$2 Keys Sea Heritage Journal

VOL. 18 NO. 4 SUMMER 2008 USS SHARK

OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY FUTURE ADMIRAL COMMANDED SCHOONER IN KEYS DURING SECOND SEMINOLE WAR by John Viele One of the strangest chapters in American naval history was written in South Florida and the Keys during the Second Seminole War (1836- 1842). Naval officers led sailors, marines, revenue marines, and sometimes soldiers in operations against the Seminole Indians in the Keys and the Everglades. One of these naval officers was Passed Midshipman John Rodgers. (A passed midshipman was one who had passed the examination for lieutenant but was waiting for a vacancy in order to be promoted.) John Rodgers was the son of Commodore John Rodgers, the Navy’s senior officer. (see Sea Heritage Journal Vol. 17, No. 3, Spring 2007 re the Commodore’s visit to Key West in 1823). Passed Midshipman Rodgers was 26 years old when he received orders in November 1839 to take command of the schooner Wave at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. His orders directed him to prepare her for action against the Seminole Indians in South Florida and the Keys. Wave was a 65-foot, pilot-boat Commander John Rogers about 1861. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. schooner, armed with a single long gun, and manned by a crew of six five foot boat Obviously pleased the beautiful tapering of her run, officers and forty men. Picture with his new command, Rodgers the rich fullness of her beam, and if you can, forty-six men trying described her with these words, “. the delicate roundness of the waist to find space to sleep on a sixty- . . the graceful swell of her bow, (Continued on page 3) SOCIETY NEWS AND NOTES By Tom Hambright

The Hotel on Front Street near Duval Street before the Great Fire of 1886. Photo credit: New York Public Library. The Sea Heritage Journal is published quarterly. Subscription is available through membership. Copyright 2008 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: Lynda Hambright The Custom House on Clinton Square before the current red brick Custom House Production:Tom Hambright was built in the 1890’s. This building is now at 124 Duval Street. Photo credit: New York Public Library. Letters and articles are welcome. The new Internet age has given which are there full text if you have Please write to: Editor, Florida Keys us more information than we can time to do that much reading. Sea Heritage Journal, KWMHS, P.O. digest. The problem has become Library of Congress’s American Box 695, Key West, FL 33041. what is real and what is myth. I Memory site is one of the best was asked to prepare a list of web American History site in the web Key West Maritime Historical Society sites for educators so they could http://www.loc.gov/. Board of Directors find reliable information about The Florida Memory site does Key West with some original and the same for Florida History, http: President: Edward J.Little,Jr. primary documents. Of course the //www.floridamemory.com/. Vice President: Bill Verge first sites I recommended was our The Florida Historical Society Secretary: Corey Malcom site http://keywestmaritime.org/ has all the Florida Historical Treasurer: Tom Hambright and of course next is the Library Quarterly on their site in full text, site http://www.keyslibraries.org. http://.florida-historical-soc.org/. Andrea Comstock The Library site has a pathfinder on The Historical Association of George Craig the home page that will take you to South Florida has their annual Bill Grosscup all the material we have up and we journal Tequesta on the site in full Tom Hambright plan to add much more over the next text, http://hmsf.org/. Mary Haffenreffer John Jones year. Check out the following. These are a few of these are a Sheri Lohr Google. If you have not used few of the sites I have found items Don Lowe try Google books. Do the advance about Key West. The above stereo Louis Maglio search for full view only. The last views of Key West were found on Julie McEnroe search I did using the exact phase the New York Public Library site, Bill Verge “Key West” I got 1,906 books, http://digitalgallery.nypl.org John Viele New Members Ervin and Sandy Higgs, Key West

2 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2008 (Rogers from page 1) Indians in the Keys in the past three years, and with naval forces nearby, Note: The following information stamped the Wave a very Venus.” they had relaxed their guard and is taken from Wave’s original log for When Wave was ready for sea disbanded the militia. the period January 11, 1840 through on January 13, 1840, Rodgers got Rodgers sent the Wave’s June 3, 1840. The log was found in underway for Florida. Arriving at carpenters and sailmakers ashore the National Archives, and, because St. Augustine eight days later, he on Tea Table to begin building a it was an original document, had to reported to Lt. McLaughlin, captain new mainmast, using a spar and be copied by hand. of the 150-ton schooner Flirt, and materials obtained from Indian In the first month at Tea Table, overall commander of naval forces Key. Six weeks later, her crewmen Rodgers concentrated on training in South Florida and the Keys. The floated the new mast alongside and, his crew to handle small arms and official title of these forces was using a sheer leg borrowed from canoes. Each day, one or more of the the Expedition for Suppression of Indian Key, stepped it in place. three divisions of the crew was sent Indian Hostilities, but it soon came Examination of the base of the old ashore to learn the skills they would to be called the “Mosquito Fleet.” mainmast showed that iron spikes, need to make their way through On his way south, McLaughlin driven in to secure the saddle of the Everglades in canoes, and to had put in at Charleston to pick up the main boom, had seriously attack or defend themselves against canoes and now, at St. Augustine, weakened the mast. Rodgers was Seminole warriors. Crewmen was loading several flat-bottom held blameless for the accident, and, remaining on board kept busy with boats that he had ordered. in fact, was praised by the Secretary scraping spars, painting, assisting in The two schooners got underway of the Navy for his “seamanlike repairs, scrubbing hammocks and in company on a course for the Keys, skill and conduct” in bringing his clothes, taking on water from Indian but on January 23, a severe storm crippled vessel safely to Tea Table Key, loading supplies, and taking on struck, breaking Wave’s mainmast Key. Not long after arriving there, provisions. Their menu featured salt at the deck and sending it overboard. Rodgers received notice of his pork and beef, beans, bread, cheese, Rodgers ordered the long gun fired promotion to lieutenant. sour crout, rice, vinegar, pickles, to signal McLaughlin, but it was not The Mosquito Fleet at that time molasses, and raisins, with a daily heard, and Flirt disappeared over consisted of the schooners Flirt, ration of whiskey. The only fresh the horizon. After Wave’s crewmen Wave, and Otsego; five twenty- food was an occasional serving had cleared away the wreckage, oared, single-masted gun barges; of turtle. On Sundays, unless they unbent the foresail, reinforced and about sixty dugout canoes and operations precluded it, the crew the foremast’s standing rigging, and flat-bottom boats ranging in size mustered at quarters for inspection set a squaresail on the foremast. from ten to forty feet. The Army and then attended divine services. Under this jury rig, Wave sailed command in Florida suspected that The only recreation mentioned in on and rejoined Flirt off Cooley’s Cuban fishermen who came to the the log was one day’s liberty in Key Mill (Fort Lauderdale today). After Keys to fish were supplying arms and West in mid April. a brief stop at Key Biscayne, the two ammunition to the Indians. To stop Based on the number and severity schooners anchored at Tea Table them, McLaughlin established two of the punishments recorded in the Key which was to be their base of surveillance barriers. He directed log, Lt. Rodgers’ guiding principle operations. the schooners to patrol along the must have been: “Spare the lash and Nearby Indian Key, just a mile reef and the barges to patrol along you’ll spoil the tar.” In Wave’s first away, was a small but thriving port the mainland. He then made plans four months in the Keys, nine men for wrecking, fishing, and turtling to penetrate the Everglades in the were triced up to the shrouds and vessels, and possessed many of the canoes to locate Indian villages, lashed with the cat-of-nine-tails, supplies the squadron would need, capture the Indian women and most of them for being drunk. Navy including large stores of fresh water. children, and destroy their villages regulations at the time limited the When the Seminoles went on the and crops. He reasoned that since number of lashes a commanding warpath in 1836, the residents of previous attempts had penetrated officer could award to twelve for Indian Key, fearful of an attack, had the Everglades from the east coast, any single offense. Rodgers either formed a small militia and mounted there would be a better chance of ignored the regulation or got around cannon around the island to protect surprise if his forces entered by way it by specifying additional offenses. themselves. Now, having seen no of the rivers on the west coast. (Continued on page 4)

SUMMER 2008 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 3 (Rogers from page 3) was forced to call the expedition starting point. Nevertheless, this For example, one sailor got thirty- off. With all the sick hands on trek convinced McLaughlin that the six lashes in the same day: twelve for board, Flirt departed for Pensacola. Glades could be navigated, but that being drunk, twelve for insolence, McLaughlin left instructions for a guide with local knowledge was and twelve for quarreling. Another Lt. Rodgers, now in command of essential. got twenty-four lashes for the single the remaining forces, to continue McLaughlin made plans for offense of being drunk. (Flogging exploration and mapping of the another attempt to cross the was finally abolished in the Navy west coast of the Everglades. Everglades from the west coast. in 1850). Where did the men get During the following month, He directed Rodgers to sail to Cape the liquor? Rodgers found out that Rodgers examined the islands and Romano with eighteen canoes, they were getting it from Indian rivers along the southwest coast stopping on the way to pick up all Key. Although he had no authority from Cape Sable to Cape Romano. able-bodied men at Tea Table Key, to do so, Rodgers ordered a marine With a barge and a gig, he made a with the exception of the very few lieutenant to take a detachment to the two-day scout up the Shark River. needed to care for the sick in the grog shop on Indian Key and knock After McLaughlin returned in little hospital that had been set up in the head of one whiskey barrel July, Rodgers accompanied him there. every time there was evidence that on a seven day scout up the Miami A large war party of over one the shop had sold liquor to sailors, River in canoes with seventy-two hundred warriors, concealed on and to continue, if necessary, until sailors and thirty-four marines. nearby all barrels were destroyed. Before setting out, McLaughlin watched the Wave sail away and During his two years with the talked to a Negro named John who knew the time had come to launch Mosquito Fleet, Rodgers either led was being confined by the Army their attack on Indian Key. Shortly or was second-in-command of eight at Fort Dallas on the Miami River. after midnight, over one-hundred expeditions into the Everglades. Negro John had been captured by warriors beached their canoes on In April, McLaughlin ordered his the Indians, escaped, and knew the the island and crept ashore. A short forces to rendezvous at Lostman’s country well. McLaughlin tried to while later they were discovered, River on the west coast on April get him to act as his guide, but the shots rang out, and the residents 10 in preparation for an expedition Army would not let him go. After ran for their boats or hiding places. into the Everglades. On the way getting as much information from The next afternoon, after setting there, Otsego was the first to him as possible, McLaughlin led the village on fire, the war party arrive off Cape Sable. Her captain the expedition up the river. When departed Indian Key, leaving it a sent a detachment of twenty-four he could go no further, he struck smoldering ruin with six residents sailors ashore to reconnoiter the off to the southwest. His report to dead. They Indians took with area. Almost immediately, they the Secretary of the Navy described them desperately needed stores of were attacked by a large war party the country they encountered as guns, ammunition, provisions, and estimated to consist of from fifty “one large sheet of water, from clothing as well as several of the to eighty warriors. The sailors took one to four feet deep, completely islanders’ boats. cover and returned fire. The action overgrown with saw grass, reaching When he received notice of continued for two and one-half not infrequently higher than our the attack the following evening, hours, when fortunately, Flirt and heads, interspersed with submerged Rodgers immediately recalled his Wave arrived and sent boats in to islands & knolls of bushes, covered marines who were on shore, and reinforce the shore party. Seeing with red and black mangrove, the got underway from Cape Romano. the approaching boats, the Indians cocoa plum, the gum Elerni, the Because of light and contrary withdrew taking their wounded or Grape vine, the vegetation of which winds, he did not reach Cape dead casualties with them. None alone appeared above the surface Sable until the following morning of the Otsego’s shore party were of the water.” After three days in at which point, he launched the injured. the canoes, in temperatures well canoes loaded with sixty sailors and Almost as soon as the Indians over 100 degrees, they reached the marines. After twenty-four hours departed, a more deadly enemy first dry land, a palmetto island. A of hard paddling, Rodgers and the struck the fleet - malarial fever. fix was obtained using an artificial canoes finally reached Indian Key So many crewmen were affected, horizon which showed they were - much too late catch the raiders. including Lt. McLaughlin, that he only twenty miles from their As a result of the raid, McLaughlin

4 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2008 cancelled the planned expedition into the Everglades and sent part of his forces to protect the inhabited Keys. With his little empire destroyed, Jacob Housman, the “Lord of Indian Key” agreed to turn the island over to the Navy for the duration of the war. McLaughlin ordered the hospital and supply depot moved from Tea Table Key and began construction of barracks and other facilities on the island to make it a base for the Mosquito Fleet. In September, leaving Lt. Rodgers in charge, he took the sick personnel and personnel whose enlistments were about to expire aboard Flirt and sailed for Philadelphia to obtain crew Marines searching for the Seminole in the Everglades. Photo credit: U.S. Marine Corps Museum. replacements. In December, Colonel Harney, at night, in single file, and had camp, but it was deserted. Rodgers, U.S. Army, obtained permission to use been cautioned to maintain strict leading a scouting party nearby, Negro John as a guide, got the loan of silence. Officers issued commands surprised an Indian canoe with a sixteen canoes from the Mosquito by whistle signals. After three woman, two children, and a warrior Fleet, and with ninety soldiers, entered nights of arduous paddling, they in it. When the warrior refused to the Everglades in search of Chakaika, arrived at the camp of Chitto surrender, Rodgers shot and killed the leader of the raid on Indian Key. Tustenuggee, one of Sam Jones him. Continuing on across the With Negro John showing the way, war chiefs, but the camp was Glades and down a river named for Chakaika’s hideout was soon found. deserted. Search parties spread Col. Harney, the expedition reached Harney’s soldiers killed Chakaika out and surprised three groups the west coast on January 19. Its and four of his warriors, captured of Indians in canoes. During two members became the first white five more and hung them. When days of tracking and chasing, the men to cross the entire width of the Rodgers heard of Harney’s success, search parties killed three Indians Everglades. he met with him at Key Biscayne and captured seven. A marine When Rodgers’ brother learned and proposed that they join forces private making a desperate effort of his exploits, he wrote this for another expedition. McLaughlin to capture the last Indian was satirical observation, “. . . some of returned a short while later and agreed mortally wounded. The other these mornings he [Lt. Rodgers] with Rodgers’ proposal. Indians informed the searchers will wake up and find himself On January 31, 1840 ninety sailors, that the Indian who shot the famous if he don’t look out, he has sixty marines, twenty dragoons, and marine was Chia, known among shot an Indian and given the name seventy soldiers embarked in canoes his fellow tribesmen as an expert of Rodgers to a Floridian river, such at Fort Dallas near the mouth of the Everglades guide. Strangely, as an accumulation of glory as will Miami River. Led by Colonel Harney happened more than once after make posterity shut its eyes to look and Lt. McLaughlin with Lt. Rodgers, an Indian was captured, Chia at it . . .” as second-in-command of the naval agreed to act as a guide for the In mid-March, McLaughlin forces, the expedition moved into the expedition. sailed to the Gulf coast to recruit Everglades. With Negro John, and one After a further fruitless attempt more personnel for the Mosquito of the Indians captured by Harney as to find Sam Jones, Colonel Harney Fleet. Once again Rodgers was left guides, their objective was the village and his troops left the expedition, in charge. He organized another of Sam Jones (Arpeika), the leader of but turned the guides over to expedition, and moving inland one of the principal Seminole bands. McLaughlin who decided to with Chia and another captured Most of the men were in small five- continue the scout all the way to Seminole as guides, explored man canoes, the remainder in large the west coast. On the way, their ten-man canoes. They moved only guides led them to chief Prophet’s (Continued on page 6)

SUMMER 2008 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 5 (Rogers from page 5) hundred sailors and marines on months excursion in canoes, to the another search for Sam Jones now everglades and a parcel of lakes the west coast of the Everglades believed to be encamped at the to the Nd [northward] of them. I between Cape Sable and the mouth edge of the Big Cypress Swamp. was as you may guess, heartily of the Caloosahatchee River. All the In canoes, Rodgers’ detachment glad of my arrival once more at former Seminole settlements visited entered the Everglades by way of comparative comfort. Imagine a were deserted and no Indians were the Shark River, then moved to link little flat bottomed canoe 20 feet found. up with an army unit at Chakaika’s long 3 1⁄2 wide at its broadest and McLaughlin soon returned Island. The joint force reached 1 3/4 feet deep – and think of from his Gulf coast voyage with Prophet’s Landing on December carrying in this boat 5 men with 30 few recruits. He then sailed north 1. McLaughlin then sent Rodgers days provisions for them, bedding, to Washington to plead for more with 150 men to penetrate the Big clothes, arms, ammunition, sails, ships and men. While he was gone, Cypress Swamp on a southwest mast, and paddles besides such Rodgers led another expedition of course for a distance of 25 miles. luxuries as one can contrive to stow 130 sailors and marines to attack a His sailors and marines, wading in away – think too of sleeping in these Seminole village which the guides waist-deep mud and water, made boats many nights in succession for had told him about. The water in very slow progress. After five days, often there is no dry ground to be the Glades was too low to float the and no Indians, they fought their found. Picture the crew with beards canoes so they had to carried or way out of the swamp. Rodgers was unshaven, dress neglected & either dragged.. The men waded through gone on this expedition for fifty-six rags or clothes patched with many knee-deep, sometimes waist- days. colours[sic], or, if not sleeping, deep, mud, only to find the village Rodgers set off on his last major wading in the water dragging the deserted. effort to track down Seminoles in boats through the thick grass, or When Rodgers was back aboard South Florida on February 13, 1842. hauling them over a mudbank, or at Wave at Indian Key, Charles Howe, McLaughlin’s plan was to divide meal times each man with a piece of postmaster and inspector of customs his forces into two columns, one to meat & bread in one hand and a jack of the village, asked him to search enter the Everglades from the west, knife in the other and you will have for his schooner which had failed the other to enter from the east, and a correct idea of florida boating. . to return from a turtle hunt after the two to meet at Lake Okeechobee. . . I have known people three days eighteen days. Rodgers searched Rodgers commanded the eastern without food compelled to work likely places in and group consisting of a detachment violently 10 hours a day in order finally found the schooner Charles from the cutter Madison, another to reach a supply of provisions. and Edward partially sunk in the detachment from the Jefferson, The meat often is not cooked mangroves in Barnes Sound. Her and a detachment of marines. For when eathen[sic] yet I do not find two crewmen were missing and sixty days, living most of the time that men suffer much in health. As there was evidence that Indians had in their canoes, the eastern group an offset to these inconveniences been on board. One year later, it searched the swamp east of Lake there is a certain wildness about was learned that the two crewmen Okeechobee, the lake, the Kissimee the life which is not without its had been captured and later tortured River, and Lake Tohopekaliga. charm — and then the possibility of until they died. They followed every trail, burned meeting with indians never suffers McLaughlin’s visit to every empty camp or village, and the excitement wholy[sic] to flag. Washington was successful. The laid to waste every cultivated field, Every trail is scrutinized, every Secretary of the Navy arranged for but did not find any Indians. Two footprint inspected, every broken three revenue cutters and a new sailors became so worn down with blade of grass examined, every sign schooner to be transferred to the the struggle that they took a canoe noted. Navy and to the Mosquito Fleet. and some provisions and deserted I am convinced it is much easier When the cutters arrived at Indian the expedition. They were never for a civilized man to become a Key, Rodgers was given command heard from again. Rodgers gave savage than for the reverse to take of the revenue cutter Jefferson. his sister Louisa some idea of the place. In October 1841, McLaughlin hardships the expedition endured in Rodgers’ comments on the designated Rodgers to lead one this letter: health of his men were quite the of five detachments totaling two I have just returned from a two opposite of what other expeditions

6 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2008 experienced, probably because this specified that Rodgers had ordered it intentionally, he dismissed the expedition took place in winter five men to receive more than thirty charges. and early spring. On another lashes each for their offenses. One Rodgers went on to have an trek through the Everglades, one of the charges, that a marine had illustrious naval career. He led marine private fell in his tracks died as a result of a flogging, was exploring expeditions in Chinese and died from exhaustion. Passed dropped when a surgeon at Indian waters and the Bering Strait. During Midshipman Preble, who later Key testified that the man had the Civil War, he commanded became a captain and served with died of tuberculosis, not flogging. several ironclads and monitors and distinction in the Civil War, almost Rodgers admitted that he had captured a Confederate ironclad. had his legs amputated because ordered thirty to forty-two lashes In 1869, he was promoted to Rear they became infected and ulcerated for four men. In his defense, he Admiral and ordered to command from sawgrass cuts. During a spring made the following statement: the Asiatic Fleet. He attempted and summer season, McLaughlin The men were charged with to secure a treaty with Korea, the reported, fifteen men died and stealing liquor & the charge can “Hermit Kingdom,” for humane eighty were on the sick list because be proved. By the law defining treatment of shipwrecked seamen of fever and exhaustion. the ration, and making it part of but despite a successful attack on When Rodgers returned from his the contract with the men we were some Korean forts, was not able two-month trek through the Glades, obliged to carry the whiskey. We to get a treaty. His final assignment the war against the Seminoles was had no place other than the canoes was as president of the U.S. Naval almost over. The few Indians left to carry it in; it was exposed; Institute. would be allowed to stay in the drunkenness endangered in those SOURCES: Everglades and the Mosquito Fleet, small boats not only the lives of Buker, George E. Swamp Sailors. with Rodgers in command of the the offenders but of those who Gainesville: The University Presses cutter Jefferson, was ordered to sail might attempt to succour[sic] them. of Florida, 1975 for Norfolk. During a violent squall The men punished had actually Johnson, Robert Erwin. Rear off Cape Canaveral, Jefferson capsized two canoes in coming Admiral John Rodgers 1812 – 1882. lost her main and fore topmasts. from Indian Key, lost part of their Annapolis, Maryland: United States While the cutter was hove to in arms, ammunition and provisions, Naval Institute, 1967 order to make repairs, the captain besides putting the lives of several Log of US Schooner Wave of the cutter Madison, a friend of people in jeopardy. The risk was from January 11, 1840 to May 7, Rodgers, changed course to come greater because the water was 1840, Midshipman John Rodgers to her aid. As he was approaching, deep and we far from land with commanding. National Archives. the Madison’s captain misjudged canoes laden nearly down to the Transcribed from the original by the distance and collided with water’s edge. . . It is notorious in Pam and John Viele. Jefferson. After some repairs, the Navy that 12 lashes with the cat Viele, John. The Florida Keys, both cutters were able to proceed. will not prevent many sailors from Volume 2, True Stories of the Rodgers commented to Preble: “I indulging in a vice so dear to their Perilous Straits. Sarasota, Florida: don’t mind being dismasted, for hearts; it was absolutely necessary Pineapple Press Inc. 1999. that may happen to every one who that the men should be kept sober, goes to sea, but to be kicked in the we had no place of confinement, stern by my friend afterwards is too we could not dispense with the John Viele has been a member bad.” offenders services, a court martial of the Board of Directors of the Key But Rodgers’ trials with the in the circumstances impossible, by West Maritime Historical Society Mosquito Fleet were not over. Two promptness and severity only could of the Florida Keys for the past 20 days after arriving in Norfolk, a the crime be repressed. years. He is the author of three books disgruntled marine lieutenant, Lt. The Secretary of the Navy did on the history of the Keys published Robert Tansill, preferred charges not agree with Rodgers that the by Pineapple Press of Sarasota: against Lt. Rodgers. He claimed circumstances justified ignoring “The Florida Keys – A History of that Rodgers had practiced cruelty the regulation. Nevertheless, on the Pioneers,” “The Florida Keys, and violated Navy Regulations in the somewhat shaky grounds that Vol. 2 – True Stories of the Perilous ordering an excessive number of Rodgers did not fully understand Straits,” and “The Florida Keys, lashes as punishment. The charges the regulation and did not violate Vol.3 –The Wreckers.”

SUMMER 2008 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 7 Hackley’s Diary a rib and glanced making a flesh Monday, July 7. Rose at 4 and William Hackley practiced law wound. Dora Chase spent the day walked on the beach, returned in Key West from 1829 to 1857. He and Hatty went off to sleep with her. home and bathed. At 7:40 A.M. kept a diary for part of the time he Captain and Mrs. William Chase barometer 29.47, thermometer 87, was in Key West. Here is the diary spent the evening at our house as wind south southwest 2, clouds for July to August 1856. did Captain Hoyt and Charles Tift. 3. The steamer Isabel got in last Wednesday, July 2. Rose at 4 and Friday, July 4. Rose at 4 and night and I received a letter from walked on the beach returned home walked on the beach returned Sam Butler saying that Pene and and bathed. At 7:30 A.M. barometer and bathed. At 8 A.M. barometer family were going to spend the 29.62, thermometer 86, wind east 29.54, thermometer 87, calm, summer north. A letter from Byrd southeast 2, clouds 4. The schooner clouds 2. Read Household Words. that Lucy had a fine boy on the 26th Dart came in from Havana at 7 A.M. Brought from Robert P. Cambell the of June. A letter from Mother and Gave Peter Crusoe the bill of sale Yearbook of Agriculture $1.50 and my quarterly salary. Matilda got for Daniel to record and also made Squires Notes on Central America a letter from Fielding Patterson. I an inventory of the boy and piano $2.00. A very nice rain fell about also got a letter from P. Williams as Matilda’s separate property and 6 and continued till about 8. Dora informing me that J.P. Smith’s claim signed it myself as there is no one Chase who has been spending the for bounty land on the ground that specified in the statute by whom the day had to sleep with Hatty. The the law does not provide for pilots. inventory shall be signed. The man USS Potomac fired at sunrise, noon Senator Stephen Mallory sent me a who was sick with yellow fever died and sunset and got under weigh and map of Central America. William F. at the hospital this morning. Hatty, proceeded toward the reef but was Phillips sent me a copy of the bond Charley and Annie went on board forced to anchor about a mile from of Andrew J. Priest of Flemington the ship James Guthrie with Mrs. the point. There was a procession Marion County (P. Masters) for William Chase early in the morning and a speech from Mr. Newcomb collection. Reenclosed it to him and remained till evening. Matilda but the day was so hot I did not go. in a letter stating that Marion and I with Lizzie and the baby went Saturday, July 5. Rose at 4 and County is in the Northern District. on board about 5 P.M. and took tea walked on the beach returned home Answered the Treasures letter. The and got home about 9. Bought some and bathed. At 7:30 A.M. barometer steamer Florida lay at anchor all plantains and bananas. 29.50, thermometer 86, wind south night outside of the Northwest Bar Thursday, July 3. Rose at 4 southeast 3, clouds 2. Bought a and got to the wharf about 7 A.M. and walked on the beach returned number of Harpers Novels from Charles Tift and children came in home and bathed. At 7:45 A.M. Robert Cambell to read during the her. Ossin B. Hart served me with a barometer 29.50, thermometer 86, hot weather when I cannot study. copy of the amended answer in the wind east southeast 1, clouds 4. Received $45.00 from the clerk case of the Ogden et al vs. David Saw a turtle which someone had of the District Court my fee in the and Geiger. Captain Benner and turned between the two roads. Got a case of the ship James Guthrie for Clara Cussans spent the evening 16th of a ticket in the grand lottery filing the petition of L. Crain etal. with us. and a half interest in a 1/8 which The James Guthrie went to sea Tuesday, July 8. Rose at 4:30 Mr. Howe keeps. Paid the 2/16ths about noon with a very light wind and walked on the beach, returned $2.12. Paid Alexander Patterson and was not out of sight at dark. The home and bathed. At 7:30 A.M. for a box of soap $5.00, rice $6.62, schooner Venice arrived from New barometer 29.44, thermometer 87, plantains $1.68, banana $.87. Orleans. She brought the goods wind south southwest 3, clouds 8. Received $20.00 the proctor’s fee which were sent for by the steamer Found a turtle nest with 107 eggs 4 in the case of James Lowe et atls vs. Vanderbilt who is seized for debt. of which broke. The USS Potomac Schooner William Chestnut and Sunday, July 6. Rose at 4 and went to sea yesterday bound home. $5.00 for bill of sale of Negro boy walked on the beach returned home Paid Oliver O’Hara for six months from Farina to Arnau. A Spaniard and bathed. At 7:30 A.M. barometer rent of house to July 1st. Gave him named Ramon Peralto stabbed 29.47, thermometer 87, wind south $450.00 Treasury warrant and he another named Manuel Acosta in 1, clouds 3. Read “The Green allowed me $1.00 paid for lumber the left breast but the blade struck Hand”. P.M. Siesta. and $.63 for labor for repairing the

8 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2008 front door. Read papers. Very warm died during the forenoon and was thermometer 82.5, (thermometer all evening. buried at 6 P.M. but the weather was at home at 6 was 79), wind east Wednesday, July 9. Rose at 4 and calm and cloudy and intensely hot northeast 3, clouds 7. Read the “Old walked on the beach, returned home and I did not go. Dominion” by James. P.M. Siesta. and bathed. At 8 A.M. barometer Sunday, July 13. Rose at 4:30 and Read “Old Dominion.” 29.47, thermometer 87, wind walked on the beach, returned home Friday, July 18. Was awakened south by west 4, clouds 10. About and bathed. At 8 A.M. barometer at 4 by a thunder squall and did 10 last night had a nice shower. 29.57, thermometer 85, wind not walk as it rained all morning. Read papers. Matilda and I went to southeast in a squall having been Bathed. At 8 A.M. barometer 29.63, Alexander Patterson’s after tea. calm all night, clouds 8. The Negro thermometer 83, wind northeast Thursday, July 10. Rose at 4:30 boy has not got yellow fever and 1, clouds 10 and still raining. The and walked on the beach, returned Miss Lane is better. Read papers. lighting struck William Wall’s house home and bathed. At 7:45 A.M. Mary Lane died at 1 P.M. and was and ran down the conductor until barometer 29.55, thermometer 86, buried about 7 P.M. A schooner near the ground when it left it and wind south southwest 3, clouds 9. from Cienfueegas came in with one penetrating the wall of the basement Read paper. The steamer Isabel got dead and one sick on board with and entered the dining room and off by 4 P.M. Robert P. Campbell yellow fever. The six cases of fever broke the leg of a safe, injured the and Jane Randolph and Lt. Cyrus here all have died. The sun set clear dining table and out through the B. Comstock went in her. They are for the first time since last Monday. opposite wall. Finished the “Old frightened of the yellow fever four Nearly calm all day. Dominion,” James gives a pretty men having died in the hospital and Monday, July 14. Rose at 4:15 good account of the Southampton Mrs. Allen and Miss Mary Lane are and walked on the beach, returned insurrection, I was in Norfolk at the both ill. Wrote Mother and Philip home and bathed. At 7:40 A.M. time. Williams in Washington. A light barometer 29.61, thermometer 85.5, Saturday, July 19. Rose at 3:35 rain fell in the night. wind south southeast 3, clouds 5. and walked on the beach, returned Friday, July 11. Rose at 4 and The last week has been the cloudiest home and bathed. At 7:45 A.M. walked on the beach, returned home spell of weather I ever saw in Key barometer 29.60, thermometer and bathed. At 8 A.M. barometer West and the wind southwest 85.5, wind wast southeast 1, clouds 29.50, thermometer 85.5, wind made it very disagreeable. Read 2. Read Household Words. P.M. south southwest 3, clouds 7. Read “Singleton Fontenay RN.” In the Siesta. papers. Wrote Byrd Willis and Sam P.M. heavy squalls all round. Sunday, July 20. Rose at 4 and Butler. P.M. Siesta. Felt sore all Tuesday, July 15. Rose at 4 and walked on the beach, returned home over as if I had a cold coming. Went walked on the beach, returned home and bathed. At 7:30 A. M. barometer to Alexander Patterson’s after tea and bathed. At 8 A.M. barometer 29.60.2, thermometer 85.5, wind but was hurried home by the threat 29.61, thermometer 85, wind east southeast 1, clouds 4. Went up of rain which commenced shortly southeast 1, clouds 7. Read. A slight home about 10 and remained the after we got home and lasted about rain in the forenoon. rest of the day. William Randolph one hour attended with considerable Wednesday, July 16. Rose at 4 dined and Major William Fraser wind. and walked on the beach, returned came in after tea. Saturday, July 12. Rose at 4 and home and bathed. At 8 A.M. Monday, July 21. Rose at 4 walked on the beach, returned home barometer 29.55, thermometer 84.5, and walked on the beach, returned and bathed. At 8 A.M. barometer wind east northeast 2, clouds 4. A home and bathed. At 7:40 A.M. 29.48, thermometer 83, wind south nice shower about 7 A.M. Saw a barometer 29.61, thermometer 86.5, 1⁄2 or nearly calm, clouds 10. At6 duck in the Lighthouse pond as I wind northeast 11, clouds 4. Read A.M. a heavy rain fell for about an returned. Reading. P.M. Siesta. Household Words and drew up a hour. The steamer Florida got off Thursday, July 17. Rose at 4 replication in the case of Ogden et about 7 A.M. Mary Ann Porter, Mrs and went to the market and after al vs. Geiger and Davis. There are Susan Randolph and Lt. Watkins my returned took a short walk on several cases of fever. and Jas. M.. Bracewell went in her. the beach but was induced to turn Tuesday, July 22. Raining at 4 so The two sick ladies are very low and back to avoid a squall which came I could not walk. Bathed. At 8 A.M. a Negro child was taken last night at up as I got home but little rain fell. barometer 29.58, thermometer 85, Russell’s. Read Papers. Mrs. Allen Bathed. At 8 A.M. barometer 29.58, (Contined on page 10)

SUMMER 2008 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 9 (Hackley from page 9) Walbreg balance on his bill $18.81 heard Major William Fraser was wind east southeast 1, clouds 7. and gave him some of Matilda’s hair dying. The Sloop of War Cyane The steamer Isabel came in about to have made into a guard chain. came in yesterday forenoon and 10 last night. I got a circular from Friday, July 25. Rose at 4 and letters ordering her to Boston and the Solicitor of the Treasury and walked on the beach, returned home she sailed this morning. Major Matilda one from R. Copeland. and bathed. At 8 A.M. barometer William D. Fraser died about 10 Mrs. Clark is very sick but it is not 29.62, thermometer 86, wind east o’clock this morning and buried certain that it is yellow fever. Two northeast 3, clouds 4. Major William in Mrs. Asa F. Tift’s grave (she men at Pilchers are better. Charles Fraser’s symptoms are favorable The having been moved north) at 6 Howe’s boy is sick. Answered the family of Murphy, father, mother P.M. I walked out to the grave. The circular from the Solicitor of the and four children, are very sick and other sick are all doing well. Treasury and read papers. it is thought some will die. Wrote to Monday, July 28. Rose at 4 and Wednesday, July 23. When I Mother. Went up to see Dr. Pettingill walked to the Fort wharf where woke at 4 there were heavy squalls and he filled my front teeth with an finding the tide high turned back rising and did not go to walk. At 5 amalgam and pulled out a jaw tooth and walked up to the quarters. At 8 some rain. Bathed. At 7:45 A.M. which was too far gone to fill. It is A.M. barometer 29.69, thermometer barometer 29.53, thermometer 84, one which has been ulcerated for 85.5, wind east northeast 2, clouds wind south southeast 2, clouds 5. about two years. The steamer Isabel 5. The sick as far as I can learn are Yesterday the ship Alabama of got in about 4 P.M. and carried away all doing well and no new cases New York from Havana came in her fore topmast in trying to get since Major William Fraser’s. with the yellow fever on board and alongside her wharf. Captain and Yesterday wrote a letter to the one dead man who was buried on Mrs. Cornelius Curtis, Wallberg, Solicitor of the Treasury informing shore. Read papers. Heavy squall all Josephine Ximinez and Franklin him that I had filed a claim for day all around and about 5 a heavy Phillips went in her. duties in the case of the brig one struck us and rained for about Saturday, July 26. Rose at 4 and Royal Sailor. Read papers. After an hour, there was considerable walked on the beach, returned home tea went to Alexander Patterson’s rain and the old awning was spilt. and bathed. At 7:30 A.M. barometer and sent over to William Walls for Thermometer at the house 80 all 29.64, thermometer 85, wind east Hatty and Charlotte who had been evening. northeast 4, clouds 10. There being spending the day with Mrs. Myers Thursday, July 24. Rose at 4:20 a heavy squall to the south a corner this being her 24th birthday. and walked on the beach, returned of which is now passing over the Tuesday, July 29. Rose at 4 home and bathed. At 7:45 A.M. island. Mrs Clark is much better. and walked on the beach, returned barometer 29.55, thermometer 84, Major William Fraser is about the home and bathed. At 7:30 A.M. wind south 2, clouds 5. One man same. Drew up a claim for duties barometer 29.70, thermometer died at Pilcher’s with the fever last on behalf of the United States in 85.5, wind northeast 1, clouds 4. At night and Major William Fraser was the case of Anthony Pent and the 10 went up to the Engineer Office taken sick, the sick are doing well. brigantine Royal Sailor of Portland, and Felix Senac and John Baldwin from Cadenas laden with molasses Made a copy of the replication in took an inventory of Major William and read the same in Court. Major Ogden vs. Geiger and served in on Fraser’s things sealed up in a Ossin B. Hart, Esquire and gave the William Fraser had black vomit package his loose letters and papers original to Peter Crusoe at his house about noon. Ruby Senac spent the and his keys and sealed them with he not being at his office. Julia Tift day and night at my house the Major my seal ring and wrote out names pulled a cup of gruel over and was being at her father’s. on the envelopes. There were a burned from her neck to her feet on Sunday, July 27. When I woke number of books and some old the left side. I told them to cover her at 4 there was every appearance of with flour and sent over Car. Veg. rain and as I did not want to get wet papers which Senac will repacked Wrote to Shafer to send me one lay down again. Bathed. At 8 A.M. in the boxes they came in and of Wheeler and Wilson’s $100.00 barometer 29.66, thermometer 84.5, fastened up. His clothes we left out sewing machine and to get me two wind east northeast 1, clouds 10. to be sunned and if packed up the books of homeopathic practice and There has been clouds over the town months would soon destroy them. some vials of globules in place of since Friday and there has at intervals Wednesday, July 30. Rose at 4 those most used in my box. Paid considerable rain fallen. When I last and waked on the beach, returned

10 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2008 home and bathed. At 7:30 A.M. place of Matilda. Hortense Lattine the high pressure double engine barometer 29.66, thermometer 85, and Sarah and Aletta Patterson steamboat Cauca from Charleston wind northeast 2, clouds 4. Went spent the day with us this being four day for Texas came in. William to the dentist and had one tooth Aletta’s eighteenth birthday. The Pinkney went over to Nassau in the filled with gold. The filling he put bark Thomas Carbin came in from schooner Wye yesterday evening. in on Saturday (an amalgam of Cienfuegas having her steward and Went up to Justice Court and Kadnium) came out last night and mate very ill with yellow fever and stopped at home till after dinner. he put a wedge between the teeth anchored at quarantine. Dr. Davis’ The suit of Bulter vs. American so as to open them up if possible brother Alden is quite sick he Cameron was tried and judgement to prevent further filing so that he having gone to work too soon has for the defendant The steamer could get at the place to put in a a relapse and Davis’ brother-in law Cauca is bound for St. Marta, New gold plug. When I went home I was taken in the forenoon and has a Grenada to run on the Magdalena found cook (Black Matilda) was high fever. River. P.M. Siesta and reading. sick with some fever and pains in Saturday, August 2. Rose at 4: Tuesday, August 5. Rose at 4:30 the head, back and limbs. Sent for 30 having attend the alarm. Walked and walked on the beach, returned Dr. S.F. Jones who said he thought on the beach, returned home and home and bathed. At 8 A.M. that she might have a sever spell bathed. At 8 A.M. barometer 29.62, barometer 29.47, thermometer and that I had better have her moved thermometer 87, wind east southeast 86, wind south 2, clouds 7. Dug a so after dinner I went to Alexander 2, clouds 2. Read the Law Register turtles nest with 123 eggs. Bought Patterson’s and borrowed his horse and Household Words. A Negro a Spaniel dog about 10 months old and carriage and taking Annie with child of Felix Senac four days old from one of the crew of the brig me drove up to the Salt Ponds and died this P.M. Susan Soult for which I gave $5.00, told William Dennis that Matilda Sunday, August 3. Rose at 4:45 he is large now and promises to be (Black) was sick and that I wished and walked on the beach, returned a large dog. About 8 P.M. a heavy he would have her moved. He came home and bathed. At 8 A.M. squall of wind with but little rain down as soon after me as he could barometer 29.56, thermometer 87, from the south southwest passed and had her moved to Old Nancy wind calm, clouds 8. Took Dan over. Vincent’s. Paul staying with her. with me and made him bathe in Wednesday, August 6. Rose Matilda has the sick headache and the sea. Last night about 9 P.M. the at 4:30 and walked on the beach, was quite sick till bedtime. Guatamala a very small steamboat returned home and bathed. At 7:40 Thursday, July 31. Rose at 5 to run on the coast of Central A.M. barometer 29.51, thermometer having overslept myself. Bathed. America came in seven days from 85, wind south southwest 3, clouds At 8 A.M. barometer 29.62, New York. About 3 A.M. a squall 7. A good breeze all night after the thermometer 86, wind east southeast from northwest passed over with squall. Saw several Robin Snipe 2, clouds 8. The woman is better considerable thunder and lightning on the beach and heard some this morning the fever has left her and some rain but we did not have Yellowlegs in the ponds. A heavy and but little pain remaining. Went the main part of the squall. Matilda squall with thunder passed west at round to the dentists and had my (Black) is much better and she went 10 P.M. front tooth filled. Read Household up to the Salt Ponds this morning. Thursday, August 7. Rose at 4:30 Words. My mouth is now in tolerable Davis and Alexander are both better and walked on the beach, returned order. Paid for pulling one tooth and this morning though nor out of home and bathed. At 8 A.M. filling two with gold $7.00. Went to danger. The Guatamala went out barometer 29.52, thermometer 86, Alexander Patterson’s after tea with about noon and moved quick. She wind south southwest 3, clouds 7. I Matilda. Hatty has a bad cold. is 220 tons a new and pretty boat. In took my dog with me and sent him Friday, August 1. Rose at 4:30 the afternoon the wind was from the into the water, he brought sticks to and walked on the beach, returned northwest in squalls. the land but has not been caught home and bathed. At 8 A.M. Monday, August 4. Rose at anything but he is young enough barometer 29.62.5, thermometer 4:30 and walked on the beach, to learn. Daniel Davis lost his horse 86, wind east southeast 3, clouds returned home and bathed. At 7:40 last night and his mule is very sick 2. Matilda (Black) is better this A.M. barometer 29.55, wind west this morning and will probably die morning. Oriana came to work at southwest 1, clouds 4. Davis is very cannot find out what is the matter. least for a few days, we want her in low, Alexander is better. A 7 A.M. The steamboat Cauca went to sea.

SUMMER 2008 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 11 USCG Mohawk at War The USCG Mohawk that is now part of the Truman Annex waterfront is a veteran of the Battle of Atlantic during World War Two. Following is an after action report of her encounter with a U-Boat in August 1942. The Grand Lady is open for visiting at the end of Southard Street on Truman Annex. If you have some spare time and want to part of living history the Mohawk needs volunteers for Quarterdeck Watches.

29 August, 1942

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Mohawk C.G. To: Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet. Via: 1. Commander Greenland Patrol. 2. Commander Task Force TWENTY-FOUR. Subject: Action report 27-28 August, 1942, Report of Escort Convoy. Reference: (a) U.S. Navy Regulations, Articles 712 and 874 (6). (b) Cinclant Confidential Letter 7CL-42 as amended by Cinclant Letter 01230, 6 June, 1942. Inclosures: (A) Form “Anti Submarine Action by Surface Ship.” (B) Sketch of Opening Phase of Attack. (C) Chart tracing of MOHAWK’s courses. The Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk tied up alongside the Coast Guard Barkentine Bear at Pier B of the Key West Naval Station in May 1940. Photo credit: USCG 1. MOHAWK departed Sidney, Mohawk Museum. Nova Scotia, as junior escort for Sydney-Greenland Convoy No. 6 same route at higher speed. Group Two USS HARJURAND, a coal burner. at 1420 Zone plus three, 25 August, consisted of the USCG ALGONQUIN 2. At 0900 received radio that 1942. Convoy organization was in and MOHAWK as escorts, with U.S.A.T. CHATHAM had been mined two groups. Group One consisted of LARAMIE, SS BISCAYA, SS or torpedoed near the north end of the U.S.A.T. CHATHAM and USCG ARLYN, SS ALCOA GUARD and Belle Isle Straits. At 1600 passed MOJAVE, departing from group at USS HARJURAND in convoy. Speed MOJAVE and a Corvette loaded with Sydney outer buoy proceeding on of advance 7 to 7.5 knots dependent on CHATHAM survivors south bound.

12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2008 3. Prior to attack, convoy was proceeding on base course 41o T at speed of 7.5 knots. Convoy was steering straight courses, escorts covering roving station especially since attack on CHATHAM. 4. The moon rose at 2028 bearing roughly 90°T. At 2030 passed through oil slick at north end of Belle Isle Straits, believed to have been from the U.S.A.T. CHATHAM. At 2058 heard alarm signal on steam whistle sounded by either LARAMIE or ALGONQUIN. Observed ALGONQUIN to be proceeding aft along left flank of convoy. In accordance with plan, MOHAWK stood across to take station vacated by ALGONQUIN. All hands were at General Quarters. Shortly after arriving on station, observed ALGONQUIN returning to station so MOHAWK returned to right flank and took up former station. After noting that ALGONQUIN had reduced speed to about convoy speed, secured from General Quarters at 2030, assuming condition II M. 5. Personnel in CPO quarters, Sketch of Opening Phase of Attack. port side of mess deck, and seconds by second explosion and listing to port, but though odor of in fireroom, claim they heard a faint white glow which appeared fuel oil was strong there were no marked hissing or whining sound to be just slightly abaft first fires or any signs of her abandoning that appeared to pass under ship. glow and might be either on ship. Did not see SS ARLYN but While it was not reported to bridge LARAMIE or SS ARRLYN. was not certain she had been hit nor was sound picked up by QC Sounded general quarters and hence proceeded down moon in an operator, the following facts seem proceeded at full speed for station attempt both to sight submarine on to verify that at least an unusual on left flank of convoy. Heard surface and to locate ships up moon. sound, not an explosion, was heard third torpedo explosion at 2134 Convoy seemed to have scattered as close aboard: (a) Personnel in CPO off port bow but was unable to only ships sighted were ALGONQUIN quarters and on mess deck proceeded fix position of explosion. While proceeding roughly southeast and and arrived topside before alarm for proceeding toward station observed LARAMIE proceeding southwest. General Quarters was sounded or LARAMIE sending up two white Since had no information that anyone any explosions heard (b) Fireroom rockets broad on her port bow had positive sound contact, other than personnel were so positive of and headed in general direction DC attack by ALGONQUIN which impending action that the Water of rockets. At 2138 observed might have been an embarrassing Tender on watch ordered large tips in ALGONQUIN, who had proceeded attack, proceeded to southwest all burners and had nearly completed aft on left flank of convoy, making conducting sound search until 2200 the change when first explosion was depth charge attack on starboard when it appeared that MOHAWK heard. quarter of LARAMIE. Changed was coming close to line of fire 6. Heard torpedo explosion course to left and passed at 100 of LARAMIE who seamed to and observed faint white glow in yards from LARAMIE port be firing both illuminating and vicinity of LARAMIE’s port bow side about parallel to her. Observed (Continued on page 14) at 2133 followed in about five that she was down by head and

SUMMER 2008 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 13 (Mohawk from page 13)

common 3” and 5” projectiles both to northwest and southeast. One other vessel, possibly the ALGONQUIN, appeared to be firing star shells. Situation seemed contused. MOHAWK fired two star shells down moon. Light beam given off was too narrow to be effective so after carefully searching down narrow beam of each star flare with negative results, ceased firing and proceeded to southeast across LARAMIE stern to extend area of sound search and to locate other ships of convoy. At 2230 sighted red flares bearing about 3200T, distance about five miles. At Chart tracing of MOHAWK’s courses. 2232 sighted ALGONQUIN and two ships standing to southeast between Cape Norman and Belle Isle. failed to explode due to being set 29 August, 1942 off Cape Ray in Decided that safety of LARAMIE deeper than depth of water. Cabot Straits by USS BRISTOL. was paramount to proceeding in 8. At 0030 LARAMIE reported Then proceeded for Sydney, N.S. in ° opposite direction to investigate red echo bearing 32 T 5000 yards. accordance with orders from CTF24. flares. At this time, sinking of SS MOHAWK ran down bearing 13. During the entire action no ARLYN was still unknown and without obtaining sound contact and sound contact with submarine was if flares were from life boats they dropped two charges from stern racks made by MOHAWK. Sound gear was were within five miles of shore. set for 100 feet as an embarrassing working on echo ranging constantly. Also, fact that submarine had attack. Operators were getting ranges up to remained in vicinity after sinking 9. At 0040 LARAMIE reported 1100 yards on surface ships before ° of CHATHAM in morning gave echo bearing 300 T distant 3000 yards. and after attack. rise to belief that if LARAMIE MOHAWK again ran down bearing 14. Bridge controlled radio was left unescorted submarine without obtaining sound contact, telephone contact with other escort might attempt to finish her off dropping two charges set for 100 vessels would have materially reduced while MOHAWK was engaged in feet at best estimated position as hunting survivors. At 2259 received embarrassing attack, EDUCATION PROGRAM 10. At 0050 LARAMIE SPONSORS first positive information that SS $100 OR MORE reported echo bearing 145°T ARLYN had been torpedoed. So RICHARD G. BRIGHT distant 2000 yards. MOHAWK ran TOM & KITTY CLEMENTS changed course to westward until BARBARA ELLEN CHURCH ran on oil slick of LARAMIE and down bearing without obtaining sound BETTY L. DESBIENS BUD DRETTMANN then ran down oil slick overhauling contact, dropping two 300 lb changes JOHN & BEATRICE DUKE SHIRLEE EZMIRLY LARAMIE at 2350. set for 100 feet at best estimated MARY HAFFENREFFER TOM & LYNDA HAMBRIGHT 7. On making contact with position as an embarrassing attack. CAPT. HARLAN & JANEY FRANKLIN CLYDE W. HENSLEY LARAMIE she advised she had 11. At 0100 made visual JOHN H. JONES ° EDWARD B. KNIGHT echo bearing I65 T, distant 2000 contact with Navy Patrol Plane. TOM KNOWLES BILL MUIR yards. MOHAVIK ran down bearing Asked they to look for possible JOHN & KAY PLIMPTON DAN & VIRGINIA PROBERT without obtaining sound contact. In ARLYN survivors five miles LARRY & GRETCHEN RACHLIN JUDITH & JAMES ROBERTS best estimated position dropped southeast Chateau Bay. MRS. WILLIAM SHALLOW 12. ED SWIFT four depth charges from stern racks C o n t i n u e d escorting JAN & TY SYMROSKI as an embarrassing attack. Three LARAMIE until relieved at 2330,

14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2008 existing confusion. MOHAWK is drenched with spray, blinding gun equipped with ARMY VHF radio crew and fogging sights. Conditions telephone, operating on 116 and on bridge were much the same. Glasses BUSINESS MEMBERS ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 125 megacycles, but no other unit in were soaked and fogged every minute GENEALOGY CENTER 900 LIBRARY PLAZA convoy was so equipped. or so and visibility ahead seriously FORT WAYNE, IN 46802 260-421-1223

15. When contact report released decreased. Under conditions existing CAPE AIR KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT by MOHAWK, all transmitters night of 27th with former bow KEY WEST 33040 800-352-0714

were found to be inoperative. but little light spray would have CHESAPEAKE APPLIED TECHNOLOGY 623 SIMONTON STREET Repairs were effected in about ten been taken aboard. It is strongly KEY WEST, FL 33040 888-873-3381

minutes. Investigation revealed recommended that bow be rebuilt to COASTAL SAILING ADVENTURE, INC. possibility that transmitters had original shape and height during the 28555 JOLLY ROGER DRIVE , FL 33042-0839 295-8844 been inoperative since receiving next availability of this vessel and CONCH TOUR TRAINS, INC. severe depth charge shock ten that in addition, light weight spray 601 DUVAL ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-4142 days previously. Radio silence shield be furnished for forward 3” FRIENDS OF ISLAMORADA AREA STATE PARKS had prevented routine tests of 50 calibre gun. P.O. BOX 236 ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 equipment. Necessity for careful 18. Conduct of all personnel was DR. ELIAS GERTH inspections of transmitters when excellent. 3412 DUCK AVENUE observing radio silence for long 19. The handling of torpedo KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-295-6790 HISTORIC FLORIDA KEYS FOUNDATION periods is indicated. damages on LARAMIE is worthy 510 GREENE STREET 16. No machinery disarrangement of comment. No fire of any kind KEY WEST, FL 33040 HISTORICAL PRESERVATION or failure of power was noted. This was observed in spite of her being SOCIETY OF THE UPPER KEYS, INC. P.O. BOX 2200 is first time that charges set for 100 fully laden when hit. Between 2140 , FL 33037 feet have been dropped without when first observed and 2350 when KEY WEST ENGINE SERVICE, INC. P.O. BOX 2521 at least partial loss of power. MOHAWK took up escort, she had KEY WEST, FL 33045

New locks on circuit breakers completely established normal trim KEY WEST WOOD WORKS 6810 FRONT STREET and overspeed trips on generator and was back on an even keel. KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-1811 turbines were completed by ship’s During that time she brought her THE LANGLEY PRESS, INC. 821 GEORGIA STREET force just prior to departure of S- guns into action. No lights other KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-3156 G 6. Due to electrically driven than gun fire were visible at any MEL FISHER MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY lubricating oil pumps, loss of time from a distance during entire 200 GREENE ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2633 electrical power causes immediate action. MILE ZERO PUBLISHING stoppage of main engine on this 19. Inasmuch as the Executive 5950 PENINSULAR DR. #629 KEY WEST, FL 33040 class vessel. Officer is the only trained sound USS MOHAWK MEMORIAL MUSEUM 17. Under actual action officer attached and was in charge of P.O. BOX 186 conditions encountered, the sound room during action, no report KEY WEST, FL 33041 OLD TOWN TROLLEY abortion per-pertrated in cutting from Executive Officer as required 6631 MALONEY AVENUE down bow bulwark of this class by reference (a) is submitted. KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6688 FOUNDATION vessel, during last conversion, was P.O. BOX 500130 a serious handicap. Bow bulwark MARATHON, FL 33050 A.R. SAVAGE & SONS, INC. was cut down to increase effective R.T. ALEXANDER. 701 HARBOUR POST DRIVE depression angle of forward 3” 50 TAMPA, FL 33602 813-247-4550 SEASTORY PRESS calibre gun. Net effect of present Copy to: 305 WHITEHEAD STREET #1 KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-5762 shovel nosed bow is that, even in [email protected] moderate sea and breeze, whenever Commandant, Coast Guard, SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA o 1319 DUVAL STREET vessel is headed within 50 of wind advance copy direct. KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6577 the cut—off bow plus remaining Advance copy to Cominch. ST. LOUIS AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. bulwarks aft of bow create a Advance copy to AtFleet, Anti- 3928 CLAYTON AVE. ST. LOUIS, MO 63110 314-533-7710 wind tunnel effect that focuses Submarine Warfare Officer, WASHINGTON STREET INN all spray on forward gun and First Naval District, 150 807 WASHINGTON STREET KEY WEST, FL 305-296-0550 bridge personnel. Forward gun was Causeway Street, Boston, Mass. completely useless when heading File. into wind for it was continually CTF 24 by hand.

SUMMER 2008 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 15 (Tank Island), Christmas Tree Island () and in the 1980’s. Photo credit: Dale McDonald Collection Monroe County Library.

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

16 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2008