Keys Sea Heritage Journal

VOL. 22 NO. 4 SUMMER 2012 USS SHARK

OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY Woodcutters and Charcoal Burners - Forgotten Pioneers

By John Viele. Copyright 1993 This article appeared in the Island Navigator 1993

For over one hundred years, a handful of forgotten men labored in the dense, mosquito-infested woods of the lower and middle Keys to keep the housewives of Key West supplied with wood and charcoal for their stoves. The majority of these woodcutters and charcoal burners A Charcoal Kiln on in May 1939 that was approximately 25 feet in were black Bahamian immigrants, diameter and 12 feet high with a yield over 200 sacks of charcoal. Photo credit: who usually lived alone or with Stetson Kennedy. one or two other woodmen in crude when set on fire at one end, will the 1880 census showed a significant driftwood shacks. burn to ashes before the fire goes increase in lower Keys charcoal As the population of Key out and generate an intense heat.” burners and woodcutters. There West grew, the supply of suitable Buttonwood was also used to make were 13 charcoal burners, all but stovewood on the island was charcoal and, according to some three of whom were black men, and soon exhausted. One of the first sources, makes the best charcoal of six white woodcutters. The 1900 suppliers of wood to Key West was any wood in the world. census reported only seven charcoal Henry Geiger of Boca Chica. Henry The first charcoal burner for burners and no woodcutters, but ten employed a 63-year old black man which there is any record was a man years later there were 24 “woodmen” named Robert Allen to cut the wood by the name of George Wilson, who living between Cudjoe Key and No which he sold for $3.50 a cord in was the sole inhabitant of Big Pine Name Key and nine men who were Key West in the 1850s. Key at the time of the 1870 census. both spongers and charcoal burners The best-burning wood was Unlike most of his successors, in the middle Keys. buttonwood, a dense, hard wood George was a white man. The 1870 The process of making charcoal from trees that grow near the census also listed two woodcutters, was a long, arduous, and lonely shoreline on most of the Keys. A both located on Sugarloaf Key. one. While buttonwood was the Keys traveler in the late 1800s As might be expected because of reported that, “A log of buttonwood, the growing Key West population, (Continued on page 3) SocietyNews by Tom Hambright Key West on the Edge Inventing the By Robert Kerstein This excellent new book describes how Key West invented an economy based on mass tourism after major cutbacks in the once- thriving military which had been The Sea Heritage the driving force in Key West life Journal is published quarterly. from 1940 to 1970. After years of Subscription is available through research and countless interviews membership. Copyright 2012 by with everyone that would talk to the Key West Maritime Historical him, Dr. Robert Kerstein documents Society of the Florida Keys, Inc. how the changes occurred without The art on the masthead, the USS destroying the things that make Key Shark, was drawn by Bill Muir. West unique. The first part of the book covers Editor: Tom Hambright the history of the Island up to the closing of the Naval Station Letters and articles are welcome. in 1974. Kerstein documents in Please write to: Editor, Florida Keys detail the failed attempt during the Sea Heritage Journal, KWMHS, Great Depression by the Federal P.O. Box 695, Key West, FL Government to create the “Bermuda publicity, which helped make the 33041 or visit our web site of America”. Florida Keys one of the top tourist Keywestmaritime.org. He accurately explains the destinations in the country. These challenges of the major recession and many other stories are in this Key West Maritime of the 1970s and the oil embargo fine book. Historical Society with resulting gasoline shortages A must read for anyone interested Board of Directors and price increases. At the same in Key West history and economy. time, Key West’s thriving shrimp Solares Hill wrote “The best book President: Corey Malcom industry began its steady decline on our town since Joy Williams’ Vice President: Bill Verge and disappeared by the late 1980s. classic on our place, ‘The Florida Secretary: Andrea Comstock Despite all the obstacles, the Keys: A History and Guide,’ now in Treasurer: Tom Hambright tourist industry was growing its 10th edition.” when the adverse publicity from The book was published by The the Mariel Boatlift destroyed the University Presses of Florida and is George Craig business in 1980. The next blow available at all book sellers. Shop J. Gregory Griffin came when the Federal Government through this Amazon link http: Bill Grosscup created the roadblock at Florida City //amzn.to/O8GVcg to benefit the Mary Haffenreffer with traffic delays that killed travel Monroe CountyLibrary. John Jones from South Florida to the Keys. We plan to have Dr. Kerstein Sheri Lohr Key West countered with the Conch speak to the Society members Joan Langley Republic and received national during our winter lecture series. Julie McEnroe New Members John Viele Cori Convertito, Key West; Fred Marblehead, MA;Captain Curtis Covan, Key West; Premiere Racing, William Erling White, Key West.

2 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2012 A Charcoal Markers’ Shack on Sugarloaf Key in May 1939. Photo credit: Stetson Kennedy. (Charcoal from Page 1) ten days to reduce the wood to A few charcoal burners continued preferred wood, other trees such as charcoal. During that period, the to build their kilns even into the the red mangrove could be used. charcoal burner, if he did not have post-World War II years. One of After locating a thick stand of a helper, or did not live near by, had the last of them was Bertram Cash, suitable trees, the charcoal burner to remain at the site, catching short a black man who came to the Keys cut them down, trimmed the cat naps on the ground or in a crude from the Bahamas when he was branches, and “stood up” a kiln in a shelter. 17. Bertram burned his last kiln on cleared area. He constructed the kiln After the charcoal had cooled, Cudjoe Key in 1960, having made by stacking the logs in a tent-like the charcoal burner packed it in charcoal for 40 years. structure, leaving a small opening at sacks and loaded it aboard small Today, those with the energy and the top. He set up the large logs first sloops for transport to Key West. the interest to fight their way through followed by successively-smaller A cord of buttonwood would yield some of the dense buttonwood limbs. Next, he covered the entire about ten sacks, and a typical sloop growths in undeveloped sections structure with a thick layer of grass could carry about 150 sacks. of the lower and middle Keys, may or seaweed followed by a layer of Some idea of the extent of come upon a large circular area of sand or dirt. this trade can be gained from the barren ground, a reminder of the From a separately-started fire, narrative of a Keys cruise made in lonely, back-breaking, mosquito- the burner picked up glowing coals 1885. The author reported passing, infested days of the charcoal and dropped them into the kiln in one day, eight sloops outbound burners. through the opening in the top. He from Key West, all engaged “in the closed the opening with more wood, stovewood and charcoal trade with John Viele has been a member grass and sand, thus forcing the heat the Island City.” of the Board of Directors of the Key to spread throughout the interior. Charcoal burning did not West Maritime Historical Society The kiln had to be tended day and completely die out with the advent of of the Florida Keys for the past 20 night to keep it burning slowly gas and electric stoves in Key West. years. He is the author of three books and evenly and to prevent the fire Many Key Westers, particularly on the history of the Keys published from breaking through at any point. those of Cuban ancestry, enjoyed by Pineapple Press of Sarasota: The burner maintained control by the flavor that buttonwood charcoal “The Florida Keys – A History of strategic placement of more sand imparted to roasted meat, and at the Pioneers,” “The Florida Keys, or dirt. least one Key West coffee mill used Vol. 2 – True Stories of the Perilous Depending on the size of the the charcoal to give a distinct flavor Straits,” and “The Florida Keys, kiln, it would take from three to to its Cuban coffee. Vol. 3 – The Wreckers.”

SUMMER 2012 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 3 The House That George Adderley Built

By John Viele. aside $100, enough to purchase a period of some 40 years. Very little Copyright 1993 32 acres of wooded hardwood is known of their life. Sometime This article appeared in the hammock on the northern shore of before 1920, George’s brother John Island Navigator in 1993 next to Rachel Key. Soon and his family emigrated from the thereafter, George began building a Bahamas and settled nearby. With house in the typical Bahamian style the addition of John’s family, there Around 1905, two men, a he was familiar with. were six Adderleys in the vicinity world apart in race, culture, and At the time the Adderleys settled and the settlement came to be called economic condition, began separate on their property, there were only Adderley Town. construction projects in the Florida about a dozen families on Key As the years passed, George Keys. One was the wealthy oil Vaca, more than half of them took more and more interest in his magnate, Henry Flagler, the other black Bahamians. Two years later, religion and became an Episcopal lay was a hard-working, thrifty black as railroad construction began, preacher. For a time, he conducted Bahamian immigrant named hundreds of railroad workers services and morning prayers in George Adderley. Thirty years later, flooded onto the island and the his house. His congregation grew Flagler’s came to boom town of Marathon sprang into and, sometime in the 1940s, they an end in the Labor Day hurricane of existence overnight. But the little constructed a small wood church 1935. Ninety years later, Adderley’s black community around Rachel complete with three pews, an altar, house, survivor of five hurricanes, Key, which numbered 23 inhabitants and a podium. At its high point, still stands. in 1910, kept to itself. George, like Adderley Town was comprised of The Adderley house is the oldest his neighbors, with one exception, George’s house, four wood-frame house in the Florida Keys outside of was now an independent sponger houses, and the church. Key West. It endures as a monument and charcoal burner. This same After his wife died, George, his to the forgotten African-American independent spirit led the residents eyesight failing, sold his property pioneers who settled in the Keys in to balk when railroad officials asked for $5,000, and moved to a boarding the late 1800s and early 1900s. Most them to sign a release for a right-of- house in Key West. He died in 1958 of them came from the Bahamas way. They demanded a station of at age 88, the last of the rugged to escape the harsh economic their own before they would sign, African-American pioneers of the conditions there and start new lives and they got one. Once a week Keys. in a familiar island environment. they could hang out a red flag at the The majority found work as field little station named “Vaca” and the hands on the pineapple plantations locomotive engineer would have to THE HOUSE in the upper Keys. Smaller numbers brake to a halt. farmed small plots, fished, gathered Despite the long hours and George built his house sometime sponges, and made charcoal in the exhausting nature of his work, between 1903, when he purchased middle and lower Keys. George found time to study his the property, and 1906, when George Adderley, born on the bible, learned to write, and taught railroad surveyors marked it on a island of New Providence in the Olivia how to read and write. With map. Bahamas, came to the Keys in 1890 no living children of their own, He used a construction material at the age of 20. He found work as a the couple adopted a teenage girl, known as “tabby” which is a type of farm laborer, became a U.S. citizen, Louisa Smith, who helped with the concrete made by mixing lime and and married. George could read but chores and kept Olivia company water with shells, gravel, or stones. not write. His wife, Olivia, could during George’s long absences on He made the lime by burning shells neither read nor write. But they sponging trips. and coral rock. This construction were both hard workers and saved George and his wife lived in their material and the style of the house their money. By 1903, they had put little house until Olivia died in 1950, is typical of the Bahamas and can

4 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2012 Adderlry House. Photo credit: . be traced back through the years. He is the author of three Hammock Loop, here you’ll learn to materials and architecture used in books on the history of the Keys to identify the hammock trees. Also, Africa. published by Pineapple Press Creature Feature is a changing It is very likely that George made of Sarasota: “The Florida Keys exhibit featuring hermit crabs, the original roof out of thatch palm. – A History of the Pioneers,” lizards, snakes, and insects. You can Sometime after the arrival of the “The Florida Keys, Vol. 2 – True also observe a real beehive on the railroad, he may have replaced it with Stories of the Perilous Straits,” deck. The Butterfly Garden is a joy tin. Nothing is known of the interior and “The Florida Keys, Vol. 3 to see and many fragrant flowers are layout, however, based on similar – The Wreckers.” in this meadow. Next, the Adderley houses in the Bahamas, it probably House, the oldest house outside of did not have more than two rooms. The Adderlry House is part Key West. Continue to the end of Typically, there would have been a of the Crane Point Museum at the nature trail by seeing the Crane separate cookhouse, an outhouse, Mile Marker 50.5 Bayside 5550 House. Francis and Mary Crane, for and a kitchen garden. The family Marathon, FL whom Crane Point is named, lived would have obtained fresh water 33050. in this house in 1954. And, the last from a nearby sinkhole well and from The following is quoted from place you’ll find is The Point, a rainwater runoff from the roof into the Crane Point Museum site. beautiful view of . The barrels. complete trail is 1.5 miles. For those “Explore the many trails that people that do not want to walk, we John Viele has been a member exist on the 63-acre property have a trolley which will take you of the Board of Directors of the Key and enjoy the natural Florida on the tour, free of charge, with West Maritime Historical Society Keys hardwood hammock. a volunteer who is well educated of the Florida Keys for the past 20 The Trails include a visit to the about the Crane Point Hammock.”

SUMMER 2012 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 5 Hackley Diary

William Hackley practiced law way at daylight with the wind in Key West from 1829 to 1857. He northeast and stood out to the reef kept a diary for part of the time he and stood out to the reef and stood was in Key West. back to the harbor and came to anchor. The Sloop John Denison With this part of the Diary from came in and I received a letter February to June 1831 when he from Mother and papers. Captain leaves to visit the north we will have William Barker went down to Key published all of Hackley’s surviving West with a load of cotton from the Diary. He kept a diary after he move British Brig Marcelly of Grenack, to Illinois but it is not of interest to Captain Monroe, who got on shore the Keys. on the bar at Bear Cut on the 15th I am going to miss visiting with instant from New Orleans bound to Hackley and his family and of Glasgow with 991 bales of cotton. course it was nice to have him to fill She is a total loss and the cotton out Journals. TH William Hackley. Photo credit: Monroe is all landed on the beach. After County Library. breakfast went on shore on Lignum Monday, February 21. Rose the northwest. It lasted but a few Vitae Key where Captain Rooke before the sun and went down to the moments and a little after sunrise has built a house for the purpose wharf determined to go up the reef we got out of the harbor with the of obtaining preemption right. It is and prepared for the jaunt. After wind northwest and fresh. At ½ past about 3 miles from Indian Key and dinner went out fishing with Major 12 came to anchor at Key Vacas. is about 3 miles in circumference James Glassell in his barge, had At 3 P.M. went on shore to try and and is heavily timbered and a fine bad sport. After tea the Schooner kill a deer by moonlight a method soil. In one place when a well was Evan T. Ellicott arrived from St. which Captain Rooke has tried with dug a quantity of stiff red clay was Marks and by her I received two success. We took different stands found. A quantity of Lignum Vitae letter written by my Mother near 12 but did not see a deer. At 10 P.M. grows on the key from whence it months ago. Mr. Alderman came up we got on board. derives its name. Captain Bunce to see me. Thursday, February 24. Got went shore for the purpose of going Tuesday, February 22. Rose under way a little before sunrise. down to . Wrote a note to before the sun and wrote to Father to Wind northwest and beat up to F.A. Browne. go by the Schooner Evan T. Ellicott. Indian Key and came to anchor Saturday, February 26. Rose After breakfast down to the wharf. I about 4 P.M. We stretched out in just after daylight and after an will not study until I return. After the Gulf out of sight of land and early breakfast went up to Lignum dinner finished the first volume in going in the Captain caught two Vitae Key. The men went to work of Smith. After tea went around to fish that would weight around 70 thatching the house and I took a Mrs. Ellen Mallory’s to drink wine pounds. They were 7 foot long, with walk through the woods. I found the with Dr. Henry S. Waterhouse. The an upper bill projecting out one land very good and very difficult Sloop-of-War Erie came in just at foot, they were nearly black but in to be cleared. The house is made sunset and fired a salute of 25 guns, dying exhibited a change of color of post set in the ground and poles it was a beautiful sight to see the and had on the back a fin 28 inches nailed across and palmetto leaves smoke wreathed round the masts long and 24 broad which gave them tied to them which forms a tight and sails. a beautiful appearance in the water roof and lasts about five years. Got Wednesday, February 23. Rose and two pectoral fins of 24 inches back on board about dark. at daybreak and went on board, length and 3/4 broad. The natives of Sunday, February 27. Rose about Captain Thomas Rooke got under the Bahamas call this a Pike, it is a daybreak and after breakfast went to way and hove for Captain William very good fish. Lignum Vitae Key to look at some Bunce. A squall came up from Friday, February 25. Got under traps I set last night for raccoons,

6 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2012 they took none and we hunted the Key. Read “Hungarian Tales.” After the boat and walked down the river woods with the same success. Got dinner took a sail with the Captain for a short distance. The land has on board at ½ past 12, read Roccus up to Lignum Vitae Key. the appearance of being very rich, and remained on board all evening Thursday, March 3. Got under being a black mold, the grass being as I dislike Indian Key so much way at daybreak with a single more than waist high. that unless I have business I am reefed mainsail, foresail with the Saturday, March 5. Got under determined not to go on shore. bonnet off, and standing jib. The way at 5 A.M. and beat up to Bear Monday, February 28. Rose at wind variable in squalls from about Cut where the cotton was landed daybreak, after breakfast went up north northeast and a heavy sea from the Brig. The Schooners to Lignum Vitae Key and took all even inside of the reef. About 9 William Ross and Pizzarro and hands to finish the house which A.M. discovered a ship on shore Sloop Energy are here to take a was done and it makes a much more which proved to be the Amulet, load. The Brig has been burnt to pleasant one than I had supposed of Duxgery, G. Wisdom, Mate, obtain the copper and gear. Her possible. The leaves look rather from Boston to New Orleans, - at stem and a stern part now alone rough on the outside but within Pickles Reef in 8 feet of water and remains to show the spot she struck, they present a pretty appearance. she draws 13. On our arrival we about half a mile from the shore. About 2 P.M. Mr. Burton and two found six sloops and one schooner Took my gun and walked about 5 men took the boat and went to look at anchor and we came to about half miles up the beach, on my return for stone crabs I accompanied him a mile from the ship in a position killed one partridge. I could have and waded for more than an hour up in some degree sheltered by the shot several but had none but duck to my knees in the water. The crab rocks but even then the schooner shot with me. lives in a hole generally under some rolled heavily. The ship lay on her Sunday, March 6. Rose at stones from which they are very bilge and the breakers were white daylight all hands employed in difficult to be taken. They are nearly all around her and now and then I loading the schooner. I had so little round with very large claws and are could see a sea break on her stern success yesterday that I do not much larger than the common crab and fly in foam all over her. One feel inclined to try the gun again. and much more delicate eating. Got of the sloops was anchored at a Read “Anne of Grirestein” and on board after sunset. Wind blowing 1/4 mile and had a warp to the tried to fish, caught a catfish and fresh from northeast and about ship by means of which by hauling in disengaging it from the hook it ½ past 7 it began to rain but very the boats through the midst of the stuck one of its fins in my finger little fell. Captain Rooke left one of breakers the cargo was transferring which gave a great deal of pain for his men to prepare the ground for on board of the vessels. several hours. planting during his absence to fill Captain Rooke went on board but Monday, March 7. Rose at his water at the Cape. there were enough without him. We daylight, all hands loading the Tuesday, March 1. . went in about sunset and anchored schooner. I went on shore and Rose at daybreak, the wind blowing in Tavernier Creek. While at anchor walked up the beach and gathered so fresh from the northeast that we on the reef the Revenue Cutter some Hicaco plumes. Returned on do not like to undertake to beat up Marion passed on her way to board about 12. Read Roccus. After to the Cape and therefore did not Charleston.. dinner it became cloudy and rained get under way. Last night there Friday, March 4. Got under way a little. At night the mosquitoes were seven wrecking vessels out at 1/4 past 4 A.M. and beat out were so numerous as to make a bar of 12 which are now on the reef in to the reef, the ships in the same useful. the harbor and at anchor. Read the position. Bore up and stood for Tuesday, March 8. Rose at “Peace Campaigns of a Cornet.” the Cape and at 1/4 before 3 P.M. daylight, the Captain and myself Wednesday, March 2. Rose at came to anchor off the mouth of went to the brig, on our way daybreak and got under way to beat the River. Captains Barker discovered the whole of the rigging up the reef with wind east northeast. and Monroe came on board and and gear of the brig, got some of it Made one or two tacks when we Captain Rooke agreed to take a load and at 12 got under way with a light found that the wind was so fresh and of cotton to Key West for $2 per wind from south southwest. There the sea so high that it was needless bale. Mr. Burton and myself went was a heavy fog in the morning. to attempt to get up and so we ran up the river to procure water, saw back and came to anchor at Indian some ducks but killed none. I left (Continued on page 8)

SUMMER 2012 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 7 (Hackley from page 7) Halcyon and after breakfast read attended for some time the sale of over the authorities relating to the the goods of the Ship Amulet sold Came to anchor under Key Biscayne case. About 12 Captain Thomas under orders of the court. After about sundown. Rooke went up the reef and at dinner Major James Glassell came Wednesday, March 9. Rose at half-past George Weaver sailed for for me to take a walk. Read Smith, daylight and took in 33 bales of Charleston in the Sloop Mary Ann after tea read Tacitus. cotton making 246 in all and the from St. Marks. He took my letter Saturday, March 19. Rose before bales are piled four tiers on deck. to Mother. the sun read Spanish, after breakfast After dinner took a walk up the Monday, March 14. Rose with read Maddock. The sale of the goods beach. the sun and prepared for the trial of of the Ship Amulet was finished Thursday, March 10. Rose at the case of the Halcyon or rather as today most of the articles sold for daylight and went fishing before to the validity of the award. After a profit, indeed, scarcely anything breakfast. At ½ past 10 a squall breakfast attending to the case. At 1 is ever sacrificed at a wreck sale. came up from the northwest and the Court adjourned till 10 o’clock After tea Edward Chandler invited blew for a short time accompanied tomorrow. After dinner read Smith, some gentlemen to play cards and by rain. At half-past 11 got under after tea Tacitus. I played whist until after ten. The way in company with the Schooners Tuesday, March 15. Rose at latter part of the morning I had Pizzarro and William Ross and sunrise, read Hall’s Admiralty. cramp colic lightly. Sloop Energy and a smack all After breakfast at the Court House Sunday March 20. Rose before loaded from the Brig Marcelly. till dinner, the case of the Brig sunrise and read Spanish, took a Anchored at 7 P.M. off the Carysfort Marcelly was tried at 2 P.M. and dose of salts. After dinner read Reef Lightship. the court adjourned till Thursday. Maddock and a portion of the Old Friday, March 11. Got under way The Schooner Delta arrived from Testament. At 6 P.M. Oliver O’Hara before daylight and at 1/4 before 12 St. Marks, wrote to Father. After sailed for Havana for the purpose of anchored off Indian Key the Captain dinner read Smith, after tea Tacitus. obtaining the money to pay salvage went up to get the men he left. The Wednesday, March 16. Rose on the cargo of the Brig Marcelly. Ship Amulet stripped of her rigging with the sun, read Hall, after dinner A Miss Knight of the Island of Cuba and gear lays on the rocks a little read Smith and after tea played who was a passenger in the Tioson to the southward of Tavernier. Mr. backgammon with the Judge until also went over. Theodore Ownes Theodore Owens spoke to us, he is after eight and then read Tacitus till returned this morning and brings the bound up to New River. At about 1/ 10. news of a brig being on Conch Reef 4 before 2 got under way and about Thursday, March 17. This being but whether she was given up to the 7 came to anchor at Key Vacas all in St. Patrick’s day the drum and fife wreckers he did not know. company. paraded the town just after day. Monday, March 21. Rose at Saturday, March 12. Got under Rose before the sun and finished reveille and read Spanish. The sun way with a light breeze from the Hall’s Admiralty, after breakfast crosses the line in bad weather, east at 4 A.M. but I did not turn out recommenced Maddock’s Chancery. it blows pretty fresh from north till day. Captain Joshua Appleby After dinner the Judge gave his northeast and is dark and chilly. came down in company, arrived decree in the case of William Barker One of the discharged soldiers who at Key West at 5 P.M. The wharf vs. 984 bales of cotton the cargo of was waiting for an opportunity of presents a very lively appearance the Brig Marcelly. He gave the leaving the Key died last night of from the number of vessels in port. salvor $9,000 or 492 bales at the bronchitis contracted by falling The Judge called and sat for some option of the Captain. In the case in the water in a drunken fit and time. I subscribed $10 toward the of the Halcyon the Judge decreed remaining without medical care salary of a preacher who is to be the 56 1/4 per cent given by the for some days. Read Maddock. At invited to reside at this place. The arbitrators to be paid to the salvoes 10 returned to the Court House to Judge gave $2,200 in the case of the from which decree on appeal was attend the case of the Ship Amulet. Schooner Toison. After tea wrote to entered. After tea played whist at Mr. Cochran and Mr. John Decatur, Mother. F.A. Brown’s till near nine and then a brother of the Commodore, who Sunday, March 13. Rose at read Tacitus for about an hour. is the sutler at Little Rock were reveille and read my brief in the Friday, March 18. Rose about passengers who gave evidence in case of Oliver O’Hara vs. Brig sunrise read Spanish. After breakfast the case. At 12 the Court adjourned

8 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2012 till the 23rd. Sunday, March 27. Read the a walk in the woods and shot my Tuesday, March 22. The “Water Witch” by James Fenimore pistols. After tea played piquet with Schooner Henry of Saco, which Cooper, a most interesting Judge Webb. struck on the inside of Sombrero production. Captain Thomas Rooke Saturday, April 2. Rose at Shoal was brought down by the came down with 54 hogsheads reveille read Maddock. Captain Sloop Brilliant. She had a portion of sugar part of the cargo of the Thomas Rooke got down with the of the materials for building two Schooner Waverly, L.T. Sellers, remainder of the sugar and rigging lighthouses near Mobile and of the Master, from New Iberia, wrecked of the Schooner Waverly. After mechanics on board. After tea read near Caesar’s Creek, vessel total dinner read Smith, after tea Tacitus. Tacitus. loss. Sunday, April 3. Rose at reveille Wednesday, March 23. Drew Monday, March 28. Went down wrote to Sister, read Maddock, up two deeds from William Bunce to the wharf and got the log book of Drew up a petition for the sale of the to F.A. Browne for two houses. the Schooner Waverly. Filed a bond sugar. Read the Bible. Dined with The Judge gave 60 per cent to the in the clerk’s office conditioned to Oliver O’Hara at William Frean’s salvoes of the cargo of the Ship perform the duties of a Notary and drank so much wine that I am Amulet as the case was one of Public and took the oath of office nearly tipsy. great danger and the labor great, the before Dr. Henry S. Waterhouse. I Monday, April 4. Got an order salvoes numerous and the value of have been a Notary Public in this from the Judge for the sale of sugars. the cargo small. After dinner read place for 2 years but have never County Court met and adjourned. I Smith. After tea played whist with attended to the duties. All morning feel quite sick and so much so that the Judge until 9 and read Tacitus employed in drawing up a protest. I cannot read. Obtained judgment until after 10. Edward Chandler is employed by for William Frean against Frederick Thursday, March 24. Rose at Thomas Rooke and F.A. Browne the Long for $28. reveille, read my Spanish, after agent of Captain Sellers employs Tuesday, April 5. After breakfast read Maddock. The me. After tea played piquet with the breakfast attended County Court, Judge gave $400 in the case of the Judge and read Tacitus. compromised the suit of Oliver Schooner Henry of Saco, tried this Tuesday, March 29. Rose O’Hara vs. Frederick Long on morning. I did not attend Court. at reveille read Spanish. After payment of note without interest. Friday, March 25. The Schooner breakfast read Maddock and After dinner read Smith. After tea Venus from Charleston arrived copying the protest of Captain played piquet with the Judge. bringing the newspapers and mail Sellers in a book I bought for that Wednesday, April 6. Rose at which has been due for a long time. purpose. After dinner read Smith, reveille read Maddock. After dinner John W. Simonton came in her. after tea finished the 3rd volume of read Smith took a walk up the Wrote to Father via Tallahassee. Tacitus. beach of the Key which is the most Reading papers all morning. Wednesday, March 30 Rose at pleasant on the Key. Read Tacitus. Hitchcock left in the night for fear reveille read my Spanish. After Wind northeast. of an action instituted against him breakfast wrote to W.H. Robertson, Thursday, April 7. Rose at for the slander of Miss H. Foote, of Mobile. Read Maddock. Wrote reveille read Maddock. During the a companion of Mrs. Pinkham, a decision in the case of Oliver night Captain William K. Hoxie with whom he stated he had sexual O’Hara vs Long & Co. After dinner came up with the sails and part intercourse. played piquet with the Judge. of the cargo, consisting of salt Saturday, March 26. Reading Thursday, March 31. Rose at and 29 casks of wine, of the Ship newspapers all morning. Yesterday reveille read Spanish, after breakfast Dumfries, of Baltimore, from got out two garnishee processes Maddock, after dinner Smith. After Lisbon bound for New Orleans, against William Baker at the suit of tea I played 3 games of chess with Joseph Harvey, Master, ship bilged. Oliver O’Hara vs. F. Long one of the Judge for the first time in many The ship was built in Portsmouth, them from William Frean, Justice years. I had nearly forgotten the Virginia and was launched in 1800 of the Peace, for $28.49, the other name of the pieces. so that she was old enough to die. for $84.20, in County Court both on Friday, April 1. Rose at reveille Captain Pardon Greene engaged me notes given by F. Long to I. Prince. read Maddock. After dinner played on behalf of Captain for libellant. Played piquet with the Judge till billiards with Lieutenant D.A. nine. Manning and afterwards we took (Continued on page 10)

SUMMER 2012 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 9 (Hackley from page 9) 10. Salvage of 50 per cent on the Friday, April 15. Rose at reveille gross amount of sales decreed in the read “Barony”. Noted a protest After dinner read Smith after tea case of Thomas Rooks vs. cargo and of Captain Simeon Coffin of the Tacitus. Wind north northeast, material of the Schooner Waverly. Schooner Crusader, of Portland, weather warm. Court adjourned till 4 P.M. At 4 who put in here with the smallpox Friday, April 8. Rose at reveille court met pursuant to adjournment on board on the 9th instant and read Maddock. After breakfast got and in the case of William K. Hoxie who has been in quarantine ever an order from the Judge for the sale vs. cargo of the Ship Dumfries, since. The captain not having of the cargo of the ship tomorrow at the Judge gave 50 per cent after money is obligated to sell a part 10. Attended the sale of the cargo of deducting the amount of duties and of his cargo to pay for charges. the Schooner Waverly. A schooner $75 dollars paid to two smacks for About 4 P.M. a heavy shower came called the William Ross, having assistance. The amount of salvage up from the south southwest but been seized by the Custom House, was $975. In case of the Schooner continued a short time during the William H. Wall employed me to Waverly $2,055. Oliver O’Hara night a small quantity of water fell. defend her. After dinner finished gave me $15 for services rendered Wind southeast. Weather warm and Adam Smith’s “Wealth of Nations.” in the case of O’Hara vs. Long. uncomfortable. After tea read Tacitus. Wind variable Finished the 4th volume of Tacitus. Saturday, April 16. During the from southeast to northwest. Took off blankets from my bed under morning employed in extending Saturday, April 9. Rose at sunrise which I have slept for two nights. the protest of Captain Simeon read Maddock. Attended the sale of Winds northwest, weather pleasant. Coffin of the Schooner Crusader. the cargo and material of the Ship Wednesday, April 13. Rose at After dinner played billiards with Dumfries. J.R. Western agreed reveille and employed till near 12 Lieutenant D.A. Newcomb and that Jacob Houseman might pay in copying the record of the case employed in copying the record the amount garnished in his hands of the Schooner Waverly so that in the case of the Marcella. Wind $159.28 which he did and for which Joel Yancy might finish that in the northeast. I gave him a receipt as attorney. case of the Ship Dunfries that both Sunday, April 17. Finished the After tea as the mate of the ship is captains may be off without further record which I wrote in less time going off in the morning drew up detention. Got everything ready for than I ever before wrote as great a protest of Captain Joseph Harvey them by 2 P.M. Yesterday filed in number of pages. Read the Bible. for William Frean. Wind northwest the clerk’s office a praecipe in the Robert B. Stanard returned from fresh. Cool at night. case of William H. Wall vs. William Havana on the morning of the 16th. Sunday, April 10. Rose at A. Whitehead trespass on the case, He is in a very low state of health Reveille. Wind northeast, weather damages $2,000. Wrote to Mother, and I fear he will not last long. cold, raw and rainy. Read Maddock to Brother and C.E. Sherman. After Fearn died on the 15th, the man and the Holy Bible. After tea read tea read Tacitus, Wind northeast whom I defended last November. Tacitus. Put a blanket on my bed blows fresh. Took a walk on the beach. Wind and found it very comfortable. Thursday, April 14. Rose at northeast. Wind northeast and weather wet. reveille read Maddock. Captain Monday, April 18. Finished the Monday, April 11. Rose at Joseph Harvey sailed in the Sloop 1st volume of Maddock. Charlotte reveille. George Weaver returned Signal for New Orleans and Captain cut my hair. Covered two rods with from Charleston in the Sloop Mary Sellars in the Sloop John Denison. flannel to keep in the inside of my Ann and brought me a letter from Captain C.E. Hawkins also sailed gun barrels, as the deer skin I used Mother. Wrote to Father by the for Charleston. In the case of the made them rust. After tea read Brig Halcyon which sailed for Ship Dumfries I charged $30 which Tacitus. Wind east, weather warm. Boston this morning. The Sloops I desired Captain Pardon Greene to Tuesday, April 19. Reading Hyder Aly and Splendid sailed retain for rest due him in the case Isaac Espinasse. Shortly after before breakfast for New York. of the Schooner Waverly. I got breakfast Major James Glassell, After breakfast, on the wharf. After $100 dollars and $10 for noting the Mr. Newcomb and myself went in dinner took tea with Major James Captain’s protest. After tea read the the major’s barge with six oars up Glassell’s in company with the “Barony,” a novel by Miss Porter. to the east end of Key West to try Judge. Wind light from the north. Wind southeast, blows almost a and kill Flamingoes and fish. We Tuesday, April 12. Court met at gale. saw a good many Flamingoes, they

10 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2012 appeared about the height of a man taking two soldiers off sometime notes for court. Went out fishing and their red plumage gave them a in March. I signed his bail bond with the Major James Glassell, poor very singular appearance. When off for $300.00. After dinner played sport. Bought of Captain Monroe Boca Chica we concluded it would billiards with Newcomb. Wind a spy glass for $10. The Pizzarro be best to go thru and come down north to west variable. Weather and 6 smacks came up from the outside, we did it and arrived at the pleasant. Tortugas with 440 bales of cotton wharf about 5 P.M., having gone Tuesday, April 26. Read the cargo and materials of the Brig around the island. Wind light and Espinasse. P.B. Prior, Deputy Exertion of Edin, Maine, Captain variable east northeast, weather Marshall, sailed this morning in Thomas, wrecked on the Tortugas warm. a barge. belonging to the United on the 27th instant. Wednesday, April 20. Writing States and left here by the Sloop- Sunday, May 1. Preparing for for Oliver O’Hara. Took a sail with of-War Falmouth 12 months since, court which will meet tomorrow. the Major Glassell, played billiards to arrest one of the sons of Old Read the Bible. After dinner went with Newcomb. Wind northeast, Caldiz, who committed a murder a on board the Smack Mary Ann and weather warm. few days since by shooting a man at procured some fruit. Heard Oliver Thursday, April 21. Read Charlotte Harbor. He had a servant O’Hara had arrived at Matanzas on Espinasse. After dinner commenced and four men with him. After Wednesday last in distress, the boat Locke. After tea read Tacitus. Wind dinner read Locke, after tea Tacitus. leaking badly and it blew fresh. east. Weather warm. Wind variable from southwest to Wind light variable from south to Friday, April 22. Drew up a northwest, fresh. north. declaration in the case of William Wednesday, April 27. Read Monday, May 2. Court met at 9 H. Wall vs. William A. Whitehead. Espinasse, played billiards with and William H. Wall was admitted Read Espinasse. After dinner went Newcomb both before and after to take the oaths of citizenship out fishing with Major James dinner. Wrote to sister. After tea and took the requisite oaths when Glassell and remained out till 9 played whist at F.A. Browne’s. court adjourned till tomorrow 9 P.M., took tea with the Major. Wind Wind northwest and blows fresh. o’clock on account of the election southeast, weather warm. Slept under a blanket. for delegate. I voted for Joseph M. Saturday, April 23. Took my Thursday, April 28. Read the White. At 12 the Schooner William breakfast with Major James Glassell. “Acts of the Legislative Council of Ross was sold and purchased by After breakfast I went fishing with Florida.” Drew up some motions for William H. Wall for $1,200, no the Major, Lieutenant Manning and the purpose of obtaining the money one except David C. Pinkham and Oliver O’Hara, had but little sport, arising from the sale of the Brig J.R. Western bid against him. Last stayed out till 2. After dinner we Halcyon through the default of any night about 11 o’clock P.V. Garden tried it again with F.A. Browne in respondent. After dinner played at departed this life. Since the 20th the place of Manning who being billiards with Newcomb. At ½ past of last month two persons have seasick in the morning declined nine Captain John Jackson of the died at this place, one a Negro girl trying it again. We had fine sport Cutter Marion came in. The Brig belonging to D.C. Pinkham and the and took 110 fish. Took tea at the Enterprise, Captain Hitchcock, other a son of Long’s of 8 years Major’s. Wind southeast, weather passed though without stopping. old. Phillip Fontane, the agent of pleasant. Wind variable from northeast to Captain Thomas, spoke to me to Sunday, April 24. Read Espinasse northwest. Weather cool. defend the suit which I am to do for and the Bible, after dinner took a Friday, April 29. Employed in $100. Gadsden obtained a majority sail with the Major Glassell in his preparing notes on my cases for of 53 votes over White. At this place boat. Oliver O’Hara and several court. Received a few Norfolk White obtained but 17 votes out of gentlemen went over to Havana in papers by the Cutter Marion. total vote cast of 87. After dinner a boat of 11 tons. Wind variable After dinner played a few games played billiards with Lieutenant southeast and weather mild. of billiards with Lieutenant Francis Francis Newcomb. Wind light Monday, April 25. Drew a Newcomb and afterwards went out variable north to west. Weather declaration in the case of Cottrell & with Lieutenant D.A. Manning and warm. Fritch vs. Pardon C. Greene. Hale Joel Yancey and shot my pistols. Tuesday, May 3. At 2 o’clock the Childs was tried and committed Wind light north, weather pleasant. today before William Frean for Saturday, April 30. Preparing (Continued on page 12)

SUMMER 2012 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 11 (Hackley from page 11) motion for change of venue in the County, Florida forwarded to Judge court met pursuant to adjournment. case of Ede Van Evour vs. Thomas Webb and by him given to me. Court The Judge delivered an eloquent Eastin for which I received $8.00. met at 9 A.M. in the case of Thomas and able address to the grand jury P.B. Prior returned last night with Rooke vs. Jacob Houseman was which occupied near an hour. the man charged with the murder, tried and verdict for the defendant One case was tried and the court he had a rough time going over but for $10. The venue in the case of adjourned at one. After dinner drew experienced no difficulty in taking J.B. Gaudry vs. Antonio Giraldo a power of attorney from Cottrell the prisoner. Wind light variable, was changed to Leon County. Court & Fitch to Phillip J. Fontane and weather warm. Court adjourned at adjourned at ½ past 1. After dinner a deed with a condition from D.C. 2 P.M. wrote answer in the case of William Clapp to Cottrell & Fitch. Took tea Friday, May 6. Court met at 9 K. Hoxie et al vs. Brig Exertion, at Major Glassell’s. Wind light. pursuant to adjournment and several Captain John Thomas respondent. Weather warm near calm. cases were called and disposed Wind fresh breeze west northwest. Wednesday, May 4. Court met of. Edward Chandler managed his Weather warm. at nine. Several cases were called cases in such a way that Colonel Tuesday, May 10. The and orders made. The case of the Greene desired to employ him in all appearance docket was called U.S. vs. Jose M. Caldez for penalty his cases. In the case of Pardon C. and the grand jury made no final of $500 was tried and a verdict for Greene vs. Richard Fitzpatrick case presentment, when, there being no the defendant. I appealed on behalf $12.00. We obtained a verdict for business the court adjourned until of Algernon Thurston’s agent, the whole sum. In the Monday. Wind fresh northwest. Robert B. Stanard. Breakfasted vs. Jacob Houseman, the District Wednesday, May 11. Read a with the Major Glassell. Oliver Attorney dismissed the suit while commission directed to Robert O’Hara arrived at 1 P.M. in the in process of trial. Wind southeast, B. Stanard and Theodore Owens Spanish Schooner Joseph Caldez. weather warm. and myself to take testimony of William Wall sailed for Havana in Saturday, May 7. Court met at witnesses residing at this place in the William Ross, cleared under 9 A.M. David C. Pinkham’s family a suit defending at New York the a certificate of property from a being sick he was not ready to try District Court vs. Jacob Houseman Notary Public as the Collector any case. I left the courthouse at respecting the French Brig of Custom would not give her a 10 and went to my office. Writing Vigilant. Occupied all day with register. Received on the 3rd of all day for Oliver O’Hara, copying Colonel Theodore Owens in taking F.A. Browne $16 and on the same the record on the case of the Brig the depositions of Daniel C. Miller day of William H. Wall $32. Paid Marcella. At night drew up a draft and David M. Cole. Wind fresh Tift $18.60 this morning and took of a will for R.B. Stanard who is northeast. a receipt in full for all demands. very sick and expected to die in a Thursday, May 12. Drew up the Purchased a digest of the laws of few days. Calm and hot. answer and claim of William H. Georgia by Watkins for which I Sunday, May 8. Finished the Wall in the case of the Schooner paid 75 cents. Captain Thomas record for Oliver O’Hara about 12. William Ross. The Revenue and Phillip J. Fontane came to my Drew up a will for Robert B. Stanard. Cutter Alabama, Captain Porter, office and sat till nine. Took a bath Friday Mrs. Newcomb presented came in during the night of the found the water very cold. Wind her husband with a daughter. Also 10th. Lieutenant Graham came in light southeast, weather hot. on Friday night Richard Fitzpartick her. Packed up some of my old Thursday, May 5. Court met at 9 arived from Charleston with some clothes to send over to Brother and several cases were tried. Judge 28 to 30 Negroes in the Schooner for his Negroes. Wrote to Brother Webb decided that if the declaration Venus. The Sloop John Denison and to John Lee Williams, Esquire is not filed on the first day of arrived about 2 P.M. At 3 P.M. a respecting the petition of Archibald the appearance term the suit is squall attended with a little rain Clarke to New River lands. Wind dismissed. On motion of defendant came up from the west. Wind west northeast fresh breeze. I proceeded to the first default in the by north at night, blows fresh. Friday, May 13. Wrote to John case of Oliver O’Hara vs. the Brig Monday, May 9. Filed with the R. Campbell to attend to the case Halcyon. The case of the United clerk a petition of Archibald Clark of J.B. Gaudry vs. Antonio Giraldo. States vs. Richard W. Cussans was of St. Mary’s, Georgia, for 80,000 Took the depositions of W.W. tried, verdict for defendant. Made a acres at New River in Monroe Rigby gave the interrogations to

12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2012 Richard Fitzpatrick to answer at his of the common beetle called the finished today. After dinner went out leisure. At half past one Robert B. hominy beator and are of a dirty ash with Major James Glassell fishing. Stanard died. He has been declining color but at night they are splendid. Had good sport. Weather cloudy for some months. His disease was On my return drank a glass of milk and warm. At night it commenced the consumption to which he has and took my tea and spent the raining and during the night we had been subject for many years and evening at Major Glassell’s. During a tolerable shower. some other diseases. Took tea and the night I was attacked by severe Saturday, May 21. Last night spend the evening at Major James diarrhea and this morning I feel Oliver O’Hara arrived in the Sloop Glassell’s. Wind northeast fresh and quite weak and unwell. The wind John Denison and at 9 A.M. the night air is disagreeably cold or north nearly calm, weather warm. the court met for the trial of the rather raw and cool. Tuesday, May 17. I felt unwell Schooner William Ross. Colonel Saturday, May 14. Reading law. the whole day and found my Pardon C. Greene was not able to At 5 P.M. we moved with the body complaint very troublesome. Dined attend the court and a recess was of Robert B. Stanard. I as a native of and supped with F.A. Browne. granted for the purpose of taking the same state, with several others, After dinner packed my books. his testimony by consent which was acted as mourners. He was buried Weather warm nearly calm. done and at 12 the court met and sat under some trees about 150 yards Wednesday, May 18. At 9 A.M. till after seven with the interruption east of the lighthouse. The distance the court met, the minutes of the of but about half an hour for the we followed the body was near two term were read by the clerk and purpose of getting dinner. The miles and there not having been any signed. The case of the Schooner testimony of all witnesses was taken rain for a length of time the road was William Ross was laid over to in writing. The Judge will make his extremely dusty. All of the ponds await the arrival of William Wall. decision on Tuesday, next at which on the Key are dry and there is no The case of William R. Hoxie et al time the case of the Brig William rain water in the cisterns. Should the vs. Brig Exertion was tried and a Tell will come on. John Whitehead rains not commence until the middle 50 per cent on $12,516, the amount is the agent and David C. Pinkham of later part of June there is every the cargo was valued at or one the attorney of Captain Riley. Wind prospect of the Key being perfectly half of the bales, was decreed as northwest weather pleasant. healthy the next summer. The wind salvage by the court. The captain Sunday, May 22. Last night the has been from the northeast and determined to give half of the bales Schooner Wetrus from Baltimore weather pleasant and cool. and the division was commenced to St. Marks put in here. Mr. Sunday, May 15. Wrote my brief this evening. Weather warm, nearly Alderman brought me a letter for in the case of the United States vs. calm. Father and I sent a trunk by him the Schooner William Ross and Thursday, May 19. Took the to Brother. After dinner took a sail prepared the case for trial. Yesterday deposition of Richard Fitzpatrick in Major Glassell’s barge. Wind at dinner one of my jaw teeth which and copying the record of the northwest, Weather in the evening was badly decayed gave way and a case of William K. Hoxie et al vs. pleasant. large piece came out which causes Brig Exertion. During the night Monday, May 23. Wrote the a very unpleasant sensation to the the Schooner Pizzarro, Captain deposition of Pardon C. Greene. tongue the edges of the remaining William Hoxie, came in with a load Wrote to Father to go by the Sloop part being sharp. Wind northeast. of merchandize the cargo of the John Deninson. The cotton of Monday, May 16. Court met Brig William Tell, of New York, the Brig Exertion and the sails pursuant to adjournment. Obtained bound to New Orleans commanded and material of the brig were a decree by default in the case of by James Riley of African memory. sold this morning and the sale of the Brig Halcyon. Neither of the The William Ross came in and the Robert Stanard’s effects continued. admiralty cases being ready, court case will be tried on the 21. Wind Frequent showers during the whole adjourned at 12 till the 18th. After northwest, weather pleasant. day. Wind north light. dinner in company with Lieutenant Friday, May 20. The Brig Tuesday, May 24. Court met D.A. Manning went down to the William Ross came up this and the Judge read his decree in lighthouse where Pelrona gave me morning. There are two passengers the case of the William Rose. He two dozen Cuculio, the fire fly of aboard of her. The sale of Robert decided that the County Courts of Cuba, which I intend to take home Stanard’s effects commenced this with me. They have the appearance morning at 10 and will not be (Continued on page 14)

SUMMER 2012 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 13 (Hackley from page 13) northeast, weather pleasant. but look out to see if any vessel is Saturday, May 28. Sauntering coming in which I can take passage a Territory are not authorized to about and collecting some moneys. and saunter about, a state to which I grant letters of naturalization but Commenced another copy of the am very inimical. George E. Weaver decreed that the money for which record of the Brig William Tell. and John Whitehead were chosen the Schooner sold be returned Wind northeast, weather pleasant. arbitrators in the case of the Brig to William Wall. The case of the Sunday, May 29. Judge James Mary Hart and valued the brig and Brig William Tell was tried. After Webb and U.S. Marshall Lackland cargo at $4,000 they decreed $1,000 dinner the U.S. Schooner Porpoise, M. Stone sailed for Appalachicola as salvage. Captain Mason Packer, Captain Percival, came in for the about nine in the Schooner William of the Sloop Billiard, spoke to me purpose of getting one of the barges Ross. The Brig William Tell sailed to engage me as his attorney in all as Pirates have been heard of on on her voyage at 9 A.M. Received cases in which he is a party and is to the coast of Cuba. Wind northwest, of William H. Wall $136 and his give me 2 1/8 percent of the amount weather pleasant. note for $64 for my fee in the case of his salvage as my fees. Received Wednesday, May 25. Commenced of the Schooner William Ross. of Jacob Houseman $100 for the raining in the morning and had a Wind northeast, weather clear. execution of the commission from smart shower. After breakfast the Monday, May 30. Nothing to do, the District Court of the United court met and the Judge decreed so played billiards with Newcomb States for the Southern District of $5,000 as the salvage on the Brig down at the store. Took tea at Major New York. Played billiards with William Tell, being rather more Glassell’s and played whist until Newcomb. Wind east northeast, than 20%. Wind northwest, weather after nine. Wind east northeast, weather cloudy. pleasant. weather clear with a good breeze. Friday, June 3. On awakening Thursday, May 26. Occupied Tuesday, May 31. Played found that it was raining and the in copying the record in the case billiards with Newcomb. After clouds present the aspect of a of the Brig William Tell for Joel dinner it commenced raining and long continence of wet weather Yancey who says he cannot get it I wrote some of the copy of the rained at intervals the day through done on time. Lieutenant Francis B. record of the Brig William Tell. at sunset the sun was viable for a Newcomb arrived in the transport Closed the commission in the case few minutes. Played whist at F.A. Schooner Florida last night. The of Sheunberger et al vs. Jacob Browne’s. Wind northeast. U.S. Schooner Porpoise sailed Houseman et. al. Took tea and Saturday, June 4. On going up about 3 P.M. and this morning the played whist at F.A. Browne’s. to the Court House to breakfast USS Shark, Lieutenant Commander Wind east southeast. found the cook sick and returned Bocrun, came in. Captain Thomas Wednesday, June 1. This month to F.A. Browne’s where I shall sailed in the Schooner Rising commenced with rain and thick take my meals while I remain. Paid States, Captain Collins, for New cloudy weather having rained the Theodore Ownes his share for acting York and the Sloop John Denison whole night through and there is the commission $40 out of the $100 sailed for the same port. Wind every prospect of a continuance northeast fresh, cool. for this day. Yesterday the Sloop EDUCATION PROGRAM Friday, May 27. Finished the Brilliant brought down the SPONSORS record of the Brig William Tell. $100 OR MORE Hermaphrodite Brig Mary Hart of LINDA & LAWRENCE ABELE The goods of the brig were sold to TOM & KITTY CLEMENTS New Orleans, Captain Waite, bound BETTY L. DESBIENS procure the money for the payment to New York with 170 hogsheads BUD DRETTMANN JOHN & BEATRICE DUKE of salvage and expenses took place and 22 barrels of molasses, SHIRLEY FREEMAN & HARVEY SERVER CELESTE ERICKSON this morning. The captain and consigned to Pardon C. Greene. DR. ELIAS GERTH several officers of the USS Shark MARY HAFFENREFFER Played a few games of whist at TOM & LYNDA HAMBRIGHT dined with the Judge and just HARRIGAN FOUNDATIONS, INC. F.A. Browne’s. Wind east southeast, JOHN H. JONES before sundown we adjourned to LAURA LYNNE KENNEDY raining all day. EDWARD B. KNIGHT Lieutenant D.A. Manning’s quarters TOM KNOWLES Thursday, June 2. Still cloudy DR. WILLIAM R. PLOSS where he gave us champagne. After LARRY & GRETCHEN RACHLIN with rain at intervals, Yesterday JUDITH & JAMES ROBERTS tea I saw more of it brought out at SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA finished the record of the Brig ED SWIFT the court house and I retired. I drank William Tell and as all my books several glasses of wine. Wind north are packed up I have nothing to do

14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2012 received from Jacob Houseman. the center of the chamber. After the Paid Cole for billiards $8.00. Drew things were removed we had two up power of attorney for Major parties of whist under it and played BUSINESS MEMBERS ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY Glassell. After tea George Weaver until 11. Wind southeast, weather GENEALOGY CENTER 900 LIBRARY PLAZA and myself went over and played warm. FORT WAYNE, IN 46802 260-421-1223

whist until near eleven. Weather Sunday, June 12. Wrote a petition AMBROSIA TROPICAL LODGING 618 FLEMING STREET clear and pleasant. to the Secretary of the Treasury for KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-294-518

Wednesday, June 8. The Sloop Michael Mabrity the Keeper of the CHESAPEAKE APPLIED TECHNOLOGY 623 SIMONTON STREET Brilliant, Mason Packer sailed for an increase KEY WEST, FL 33040 888-873-3381 for New York passengers David of his salary to the same sum which COASTAL SAILING ADVENTURE, INC. Pinkham and family and John 28555 JOLLY ROGER DRIVE the other keepers enjoy. After dinner , FL 33042-0839 295-8844 Whitehead; by the Smack Fair borrowed Oliver O’Hara’s mare and CONCH TOUR TRAINS, INC. American for Charleston, John W. in company with F.A. Browne on 601 DUVAL ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-4142 Simonton, Edward Chandler, Dr. Newcomb’s horse rode out to the DR. FRED COVAN Hawkins and Asa C. Tift. Purchased salt pond and saw the pans which 1901 FOGARTY AVE. SUITE 2 KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-294-7522 of Oliver O’Hara one piece of linen are preparing by Richard Fitzpatrick DEWOLF AND WOOD at $.88 per yard $22.00. For one under the direction of a man from ANTIQUARIANS ON THE GREEN P.O. BOX 425 piece of white Bussia Drilling the Bahamas. Rode down the beach ALFRED, MAINE 04002 207-490-5572 at $.60 a yard $21.00 which I by the Lighthouse, stopped a few FRIENDS OF ISLAMORADA AREA STATE PARKS P.O. BOX 236 paid him. After dinner played at moments and begged a few more ISLAMORADA, FL 33036

billiards with Newcomb, took tea Cuculio’s. Petrona gave me 10, all DR. ELIAS GERTH 2505 FLAGLER AVE. with him and played two games of that remained alive. Wind south KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-295-6790

whist. Wind light from northeast to southwest, weather warm. HISTORIC FLORIDA KEYS FOUNDATION 510 GREENE STREET northwest. Monday, June 13. Sauntering KEY WEST, FL 33040

Thursday, June 9. Nearly calm about and looking for a vessel to HISTORICAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF THE UPPER KEYS, INC. at sunrise. Afterwards we had leave this place. The mosquitoes are P.O. BOX 2200 breeze from the west. Finished very bad. Wind calm. , FL 33037 KEY WEST ENGINE SERVICE, INC. Salamagundi. After dinner took a Tuesday, June 14. Drew up a P.O. BOX 2521 sail in a boat of Colonel Pardon mortgage from Joseph Prince to KEY WEST, FL 33045 C. Greene’s in company with George Knight of Indian Key. One of KEY WEST WOOD WORKS 6810 FRONT STREET Oliver O’Hara, J.R. Western and the soldiers of the name of Buckley KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-1811 Joel Yancey. After tea went over (the fifer) died suddenly in the guard MEL FISHER MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY 200 GREENE ST. to Major Glassell’s and played a house of apoplexy. Wind calm. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2633 rubber at whist. Wednesday, June 15. Drew up a OLD TOWN TROLLEY 6631 MALONEY AVENUE Friday, June 10. A schooner power of attorney from Lieutenant KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6688 called the Neptune passed through Francis D. Newcomb to his PREMIERE RACING, INC. 67B FRONT STREET this port but did not stop. At one brother Henry K. Newcomb. The MARBLEHEAD, MA 01945 781-639-9545

Oliver O’Hara and myself got into Schooner Wetrus from St. Marks FOUNDATION P.O. BOX 500130 Dr. B.B. Strobel’s boat and went for Baltimore arrived during the MARATHON, FL 33050

down to Sand Key. On our return night and before breakfast the two A.R. SAVAGE & SONS, INC. 701 HARBOUR POST DRIVE when at least two miles from shore Mr. Newcomb’s and myself went on TAMPA, FL 33602 813-247-4550

the boat was inundated by a swarm board in the barge. Mrs. Newcomb SEASTORY PRESS 305 WHITEHEAD STREET #1 of mosquitoes and it being a calm and family will go in her. Received KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-5762 [email protected] the boat drifted with the tide and of F.A. Browne $29.94 balance due SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA we had to endure the biting of the me. Received of Oliver O’Hara for 1319 DUVAL STREET insects “sin media.” Wind west drawing a mortgage from George KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6577 ST. LOUIS AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. southwest. Knight to Mariateque Knight & 3928 CLAYTON AVE. Saturday, June 11. Sauntering Company $10 and for one from ST. LOUIS, MO 63110 314-533-7710 about the store all day. At night Joseph Prince to George. Knight $8. went to Major Glassell’s found Took my trunk on board after dinner them all taking tea under a large in Dr. B.B. Strobel’s boat. Wind mosquito bar which was hung in nearly calm.

SUMMER 2012 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 15 A Charcoal Marker’s site on Sugarloaf Key in May 1939. Photo credit: Stetson Kennedy.

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 2012