$2 Florida Keys Sea Heritage Journal

VOL. 15, NO. 1 FALL 2004 USS SHARK

OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE KEY WEST MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Insurgents of Key West and the Expedition of 1895 By Dr. Consuelo E. Stebbins When Jefferson Browne published his history on Key West in 1912, he acknowledged the important role that the Cuban emigre colony had played in the revolutions in . Browne (115) wrote, A history of Key West which does not treat of the several revolutionary movements in Cuba, with which Key West was so closely connected, would fail in its purpose of faithfully portraying the events which have shaped or affected its destiny. The flood of Cuban emigres to Key West began during the Ten Years War (1868-78) when Cuban exiles fled Spanish persecution in Cuba and found work in the cigar factories in Key West. Even after the Ten Years War ended in 1878, the majority of these exiled remained in Key West where they plotted and sacrificed their earnings to support an insurrection in Cuba. Here, only 90 miles from their native island, the emigre colony dedicated themselves to liberating Cuba Jose Marti the leader of the Cuban Revolutionary Party. Photo credit: Monroe from Spain. The 1885 census of County Library. Key West demonstrates the extent (34%), cited their birthplace as Key followed by maritime with a much of the Cuban emigre population West. The second largest group was smaller workforce at 785 (15%). in Key West. The census shows Cubans, 4,517 (32%), followed Key West’s reputation as one Key West with a total population by Bahamians, 3,458 (25%). The of the major centers for providing of 13,945. The population can be 1885 census reported a work force the rebels in Cuba with guns and divided into three sections based on of 5,100. Approximately 2,111 munitions is well documented in birthplaces; the largest group, 4,741 (41%) worked in the cigar industry (Continued on page 10) Soceity News By Tom & Lynda Hambright We began our fifteen year with Joseph T. Porter and the Fall edition appearing during Thomas Moore. the Winter. I guess we can blame The following information, the problems this year on the relative to the dying of fish in the hurricanes that hit in other part of Gulf of Mexico during the month Florida but thankfully Sister Louis of September last, will be found Gabriel kept her watch over Key of much interest, as bearing upon West (Florida Keys Sea Heritage the sudden destruction in large Journal Winter 1993/94). Hopefully numbers of marine animals, and we can get back on schedule soon. their accumulation in geological As I write this in early December Strata. - Editor. the problems of the reef and Florida Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas, The Florida Keys Sea Heritage Bay are in the headlines again. Fla., October 16, 1878. Journal is published quarterly. Some of us have been looking for I have the honor to enclose Subscription is available through historic information on Florida herewith the skin of a fish* which membership. Copyright 2004 by Bay and how that may help with was found on the beach here. I send the Key West Maritime Historical the problems today. Ed Little and it because many old fishermen say Society of the Florida Keys, Inc. I had found antidotal references to that they never before saw one like The art on the masthead, the USS a large fish kill in the late 1800s it. Some five or six were picked up Shark, was drawn by Bill Muir. but were never able to find any from a multitude of other fish; and real evidence. We had the reference to report this great mortality among Editor: Lynda Hambright from Hackley’s Diary of the fish them is my principal reason for Production:Tom Hambright kill from fresh water in January addressing you. Some three or four 1857. Sometimes research comes weeks ago, the fishing smacks over Letters and articles are welcome. easy and in this case I found the in Florida Bay lost about all their Please write to: Editor, Florida Keys information by answering the fish in their wells, and attributed it Sea Heritage Journal, KWMHS, P.O. phone. In mid November I received to fresh water, which they supposed Box 695, Key West, FL 33041. a call from Pat Ayers of the Library had from some cause or other come of Congress asking if I had any down in great volume from the Key West Maritime mainland. On the 9th instant, the Historical Society information about the fish kill of Board of Directors 1878, which I did not but of course sailing-vessel which connects us wanted what she had. She was kind with Key West met water of a dark President: Edward J.Little,Jr. enough to fax me the following color about midway between here Vice President: Winifred Fryzel letters from “Proceedings of the and there, but saw no dead fish. On Secretary: Corey Malcom United States National Museum, her return, on the night of the 11th, Treasurer: Lynda Hambright Volume 1” published in 1879. Ms. she struck it off Rebecca Shoals, about 25 miles east of here, and Shauna Cameron Ayers is still looking for any other Tom Hambright reports from 1878 and has promised found it extending some 10 miles Mary Haffenreffer to keep us informed. out in the Gulf. That same night it Nancy Jameson On the Destruction of Fish in came down upon us here, and the John Jones next morning the beach and surface Sheri Lohr the Vicinity of the Tortugas of the water, as far as the eye could Don Lowe reach, were covered with dead fish. T.J. McDermott During the Months of Julie McEnroe September and October 1878. The appearance of the water had William McKinley By Lieut. J. P. Jefferson, Dr. entirely changed; instead of the John Viele (Continued on page 8) New Member Peter E. Hess, Wilminton, DE; Michael Lyons, Key West; John Frank & Pam Holden, Key West; Petzold, Key West.

2 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - FALL 2004 Five Blacks in Navy Blue: A Report on Civil War Sailors Buried in Key West Cemetary

The Battleship Maine Plot in the Key West Cemetery. Photo credit: Tom Hambright.

Anthony D. Atwood Arlington. Twenty-four, however, of military members and a few Florida International University were brought to Key West. Here civilians continued to occur over the In the heart of Key West lies the they were buried with honors in a years, the latest was in the 1970’s.1 city cemetery, the last resting place section of the cemetery that was Five of them were Black Civil for generations of the inhabitants of already accommodating a number War Navy men this old and important Florida town. of deceased military members. The questions of this One section of the cemetery of Soon afterward the USS Maine investigation are the questions of historical note is the area commonly burials, the section was enclosed their identity. Who were they? Why known as “The Maine Plot.” it within a now one-hundred-year-old were they in Key West? What can came by this name because twenty- wrought iron fence. be discovered of the details of their four dead sailors off the battleship The Maine plot at the Key West lives? When and how did they die? USS Maine are buried there. The cemetery is the last resting place of Only the slim documentation of Maine was blown up in 84 persons altogether; 83 adults and their enlistment records, hospital harbor February 25, 1898 with the one infant girl child. Among them and death records remain to draw disastrous loss of most of the crew. rest a number of Union soldiers and from. The five sailors were Charles Many of the victims were originally sailors of the War of the Rebellion Tillman, George E. Jackson, interred in Havana and later who died in Key West during Thomas Thomas, Henry Keen and exhumed and put to final rest at the that war. Subsequent to the USS Prince Carroway. United States National Cemetery of Maine interment, additional burials (Continued on page 4)

FALL 2004 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 3 O.S. (Ordinary Seaman), Born (Navy from page 3) being admitted. Granville, N.S. About 19 yrs. Charles Tillman, Shipped (enlisted) Boston Jan. 22, United States Navy George E. Jackson, Charles Tillman was born in United States Navy 1863 suffers with Febris Continua Wilmington, Delaware in 1834. He George E. Jackson of Nova Communis. Symptoms appeared was a waiter by trade, stood 5 foot Scotia joined the Navy in Boston, May 21. Common to this type: has 8 inches tall, and joined the Navy at Massachusetts, January 22, 1863, had no bad symptoms: constipation Philadelphia on January 27, 1862. at the age of nineteen. He signed predominant: has been treated with His enlistment term was for three up for one year, with the rating of laxatives, and a Febrifugo mixture. years and he was rated a Landsman.2 Ordinary Seaman.5 As the war wore Not contracted in line of duty.” For the next year and a half, he on, the naval service, like the army, Jackson was suffering from served aboard the USS Miami, would later resort to conscription far worse than intermittent fevers last recorded for muster on July to fill its ranks. We may speculate alone. A report by the attending 1, 1863. USS Miami served with from his Nova Scotia heritage and physician at the hospital entitled the Atlantic Blockade Squadron his presence in the sea town of “Certificate of Death” attests to of the U.S. Navy during the Civil Boston, that Jackson was familiar the following:8 I hereby certify War and much of its activity during with the maritime. His relatively that George E. Jackson, who was this time was on station patrolling advanced rank and the short length an Ordinary Seaman in the Navy, off Albemarle Sound and Pamlico of the enlistment term agreed while attached to the U.S. Marine Sound. Sometime after July 1st, upon, indicate Jackson had specific Hospital and holding the rank above Tillman went aboard USS Augusta expertise to offer or experience mentioned, departed this life at the Dinsmore. Transferring sailors in such matters. The records also Marine Hospital of the 8th day of between ships cross-decking) describe him as mulatto, being of July in the year 1863, and that he to even up manpower shortages mixed race. Color sensitivity was died of “Pythisis Pulmonalis,” as occasioned by battle casualties, or a commonplace of the times, with set forth in the record of his case more usually from losses to illness gradations of shading such as Negro, as reported by Acting Surgeon and disease was a common Navy mulatto, quadroon and octaroon Chas W. Page, to wit: `US Bark practice. Whether Navy initiated, being routine descriptors. There Restless June 12th 1863. George E. or less likely through Tillman’s were Europeans in Jackson’s family Jackson, OS, affected with Febris own request, in joining the ship’s tree, and it is a good possibility Continua Communis - symptoms company of Augusta Dinsmore, he was a merchant mariner before appeared May 21st/63 common to Tillman became part of the West volunteering. this type; has had no bad symptoms; Gulf Squadron, headquartered at There were 2,748 Black Navy constipation predominant; has Key West. volunteers in 1860. Half (1,379) been treated with laxatives and The fevers, diseases and were former slaves. Another 1,202 Febrifuges. Disease did not debilitations associated with service (44 percent) came from Free originate in line of duty.’ in the tropics were known to strike states. Jackson was one of 167 After admission into this hospital hardest those new to the region. Black foreigners who signed up, Tuberculosis symptoms were soon January 23, 1864 he was admitted along with twenty-two others from developed, under the influence of to the Navy and Marine Hospital at Canada. The majority of these which his vital forces diminished Key West.3 He was one of thirtytwo foreign sailors, 107 of them, were and he died at 11 o’clock AM July sailors admitted that month into the from the West Indies A few hailed 8, 1863. hospital originally built as a 60- from as far away as Hawaii and the --George J. Sweet, Assistant bed facility.4 Three New Yorkers, Philippines.6 Surgeon two Englishman, a Scot and four That summer he was sent from Doctor Sweet then added a Irishmen were among his fellow his duty station aboard USS Restless postscript by way of a postmortem: patients. into the Navy and Marine Hospital “The above named George E. Six of the thirty two did not leave in Key West, June 12, 1863, with Jackson deceased was born the hospital alive. Charles Tillman the Ship’s Doctor’s diagnosis of Granville Nova Scotia is 19 years was one of these six. He died on febris continua communis.7 The of age 5 feet 4 inches high, is a January 30, 1864, one week after doctor reported: “Geo. E. Jackson mulatto, has black eyes, wooley hair

4 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - FALL 2004 --he entered the U.S. Naval Service on His army service was short. the 22nd day of January in the year While the vast majority of Henry Keen, 1863. the men needed to fight the war United States Navy His naval career was less than six served in the army, the navy Henry Keen was a Floridian months. nevertheless required its own raised in slavery in Columbia share of manpower to prosecute County, Florida. A sixteen year old Thomas Thomas, hostilities against the states in boy, in the Spring of 1864 he sought United States Navy rebellion. During the Spring of his freedom, making his way to The War of the Rebellion was 1864, the Black troops raised in the Union outpost at Cedar Keys, one of only three times during which Maryland were assigned to the Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. the North American continent as 4th Division of 9th Army Corps. This cluster of little islands just off experienced near total mobilization. 9th Corps area of responsibility the west coast of Florida near the On New Years’ Day, 1861, only was the Department of North Suwannee River had been Federal 16,367 men were serving in the United Carolina, including the seized territory since early in the war. States military. By the final month of rebel ports of New Bern and Cedar Keys was the western war, May 1865, over one million were Wilmington and the maritime terminus of the Florida Railroad. in the Federal Army.9 Against them, areas of Pamlico and Albemarle The railroad ran from Fernandina practically every able-bodied male Sound, working in cooperation on the east coast trough Baldwin, between 16 and 60 years of age in the with naval operations. As part of outside of Jacksonville, then rebellious states, about 600,000 men, the reorganization, the Navy was southwest across the middle of the took up arms. augmented by drafts of 9th Corps state, passed through Gainesville One source of armed manpower soldiers. They were released from and arrived on Depot Key of the for the Union was Black Americans. the Army and enlisted into the Cedar Keys at the end of a two Initially, accepting Blacks to fight was Navy. Among them was Thomas hundred yard trestle bridge from resisted by the national government. Thomas, who joined the Navy on the mainland. Cedar Keys, with a The course of the fighting proved, April 21, 1864 in Baltimore. 12 harbor and rail head, was of interest however, that only total defeat of Thomas was enlisted into the to the national authorities. the confederacy would preserve the Navy for three years, with the January 16, 1862, USS Hatteras Union and that defeating the rebels rate of Landsman. Maryland was arrived and shelled the town. A would require nothing less than the recorded as his birthplace, and Navy shore party captured the entire resources and commitment he stood 5 foot 4 inches tall. He officer and fourteen of his twenty the government could bring to bear. served on the blockade squadron caretaker troops garrisoning the First Black freedmen living in the ships USS Massachusetts, USS place. The rest fled and Cedar Keys north, then former slaves of the border Donegal, and USS Neptune. 13 remained a Union outpost for the states, and eventually large numbers January 6, 1865 the Acting rest of the war Cedar Keys was of escaped slaves from the confederate Assistant Surgeon of the USS usually left in peace by the state states, known as “contraband” for Neptune requested that Thomas, government, because of the shortage their ambivalent legal standing, were affected with scrofula, be admitted of rebel soldiers in Florida available recruited. They were sworn in, armed, into the Navy Hospital.14 Surgeon for offensive action. On several organized into regiments, usually Scolley Parker reported: “Thomas occasions Federal expeditions under white officers, and deployed in- Thomas, Landsman, 25, born in staging from Cedar Keys fought with theater across the continent. 10 Maryland, shipped [enlisted] in Confederates in the interior. At the During the course of the war, close Baltimore, transferred from the time of Henry Keen’s arrival at to 180,000 Black Americans went Army, has been affected with Cedar Keys here was an enlistment into the army. A major depot for the Scrofula of 1 year’s duration, drive going on, an initiative of program at Camp Stanton, Maryland. manifesting itself in enlargement the Key West Army Department. During the winter of 1863 the 19th of the glands and various parts Principally being recruited were Regiment and 30th Regiment of of the body with Oedema of the white refugees to fill the new United United States Colored Troops were eyes. Treatment [illegible] and States 2nd Florida Cavalry, a unit raised in and around Camp Stanton. tonics. Origin not in the line of then being raised from disaffected Among the men who joined as a duty.”15 private soldier was Thomas Thomas. He died March 6, 1865. (Continued on page 6)

FALL 2004 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 5 (Navy from page 5) originated in the line of duty.” ground. Over a ten-day campaign Floridians to prosecute hostilities Keen was carried on the muster of scorched earth the Navy turned against their home state. During report for USS Nita dated June to the task of destroying the rebel the year, 102 men were recruited at 30th. On July 11th, a small army of saltworks, helped by contraband as Cedar Keys for the unit, also known confederates making a raid in force laborers and guides. Acting Master as the Refugee Rangers. went north of Washington, DC, and William R. Browne later reported Keen was brought aboard USS then turned back and marched into the destruction of: “290 saltworks, Nita and enlisted into the Navy the suburbs of the capital.18 They 33 covered wagons, 12 flatboats, May 5th, 1864.16 He enlisted for the came within sight of he newly 2 sloops of 5 tons each, 6 oxcarts, duration of the war as a 1st Class completed dome of the Congress. 4000 bushels of salt, 268 buildings, Cabin Boy. The same day in Virginia When the rebels had closed the 529 iron kettles averaging 150 the national army, lost in a forest so range between themselves and gallons each, 105 iron boilers for dense it was called the Wilderness, the fortifications surrounding boiling brine, and it is believed collided face to face with state the city, they began firing on from what we saw that the enemy troops. Over the next few, days they Washington with their rifles and destroyed as many more to prevent fought so fiercely the woods around light field pieces. As he inspected us from doing so.”22 them caught fire and consumed the the defenses, President Lincoln Subsequently, the Navy remained dead, wounded and healthy alike. came under fire.19 Standing beside on station in the area and mounted That day in the Roanoke River of him, Army Surgeon Crawford of additional raids to discomfort the North Carolina, the confederate the 102nd Pennsylvania volunteers rebellion. Their presence provided warship CSS Albemarle fired was wounded.20 The Commander protection to the refugee Union broadsides into USS Miami. On in Chief was forced to take cover sympathizers, runaway slaves and the Red River of Louisiana, Navy behind the parapets of Fort Stevens, confederate deserters who made warships USS Covington, Signal approximately four miles from the their way there. Together with and Warner were attacked by state White House. moral support and encouragement, troops. May 5th, the rebel cruiser, That same day in the Key West the Navy sometimes provided CSS Georgia was commissioned, Hospital, Henry Keen died. His foodstuffs, blankets and essentials and in Georgia the Battle of Rock service had lasted 67 days. to these displaced persons as part Face Ridge began. of a larger effort to destabilize the All this catastrophe was widely Prince Carroway, rebel state of Florida. In February, known as “The Cruel War.” Federal United States Navy 1864, Prince Carroway ran away losses included 110,070 deaths as a Prince Carroway was a slave born from slavery and made his way to result of battle, and 199,720 deaths about 1846 in Calhoun, County, St. Andrew. as a result of disease. One in thirteen North Florida. In February of 1864, In addition to harassing rebel servicemen would die of illness. this young man of eighteen became salt production, and providing aid Among them was Henry Keen a contraband, a runaway who sought and comfort to the civil population, Six weeks after joining the Navy, freedom and safety at St. Andrew’s there was also the ongoing Union the Ship’s Surgeon of USS Nita on the Gulf coast of the Florida recruiting into the armed forces directed his admission to the Navy panhandle. At the time St. Andrew’s taking place, at St. Andrew, as and Marine Hospital in Key West, was a desolated coastal hamlet, with Cedar Keys and a few other June 21, 1864.17 Ship’s Surgeon, beside the bay with the same name. locations on, the coast. White G.S. Parker, reported: The sector was under the watch of males, both Union sympathizers “The within case, Henry Keen the US Navy. Ships of the blockade and confederate deserters, were afflicted with dysenteria, has been had passed through St. Andrew’s recruited for the Refugee Rangers, under my treatment for the past Bay and sent patrols ashore to the United States 2nd Florida four days. When he was first taken destroy rebel saltworks on several Cavalry. Black males were being I gave (illegible) and ingestions of occasions. In December, 1863, enlisted into the 2nd United States starch water. Since I have given the USS Restless, the sloop USS Colored Troops, a Black regiment mild astringents. The disease was Caroline, and sidewheel steamer stationed at garrison duty at Key caused by change of station and USS Bloomer made a concerted West.23 While Army recruitment unnecessary exposure to the sun. attack.21 St. Andrew was shelled was the primary military concern, There is no evidence that this disease by naval gunnery and burnt to the sometimes the needs of the Navy

6 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - FALL 2004 were met by the enlistment of Carroway died May 7, 1865. of the Armies of the United States, refugees Three days later Jefferson Davis 57. On February 29, 1864 Carroway was captured at Irwinsville Georgia. 12. United States Navy, “Service was brought aboard the USS The following day Tallahassee Records 1861-1865,” NARA/ Restless, then on station at St. surrendered. Howard University Black Sailors Andrew and sworn into the Navy. Compilation. His rank was Cabin Boy 3rd Class. Notes 13 United States Navy, “Service His enlistment records his age as 18, 1. Tom Hambright, “The Records 1861-1865.” his height 5’2”, and his occupation, MaineWinslow Plot,” Florida 14. US Navy, “Form G,” January farmer. 24 When later admitted to the Collection, Key West Library 6, 1865, No. 328. hospital the following April 24th, (1991), 1-2. 15. US Navy, “Form G,” January Carroway’s age was recorded as 19. 2. David L. Valuska, The African 6, 1865, No. 328, p 2. His birthday was between February American in the Union Navy: 1861- 16. United States Navy, “Service 29th and April 23rd. He was enlisted 1865 (New York & London: Garland Records 1861-1865.” for the duration of the war. It was a Publishing Co., 1993), 168. 17. US Navy, “Form G,” June 21, war he would not outlive. 3. US Navy, “Names of Seamen 1864, No. 179. For most of 1864, Carroway Admitted Into the Hospital at Key 18. Robert Selph Henry, The mustered with the ship’s company. West,” Hospital Log, January 1864, Story of the Confederacy (Garden 25 Subsequently he was transferred Navy and Marine Hospital Records, City & New York: Garden City to USS Dale. That December, Florida Collection (Key West Publishing Co., 1931), 398 USS Dale supported raids by the Library). 19. Carl Sandburg, Abraham Refugee Rangers at Port Charlotte, 4. Albert W. Diddle MD, Lincoln, The War Years (New York: and up the Myakka River and the “Medical Events in the History of Harcourt Brace, 1939), Vol 3, 142- Peace River from the Federal base Key West: The Marine Hospital,” 3. at Fort Myers. 26 Carroway’s health Florida Bulletin of the History of 20. Charles Osbourne, Jubal: was in decline during March, 1865. Medicine 15 (May 1944): 448. The Life and Times of General Juba Palm Sunday, April 9, 1865, the 5. Valuska, The African Early (Chapel Hill: Algonquin, confederate army of Robert E Lee American in the Union Navy: 1861- 1992), 338. surrendered. Good Friday, 1865, the 1865, 201. 21. George E. Buker, CDR, national Commander-in-Chief was 6. Valuska, The African American Blockade Runners, Refugees, and shot. On Easter, 1865, President in the Union Navy: 1861-1865, 53. Contrabands (Tuscaloosa and Lincoln was prepared to lay in 7. US Navy, “Form G,” Hospital London: University of Alabama state. Ticket, Naval and Marine Hospital Press, 1993), 54. April 24th, 1865 Carroway Key West, Florida Collection (Key 22. Buker, Blockade Runners, was detached from USS Dale and West Library, June 12, 1863, No. Refugees, and Contrabands, 55. admitted to the Naval and Marine 165, p 2 23. Buker, Blockade Runners, Hospital in Key West. The standard 8. Assistant Surgeon George J. Refugees, and Contrabands, 131. list of Patient’s Clothing, &c. records Sweet, “Form of Death Certificate,” 24. United States Navy, “Service that Carroway was possessed of a Death Certificate of George E. Records 1861-1865.” full kit, including a hammock two Jackson, USN, Navy Hospital 25. USS Restless, “Rendezvous blankets, handkerchiefs and 2 pair Records, July 8, 1863, Florida Report,” April 1, 1864. of shoes. The small young man Collection (Key West Library). 26. Buker, Blockade Runners, was seriously ill. “He is laboring 9. Frederick Phisterer, Statistical Refugees, and Contrabands, 118. under incipient porthisis pulmonalis Record of the Armies of the United 27. US Navy, “Form G,” April symptoms. Night sweats. Hectic. States (New York: Jack Russell), 24, 1865, No. 70 Emaciation. Cracked pot sound 63. 28. US Navy, “Form G,” April on base of left lung. He has been 10. Joseph T. Glatthaar, Forged 24, 1865, No. “10, p 2 declining rapidly for the last month, in Battle: The Civil War Alliance of resisting all treatment. Treatment of Black Soldiers and White Officers Chief Warrant Officer Anthony Morrhuae and whiskey, chalybeates (New York & London: Macmilan, Atwood U.S. Navy Reserve is and acid sulfur. Disease did not 1990), 66-67. a graduate student at Florida originate in the line of duty.28 11. Phisterer, Statistical Record International University.

FALL 2004 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 7 (News from page 2) also. Whether or not sponges, coral, box. usual clear blue or green, it was &c., have been affected we have not The dark cyress looking water very dark, like cypress water, and been able to determine, the weather previously alluded to made it when viewed at depths over 10 feet, having been too rough to visit the appearance here a day or so ago, but was almost black, precisely like the beds. did not forunately remain more than Saint John’s River. We could not I am, sir, very respectfully, your 24 hours, but during that period perceive any change in the saltiness obedient servant, there was again destruction of fish. of the water but not having any other J. P. Jefferson, *The following is a list of means of determining this, had to Lieutenant Fifth United States species of fishes forwarded by Dr. depend upon taste. There was no Artillery. Porter,-Editor. appreciable change in temperature. *This on examination by Auloutorea coloratum, Mull From the fact that almost all the fish Professor Gill was pronounced to & Treach; Monacanthus pardajis. that first came ashore were small be Aulozlonz coloratum. Rupp; Dectylepteras volitans, (Linn) and of such varieties as frequent To Professor Baird Lao; Blepharichihys oriniyus shoal water, I infer that the dark ------(Akerly) Gill; Ceratacanthus water must have been of less density Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas, curauticous, (Mitch.) Gill; Belone than the sea; still, great numbers Florida, November 4, 1878 sp. (Head). of “grouper” have been seen, and Professor: I have taken the liberty ------these are generally found in 3 or 4 to forward you, by express from Oct. 11th, at 7 a. m., saw the Key West, a box containing two water a very dark color and dead fathoms, I believe. The destruction “ribbon fish” preserved in alcohol. fish drifting southwest; 9 a. m., dead must have been very great, for One of them was brought over to me fish on the beach and drifting by as here, on a key containing but a by Mr. Moore, lighthouse-keeper at far as we could see east and west of few acres, and with a very limited Loggerhead Light. The remaining the Key. extent of beach, we have buried at specimen of “ribbon fish” in the Oct. 12th, 4 p. m., fish of all jar (which is perfect) was picked up least twenty cart-loads; they have kinds on the beach, weighing from on a neighboring key this a.m. I am a few grains up to Jewfish weighing come ashore in such numbers that informed that these fish are a rare about 150 lbs. it has been a serious matter how to species, and very seldom seen. Oct, 13, 14, 15, and 16.-Dead dispose of them. The destruction of fish in Florida fish drifting on this Key and at Fort It is said that in 1856 or ‘57 Bay and in this vicinity has been Jefferson, distance from this Key 3 there was a similar occurrence of great this season. I obtained some 3/4 miles. limited extent over in the bay, and sea-water, but not having the Names of some of the dead fish: frequeutly the smacks fishing near appliance for analyzing it, I have Jewfish, Common Garfish, shore; along the coast meet fresh also taken the liberty so enclose it in Yellow Tails, Sucking Fish, Mutton water which kills their fish; but all the same box with the jar of fish. Fish, Lamp Suckers, Grouper, the fishermen here unite in saying Should you discover anything Moraena, Skipjack, Armed that nothing of this kind has ever, abnormal in the water which will Enoploasus, Runners, P e n n a n t ’s to their knowledge, happened out account for the recent destruction Globe Fish, Grunts, Horned on the reef. As to the extent of this of the fish in this vicinity, I will be Ostracion, Porgie, Great Pipe Fish, I have no means of knowing will under many obligations if you will Pogie, Porcupine Fish, Three-tailed endeavor to have forwarded with inform me. Porgee, Ribbon Fish, and fish we this, however, copies of the Key Joseph Y. Porter, call Parrot, and numberless fish I West papers, which will probably Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Army, have no name for. There is a fish contain a more complete account Post Surgeon. called Snapper that we could not than I have been able to give. One P.S.-Since writing the above, find dead, and have not seen since other fact in connection with this: Mr. Moore brought us some curious alive up to the 27th, but the water among the dead fish were mullet, specimens of fish; and a curious eel- remains quite clear. which, I believe run up fresh or like fish with but one eye, evidently Oct. 30 and 31.-The water brackish-water streams. Almost all an abnormality, has been found, colored a light brown. I do not see the conchs around here were killed which I have also enclosed in the any fish dead or alive.

8 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - FALL 2004 Thomas Moore, Keeper fish, known here as a cow-fish, In the possible poisonous effect of of Loggerhead Light, Florida from the water when just about water impregnated with dogwood, ------&c., a theory of the cause of the dead, and, having examined it for loss of fish-life may be found. I On The Mortality Of Fishes In a minute or two, cast it back when The Gulf Of Mexico In 1878 understand from Dr. Joseph Y. to my surprise it swam off briskly, By Lieut. J. P. Jefferson, U. S. A. Porter, U. S. A., that he forwarded Key West, Florida. going down at once. to your address a bottle of water. I As in the previous instance, am in hopes that an analysis it will Prof. Spencer F. Baird, the shores at Fort Jefferson and enable you to settle the question; if Smithsonian Institution, neighboring keys were covered so, I would be indebted greatly to Washington, D.C. with fish, and here at Key West, you if you would inform me. Professor I have the honor to the north side of the island In regard to my former letter, you acknowledge the receipt of your was in similar condition. From can make any use of it you desire, valued favor of October 30th, which correspondence and conversation as well also as this. I am happy to reached me after a delay, I being I have gathered, in addition to the know that you consider the subject absent from Fort Jefferson. This above, the following facts, some, of some importance. I feared that absence, coupled with my wish to and possibly all, of which may be of I might be imposing upon your get all possible facts in regard to interest. valuable time. the destruction of fish in these and A fishing-smack sailed some If there are any of the small fish neighboring waters, will account for 70 or 80 miles to the westward of this vicinity which you desire I my apparent tardiness. from Fort Jefferson without getting will be glad to do what I can towards Since my communication in clear of the water. Another smack obtaining them, either preserved in October another large body of the found the surface of the water out spirits or the skins. Please give me dark-colored water described therein some 15 miles in the Gulf Stream common names, if possible; for made its way down the coast, across covered with dead fish--large I have no books and no technical Florida Bay, striking Tortugas sharks, turtles, king-fish, &c.; but knowledge. about the 20th of November, and no porpoises, and, as far as I have I am, sir, very respectfully, your extending up the reef as far as Key heard, no dead porpoises have been obedient servant, West probably further. At Key seen. An officer coming over from J. P. Jefferson, West its approach could be seen New Orleans by steamer was more Lieutenant Fifth Regiment Artillery distinctly; at first, belts of it, some than 12 hours passing through a December 1878. narrow, others broad, came into field of dead fish. Oysters in Tampa the. harbor following the various Bay were killed by the water. In ------channels leading to the northward, October the Caloosahtchee River Part of the Diary of William R. and only in these belts were the fish overflowed its banks along its Hackley for January 3, 1857. “The affected; in the course of twenty- entire length except at a bluff calm weather has lasted so long that four hours, however, all the water at Fort Meyers, and the whole the fresh water from the Everglades in the harbor was similarly colored, country in that section was under has drifted down to the Keys. The and the surface was covered with water, reported to be the result of fishermen say that yesterday in the dead and dying fish. the overflow of Lake Okeechobee. Northwest Channel the water was They seemed to be affected very A gentleman who knows that part fresh enough to drink and that they much as I have seen them when “fish of the State well tells me that did drink full drafts of it. The water berries” were thrown into a pond- the swampy land bordering on at the wharfs and in the harbor this -coming to the surface, swimming Okeechobee is grown up largely morning has the green tinge peculiar with dogwood; the water in the lake to the water near the coasts of the around in circles, sometimes on gradually rising and spreading over mainland. The fish continue to die the side or back, the movements the surrounding marshes or swamps in great numbers and of all kinds: growing weaker rapidly and ceasing probably kept these dogwood trees kingfish, mullet, morays, trunk fish, altogether in 20 or 30 minutes. I wholly or partly submerged for grunts etc. lined the beaches making noticed one fact which may or may weeks, until the divide between a horrible stench and the water is not be of importance; I took a small Okeechobee and the headwaters covered with the dead and drifting of Caloosahatchee River gave way. out with the tide.”

FALL 2004 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 9 (Insurgents from page 1) increase, unity among the insurgent for that purpose...They organized colonies was yet to be achieved. the literature. C. Neale Ronning themselves into political groups Tampa and Key West continued (23) identifies Key West as the called clubs, which were given to work independently of each most important center for the patriotic names. Every Cuban other and of New York. A new insurrectionist movement in the was expected to belong to one organization under new leadership United States and abroad by the of these clubs, and men, women was essential to bring unity among mid 1880s. Key West had gained and children were enrolled in the emigre colonies; the leader this reputation as being central this singular organization...Some who emerged was Jose Marti, and to the insurrectionist movement of the most noted leaders of the the organization was known as the for several reasons. First, the former revolution were ever Cuban Revolutionary Party. island’s cigar industry provided ready to land an expedition in In November 26, 1891 Jose much needed financial support Cuba and start a new revolution. Marti was invited by the Club for the rebel activities. Second, (119-120) Ignacio Agramonte in Tampa to Key West was home to the largest The military leaders in Key deliver a speech commemorating concentration of ex military West realized by the mid 1880s, the death of eight medical students officers. According to Jorge Ibarra, the need to establish a broader in Havana on November 27, 1871. Key West had replaced New York as based organization which would Marti’s speech ignited the crowds the center for leadership within the unify these political clubs not only in Tampa, and news of its reception states due to the large concentration in Key West, but also in Cuba, was quickly relayed to Key West. of military veterans whose nucleus Central America, and throughout On the following day, J. D. Poyo, was made up of 17 generals and the Caribbean. Consequently, a new one of the most important Cuban various colonels of the Ten Years secretive organization called the patriotic leaders in Key West and War (58). Among these veterans Cuban Convention was founded. editor of the Cuban newspaper, were two generals, Serafn Sanchez Reverend Manuel Deulofeu El Yara, printed a copy of Marti’s and Carlos Roloff, who would lead acknowledged the important speech in his newspaper. Poyo the 1895 expedition from Key West. role that the Cuban Convention: described how passionately the Another reason why Key West was “Among the various patriotic clubs crowds in Tampa had supported so important to the insurrectionist formed in Key West after the Pact of Marti’s views. When Marti returned movement was that the emigre Zanjn, there was one which because to New York, he was moved by colony in Key West represented the of its membership, its rules, and the reception Poyo’s article had ideals of the revolution. A review its resources achieved significant received in Key West. Marti knew of the census clearly demonstrates revolutionary accomplishments.” that it was time for him to visit Key that wealthy factory owners lived (79) Through the formation of new West because the majority of the along side of modest cigar workers clubs, a network was extended veterans lived in Key West, not in neighborhoods were the native beyond Key West to other rebel Tampa. Because Marti respected conchs, Bahamians, and Cubans centers in Cuba and throughout the the authority of the veterans in Key peacefully coexisted. Caribbean. To maintain its secret West, he would not travel to Key For more than 30 years, the identity, the organization operated West unless he were invited. Cuban emigre colony in Key under another name, Club Luz On December 5, 1891 West conspired with patriots in de Yara and each of its members Jose Marti wrote to J. D. Poyo the U.S. and abroad to organize were known only by their number. explaining that the purpose of his a rebellion in Cuba. Jefferson Membership was limited to 25 and proposed visit was to bring his Browne describes the colony’s these members were charged with message that men should be able organization of clubs that raised the task of establishing as many to live in a free society where monies to support the revolutions: clubs as possible in order to collect they could express their opinions There was not a single member the necessary funds for a new as openly as they did in Key of the Cuban community [in revolution. Within a short period of West. J.D. Poyo printed a copy Key West] who did not look time, over 70 clubs were established of Marti’s letter in El Yara where forward to a new revolutionary in Key West and in Cuba. it received great applause in the movement against Spain, and Even though membership in cigar factories. After listening to an organization was maintained the secretive clubs continued to Marti’s letter, Francisco Sarmiento,

10 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - FALL 2004 Cuban Revolutionary Party headquarters were in this building which stood at Whitehead and Caroline Streets to the north of the Presidential Gates to Truman Annex. The Cuban coat-of-arms can be seen on the corner of the building. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. a cigar worker in Eduardo Gato’s arrival: revolutionary efforts” and factory, stood up and asked his The wharf was crowed with Lamadriz answered him, “And coworkers to extend an invitation to thousands of Cubans who I embrace our new revolution.” Marti to visit Key West. J.D. Poyo were waiting for him to arrive (259-260) appointed a committee to oversee on the steamship, Olivetti. The crowds on the wharf the arrangements for Marti’s visit. Representatives of the various proceeded to accompany Marti When the committee met at the revolutionary clubs throughout down Duval Street towards the San Carlos, they agreed to raise the the island were present with their San Carlos. When they reached necessary funds for Marti’s visit. pennants and banners. As Marti the San Carlos, it was impossible The committee had no intention of stepped off of the steamship, a for them to continue on Duval replacing the current leadership in band of musicians played the Street because of the large Key West as these former military patriotic Himno Bayames and crowds who were emotionally officers were secretly conspiring the crowds became ecstatic. overwhelmed by Marti’s presence with their agents in Cuba (Alpizar, Jose Francisco Lamadriz, a in Key West. Figueredo describes 83-84). The committee extended leading veteran and President Marti’s reaction, “He stood up in an invitation to Jose Marti, who of the Cuban Convention, was the carriage, and with his head graciously accepted. the first to welcome Marti to uncovered, he looked up at the sky On Christmas day, Marti arrived the Key. With a trembling voice, and then at the people, who adored in Key West. Gerardo Castellanos Marti embraced Lamadriz and him. The crowds were emotionally describes the scene on Mart’s said, “I am embracing our past (Continued on page 12)

FALL 2004 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 11 (Insurgents from page 11) visit to Key West. On April 10, the of the arms and munitions. After Cuban Revolutionary Party was having worked so hard, for so many overwhelmed by his presence; announced in Key West, Tampa, and years to organize the expedition, with tears streaming down their New York by all of the clubs that had Marti was greatly disappointed by faces, they applauded him wildly. joined the association. Jose Marti the plan’s failure; however, he was Later, the procession continued to was elected as the Delegate and confident that the emigre colonies the home of Teodoro Prez where Benjamn J. Guerra, the Treasurer. and especially Key West would a banner reading “Sartorius and The title of Delegate, gave Marti finance other expeditions. Marti” was hung from the second the authority to direct the activities During the year 1895, the events floor balcony. (The home still of the organization. escalated quickly. On February 24, stands in the 1100 block of Duval, The organization of the Cuban the war for independence began now the La Ti Da.) Revolutionary Party gained popular in Cuba. In a letter to Gonzalo de Due to illness, Marti was unable support for the insurrection. By Quesada dated March 2, 1895, to deliver his first speech in Key April 10, thirty-four clubs from Serafin Sanchez describes the West until several weeks later eight emigre colonies had approved climate in Key West: “More than on January 3, 1892 at the San the Bases: thirteen in Key West, 500 Cuban men on the Key are Carlos Institute. His speech was seven in New York Party, five in following me around begging to enthusiastically received by the Kingston, five in Tampa, and one know when they will sail for Cuba; audience who lovingly referred to in Philadelphia, Boston, Ocala, and there are two Spanish gunboats him as “Maestro.” Confident by New Orleans (Ronning, 80). On headed for the Key and another is the reception he had received, Marti June 29, 1892, Marti asked the already here; there are Cuban and focused on his plan to establish a presidents of the various clubs to American spies in the streets; an new revolutionary organization, meet with the veterans from the Ten American gunboat is patrolling the which would unite all of the emigre Years War so that they could elect area; custom agents are on alert; we colonies in the U.S. and abroad. their army’s commander in chief. By are hemmed in on all sides.” (Moral On January 3, 1892, Jose Marti mid-August the votes were counted, 246) Undaunted, Serafin repeatedly summoned three local leading and General Maximo Gomez was asks Gonzalo de Quesada to send patriots, who were also officers of elected Commander in Chief of the him guns and munitions for his the Cuban Convention: President . expedition. By April, knowing that Jose Francisco Lamadriz, vice By the end of 1894, Marti had Marti and Gomez were already in President J.D. Poyo, and Secretary organized an expedition that would Cuba, Serafin was eager to join Fernando Figueredo. After listening carry not only the military command them. He complains to Gonzalo de to their reports about the work for the revolution, but arms, Quesada, “I feel like I am cursed...I already in progress by the Cuban munitions, dynamite, and other can’t believe that even with the Convention, Alpizar (88) writes equipment. Luis del Moral describes money we’ve collected for our that Marti was so impressed by their Marti’s plan: Three ships would expedition, we haven’t left for organization that Marti remarked; depart from Fernandina, Florida. The Cuba yet.” (Moral 247) On June 5 “The work has already been done first ship would pick up Maceo and Serafin excitedly writes to Gonzalo here in Key West. Now, I need to his soldiers; the second would head de Quesada, “After such a long wait, focus on organizing the other Cuban directly to Cuba after picking up the I am finally leaving. At last, I”ll be emigre centers.” According to Sanchez and Roloff in Key West; the able to fight in Cuba.” (Moral 248) Alpizar (88), Marti wrote the Bases third would head for Santo Domingo The details of the Sanchez/Roloff for the Cuban Revolutionary Party to pick up Gomez, Marti, Enrique Expedition were chronicled by that night, which were founded Collazo and Mayia Rodriquez Colonel Fermin Valdes Domnguez on the principles of the Cuban (243). Unfortunatley, Sanchez and in his diary, “Diario del Soldado.” Convention. Alpizar (89) notes that Roloff had confided the information Fermin Valdes was medical doctor the Party was not to Fernando Lopez de Queralta, a and a close childhood friend of founded until Marti became aware veteran of the Ten Years War, who Jose Marti. Fermin Valdes was in of the details and the organization then unwittingly revealed the details living in Tampa when he received of the Cuban Convention even of the Fernandina Plan. When the his orders in April to report to Key though similar resolutions had been American authorities learned of the West. He arrived in Key West on drafted in Tampa prior to Marti‘s plan, they confiscated the majority April 19 and stayed at a boarding

12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - FALL 2004 house located on Whitehead and Truman streets which was known for its covert activities. The following account was translated from Fermin Valdes Dominguez “Diario del Soldado:” May 21. No word yet on when and how we are to leave for Cuba. Charles Hernandez left for New York with a message from generals Serafin Sanchez and Carlos Roloff. J.D. Poyo keeps reassuring me that the moment is almost at hand. June 6. At 8:30 this morning, I ran into Raimundo Sanchez, who told me that General Serafin Sanchez was looking for me. I headed directly to the generals home, and there I learned that all was ready for our Founders of Cuban Revolutionary Party in Key West. Standing, left to right: expedition. Within minutes, Serafin Genaro Hernandez, Serafin Bello, Aurelio C. Rodriguez, Jose G. Pompez, Frank and I were walking down Duval E. Bolio, Francisco Maria Gonzalez, Seated Gualterio Garcia, Jose Marti and Street towards Rocky Road [Truman Angel Pelaez Pozo. Photo credit: The Author. Avenue]. We headed towards the that were anchored off shore. The arrived at Pine Key. The water Atlantic side of the island, using wind was in our favor, and soon the was too shallow to bring the boat the back alleys to avoid detection. boat was distancing itself from the ashore, so we removed our shoes Several hours later, we arrived at island. and pants and waded to shore. The the huge sand dunes between the As soon as it was safe, I beach looked desolate; only thin two forts that guard the island on joined Sanchez and Roloff on pine trees and some sad looking the Atlantic side. General Carlos deck. They said that for two palm trees grew on that rocky soil. Roloff, Colonel Rogelio Castillo, months, they and others have been Near the beach, we saw a wooden Aureole Amulet, Pedro Pinata, secretly transferring weapons and hut belonging to Severiano, a native Rosendo Garcia, Juan de Dios ammunition stored in Key West to a Cuban who lives on this key. For Barrios, Raymond Sanchez, Ramon schooner. General Roloff received twenty years, he has earned his Marian, Eduardo Hernandez, and a telegram from Benjamn Guerra living by pillaging shipwrecks Enrique Valdez were waiting for us. informing him that a squadron was nearby. This loyal Cuban and his It took us two hours to cross the sand camped on Pine Key near Bahia wife were our hosts and without dunes, but we finally arrived at the Honda. We would join up with this any hesitation, they offered us their shoreline with our hands and legs squadron and wait for a ship to take modest home which consisted of bleeding from the mangroves and us to Cuba. a room with several hammocks, the other bushes. Two Cuban sailors By night, it was obvious that and a few tables and chairs. That were waiting for us in a rather large we were lost. Our skipper, Angelo morning, we lunched on canned skiff. A crate of rifles and some Figueredo, was unfamiliar with meat, fried eggs, plantains, and ammunition were loaded into the the waters around Pine Key. some coffee. We were tired, but boat and then one by one, twelve of The generals aboard and Angelo in great spirits because we knew us went aboard. decided to turn back and ask the that soon, we would be leaving for We set sail around noon leaving skipper of a sponge boat which we Cuba. We anxiously waited for news the salt ponds behind us. Serafin had passed for directions. We soon of our ship. When Rogelio Castillo Sanchez, his brother, and Roloff located the sponge boat, and the old arrived from Key West, he warned were on deck; the rest of us had to sailor agreed to lead us to the key us that the American warship, hide in the cabin so that we would’t after charging us 10 pesos for his Revenue Cutter, was anchored off be spotted from observers on the services! island or by the American ships June 7. At 10:30 am, we finally (Continued on page 14)

FALL 2004 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 13 (Insurgents from page 13) of his courage and genius renew our arrived on two separate occasions, of Bahia Honda, about five miles commitment. but our lookouts failed to recognize from Pine Key. June 20. The generals must it. Apparently, Marin and several June 10. We spent the past few have received encouraging news others were watching the coastline, nights in Severiano’s hut. Today, today because General Sanchez and they mistakenly thought that we plan to join the soldiers at the appears somewhat relieved. The our ship was the Revenue Cutter. campsite, which is about two miles fear of our soldiers deserting has When they realized their mistake, away. passed, so the officers returned the it was too late. Now it seems that June 16. No word yet on our confiscated weapons along with the boiler on our ship is broken, ship. Serafin received a telegram my diary. Apparently, the American and another ship will have to be today from Gonzalo de Quesada authorities are not a threat to us contracted. Our supporters in Key advising us to abandon the camp because we have observed several West managed to raise an additional immediately because the Revenue American warships passing by this $10,000 to contract another ship for Cutter was searching for us. Serafin key. They must know that we are our expedition. Our weapons are replied that we wouldnt leave Pine here. being transferred to a small boat Key until we were headed for Cuba June 21. The summer heat and so that they can be taken to the or taken as prisoners. The generals the humidity are taking its toll. new ship when it arrives. Sanchez confiscated all the weapons in Worse of all is the relentless attack believes that when Roloff returns camp and banned any written of thousands of mosquitoes during from New York, we can leave correspondence because the soldiers the day and at night. The soldiers are without any interference from the are threatening to desert. getting weaker due to malnutrition U.S. authorities. June 17. The soldiers are and bad rain water. July 5, There’s activity in camp desperate for food and for rest. June 24. We have been living today. The soldiers are dressing in They are so tired of fending off the on this miserable key for several new clothes which arrived yesterday mosquitoes that some have even weeks. The soldiers built some low on an American schooner. This collapsed while standing. They lying huts from pine wood and palm schooner will probably transport us blame the officers for the lack of fronds, but the roofs leak when to the ship when it arrives. Some of provisions. it rains. Our soldiers are hungry. our companions will remain behind June 18. General Sanchez Frequently, only one meal is served because they are either sick or afraid addressed the soldiers this during the day and it’s always the of fighting. Brigadier Jose Mayia morning. He told them that they same: salt meat, crackers, and rice Rodriguez arrived in camp today must remain strong because soon when available. The constant attack with 40 more soldiers. They had we would be fighting alongside of the mosquitoes is worse than been waiting for us on the ship that our brothers in Cuba. Fortunately, the hunger we feel. They make it was supposed to take us to Cuba. a schooner arrived this morning impossible for us to sleep during Mayia Rodrguez is an experienced with ample provisions. A large the night or to rest during the day. military leader with exceptional meal was prepared which seemed The soldiers’ bodies are scorched to appease the soldiers somewhat. from being so close to the huge EDUCATION PROGRAM However, several did manage bonfires which don’t seem to SPONSORS $100 OR MORE to escape yesterday. When they stop the mosquitoes. This wait is RALPH BATES arrived in Key West, they tried to unbearable. CAPT. RICHARD G. BRIGHT BETTY L. DESBIENS justify their desertion by describing July 2. Today is General BUD DRETTMANN JOHN & BEATRICE DUKE our harsh living conditions here. Sanchez’s birthday. Two companies MARY HAFFENREFFER TOM & LYNDA HAMBRIGHT But, everyone knows that they’re under the command of Higinio DR. & MRS. RICHARD F. HNAT CLYDE W. HENSLEY cowards. Esquerra and Julian Sierra paraded JOHN H. JONES EDWARD B. KNIGHT June 19. The details of Marti’s in front of the general displaying TOM KNOWLES RADM J.H. MAURER death reached us today. He was their flags and playing their cornets. ROSS & ANN MCKEE BILL MUIR killed in his first skirmish with Clemente Vivanco delivered a short JOHN & KAY PLIMPTON speech that expressed the patriotism DAN & VIRGINIA PROBERT the Spanish forces on May 19 LARRY & GRETCHEN RACHLIN we all feel for Cuba. MRS. WILLIAM SHALLOW at Dos Rios. Memories of his ED SWIFT thoughts, ideals, and courage only July 3. Terrible news. We JAN & TY SYMROSKI strengthen our resolve. Memories learned that our ship had actually

14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - FALL 2004 leadership skills. He is well liked cemetery brought closure to thirty and respected. The arrival of his years of heroic sacrifice by the soldiers has broken the monotony emigre colony on the rebellion. of our daily lives. The majority of BUSINESS MEMBERS his force is comprised of veteran References COASTAL SAILING ADVENTURE, INC. soldiers, but there is a contingency Alpizar Poyo, Raoul. Cayo Hueso 28555 JOLLY ROGER DRIVE LITTLE TORCH KEY, FL 33042-0839 295-8844 of younger recruits from Oriente y Jose Dolores Poyo (Havana: Imp. CONCH TOUR TRAINS, INC. and Camaguey, who are healthy P. Fernndez y Cia, 1947). 601 DUVAL ST. and excited about fighting in Cuba. Browne, Jefferson. Key West: KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-4142 FLORIDA KEYS DISCOVERY Mayia expects our ship to The Old and the New (Gainesville: P.O. BOX 430137 arrive in a few days. He left University Press of Florida, 1973). BIG PINE KEY, FL 33042 872-3725 FRIENDS OF ISLAMORADA AREA STATE PARKS Santo Domingo with his soldiers, Castallanos, Gerardo. Motivos P.O. BOX 236 but when the ship arrived off the de Cayo Hueso. (Havana, UCAR, ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 HERITAGE HARBOR TOURS coast of Cuba, the captain wasn’t Garcia y Cia, 1935). 201 FRONT STREET familiar with the waters, so they Deulofeu, Manuel Lleonart. KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-295-8687 HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN FLORIDA were unable to land. They decided Heroes del Destierro. La Emigracion 101 W. FLAGLER STREET to join up with our squadron here. (Cienfuegos: Imprenta de M. MIAMI, FL 33130 305-375-1492 HISTORICAL PRESERVATION Hopefully, our captain will be Maestre, 1904). SOCIETY OF THE UPPER KEYS, INC. P.O. BOX 2200 more experienced with the Cuban Figueredo, Fernando. “En Cayo KEY LARGO, FL 33037 coastline. Hueso” Revista de Cayo Hueso, KEY WEST AQUARIUM July 8. We expect our ship to May 18, 1898. #1 WHITEHEAD STREET KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-2051 arrive tonight. By tomorrow, we Ibarra, Jorge. Jose Marti: KEY WEST BAR PILOTS ASSOCIATION should be off this miserable key. Dirigente e Ideologo Revolucionario P.O. BOX 848 KEY WEST, FL 33041 296-5512 July 8 was the last entry (Havana: Editorial Ciencias Sociales, KEY WEST CONCH HARBOR Fermin Valdes made in his diary 1980). 951 CAROLINE STREET while in the United States. After Moral, Luis F. Serafin Sanchez: KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2833 KEY WEST ENGINE SERVICE, INC. successfully leaving the U.S. the Un Caracter al Servicio de Cuba, P.O. BOX 2521 expeditionary soldiers saw the (Havana: Ediciones Mirador, 1955). KEY WEST, FL 33045 THE LANGLEY PRESS, INC. lights from the port town of Tunas Ronning, C. Neale. Jose Marti 821 GEORGIA STREET de Zaza in the district of Sancti and the Emigre Colony in Key West KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-3156 MEL FISHER MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY Spiritus on July 24. The ship was (New York: Praeger Publishers, 200 GREENE ST. headed for Punta Caney where 1990). KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2633 MYSTIC SEAPORT they landed safely at around 9: Valdes Dominguez. Fermin P.O. BOX 6000 30 pm. By 11:00 pm, they had Diario de Soldado, 4 vols (Havana: MYSTIC, CT 6355-0990 OLD TOWN TROLLEY unloaded 300 rifles, 200 machetes, Universidad de La Habana, 1972- 6631 MALONEY AVENUE 14,0000 bullets, 650,000 pounds of 1974). KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6688 PIGEON KEY FOUNDATION dynamite and other supplies. After P.O. BOX 500130 many years of self sacrifice, the MARATHON, FL 33050 Cuban emigre colony in Key West Dr. Consuelo E. Stebbins, a Key A.R. SAVAGE & SONS, INC. 1803 EASTPORT DR. had returned their loyal sons back West Native, is Assistant Dean of the TAMPA, FL 33605 813-247-4550 to their native country. College of Arts and Sciences of the SEACAMP ASSOC. RT. 3, BOX 170 The Cuban War of Independence University of Central Florida. She BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043 872-2331 ended on October 10, 1898. After has done extensive research in the SEA STORE 614 GREENE ST. three decades of struggling to Key West Emigre Community and KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-3438 liberate Cuba, thousands of the the Cuban War of Independence. SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA 1319 DUVAL STREET Cuban emigres assembled at Her book, Tragedy in Havana, KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6577 a monument in the Key West recounts the 1871 execution of the ST. LOUIS AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. 3928 CLAYTON AVE. cemetery to honor the loss of medical students in Havana having ST. LOUIS, MO 63110 314-533-7710 their heroes who died in battle. been accused of vandalizing the Tragically, Jose Marti and General grave site of Gonzalo Castañón, Serafin Sanchez were among those who was assassinated in Key West who died. The gathering at the in 1870.

FALL 2004 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 15 Jose Marti speaking from the balcony of the house at 1112 Duval Street. Photo credit: Monroe County Library.

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

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