Florida Keys Sea Heritage Journal

VOL. 22 NO. 2 WINTER 2011/12 USS SHARK

OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE KEY WEST MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY Richter Perky The Bats Didn’t Come to Sugarloaf By John Viele. Copyright 1993 This article appeared in the Island Navigator in 1993 Perky, a place that faded into obscurity over 50 years ago, still occasionally appears on maps of the Florida Keys. Located on Sugarloaf Key near the present-day site of the Sugarloaf Lodge resort, it was once the vacation retreat of the largest private land owner in the Florida Keys. It was also the scene of failed efforts to revive artificial-cultivation of sponges, to eradicate mosquitoes with bats, and to develop a luxury fishing resort. In the mid-1930s, Perky was the home of Fred Johnson who was the settlement’s postmaster, general superintendent, and sheriff. This is the story of Perky, the Johnson family, and life on Sugarloaf Key in the 1930s. In 1925, a wealthy Florida real estate salesman, Richter C. Perky, purchased the Chase brothers’ sponge-farming property eventually owned some 23,000 acres in the Keys, more than any other individual or company except Fred Johnson and the Bat Tower. Photo credit: Pat Parks. the Florida East Coast Railroad. his hand at artificial cultivation of of reaching it was by small boat Sugarloaf Key was to be a vacation sponges. or train from Miami or Key West. retreat from his home office in When Perky first acquired the However, construction of the first Miami. He also planned to try Sugarloaf property, the only means (Continued on page 3) SocietyNews by Tom Hambright

The Florida Keys Sea Heritage Journal is published quarterly. Subscription is available through membership. Copyright 2011 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

Letters and articles are welcome. Please write to: Editor, Florida Keys Wiliam Hackley. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. Sea Heritage Journal, KWMHS, P.O. Box 695, Key West, FL 33041. William Hackley practiced law appointed arbitrators in the case in Key West from 1829 to 1857. He of the Brig Halcyon brought in Key West Maritime kept a diary for part of the time he an award of 56 1⁄2 per cent on the Historical Society was in Key West. For the last few gross amount of the brig and cargo. Board of Directors years the Journal has published Captain Pardon C. Greene the agent William R. Hackely’s Diary for for the brig would not accept it and President: the 1850s. Following is part of the they on a recommendation brought Vice President: John Jones Diary for 1830: in another award of 56 per cent Secretary: Corey Malcom on the brig and cargo, valued at Treasurer: Tom Hambright Tuesday, October 26, 1830. Rose $40,000 which when the duties paid about sunrise and read a portion on the residue of the cargo would of the “Acts of The Apostles” bring the owners in debt more Andrea Comstock Commenced reading a “Treatise on than $70,000 being in fact more George Craig the Law of Nisi Tuesday, October than 100 per cent on the vessel and J. Gregory Griffin 26, 1830. Rose about sunrise and cargo. The case is probably one of Bill Grosscup read a portion of the “Acts of The bribery for as to Van Evour, he has Mary Haffenreffer Apostles” Commenced reading never had any character since I have Sheri Lohr a “Treatise on the Law of Nisi known him and the wording of the Joan Langley Prius” by Anthony Hammond, award is sufficient to show what Julie McEnroe Esq., of the Inner Temple. Captain Bill Verge John Whalton and Ede Van Evour (Continued on page 6) John Viele

New Members Gail C. Conway, Key West; Randall Rock Hill, South Carolina; Buck Hoffman, Key West; Paul Justin, Weaver, Swampscott, MA.

2 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2011/12 (Tower from page 1) and the mosquitoes remained. the peace freed the sponger and Many other projects were declared the 1929 legislative act to overseas highway from Miami to underway at what, in 1929, officially be unconstitutional. Key West had begun and, by 1927, became Perky, Florida with its own It was a difficult situation for its narrow roadway and wooden post office. Under Fred Johnson’s Fred. His wife and children still bridges had reached Sugarloaf supervision, a generating plant; two, lived in Key West and he came Key. Unfortunately for Perky, the 35-foot water towers; and a large down to be with them on weekends. road ran along the southern shore residence for Mr. Perky were built However, as Perky’s representative of Sugarloaf, three miles south of to provide all modern conveniences and enforcer of his sponge rights, his place. and accommodations. he was not well received by the In 1928, Perky hired Fred Much of the facilities and local spongers. Johnson of Key West to be caretaker equipment from the Chase brothers’ The following year, 1931, the and general superintendent of sponge-growing days remained, State’s Internal Improvement Board construction for his Sugarloaf and Perky was hopeful that he could canceled the lease which gave Perky property. This was the beginning succeed where they had failed. exclusive access to the sounds and a of a relationship between the two With his influence, he was able to judge dismissed Perky’s petition men which, over the next 12 years, get the Florida legislature to pass an to bar local spongers from using ripened into mutual respect and act granting him the same exclusive the sounds. Perky appealed the warm friendship. rights given the Chase brothers to decision to the State Supreme Work now began in earnest to grow and harvest sponges in the Court but three years passed create a private vacation and fishing Sugarloaf Sounds. before a ruling in his favor was retreat for Mr. Perky and his wealthy Fred Johnson began planting handed down. In the meantime, friends. One of Fred Johnson’s first sponges using the same methods sponge planting was halted and jobs was to clear a rough trail for as in the earlier effort. Natural never again resumed. Once again, automobile access to the overseas sponges were cut into small pieces no artificially-cultivated sponges highway on the southern shoreline. about the size of an egg, wired to were ever harvested, except by the Subsequently, Perky advanced concrete disks, and tossed into poachers. $15,000 to Monroe County to fill the shallow waters of the sounds. Even in the 1930s, Sugarloaf Key and grade the road which is today Fred soon discovered that the was an isolated, sparsely-populated called Sugarloaf Boulevard. railroad embankments had so place. Mr. Perky spent most of his The biggest drawback to Perky’s restricted water flow in and out of time at his home and office in Miami, vacation paradise was the mosquito the southern portion of the upper only coming to Sugarloaf for short population. Fred Johnson said it sound that it was devoid of marine periods of relaxation and fishing. was so bad at times that you could life and sponges would not grow The only year-round residents at rake the mosquitoes off your arms there. To correct the problem, Fred, Perky were Fred Johnson, until his in piles. with the aid of a dragline barge and family joined him in 1936, and a During trips to Texas in dynamite, dredged a canal from the black couple remembered as Jim connection with his oil well interests, sound out to open water. The same and Maggie. Perky heard of towers built to house canal is used today by boaters from The liveliest place on the Key bats which would devour all the Sugarloaf Shores to get to Hawk was Pirates Cove, a fishing resort mosquitoes in the surrounding area. Channel and the reef. on the eastern shore a short distance After investigating and becoming As in the Chase brothers days, south of the railroad bridge with convinced of the feasibility of the local spongers refused to recognize accommodations for 70 guests. idea, he directed Fred Johnson to anyone’s exclusive rights to sponge The only other residents of the build a bat tower at Sugarloaf. gathering in the Sugarloaf Sounds. island were the railroad section In five months, with three Signs were posted, intruders were foreman and his crew, one or two workers, Fred completed the 50- warned, and Fred Johnson was farmers, and a black man who made foot-high tower. He then installed appointed a deputy sheriff with charcoal. and activated the bait which was authority to arrest poachers...but During Fred’s first years at supposed to attract bats to the tower. still they came. In 1930, Fred Perky, his wife Mary, and the However, despite the awful stench finally arrested one and took him that arose from the bait, no bats came to Key West. There, a justice of (Continued on page 4)

WINTER 2011/12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 3 (Tower from page 3) worked all day, to sit up and talk not stop for the mail transfer. An with him into the wee hours of ingenious method was used. children remained in Key West. the morning. But Fred did not The outgoing mail bag was Fred went home on weekends, but complain. He was a hard-working, suspended from an overhanging during school vacations his family totally-loyal employee even to the arm alongside the track. As the came to Perky. Fred remodeled extent that he told his children they train approached, a long pole on a and enlarged the home of the could not sell spiny lobster they pivot with a hook caught the bag, former owner, Charles Chase, to caught because, “they belonged to swung it aboard, and, in the process, accommodate his family which, by Mr. Perky.” pulled it free of the quick-release 1932 had grown to five children. On long weekends, the Johnson attachment. Simultaneously, the The two story, stilt house had a family drove to Key West in Mr. mailman kicked the Perky mail bag large screened porch surrounding Perky’s Model A Ford to stock up out of the car onto the platform. the upper story. A unique feature on groceries. The 20-mile trip on Three of the Johnson children, was a double-door entrance to the the first overseas roadway, over the Fred Jr., Betty , and Buddy, were porch where mosquitoes were to narrow wooden bridges, and around of school age when the family be scraped or sprayed off before the blind curve on Saddlebunch Key moved to Perky, A one-room, two- entering. known as “deadman’s curve,” took outhouse school was located on With the failure of the bat about an hour. When the traffic was the eastern side of Big Pine Key, a tower experiment, mosquitoes heavy, they might meet as many as short distance north of the railroad. continued to make life miserable five or six other cars along the way. A single teacher taught grades one at Perky at times. Fred did what Despite its isolation, life on through six to a student body of he could by digging drainage Perky was not uncivilized. A power about a dozen pupils. ditches, putting oil-soaked sponges plant supplied electricity for lights The school bus picked the in ponds he could not drain, and and for pumping water up into the Johnson children about 7:30 in the lighting smudge fires, but with little two 35-foot-high water towers. morning and did not arrive home effect. While the adults suffered, Two large cisterns stored all the again until 5:00 in the evening. The the children were not particularly fresh water needed by the few driver was Mizpah Saunders. When bothered. Fred Jr. recalled, “I residents. Mizpah was a young girl, her father, would have them all over me but I Even telephone service became Robert Watson, had homesteaded just brushed them off.” A favorite available. The only telephone on Big Pine Key in the area known pastime of the children was to press line in the Keys outside of Key today as Watson’s Hammock. their hands against the porch screen. West belonged to the U.S. Coast Mary Johnson always felt uneasy The mosquitoes would gather so Guard for communicating with the during the long day her children quickly and thickly on the outside lighthouses. In order to get on the were away at school. She worried that images of their hands would line, Perky donated a right-of-way about the narrow bridges, some remain when they withdrew them. across his property on Sugarloaf with missing guard rails, and the In 1936, Mary and the children for the line connecting to the possibility that the bus might have moved to Perky to stay year round. underwater cable to American a flat tire or a blowout and plunge The children were delighted; to them Shoals Lighthouse. Fred Johnson into the water. Perky was a fishing, swimming and recalled that he used to ring up Mizpah was also concerned but boating paradise. However, to their American Shoals when there was about a different problem. The mother, it was an isolated outpost a big prize fight on and place the children liked to hang out the of civilization, devoid of all adult receiver next to his radio so the windows to look for birds and female companionship. lighthouse keepers could listen to animals and she was afraid they Even Mary’s husband’s company the blow-by-blow. would be hit by an overhanging tree was limited, particularly when Mr. As postmaster for Perky, one of branch or a passing car. She told Perky was in residence. If he had Fred’s duties was to get the mail them that one day the bus rolled a group of guests, as he often did, off the train. There was a flag stop over a rattlesnake and the snake Fred had to take them out fishing where Sugarloaf Lodge is today. was thrown up into the bus through and look after their needs. If Perky The train would stop if there were an open window. After that, the was alone, he usually slept all day passengers waiting to board or windows stayed rolled up. and then expected Fred, who had wanting to get off, but it would After school and on the

4 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2011/12 weekends, fishing was the children’s favorite sport. Using lobster for bait, they would fish off the end of the long stone dock their father had built. The older children were allowed to go out in a skiff kept in the “back” sound. Their father had also enclosed a large shallow water area at the shore end of the dock and made a small beach. Here the children could swim without their mother being concerned. The Johnsons kept a cow, chickens, and ducks and each child had his own pet duckling. They were fascinated by the wild animals and birds in the area, but were cautioned not to wander into the bushes because of the rattlesnakes. Sometimes raccoons would fall asleep in the date palms by the house after gorging themselves on dates. In the morning the children would poke them out of the tree with a long stick, catch them in a sheet and keep them as pets. On very hot days they would climb to the top of the lookout tower (built to spot sponge poachers) to catch a little breeze and laze in the shade. The 1930s depression greatly reduced Perky’s land sales and his cash flow. With the opening of the new overseas highway (using the railroad right of way and bridges) in 1938, Perky decided to convert his 365-acre private retreat into a luxury fishing resort. Under Fred Johnson’s The cover of Dr. Campbell’s book. Photo credit: Monroe County Public Library. supervision, the existing buildings were remodeled and new buildings his back wages, then five or six landmark, still stands, a curious were added to provide sleeping, months in arrears, Fred reluctantly reminder of a futile experiment and dining, and recreational facilities. left his home and job of fourteen a forgotten time. In March of 1939, Perky Lodge years and took a position at the opened to the public. The brochure Navy yard in Key West. Mary John Viele has been a member boasted that the lobby, dining room Johnson had a somewhat different of the Board of Directors of the Key and tap room were paneled in “pecky” attitude towards the change. As West Maritime Historical Society cypress and that every room had she put it, “My happiest moment of the Florida Keys for the past 20 innerspring mattresses and hot and was the day Fred left Perky.” years. He is the author of three books cold running water. With the death of its founder, on the history of the Keys published However, the days of Perky Lodge Perky quickly faded into by Pineapple Press of Sarasota: were numbered. The following year, obscurity. In 1943, two of the “The Florida Keys – A History of with Fred Johnson at his bedside in largest buildings, Perky’s and the Pioneers,” “The Florida Keys, Miami, Richter C. Perky died, as Fred Johnson’s former residences Vol. 2 – True Stories of the Perilous said, “land poor.” The trustees of were destroyed by fire. The bat Straits,” and “The Florida Keys, the estate had no money to pay Fred tower, now designated a historic Vol. 3 – The Wreckers.”

WINTER 2011/12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 5 (Hackley from page 2) proceeds of the Brig and cargo. I purchased of him measured in Which amounts to the same as the circumference seven inches and the principles of the others must above mentioned per cent and each in length ten feet and there were necessarily be. They are consulting party to pay his share of the duties. twenty-six ripe joints on it besides about bringing in another award Yesterday morning I prepared some several which had been cutoff in as the second one was refused. charcoal for my teeth, after it was severing it from the roots. The Every one disinterested person on powdered and sifted I mixed it up other stalks of cane tho not so large the Key is against such barefaced into a paste with the juice of a lime generally ran uncommonly fine, villainy and if the award is accepted and this morning on making use much better indeed than any I have the character of the Key must be of it I find it to answer perfectly seen brought over from Cuba. If a damaged without repair. Played the lime supplying the place of the man of any energy were to turn his whist until about ten. The wind still more deleterious acids usually put attention to the cultivation of the from the northeast and blows fresh. into the patented tooth powders. Keys he could not fail in a short time Wednesday 27 October. Rose The Sloop Capital, Captain Walker, and indeed the more I see and hear before dawn and read the “Acts.” arrived this morning and I read and the better I become acquainted After breakfast cleaned the brass on the Norfolk Herald to the 13th with the Territory of Florida the my gun case with lime juice and salt by her. In the paper of the 8th is better I am pleased with it. Played they had been burned black by the a proclamation of the President whist until after nine. The wind still bilge water on the way out which declaring the opening of British continues from the northward and was removed instantaneously by the West Indian ports to Americans on eastward but more moderately. mixture. The other part of the house the basis of reciprocal duties and Saturday October 30. This day I occupy has been rented by a Mrs. also a notice of a revolution having twelve months ago I began keeping Bills who has with her, her mother taken place at Brussels where at a diary with the intention of noting and child. I immediately went down the time of the latest intelligence in it the manner in which my time and spoke to Colonel Oliver O’Hara the populace and soldiery were in was passed and also for the purpose as he is about renting a house to let arms and frequent skirmishes were of noting any circumstance which me have a room in it which he has continually taking place. Sat in my might occur to me or within the promised to do. I felt quite unwell room and read the papers until near sphere of my knowledge which all morning until I took a dose of 10. The wind still in the northeast might appear worthy of record but Rhubarb Wine which made me and flows fresh. I had not the most distant idea of feel much better. Read Hammond. Friday 29 October. Rose with any improvement in the way in Colonel Oliver O’Hara and Captain the dawn and read the papers. The which it has happened to me in John Jackson of the Revenue Cutter British Brig Allergo which was my handwriting which has been Marion dined with us today. After wrecked sometime since sailed so much improved by it that I am dinner read a portion of Dugald today having undergone complete in great hopes that by the end of Stewart’s philosophy which I repairs under the direction of the another year I shall be enabled to commenced two mornings hence. English vice-council who is also write a handsome hand. In the month There was a dance at the house the agent for Lloyds. Broke a gap in of August immediately proceeding tonight and as I do not partake of my knife which took me some time the time at which I commence this such amusements at this place. I to obliterate and afterward Captain diary I had in accordance with the sat in my room reading until I went John Jackson came in which made reiterated requests of my parents to bed. The kept the fiddle a going it so late that the time I had set and many friends left off chewing until two this morning. The wind aside for reading the “Acts” had tobacco which habit I had indulged still to the north east and blowing elapsed so I read Hammond. After in for 13 years (having commence fresh. Weather clear and pleasant. dinner read Stewart. In the evening when I was but of the age of ten Thursday 28 October. Rose Captain Jackson called again and years) and I am determined never before dawn and read the “Acts.” sat sometime. A man by the name to get into the habit again. And I The arbitrators in the case of the of Willis who lives on Key Vacas have since then left off the smoking Brig Halcyon have brought in (as I came down today and brought a of segars and the use of all ardent understand) a third award in which load of sugar cane which are the spirits and but seldom drink wine they give the salvoes fifty-six finest I have ever seen. One of the or use any stimulating condiments and a quarter per cent on the net finest and that not the largest which in my food by following which

6 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2011/12 regimen I have reduced my weight Monday November 1, 1830. Key days since he left Pensacola for from two hundred pounds to one West. Rose before the sun. Read Havana where he has been waiting hundred and fifty by which means the “Acts.” Marshal Lackland M. a week for a opportunity of crossing I feel a great deal better and more Stone arrived this morning. The over. William Fenton Braden of fit for study than I used to when court met at 10 A.M. pursuant to Tallahassee (of rather Rockhaven I was so fat. I always felt heavy the law and the Judge not being one of the towns laid off two or and lazy and was unable to pay the present it was adjourned according three years since on the St. Marks required attention to my studies. to his instructions left with the river) came on from Virginia with Read the Constitution of the United clerk until the third Monday in the Collector and waits here an States twice and laws of Congress this month which is the fifteenth. opportunity of some vessel for St. relating to the Territory of Florida. Filed the declaration in the case of Marks. Made a catch for a latch Wrote a short letter to Mother and F.A. Browne & Company vs. J.R. to one of my doors. During the read Hammond. After dinner read Western. Read Hammond. Took a night the wind hove to about north a chapter in Stewart. Played whist bath found the water rather cool but northeast and blows a pretty breeze. until half past nine. During the still pleasant after the first shock Read Hammond. Bought of Asa Tift night a pretty severe wind came was over. After dinner read Stewart a leather cap for $2.00. The Judge up which lasted about an hour, the and after tea Oliver O’Hara came held a court today but some dispute wind during the day moderated but in and we played a few games of arising who should be embraced by still comes from the same quarter whist. I went to bed before ten but the term “householder” he adjourned and the rain also comes from the could not get to sleep for sometime until tomorrow. I heard nothing of northeast. for the noise made by some cats his intentions and therefore was Sunday October 31. Rose a little under my window. I got up and not present. After dinner played after sunrise and read the “Acts.” loaded one of my pistols to shoot it. whist until near ten. Wind northeast I am now reading the “Acts” for Wind northeast, weather pleasant. tolerably fresh. the second time to try and ground Tuesday November 2. Rose Friday November 5. Rose myself in them tho from the before the sun and read the “Acts.” before the sun and read the “Acts.” method or rather the want of it Read Hammond. After dinner went The Judge decided that under the in the arrangement of the several with Captain James J. Board in his laws of the territory there are no heads they are very difficult of boat around to the Southern Beach qualifications necessary for a grand understanding and also to refer after sea groupers got a few and juror though there are for a petite. to. Read Hammond. Drew up a had a pleasant sail. After tea played I do not think the decision was a declaration in assumpsit in the case whist until near ten. The wind from correct one. The grand jury was of Fielding A. Browne & Company the north northeast light, weather organized and P.C. Greene chosen vs. J.R. Western as I did not like pleasant. foreman. The court was adjourned the one as wrote some days since. I Wednesday November 3. Rose until tomorrow at ten o’clock. On inserted two counts in one for goods before the sun, read the “Acts.” I my return to my room I felt so sold and delivered and the other for felt quite unwell when I arose and unwell that I was compelled to lie money lent. In the afternoon walked took a dose of Rhubarb Wine. Read down for sometime. After dinner out to get some soap stick of a vine Hammond. The dose I took this read Stewart. After tea played whist. that grows in the West Indies and morning operated three times. After George E. Weaver and William G. which the inhabitants make use of dinner read Stewart after tea played Porter have for several evenings to clean their teeth and it gets very whist until near ten at which hour past beat Oliver O’Hara and myself. soft by use and at the same time is I went to bed. The wind from the Played until near ten. The wind still tough and does not come to pieces northwest and the weather cool and to the north and weather pleasant. in the mouth. Continued my walk pleasant. Saturday November 6. Rose about to the lighthouse and set a about Thursday November 4. Rose the hour the sun did. Read a portion an hour when I returned. After tea before the sun and read a portion of the “Acts.” At ten attended court. Oliver O’Hara came in and we had of the “Acts.” A smack that arrived One case of indictment against R.W. a long talk on matters and things. this morning from Havana brought Cussans for keeping a disorderly Went to bed about ten. The wind the Judge James Webb and the from the northeast but moderate. Collector of Custom Algernon S. Weather pleasant. Thurston. The Judge has been 20 (Continued on page 8)

WINTER 2011/12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 7 (Hackley from page 7) with intent to commit murder but the cents, brown 7 cents. The segars 11 U.S. Army entered a noli prosequi. house was tried but the juries at dollars a thousand. In my opinion Read upon my return to my room this place necessarily composed of everything brought its full value portion of Hammond on nisi prius. men of no character and indeed it is and indeed cargoes of wrecked The jury brought in a verdict of impossible to get any jury here who generally sell for their full values guilty in the case of Butcher and will decide according to their oath, here or at least much better than the Judge fined him $25 which the greater part of the persons who one could suppose. The brig was in preference to going to jail, he call themselves householders being libeled this morning by Oliver paid. I am in hopes it will have a drunken and vagabond sailors who O’Hara agent for some persons in salutary effect as heretofore it has have built themselves palmetto huts the Havana, who hold a Bottomry been found impossible to punish on the Keys and who are usually bond on her. There was no court men of that character on this Key. drunk from the time of their arrival today on account of the sale. Some log wood that was made use on the Key until their departure Read Hammond, after dinner read of as dunnage in storing the cargo when all their money is gone and Stewart. After tea played whist until of the Brig Halcyon was sold this it will be a long time before any near 10. Windy and cool. morning and also the provision of case can be decided by a jury Tuesday November 9. Rose the brig. The logwood brought $17 justly and according to law and it before dawn and read the “Acts.” per ton. After dinner read Stewart. appears to me that it would be much The court met at 10 pursuant After tea played whist until half past more conducive to public justice to adjournment and several nine, Algernon S. Thurston came in if this court did not possess all of indictments for assault and battery and I got him to take my hand. Wind the powers of a Superior Court of were tried and Norman Sherwood about north and weather pleasant. Florida but was merely clothed with was arraigned for the murder of Thursday, November 11. Rose the powers of a Court of Admiralty. John Wilson on the 4 day of July before the sun and read “Acts” Read Hammond. After dinner I went last. He was remanded and the court until 10 when I went up to the down to the wharf and found Dr. adjourned until tomorrow at 11. courthouse and remained until one Henry S. Waterhouse attempting to Read Hammond, after dinner read the Judge granted a recess until sail his boat which in consequence Stewart. About sunset the Schooner 3. The Judge appointed myself, of his ignorance he was unable to Mary Ann came down, her cruise Braden and Pascal B. Prior to effect and as there was at that time being up she has been advertised defend James Fearn and Charles a good breeze from the northeast. for sale for some time. After tea Green indicated for receiving stolen I got into his boat and took a sail played whist until near 10 when goods knowingly and for keeping a with him for about an hour when I went to bed. The wind from the disorderly house. Green told me he I returned to my room and read northwest and so cool at night as to would pay for my defending him. Stewart. The wind variable and at be disagreeable. Charles E. Hawkins was arraigned night came out of the northeast and Wednesday November 10. Rose today for the murder of William. A. caused the air to be quite cool. at sunrise and read the “Acts” until McRea on the 24 day of May 1828. Sunday November 7. Rose with ten when I went to court where I The Jurors were sworn in voir dire the sun and read the “Acts” and remained until one at which time and with but two exceptions and afterwards Hammond. After dinner it was adjourned the only case tried made up and expressed opinions read Stewart. The weather has been was an indictment against Abraham in the case there is not the most hot all day and the winds light and Butcher for keeping a disorderly distant possibility of trying him in variable till about 8 P.M. when the house the case was defended in this district. A motion was made wind came out of the northwest and forma pauperis by Messes P.B. by the attorneys for the prisoner blew quite fresh. Prior and Braden. Braden spoke (Fontaine, Thurston and Braden) to Monday November 8. Rose for some time and shows the sine dismiss him on the last day of the about half past five, before the qua non of a lawyer--impudence. present term under the 12th section sun made his appearance and read I suspect that he will do quite well of the act of 1828 relating to crimes the “Acts.” The cargo of the Brig in the profession. Myself and Judge and misdemeanors which was set Halcyon was sold this morning at Henry W. Fontaine were appointed for argument on Thursday next. auction the coffee averaged around to defend Juan Manuel Moreno a Thomas Green was arraigned for 8 3/4 cents and the sugars white 10 Spaniard indicated for an assault perjury and was remanded until 3

8 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2011/12 when the case came on and he was grounds that the indictment was unwell on the bench that when the found not guilty. Rathbone, captain not specific enough the motion was jury retired he had to go upstairs of one of the fishing smacks from sustained. The case of James Fearn and lie down and could not come Mystic, died this morning. The for running a disorderly house came down to take their indictment but Revenue Cutter Pulaski, Captain on for trial and he was found guilty directed that it be sealed up and the Joseph Swiler, arrived this morning. and fined $20 and costs. I spoke court adjourned till 10 tomorrow. The court adjourned at half-past again for a short time in this case. The Schooners Thistle and the four until 10 tomorrow. Played The court adjourned at 12 o’clock Florida came down this forenoon. whist until 10. The weather all day until Monday at 10. Returned to I received this morning per the has been very sultry and scarce any my room and dressed and read Sloop Spermaceti a letter from wind until 7 p.m. it commenced Hammond. After dinner read Sister. Broke open the one I wrote raining and continued for more than Stewart. After tea played whist. yesterday and acknowledge the an hour. Captain Joshua Appleby sailed this receipt of it. A schooner, the Glide Friday, November 12. Rose morning early for the reef. Wind of Bath, arrived this morning with before the sun and studied the case northwest and so cold that I was merchandise. Just before sunset of James Fearn and Charles Green forced to use a blanket. the Schooner Mobile arrived from until 10 when I went up to the Sunday, November 14. Rose Charleston. After tea played whist courthouse. The case of the Territory with the sun. After breakfast read till 10. The wind northeast and vs Theodore Owens was the first Chitty and Bills and wrote to Father weather cool. called. Owens was acquitted. The and Sister to go by the Sloop John Tuesday, November 16. Rose prosecuting attorney entered a Denison. Afterwards studying a with the sun and studied a case noli prosequi in both indictments case which will come next week. until court time. The jury found for against Charles Green. In the case Obtained from William G. Porter the plaintiff in the case of Mathew of James Fearn for receiving stolen the original letter from P.C. Greene Furlong. The case of the Territory goods knowingly was tried and the acknowledging the debt due of Florida vs. Norman Sherwood jury brought in a verdict of guilty. McLasky, Hagan & Company of for the murder of John Wilson on This was the first case of the kind I Mobile, a power of attorney from the 4 day of July last by shooting have ever defended and in this I did the same to P & S and a certified with a pistol loaded with buckshot not speak more than ten or fifteen account current between their came on today. The prisoner being minutes. The court ordered him to house and Pardon C. Greene. After anxious for trial did not make use of be committed till tomorrow and it dinner took a nap and on awaking his right of peremptory challenge to being near two adjourned. Captain discovered a sloop to be beating the full extent allowed by law. I was Henry A. Barclay breakfasted up the harbor. On her arrival she requested by the Judge James Webb with us this morning. He arrived proved to be the Spermaceti of to take down the evidence in the case yesterday on the Revenue Cutter Stoning, Captain Hiram Cleft, that and did so. The trail was protracted Pulaski. After dinner studied the had come out to remain as a regular till near two. I left the courthouse case of Fearn with the intention wrecker on the Florida Reef. Robert before the jury retired. The jury of making a motion in arrestor B. Stannard and Dr. B.B. Strobel brought in a verdict of guilty. The judgment. After tea played whist and family consisting of his wife Sloop Brilliant of Groton, Captain until 9 when Algernon Thurston and child and her sister came as Mason Packer, arrived this morning came in and took my place at the passengers. After tea walked about from New York in ballast she has table. During last night the wind and to bed about 9. Wind northeast come out to be a regular wrecking came out of the west quite fresh and and very cool. vessel on the Florida Reef. After all day was hauling to the northward Monday, November 15. Rose dinner took a nap and read Stewart. and at night was northwest and so with the sun and studied a case of After tea played euchre with cold that I put a blanket on my bed bill of exchange till 10. Went up Captain Henry A. Barclay against and found it quite comfortable. to the courthouse. the case of the George Weaver and Captain Joseph Saturday, November 13. Rose United States vs. Matthew Furlong Swiler. Went to bed about half past before the sun and studied the case came up today. Henry W. Fontaine nine. Wind north northeast weather of James Fearn. At 10 went to the asked me to assist him in the cool and pleasant. courthouse and made a motion case which I did and spoke a few in the arrest of judgment on the minutes. The Judge was taken so (Continued on page 10)

WINTER 2011/12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 9 (Hackley from page 9) about the wharf &c. After tea there The motion I made yesterday for was a party formed at Loo which I a new trial sustained and the new Wednesday, November 17. Rose did not join. Weather pleasant. Wind trail granted on the defendant with the sun and studied my case about northeast light. paying the costs. The minutes of until court time and went up to Friday November 19. Rose the proceedings during the term court. The case of Theodore Owens before the sun and read John F. were read by the clerk and a recess & Co. vs. Charles M. Johnson came Archbold’s “Practices.” At ten went of court was granted until 5 when on today verdict for plaintiff. About up to the courthouse. From 8 to near he will sign the minutes. The light 12 I heard a vessel was about to sail 10 it rained quite smartly. Made boat for Carysfort Reef got in after for Tallahassee during the day. I motion for new trial in the case of dark last night in 18 days from came down to my room and wrote to Ede Van Evour vs. Thomas Eastin New York. The Schooner Mobile Brother and went and prepared a box which came on yesterday. Several sailed this morning for Tallahassee containing some seeds &c to send affidavits were filed in consequence and the Smackee Franklin for to Sister Mary. About 4 the Sloop of the absence of David C. Pinkham the same place about noon. After Capital sailed for Charleston and and the jury were discharged there dinner read “Gil Blas.” At half past William. G. Porter went in her, by being no more cases for them to try. seven attended the town meeting him I send my watch to be repaired The appearance docket was called pursuant to adjournment and after and the letters I wrote Sunday. At and I made a motion to dismiss a time I got tired of a place where 1⁄2 past seven attended a meeting of the suit of Cottrell, Fitch & Co. vs. nearly everyone felt in the humor the inhabitants of Monroe County Thomas Eastin on the ground of the of speaking and consequently were convened for the purpose of asking declaration not having been filed disputing about nothing. I went of the next Legislative Council on the first day of the term. Filed a to my room and read “Gil Blas” one-third of the sums raised by special plea in the case of a recess of by Alain Rene Le Sage till near auction tax in this county for the the court until 4 when the prisoner is ten when I went to bed. The wind county purposes and also to remove to be brought up to receive sentence. northeast and weather pleasant. the necessity of being a householder I walked down town and to the Sunday, November 21. Rose in order to qualify a man for being wharf. Captain Thomas Rooke will about sunrise and read “Gil Blas.” a competent juror. Judge James go up to the reef in the morning and Captain Thomas Rooke went up Webb made the motion and drafted I should like much to go up with to the reef this morning. After the resolutions. There was a good him but cannot as I am expecting breakfast cleaned the brass on my deal of wrangling respecting the anxiously to hear from Father. At gun case. Read Hammond for a resolutions but they carried in form 4 PM went up to the courthouse to short time when not being in a proposed by the Judge. There was hear judgment of death pronounced humor for study I took up a volume a committee of three appointed to on Normal Sherwood. The Judge of Peter Pindar. After dinner took draw up a memorial to the council made a most impressive charge and a nap and walked up to the beach. and about 9 the meeting adjourned fixed the second Friday in December After tea sat and conversed until until Saturday night. Algernon S. for the day of execution. The Judge half past 8, when I went to bed. Thurston was called to the chair and was so affected that he could hardly Dr. B.B. Strobel, I heard, read George Weaver appointed secretary. get thorough the sentence and many a sermon at the courthouse this Wind light from about north by of the bystanders also were much morning. Wind east northeast, east. affected. The prisoner indeed shed a weather pleasant. Thursday, November 18. Rose few tears but was not much moved Monday, November 22. Rose before the sun and read until near with the hearing of his doom. He before the sun and put my dry 10. The motion for the dismissal walked back to the jail and I am specimens in a paper book. After of Charles Hawkins came on this given to understand expressed but breakfast read Hammond and morning. The case of F.A. Browne little sorrow saying that he could die commenced Samuel M. Phillipps’ vs. P.C. Greene come on for trial only once. Another party was formed “A Treatise on The Law of and judgment was given for the at Loo tonight and I went to my room Evidence.” After dinner read “Gil defendant. About one came down and read “Gil Blas.” Wind northeast. Blas” and took a walk. After tea to my room and wrote my diary. Saturday, November 20. Rose went over to the Collector’s and After dinner I did not feel a desire with the sun and read “Gil Blas.” sat a short time. During the night of reading and therefore I walked At ten went up to the Courthouse. we had a smart shower. Wind light

10 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2011/12 about east, weather pleasant. who said he could do nothing and humor. Mr. O’Hara is determined Tuesday, November 23. Rose he then went peaceably to jail and to petition the Legislative Council with the sun and read “Gil Blas.” stayed till released by expiration of for his dismissal. After tea played After breakfast the court met for the time. He is excessively incensed whist till ten. Judge James Webb the purpose of signing the minutes. against Fontaine more especially as and several other gentlemen came I was not present but attended an he disclaims all intention of offense. in they formed another party. The auction sale of some things which He says he is determined to drive Revenue Cutter Pulaski sailed at belonged to the Lightship Caesar. Fontaine off the Key, not by any dark for Havana. Wind northeast Some pig iron sold at $17 per ton and personal attack as his is not worth and cool. I slept under a blanket. the mooring of the ship at the place of such notice from a man of his Friday, November 26. Rose with laid consisting of about 125 fathoms standing and that is the only thing the sun and read Hammond and of inch and quarter chain and two that saves him from cow skinning Phillips. After dinner read Stewart. mushroom anchors sold for $400. but by representing the character After tea played two rubbers of They were purchased by George in its true light to the governor. billiards with Captain James J. Board Weaver and if the cost of weighing Fontaine’s character is that of a and got beat. The Sloop-of-War them is not very great should be a vain, conceited, ignorant man and Natchez in attempting to beat up good speculation. Read Hammond. is devoted to play never missing an the harbor got ashore on the point After dinner read and took a walk opportunity of gambling even with off the lighthouse. Captain Newton up to the beach. After tea went to the most notorious blacklegs and sent up for the Collector to send the Oliver O’Hara’s and played whist frequently is intoxicated in short Lightship down to take out her guns for sometime. When the game was no one has any respect for him. Mr. and it was done. Wind northeast changed to a game of chance and I O’Hara is the British vice-counsel fresh and weather pleasant. took a hand but bet no more than 6 here and also the agent for the Saturday November 27. Rose 1⁄2 cents at a time. Played until ten. insurance company at Lloyds and is before the sun and read Hammond. At 9 this morning the wind changed a man who is respected as much as After breakfast went to the wharf to the northeast and at night blew any other on the Key and I think it and remained there till near 11. pretty fresh, weather pleasant. the greatest outrage on the feelings The launch of the Sloop-of-war Thursday, November 25. Rose of a gentlemen that I have heard of Natchez came up for an anchor with the sun and read Hammond in a long time and it is looked on as and cable. The guns were put on and Phillips. A Negro by the name of such by Mr. O’Hara. After dinner the Lightship but she did not float Ruby was broth up before Henry W. read Stewart and took a walk. Just at high water this morning as she Fontaine charged with attempting at dark George Weaver and myself got on last night at the top of the to set fire to Mrs. Mallory’s house went over to Fontaine’s office where tide. The boat got the anchor and night before last. When he was broth the cook was, having been brought cable of the Brig Halcyon. After up Oliver O’Hara rose and observed up before Fontaine on a charge of dinner read Stewart. About 4 P.M. to the Judge Fontaine that he must using impertinent language to a the ship got off the bank. My head object (as the British vice-counsel daughter of a next door neighbor, ached very badly last night and I for a man he claimed to be a subject of the name of Rigby, and on took a dose of Rhubarb Wine and of the British government) to his certification he ordered him to be went to bed. Shortly after Robert setting on the trail as he (O’Hara) whipped. Weaver asked to see the Stanard came to my door and told had been informed the he (Fontaine) affidavit and was refused positively me that Brother was on board of the had made up his decision on the case. and some words passed. I also had Schooner Mayflower that had just Fontaine immediately told him in a some words and Captain James gotten in from St. Marks. I got up passion “I hold you in contempt of J. Board went up to Fontaine and and went on board and remained till court” and made out a commitment cursed him making some of the half past 10. After my return could for him condemning him to four expressions that a man with the least not get to sleep for some time and hours imprisonment in the common spark of courage must have resented about 11 it commenced raining and jail and to pay a fine of five dollars but the honorable Judge thinking continued for sometime. Wind north and costs, the extent of what the law that “the better part of valor is northeast and fresh. allows a justice to fine for contempt. discretion” pocketed the insult and Sunday, November 28. Rose Mr. O’Hara was taken up by writ of walked off. He seems to have gotten (Continued on page 12) habeas corpus before Judge Webb. up this morning in an unfortunate

WINTER 2011/12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 11 (Hackley from page 11) whist. Wind north and weather cold. of the 2nd ultimo containing an Tuesday, November 30. Rose opinion of Gen. Van Renssclair and with the sun and went off to the with the sun. Captain Wallace of the of Mr. H.H. Storrs on his title to the schooner and brought Brother Schooner Mayflower is sick with claim of Florida lands. Sloop Sara ashore to breakfast. Afterwards the bilious fever and the schooner Isabella arrived from the reef. Wind borrowed a horse from Captain will be detained some days longer. northeast. Weather pleasant. Pardon Greene and he rode through Brother and myself invited to dine Thursday, December 2. Rose the island and down the beach by with Oliver O’Hara. I shall not before the sun. After breakfast the light house and I walked with read much while Brother remains. answered the letter from Father last him on his return he stopped at my Wrote Father to go by the Schooner evening. The Sloop Splendid of rooms and Oliver O’Hara came Hitchcock. At 3 PM sat down to an New York came in about 4 P.M. in in and sat for some time. It being excellent dinner of fish and fowl. 10 days from New York. A Spanish George Weaver’s birthday he gave The Captain of the Natchez and schooner arrived from Charlotte us some wine and Judge James several of her officers were at the harbor brought some oysters and it Webb and Oliver O’Hara dined table. Nineteen persons sat down was near eleven before they were with us. Gave Brother my bed and after the cloth was removed several cooked. I had to wait for Brother took my sea mattress for myself. kinds of wine were introduced and though I did not want any myself. The mosquitoes were so bad that I among them champaign which in Wind east northeast fresh. Weather could not sleep till near day. Wind a short time produced their usual pleasant. variable from southwest to north effect and we had several songs, Friday, December 3. Rose with northwest. The Schooner Pizzaso stories and so forth. Captain Newton the dawn. After breakfast went came down from the reef. sung several songs very well and up to the court house to look over Monday, November 29. Rose some of the officers also sung well. records. The Brig Halcyon was sold before the sun and wrote up my At 8 I left the table having drunk, by the Marshall and was purchased diary for yesterday. Brother after although I was very cautious, more by Joseph Cottrell for the sum of breakfast rode out to the salt pans than I ought for I could feel the $2,725. About 3 P.M. the Lightship in company with Theodore Owens effects very perceptibly. At half past got under weigh for her station on who invited him to dinner today. nine the party broke up. Nearly all the reef. Captain Joseph Swiler Mr. Owens also sent me a written were a little intoxicated and several of the Revenue Cutter Pulaski invitation as we are not on the most of them very much so. Among the conveyed her up. Wind southeast. intimate terms. Brother is very latter number was Brother who was Weather pleasant. anxious for me to go north with him excessively drunk and it was with Saturday December 4. Rose with and I would but James Randolph is the greatest difficulty that we could the sun. George Weaver is so sick in Philadelphia. If he was not I get him to bed. After he had taken with a cold that he has to take to his would give up my prospects here several cups of strong coffee he got bed. Yesterday in blowing a conch and go on. At dinner time Brother rather more sober and consented to out of its shell (which is done by had headache and excused himself go to sleep. The wind about east making a small hole in the upper to Mr. Owens. I did the same and as northeast and blows quite fresh part of the shell and putting a charge I had felt so unwell as to take a dose and the weather rather cool for my of powder in the fish is blown of Rhubarb Wine before breakfast feelings. entirely out and the shell remains and a dose of salts afterwards. Wednesday, December 1. Rose sweet) I burnt my right thumb He made Brother promised to a little after the sun. The Sloop- considerably but this morning it is dine with him previous to leaving of-war Natchez went out this not at all painful. After tea sat and and me to come with him. They morning. I took a dose of salts as I talked until after nine. Went to bed expecting us to dine out, so at home feel the effects of the wine drank, but could not go to sleep until near sat down without us knowing it slightly. Brother is so sick that he two. Wind southeast by southwest. and had finished before we went has not risen and complains much of Weather pleasant. over. The Brig Enterprise, Captain headache. Captain Wallace still sick. Sunday, December 5. Rose Hitchcock, came in and brought About 6 P.M. the Schooner Thames before the sun. After breakfast David C. Pinkham and his lady. from New York for St. Marks came down to the store with Brother. After dinner took a good nap and in and one of the passengers a Mr. George Weaver better. Nearly every at night played several games of Buel brought me a letter from Father one is sick or complaining of a bad

12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2011/12 cold. After dinner took a nap. At 4 It has been some since I felt any and that William Whitehead of New P.M. a slight rain came attended by inconvenience from it and I was York has been appointed to the a fresh breeze and about 9 P.M. a in hope it was quite cured but it vacant place. heavy squall accompanied by heavy is again very painful and I am at Sunday, December 12. Rose rain for a short time came up from a loss to know in what manner I with the sun. Last night a pilot the southwest, wind south southeast hurt it. Captain Wallace is much built schooner the Henry Clay fresh. Weather pleasant. better and it is though will recover. of Baltimore, Captain Alexander Monday, December 6. Rose Read May’s Maxims. During the Thomson, arrived, she has come out about 6. During the night the wind night it blew hard from southwest for the purpose of wrecking. After hauled to the west northwest and this accompanied with rain. breakfast I went down to the store morning blows fresh and quite cool. Thursday, December 9. Rose and read some Baltimore papers. I hear that two days since Norman much later than usual for the In one of them the removal of Sherwood took a dose of poison darkness of the morning. Took a Thurston is mentioned. Last night which was conveyed to him by dose of salts to try get rid of some a parcel of Thurston enemies got some one but it was not sufficiently small blisters that rise on my feet some music and paraded the street powerful to cause death. He is and legs which itch exceedingly. huzzaring for Whitehead a mode of however sick from the effects of it The Sloop Splendid sold for $1,000 procedure which none but the most and I think that if he can obtain the brought by Henry A. Barclay. Read contemptible class of the community means he will commit suicide before May’s Maxims. After dinner read a could have been guilty of and yet I the day appointed for his execution novel called the “Lost Heir.” After have heard that some men calling for which I would be sorry as the tea went down to the store where themselves gentlemen were in the execution of a felon will I think Robert B. Stannard and some crowd. A brig from Portland to New have a beneficial effect on this others were playing whist. During Orleans put in this morning. Captain community. After tea went down to the night the wind changed to the Thomas Rooke came down for me the warehouse and played whist till northwest and the weather is cold. to go up to the reef hunting with near ten. Wind northwest. Weather Friday December 10. Rose with him. I will here note two recipes I cool. the sun and after breakfast read the heard today. One is the efficacy of Tuesday December 7. Rose “Lost Heir.” At ten o’clock A.M. Spirits of Turpentine in the bite of before the sun. Last night it was Norman Sherwood was taken from a rattle snake taken internally and quite cool. After breakfast I was at the jail to the gallows erected near applied externally to the wound. the store where they were shooting the road out from the court house The other in the case of an injury until near twelve. I was verbally to the West and, in pursuance of sustained by a wound in the foot by summoned by U.S. Marshall P.B. the sentence of the law was hung nail and inflammation consequent Prior to turn out as one of thirty men by the neck until he was dead. He thereon take lye that will bear an to guard the prisoner from the jail to said nothing at the gallows and egg and immerse the wounded part the gallows. I shall not attend as I died stubbornly and did not even in it as hot as it can be borne. Wind am unwilling to see a man hung. It change color. Last evening the east. Weather pleasant. was a mistake as to Norman’s taking Revenue Cutter Pulaski came in Monday December 13. Rose poison. He is perfectly unconcerned from the reef. After dinner took a with the sun and read a few detached and says that it makes no difference walk up the road to procure some portions of Paul Clifford. Walked to him whether he dies today or ten of the seed of the Hibiscus. After up to the court house and sat with years hence, he is perfectly hardened tea down at the warehouse. Wind the Judge for sometime. After tea and ought to suffer the end of a northeast. Weather cool. played a few games of whist, went felon. Wind east northeast. Weather Saturday, December 11. Rose to bed at ten. Wind east, weather pleasant. with the sun. After breakfast read pleasant. Wednesday, December 8. Rose the Prediction. About noon the Tuesday, December 14. Rose before the sun. My wrist is very Sloop Hyder Aly of New York, before the sun. Schooners Florida painful so much so that I have Captain J. Place, who comes out as and Henry Clay and the Sloop procured a bottle of Opodeldoc to a regular wrecker for the last two Hyder Aly went up to the reef this rub it with. Some six or eight years winters arrived from Charleston and morning. The Schooner Mayflower since I sprained my wrist and ever reports that the Collector Algernon since at intervals it has been painful. S. Thurston is removed from office (Continued on page 14)

WINTER 2011/12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 13 (Hackley from page 13) Friday, December 17. Rose early able to stem the flood tide. Wrote and looked over some admiralty law a postscript to the letter I wrote to will sail tomorrow and I am anxious as to whether the freight is due after Father on the 27 of last month to to go in her with Brother if I can the loading of the goods and before go by the Brig Enterprize today. get the money to pay my expenses. sailing of the vessel on her voyage Mr. Porter loaned me the Pearl and I asked Robert Stanard to loan me the goods are seized and detained the Atlantic Souvenirs for 1830. some this morning but he says that by another person without any lack Reading the Pearl in the forenoon. he has little by him and that he of the shipper. The Revenue Cutter The Schooner Durango from New cannot tell how his affairs stand Pulaski is still at anchor in the York to St. Marks came in and I until after the arrival of Porter from North West passage not being able received a letter and some copies of Charleston, who is expected every to cross the bar as the tides are neap. Van Ressalers opinion from Father moment. I am anxious, as Brother The wind is from the northeast and and brought out by a Mr. Ruan requires someone to attend to him blows fresh and is so cool that I have a cousin of Porter’s who intends as his situation prevents him from put on my cloth clothes. The leaves remaining on the Key. Weather attending to his business. After of a young alligator pear (avocado) nearly cold. dinner read Paul Clifford. Wind east tree which I am growing in a box Monday, December 20. Rose southeast. Weather warm. are burned by the north wind and at a quarter to seven and wrote to Wednesday, December 15. look like they have been exposed to Mr. Willis and send him one of the Rose with the sun. Weather thick a frost. The Marshall was not able pamphlets containing all opinions. with a drizzling rain. Wind about to get at the sugar on board of the The Schooner Mayflower lay at west southwest. At about 12 the schooner she having cleared out and anchor inside the reef all night. The wind hauled to the southeast and it her hatches closed she is at liberty Brig Enterprise and the Schooner cleared up. Drew up and executed to proceed on her voyage tomorrow. Delta got under weight this morning a power of attorney to Henry A. Wind northeast, weather cool. but the wind was so light they could Barclay of Mobile for the space of Saturday, December 18. The not stem the tide and consequently one year to sell Florida lands. Read Schooner Mayflower is ready for had to come to anchor. About 11 May’s Maxims. Wind southeast, sea and the Captain desired Brother A.M. the wind freshened from the weather pleasant. to go on board which he did but southwest and both vessels went to Thursday, December 16. Rose he then decided that the schooner sea. At 2 P.M. the Schooner Milo before the sun. Captain Joseph should not sail until tomorrow. of Baltimore, Captain Moore, was Swiler sailed this morning for The Sloop John Denison arrived brought up from the Tortugas by a Mobile via Tallahassee by him I sent from Charleston this morning. smack she having got on the shoal Mr. Willis a Ticklox and hunting cap Mr. Porter and the Misses Reams but by the assistance of the smack and wrote him a note. Wrote a letter came as passengers on her. Colonel she got off without discharging of instructions to Captain Henry Pardon Greene went over to Havana any of her cargo which was cotton Barclay my agent for the disposal yesterday afternoon on one of the and belongs to Mr. Henry Bond of of Florida lands. The Brigantine Spanish schooners from Charlotte Orythia of New Orleans arrived Harbor and Richard Fitzpatrick went EDUCATION PROGRAM today, 19 days from Charleston over in a smack. Received no letter SPONSORS having experienced bad weather $100 OR MORE or papers by the Denison for which LINDA & LAWRENCE ABELE on the passage. A Mr. Torry and I cannot account as she brought the TOM & KITTY CLEMENTS BETTY L. DESBIENS agent for the underwriters in Boston mail and I known that there must be BUD DRETTMANN JOHN & BEATRICE DUKE arrived this morning in a smack letters for me in Charleston. Wind SHIRLEY FREEMAN & HARVEY SERVER CELESTE ERICKSON from Havana and immediately northeast and blows quite fresh. DR. ELIAS GERTH MARY HAFFENREFFER issued an attachment against all the Sunday December 19. Rose TOM & LYNDA HAMBRIGHT JOHN H. JONES cargo of the Brig Halcyon which at daybreak and Brother went on LAURA LYNNE KENNEDY EDWARD B. KNIGHT now remains on the Key and also board at sunrise. At half past seven TOM KNOWLES the sugars laden on board of the DR. WILLIAM R. PLOSS the Schooner Mayflower got under LARRY & GRETCHEN RACHLIN Schooner Mayflower by which JUDITH & JAMES ROBERTS weigh with the wind from the SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA means Brother is stopped for yet northeast but light. She dropped ED SWIFT a long time. Wind east northeast down about 3 miles and came to fresh. anchor on account of not being

14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2011/12 Tallahassee. Oliver O’Hara desires so cold that immediately after tea me to assist Edward Chandler in I went to bed to keep warm and the case of O’Hara & Company read a new novel called “Del’orme” BUSINESS MEMBERS ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY vs. the Brig Halcyon and gave until 10. the wind was about north GENEALOGY CENTER 900 LIBRARY PLAZA me a fee of three doubloons. The northwest and very cold. FORT WAYNE, IN 46802 260-421-1223

British Brig Two Sisters of Belfast Thursday, December 23. Rose AMBROSIA TROPICAL LODGING 618 FLEMING STREET 19 days from Kingston, Jamaica, at seven. During the night the wind KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-294-518 put to obtain medical aid for the hauled a little to the eastward and CHESAPEAKE APPLIED TECHNOLOGY 623 SIMONTON STREET Captain McLean, who is very the weather is not quite so cold. KEY WEST, FL 33040 888-873-3381 unwell. Send Mr. Willis by Mr. Read “Del’orme.” Mr. Torrey came COASTAL SAILING ADVENTURE, INC. Davis the knife James Randolph to my room this morning to return 28555 JOLLY ROGER DRIVE LITTLE TORCH KEY, FL 33042-0839 295-8844 gave me last winter. Commenced a book he borrowed of me. He is CONCH TOUR TRAINS, INC. reading Maker’s “Livy.” Wind very inquisitive as to my opinion 601 DUVAL ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-4142 south southwest. Weather pleasant. respecting his case and said he DEWOLF AND WOOD Tuesday, December 21. Rose meant to employee me to assist in ANTIQUARIANS ON THE GREEN P.O. BOX 425 before seven and commenced the prosecution of his claim but he, ALFRED, MAINE 04002 207-490-5572 reading Balthazard-Marie I believe, wants to see how the case FRIENDS OF ISLAMORADA AREA STATE PARKS P.O. BOX 236 Emerigon. George Weaver, to of Mr. O’Hara is decided before ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 whom Schooner Milo is consigned, he goes to any extra expense. At 3 DR. ELIAS GERTH 2505 FLAGLER AVE. desired me to attend to the case and p.m. a portion of the cargo of the KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-295-6790 answer the libel which was filed Schooner Milo was sold to pay the HISTORIC FLORIDA KEYS FOUNDATION 510 GREENE STREET this morning. Went up to the clerk’s decree, four bales of Sea Island KEY WEST, FL 33040 office and procured a view of the Cotton sold at 15 cents and some HISTORICAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF THE UPPER KEYS, INC. libel as the clerk said he felt too uplands sold for 10 cents per pound. P.O. BOX 2200 unwell to give me a copy. Drew up At 4 P.M. attended the funeral of KEY LARGO, FL 33037 KEY WEST ENGINE SERVICE, INC. the answer and copied a part of it. Captain McLean of the British Brig P.O. BOX 2521 After diner and at night read Livy. Two Sister. Dr. B.B. Strobel read the KEY WEST, FL 33045 KEY WEST WOOD WORKS Oliver O’Hara today paid me three service of the Episcopalian Church 6810 FRONT STREET STOCK ISLAND doubloons. Wind north northwest. over the grave. Wrote to Mother. KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-1811 Weather cool. The wind north northeast and cool. THE LANGLEY PRESS, INC. 821 GEORGIA STREET Wednesday, December 22. Rose Friday, December 24. Rose at KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-3156 at seven and finished copying the seven. During the night we had a MEL FISHER MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY 200 GREENE ST. answer. The wind during the night light shower and another about 10. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2633 freshened and this morning it is so Captain Henry A. Barclay got under USS MOHAWK MEMORIAL MUSEUM P.O. BOX 186 cold that I can scarcely write. Read weigh before breakfast for Mobile. KEY WEST, FL 33041 Emerigon. At 11 a.m. the case of Read Emerigon. Wind during the OLD TOWN TROLLEY 6631 MALONEY AVENUE Aldridge, et. eal. vs. Schooner night changed round eaast southeast. KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6688

Milo came on. The Judge ordered Wrote a letter to Father and asked PIGEON KEY FOUNDATION P.O. BOX 500130 $250 to be paid the salvoes or on him to send me a deed for some MARATHON, FL 33050 failure thereof the Marshall is to Florida Lands. Mr. James Westcott, PREMIERE RACING, INC. 67B FRONT STREET sell one-fifth of the cargo and costs the Secretary of the Territory, arrived MARBLEHEAD, MA 01945 791-639-9545 of court. Mr. D.C. Pinkham invited here on his way to Tallahassee. The A.R. SAVAGE & SONS, INC. 701 HARBOUR POST DRIVE me to dine with him on Christmas Sloop Cybile arrived from New York TAMPA, FL 33602 813-247-4550 day. The Schooner Mobile and in 11 days brought me letters from SEASTORY PRESS 305 WHITEHEAD STREET #1 Smack Franklin arrived today Father. Captain James M. Johnson KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-5762 [email protected] from St. Marks. After dinner went arrived in her. Read Emerigon. At up to Edward Chandler’s office to eight Robert . Stanard requested me SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA 1319 DUVAL STREET consult with him respecting steps to copy the protest of Captain Moore KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6577 to be taken in sustaining the libel of of the Schooneer Milo which I did ST. LOUIS AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. 3928 CLAYTON AVE. Oliver O’Hara vs. Brig Halcyon. before nine at which time I went to ST. LOUIS, MO 63110 314-533-7710 At 2 p.m. the thermometer was at bed. Father sent me the President’s 58 degrees and the weather was messages.

FALL 2011/12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 15 Perky Resort. Photo credit: Monroe County Public Library.

Key West Maritime Historical Society NONPROFIT ORG. P.O. Box 695 U.S. POSTAGE Key West, FL 33041 PAID KEY WEST, FL

16 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2011/12