Florida Keys Sea Heritage Journal

VOL. 24 NO. 3 SPRING 2014 USS SHARK

OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE KEY WEST MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY Letters from the Bahamas. By Mary Haffenreffer

Richard “Tuggy” Roberts was born in the Bahama Islands on June 30, 1818. His parents were John and Ann “Nancy” Roberts. By the mid-1840s he was living in Key West with his first wife Mary Lowe Roberts. He lived the rest of his life in Key West and worked as carpenter on both ships and houses. He was married three times Mary died in September 1857. He married Julia Ann Roberts on April 5, 1868 who died in 1879. He then married Sarah Louise Sawyer on June 7, 1880, who died in Key West on April 29, 1929. After the Hurricane of 1846 Roberts and his brother-in-law John Bartlum, the famous ship Green\ Turtle Cay in the Abaco Islands in the Bahama Islands, Photo credit: builder, moved their houses from Monroe County Library. Green Turtle Cay to Key West and The letters began on page 8. reconstructed on the corner of Eaton stowage in the Monroe County and William Streets. Following are transcriptions of Library is an amazing addition to the letters by Mary Haffenreffer . Dave and Jon Richter, who are history of the Keys. descendants of Tuggy and Sarah The letters are a remainder of Roberts, donated a collection of Green Turtle Cay, 20th September the close relationship between Key 1847 papers that included letters from West and Green Turtle Cay and Tuggy Roberts mother and family how important the people of the in Green Turtle Cay to him in Bahamas were in the settlement of Dear Son, Key West. Most of the contents the Keys. of the letters are routine family Also in the package are some of I now with pleasure write these communications, but the fact the Sarah Louise Sawyer love letters letters survived and are now in safe before she married Tuggy Roberts. (Continued on page 3) SocietyNews by Tom Hambright

The Roberts Letters published in The next time you must measure for this edition of the Journal is a major mainsail, you must top your boom addition to the Monroe County just as you want it when the sail is Library’s History Collection as it set and then measure from the block show the close relationship that Key aloft to the sheave hole in the boom West had with the Bahamas and our and the rest of the measure as you Sister City of New Plymouth on did before. As you will find marked Green Turtle Cay and the connection in this letter, I had to guess at the The Florida Keys Sea Heritage to the Mystic River Valley. Even angle this time and can’t tell whether Journal is published quarterly. with the slow communication of the it will be right on the clue or not but Subscription is available through day and the lack of a formal postal think it will come something near membership. Copyright 2014 by system families kept in touch and the mark. I shall be glad for any the Key West Maritime Historical carried on business. order that Mr. Curry will send and Society of the Florida Keys, Inc. Included in the Roberts letters will do the best that I can to make The art on the masthead, the USS was the following one F Lowe Jr. the sails and price. Also, I hope Shark, was drawn by Bill Muir. at Mystic Bridge to Tuggy Roberts. you will write and let me know how Some of the first vessels engaged in the sail sets. I have to inform you Editor: Tom Hambright wrecking on the Florida Reef came that the folks are all well at present from the Mystic River Valley of except Gilbert, he is rather under Connecticut. The Mystic families the weather, and they all send their Letters and articles are welcome. followed and with the immigrants best to you and all friends. William Please write to: Editor, Florida Keys from the Bahama Island became buried his little girl a few days after Sea Heritage Journal, KWMHS, early settlers of the Island. From yours was buried. She died in a P.O. Box 695, Key West, FL this letter it can be interrupted that fit. The folks want to see you very 33041 or visit our web site Tuggy and F. Lowe Jr. were either much. The schooner California has Keywestmaritime.org. family or friends. gone to California. She has carried of crew Ashby and R. Lattluna and Key West Maritime Frederick and a number of others. Historical Society Mystic Bridge, Dec 8 1849 She sailed on the 24th of Oct. The Board of Directors times is very dull in Mystic. The President: Corey Malcom smacks has done nothing the last Vice President: Bill Verge year. They laid up about half of the Secretary: Andrea Comstock Dear Sir, summer. The mainsail will cost one Treasurer: Tom Hambright hundred twenty eight dollars and I take the opportunity to fifty one cents. $128.51. The Odd George Craig answer your letter of the 26th Fellows have all gone away so that J. Gregory Griffin which came to hand on the 20th it is hard work to get enough to fund Bill Grosscup of Nov and I made the mainsail as the lodge but we shall try to keep Mary Haffenreffer soon as possible and sent it to New it agoing if we can. So no more at John Jones York to be sent the first opportunity. present. Sheri Lohr Bruce Neff Wendy Tucker New Member John Viele Bud Ames, Burlington, VT; Andrew Mary Drake, Trevett, ME; Nancy Robert J. Wolz and Mary Herdan, Key West; Perkins, Key West; Harley Stock, David Harrison Wright Sue Huffaken, Key West; Robin Plantation, FL; Bunny and Thys Van Lockwood, Key West; Bob and Bourgundren, Key West.

2 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2014 (Bahamas from page 1 Dear Son, I am very glad to hear that Mr. Lowe is coming here again Richardson and Ann Russell few lines to you, hoping they may to live; then I shall live in hopes to meet you and Mary in as good see you and Mary come here again Green Turtle Cayy, Abaco, 11th health as it leaves me and the rest if life lasts. Dear Son, all of your of April 1848 of the family at present. Dear Son, brothers and sisters desires to be the times seems very long since you remembered to you and Mary. So Dear Son, went away. Dear Son, but as we are I have no more to say at present separated from each other we must but still remains your true and I now take the opportunity of make ourselves satisfied. Dear affectionate Mother. writing you these few lines to let Son, I should like to know if you you know that we are all well at and Mary enjoys your health there Ann Roberts present and I hope it will meet as you did here. Dear Son, we all you and Mary the same as it leaves long to see you and Mary but I don’t Green Turtle Cay, April 10th me and the rest of the family. At know when we shall but perhaps it 1848 present, dear son, the time has been may be sooner than we expect. Dear very short since you left but it seems Son, all of your brothers and sisters Dear Brother, very long to me. Dear son, we heard desires to be remembered to you the death of your uncle at Cherokee and Mary. Dear Son, Richard gives These few lines I hope will find Sound about four weeks ago. Dear his kind respect to you and Mary. you and family well as they leave son, your sister Ann gives her kind Dear Son, I have sent you one hat. me and mine at present but my Dear respect to you and Mary and says I would have got you two plates if I Brother you may think from Nature she is still the same in mind as she could have got any good tops. John how your dear brother and sister was when you left. Dear son, we asked Benjamin about the saw and still feels on account of our great all give our kind respect to you and he told him he would bring it to you. miss. It seems today as though it Mary and long to see you but I don’t So I have no more to say at present was the first day and, oh, when will know when we shall but I hope it but still remains your affectionate be the day that it will be worn of will be sooner than we expect. John Mother. it. Is like every vessel comes we and Betsy says when Benjamin’s Ann Roberts expect him but, my dear brother, vessel is done they are thinking of we must strive and look to the Lord letting Richard come down to stop. Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, 12th who has done all things for the best. Your brother, Moses, has sent you a November 1847 HE knows how to work and when ball of plat. Your brother John says to work for the best. That is all our that Jacob is not paid a sixpence nor Dear Son, comfort, expecting it is well with cut a cedar since you went away nor HIM. Although painful to Nature Tom is not paid a sixpence. I now write you these few lines we must strive and submit to it. I have no more to say at present hoping they may meet you and Oh, my dear brother, we have to but still remains your true and Mary in better state of mind than give The Lord all the praise that affectionate Mother. it leaves me and the rest of your he has so help us to stand this family at present? Dear Son, we great bereavement. Dear brother, Ann Roberts have met with a very sudden Death. I never thought to stood it so well Your sister Ann’s Thomas was as I have done although some days Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, 2nd going to Providence in the Triton ready to give over but I must look Day of July 1848 and was taken with the fever going around and see others that I am to across and it blowed so severe that do for that causes me to do so well Dear Son, they could not come back to fetch as I do from day to day. My dear him home. He was taken with the brother, we are so far distance from I now take the opportunity of fever Wednesday night the 27th each other that we often talk about writing you these few lines hoping of October, and he died Friday 10 you and Mary. Hoping you may do they may meet you and Mary as o’clock 29th of October. Dear Son, well. Give our love to your dear good state of health as it leaves me I think it will be the Death of your wife and all the family. Wishing sister Ann! you well. (Continued on page 4)

SPRING 2014 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 3 (Bahamas from page 3) please HIM to bring us together once more. Dear Bother, you know Son, John has sent you a bolt of and the rest of the family at present. a few more fleeting years the EYE plat. Dear Son, John Lowe has paid Dear Son, I thought I should have that beholds us no more and I beg 1 dollar. So I have no more to say had a letter but I expect you did you to work while it is call day for at present but hoping I still remain not have chance to write but I was we don’t know how soon the Hour your true and affectionate Mother. very well satisfied after I heard of Darkness may overtake us. Oh that you and Mary was well. Dear Brother, remember they CREATOR Ann Roberts Son, I should be very glad to see in the days of thy youth, seek HIM you both but I don’t know when I while HE is to be found, call upon Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, the shall but I hope if it is the Lord’s HIM while HE is near before it is 12th day of February 1849 will we may see each other sooner too late. All the family joins me than we expect. Dear son, I should in love to you and your family. Dear Son, be very glad to see you both but I Nothing more to say at present don’t know when I shall but I hope but still remain your affectionate I now take the opportunity of it is the Lord’s will we may see each Brother. writing these few lines hoping they other sooner than we expect. Dear may meet you and Mary in as good son, you are hardly ever out of my Moses Roberts state of health as it leaves me and the thoughts day nor night but when I rest of the family at present. Dear think of you it makes me shed tears. Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, 2nd Son, I was very sorry to hear of such All of your brothers and sisters December 1848 bad misfortune in the family. Dear gives their kind respect to you and Son, I know it is a great miss to the Mary and say they should be very Dear Son, family but is she was prepared to glad to see you. Dear son, little the Lord it is better than all. Dear Sarah says she wants to see you and I now take the opportunity of Son, when I think of you being so Mary. So I have no more to say at writing you these few lines, hoping far from each other, I can’t help present but still remains your true they may meet you and Mary shedding tears but I hope if it the and affectionate Mother. enjoying in as good state of health Lord’s Will we may see each other as leaves me and the rest of the sooner than we expect. Dear Son, I Ann Roberts family except little Sarah. She has think you better come up and bring been very sick and still sick. Dear Mary to see if she can’t get better of Green Turtle Cay, 1st December Son, I was so glad to hear from you her sickness and I was very sorry to 1848 both that you were well. Dear Son, hear of Mary being sick. Dear Son, I should be very glad to see you but your cousin, Polly Sawyer, is dead. Dear Brother, I don’t know when I shall but I hope All of your brothers and sisters give if it is The Lord’s Will, we may see their kind respect to you and Mary I now embrace this opportunity of each other sooner than we expect. and says they would be very glad to writing you these few lines to let you Dear Son, when I think of being see you. So I have no more to say know that we are all in good health so far from each other I can’t help at present but hoping I still remain at present and I hope this will find shedding tears. Dear Son, we must your true and affectionate Mother. you and your family enjoying same. try and make ourselves satisfied. Dear Brother, we are all thankful to Dear Son, all of your brothers and Ann Roberts hear you are well at present but we sisters desire to be remembered to would be much happier to hear that you and Mary and say they would Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, you were endeavoring to prepare for be very glad to see you. Dear Son, October 21st 1849 a better world. That would give us we were very glad of the flour for great relief especially Mother. Dear we stood in great need of it. Dear Mr. Richard Roberts, Brother, we would all be very glad Son, we would have strove and got to see you but I don’t know when something to send but Benjamin My dear friend, these few lines we shall see each other again but Curry is talking of coming down will, I hope, come swift to your we must trust to HIM who is the and if he does come we will try and hands and find you and yours in GIVER of all good. I hope it will get something to send to you. Dear better health than they leave me at

4 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2014 The house at 408 William Street that Tuggy Roberts moved from the Green Turtle Cay, Photo credit: Monroe County Library. present. I have been very sick, the that I was afraid that something gallons or brandy and two gallons going now seven weeks and at present very great was the matter and you of good whiskey. I am unrecovered and know not when know, Dear Brother, how it is with I shall be out of my affliction. If your dear sister not able to stand Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, the the Blessed Lord shall see fit raise trouble for that is almost carried 29th October 1849 me up. I cannot say when I shall be me to my home already but, my able to you for it was a considerable dear brother and sister I hope it Dear Son, time for me to get my strength being is well with you. Praise the Lord so reduced down. My best respects when I hear from you for I long I now take the opportunity of follow you and yours who believe me to know from you both and to see writing these few lines hoping they to be yours. you likewise. Your Dear Brother may meet you and your wife and all Richard don’t enjoy very good other inquiring friends in as good Most ob., health for he seldom sees a well state of health as it leaven me and B. E. Curry day. He is troubled very much the rest of the family at present. with pain in his feet and legs. He It has been four months since you Green Turtle Cay, October 29th has to labor in much pain but I left this place and it appears as it is 1849 must strive and be contented the been about six months. Dear Son, I Will of the Lord must be done for have been so uneasy since we heard My Dear Brother, we are all sufferers here but let us the news about the Indians and we strive for a better world where our heard that Key West was burned Could these lines draw us to each suffering will be over. We’ll all up but I hope that it shall never be other, oh, happy I would feel but, alas, join in love to each other hoping, the case. Dear Son, I am drawing my Dear Brother, it is all in vain but it my dear, that love to God make us nigher and nigher to the grave but I is great comfort to me to embrace the a happy home after. hope if it is The Lord’s Will we may chance to write you these few lines see each other’s face again and if we hoping that you and family is well Richardson Ann Russell don’t in this worlds, I hope we will as they leave me and mine at present. meet in Heaven. Dear Son, your My Dear Brother, it being so long brother says that Mr. John Gates ask Dear Richard, If you have since we heard from you before today (Continued on page 6) sold any of them bits send me two

SPRING 2014 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 5 (Bahamas from page 5) you if you would not take a little of the land for the gale made him very down hearted and he has paid 20 dollars towards it and I am going to send the titles down for you to sign and when he pays the other money I will give them to him. Your cousin, Benjamin Bethel is dead. Your brothers and sisters gives their kind respect to you and Mary. Dear Son, John Curry asks you to ask John Bartlum and his cousin William Lowe to let him get a patch of Stamps issued by the Government of the Bahamas to celebrate the Bahamas-Key West connections. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. ground over to the other shore. Dear Son, Benjamin Curry been very sick and still sick. So I have no more to felt on no land than was felt that day. Oh when ever nature get the say at present but I still remain your day by [unreadable]. Oh my dear better of this day. My Dear Brother, true and affectionate Mother. brother, my child was beliked by having three young men grown up everybody. They all spoke well of to be a credit to us that when John Ann Robert him and as to his parents he never and Richard comes before us and thought that anything was too hard no Thomas oh how heartbreaking it Green Turtle Cay, November to get for them. Had our dear child is according to nature. When will 12th 1849 been home with us that we could be the day that tears will fail to be have strove with him and the Good dropped for him growing up to be Oh My Dear Brother, Lord had seen fit to take him that such a help to his parents that when How shall I begin to address you we could have seen fit to take him. he made a dollar it was [unreadable] with these painful lines on account That we could have seen the last to his dear mother [unreadable] of my dear dear child Thomas of him, oh what a consolation it do as she seemed right. My Dear whom the Good Lord that do that would have been to us. Every day Brother, it has wounded by dear all things right has seen best to take we expect him coming. The dear husband so much that he hardly him and hope that he has taken him name Thomas was so often called knows how to go out to his yard to to Himself. My dear child left his by his dear family that the thoughts go to work any more but I trust the dear parents on Sunday morning of being gone from us is so great Grace of God will stand by him to like the flower of the field in good a miss that we hardly know how strive as much against it as he can. health as he look to be to go to to get the better of it but my dear Oh dear brother, my dear child’s Nassau. He was taken with a fever brother I trust that the Lord for a manners and ways was so natural to only one day and after that he was wise purpose to bring me and my us that they appear right to us day taken with a fit and his knowledge family to live nearer to the Lord. and night. Oh my dear brother, you left him and after that he expired Yes, my dear brother, the Lord know my affection was always so only 2 days and a half sickness. He knows we are too strict to wound great for my children that this stroke had two of his brothers with him to his creatures. He sees that we have has wounded me to the very heart see hi to the last of him. Oh dear not lived to Him as we ought to that how to get out of my bedroom brother, the thoughts of my dear have done but oh my Dear Brother, the Lord know best that so bad at child being away from us and so the stroke is so cutting to us that I this time that my dear husband short a time and to be gone away pray that it will be the means of [unreadable] had to leave of work from us not to be seen no more in saving me and all of my family. As to come to my relief. We all join this world the thought of it never to for myself, when shall I ever think in love to you and your dear wife be forgotten by his dear parents. I to come out to do as I have done. and family wishing you all well in suppose that the day the news came Oh, that the Lord will stand by me time and happy in eternity. My dear to us greater feelings never were to give strength according to my husband’s heart is so tender at this

6 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2014 very great. I [unreadable: document for cutting the apron and it suits time that on account of his painful damage] that my youngest child to a tea. I should like to see you bereavement that he obliged to fail all that I [unreadable: document both but I expect it will be some writing. Farewell, dear brother, to damage]. Friend, I know not time before I see you again but I you and family hoping to see you your four [unreadable document will strive and be satisfied and you soon. damage] of which you can take must strive and do so, too. There is Ann Russell 1 pound [unreadable: document nothing I can get here to send you damage] and if you please sell this opportunity. Give my love to the other [unreadable: document Mary and to all her family. All of 1849 Nov 21st, G T Cay damage] pounds for me and get your family remembers them. Love what you can for it a pound. Dear to you and Mary. Nothing more to My Dear Child, friend, I have sent to ask you if say at present but still remains your you would ask Mr. Scamp if he dear Mother. It is the greatest pleasure when will not let me have that bit of land there is an opportunity that I can that is joining my shop as Mr. John Nancy Roberts write you for I was glad when I Saunders wants to buy it out of spite received your letter to hear that you and tell him I will give something Green Turtle Key, Abaco, 7th was well but very sorry to hear your more than he will give for it rather April 1857 dear wife being so very ill. My Dear than not to get it and tell him that I Child, I know your distress of mind am been waiting until my debts was Dear Son, was very great but, my dear child, paid or else I would have had it and troubles is always around us more do, if you can get it anyhow, do try I now write you these few lines or less that we are always subject and get it. Tell Mrs. Sally Lowe to let you know that we are all well to down unto death but let us all be that the CARLTON is coming down at present and I hope it will meet preparing for every event of trial. quite shortly and I will send for you and Mary enjoying the same. The Lord is everywhere present the money [unreadable: document Dear Son, I should be very glad to and ever ready to help in time of damage] when she comes. Give see you both but I don’t know when need. Oh, that I could a willingness my love to your wife and Joseph I shall. You sent me word from to give HIM all my heart my dear [unreadable: document damage] Sandy Cay that you were coming child, I would be better satisfied. and his family and all [unreadable: up in the summer and I don’t know I have sent the piece of linen by document damage] friends I have when you will get here another Edward Roberts. If it don’t suit, to say [unreadable: document chance so I will look for both of you can send it back. The price damage]. you by this vessel. Dear Son, I of it is $4.56. All your dear sisters am getting very bad now for I am and brothers send their best love to getting blind and deaf and Sarah is you and your dear wife. Purdy is Elizabeth S. Curry almost the same for every night she gone to Nassau to a doctor being is blind and Mathilda she looks to be still very poorly. Nothing more, Green Turtle Cay, 7th August down in bed every day. Dear Son, my dear child, but remain your dear 1850 this vessel is coming in a very bad Mother. time for there is nothing we can get Dear Son, to send you. I have sent you peas by Ann Roberts Mr. Samuel Sawyer. Dear Son, all I write you these few lines of your brothers and sisters desires April [unreadable] 1850 hoping that you are well at present. to be remembered to you and Mary Your sister, Mathilda, and family and all other inquiring friends. I Dear Friend, has had the whooping cough and would have sent you your jub and your Aunt Amy’s family is getting bucket but they won’t carry it. I now embrace this opportunity it. I have felt very troubled in So I have no more to say at of writing you these few lines my mind since I heard that your present but hoping I still remain you hoping that it may find you and your wife has not got no better of her true and affectionate Mother. wife in better health than it leaves sickness. Sarah says that you must me at present for my troubles is still tell Mary that she thanks her much Ann Roberts

SPRING 2014 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 7 Sarah Sawyer’s Love Letters

Sarah Louise Sawyer Roberts was born in the Bahamas on February 27, 1856. She came to Key West as a girl. She had a number of suitors before she married Richard “Tuggy” Roberts on June 7, 1889. They had four children: George, Julia, Annie and Mary. When Sarah died on April 29, 1929 in the Bahama House at 408 William Street. She was survived by one daughter Annie Sharpley, ten grandchildren and one great grandchild. Included in the letters donated to the Monroe County Library by the Richter brothers were the following letters from admires of Sarah and some of her answers.

Following are the letters transcribed by Mary Haffenreffer.

Sarah Sawyer

Dear Miss Sarah Sawyer,

I cannot longer restrain the experience of feelings which I entertain towards you and which it is my dearest hope that you may perhaps reciprocate. I have Sarah Roberts with some of her grandchildren and her one great-grandchild. loved you from the first of our Photo credit: Monroe County Library acquaintance and I shall love you Sarah, the privilege of which I do Nov. 24th 1875 always. It is the greatest desire desire and which I shall be so proud that I have you upon this earth to of being your living helpmate and Sarah Sawyer be permitted to pay my addresses companion. It is a true affection to you. The many occasions of true which I offer for your acceptance Dear Miss, happiness which I have enjoyed in and if you give that acceptance the your society have taught me that one effort of my life will be to prove I now sit to pen you a few lines. with you alone rests the continuance that you have not mistaken me. I received your last insulting letter of that happiness in the future. May Now I ask you to be your faithful and I was surprised at those report I then without reserve say that I lover. I am, what I never did but by your letter shall regard the gift of your hand you believed it and I thought more as the greatest Blessing with which Your ever loving, of you and that but the way you cut I could be endowed. It is due to me up in that letter it is more and you to say that I do not that we are Albert Griffin it is more than I can stand and it young. Give me, my dear Miss Key West, Fla is more than I am going to take. I

8 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2014 don’t see any reason you should I will stick to you while life lasts. your happiness. I should regard the went on so until you had got a letter I will be true and faithful and a pleasure of calling you my wife as from me. If I had been so I am man dutiful husband to you if you would the greatest that earth could afford. enough to let you know but you only consider to be my wife. Dearly Dear Miss, I give you a week to must listen to other’s lies and you I love you more than anybody else consider over the matter as whether may believe others for me by these in this world. I am a poor man but you could make yourself happy by lies others reported has cost my I will make you as comfortable as becoming my partner in life. brother and father to be against me a poor man can do. I know how to but I don’t care five cents for them treat a woman as she ought to be Most sincerely yours, that don’t care for me. You said you treated. There is more that I can say hope that I may never come home but I think this will do. Please give Benj. C. Roberts again. You need not fret yourself me an answer as quick as possible. about my coming home in a hurry Green T Cay, Feb 6th 1880 but this one thing I pray for that I Adin Roberts and you may meet again on earth. Dear Sir, That is the second time you have Green Turtle Cay insulted me since I have been here July 15, 1877 You have addressed me in for nothing and I think it is to them plain, earnest language and I feel it is time to stop it. Sarah if you Mr. Adin Roberts it my duty to give a candid positive want your ring and pictures send answer to your proposal without for them and you may have them Dear Sir, delay. I cannot accept your offer. with pleasure. Don’t forget when As an acquaintance I have found you send for yours to send mine. I I received your letter and now your society agreeable but have have heard things since I have been reply to it. I am sorry that I cannot never thought of you as a lover. here but I did not pay any account to comply to your request for I don’t It is, therefore, utterly impossible them but everything you heard you feel any mind to enter into marriage that I can respond favorably to your have been writing to me and after life with anyone at present. I do not letter. Thanking you for the honor this you will not have the trouble think I ever shall marry. Hoping you have done me but at the same to write. You said write your Aunt this will be satisfactory. time requesting you to consider Muggy but I haven’t anything to do your offer finally declined. I remain with your Aunt Muggy. Sarah, I am I remain, your friend, sorry this is occurred but it may go Your friend, so now I can paddle my own canoe. Sarah Sawyer If I had intended to propose to a girl Sarah Sawyer in this place I would have let you Mr. Michael Carey know before I had done it. Nothing Green Turtle Cay more. Feby. 5th, 80 Sir,

Albert Griffin My Dear Miss, I read the contents of the note that I received from you this Green Turtle Cay, I am accustomed to speak plainly morning and I do not feel disposed January 15 1876 and know little of the niceties of for anyone paying their addresses to etiquette. Although I am not a young me, therefore, must decline you and Dear Miss Sarah Sawyer, man do not think the worse of me for do not feel like entering into any opening my heart to you abruptly engagement with anyone in regard I take the pleasure to write you without any preliminary flourishes. to matrimony. Trusting that you hoping you will consent to my There cannot be anything offensive will take this for a sufficient answer. request. I love you dearly. The day I hope in the candid declaration I remain, that I came here and see you my that I love you. If you give me Yours respectfully, love was for thee. I hope you will the opportunity I will endeavor to please ponder this over and give me prove my affection by devoting Sarah Sawyer an answer according to my desire. my whole life to the promotion of

SPRING 2014 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 9 Early Key West Fisherman Used Well-Smack Fishing

By: H. C. “Hank” Klein © Copyright 2014, H. C. “Hank” Klein

Early Key West, Florida Fishermen used well-smacks as their fishing vessels prior to the introduction of artificial ice in the United States. The concept of well-smacks was first introduced in England in 1712. Twelve were in operation as early as 1720 in Harwich, England. The idea of well-smacks was brought to the United States by English fisherman. By the early 1800s, prior to the general use of ice on vessels in the United States most of the vessels in New England, especially those used in cod and halibut fishing, were constructed with a well in the hold in which the fish were retained alive until they could be delivered to market and sold. The use of well-smacks, or welled-smacks, in the cod and halibut fishing began in the United States at both New London, Connecticut, and Greenport, New York about 1820. By using well- Diagram of sloop rigged New London Fishing Smack. Photo credit: The Author. smacks, New London fishermen were able to extend their fishing the holes could not be seen, it was of them were designed for New all the way to the Georges Bank, considered time to sail to market to England fishing and brought to off Boston in Massachusetts Bay sell the catch. Normally the market the Florida Keys and the Gulf of by 1840. The fish were caught where fish caught by New London Mexico by New London fisherman by means of hand lines and were fishermen were sold was the Fulton who would winter in the Florida handled very carefully being placed Fish Market located in the Bronx, in Keys and the Pensacola area after in the well immediately on removal New York City. the United States took possession from the water. Those dying before Well-smacks were brought to of Florida from Spain in 1822. reaching market, through injuries or the Key West by New London The well, in which the fish were otherwise, were sold at about one- fisherman. placed, was situated amidships at fourth the price of live fish. Well-smacks were also used in the bottom of the hold. It extended The well-smacks running cod red snapper and grouper fishing in from just forward of the main and sea bass, which fished off Key West, Pensacola and East Pass hatch nearly to the mainmast, and Sandy Hook and Long Island shore, (Destin), Florida. The well-smacks occupied about one-third of the had a capacity for 8,000 to 20,000 used in Gulf of Mexico red-snapper length of the vessel. Typical New pounds of fish depending on the and grouper fishing were of the London fishing smacks were of a time of the year and the length of the same type as those in use on the sloop rig and 39 feet to 44 feet in trip. When the well was so full that New England coast. Actually most length, with a 13-foot beam and

10 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2014 a 6-foot draft. So the well would have been about 12 – 15 feet in length. The crew consisted of a master and 3-4 crew members. The well was formed by two stout, water-tight bulkheads at either-end, 4 or 5 feet high and about 5 inches thick, extending from keelson to deck and entirely across the vessel. Midway between these is usually another bulkhead, which assists in supporting the deck and divides the well into two compartments. Leading from the well to the deck is a funnel curb, about 2 feet wide by 8 foot long at its upper end and 4 feet wide at its Box of freshly caught fish being loaded at Fulton Fish Market in New York City C 1800s. Photo credit: The Author. lower end. The frames are usually the same Smaller Well-Smacks at Key West at a depth of several fathoms, the distance apart as elsewhere in the were known as “Smackees” air bladder would become greatly vessel. However, on some smacks At Key West a number of smaller distended and the fish would float they are twice as far apart in order fishing vessels, known locally as belly up. to permit the water to circulate “smackees,” were built for the To overcome this, the fishermen freely and to facilitate dipping the local waters in the mid 1800s and adopted a practice of puncturing fish from the well. About 300 were also equipped with wells. The the air bladder as soon as the fish auger-holes, 1-inch in diameter, smackees were manned by one or reached the surface. They would were bored in the bottom planking two men and operated in the nearby force a hollow metal tube 1⁄4 inch of the well. From these holes the waters catching fish for the Key in diameter into the side of the sea water entered freely, and was West market. These vessels ranged fish a little behind and just above kept in circulation and constantly in length from 14 to 28 feet. the pectoral fin. This practice renewed by the motion of the boat. They averaged about 24 feet in would relieve the air bladder of its The sectional plan below clearly length, had an 8-foot beam, and had extreme buoyancy so that the fish shows the construction features of a 4 or 5 foot draft with sharp bottom. could control their movements in the hull of a vessel with a well. The deep draft in relationship the well. The Word “Smack” Came From to the length of the vessel was Only those red snappers taken the Sound the Vessel Made in the necessary in order to submerge in less than of 10 fathoms of water Water the hull sufficiently for the water could be successfully held in the The name “Smack” actually to cover the fish in the well. The wells for a week or two. If caught came from the sound the vessel well occupied about a quarter of the in more than 10 fathoms of water made while sailing along. With the boat’s length measured on the keel. they had to be handled carefully, large number of small holes in the The topside arrangements include a and if caught in over 20 fathoms center section of the hull, sea water U-shaped cockpit for the helmsman they would soon have a swollen could enter the hold where the fish and a small cuddy cabin forward of surface, the eyes protruding, and that had been caught could be kept the live well for the crew. the scales becoming loosened and alive for 7 – 10 days while at sea. On account of the great depth standing erect. The sound of the sea water entering from which red snappers were Artificial Ice Changes the need the exiting the hull made a slapping obtained in the Gulf of Mexico, for Keeping Fish alive in Wells or “smacking” sound against the considerable difficulty was at first Prior to the invention of hull. That smacking sound is why experienced in keeping them alive. machinery to manufacture artificial these vessels were called fishing Because the pressure of the water ice, the importation of ice in blocks smacks. was so much less in the wells than (Continued on page 12)

SPRING 2014 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 11 Sectional Plan on a well-smack showing interior of vessel. Photo credit: The Author.

(Smack from page 11) of ice when in full production. families (Marler and Shirah.) Both Artificial ice did not come to Key came from pioneer Destin, Florida from the north to Florida was very West, Florida for another decade families and both were related to expensive and hard to get. Fish however. In 1890 A. F. Tift and Leonard Destin, founder of Destin and meat were preserved by salting Company of Key West, Florida, Florida. them. Fisherman kept the fish they which was a ship’s chandlery and Klein has written books caught alive until they could get salvage warehouse, built Key documenting his and his wife them to port to sell them by using West’s first ice house in what is family genealogy. Hank has also well-smacks. today the Gift Shop at the Key West contributed historical research for Once the invention of artificial Aquarium. author Tony Mennillo’s recently ice was perfected the rules all As artificial ice became widely published book “Salty Memories changed. No longer did fish and available at the end of the 1800s and along the Coastal Highway- meat need to be preserved by the use early 1900s, the need for and use of Historic Stories of Destin and of salt. They could be preserved by well-smacks in the fishing industry the Emerald Coast.” Copies of keeping them cold or by freezing all but disappeared. this book containing 492 vintage the fish both aboard fishing vessels photographs of Destin and the and for transportation to far away 1 Bulletin of the Bureau of Emerald Coast can be obtained by locations. Fisheries. Volume I18. published contacting Arturo’s Studio at http: Pensacola, Florida was the first 1899 — United States Fish www.arturosstudio.com or 850- Florida city to obtain an Ice House. Commission. pages 341-343 585-2909 or from Amazon.com. The Gulf Ice Factory opened in 2 The Historical Role of Fisheries Klein lived in the mid-1960s 1881, but ran into some bad luck. of the Florida Keys, Eduard J. Little. at the foot of Simonton Street in The December 23, 1881 issue Jr. - Florida Keys Sea Heritage Key West and for many’ years of the Columbus Georgia Daily Journal, 1990 in Brevard, Okaloos and Bay Enquirer newspaper contained an 3 Columbus Daily Enquirer Counties, Florida. He is now retired article titled “Fire in Pensacola” (Columbus, GA). December 23, from his credit union management and read: 1881, page 4 career and he and his wife (the In the April 2, 1882 issue of New former Muriel Marler of Destin, Orleans Times Picayune it was H.C. “Hank”- Klein has long Florida) live in North Little Rock. reported that The Gulf Ice Factory been interested in the history of Arkansas. He can be contacted at was again in operation. It was Florida and the genealogy of his [email protected] or at 501-256- expected to produce 20,000 pounds father-in-law’s and mother-in-law’s 7474.

12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2014 Henry J. Hornbeck’s Diary Henry J. Hornbeck was from went to Miss Alien’s procured being Luther Mennig’s birthday, he Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he ice cream, then returned to office. procured a couple of bottles of port, enlisted in the 47th Pennsylvania Retired at 11 p.m. Very warm. and we drank to his health. After Volunteers Regiment at the age of Thursday June 18th. Busy all supper took a ride with Wm. Weiss 18. Here is his diary for June and morning at Commissary Accounts. using Maj. Gansler’s carriage, After July1863. Solomon Diehl Company B died which returned to office. Retired Monday June 15th. Busy this this morning in General Hospital at 10 p.m. Weather very hot. The morning at 11 at Quartermasters of chronic diarrhea. Attended his clerk, that the new Quartermaster Papers. After dinner slept until funeral at 5 p.m. at U.S. Barracks, who was to relieve Lt. Locke, but 3p.m. Steamer Nassau loading Band & Companies B & D as escort. now returns, brought with him, has shells & canisters all day. Latest Genl. Woodbury also attended made his lodging with us & also news that Port Hudson is invested funeral. Ship Constellation arrived messes with us. He remains here by our forces & must fall. No today, with coal. She is a fine receiving instruction, & will follow news from Army of Potomac. Ship vessel. After supper took a walk his Capt. as soon as he hears from John Trucks left wharf at 9 a.m. about town, visited Miss Allen’s him. His name is Frank Whiting of Visited Mrs. Garvin’s tonight, had procured ice cream. Weather very Mass., a Citizen Clerk, seems to be ice cream, after which returned to hot and mosquitoes very annoying. a fine young man. th nd office. Played a trick on Jake Beck Friday June 19 . Busy at Monday June 22 . Busy at with fire crackers. Retired at 11 p.m. papers in the morning. A mail Commissary Papers. Steamer Slight breeze to night. arrived from North in a gunboat. Matanzas arrived in port from New Tuesday June 16th. Today rec’d two letters, One from Sister Orleans, but leaves for the North in commencing to take Stock Mary acknowledging receipt of an hour. Packed up Commissary Account of Subs Stores. Wrote money & trunk and the other Papers & sent them aboard. Also the Sworn Statement of Capt. from Bro. Molton, who is at home hurriedly wrote an answer to Sister Wilson of Nonpareil in reference well & hearty, contemplating a Mary’s letter and got it aboard to be to the running into & disabling the trip to Jersey. News concerning mailed at New York. Steamer Exact Quartermasters schooner Nonpareil Grandmother, bad, she being very arrived from New Orleans, having by the steamer Che Kiang. Wrote a feeble, otherwise very satisfactory. prisoners for this place & Tortugas. letter of information as to amount of Reported that Vicksburg has been She returns to New Orleans this damages sustained and amount paid taken, hope it may prove true. evening. After supper Lawall, by Quartermaster’s Department for After supper Ginkinger & myself Mennig, Weiss & Myself attended repairing said schooner. Gunboat took a short walk, returned by 9 the funeral of a Navy Officer who DeSoto left harbor this morning. p.m. Retired at 10. Weather hot and died yesterday, belonging to the Took a nap in the afternoon. After oppressing. gunboat Hendrick Hudson. Our th supper visited Mrs. McGrath, then Saturday June 20 . Busy all Band & Sailors as Escort, also a procured ice cream at Miss Allen’s morning at Commissary Papers. turn-out by the Masons, the funeral after which returned to office. Gunboat Huntsville arrived this rites of which are very interesting. Retired at 10 p.m. Slight breeze. morning. After supper took a walk Visited Mrs. Garvin & procured ice Wednesday June 17th Rose about town. retired at 11 p.m. cream, also visited Miss Allen, & st as usual. Chas. Martin Company Sunday June 21 . After procured ice cream, then returned B deserted last night. Busy at dressing we mustered into to office. before returning Mennig, Commissary Papers. A small mail service, one of the Blacks who Watson, Whiting & Myself went brought in by a pilot boat, from a arrived from New Orleans, into in swimming off the dock. Water steamer passing outside from the Quartermasters Department read warm. After which retired. rd North. Received two shirts from the Anny Regulations to him, Tuesday June 23 . Steamer Sister Mary and a letter enclosing and put a Military suit on him, Cahawba passed outside harbor. photograph from Bro. John written had fine fun, making him swear Capt. sent in New York papers by the dictionary &c. Remained by himself. No news of any account. (Continued on page 14) After supper Ginkinger & myself at office all day, reading. Today

SPRING 2014 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 13 (Hornbeck from 13) again. Not having gone far, the boat all day. After supper, our Band out dating to the 18th. News very being stove to pieces in which he serenading, went with them. Weiss, bad, the Rebels made another left, and he was found on one of Mennig & myself returned to office raid into our State, going into the adjacent Keys, by a woodman, at 12. Retired at 12.30. Weather Chambersburg, great excitement. almost starved to death, and anxious warm. Mustered for pay today. Main portion of the Rebel Army to return to Key West. He is in the Wednesday July 1st. Busy in reported to be at Martinsburg. Guard House. Mennig & myself office. Today procured Henry things look bad. No mail received. took a walk to the US Barracks. Kramer Company B as cook for our After dinner engaged in reading Paid-off Albert Newhard for mess. This afternoon U.S. Gunboat Scott’s Works, “The Lady of the services in altering clothing. String Bermuda arrived from New Lake.” After supper visited Mrs. Band of Company B out serenading Orleans, having an old mail for this McGrath, then returned to office. to night. Accompanied them to place, which had passed here, and before retiring had a swim off the several places, then returned to had gone on there, some time ago. dock. Retired at 11 p.m. office. Whiting, McKillup & myself Received a letter from Sister Mary Wednesday June 24th. Busy went in bathing. Retired at 11 p.m. and also one from Albert also one Weather bracing tonight. from Albert Kern, enclosing his in office all day. After supper th visited Mrs. McGrath, after which Saturday June 27 . Reading photograph, although the news is returned to office. Went aboard most part of day. After supper took a rather late. Weiss & myself took schooner Nonpareil, Capt. Wilson. walk about the city, Took a sea bath, a short walk towards the barracks, retired at 11 p.m. accompanying Pretz & Lawall. After then went to Russell House, where th our Band serenaded Mr. Russell Sunday June 28 . One of the which returned to office. Answered who has Just been married, also Contrabands from La. we started to Kern’s letter. Ginkinger, Whiting & serenaded by a Calathumpian day as cook for our mess. Ablutions myself then went in bathing off the in Commissary Store house. A mail wharf. Retired at 11 p.m. Band, making a tremendous noise. nd He treated all. Splendid singing by arrived in harbor this morning, Thursday July 2 . Busy in office Navy Officers Returned to office brought in by Pilot Boat, from all day. Wrote a letter to J. Henry at 12 p.m. before turning in, took Sand Key. Received a letter from Beemer Deckertown N.J. After a bath. Retired at 12 p.m. Weather Sister Mary announcing the death of dinner took a nap. After supper warm. Dear Grandmother who died on the walked about town. Returned to Thursday June 25th. Reading 18th inst. to be buried on Monday office at 9 p.m. After taking a bath, June 22nd. As a mail leaves almost Retired being 11 p.m. most part of day. Nothing of any rd account. Took a walk about town immediately for the North, I hastily Friday July 3 . Reading most after supper. Order issued from answered her letter, acknowledging part of day. No news of any account. Headquarters that all extra & daily receipt of the sad news, also wrote After bathing retired. Could not duty men, that can be spared, are consolatory letter to Bro. John, sleep tonight on account of the heat, to be returned totheir companies, Such is life. Remained in office all EDUCATION PROGRAM day. After supper Watson & myself SPONSORS & Contrabands to take their $100 OR MORE visited Mrs. Garvin’s, after which places, We remain, two clerks LINDA & LAWRENCE ABELE went to Church. After Church took TOM & KITTY CLEMENTS being allowed in Commissary PRUDENCE CHURCHILL & LAWRENCE PLUMMER a bath, Retired at 11 p.m. Very BETTY L. DESBIENS Department, Mennig & myself. BUD DRETTMANN warm, no air, hardly any sleep all JOHN & BEATRICE DUKE Before retiring went in bathing. SHIRLEY FREEMAN & HARVEY SERVER th night. Two splendid prizes brought CELESTE ERICKSON Friday June 26 . Navy transport DR. ELIAS GERTH into harbor this afternoon, two MARY HAFFENREFFER Union arrived from New York, TOM & LYNDA HAMBRIGHT th Rebel steamers laden with cotton HARRIGAN FOUNDATIONS, INC. dating to 18 inst. having a large JOHN H. JONES &c, Captured by the Sloop of War LAURA LYNNE KENNEDY mail, received nary line. Allentown EDWARD B. KNIGHT papers arrived, nothing then of Lackawanna off Mobile. TOM KNOWLES Monday June 29th. Busy all day TOM & BARBARA MARMION importance. Invasion of our State DR. WILLIAM R. PLOSS in office. Nothing of any account LARRY & GRETCHEN RACHLIN by the Rebels & their retreat, JUAN L. RIERA today. After supper took a walk JUDITH & JAMES ROBERTS which news we had a few days SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA about town. Rain & thunder storm ED SWIFT ago. Chas. Martin Company B KIMBERLY & GARY WALWER ROBERT J. WOLZ who deserted June 17th returned tonight. Retired at 11 p.m. Tuesday June 30th. Reading most

14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2014 sitting up greater portion of the our State to defend it. After supper night. took a walk about town. Took a sea Saturday July 4th. Independence bath then Retired about 10 p.m. BUSINESS MEMBERS Day. No work in office to-day. Rose Tuesday July 7th. Wrote a letter ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY at 4 a.m. went with Ginkinger to this morning to Reuben P. Leisenring. GENEALOGY CENTER 900 LIBRARY PLAZA Slaughter House, procured rations Purchased a pair of breeches from FORT WAYNE, IN 46802 260-421-1223 of fresh beef for our mess. Mennig Whiting. Our Cook Henry Kramer COASTAL SAILING ADVENTURE, INC. 28555 JOLLY ROGER DRIVE & Myself went to fish market, of Company B ordered back to his LITTLE TORCH KEY, FL 33042-0839 295-8844 purchased two fish. Took a cup company by Capt. Rhoads, another CONCH TOUR TRAINS, INC. 601 DUVAL ST. of coffee at cafe opposite Provost burst of shoulder strap authority. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-4142

Marshals Office. After breakfast After supper Weiss & myself played DR. FRED COVAN 1901 FOGARTY AVE. SUITE 2 Whiting & myself played a game billiards. Retired at 10 p.m.after KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-294-7522 of billiards, then witnessed the taking a good sea bath,off the wharf. DEWOLF AND WOOD ANTIQUARIANS ON THE GREEN parade of 47th P. V. 5 Companies Weather sultry & mosquitoes again P.O. BOX 425 with Band & Col. & Staff. Review at work. ALFRED, MAINE 04002 207-490-5572 th FRIENDS OF ISLAMORADA AREA STATE PARKS by the Genl. at Headquarters. Wednesday July 8 . Busy all P.O. BOX 236 Dispersed at 11 a.m. Weather morning at Commissary Papers also ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 extremely hot. Provost Guard Regimental accounts. Navy transport DR. ELIAS GERTH 2505 FLAGLER AVE. quarters finely decorated. Flags Union left for the North at 1 p.m. KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-295-6790 hoisted at great many places. Firing taking a mail. Steam tug Reaney left HISTORIC FLORIDA KEYS FOUNDATION 510 GREENE STREET squibs &c, salute by Fort Taylor for Havana, for them mail reported KEY WEST, FL 33040 & Gunboats in harbor, as usual on to be there. After supper took a walk. HISTORICAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF THE UPPER KEYS, INC. such occasions. Remained in office Went in bathing before retiring. P.O. BOX 2200 all day. After supper Ginkinger Thursday July 9th. Busy today, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 KEY WEST ENGINE SERVICE, INC. & myself visited Capt. Bell, then moving the office next door to P.O. BOX 2521 went with Serg’t. Mink to procure Provost Marshal’s office, fine KEY WEST, FL 33045 KEY WEST TENNIS ice cream at a Colored Woman’s place. Tug Reaney returned from 1305 REYNOLDS STREET establishment, after which returned Havana having a mail, No letters KEY WEST , FL 33040 561-445-7805 KEY WEST WOOD WORKS to office. Many of boys, as usual for me. News very bad from Pa. 6810 FRONT STREET STOCK ISLAND upon such occasions, being today Rebels about to attack Harrisburg. KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-1811 MEL FISHER MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY pretty well curried. Today the San The Militia confident of holding 200 GREENE ST. Jacinto relieved the Magnolia as the place. Bridges &c burnt on the KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2633 OLD TOWN TROLLEY Flag Ship for this port. After taking Susquehanna. Watson & myself 6631 MALONEY AVENUE a sea bath retired at 11 p.m. took a walk this evening. Steamer KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6688 Sunday July 5th. Remained Creole passed by this evening Pilot PREMIERE RACING, INC. 67B FRONT STREET in office all day reading. Steam Boat brought in a paper up to July 3 MARBLEHEAD, MA 01945 781-639-9545 transport Thomas A. Scott arrived reports 9000 Rebels to be Captured PIGEON KEY FOUNDATION P.O. BOX 500130 from New York very early this between Carlisle & Chambersburg. MARATHON, FL 33050 morning, bound for New Orleans, Genl. Hooker relieved from RIERA TOURS P.O. BOX 522026 having Ordnance Stores aboard, Command of Army of Potomac and MIAMI, FL 33152 305-446-2712 put in here for coal. She brings Genl. Meade his successor, general [email protected] A.R. SAVAGE & SONS, INC. papers dating to 27th but no mail. satisfaction by this change. Took a 701 HARBOUR POST DRIVE News very bad. Lee’s army still in sea bath tonight, retired at 11 p.m. TAMPA, FL 33602 813-247-4550 SEASTORY PRESS Pennsylvania making bad havoc. Weather cool this evening. 305 WHITEHEAD STREET #1 th KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-5762 Before retiring went in bathing. Friday July 10 . Busy all [email protected]

Retired at 11 p.m. Cool tonight. Morning assisting in issuing rations, SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA th 1319 DUVAL STREET Monday July 6 . Engaged upon and fixing up new office. Busy in the KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6577

Commissary Papers. Reported that afternoon at accounts. After Supper ST. LOUIS AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. 3928 CLAYTON AVE. three Companies of our Regiment played Billiards with Mennig & ST. LOUIS, MO 63110 314-533-7710 could be spared & would be sent to Weiss, after which took a sea-bath Pennsylvania, but I think it to be all then retired about 10 O’clock. a hoax, there being enough men in Weather warm, not much sleep.

SPRING 2014 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 15 The Russell House, with porches, in the 100 Block of Duval Street in 1865. Photo credit: 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 - SPRING 2014