Keys Sea Heritage Journal

VOL. 24 NO. 2 WINTER 2013/14 USS SHARK

OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY US Cutter Ingham Pride of the Coast Guard

USCGC Ingham is believed to be the only US vessel afloat today to have sunk a German U-Boat. In 2013, she is still dedicated to US Coast Guard service—these days as a museum ship in Key West, Florida, that preserves the memory of those who served aboard her, her place in Coast Guard history, and the broader role of the Coast Guard in American history, alive for today’s and future generations. Photo credit: Andy Newman.

by William Verge and John Viele ship in Coast Guard Historic Landmark and a national memorial to Coast Guard sailors This article appeared in Sea history, the USCG Cutter Ingham, who died in battle. She lives on as a History No. 143 (Summer 2013)and is moored alongside the seawall at floating museum, open to the public, is printed with permission. the former Key West Naval Station, reminding visitors of the courage (www.seahistory.org) now a memorial museum. The only cutter to be awarded two Navy and sacrifices of those Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citations, she saw officers and men who fought for our After more than half a century of battle service in World War II and active service, the most decorated in Vietnam. Today, she is a National (Continued on page 3) SocietyNews by Tom Hambright

The Sea Heritage Journal is published quarterly. Subscription is available through membership. Copyright 2014 by the Key West Maritime Historical Society of the Florida Keys, Inc. The art on the masthead, the USS Shark, was drawn by Bill Muir.

Editor: Tom Hambright The Fishing Camp. Photo credit: Monroe Library. New Keys Books Letters and articles are welcome. Five new Keys history book that important commercial fishing Please write to: Editor, Florida Keys were published in the past year. industries of the Keys. Sea Heritage Journal, KWMHS, Thomas Neil Knowles’ “Long Terry Schmida’s “True Crime P.O. Box 695, Key West, FL Key Flagler’s Islands Getaway for Story of Key West and the Florida 33041 or visit our web site the Rich & Famous” is published Keys Volume Three,” tells of some Keywestmaritime.org. by University Press of Florida. The more of the notorious violet crimes Long Key Camp was destroyed by of the past and some of lighter crimes Key West Maritime the 1935 Hurricane and with it most and events. If you do not know the Historical Society of the records. Other have tried to story of Bigfoot, the custody fight Board of Directors write about Long Key and failed over a cat, it is must read of a “Only became of lack of material. Tom In Key West Stories” that is worth President: Corey Malcom Knowles through extraordinary the price of the book. Vice President: Bill Verge research has made an exceptional Jerry Wilkinson and Brad Secretary: Andrea Comstock contribution to Keys history with Bertelli have added and Treasurer: Tom Hambright his account of how the rich and Islamorada to the Images America famous vacationed and fished in the series published Arcadia Publishing. George Craig Florida Keys. These are photograph history books J. Gregory Griffin Peter M. Bacle’s “Trapped in covers the Upper Keys that have Bill Grosscup Key West” published by Mangrove been over looked by other writers. Mary Haffenreffer Publishing tells the story of his For sale from The Historical John Jones family and Key West commercial Preservation Society of the Upper Sheri Lohr fishing for lobster and the other Keys. (305-852-1620) Bruce Neff Windy Tucker New Member John Viele Robert J. Wolz Robert Feeney, Plantation, Key West; Chris & Barb Myers, David Harrison Wright FL; Angie & Conrad Heinold, Key West; Leonard F. Owens, Key Chestertown, MD; Victoria Leigh, West.

2 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2013/14 (Ingham from page 1)

freedom. Built in 1935–36, Ingham was one of seven sister ships known as the Secretary class, christened with the names of secretaries of the Treasury. She is 327 feet long, displaces 2,650 tons, and has a geared-turbine steam plant capable of speeds up to 20 knots. At 11 knots she could cruise for 8,000 miles without refueling. After her commissioning, the Ingham conducted routine peacetime duties in the Bering Sea. When war broke out in Europe in 1939, she and her sister cutters patrolled the Neutrality Zone off the East Coast to prevent attacks by warring powers on merchant ships. In April 1941, with the possibility of The survivor of a U-boat attack is brought aboard the Ingham. Photo credit: US involvement in the war looming USCG Archives. ever closer, Ingham was assigned to the US Navy but retained her Coast To carry out detection cutter forty degrees and smashed Guard crew. After a six-month and attack, Ingham was equipped one of her lifeboats. With the tour in , Portugal, to protect with radar, sonar, racks, merchant ships scattered over a American interests, she sailed to and K-gun depth charge launchers. wide area, the convoy was officially Argentia, Newfoundland, to prepare Her armament, which was changed dispersed. Ingham and a for service as a convoy escort in the from time to time as her mission escorted five merchantmen safely critical effort to keep the Atlantic changed, included two 5-inch, to Reykjavik, Iceland. Ingham then lifeline to Great Britain open. two 3-inch, and four 20mm guns. proceeded to Hvalfjordur Bay, 25 Until President Roosevelt ordered As the war continued, a hedgehog miles north of Reykjavik, which US ships and aircraft to escort launcher and a high frequency radio was a base for convoy escorts convoys in March, 1941, the Battle direction finder (HF/DF) were and repair ships. Surrounded by of the Atlantic was fought mainly by installed. Her complement was mountains on three sides and a the ; the Royal Canadian increased to sixteen officers, five rocky shore with a Quonset hut bar Navy; and a few Polish, Norwegian, warrant officers, and 202 enlisted open only two hours a day, it was and Free-French escorts. Because men. During her sixteen months in a less than inviting location, but it of their fine sea-keeping abilities the North Atlantic, Ingham served was to be Ingham’s home port for and their extended cruising range, as an escort with thirty convoys, most of her service in the Battle of Ingham and her sister ships were sank one German U-boat, and the Atlantic. ideal ships for North Atlantic duty. rescued over one hundred survivors The stretch of ocean between Before the U-boats began losing of torpedoed ships. Newfoundland and Greenland was the battle in May 1943, all sinkings Ingham’s first assignment as called the “Greenland Air Gap” of U-boats by U.S. surface escorts an escort was with an eastbound because long-range aircraft, even were by Secretary-class cutters. convoy of 43 ships assembling those based in Newfoundland and World War I flush-deck at Argentia. The convoy got Iceland, could not reach it. Iceland’s were also used as escorts, but in underway on 9 December 1941. The mid-Atlantic location made it a heavy seas they had to slow down wintertime North Atlantic crossings strategically important base for and sometimes leave the convoy delivered gale-force winds piling because of low fuel. up thirty-foot seas, which rolled the (Continued on page 4)

WINTER 2013/14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 3 USS Ingham on convoy duty in World War II. In wartime, the president ordered that the Coast Guard be placed under the operational control of the US Navy. All Coast Guard ships remained Coast Guard assets and were maintained by Coast Guard crews. In WWII, the ships’ names were changed to reflect this change in status (i.e. USCGC Ingham changed to USS Ingham). Rhode Island’s Representative Clairborne Pell had served in the Coast Guard in WWII and was frustrated that Coast Guard vessels had to lose most of their identities. He introduced and got passed legislation that Coast Guard vessels would retain their identities when merged with the navy in wartime. Therefore, in Vietnam, the Coast Guard’s 82-footers and other Coast Guard vessels operated under the US Navy but maintained the “USCGC” in their names and, in the case of the large cutters, retained the identifying color scheme of white hulls and the orange-red racing stripe. Photo credit: USCG Archives.

(Ingham from page 3) this information, Admiral Karl and, if necessary, submerge to Allied long-range aircraft, surface Doenitz, commander of U-boats, escape. Upon the sound or sight of a ship escorts, and ships leaving or would order the boats by radio to explosion, or a distress call joining convoys. Escorts based form a long scouting line across from a torpedoed merchant ship, in Iceland were used to reinforce the expected track of a convoy. ships and escorts of the convoy escort groups of convoys under The boat that sighted the convoy would fire starshells or launch heavy U-boat attack, and to escort would radio headquarters, report snowflakes (like Fourth-of-July ships breaking off from convoys to the convoy’s course and speed, rocket bursts) to try to illuminate proceed to Reykjavik or leaving that and trail astern. The other boats, in the U-boat. Escorts would speed to port to join a convoy. groups called “wolf packs,”would the attack area and try to locate the Because of the absence of Allied race to positions to intercept the U-boat visually or by sonar. air coverage, U-boats concentrated convoy. Their usual tactic was to In September 1942, Ingham and in the Greenland Air Gap. Having approach at night on the surface her sister ship, the cutter Bibb, were broken the British and Allied (their low silhouettes being almost on their way to reinforce the escort merchant ship code, the Germans impossible to see), launch torpedo group of a westbound convoy. knew the routing of convoys. Using attacks from within the convoy, Bibb’s radioman picked up distress

4 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2013/14 signals from two merchant ships, and the escort commander ordered the two cutters to investigate. Three hours later they found an oil slick, and after another hour, a lifeboat crowded with 66 survivors from the torpedoed ship SS Penmar. While Ingham screened her, Bibb recovered the survivors (when slowed or stopped to pick up survivors, an escort was in its most vulnerable situation). A short while later, Ingham’s lookouts sighted flares and they headed towards them. One of Ingham’s officers, Ensign Matte, described the scene that followed: “At 3PM a life raft was sighted with eight men aboard. Lt. Masters took our No. 1 boat (under oars) to the raft and took off the men. The boat falls were led aft ‘married’ [tied together], and The ribbons on the bridge of the USCGC Ingham, the most decorated ship in about a hundred men tailed off along the Coast Guard. Photo credit: the Authors. the falls. On its return, when the boat had hooked on to the falls, the order flying stiff in the breeze, steamed at 150 feet, then opened out for was shouted and instantly the men ran up and down the columns, in high another attack, directing the sonar the boat out of the waves and up, two- seas at twenty knots. Merchant operator to commence pinging. blocked in about two seconds! The ship crewmen, military personnel, After the second attack, as the survivors were from SS Tennessee and survivors lined the rails of cutter was opening out, there was and had been clinging to their little the convoy ships and cheered as another heavy explosion. Unsure raft since Tuesday night [four days].” Ingham ran by. of what had happened, the bridge A convoy of forty-two ships had When Ingham joined a convoy watch looked out and saw their left New York on 24 October 1942. on 12 December 1942, one of the captain standing on the bridge wing After a U-boat sighted and reported escorts with HF/DF detected a by the remote depth charge release. the convoy, Admiral Doenitz ordered radio transmission from a U-boat He said, “I dropped one more on a wolf pack into the attack. As the ahead of the convoy. Ingham the bastard myself. This war is convoy entered the Greenland Air moved out to engage. Commander too damn impersonal.” In spite Gap, the slaughter began. In two McCabe, contrary to prescribed of criticism from higher authority nights of attacks, U-boats sank fifteen anti-submarine warfare doctrine, of the captain’s departure from ships. The convoy’s designated rescue ordered the sonar operator to standard anti-submarine procedures, ship picked up 300 survivors and stop pinging and listen. McCabe post-war German records showed two US Navy tugs picked up 240, theorized that a U-boat coming that the attack had destroyed the but many more died in the frigid in on the surface at night would German submarine U-626. waters. Ingham and the destroyers detect the pinging and dive or Ingham joined the escort group Schenck and Leary were ordered alter course to avoid the escort. of a 51-ship eastbound convoy to get underway from Iceland to If not pinging, the escort’s radar on 21 January 1943 just south of reinforce the convoy’s escort. As would detect the U-boat long Greenland. The next day, a Force 12 Ingham approached the convoy, her before the active sonar would. hurricane struck the convoy. With captain, Commander McCabe, aware Near midnight, the sonar operator the air temperature near freezing, of the appalling losses of ships and reported hearing the fast screw winds blowing up to 100 knots piled men, ordered his crew to man their beats of a submerged submarine. up gigantic 60-foot seas. Ingham battle stations, and, with the biggest The officer of the deck launched American ensign and signal flags an attack with depth charges set (Continued on page 6)

WINTER 2013/14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 5 (Ingham from page 5) and as a result, it was six hours ships and a fast one with fifty ships, rolled heavily, up to fifty degrees. before anyone knew she had been sailed eastbound from New York When she dove into a monster wave, sunk. The cutter Bibb came across within three days of each other. The she would come to a momentary, a lifeboat loaded with survivors, Germans intercepted and decoded shuddering stop. In the driving spray learned they were from the messages, which gave them the and snow, the radar proved useless; Mallory, and informed the escort convoy routes. Admiral Doenitz the officer of the deck had no idea group commander. The commander ordered thirty-seven U-boats to where the convoy was. All the ordered Ingham to sweep astern of form patrol lines to intercept the ships in the convoy were fighting the convoy to look for survivors. convoys. Because of bad weather, for survival and unable to maintain After passing through wreckage the convoys passed through the station. With near-zero visibility, from another of U-402’s victims, patrol lines undetected, but a U- two merchantmen collided and Ingham found herself in a sea of boat returning to base sighted and a tanker cresting a mountainous bodies from the Mallory, most of reported the fast convoy and the sea broke in half. The impact of them dead. With Ingham screening, battle was on. Ingham and Babbitt repeatedly pounding into head seas Bibb commenced recovering those were ordered from Iceland to tore the shield around Ingham’s that were still alive. The escort reinforce the escort groups. U-boats sonar dome open, making it useless group commander ordered Bibb to located both convoys and sank except at slow speeds. After the halt recovery and rejoin the convoy twenty-two ships. One of the last to storm subsided, it took Ingham and at best speed, but Commander go was the Matthew Luckenbach, the other escorts three days to round Rainey, Bibb’s commanding officer, which had left her station and raced up some, but not all, of the missing replied, ‘The sea is alive with men ahead of the convoy. Ingham ships. Twenty-two were not found and we have to go get them.’ In sighted the plume of a torpedo and had to proceed independently to all, Bibb rescued 202 Mallory explosion alongside the freighter, port. On the way, one was torpedoed survivors. Ingham’s two boats sped to her position and rescued the and sank with all hands. rescued seven men from a lifeboat entire crew and armed guard. The Ingham’s next escort duty and fifteen more from capsized Luckenbach stayed afloat, and one involved her in what Admiral rafts and wreckage. When men in of Ingham’s officers volunteered Doenitz described as “the hardest the water were too incapacitated to to go aboard with a few men and fought convoy battle of the war.” help themselves, volunteers from bring her to port. Fortunately, the The sixty-ship convoy left New Ingham climbed down cargo nets captain said no—the next day York on 24 January 1943. Two strung over the cutter’s side and another torpedo attack sank the escorts sank a U-boat and captured passed lines around survivors in the Luckenbach. its crew on 4 February, but despite water. After a few minutes in the icy In a period of three days, 42 U- this success, two more U-boats waters, the rescuers’ hands were so boats had attacked the two convoys moved in and sank two of the frozen they could do nothing and and sank 22 merchant ships. More freighters. Ingham, her sonar had to be hauled up on deck. than 470 men (including U-boat heavily damaged from the recent In summary, this one convoy crewmen) lost their lives. Admiral storm, with destroyers Babbitt and had been attacked by twenty-one Doenitz called it “[t]he greatest Schenck, was ordered to reinforce. U-boats—three U-boats were sunk, success that we had so far scored Before they arrived, U-boat ace four were heavily damaged, and against a convoy.” The Allies were Baron Siegfried von Forstener, only three penetrated the screen. afraid that it was the end of the commanding U-402, moved in and, The U-boats sank eleven convoy convoy system, but actually it was in less than two hours, sank six ships; more than 400 men lost their the turning point in the Battle of the convoy ships. His sixth victim was lives. For his successful attacks Atlantic. With jeep carriers, more the troopship Henry R. Mallory against this and a previous convoy, long-range bombers, new destroyer with 498 crewmen and military Forstener was awarded Germany’s escorts, better detection equipment, personnel on board. Mallory had highest honor, the Iron Cross. and improved training, the Germans been straggling astern of the convoy The last North Atlantic convoy never again came so close to and was not zigzagging. After she battle Ingham took part in was the severing the lifeline between North was hit, the captain failed to send a biggest convoy battle of the war. America and Europe. distress message or send up flares, Two convoys, a slow one with sixty It was also the end of Ingham’s

6 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2013/14 North Atlantic duty. The Allied command decided to withdraw American surface ship escorts from the North Atlantic and shift them to convoys bound for the Mediterranean. Ingham escorted ten convoys to the Mediterranean without losing any of the convoy ships. For a brief period in the winter of 1943, Ingham and her sister cutters escorted convoys in the Caribbean. Finally, in July, orders sent Ingham to the Charleston Naval Shipyard for conversion to an Amphibious Assault Command Ship (AGC), where she was outfitted with army communication equipment and accommodations were made for Signal Corps personnel. In addition, the depth charge racks were removed and anti-aircraft weapons were added to the ships armament. After conversion, Ingham sailed to the Pacific and, as flagship and guide, directed six amphibious landings in the Philippines. The first was the retaking of Corregidor. General MacArthur came aboard for a final conference on the conduct of that operation, after which he left aboard a PT boat, transferred to a landing craft, and “returned” to Corregidor. Commandant of the USCG, Adm. Robert J. Papp, a strong proponent of historic During the Vietnam War, in preservation, visited the Ingham in June 2011. Photo credit: U.S. Coast Guard. 1968, Ingham patrolled the coast of South Vietnam, stopping, boarding, Cuban refugees attempting to decorated vessel in US service. and searching vessels suspected of cross the Straits to Florida. In supplying arms and ammunition to all, she rescued twenty survivors . enemy forces. She also conducted of swamped boats and rafts, and shore bombardments and provided towed or escorted seven vessels William Verge is a retired USCGR logistical support to US Navy and loaded with refugees to Key West. officer who served in Vietnam. He is US Coast Guard vessels in the area. After fifty-two years’ active the executive director of the USCGC She was awarded two US Navy duty and service in two wars, Ingham Memorial Museum. John Presidential Unit Citations for her Ingham was decommissioned Viele is a retired naval officer, performance in Operation Swift in May 1988. A letter from former submarine captain, and Raider and Operation Sealords. President Reagan congratulated author of a three-volume history of In 1980, she sailed to the her on that occasion as the oldest the Florida Keys. Both are members Straits of Florida and helped active commissioned naval vessel of the Board of Directors of the Key save the lives and property of serving our nation and the most West Maritime Historical Society.

WINTER 2013/14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 7 Henry J. Hornbeck’s Diary Henry J. Hornbeck was from Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he enlisted in the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteers Regiment at the age of 18. Here is his diary for April and June 1863 Tuesday March, 31st. Arrived today the steam transport Eastern Queen from New Orleans, having on board discharged soldiers. They also had on board bodies of soldiers, which they could not keep any longer, so they buried them at this place. After supper took a walk about city. Tonight Mennig, Ginkinger & myself had a chicken served up for us by our cook Mrs. Boyle & daughter Maggie. We made short work of it. Retired at 11 p.m. Wrote a letter to Albert Kern. Wednesday April 1st. Fools-day today, busy at the accounts all day. The steamer Pocahontas arrived from north, no news & no mail. In the evening took a walk. Retired at 9 p.m. Alexander Patterson, Mayor of Key West in 1863. Photo credit: Monroe County Thursday April 2nd. Today Library. Heebner transferred his Regimental Patterson, Mayor of City. Played John Lawall, Bob Moore, Raymond Property to the Post Quarter Master. a few games of cards with Miss Haldeman, Samuel Sands & the Made out inventories & receipts. Maggie Boyle after which retired. little drummer boy of Company B. Kept busy until supper time. After Saturday April 4th. Busy all After dinner made eggnog for the supper we had a ride around the morning at Commissary Papers. party, then took a walk to wharf. island with Bob Moore, Forage After supper Ginkinger & myself Ginkinger & myself then went to Master 90th N.Y. Vols. Had fine went to U.S. Barracks visited John U.S. Barracks visited Bob Moore, time. Retired at 11 p.m. Slept Lawall, then returned. Tonight and also John Lawall, then spent the at Grath's tonight. Wm. Weiss purchased a dozen of eggs on remainder of evening at Mr. Alder's, occupying my bunk. Steamer Star account of Easter Day tomorrow. a very pleasant evening. Retired at of the South arrived in harbor today Our mess also purchased a duck 9 p.m. from New Orleans. Weather fine. to be served up as an Easter dinner. Monday April 6th. Rose as usual. Friday April 3rd. Busy today in Retired at 9 p.m. Weather cool. Worked at Commissary Papers. office. Gunboat Santiago de Sunday April 5th. Went to washer Steamer Geo. Peabody arrived arrived in port this morning. The woman this morning and paid her from New Orleans. In the evening steamer Star of the South went a month's wages, also paid off our went to U.S. Barracks, and fetched north at 5 p.m. I noticed that a few cook, Mrs. Boyle. Washed and clothing that I had made. Retired at of Mr. Geiger's daughters were dressed in Commissary Store house, 9 p.m. passengers for the north. In the then took a walk to Fort Taylor, Tuesday April 7th. Steamer evening took a walk about the city. returned at 12 a.m. Today had a Honduras arrived from New Today did writing business for Col. splendid dinner, having as guests Orleans. At 5 p.m. steamer Geo.

8 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2013/14 Peabody went north. Sent Brother evening. Weather fine. Transport Union arrived in port John a small collection of shells Saturday April 11th. Assisted in today. She confirms the news of by mail. Some officers of 90th Commissary Storehouse issuing the capture of Charleston, S.C. with N.Y. Regiment went home on this rations &c. After supper Ginkinger, a loss to our side of 8000 killed & steamer. The companies of that Weiss, Lawall, Jack Beck & myself wounded, and the sinking of one & regiment being consolidated, they took a ride around the island with disabling another of the monitors. are therefore without a commander. Bob Moore. Caught one of our Should this news prove true, it will In the evening took a walk. Retired men tonight attempting to break be a telling blow to the Southern as usual. into commissary but let him go Confederacy. After supper we th Wednesday April 8 . Busy at again, he being a harmless person, went to Mrs. Baldwin's where Fritz Regimental Papers & Commissary and whiskey was his object. Had Jacobs played the piano, had a fine Accounts. Steamer Honduras went a guard stationed at commissary time. Retired at 9 p.m. north this afternoon. In the evening tonight. Retired at 10 p.m. Wednesday April 15th. Rose as attended church. Chaplain Bass of Sunday April 12th. After usual. Major Gansler appointed the 90th N.Y. preaching. Retired at breakfast washed & dressed, went Provost Marshal today. Commenced 9:30 p.m. to my room & read all morning a his career by marching the Provost th Thursday April 9 . This morning book entitled "A Stranger Story". Guard into Mr. McGrath's house steamer Blackstone arrived from After dinner took a walk with for a Provost Guard House, not north having on board 105 prisoners Jackson of 90th N.Y. Regiment having given him any previous for Tortugas. Ginkinger & myself to U.S. Barracks. Returned by 3 notice to quit. Mrs. Boyle, our went to U.S. Barracks being chiefly p.m. and read again until supper. cook, must also move. Steamer deserters & mutineers of different After supper went to wharf. The Matanzas arrived in harbor this regiments of the Army of Potomac. steamer Empire City arrived from evening, having two Flags waving Had also a very large mail. Received north having on board a cavalry thus representing a General to be 3 letters, one from Sister Mary, one company for New Orleans, also a aboard. She anchored in the stream from Cousin Alfred Martin & one mail for this place. Received two and refused any communication from J. Henry Beemer. Received papers from Brother John. Spent the whatever. Dr. Bailey commenced also two papers from Sister Mary. evening at McGrath's. Paid a visit duty to day. The Quarantine Domestic news very satisfactory. to Aunt Mary (a Colored woman) Regulations taking effect this day. Official Notice was also received at after which returned to quarters & Took a walk with John Lawall part this Post, that Key West & Tortugas retired. Weather warm. way to his quarters. Retired at 9 now belong to the Department of Monday April 13th. Busy all p.m. Weather very warm. the Gulf. (formerly Department of morning at Commissary Papers. It is Thursday April 16th. Rose as South) Now subject to orders of reported that Charleston was taken, usual. Went to wharf, witnessed General Banks, (formerly subject hope it may prove true. Noticed the departure of the Matanzas to General Hunter). This evening that the President had appointed as mysterious as she arrived. took a walk with John Lawall, part April 30th as day of Humiliation No communication whatever. way to General Hospital, returned. & Prayer, on account of the State Commenced boarding today This evening had a heavy fall of of our Country. Heard also that with Mrs. Bodine. Paid a visit to rain, in fact, it don't rain here, it the steamer Marion was wrecked McGrath in his new home, lives in pours, although very seldom. I was on Double Headed Shot Key. a very fine place. Retired at 10 p.m. surprised to find that it also hailed After dinner, in commissary most Weather warm. slightly, having no idea that in this of afternoon. Spent the evening at Friday April 17th. Read most all hot place, there could be any hail. Mr. Alders, with Ginkinger, Jake day the book entitled "A Strange Retired at 9:30 p.m. Beck, Mennig & Myself, having Story." Went with John Lawall to th Friday April 10 . Rained Fritz Jacobs who played the Piano. purchase a pair of goggles having considerably last night. Busy all Two of Mr. Alders' daughters also sore eyes. It is curious how many of morning at Commissary Accounts. entertaining the party by playing the boys are affected in this climate, Purchased a ring made of crab- and singing. Spent a very pleasant with weak eyes, the sun here being wood found on this Key, silver evening. Retired at 11 p.m. Weather very injurious. After supper went to plated, from Jacob Newhard of warm. Company I. Took a walk in the Tuesday April 14th. The Naval (Continued on page 10)

WINTER 2013/14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 9 (Diary from page 9) in reading during afternoon. Took a former place being too noisy at walk to U.S. Barracks after supper. night on account of Provost Guard General Hospital with Ginkinger & Visited John Lawall. Retired at 9 stationed there. Paid a visit to John Mennig. Borrowed a book of John p.m. Lawall this evening. After which, Lawall. In returning stopped in a Thursday April 23rd. Rose as came to office & retired. few minutes at McGrath's, then usual reading most of the day a book Wednesday April 29th. Steamer went to quarters. Heard serenading entitled "The Old Curiosity Shop" by McClellan arrived in harbor from tonight by a party of officers. Music Dickens, very good. Took a walk to New Orleans. News favorable, splendid. Retired at 10 p.m. Very U.S. Barracks. Weather very warm. Banks progressing finely. Cleaned warm all day. Gunboat Susquehanna arrived this up my accoutrements this morning. Saturday April 18th. Rose as morning. Steamer Pocahontas left Assisted Watson in altering his usual. Read a book part of morning. for New York at 1 p.m. Retired at bed. Wrote letters of transmittal for The steamer McClellan arrived 10 p.m. Regimental Papers. After supper from the north today having on Friday April 24th. Busy at visited McGrath then returned to board General Woodbury & staff Commissary Papers, making invoices office & retired. who takes command of this Post. & bills of lading of Commissary Thursday April 30th. Had also a mail. Received two Stores to be shipped to New York. Ascertained this morning that papers. Steamer Empire City went north at Commissary Storehouse had been Sunday April 19th. Rose & 12 noon. Took a walk in the evening broken into last night, one of the washed & dressed in Commissary with Watson & Bennett of 90th N.Y. perpetrators caught by Provost Storehouse, read remainder of Regiment & with Mennig, after Guard. Ginkinger, McGrath & morning. Read all the afternoon in which went to Quartermasters Office Myself took a ride to Fort Taylor Quartermaster's office. Finished the and read, about an hour, then went this morning and were mustered book entitled "A Strange Story." to Navy Warehouse, where there is for pay. Stores &c all shut up After supper attended Catholic a ball tonight, after which went to today being the day Humiliation & Church, there being no minister quarters & retired. Very warm today. prayer appointed by the President. there tonight, the meeting was soon Saturday April 25th. Read all Steamer Star of the South arrived over. Then went to Chaplain Bass' day Dickens Works. The gunboats at 9 a.m. After supper took a walk church of the 90th N.Y. Volunteers. Rhode Island & Santiago de Cuba about the city. Retired at 10 p.m. After which took a walk about city, arrived inport this morning. Spent Friday May 1st. Busy at then retired. Weather very warm. the evening at McGraths. Retired at Commissary Papers today. Monday April 20th. Rose &c. 10 p.m. Weather warm. Schooner Nonpareil returned from The steamer Fulton arrived from Sunday April 26th. Steamer Geo. Havana with a mail, received "Nary New Orleans today, bound for the Peabody arrived last night from New a line", nothing of importance. north. Wrote three letters, to Sister York having in tow a schooner, and Weather very warm, took a walk as Mary, to Cousin Alfred, & J. Henry the ship DeWitt Clinton with troops usual. Retired at 9 p.m. Reenter. Assisted in issuing rations aboard, they having lain about 3 Saturday May 2nd. Issuing rations this afternoon. After supper visited weeks in a calm. A mail received but all morning. Steam transport St. John Lawall, retired at 9 p.m. nothing for myself. Read Dickens Mary’s arrived from New Orleans, Tuesday April 21st. Assisted in works all day. In the evening took a with orders for as many troops issuing rations this morning. In the walk. Retired about 9 p.m. Weather from this place as could be spared. afternoon engaged in reading. After very warm. In all probability our Regiment will supper visited Mrs. Baldwin's where Monday April 27th. Worked at leave. Kept myself in readiness for Fritz Jacobs played the piano, after Regimental Papers this day. Steamer orders. Ascertained this evening which took a walk about the city. Geo. Peabody left for New Orleans that the 90th N.Y. Regiment is Weather warm. at 3 p.m. The 90th N.Y. Band out ordered to New Orleans by General Wednesday April 22th. The serenading tonight. Visited McGrath Woodbury. Our men felt rather steamers Blackstone & Pocahontas in the evening. Retired at 9 p.m. disappointed, we all expecting to arrived from New Orleans this Mosquitoes terrible tonight. leave this place. They are ordered morning. No news of any account. Tuesday April 28th. Rose as usual. to embark in the morning. Steamer Fulton left for the north Mennig & myself today moved our Sunday May 3rd. Rose early at 12 p.m. taking a mail. Engaged effects to Quartermasters Office, our this morning. The 90th N.Y.

10 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2013/14 Regiment busy moving goods on wharf. Washed & dressed in Commissary Storehouse. Took dinner at Gallagher’s. Ginkinger, McGrath & myself took a ride this afternoon. The Regiment embarked at 6 p.m. Left wharf at 1/2 past 7. Bennett of 90th N.Y. also left with Regiment having been clerk in Quartermasters Office. Very sorry to see him leave, being a fine & jovial fellow. Considerable nuisance going on today, Many of the 90th being drunk. Our Men on Provost Guard today. Negro stabbed, very dangerously &c. Some of their men in 1861. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. were arrested that remained back. Retired at 10 p.m. evening. Raining tonight. today. Retired at 11 p.m. th th Monday May 4 . Busy at papers Thursday May 7 . Kept account Tuesday May 12th. Wrote two in the afternoon, Gunboat Sonoma of Quartermaster & Commissary letters this morning, one to Uncle at wharf coaling. In the evening Stores received per steamer United Ebenezer and the other to Aunt took a walk about the city. Went States. Invoiced 20 barrels of Margaret. News from New Orleans with John Lawall part of the way potatoes to Lt. Hall at Fort Jefferson very good. Col. Grierson Prince to Hospital. Weather very warm Tortugas. Saw Capt. Hart & Lt. with cavalry force traversed through and mosquitos voracious, Splendid Hunsberger, who are here on a the Rebel Country from General moonlight evening. The moon here visit from Tortugas. Took a walk in Grant's army to General Banks in in this country is very brilliant the evening. Very windy, a regular New Orleans, capturing 200,000 & almost as blinding as the sun, northern tonight. bales of cotton. This is the greatest th making it almost as light as in day- Friday May 8 . Board of Survey achievement that has happened time. A smack arrived from Havana met in Commissary Store house, to during the war. Two years & 9 today bringing oranges, bananas inspect & condemn such stores as months recruits are being mustered &c., the stores are well stocked with are brought before them, unfit. After out of service. Conscript act will fruit again. The steam transport St supper Weiss, Lawall & myself took now soon be enforced. A number Mary’s with 90th N.Y. Regiment a walk about town. Retired at 9 p.m. of brigs & schooners in harbor with aboard, left for New Orleans Still windy. th coal for this port. The brig Templar last night, having in tow the ship Saturday May 9 . Busy at left wharf this afternoon. The DeWitt Clinton, with troops for Regimental Papers & Commissary captain's daughter upon whom we New Orleans. Retired at 11 p.m. Accounts today. Our mess house is clerks in Quartermasters Office, had th Tuesday May 5 . Busy at termed the "Hotel de Commissary" the spy-glass leveled upon daily, is Commissary Papers all day. rather romantic. After supper took a now also off and we must find some Mennig & myself took a ride to walk. Retired at 9 p.m. other object to pass away spare U.S. Barracks after dinner. After Sunday May 10th. Engaged in time. Sorry she leaves. Ascertained supper visited McGrath & also reading in the morning. Shelled about 5 p.m. that the steam tug Wm. John Lawall. Fishing off the dock a picture frame all afternoon and Reaney, Capt. Bell, was going to tonight, retired at 10 p.m. Weather evening. Cool tonight. Retired at 9 Fort Jefferson, Tortugas, tonight, very warm. p.m. to return in a day of two. Ginkinger Wednesday May 6th. Busy Monday May 11th. Busy today & myself immediately drove down all day in office. Steamer United making Inspection of Report of to Fort Taylor, and Col. Good, very States arrived from north with a late Condemned Subsistence Stores. Lt. kindly, wrote us a note allowing us mail, received letters and papers, Heebner joined in with our mess to go along, which was approved also a shirt. News scarce, nothing today. After supper took a walk of importance. Took a walk in the about town. Exchanged dress coat (Continued on page 12)

WINTER 2013/14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 11 (Diary from page 11)

by the General. We started at ½ past 6 p.m. having a fine passage until midnight, when a very violent squall took place, and a heavy shower. We arrived opposite Fort Jefferson at about 3 a.m. and were boarded by the officer of the day, who there acts as Provost Marshall. Slept until day-break, then went ashore. Wednesday May 13th. At Fort Jefferson, Tortugas. immediately visited my company, and saw all the boys, in fact saw everything & everybody. Made a tour through the whole fort. It is large enough Naval Headquarters at the end of Duval Street. Photo credit: Monroe County to place four Fort Taylors into it. Library. Cocoanut & different kind of trees in full bloom inside. Witnessed having on board discharged soldiers, board the U. S. schooner Union. heavy artillery drill. Spent most of and the men belonging to the 8th Made out invoices & receipts. time with Sergeant Tom Leisenring. Infantry, who in the commencement Steamer prize arrived in harbor Ascertained that Wm. Everhard of of the War, were turned over to the this morning. Finster, member our Company had died a few days Rebels, in , by their General of Company A shot himself this ago. The place of burial is on Bird Twiggs and after having been held morning, causing instantaneous Key about 1/2 mile from Tortugas, in confinement, until now, are death, Cause unknown. Depression a dreary looking spot. Also a man exchanged. throughout their entire of spirits for some time past, was from Company D is buried on confinement and being ill treated buried this afternoon without any the Key. Loggerhead Key is also and strong inducements made military escort, on account of nearby, being inhabited, and a them to join the Rebel Service, being a suicide. He was a man in light house thereon. Left Tortugas their officers all going over, they good circumstances at home, had about 6 p.m. having in tow the proved loyal all along. As they left no encumbrances, and no definite schooner Union with some Ladies the harbor all the gunboats saluted cause can be assigned for this rash and the Captains of the companies them, and there was a salute of 21 act, besides being well educated. stationed here, on a visit to Key guns given by Fort Taylor. Lawall, Took a short walk after supper. West to attend a ball to be given by Weiss & myself took a walk about Raining tonight. Tug Reaney started the Col. on Thursday night. Had a the city. Weiss & myself had a game for Tortugas again this evening, Lt. very fine passage, slept soundly all of billiards, which was interrupted Heebner accompanying the party night, having fine accommodations by the alarm of fire. Turned out to be who were here to attend the ball and through the kindness of Capt. Bell. Mother Clarks' shanty, near the new now return. Retired at 10 Thursday May 14th. Arrived Barracks, Cause unknown. Made a Saturday May 16th. Reading in at Key West about 6 a.m. took very grand sight, burnt down to the the morning. Weather very warm. breakfast on board the tug. After ground. Received news that terrible Gunboat Sonoma arrived in harbor dinner Mennig & myself counted fighting was going on in Virginia. this morning. Steam transport and packed clothing & Camp Reported loss of a great many in the Matanzas arrived today from New Garrison equipage to be shipped 12th Pa. Regiment. Very anxious Orleans, crowded with passengers to Tortugas. Busy until supper to receive news. Retired at 9 p.m. & discharged soldiers. Coaled all time. After supper witnessed the There is a ball tonight in the fort. night. Weather very warm. Wrote a departure of the steamer Geo. Friday May 15th. Busy all letter tonight to Sister Mary. Retired Peabody which had arrived during morning. Shipped the clothing &c, at 10 p.m. our absence from New Orleans, we packed yesterday afternoon, on Sunday May 17th. Engaged in

12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2013/14 reading all day. Steamer Matanzas Catawba arrived from New York of day at Commissary Accounts. left at 12 p.m. In the evening this morning. The news is not as After supper Ginkinger & myself visited Sigmonds with Bob Moore, good as at first reported. Hooker put aboard the ship Mahlon Ginkinger & Weiss. Retired tonight is back again in his old position. Williamson, our trunks &c, bound at 11 p.m. Weather very warm. The Rebel General "Stonewall" for from there to be Company D arrived here from Jackson was killed, in the late expressed home. Retired at 9 p.m. Tortugas. battle. Received Allentown papers House burnt down to-night. Monday May l8th. U.S. to the 13th inst., preparations for Tuesday May 26th. Busy today, Transport Fulton arrived this receiving the 9 month-men home. schooner Maitland arrived from morning from New York, having They were in the late fight, some New York with subsistence stores, a mail, dating to 12 inst. Terrible killed and missing also wounded. unloading. Same this afternoon. fighting at Fredericksburg. Received After supper took a walk about Onions all spoiled. Wrote an order two letters, one from Geo. Kramer, the city. A ball tonight at Howe's. to Adjust General for a Board of the other from J. Henry Beemer. Retired at 10 p.m. Weather warm. Survey to convene for the purpose Preparations are being made at home Friday May 22nd. Busy in the of condemning same. Had a short to receive the 9 month-men who are morning. Wrote a letter to Sister but violent rain storm at 6 p.m. After being mustered out. Took a ride with Mary, enclosing $50 dollars. which Lawall, Mennig & myself Ginkinger. Paymaster, Major Babbitt Suspended my bed this afternoon. took a walk out to Old Sandy’s. of Newton N.J., arrived today and Took a short walk in evening with Returned by 9 p.m. Captain Yard will pay off for 8 months. Fishing Pretz & Lawall. Fished at wharf, & Sergeant Bonstein slept in off the wharf tonight. Retired at 9 retired at 10 p.m. Steamer tug Wm. Quartermaster’s Office tonight, p.m. Traded trunk with Ginkinger Reaney returned from Tortugas gave them blankets. Retired at 10 which I painted today, My former tonight with Pay Master. Weather p.m. Windy. trunk I purchased from Ginkinger at hot. Wednesday May 27th. Busy all Beaufort, S.C. Saturday May 23th. Busy all day making out report of Board Tuesday May 19th. After morning at papers. Steam transport of Survey & Inspection reports. breakfast Ginkinger & myself took McClellan arrived this afternoon Prize schooner brought into harbor, a walk to Fort Taylor, signed payroll from New York having a small with the Rebel rag floating, having being assigned to Company I, Capt. mail. Invoiced 100 barrels of the Stars & Stripes floating over Keck. After dinner drew my pay flour to Lt. Hall at Fort Jefferson. it. Schooner Moonlight laden for 7 months & 23 days amounting Raining at 5 p.m. Weather very with ice, unloading today. Steam to $100.95, reserved $50. to send warm. Retired at 9 p.m. transport Hancock arrived today home. Weather very warm today. Sunday May 24th. Busy from Baltimore, no mail. Stayed all Paid off all debts today. Rained last all morning packing trunk to night at McGrath's, he being very night. Had to move quarters on that send home onboard the Braque sick, recovery doubtful. Weather account for the night. Took a walk Mahlon Williamson bound for warm. this evening. Retired at 9 p.m. Pennsylvania. After dinner assisted Thursday May 28th. After Wednesday May 20th. Purchased a Ginkinger in packing his effects. breakfast slept all morning. In the felt hat and other necessary articles. Washed & dressed in Commissary afternoon wrote a letter to Brother Wrote a letter to Geo. Kramer took Storehouse. After supper took a John. Steam tug Wm. Reaney a walk in the evening. Many of the walk about town. U. Sawyer of left for Havana. Lt. Heebner went boys pretty well "how come you Company K here from Tortugas along. Steamer Zephyr left for so", on account of the money they on a visit, treated Weiss & myself New Orleans. Barque Mahlon received. Made bed in Quartermaster at Moffat & Simpsons, being lately Williamson left for Philadelphia Office tonight, expecting a shower. promoted. Before retiring Sandt, at 4 p.m. aboard of which is my Retired at 10 P.M. Weather warm & Mennig & myself had quite a trunk, the key of which I send by mosquitoes very annoying. Singing Concert. Retired at 11 p.m. mail. Heard that Sheirer of our May 21st. Assisted in issuing Mosquitoes voracious. Steamer Company had died at Tortugas a rations this morning. Permanent McClellan left to-day for Tortugas short time ago. Spent the evening Provost Guard established with Lt. & New Orleans. 60 Rebel prisoners at McGrath's. He is still no better. Rees, Company C as Lieutenant brought in today of the Guard. U.S.S. Transport Monday May 25th. Busy most (Continued on page 14)

WINTER 2013/14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 13 (Diary from page 13) months. Deposited in P.O. the during day & late at night together. letters &c, written a few days ago, Many a pleasant evening have I Our band playing tonight at the as the mail leaves soon. Enclosed spent at his house, which several General’s Headquarters. Retired at $1.00 to Brother John. After supper of us who were accustomed to 11 p.m. visited McGrath. was informed visit there, had given the name of th Friday May 29 . Busy today by Dr. Otto that he did not expect “the Soldiers Home.” Such is life. at papers. Raining this afternoon. him to live all night. Ginkinger & Retired at 10 p.m. Steamer Hancock left harbor at 2 myself went for Mrs. Fletcher, who Wednesday June 3rd. Busy all day p.m. for New Orleans but returned will remain all night. Remained at on schooner Julia Halleck, tallying in the course of a couple of hours house until 11 o’clock, then came Subsistence Stores unloading all having in tow a prize schooner laden to office & retired. Weather very day. Very hot & sultry. No breeze. with cotton. After supper Ginkinger, warm. Steamer Star of the South After supper took a walk about Weiss & myself went to Ingrams, went north at 6 p.m. taking a mail town then returned & retired at 9: and had some ice cream, charging and I noticed a great many citizens 30 p.m. 15 cents a plate. Then went with going north. Thursday June 4th. Busy all day Lt. Rees to his quarters at Provost Tuesday, June 2nd. Busy this on schooner Julia Halleck. Nothing Guard House, After which returned morning making an Estimate of of importance. After supper to office. Raining this evening & Subsistence Stores for 1,000 men procured ice cream at Mrs. Garvin’s tonight. A small mail was today for one year. Heard the bad news (Colored) after which returned to received from Havana. Couple of that Mr. McGrath had died this office. Retired at 10 p.m. Weather Allentown papers received, not morning at 7 a.m. On account of the very warm. much news. Reported this afternoon climate it is customary here, to bury Friday June 5th. Busy this that Vicksburg was taken hope it persons the same day. His funeral morning on schooner. Finished at 1 may prove true. Retired at 9 p.m. is appointed at 1/2 past 5, this p.m., after dinner which I took on th Saturday May 30 . Raining afternoon. Ginkinger & Myself rode board schooner with Capt. Bayley, I all day reading most of day, a up to his house at noon to see his went to office and slept all afternoon. book entitled "Frank Hilton" or remains. He looks very natural, as if Took a walk after supper. Retired the "Queens Own." After supper, fallen asleep. Kept busy all day on at 9 p.m. U.S. steam transport St. Ginkinger, Weiss & myself, again board the schooner Julia Halieck Mary’s arrived here this afternoon procured ice cream, then visited keeping tally of Subsistence Stores from New Orleans, for ammunition McGrath, who is still very low. unloading, being a six month &c. reports fighting at Vicksburg, Retired at 9 p.m. Steamer Star of supply. At 5 p.m. Capt. Bailey of which is not yet taken. the South arrived. schooner Julia Halleck, Ginkinger Saturday June 6th Busy in st Sunday May 31 . Reading all & myself went to McGraths office. Nothing of importance morning after ablutions. After house, attended the funeral, which dinner, Weiss, Lawall, Trexier & was a very large one. Our band EDUCATION PROGRAM myself visited the Old Fortune and Companies. B & D, being in SPONSORS $100 OR MORE Teller's out at Old Sandy's, returned advance, and then the carriages LINDA & LAWRENCE ABELE by 4 o'clock. Raining all day. After with mourners & friends. He was TOM & KITTY CLEMENTS PRUDENCE CHURCHILL & LAWRENCE PLUMMER supper went to McGraths, stayed a (regular) Soldier, having been in BETTY L. DESBIENS all night, he being worse, very BUD DRETTMANN U.S. Services 15 years, serving in JOHN & BEATRICE DUKE little prospects of his recovery. SHIRLEY FREEMAN & HARVEY SERVER & Florida with distinction. CELESTE ERICKSON Mosquitoes terrible during rainy DR. ELIAS GERTH He leaves a wife & one child, a very MARY HAFFENREFFER weather. TOM & LYNDA HAMBRIGHT smart little boy. Thus has died our HARRIGAN FOUNDATIONS, INC. Monday June 1st. Returned from JOHN H. JONES best friend and adviser in this hot LAURA LYNNE KENNEDY McGraths to office at 1/2 past 4 this EDWARD B. KNIGHT bed of secession and whom I shall TOM KNOWLES morning. Procured a cup of coffee TOM & BARBARA MARMION ever gratefully remember. He was DR. WILLIAM R. PLOSS at cafe opposite Provost Marshall’s LARRY & GRETCHEN RACHLIN a man of excellent education and JUAN L. RIERA Office. After breakfast busily JUDITH & JAMES ROBERTS understood business as clerk &c SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA engaged at papers. Schooner Julia ED SWIFT thoroughly. Often have Mac. & KIMBERLY & GARY WALWER Halleck arrived with provisions myself been hard at work, in making ROBERT J. WOLZ for the A.A.C.S., a supply for 6 out Quarterly Master Accounts &c

14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2013/14 today. Ship S. R. Mallory left at left in her, Messinger Company A, noon for New York, having a prize Stuben Company B and Billington cargo valued at $600,000. The Company C. Wrote a letter to Sister BUSINESS MEMBERS gunboat Sonoma accompanies Mary and gave to Capt. Keck who ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY her as convoy. Steamer St. Mary’s goes home on sick furlough. Steamer GENEALOGY CENTER 900 LIBRARY PLAZA left this evening for New Orleans. North America left for New Orleans FORT WAYNE, IN 46802 260-421-1223

Retired at 10 p.m. this evening. After supper went to COASTAL SAILING ADVENTURE, INC. th 28555 JOLLY ROGER DRIVE Sunday June 7 . Remained in Miss Allen’s procured ice cream. , FL 33042-0839 295-8844

office all day reading a book entitled Retired at 12. CONCH TOUR TRAINS, INC. th 601 DUVAL ST. “Frank Hilton or the Queens Own,” Saturday June 13 . Navy KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-4142

very interesting. Could not sleep transport Circassian arrived this DR. FRED COVAN 1901 FOGARTY AVE. SUITE 2 tonight on account of the terrible morning. Steam tug Wm Reaney KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-294-7522

mosquitoes. Paced the room until returned from Havanna, having no DEWOLF AND WOOD ANTIQUARIANS ON THE GREEN day light. Very warm tonight. mail, reports that the mail for this P.O. BOX 425 Monday June 8th. This morning place has gone to New Orleans. An ALFRED, MAINE 04002 207-490-5572 FRIENDS OF ISLAMORADA AREA STATE PARKS our new cook commenced officer arrived in the Circassian to P.O. BOX 236 operations, Smiley having left relieve Lt. Locke as Quarter Master ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 without cause or notification, at this Post, but the General refused DR. ELIAS GERTH 2505 FLAGLER AVE. his name is Edwin Sweitzer of to relieve Locke, as too many KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-295-6790 Company A. Busy at Commissary changes have of late been taking HISTORIC FLORIDA KEYS FOUNDATION 510 GREENE STREET Accounts today writing letters place rendering it injurious to the KEY WEST, FL 33040 of transmittal &c. After supper service. The whole affair is Political HISTORICAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF THE UPPER KEYS, INC. visited Mrs. Garvin’s where we had Knavery, the officer having been P.O. BOX 2200 ice cream. This afternoon steamer promoted as Captain from behind KEY LARGO, FL 33037 KEY WEST ENGINE SERVICE, INC. Matanzas passed outside harbor, a counter in a New York Store, P.O. BOX 2521 having in tow schooner Seguine and sent here by those in power, to KEY WEST, FL 33045 KEY WEST TENNIS with cattle for this place. Matanzas relieve an excellent and volunteer 1305 REYNOLDS STREET went on to New Orleans. Schooner officer. thus are affairs managed at KEY WEST , FL 33040 561-445-7805 KEY WEST WOOD WORKS came into harbor. Arrival of a new present, good men thrown overboard 6810 FRONT STREET commissary, who will relieve Lt. and politicians substituted. how is it KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-1811 MEL FISHER MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY Heebner. Otherwise no news of possible to crush the rebellion, when 200 GREENE ST. any account. Retired at 1/2 past 1 such glaring evils are daily taking KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2633 OLD TOWN TROLLEY a.m. Could not sleep on account place, and of date, More frequent 6631 MALONEY AVENUE of mosquitoes. Beautiful Sunny than ever. Retired to night at 11 p.m. KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6688 South. Weather very hot and oppressing. PREMIERE RACING, INC. 67B FRONT STREET Tuesday June 9th. Busy this Watson & myself regaled ourselves MARBLEHEAD, MA 01945 781-639-9545 morning at Commissary Papers. tonight with guava jelly & FOUNDATION P.O. BOX 500130 Nothing of importance. After marmalade brought from Havana, MARATHON, FL 33050 supper went to Mrs. Garvin’s, also on pineapples & bananas from RIERA TOURS P.O. BOX 522026 procured ice cream, after which the Mosquito Shore. MIAMI, FL 33152 305-446-2712 returned to office. Retired at 12. Sunday June 14th. Rose at 7 a.m. [email protected] A.R. SAVAGE & SONS, INC. Weather very hot. After breakfast ablutions &c in 701 HARBOUR POST DRIVE Wednesday June 10th. Busy Commissary Storehouse, remained TAMPA, FL 33602 813-247-4550 SEASTORY PRESS at Commissary Papers all day in office remainder of day reading 305 WHITEHEAD STREET #1 KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-5762 morning. Capt. Martin who was &c. Steamer Nassau arrive from [email protected]

to relieve Lt. Heebner as A.C.S. New Orleans with a lot of Blacks SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA 1319 DUVAL STREET intends leaving for the north as numbering 59 to be a working KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6577

soon as possible, so Lt Heebner, gang on the wharfs at this place ST. LOUIS AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. 3928 CLAYTON AVE. again resumes charge, the climate permanently. Their quarters are ST. LOUIS, MO 63110 314-533-7710 not agreeing with the Capt. The made at the New Barracks. After steamer Fulton left at noon. Three supper Ginkinger, Watson & myself discharged men of our Regiment visited Capt. Bell,

WINTER 2013/14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 15 USCGC Ingham on convoy duty in World War Two. Photo credit: the USCG Archives.. 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 - WINTER 2013/14