williamson recommending their Be assured you have nothing to aboard the U.S. Schooner Shark, removal to a northern climate apprehend from further disastrous (the same schooner commanded by as absolutely necessary to the consequences, as I shall take care to Lieutenant Commandant Matthew restoration of their health. The men place everything in the best possible Perry when he took possession of still remaining after the sick are state before I depart. Key West for the United States sent away will be sufficient for all All the large vessels I find have in 1822). In the following letter, the present exigencies of the service gone home except the Spark and from the Rodgers family papers, and I have no reason to think that Grampus. The former is, I am told, Commodore Rodgers reports his any further evil consequences are cruising on the South side of Cuba findings to the Secretary of the Navy to be apprehended, as such cases and the latter in the Gulf of Mexico two days after his arrival: of fever as have occurred within and may probably return here soon. the last twenty days have assumed Neither of the schooners which U.S. Schooner Shark a much milder Type than previous were at Washington when I left have Thompson’s Island to that date. I have just returned arrived, neither had the Ferret, Lt. Oct. 25th 1823 from visiting all the sick – at both Duncan, yet made her appearance. Sir Hospitals – It appears they had The Porpoise, Lt. Ramage, was the I have the honor to inform you of taken up an impression that they only vessel of war found here on my my arrival here on the 23rd instant. could not recover in this climate, arrival, the Wild Cat and Jackall I have found matters on the Island and on being told of my intentions arrived yesterday. in rather an unpropitious State – yet to send them home, every By the first opportunity, I will far from being so bad as might have countenance appeared to beam write you more fully – excuse this been expected. with joy. Most of those who have hasty scrawl and believe me Out of about 140 persons on had yellow fever have relapsed into With great Respect the Island, Officers, seamen and intermittant [sic]. To the Honbl. marines, 59 are sick, principally With the two vessels in which I Your Obdt. Servt.

SPRING 2007 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 3 Hackley’s Diary William Hackley practiced law mens sockets to Robert Campbell. barometer 29.62, thermometer in Key West from 1829 to 1857. He Bought from J.B. Browne three 75, wind northeast 3, clouds 2. kept a diary for part of the time he quires of recording paper for $1.38. Had a talk with Welch about his was in Key West. Here is the diary Tift employed me to defend the brig interfering with Tifts retaining me for December 1855 and part of Sampson. for Captain Murray of the brig January 1856. Tuesday, December 4. When the Sampson and as he puts it upon his alarm struck it was raining and lay legal right. I propsed to submit it to Saturday, December 1. Rose till it was light enough to see then Judge William Marvin, to which he at 4:20 and walked on the beach, bathed. The Florida came in about agreed. The case of Antony Pent returned home and bathed. At 8:30 7 and Lucy Mills and Miss Bright vs. Cargo of the ship Concordra a.m. barometer 29.49, thermometer her companion came in her. I went still being augured. I was in court a 77, wind east southeast 4, clouds 9. on board and took them up to the short time after dinner. Got a letter The brig Sampson for New York is house. Raining all morning. At 10 from George R. Potter offering ashore on one of the heads off the a.m. barometer 29.46, thermometer me $50.00 per annum to be his South Beach near the bend, she was 75, wind east northeast 4, clouds 8. correspondent which I accept and bound in. Paid William C. Dennis Filed the Libel of H.H. Raymond filled up his list of traders. for hire of Negro woman to date, he and others against the ship Lavinia Saturday, December 8. Rose making allowance for her sickness Adams. The case is set for Monday. at 5 and walked on the beach, $12.00, also paid for a cord of wood Went to the Courthouse where Judge returned home and bathed. At 9 $5.00. The Sampson got out about Thomas F. King was presiding, no a.m. barometer 29.59, thermometer noon. Commenced raining about 6 business done. Raining all day, a 75, wind east southeast 3, clouds 4. p.m. and rained till 11. The chimney real rainy day. Senator Stephen At the Circuit Court all day when at the Jail got on fire about 9 p.m. Mallory came in the Florida. we re-augured the case of Ogden and the alarm was given. Wednesday, December 5. Rose et al. vs John Geiger and Davis. Sunday, December 2. Rose at 4: at 4:30 and went to the market and Spent the evening at Alexander 30 and walked to the Salt Pond and the streets were so wet that I walked Patterson’s. Paid Powell $10.00 for returned by way of the duck ponds on the piazza and bathed. At 9:35 tuning the piano. Washed my eyes and in Mead’s Pond I saw two large a.m. barometer 29.53, thermometer with coconut water which makes ducks within an easy shot. A large 75, wind east northeast 1, clouds 9. them very sore and a copious flow flock flew over my head when I Raining again. Went up to court and of gummy water. was returning from the Salt Pond dismissed the case of the State of Sunday, December 9. Rose at and opposite the field. Returned Florida vs. J.P. Smith upon payment 4:30 and walked on the beach, home and bathed. At 8:40 a.m. of costs. Raining nearly the whole returned home and bathed. At 9:45 barometer 29.41.5, thermometer 77, day. a.m. barometer 29.47, thermometer wind southwest 2, clouds 1. H.H. Thursday, December 6. Rose at 4: 77, wind south 4, clouds 3. There Raymond and John Geiger came 50 and found it raining heavily and were two rain squalls during the up about 10 and put down the facts did not take a bathe there being no night. Wrote to Mr. Knox relative of the wrecking of the ship Lavinia water in the tub and two much rain to a suit of Williamson Lyavasie Adams which occupied me until to fill it. About 6 went to market and and Company vs. R. Pent. Wrote near 1. Afternoon walked to South got a fish. At 9:15 a.m. barometer to Mother in Charlotte’s letter. At 4 Beach with Matilda. 29.59, thermometer 77, wind east p.m. barometer 29.37, thermometer Monday, December 3. Rose at northeast 2, clouds 8. Clouds all day 83, wind south 2, clouds 7. Rain 5 and went to the duck ponds and with rain. The steamer Isabel came about 9 p.m. and wind southwest. home by the Barracks, saw nothing. in yesterday about dark. Monday, December 10. Rose Writing up the Libel on the case Friday, December 7. Rose at 5: at 6 and bathed. Got a dray and of the ship Lavinia Adams all 30 and with the roads to wet to walk sent down Lucy Willis’s baggage. morning. At 3 p.m. barometer 29.42, went to the market and got turtle. Commenced to rain at 7:30 and they thermometer 79, wind east northeast I got letters and papers. Returned had to go down in the rain and could 3, clouds 4. Returned 1⁄2 dozen home and bathed. At 10:20 a.m. not get a carriage. The Florida got

4 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2007 off at 8:30 and did not see Miss Bright having been so bad that divers returned home and bathed. At 9:15 after she got on board. At 9:30 a.m. could not go under the ship. Read a.m. barometer 29.57, thermometer barometer 29.41, thermometer 76, Intelligence and Law magazine. 77, wind east southeast 2, clouds 0, wind northwest 3, clouds 6 but the sun Thursday, December 13. Rose Drew up a petition for salvage on 633 visible at intervals. The case of the at 5 and walked on the beach and bags of salt saved by the schooner ship Lavaina Adams continued till got caught in a rain on my way Dart from the ship Lavinia Adams Wednesday. Filed a claim for duties back, rained but little. Returned and the answer of Captain Murray also a consortship and crew libel. home and bathed. At 8:45 a.m. to the libel of Simon Frow et al Wrote to the Secretary of Interior for barometer 29.71, thermometer vs. brig Sampson and cargo. Read blanks. Also wrote to Luther Lucking 69, wind north northwest 4, papers. p.m. Commenced reading for the Cultivator Almanac (bound) clouds 7. The briganine Isablla Huc’s “Travels Through China” for 1856 and Cultivator for one year. from Apalachiola for New York belonging to James C. Clapp, who Lucy gave me a letter, I wrote to Byrd, has been on shore at Bahia Honda left first volume in my office. to take to the boat and there we were and lightened by the schooner Monday, December 17. Rose at in such a hurry I forgot to give it to her Relampage and came in about 5:45 and walked round by the Fort and will send it by the steamer Isabel. 2 p.m. yesterday consigned to and home by Simonton’s Road, Wind freshened toward night. J.W. Porter. Read paper and Law returned home and bathed. At 8 a.m. Tuesday, December 11. Rose about magazine. p.m. Read Putnam’s barometer 29.55, thermometer 78, 6 and walked to South Beach and magazine. wind southeast 2, clouds 4. Filed a home by the Fort. Did not bathe the Friday, December 14. Rose at 5 petition for salvage for the schooner weather being rather cold. At 8:40 and walked on the beach, returned Dart for salt. Tried the case of the a.m. barometer 29.62, thermometer home and bathed. At 8:30 a.m. brig Sampson and afterwards the 66, wind north 5, clouds 1. Major barometer 29.62, thermometer case of the brig Isabella, Senator William H. Chase arrived last night in 71, wind north northeast 3, clouds Stephen Mallory for libillants, the steamer Isabel. Senator Stephen 3. A heavy shower fell just before Stephenson for the responded. J.W. Mallory did not go through ready day. Read papers. The divers Porter being the consignee. as the weather was very bad and he have not finished with the ship Tuesday, December 18. Rose suffers much for sea sickness. Judge Laviana Adams and the case was at 5:40 and walked on the beach, William Marvin came in and asked postponed till tomorrow. Captain returned home and bathed. At 8 me to go out and show him his land Murray came up and I read over a.m. barometer 29.52, thermometer he purchased of Adam Gordon. Went the libel to him and he took it 80, wind south southeast 2, clouds up to the house and got my gun and to compare with his logbook. 6. Read paper. The steamer went round and showed him his Read Law magazine. p.m. Read Vanderbilt got in about 8. corners. Went by the duck ponds but Putnam’s magazine and walked Wednesday, December 19. Rose saw nothing to shoot. Got 4/8ths of a with family. at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, Havana Lottery Ticket from William Saturday, December 15. Rose returned home and bathed. At 8 a.m. Pinkney for $4.28, draws today. Dined at 5:45 but it had rained during the barometer 29.55, thermometer 80, at Alexander Patterson’s. night and again just as I got to the wind calm, clouds 7. Read papers Wednesday, December 12. Rose front gate and I did not walked. and Law magazine. p.m. Read about sunrise and walked over to South Bathed. At 8:30 a.m. barometer Huc’s “Travels Through China.” Beach and home by the Fort with 29.57, thermometer 74, wind Thursday, December 20. Rose at Hatty and Lotty. Met Mr. Ackmead, east southeast 3, clouds 4. Tried 5:30 and walked to the Salt Pond, to whom I was introduced as few the case of H.H. Raymond vs. returned home and bathed. At 8:30 days since by Captain Welch, and he the ship Lavinia Adams. The a.m. barometer 29.60, thermometer walked with us. His health is not good ships Creole and Malabar from 79, wind northeast 3, clouds 1. and he amuses himself by making a New Orleans for Europe came Judge William Marvin read his collection of Algae. Returned home in about noon. They had been decree in the case of the ship and did not bathe. At 8;30 a.m. in a collision off Carysford Reef Lavinis Adams giving 34 per cent barometer 29.70, thermometer 66, and both somewhat injured about upon $39,000 being the estimated wind north northeast 4, clouds 9. The their heads and head gear. value of ship and cargo. The Judge case of the ship Laviania Adams Sunday, December 16. Rose postponed until Friday. The weather at 5:15 and walked on the beach, (Continued on page 6)

SPRING 2007 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 5 (Hackley from page 5) hours after which bathed. At 9 a.m. Alexander Patterson’s children. barometer 29.52, thermometer 78, Tuesday, December 25. also gave his decree in the case of wind southeast 2, clouds 5. About Christmas Day. Rose at 5 and cotton from the ship Concordia 9 Captain J.P. Smith asked me to walked on the beach, returned 50% on the net sales and to Pent take a trip up to the American Shoal home and bathed. At 9:30 a.m. et,als 8 per cent on the salvage as where there was a ship on shore. All barometer 29.57, thermometer a second party for scuttling the ship the wreckers inport having started. 80.5, wind south southeast 4, clouds so as to put out the fire by which Got off about half-past 10 and the 3. Wrote to the Solicitor of the the cotton was preserved so as the wind being southeast and a good Treasury sending a copy of Judge first party could save it. Read paper. breeze the wreckers beat the steamer William Marvin’s opinion delivered p.m. Read Huc’s “Travels Through and we did not get there until all of yesterday disallowing charge for China.” them had sent their boats aboard and Inspector of Customs. Paid William Friday, December 21. Rose at we passed close to the ship which is Pinkney for Lottery Ticket $4.25. 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, Ashburton of Newburyport with Dined at Alexander Patterson’s. returned home and bathed. At 8:30 1,600 bales of cotton from New Philip Fontane and family, Captain a.m. barometer 29.53, thermometer Orleans. She is ashore in 12 foot and Mrs. Crocker of the Ship 73, wind northeast 4, clouds 1. The of water and she is drawing 15 feet. Malabar and Captain Merrill of steamer Isabel got in about 10 a.m. Welch who went with us, Charles Lady Arbella also dined with us. At Lizzie came in her and I took her Tift and the clerk of the ship went night went over to Fontane’s where up home. Rachel was on board as onboard but the Captain had given there was a dance by the Maskers. was General Bailey of Virginia up the ship to sloop Vineyard, sloop Fontane was quite sick and went to who is in bad health and is on his Parallel, schooner Florida and bed early. The Ashburton came in way to Havana. Got a letter from schooner Libby Sheppard and as about sundown. the Attorney General respecting it was evident that she would have Wednesday, December 26. Rose filibustering in Nicaragua. to be lightened and the steamboat at 5 and walked, returned home Also received a Certificate of could not get employed. Left Welch and bathed. At 8:30 a.m. barometer Membership in the CAA from the onboard and left for town where we 29.60, thermometer 81, winds south Knickerbocker magazine. The arrived about 5 p.m. having had a 1, clouds 7. Read papers. Dined at barque May of London which has pleasant trip. Matilda and I went to Alexander Patterson’s. Finished been ashore on Loo Key came in. Alexander Patterson’s after tea. volume one of Huc’s “Travels in I brought a large green parrot from Monday, December 24. Rose China” and sent it over to James the Stewart for which I paid $15.00. at 5 and walked on the beach, C. Clapp’s. About 11 wind came Borrowed $50.00 of William returned home and bathed. At 9 on suddenly from the northwest Pinkney. The steamer Isabel went a.m. barometer 29.60, thermometer but before night got to the north out about went out about 8. 81, wind calm, clouds 7. The northeast and cloudy. Saturday, December 22. Rose steamer Vanderbilt got off about Thursday, December 27. at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, 8 a.m. Borrowed $50.00 of William When I woke at 5 it was raining returned home and bathed. At 8:50 Pinkney. Bought a silver napkin ring and I lay in bed until 6:15 when a.m. barometer 29.47, thermometer for Matilda $3.50. Paid Alexander I rose and bathed. At 8:30 a.m. 76, wind southeast 4, clouds 6. Patterson for subscription to barometer 29.70, thermometer 76, Paid $15.00 for Lizzies’ passage. Harpers, Putnam, Ladies Book and wind north northeast 5, clouds 10, Gave William Von Pisher who Knickerbocker magazines for 1856. with light showers. Cloth clothes sails for Charleston today in the Gave John White $3.00 for Life comfortable. brig Huntress an order for a large Illustrated and Water Cure Journal Friday, December 28. When the cage for the parrot. Paid Fernando for two years which has a club of alarm struck it was raining and I Moreno for a barrel of flour $12.08. 20 subscribers to those works. The did not up until 6 when I rose and Wrote to the Attorney General. steamer Star of the West got in bathed. At 8:45 a.m. barometer p.m. Read Huc’s “Travels Through about 1 and with only 80 passengers 29.62, thermometer 77.5, wind east China.” and she got off about 9. After tea northeast 3, clouds 10. Took down Sunday, December 23. Rose at 5 Matilda and I went down town a statement of the facts relating to when finding it was raining I walked and bought at Robert P. Cambell’s the wrecking of the Ashburton by up and down the piazza for 1 and 1⁄2 some presents for our own and for which to prepare the Libel. Argued

6 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2007 the claim made by Daniel Davis appearance tomorrow. here a few days since by an oyster for a share of the salvage earned Monday, December 31. Rose boat from Charlotte Harbour but by the schooner Champion and at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, was not believed. Read papers and sloop Gazelle in the brig Sampson returned home and bathed. Wind Law magazine. as having been consorted with then south 1, clouds 4. The stye on my left Thursday, January 3. Rose at in the ship Lavinia Adams and that eye is enterirely well all the swelling 5 and walked to the Salt Ponds, the consortship had not expired at going down in 48 hours after taking returned home and bathed. At 8 a.m. the time Sampson was wrecked. the first doze of Pubsatilla. Hatty barometer 29.53, thermometer 82, I have a large sty on my left eye. pretty well today and gave her no wind southeast 2, clouds 3. A large Hatty quite sick with pain in her more remedy. Captain Walton of the number of Kingfish were brought in face whether caused by a toothache ship Ashburton having complained today but the weather is so hot that or not cannot say. Used Golbuls for of his crew having refused duty I did not buy one. Went up to the her and self both easier. and they were arrested and brought Courthouse where the complaint of Saturday, December 29. Rose at before Judge William Marvin. The Captain Pierce and Crocker against 5 and walked on the beach, returned men behaved badly but the officers Stickney master of the schooner home and bathed. At 8:30 a.m. were also to blame and the evidence John Roaleffs was compromised. barometer 29.46, thermometer 79, was not such as to induce me to Stickney will pay all expenses and wind south southeast 2, clouds 4. ask for a committal so the men $75.00 for hire of men in the place My stye nearly well. Drew up and were sent back on the ship with a of the men he took, amounting to filed the Libel in the case of the warning by the Judge as to their $145.00, I got $20.00 as did Samuel Ashburton. They have discovered future behavior. Captain and Mrs. Douglas attorney for Stickney. that the ship Lavinia Adams is so Crocker and Captain Merrill with Friday, January 4. Rose at 6 much injured that the Captain is Sarah and Alexander Patterson took having been awake since 5 but afraid to go to New Orleans in her tea and spent the evening with us. during the night it rained heavily and will not pay the salvage they Mr. Baker, U.S.C.S., came in after and the roads are too wet to walk contemplate hauling the ship up tea. on. Rose and bathed. At 9 a.m. on the bank and waiting until the Tuesday, January 1, 1856. Rose barometer 29.55, thermometer 81, Captain can return from Boston at 4:40 and walked to the Salt Ponds, wind northeast 1, clouds 3. Drucilla where he will go on the steamer returned home and bathed. At 8 a.m. Williams asked me to speak to Northern Lights on the 4th. Gave barometer 29.57, thermometer 81.5, Captain Merrill to take her son Feilding my old Silver watch. wind southeast 2, clouds 3. Read Franklin Phillips to sea. I spoke to Sunday, December 30. Rose paper and Law magazine. Dined at him and he says he wishes to see at 5 and walked on the beach, Philip Fontane’s, he has not been the boy. Taxing the cost in case of returned home and bathed. At 8 out of his room since Christmas the brig Sampson. The schooner a.m. barometer 29.50, thermometer Day. Took tea also and went home Florida got in about 4. Lucy Willis 80, wind south 5, clouds 1. A hard about 8. The children went home wrote Matilda and sent two pair shower fell in the night. Peter about 5. of earrings and a wood box to the Crusoe came up with Captain Pierce Wednesday, January 2. Rose at 5 children. She says that she was of the ship Creole and Captain and walked more than half way to very much frightened by the gale. Crocker of the ship Malabar and I the Salt Ponds and a shower came Matilda also got a letter from Pene. found for them the act of Congress up and I returned, several light Saturday, January 5. Rose at 6 relating to the enticing and secreting showers before I got home and and bathed the weather very cloudy of seamen. Crusoe issued a warrant bathed. At 8 a.m. barometer 29.52, all night and about 7 commenced on their affidavits against Stickney, thermometer 81.5, wind southeast raining the northwest and it is so master of the schooner John Roalff 2, clouds 3. A boat from Tampa with dark now in the office that I can of Tampa, for taking two of the dispatches for Commanding Officer scarcely see to write. At 9:25 a.m. Creole’s men and two belonging to of this port. The Miami brings news barometer 29.43, thermometer 80, the Malabar and refusing to give that the Indians made an attack on wind northwest by west, clouds 10. them up when boarded by Captain the on a party of U.S. Troops from Rained nearly all day. Crocker and the mate of the Creole Fort Myers and killed and wounded Sunday, January 6. Rose at 6 and with the city marshall. Crusoe several. The report was brought allowed him to give bond for his (Contined on page 8)

SPRING 2007 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 7 (Hackley from page 7) I bought of him p.m. Read Huc’s pleasant. Read papers. In the walked across to South Beach and “Travels in China” and President’s afternoon walked down to the Fort round by the Fort. Did not bathe message. with Matilda and the children. The the bath house being so open and Thursday, January 10. Rose at 5 USS Fulton came in about 4 p.m. the wind blowing fresh. At 9 a.m. and walked on the beach, returned Monday, January 14. Rose at barometer 29.53, thermometer home and bathed. At 8:30 a.m. 5:45 and walked on the beach, 65.5 (at home 62), wind north by barometer 29.55, thermometer 72, returned home and bathed. At 9:25 east 7, clouds 10. The steamer wind north northeast 3, clouds a.m. barometer 29.53, thermometer Isabel got in about 10. Got letters 1. I saw the Southern Cross this 67, wind east northeast 3, clouds and papers nothing from Mother. morning, it culminates about 6 a.m. 2. By news from the Miami River Afternoon walked to the Fort with This is the first time I have noticed it which arrived last night we learn the children. in the morning in June it was visible that the Indians murdered two Monday, January 7. Rose about in the evening. Wrote to Campbell men and wounded another and the 6 and bathed the water was cold. and Company at Number 8 Dock settlers have come all into the fort. I Went to the market. At 8:40 a.m. Street, Philadelphia enclosing suppose there will be another Indian barometer 29.57, thermometer $1.00 for a year’s subscription to War costing more than the whole 67, wind about northeast 1, the Rainbow (monthly). Renewed state is worth. The Sloop of War clouds 6. Acknowledged receipt my subscription to Nichols Journal Cyane, Fairfax commander, came of ten volumes of State at Large for $1.00. Received of the clerk in about 9 a.m. and about 2 p.m. to the Secretary of State. Wrote $184.00 my fee in the case of the brigantine Cumia arrived. The to the Secretary of Treasurer the brig Sampson. The steamer Cumia which had been ashore this acknowledging receipt of my Isabella got in about 5 p.m. morning on Pelican Shoal and got off quarterly salary. Wrote a registered Friday, January 11. Rose at 5:20 by the schooners Libby Sheppard letter to the editor of the American and walked on the beach, returned and Dart for a compromised fee Law Register enclosing $3.00 and home and bathed. At 8:40 a.m. of $2,000.00. Tried the case of the asking for the June issue that was barometer 29.56, thermometer 70.5, bark Mary. lost, also to the editor of the Water wind north 3, clouds 2. Last night Tuesday, January 15. Rose at 6 Cure Journal for August issue that the mate of the ship Mary Hale and walked on the beach, returned was lost. Taxed the bills of the brig came in the ships boat. The ship is home and bathed. At 9:30 a.m. Sampson. ashore on the Cay Sal Banks and all barometer 29.39, thermometer Tuesday, January 8. Rose at 6 the islands boats and several other 66.5, wind north northeast 7, clouds and walked across the island and boats have gone over to wreck her. 10, with a light drizzle, very ugly a short way up the beach, returned Drew up claims for bounty land for weather. Several travelers came home and bathed. At 8:15 a.m. Francis Watlington who was pilot down from the Miami River last barometer 29.50, thermometer 60, of the schooner Madison during the night and corroborate the Indian wind northeast 3, clouds 1. The Seminole War. news. There were 10 Indians in the steamer Northern Light came in Saturday, January 12. Rose at 6 party. Yesterday read claims for duty and coaled and went out about 8 the weather threatening rain which in case of the bark Mary. The case p.m. Made out my semi-annual came in a heavy squall from the of the ship Ashburton set for today accounts with the United States. southwest about 7 and fell calm as is postponed by consent on account Wednesday, January 9. Rose at 5 soon as it rain. At 9 a.m. barometer of the absence of the wreckers at the and walked on the beach, returned 29.47, thermometer 74, wind south Cay Sal Banks. No particular date home and bathed. At 8:30 a.m. southeast 1, clouds 8. Rained at agreed upon for trial. Raining all barometer 29.46.5, thermometer intervals nearly all day. A moderate day and cold and raw. At 3:30 p.m. 71.5, wind northeast 1, clouds 1. wind came out of the northwest barometer 29.27, thermometer 66. Made copies of my accounts and about 5. Wednesday, January 16. Rose at swore to them before Winer Bethel, Sunday, January 13. Rose at 6 6 clouds 10 with light rain and did Justice of the Peace, and enclosed and walked on the beach, returned not bathe. At 8:45 a.m. barometer them to the Secretary of the Interior. home and bathed. At 8:35 a.m. 29.33, thermometer 67, wind north Paid Walburg with a Treasury barometer 29.57, thermometer 71.5, 3, clouds 7. Got up home two barrels Warrant of $50.00 for the watch wind northwest 2, clouds 2, weather of Scotch coal from A.F. Tift. Read

8 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2007 paper and Law magazine. services he will let me pay for 30 and made up a fire in the stove Thursday, January 17. Woke at 5 what he gets me. Bought a barrel and walked to the beach, returned but laid in bed to keep warm until of apples for $4.62. The steamer home and bathed, very cold. At 10 6 when I rose and made a fire in Isabel got in about 5 p.m. got a a.m. barometer 29.58, thermometer the furnace. At 9 a.m. barometer letter from Mother and papers. 58, wind northeast 3, clouds 8. 29.52, thermometer 65, wind Tuesday, January 22. Rose at 6, Wrote to P. Williams, Washington, north northeast 4, clouds 7. Read thermometer in bedroom 60 and enclosing Francis Watlington’s Law magazine and finished Huc’s did not walk or bathe. The USS claim for bounty lands. I also ask “Travels in China.” Sat by the Fulton went to Havana last night. him to see what was wanting to furnace until near 9. Weather cool Got more papers this morning but perfect William H. Shaw’s claim, and cloudy. some papers are missing. At 9 a.m. also to the Solicitor of the Treasury Friday, January 18. Rose at 6, barometer 29.68, thermometer making a report of the state of thermometer 57. At 9 a.m. barometer 62.5, wind north northeast 4, the docket dated 2nd of January I 29.51.5, thermometer 61, wind north clouds 8. Read Law magazine and had forgotten to make the report northeast 2, clouds 1. Read Law papers. At 9 p.m. thermometer in the last mail. Wrote to Luther magazine. p.m. Read “Household exposed 53. Tucker and Company, Albany, to Word.” Sent Huc’s “Travels in Wednesday, January 23. Rose at know why they did not send me China” home by Hatty. 6 and walked round by the Fort and the Cultivator and Almanac. Also Saturday, January 19. Woke at 5 beach cross the island by the Long wrote to Mother. Got Walberg to and rose at 5:30 and walked on the Road and home by the Barracks. At write for Robert’s portable sewing beach, returned home and bathed. At 6 a.m. thermometer that had been in machine to cost $10.00. The steamer 9 a.m. barometer 29.36, thermometer the front piazza all night was 54. At Vanderbilt went to sea about 6 a.m. 67, wind south 2, clouds 6. Left 8:45 barometer 29.60, thermometer the weather having been so bad that off a nit shirt I have worn for two 58, wind north northeast 4, clouds she could not go yesterday. The days. The schooners Florida and 10. Went home about 10 and set by steamer Isabel got in about 4:30 Champion came in from the wreck a stove, that I put up, for the rest of p.m. and stopped but a short time. of the ship Mary Hale with cotton the day. The boats in trolling for Kingfish yesterday afternoon. Read Law Thursday, January 24. Rose at caught a number of Bluefish which magazine. p.m. Read Household 5:30 and built a fire in the stove, are in very good order. Walked with Words. At 4 p.m. barometer 29.26, thermometer in piazza 53. At 8:45 Matilda and children on the beach. thermometer 77, wind south by west a.m. barometer 29.61, thermometer Saturday, January 26. Rose at 5, clouds 8. 56.5, wind north northeast 4, clouds 5:30 and walked on the beach but Sunday, January 20. Rained very 4. The steamer Star of the West there being a slight drizzle and raw hard during the night accompanied came in last night and left about kept my umbrella up the whole time. with thunder and lightning, the midnight. Hatty’s Guinea pigs had Returned home and bathed. At 9:30 roads were so wet that I did not go to three young ones last night but they a.m. barometer 29.46, thermometer walk. Rose about 6 and bathed. At 9 all died from the cold. As soon as I 69, wind east by north 4, clouds 7. a.m. barometer 29.36, thermometer had written the above I went home Yesterday had a tooth filled by a Mr. 73.1, wind southwest 3, clouds 5. and took my gun and walked up Walton, a dentist, who came in the Read Household Words. Wind came to the point opposite Stock Island steamer Vanderbilt. Read papers. out of the northwest about 4 p.m. but when finding the wind too cold I In the afternoon John Geiger came moderate. The steamer Vanderbilt turned back crossed the upper dam in to give me the facts from which came in about 4:30. and went over to the South Beach to draw a libel against 115 bales of Monday, January 21. Rose at 5: and home. Saw northing to shoot cotton and some of the materials of 30 having been awake since 4 and but there were several persons with the ship Mary Hale wrecked on walked on South Beach, returned large strings of fish which had been Cay Sal Banks. home and bathed. At 9:15 a.m. stupefied by the cold weather. After Sunday, January 27. Rose at barometer 29.57, thermometer 69, dinner made an awning for the 5:30 and walked on the beach, wind northwest 3, clouds 6. John southeast end of the piazza and put returned home and bathed. At 9 a.m. Smith brought me a hat and would it up. After tea Matilda and I went barometer 29.40, thermometer 74, charge nothing, he says that when to Mary Ann Porter’s. wind south 3, clouds 2. The Sloop he thinks I have been paid for my Friday, January 25. Rose at 5: of War Cyane went out last night.

SPRING 2007 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 9 10 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2007 Hearth and Home

The illustration and article trees? We took the risk. The town purposes which the cocoa-nut tree appeared in “Hearth and was in that death-like silence which serves. In some tropical countries Home” of August 12, 1871. holds all tropical places during it furnishes almost every necessary The reader does not need to the hours near mid-day. Scarcely of life. The trunk afford material for be told that the scene presented a soul stirred, but we pushed on constructing houses, and the leaves above is a Southern one. Every part with the enthusiasm of one who serve to cover them. The outer husk glows with the light of a tropical finds himself for the first time of the fruit furnishes a fiber from sun; and every thing in the picture surrounded by a new vegetation. which coarse fabrics, cordage, – its peculiar architecture, its every In after years cocoa-nut trees were etc., are made, and which is largely accessory even to the old woman no rarity, but the sight of the first imported under the name of coir. at her domestic occupation – tells group, which might readily have The hard shell of the nut proper unmistakably of Southern life. Then been the one so well reproduced by is worked into various domestic there are the grand Cocoa-nut Palms our artist, made us forget the fearful utensils. The white kernel furnishes – those could be found nowhere heat and Yellow-Jack. The trees are an oil for burning or for cooking. except in the extreme South. numerous upon the Key, there being The “milk” contained within the Through what a wonderful range of from a single one to a small grove kernel is an agreeable beverage, climate our territory runs, and what in the yard of almost every house. and the kernel, before it becomes a difference in vegetation of the It has been stated that these trees hard, an important article of food. extreme portions, when we compare grow spontaneously, but our artist The young, undeveloped leaves the pine and firs of the far North with writes that all have been planted. are cooked and eaten the same as the Cocoa-nut Palms and Bananas A large share of the vegetation of cabbage. Before the envelop of the of Key West! The picture is by one Key West and other Florida keys flower opens, it affords, by proper of our artist, now upon a Southern has undoubtedly sprung from seeds beating and cutting, a juice which tour, and gives a most lifelike bit floated there by the ocean currents, when fermented is “toddy,” and of the scenery of that strange coral and it would not be at all surprising from this a strong a arrack may key. The peculiar vegetation of Key had the cocoa-nut obtained a be distilled; from the same juice West is noticed a long distance from foothold in the same manner, as jaggery, or palm sugar, may be shore. The writer was some years the nut is admirably adapted to a obtained by evaporation. The kernel ago upon a voyage to Texas in a long sea voyage, and it is known of the nut as brought to the North steamer which was obliged to call that the coral island of the Pacific is eaten by children, and is used in at Key West for coal. It was a torrid have been stocked by this method some forms of confectionery and July day as we sat upon the deck of seed distribution. The tree grows cookery, but those who have only watching the wonderful vegetation from fifty to sixty feet high, and seen the fruit in this condition can becoming gradually more distinct, even taller in some countries, and have but little idea of the delicious as we approached the shore. At last its gigantic leaves, fifteen feet or character of the contents of a freshly- we were able to make out the cocoa- more in length, have a wonderful plucked and not too ripe cocoa-nut. nut palms and their cluster of fruit. feathery appearance, as they are All ready to jump ashore to make a moved by the breeze. The quantity Scott DeWolfe of DeWolfe & closer inspection of these to us novel of fruit produced by a single tree is Wood Rare & Used Books of Alfred trees, we were met by the warning enormous; some twenty or more are Maine donated this copy of “Hearth that yellow fever was prevailing in borne in a cluster, and the bearing and Home” to the Monroe County the town, and that we had better continues all the year round, so that Library. We have little information remain on board. But what was fruit may be gathered at any time in about the magazine but it gives an yellow fever compared with a sight any stage of maturity. We can but interesting view of the backyards of of real, growing, bearing cocoa-nut- briefly mention here the various “old” Key West.

SPRING 2007 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 11 (Perry from page 1) join the squadron. The Secretary in; minimum shore liberty; keeping of the Navy instructed Perry to in-law’s merchant ships on voyages everyone busy; and strict discipline, visit the island of Key West on his to Europe. including flogging for major way to the . He was to In 1819, he learned that misbehavior such as drunkenness. survey the island and its harbors, to the corvette USS Cayne was At the end of a six-month cruise, locate dangers to navigation, and to slated to escort the first group most of it spent in tropical waters, determine what would be necessary of emancipated slaves to not a single crewman was lost to to occupy the island and establish under the auspices of the American yellow fever or scurvy. it as a port for commercial vessels. Colonization Society. Perry was The Secretary of the Navy issued If he found conditions favorable he sympathetic to the Society’s aim to orders at the end of 1820 that all was to take possession and leave a establish a colony of freed slaves in naval vessels returning to the United junior officer and one man to hold Africa, and applied for the position States from the Mediterranean, it until his return. Perry concluded of First Lieutenant. On this cruise Africa, or other overseas ports were that conditions were favorable and, which lasted almost a year, Perry to proceed via the West Indies to on March 25, 1822, held a ceremony was instrumental in selecting a site provide protection to American to take formal possession of the for the colony which later came to merchantmen from pirates, and to island. While crewmen hoisted be called . While Cayen was detect and capture pirate vessels the American flag, Shark fired a still on the African coast, Congress and slave ships. On his return, Perry thirteen-gun salute. Three of the passed a law outlawing the slave cruised along the north coast of original proprietors, John Warner, trade. As a result, in addition to Cuba, sending his boats into bays John Fleming, and John Whitehead, nursing the new colony, the ship and up rivers to flush pirates out, attended the ceremony and gave began to cruise in search of slavers. but only succeeded in capturing their approval as Perry named the Perry also persuaded his captain to one pirate vessel. He captured this island Thompson’s Island after institute measures to safeguard the one off Havana and sent her crew of the Secretary of the Navy and crew from yellow fever and scurvy cutthroats to the Governor General the harbor Port Rodgers after the which were partially successful. of Cuba for disposition. Shark’s Commodore Rodgers, President After he had been home in first antipiracy cruise was cut short of the Naval Board. Of course, New York for six months, Perry when, at Kingston, Jamaica, Perry bestowing these names did no learned that the armed schooner received orders to sail for New harm to Perry’s reputation in naval U.S. Shark had been ordered to York. It was during this cruise, that circles. Perry detailed Midshipman carry the Reverend Eli Ayres, U.S. the crew gave Perry his nickname of Joseph Moorehead and an ordinary Commissioner to the new colony, “Old Bruin” because his loud, gruff seaman to remain on the island until to Africa. Intrigued by his previous voice sounded like an old grizzly his return. visit, Perry was anxious to return to bear when he roared out orders. In his report to the Secretary the African coast. He applied for For several years, pirates based of the Navy, Perry stated that the command of Shark, was selected, along the Cuban and Puerto Rican island offered a safe, convenient, and sailed for Africa in July 1821. coasts had been plundering or and extensive harbor for vessels of The schooner Shark, designed capturing American merchant war as well as merchant vessels. along the lines of a Baltimore vessels and often torturing or killing He also observed, “Heretofore the clipper, was 86 feet long, displaced their crews. Boston insurance Florida Keys have been the resort 200 tons, mounted 12 guns, companies informed the President of smugglers, New Providence and was manned by a crew of that forty-four American vessels [Nassau] wreckers, and if fact, a 70 officers and men. Perry was had been robbed or captured in 1819 Set of desperadoes who have paid pleased with her performance, but and pleaded with the government to but little regard to either Law or concerned about the strength of take action. Insurance rates rose one Honesty.” her foremast. He instituted strict hundred percent. Upon completion of his survey, measures to preserve the health In 1822, the Navy Department Perry got underway to cruise in of the crew. These included eating created the West Indies Squadron search of slavers and pirates. In fresh vegetables and fruit whenever to deal with the pirate menace. The May, 1822, off Tampico, Mexico, they could be procured; wearing U.S. Schooner Shark, with Perry a lookout sighted a suspicious flannel next to the skin when turned still in command, was ordered to schooner. Shark chased the

12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2007 Lt. Perry’ s ship the USS Shark. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. schooner until she ran ashore. boom of the cannon fired from the was responded to by a wild cry Perry sent Shark’s gig and cutter schooner and the battery, the lake of exultation fom the men and to investigate, but the crew of the and the shore around rang with the animated as by one spirit, we grounded schooner escaped into the incessant peal of musketry, and the bounded forward with a cheer. A woods. On boarding, the boat crews hurling of the iron and lead around better cause and far more numerous found evidence that the schooner us was dreadful. But as oar would force, could not have withstood had been captured and looted and drop, form after form sink from its our charge. The pirates gave way, there was no sign of her original place, the louder became the shout, slowly at first, but when our leader crewmen. Perry wished to recover the more vindictive the fury of our called out “push home, men! and no the vessel, but she was too hard men. Ourselves upon the bow, the quarter!” and the cry “no quarter! no aground. other boat farther astern, almost quarter!” was fiercely repeated, they Shark’s next encounter with simultaneously, we laid the pirate turned and springing to the side, pirates took place a few months aboard. To grapple the side, spring leaped overboard, and endeavored later when she was cruising in on the bulwark and leap upon the to escape by swimming. Many of company with the US Schooner deck, amid muskets, pikes and our men plunged after them, sword Grampus along the north coast of brandished knives, was the work in hand; others jumped to the boats, Cuba. A suspicious schooner was of an instant. With courage equal to and pursuing, cut them down, as sighted off Sagua Grande, 80 miles our own, the pirates rushed forward they overtook them, while another east of Havana, a suspected pirate to repel us and a desperate hand-to- portion, from the deck of the rendezvous. Shark and Grampus hand conflict ensued. captured vessel, deliberately shot lowered their boats to investigate. The musketry had now them as they struggled in the water. Midshipman Lynch in one of ceased, and a pistol shot was but On the part of those wretches, not Shark’s boats described the ensuing occasionally heard, but the clash a cry was raised – not a supplication battle with the pirates this way: of steel was incessant, and the uttered. When too hotly pursued, I was attached to one of the boats silent but deadly thrust became they turned to grapple where they directed against the schooner, and more frequent. The shout of an could, and in silence they received as we neared her, the scene became officer as he cut down the swarthy more and more exciting. Besides the pirate with whom he was engaged, (Continued on page 14)

SPRING 2007 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 13 Commodore Porter’s fleet in Key West harbor. Photo credit: Monroe County Library.

(Perry from page 13) pirates along the north coast of of summer for several months. Cuba between Sagua la Grande Crewmen began feeling the the death wound, and in silence and Matanzas, a distance of about debilitating factors of limited they sunk, their throats gurgling the eighty nautical miles with hundreds rations, little rest, and the burning water which was deeply crimsoned of small islands, bays, inlets, and sun. Some of them developed with their blood. . . rivers. A schooner flying a red shirt fevers; the more serious cases were When those in the battery saw as a flag was sighted and chased, but, transferred to the larger vessels of their fellow-pirates leap overboard, once again, her crew steered her into the squadron, and then to primitive they also took to flight. They were shore and escaped into the woods. hospital facilities erected on Key relentlessly pursued, and the scene Perry’s crewmen kedged her off the West. Even Perry developed a mild which had been enacted upon the shore for use as a “lookout boat.” fever and wrote, “This climate water was repeated on the land. But Perry then boarded one of Shark’s makes sad inroads on my naturally few escaped; and destroying what boats and continued to search along strong constitution and I am now we could not preserve, we gathered the coast more closely. For six days laboring under the effects of a severe their booty, and bore our prize away he explored every island, bay, inlet, indisposition, the Consequence of in triumph. and river until he reached Matanzas. great exposure during our late Boat Only three days passed before He reported to Commodore Biddle, Expeditions.” another pirate schooner named then commander of the West Indies Despite Perry’s strict measures Squadron, “My several Expeditions Bander de Sangre (Bloody Banner) EDUCATION PROGRAM was sighted and chased. As Shark have become acquainted with SPONSORS closed and her crew began firing, the a system of abominable fraud, $100 OR MORE rapine, and openly permitted by the TOM & KITTY CLEMENTS pirate crew abandoned ship, some in BETTY L. DESBIENS Spanish Authorities and encouraged BUD DRETTMANN boats, others swimming. When they JOHN & BEATRICE DUKE by the most wealthy men on the SHIRLEE EZMIRLY reached the shore, they vanished MARY HAFFENREFFER island. There is not a Fisherman TOM & LYNDA HAMBRIGHT into the woods and Shark’s shore CAPT. HARLAN & JANEY FRANKLIN party was unable to catch them. who is not a Pirate, nor a canoe that CLYDE W. HENSLEY JOHN H. JONES Perry and the captain of Grampus is not a Pirate Vessel in miniature. EDWARD B. KNIGHT TOM KNOWLES put prize crews aboard the two The plundered goods are publickly ROSS & ANN MCKEE BILL MUIR schooners they had captured along sold at the large Commercial Towns, JOHN & KAY PLIMPTON DAN & VIRGINIA PROBERT with three pirate prisoners with and the First Merchants become the LARRY & GRETCHEN RACHLIN JUDITH & JAMES ROBERTS orders to deliver them to authorities purchasers.” MRS. WILLIAM SHALLOW ED SWIFT at a U.S. port. Shark had now been cruising JAN & TY SYMROSKI Shark continued the search for in tropical waters during the heat

14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2007 to preserve the health of the sprung (cracked) below the spar crew, several crewmen contracted deck. Perry was able to purchase a yellow fever and Shark sailed for new mast from the British dockyard Key West. Midshipman Lynch, at Port Royal and his crewmen who had fought so bravely in the stepped it and rigged it. With orders battle with the pirates, was among detaching Shark from the West BUSINESS MEMBERS those transferred to the hospital at Indies Squadron, Perry set sail and CAPE AIR KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Key West. He wrote, “Our hastily reached New York on July 8, with KEY WEST 33040 800-352-0714 erected and scantily furnished the officers and crew all well. CHESAPEAKE APPLIED TECHNOLOGY 623 SIMONTON STREET hospitals were soon crowded with Perry’s subsequent naval career KEY WEST, FL 33040 888-873-3381 the sick, the dying, and the newly covered almost fifty years. During COASTAL SAILING ADVENTURE, INC. 28555 JOLLY ROGER DRIVE dead. . . He alone, who has laid the war with Mexico, he commanded LITTLE TORCH KEY, FL 33042-0839 295-8844 on a crude pallet in the ward of a the squadron that captured Vera CONCH TOUR TRAINS, INC. hospital, crowded with victims of Cruz. He is considered to be the 601 DUVAL ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-4142 a malignant disease, can realize the father of the steam Navy, promoted FRIENDS OF ISLAMORADA AREA STATE PARKS horrors of such a state.” the shell gun, and encouraged the P.O. BOX 236 ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 Unable to continue the creation of the Naval Academy. DR. ELIAS GERTH search for pirates effectively His crowning achievement came 3412 DUCK AVENUE KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-295-6790 Shark returned to the U.S. In when he was given command of the HISTORIC FLORIDA KEYS FOUNDATION December, 1822, Captain David Naval Expedition to open Japan to 510 GREENE STREET Porter relieved Captain Biddle the western world in 1852 to 1855. KEY WEST, FL 33040 HISTORICAL PRESERVATION and became the new commodore Through his skill in diplomacy, he SOCIETY OF THE UPPER KEYS, INC. P.O. BOX 2200 of the antipiracy squadron. He won a treaty without firing a single KEY LARGO, FL 33037 purchased eight shoal-draft, fast- shot. KEY WEST ENGINE SERVICE, INC. P.O. BOX 2521 sailing Chesapeake Bay schooners KEY WEST, FL 33045 to catch the small pirate craft that Sources THE LANGLEY PRESS, INC. 821 GEORGIA STREET operated in shallow coastal waters. Morison, Samuel Eliot, “Old KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-3156

He also obtained five twenty-oared, Bruin” Commodore Matthew MEL FISHER MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY 200 GREENE ST. gun barges which could operated in Calbraith Perry, Little Brown & Co., KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2633 even shallower coves and rivers. Boston, 1967 MILE ZERO PUBLISHING 5950 PENINSULAR DR. #629 But his most unusual addition to Elliott, Robert W. Jr. Rear KEY WEST, FL 33040 the squadron was a steam-driven Admiral (Ret.), “Key West Becomes USS MOHAWK MEMORIAL MUSEUM sidewheel ferryboat which could Part of the United States,” Florida P.O. BOX 186 KEY WEST, FL 33041 be used to tow the barges and catch Keys Sea Heritage Journal, Vol2, OLD TOWN TROLLEY pirate vessels when they were No. 4, Summer 1992 6631 MALONEY AVENUE KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6688 becalmed. Named Sea Gull, she Allen, Gardner W., Our Navy PIGEON KEY FOUNDATION was the first steam vessel in the and the West Indian Pirates, Essex P.O. BOX 500130 world to see active naval service. Institute, Salem, MA 1929 MARATHON, FL 33050 A.R. SAVAGE & SONS, INC. The newly-formed squadron, 1803 EASTPORT DR. including Shark, got underway TAMPA, FL 33605 813-247-4550 SEACAMP ASSOC. from Hampton Roads on February John Viele has been a member RT. 3, BOX 170 15, 1823 and arrived at St. Thomas, of the Board of Directors of the Key BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043 872-2331

Virgin Islands, on March 3. Porter West Maritime Historical Society SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA 1319 DUVAL STREET detached Shark and three of the of the Florida Keys for the past 20 KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6577 small schooners to search the years. He is the author of three books ST. LOUIS AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. 3928 CLAYTON AVE. south coast of Puerto Rico, the on the history of the Keys published ST. LOUIS, MO 63110 314-533-7710

Mexican coast between Veracruz by Pineapple Press of Sarasota: WASHINGTON STREET INN 807 WASHINGTON STREET and Tampico, and the northern “The Florida Keys – A History of KEY WEST, FL 305-296-0550 coast of South America. Perry did the Pioneers,” “The Florida Keys, not discover any pirate vessels. On Vol. 2 – True Stories of the Perilous the way from Cartagena, Columbia Straits,” and “The Florida Keys, to Jamaica, Shark’s foremast Vol.3 –The Wreckers.”

SPRING 2007 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 15 Whitehead Street after the Civil War and before the Great Fire of 1886. Navy Building No. 1 is to the right and John Geiger’s (Audubon House) home is to the left of the street with the large cupola. Photo credit: Corey Malcom

Key West Maritime Historical Society NONPROFIT ORG. P.O. Box 695 U.S. POSTAGE Key West, FL 33041 PAID KEY WEST, FL PERMIT NO. 30

16 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2007