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General History of Indian Key
Civilian Letters about Indian Key (1830 - 1860)
By Jerry Wilkinson There are letters from Charles Howe in Part
I, the Goodyear family in Part II and miscellaneous letters during the
Third Seminole War in Part III . You may select from the links below or
browse:
Part I. Charles Howe letters
Part II. The Goodyear
family letters
Part III. Third Seminole
War letters
- PART I -
CHARLES HOWE'S
LETTERS TO ELAM ELDRIDGE
-
All the originals of the Charles
Howe letters are at the Library of Mystic Museum. It is a great source
for early Keys history. Our history does not show it but the Mystic fishermen
were in our waters before there was a Monroe County and continued to contribute
to its development. The Tift family of Key West were from Mystic. Their
address is Mystic Seaport Museum, PO Box 6000, Mystic, Conn., 06355-0990.
The first Key West Baptist Church was formed by the Mystic group, one named
Elim [Elam] Eldridge and I wonder if he was not the same as below? All
letters were written from Indian Key unless otherwise noted.
Disclaimer: These letter were
transcribed at Mystic for historic content and attention to the details
salutations and closing were sometimes omitted. J.W. -
Howe Letter 1
-- May, 1838. To Capt. Elam Eldridge on the Florida Reef.
"Dear Sir, I herewith
enclose you Three hundred and Fifty Dollars - $350 - which I wish you and
your Brother George to appropriate as far as it will go towards building
the boat a description of which I have already given you and your brother
- I shall remit you by our September mail three hundred more. There are
a few things respecting the Boat which I beg your special attention (1)
Be sure and obtain one of those Patent Staves that will shut up tight to
prevent any accident by fire - and it would be well to have the floor where
it is to stand Coppered that in case there should any fire fall out, it
will not burn the floor, and have the Galley or Camboase House similar
to yours on board the Sloop George Eldridge only of course smaller. (2)
Be sure & have the Privies, or Round Houses so constructed as to cover
a persons body, if no more - the same as in large vessels only on a smaller
scale - like that the Light Ship has upon her deck and also the mail boat
and many others I could name to all those there is a door to enter, but
the top is a lid to open - that when a person goes in, he cannot stand
upright or even set, unless he hoists the lid but when he sits down, his
body is covered, but not his head, still it answers every purpose then
again if children go in there is no danger of their falling overboard,
wherein was there no house with the other conveniences a person must stand
and hold them. I do not think that the Round houses on board the mail boat
exceed two feet square and they are certainly not above 4 feet high, and
they are sufficiently large, and if they were even smaller they would answer
the purpose - and I should suppose there would be sufficient room in the
stern sheets of my Boat to admit of tyro sufficiently large, at any rate
for a child, it not for a grown person - and I hope you will be able to
have them to answer the purpose of women as well as children. (3) Be sure
and have the extra Chains fastened on her Bow & stern to secure her
from Thieves.
I wish you
to have a good pair of Can-hooks made & sent out with the Boat (note:
Webster -"Can-hook. A device consisting of a short rope or jointed bar
with flat hooks at each end, for hoisting casks of barrels by the ends
of the staves."
Very Respectfully - your friend and obt. svt.
Charles Howe"-
Howe Letter 2
Note: This Elam and George (Jr) Eldridge were probably
the sons of George and Hannah Eldridge of Mystic, Ct.
May 14th, 1838.
To Capt. Elam & George Eldridge at Mystic Bridge, Ct.
"Gentlemen:
I am really afraid that if my Boat
is as flat as the description I gave you, she will not Sail at all -- however,
I judge merely from my old scow, which I was fitting up while your Cdr.
Elam was here. I never was so completely beat & vexed with any Boat
before - You may imagine when I tell you that I tried for about 2 hours
to beat her out of this channel to go around the Key, and after making
a dozen or more tacks I found myself so far to 1 leeward that I was obliged
to down Sail and row her home.
She would neither steer nor
sail - - I thought to myself if the boat I am having built, & which
will probably cost me Six or seven hundred dollars, should serve me in
this manner, I believe, I should be almost tempted to set fire to her -
I never before knew how truly mortifying it was to have a dull sailing
boat - it has so happened that I always have had tolerable fast boats.
I therefore have determined to say
no more respecting the model of my boat, but wi11 leave the whole entirely
to you and the builder. I have already said enough in my former letters
to let you know what I want a Boat that will sail well, i.e. beat
to windward, and carry a large load, and draw no water or not more than
what I named. If any man can build me such a Boat, I will certainly make
him a handsome present - But should it be impossible to have all I want,
then of course I must take up with what I can get.
Very Respectfully,
/s/"-
Howe Letter 3
- July 4, 1838.
"Gentlemen:
"There has
nothing of much importance occurred since you left - no wrecks except a
Ship with a Cargo Cotton struck with lightning in the Gulf of Lue Key,
the crew took their boats and got into Key West. The ship burnt to the
waters edge before the wreckers reached her, and they were only able to
save 65 Bales Cotton and some of that, much damaged.
Your brother
[William] is well & hearty, and is now here - has just brought me a
letter for you, which you will receive by this mail - he says that he is
caulking the Sloop as she leaks a little in her upper works - he lost one
anchor during the late blow we had on the 11-12-13-14 & 15 June. It
was more severe than any Gale we ever experienced at this season of the
year. The Schr. MONTGOMERY' Capt. Sawyer left here on the 14th to New York.
Capt. James Packer was on board - we apprehend they must have had a bad
time, as the Gale was worse that night & the following day than any
time prior. I hope however they have arrived safe.
I can think
of nothing now to say respecting my Boat - only that if it should not be
convenient to have 2 privies - one will answer.
I must now
close this hand scrawl - hoping this will find you & your families
enjoying the blessing of health.
(Mrs. H. requests to be kindly remembered to you & your
family)
(I forgot to tell you that I got my scow to sail very well,
and work like a top by putting the mast further forward.) -
Howe Letter 4
- "August 2, 1838.
"My dear sir:
"I wish also another
small handy Anchor extra for pleasant weather, sent out with her, in addition
to the two to be attached to chains. I want it to use with a hemp cable,
having fallen in with a good cable very cheap, I bought it for the purpose
of using while turtleing, as chains are apt to frighten Turtle.
I would also
state, that as vessels seldom or ever can make it convenient to stop at
Indian Key, I wish it perfectly understood that she is to be shipped to
Key West, without any reference to this place at all, as I shall endeavour
to be at Key West myself when she arrives... I shall go down about
the 10th or 12th of October...
We have had no
wrecks as yet - times you must know is very dull.
The Sloop America
arrived here on the 24th July - 14 days from New York - We have had a good
deal of calm hot weather this Summer more than usual.
P.S. Will you be so kind when you come out, if its not giving you
to much trouble, to bring me one Barrel, or a part of a Barrel of Gravel.
I have got entirely out, and find my fowl are getting sickly for
the want of it.
/s/" Howe Letter 5
- "Sept. 1, 1838.
"The weather
for the last two weeks has been so calm that it has been impossible
for any vessel to come from Key West. I am much pleased with the descriptions
you gave me of my Boat and do think it will be a very great improvement
to have the deck run as far aft as the mainmast with a large hatch between
the two masts to admit of a cow or bulky articles as you mention.
If you should
have any spare rigging after the boat is rigged, send it, as it will always
come in use, and will cost double to buy it here.
Times are still
extremely dull - no wrecks since I last wrote - money very scarce on the
whole coast.
P.S. I have been disappointed in obtaining a draft or bills to enclose
in this letter but have given the Captain (Griffith) of the mail boat 23
doubloons @ $16. each which makes $368 - to get changed in Charleston which
I think he can do without a discount.
/s/" Howe Letter 6
- Oct. 31, 1838 written from Key West:
"Dear Sir:
"I have been here
two weeks waiting anxiously for my Boat - but Mr. Tift who arrived yesterday
informs me that it probably will be two weeks longer before she will reach
here. I have therefore concluded to go up in the Mail Boat which vessel
sails tomorrow but will leave my Boy Sam at Mr. Spencers who will be at
your service to assist in bringing the boat to me at Indian Key. You will
therefore call for him as soon as you arrive - and should you want any
more help, you must hire them at my expense. Mr. Tift informs me that you
are
a coming in the same vessel with the Boat, which I am very glad to hear
- and I hope you will come up in her to Indian Key.
The invoice
for the boat (built by John Palmer, builder) amounted to $917.21. In addition
Chas. Howe paid Elam Eldridge $60, for his services in getting it built.
/s/" -
Howe Letter 7
- Jany. 28, 1839.
To Capt . Elam Eldridge of the Sloop Geo. Eldridge, Tortugas, c/o
Mason Packer Key lest. from Indian Key.
"Dear Sir:
"I have only time to
say that I have received my Boat safe, and am very much pleased with her.
She is every thing I could expect, sails well, and appears to be faithfully
built, and I can truly say I never had any thing to please me better. Have
taken one cruise of one week in her & enjoyed myself very much - she
being so large and roomy . ... She was launched from the deck of the Bark
VIRGINIA at Key West on the 1st Jany . ... I presume you have heard before
this that your brother George & Capt. J. B. Smith got a wreck a few
days since - the Brig FALCON with corn, oats, bread, etc. - the salvage
is about 50 percent." -
Howe Letter 8
- Sept. 12, 1839. To Elam Eldridge at Mystic Bridge, Ct.
"My Dear Sir:
"I did intend
to have written you by our last mail, but my absence from home prevented
me - I had nothing however of much interest to communicate, neither have
I now, but to fulfill my promise I shall try to say something, and as I
know you feel interested in everything that happens on the Florida reef,
I shall first mention the disasters. I returned last night from Pickles
reef, where there had been a ship ashore for about 20 hours, but got off
and proceeded on her voyage before I reached there, the Capt. & crew
of the Schr. SYLPH assisted him, for which the captain of the ship gave
him an order on New Orleans for $800 - which Capt. H. says is not worth
one cent. She was the same ship that ran ashore abreast Caesar Creek winter
before last and to the dissatisfaction you know of Capt. J. B. Smith &
Capt. Sanderson her name is OAKERMULLENGO. I do not believe this is the
way it is spelt, but the Captain of the Sylph gave it to me in this way,
the present master of the ship is P.G. Notes from New York to New Orleans
with an assorted cargo...
As respects
the Indian War, there is just about as much prospect of its being over
now as there was three years ago - the treaty I believe was made with them
before you left. They were to be within their limits at a certain time,
accordingly Col. Harney with about 20 men went at the time appointed, to
meet them there. A store was established to supply all their wants, but
the Indians could not stand so great a temptation - fell upon them in the
night and murdered 17 of their number and took all their 8 shot Rifles
- provisions & the store. Col. Harney barely escaped with his life.
My boat CHARLES
& EDWARD was in Government service 4 months, and when they supposed
the war was over, they gave her up, which was a most fortunate thing to
me, for if they had have kept her two months longer I believe she would
have been ruined, as it was, she was injured more than you would possible
believe -however, I have got her again, and after about one months work
of three men, have put her in complete order and have taken several very
pleasant cruises in her. They have again applied to me for her, but I very
plainly told them no - that until they would learn to take better care
of their boats they could have no more that belonged to me.
I intended
to have made you a shipment of Turtle during this Summer & would have
been very glad to have done so, as I have had a large quantity on hand
- but no opportunity has offered direct to New York since you left, except
the Brig LILA., Capt. Morrill, who was chartered by Capt. Housman &
Mr. Taylor. I was very anxious that the Captain should take some, but he
said he could not, but thought Mr. Taylor would. On speaking to Cdr. T.
he said he could not take them on freight, but would take a few on his
own account, consequently I let him have about 1000 lbs. since which however,
I have heard that Turtle was down to 5¢ a lb. in New York.
The Sloop
KEY WEST is nearly finished, and will go on the next week. I do not know
who takes charge of her.
P.S. Septr. 13. Since writing you above I have been informed that
the mail packet Schr. HOPE in going from here to Key West on the night
of the 7th inst. ran ashore on the Wash Woman Shoal and is a total loss.
Capt. Griffith came here last night for the purpose of chartering the Schr.
SYLPH to take the mail to Charleston on the 15th but cannot get her and
it is uncertain whether he can procure any vessel." -
Letter 9
- May 6, 1840.
"Dear Sir:
I herewith enclose
your bill for Turtle, and the first thing you will be so kind to do for
me on your arrival in Mystic it to pay Dea. John Palmer Fifty Dollars a
small tribute for the very faithful manner he built my boat CHARLES &
EDWARD.
The next thing you will pay
yourself $75, as also a small tribute for your kind attention to the same
boat.
The next thing you will pay for Charles Stewarts
Skiff, which you will have built according to the dimensions which are
herewith enclosed. . .
Please accept my warmest wishes for your safe passage home...
/s/" Howe Letter 10
- June 15, 1840.
"Dear Sir:
I am truly unfortunate
in procuring Turtle for you this season. My boat returned from a cruise
of two weeks and only caught 13 Green and 20 Loggerhead. The Green Turtle
I immediately sent to Mr. Tift on the 11th inst. and wrote him a letter
stating the whole circumstance. Their weight total 13- deduct for loss
in passage 20#, leaving 1326# @ 6¢ - $79.56.
In consequence
of my misfortunes, I shall be obliged to reduce my list of articles which
I requested you to purchase for me. You will therefore please destroy the
list I gave you, and only get for me the following:
4 water cags [sic]
3 striking lines
4 bbls. Potatoes
2 " Onions
2 " Beets put up in gravel
1 " Apples .
1 " Dried Apples
1 bbl. Kiln dried corn meal
1 " Pilot Bread
1 Cheese
1 Keg butter
2 Highland shawls, or French plaid - one smaller than the other
for Mrs. Howe & my daughter
We had no
mail in May in consequence of the new packet not being finished. She arrived
here only a few days since. She is to proceed every trip to Havana - leaves
Charleston on the first of every month - leaves Havana on the 15th, Key
West on the 16th & Indian Key on the 17th - but I think it very doubtful
if he can always do this - or even fake twelve trips in the year.
My health
not very good, my cough still very troublesome. Mrs. Howe is also complaining
& my woman Jinny is quite sick.
/s/" -
Howe Letter 11
- July 18, 1840.
"My Dear Sir:
"In addition
to the list in my last letter, you will greatly oblige me by having the
following additions made 4 oil Barrels 1 whaleman lance 1 shark hoop with
about 4 foot chain with a swivel 2 shark harpoons like those used by whalemen,
only smaller - In regard to the Indian war, an order has been received
from the War Department requesting every post to hoist the White Flag &
invite the Indians to come in and remain peaceable and that they shall
not be further molested. This makes the Indians laugh, but what say they
in reply !'that they are willing to remain peaceable provided they can
have the country, and the whites will acknowledge themselves fairly &
honourably whipped; otherwise they will continue the war another five years.
Several families have been murdered since this order has been received
But a short time since three families consisting of 13 persons men- women
& children were massacred in one night in middle Florida, and many
other attacks have been made & murders committed. The Indians are determined
to destroy every thing that comes in their way, for five years has this
struggle continued with unremitted horror. The fall of every house, and
the destruction of every family add to the vigour & dominion of the
savages. And for five years to come will this disastrous & harassing
conflict continue, except the war is conducted on a different plan, and
with increased energy.
The work on my Boat is not yet finished
She has now 10 comfortable berths, four in her cabin and six in her hold
not too good, . . . . Mrs. H. is still complaining and my own health
is not too good.
/s/" Howe Letter 12
- A Howe Letter from Indian Key to Pensacola after the massacre
-
" Indian Key
Novr 8th 1840
-
"Wm H. Fletcher Esqr.
Escambia County Flor. [Pensacola]
-
"My Dear Brother,
"I could not write you
by our last mail, and I regretted it very much, but the mail Boat having
arrived some days before I expected her, & the captain being in a great
hurry, allowed me only time to close the mail. I received your favor of
Augt 13th by the return mail from Key West, last month, and I cannot but
hope, that I have some gone to Key West by the mail, which I shall probably
get when the packet returns I am happy to say "that we are all in tolerable
health at present our little Amelia has been quite sick since I last wrote
she still appears very puny but we trust she will soon become more hearty
-- We are now the only family remaining on this island, & your sister
the only woman nearer than Key West - Capt. H. [Housman] has cleared
out for good - took everything he had left, to Key West, about a fortnight
since, to sell at Auction - his Negros - Boats vessels & I think I
see his object, he is as usual very schemy, he is a good deal in debt &
it was thought before the invasion, that he could not stand it more than
a year or two longer - had mortgaged all his property on this island,
to two different persons in Charleston, to the amt - of about $16,000 -
they were sent to me to have them executed & I could not but feel sorry
for the man, notwithstanding his unprincipled disposition - I never mentioned
it to anyone, and I believe but one or two besides the clerk of the Co.
Court knew of it he cannot now pay 10 per cent - and I doubt if he is ever
able - he will pay more - Mr Goodyear [Henry Bateman, brother of Charles
Goodyear, see Part II below] who has been clerk to Capt - H - for sometime
past, kept open a small store, or Grog Shop, on the wharf ever since the
destruction of the island, and was surprised when Capt. H. came &
informed him of his determination to take every thing to Key West &
Sell out. Mr. G - said he thought he should return & open a store on
his own acct - but I have not heard since he left, whether he intends doing
so or not - I must now mention another very serious misfortune which I
have recently met with My Scho[oner] Chas & Edward was hauled
up at the time of the attack here, within just 20 feet of my new House,
as I believe I have before mentioned to you, the House burnt down &
she [the boat] did not take fire notwithstanding the wind blew this fire
directly upon her the Indians had previously striped of her sails awnings
and finding she did not burn, they set fire to her side just before leaving
the island, but it only burnt a small hole, and did not injure her but
trifling - I soon had her repaired and put in first rate order in every
respect - new sails Rigging, Awnings & Chas Stewart who had charge
of her & Wm. Wilson than took her & made a trip in the Bay &
brought home a fine load of Turtle, - they again left her on the
6th Octor. & was to have returned on the 17" or 18", but not coming
at the time appointed, I began to feel uneasy, but waited until the 24th
when I was confident something had happened, and addressed a note to Capt
Rodgers of the U. S. Schc. Wave which vessel, was then lying here,
expressing my fears concerning her fate & those on board, this Gallant
& praiseworthy officer immediately started with the forces under his
command and after searching for two days with his Boats in the Bay, discovered
the Schooner ran ashore in the Mangroves, in Barnses [sic] Sound, Striped
of all her sails, Rigging Awnings Turtle Nets water Kegs boats in fact
of every individual thing & Scuttled in two or three places & had
been set on fire but did not burn she had on board about 50 Turtle, some
of which would exceed 400 and the barbarous savages had even cut off the
heads of more than half of them & they were in a very putrid State
they have all the Turtle overboard, cleaned her out, stopped up the holes
where she was scuttled & got her off, and by means of a few Blankets
which they managed to rig into a sail & come down here, where
they arrived on the 28th - No tidings of the poor fellows on board, but
we of course must suppose they were both Massacred by those demons in human
form - She was in a most deplorable state, but I have already had her repaired
in the best manner, and have sent for new sails & Rigging, which I
expect shortly, & intend again to put her in first rate order, and
see if the Indians will get her the third time, as this is the second time
they have had her in full possession & endeavored to destroy her, but
without success - this last time I have lost about $500 - She had 4 new
Turtle Netts, and they were knitting another, altogether cost me about
two hundred. her sails, Rigging, Small Boats - Awnings & cost me three
hundred dollars - but I would not think of the loss, if the unfortunate
crew were saved I always have until the last two trips let Peter go with
them, but unfortunately I wanted him at home for a short time & this
is why he was not on board I cannot but feel grateful to Capt. Rodgers
for this benevolent act - for it is certain, I never should have got the
Schooner, had it not been for him, and I am truly thankful that I have
saved her. She now stands me in about $2,000 - and I do not think I would
take that for her this day for I am sure I never should get another her
equal. The Indians are lurking all around us, a few days since two Turtling
Boats were chased by them in the vicinity of Sand Key, near Cape Sable
- but they had a good breese [sic] & got out of their reach - &
returned to Key Vacas and sent an express up here to inform the Troops
they report that there was a large body of Indians on Sand Key, and that
they had several of the Boats taken from this Key - my Rev - Boat for one,
& some of Capt- Housemans [sic] were also seen - but I cannot
but hope something decisive will be done this winter, as there is now a
new General, who spares none but hangs them all by the neck it is also
reported here that the whole Squadron from Pensacola is ordered her[e]
to cruise among the Keys & along the main - land this winter - whether
it is true or not I cannot say - but we now feel as safe on this island
& I believe we are more so than at any other place on this coast for
two reasons - 1st there is no inducement for the Indians to come again.
- 2d we have a Good Guard of about 20 men & the prospect of more very
shortly, besides several armed vessels most of the time, and the assurance
that this post will be kept up as long as the War continues for this reason
your Sister & myself have concluded "that it is best for us to remain
here at least for a year or two to come - but . . . [one or two words illegible]
know that your sister is very lonely in her present situation - no female
associate less than 80 miles distance, and I am sometimes compelled to
be from home for several days together, and I shall soon be obliged to
send my three eldest children away for schooling, which will make it still
more lonesome to her - we have therefore after due reflection, made up
our minds, to Solicit & to insist on your Mothers coming to live with
us - While you was single, we could not ask this favour, but as you now
have a good help-mate, we do think you ought to be willing to let your
mother come to us - that is, if she is willing & I sincerely hope she
will be, and you will please tell her from me, that she must come - We
think this season of the year her passage will be so short, that she will
not suffer much from sea sickness, and when she arrives at Key West, there
will be no difficulty in getting a passage here, as there is opportunities
almost any day. She will however stop at Mrs Mallorys, until a good one
offers or if I hear of her arrival I will . . . [one line illegible] dollar
Note to defray her expenses, and should it not be sufficient, when she
arrives at Key West, she is only to speak to Mr Mallory, who will advance
her as much as she wishes, I will write him upon the subject I do wish
most sincerely I could prevail on you & your (good Lady to accompany
her. Your Sister & myself have both endeavoured to think of something
you might do to advantage, but the prospect appears dull & we are afraid
to advise, but one thing I would say "that you shall have a home with us,
if you can put up with our fare as long as we remain here, and then wherever
we conclude to locate, we can all go together ___ ____ if I was sure the
war would end this winter, of which I have now some faint hope, I would
certainly advise you to come, for I believe we should find a spot in this
country, that we could not help but be delighted with, and I think we could
be a help to each other in getting underway - Tell your mother, that we
have already commenced preparing for her reception and she must not disappoint
us, even if you cannot come with her - Your Sister writes her by this mail
____ ____ I hope when the mail Boat returns I shall have letters ___ _____
from you __ ___- I must now close Your sister & the children all join
in kind Remembrance to you & family - Sincerely wishing you every blessing
this world can afford
I remain very truly your fr. &
Brother
Chas. Howe
P.S. Nov - 15 I cannot get a fifty dollar note and therefore
am obliged to enclose 2 dubloons @ 17 - $34 -- 1 Sovereigns 5 - the
balance in paper which makes $50 -" -
Howe Letter 13
- June 4th, 1841: To Elam Eldridge - Florida Reef.
"I heard a few days since
that your Brother Thomas was soon expected at Key West. If so, I hope you
will be able to get him to stop here for my children . ... I do not wish
either of you to put yourselves to much inconvenience on my account, therefore,
if you find it not practicable to stop, you will nevertheless, etc.
P.S. I enclose you $45. to pay the passage of my three children
viz - Sarah Ann 13 years of age, Charles 11 years, Edward 9 years of age.
Should this amt. not be sufficient, I will make it up when you call
for them.
/s/" -
Howe Letter 14
- "Sept. 17, 1841.
"I am happy
to inform you that the epidemic which for a time proved so fatal among
our small population has entirely subsided, and our coast assumes once
more its usual healthy appearance. Old Mr. Goodyear [Amasa Goodyear, father
of Henry and Charles Goodyear, see part II below] died the day after the
mail boat left - last trip - and since then there has been 2 or 3 deaths
among the soldiers here, but none more recent or within the last two weeks.
Mrs. Howe
presented me with a fine Daughter last Sunday morning, and I am happy to
say that both mother & child are doing well. Her mother arrived in
safety with us from Alabama about a fortnight since, and I can assure you
she met with a welcome reception.
Capt. Wm.
C. Bethell of Key Vacas wished me to say to you, that if you should come
out in the fall, and would bring him 1 keg Good Brandy, about 12 Galls.
& 1 Key Hollands Gin he would pay you for your trouble & be greatly
obliged to you.
P.S. Capt Kimmer is removed from the Light Ship, and old
Sistare is appointed in his place.
/s/" Howe Letter 15
- This was the last letter from Indian Key:
May 31, 1842.
To Elam Eldridge in Key West.
"Dear Sir:
"I am sorry to
say that Mrs. Howe is no better and thinks she should never stand the voyage
to go north, therefore you need not give yourself any trouble in getting
a vessel to stop here for she declines going altogether, and I cannot persuade
her into the belief that it will benefit her health. I am much obliged
to you however for your kind offer.
There is
a lot of Turtle here in my crawl, which Henry Brown offered to me for 4¢.
I wish I could get them to Key West before you leave. I think they would
be just what you want, as they have been in the crawl about 2 months and
would do better than those just caught.
Statement
attached shows the following cost of food brought to Howe:
4 Bbls. Potatoes @ $2.50 $10.00 (reed. of Capt. Fitch)
6 " "
pr. Schr. COMET 8.72
2 " Beets "
3.33
2 " Onions pr.
" 3.81
1 " K.D. Meal
3.62
1/2 " Dried Apples
2.46
$31.9
Your commissions on the above at 10% 3.2
/s/ Howe Letter 16
- The remaining letters were from Key West.
July 18, 1842.
From Key West.
"Mrs. Howe left
Indian Key about 5 weeks ago for Nassau. I have heard once from her soon
after her arrival, her health had improved from the voyage she had five
days passage. I have given Capt. Sawyer charge of a small package for you
and shall attach this letter to it - it is simply a jug - such as I want
you should git me in the fall about 1000 of them as cheap as they can be
had in New York. I have no idea what they will cost but have been informed
that they can be had from 3 to 5¢ a pc. If not over 5¢ you will
much oblige me by sending the above quantity, and also a sufficient quantity
of cork wood to make corks for them. But should they cost much over that
you will purchase a less number and have them snugly packed & shipped
to me at this place, by some vessel bound here in the fall. I want them
to put up Oysters, altho- will please say nothing about it - I hope
you will write me in the course of the summer & let me know how your
health is.
/s/" Howe Letter 17
- Sept. 16, 1842, Key West.
"I wrote
you by the Schr. COMET in answer to your letter of the 8th August, but
we much fear the COMET is lost, as left here on the 3rd inst. which was
the day before the most disastrous Gale this coast has ever witnessed...
I would be much obliged to you if it was perfectly convenient, to bring
me out when you came at least 500 of those jars & sufficient cork wood
to stop them up. I am happy to hear that you are coming on the Key to reside
this winter, and sincerely hope you may do a good business - My family
were as well as usual when I last heard from them. Mrs. Howe is a little
better but still suffers very much. The Gale done considerable damage here,
and several vessels that was out in it have not since been heard of - some
were blown ashore that have not yet been able to get off, among them was
the Sloop KEY WEST.
/s/' Howe Letter 18
- (Five years later; from Key West)
"Sept. 20, 1847:
My dear friend -
... My Schooner CHARLES &
EDWARD is (as you must know) still alive, and in good bodily health, but
is in want of a new suit of sails. I request the favor of you to purchase
two cows and some other things for me... I shall enclose you in this letter,
one Hundred dollars in a draft if I can get one - if not, in Gold.
/s/" Howe Letter 19
- June 2, 1848, Key West:
"Your brother Thomas
sails in about one hour for New York, and I take great pleasure in embracing
the opportunity to inform you, that my family are all well, and Mrs. Howe
desires to be kindly remembered to you and your family. She appears to
enjoy herself very well, and is contented & happy in her new home -
for which I desire to feel thankful. She is a very kind Mother to my children,
and they are all very fond of her, and she is a very kind and affectionate
companion for me, and I do not believe I could have selected a more suitable
one to have gone the world over.
I have been
favored in my salt business this season, having already raked about 30,000
bushels - and when I can make sales which will be in the fall, I shall
be much relieved from my losses by the Gale.
We have had
it very pleasant here for the past six months, until within about 2 weeks,
when the rains set in, and of course the musquitoes come in swarms, I think
I never knew them so bad here as they were last night & this morning.
Your Friend - Charles Howe
/s/"
(*This new Mrs. Howe number 3 would be Eliza (Brightman) whom
he married in Key West Nov. 13, 1847, He had married Mrs. Howe number 2
(Abigal Fletcher Talbert) at Indian Key Dec. 24, 1834. Abigal must have
died in Nassau or as a result of the ills she suffered then. (Maybe the
result of having the baby in Sept. 1841, for she went to Nassau in June,
1842. See Howe genealogy J. W.) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- PART II -
- Civilan
Letters - Goodyear family -
During transcription, some punctuation and paragraphing have
been inserted for clarity. [Comments is brackets are mine - JW]
- Goodyear Letter 1 -
[From Amasa Munson Goodyear on] "Indian Key
"December 15, 1840
"Brother Isaac [Probably Hine, Amasa's brother-in-law]
According to agreement I now
write you as you may feel anxious about our safe arrival. We had a severe
passage out of 12 days. It Blew a gale for three days after we left. Malinda
was quite seasick during the passage but is now quite well.
We found things on the key quite
desolate as I expected. Except a company of 60 soldiers to guard the Key.
The Indians are still hovering about this part of Florida and God only
knows when the war will be ended unless some more decisive steps are taken
by our governor - we are inclined to think that something will be done
from present appearing before Spring.
I have to wait patiently until the war
is over before I can accomplish all my wishes ? however I have a plenty
to do and am now getting up a small Blacksmith Shop where I can do well
enough for the present.
We live in something worse than a log cabin
but our climate protects us. On the whole I am quite satisfied and if I
can judge from appearances & what she says Malinda is also. She sends
love to all and will write next mail and give you the particulars. Please
write as soon as convenient and able
Yours,
AM Goodyear"
[Probably Amasa Munson Goodyear, brother of Henry, husband of Malinda (Hine)]
- Goodyear Letter 2 -
[From Amasa Munson Goodyear on] "Indian Key
"June 8, 1841
"Brother Isaac [Hine, his wife, Malinda's, brother],
Your kind favor of May 10th is duly
Recvd. I am
surprised to hear you did not receive Malindas letter as she wrote at the
time I named and gave you all the news of the day. I have so much to write
about that I know not where to begin or leave off. I would willingly pay
for your passage here to see you one day But I must commence my yarns =
in the first place we live in a kind of Shantee on one of Capt. Housmans
wharfs the best we can get at present. We suffer some inconvenience on
the account. But hope to remedy it before long but then there are benefits
arising that some would hardly credit. Malinda very frequently by droping
a hook through the floor catches fish for the family of the best kind.
I have a Blacksmith shop built & plenty of work to do when I have nothing
else to do I earn from 4 to 5 dollars a day ? Captain Housman is dead.
He was killed by the unfasting of a boat from one of his vessels which
struck him across the chest he died in about two days. It has made quite
a change here but I do not think it will effect me in any way =
Fathers [ Amasa Sr.] Health is remarkably good
he has not seen a sick day in florida [sic] he believes it to be the [E]den
of the world. However is it well known that the Keys can no more compare
with the main land than the roughest land in Waterbury. With the most fertile
land on the Connecticut River or for should this miserable war ever close
I should go in to the Synabel River that Empties in to the Gulf of Mexico.
It is said by the officers of the army & others who have been there
a most delightful country.
With regard to the Indians, you know nearly
as much as we do & probably get the news as given except what relates
to this particular post you have probably heard of Col. Harneys expeditions
in the Everglades. What Indians he did not hang he brought to this Key
our troops from this Key have made three expeditions without effecting
much they have captured 4 or 5 two of which are now here. We have all sorts
of rumors about the war being brought to a close but God only knows when
this desirable Event will take place-
About 3 weeks ago a ship got ashore about 2 miles
from this Key with a cargo worth $60,000. Father and I took a small boat
and went to give the wrecker notice for doing which we were entitled to
three Shares, but owing to the peculiar circumstance we should have six
- the ship was lost & the shares are one hundred dollars each so that
any how we made a good days work-
Turtle are now coming up on the Beach very plenty
we had a green turtle brought in yesterday weighing 500 lbs.
When you speak of the wet and cold weather I
cannot but think myself fortunate in being away from it Everything
is as green with us in January as in summer this has been the coldest winter
known for several years yet I have seen but one day that I wanted a coat
on. We have the most of the comforts of life except the want of a comfortable
house which we do not feel quite able to build at present. Mrs. High &
Henry [his brother] are doing a fair business in the trading line their
business increases daily - as Malinda wishes to write a few lines I must
give way trust you will write me often -
I remain
Yours Truly
Amasa Goodyear"
[PS] "Give my respects to your wife father Mother and
all enquiring friends which cannot be numerous &
obliged yours-
AMG"
[Amasa Munson Goodyear]
[Wife Malinda's letter (#2a below) was written on the bottom
of the this letter. JW]
- Goodyear Letter 2a -
[This was written on the bottom of letter number 2, page 2, above
of her husband, Amasa Munson Goodyear, June 8, 1841 JW]
"Dear Brother [Isaac Hine,
We were right glad to hear from you as
Amasa and I had both written and waited so long for an answer that we despaired
of ever hearing from you Accident.
We can get almost all kinds of Northern
produce but fresh meat but we have plenty of Turtle and Fish - Lobster
& Conchs and game if we can spend time to go after it.
Amasa and Father have got Orange and Lemon,
pea vines and Mulberrys growing on Matacumba [Key].
Mrs. Houseman has offered them all they
can get from Ligumvitie [Key] if they will take care of it which would
be a good sum.
Harriet [their daughter] is well and grows
very fast she has got some very handsome shells for Rollin.
I think Father will come on after Mother
this summer if he does he will come and see you
Your sister
Malinda Goodyear"
[Malinda (Hine) Goodyear]
- Goodyear Letter 3 -
[From Henry Bateman Goodyear on]
"Indian Key, August 16th 1841
"Dear Brother,
I am under the painful necessity
of communicating to you the death of our dear Brother Amasa and also his
wife [Malinda] and child [Harriet]. I was in Key West & left there
the 28th of June and then to all appearances it was perfectly healthy on
my way home I found Amasa going down he had not been there since he came
out.
He went down in my Fathers [Amasa Sr.]
Schr [schooner] boat to get some things for his wife. He was there 3 or
4 days and started to come home but had not got far when it became calm
and very hot and he went back. By that time the yellow fever had broke
out. He took it on Monday & died on Wednesday the 7th of July that
was the first news we had of him I immediately gave up the idea of coming
North and made preparation as fast as possible for Father and Malinda &
child to have had everything packed up and expected a vessel any day when
Malinda from taking it so hard. She no doubt got her system much deranged.
She first complained of a cold which proved to be the fever which is common
in this country but quite different from what they have had at Key West.
Her being in a family way was much against her. We have a good Physician
but could not save her.
The next night after she was taken Father
by enposing (exposing) himself was taken verry sick and for 4 or 5 days.
I had not the least hopes he could live but thank God he is getting better
fast now and I am in hopes in a few days will be on his way to N. York.
The morning after Malinda died, Harriet was taken with a violent fever
and lived but 4 days. [His father, Amasa Sr. died three days after this
letter.] You may imagine something what a trial I have had to go through
with it is impossible for me to give you any thing like a good account
of this lamentable occurrence and it is with great difficulty that I write
this.
This is the only letter I shall write and
therefore I wish you should communicate this to all our friends go and
see mother and comfort her all you can until father comes an I very likely
shall come with him. I have a great deal more to write but my mind is so
completely confused it is impossible to communicate my ideas to you on
paper for I have not had two hours sleep at one time for over 2 weeks but
other ways I am very well.
HBG"
[Henry Bateman Goodyear]
- Goodyear Letter 4 -
- [Written from Roxbury, Mass., October 14, late 1838 or early
1839 where Charles was engaged in rubber making. Note that daughter, Harriet,
was very young weighing 20 pounds and one tooth (guess from 6 to 8 months).
Probably in preparation to travel to Indian Key]
"Roxbury 14 [October 1838 or 1839]
"Brother Isaac [Hine],
Probably you will be surprised at getting
a letter from me but you will excuse me I think when I give my reasons
for troubling you. Amasa wrote to Agusta soon after we got here and I wrote
[sister] Hannah within three weeks but got no answer and a fortnight ago
I wrote Father to have him send my things as I intended going to housekeeping.
I requested him to answer my letter but have not heard from him yet if
he has not sent the things please have them sent soon as possible as we
wish to move before cold weather. Amasa is at work at Woburn [North Boston
area of Mass.] and will get a house there but is waiting to hear from Father
before he engages it he has to pay three dollars a week for his board,
one dollar for a passage to and from this place to Woburn.
Charles [Goodyear] seems to being on the
way to make a fortune by his business [rubber vulcanizing]. You can have
no idea how many uses India rubber can be put to. I have an apron _ a beautiful
thing. Should I have an opportunity I will make your wife one and little
Rollin an apron that never will want washing.
Little Harriet grows finely. She weighs 20 pounds
and has got one tooth and more coming.
I wrote Father to direct my things to Amasa
M. Goodyear [Munson Goodyear, her husband] care of the Commercial
Line Boston if he has not sent them please see that he directs them right.
I hope you will answer this as soon as you get it. Be sure you direct your
letter to Roxbury Massachusetts as it otherwise might go Roxbury in Connecticut
"Give my love to all
your affectionate Sister
M Goodyear"
[I believe Malinda (Hine) Goodyear - JW]
[Written on letter's left margin] "Please write whether Hannah [her
sister] has left and where she has gone to."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- PART III -
- Civilian
Letters - 3rd Seminole War period -
(Transcribed by Dr. Joe Knetsch from roll number 56, K - M 120
1856 National Archives Microcopy No. 567., 1964.)
- Letter 1 -
" Key West Fla. Jany 30th 1856
"Col. Monroe
"Col. Comg. U S Troops in Fla.
"Sir.
The undersigned residents of
Indian Key, Key Vaccas, Summerlin's Key and others of the Florida Keys
as well as Key West think it our duty to make known to you the following
facts and to ask for the protection of the government.
There were three families residing
on Matacomba Key almost adjoining Indian Key, until within a week or two
ago, when the news that had reached them of the late Indian outbreak being
confirmed, the well known ease with which Indians can reach there and Indian
from the main land, made it necessary that at least the families and children
should be removed to some place of safety. A few days after this was done
one of the men returned to his place and saw what seemed to him unmistakable
signs of Indians being already there: moccasin tracks on the beach near
the houses, the houses broken open and things scattered about upon their
floors, and fire where there should have been none; The next day after
this, it was discovered at Indian Key that one of these houses was evidently
burning down and a boat dispatched to reconnoitre, presently another one
of the houses was seen to be on fire, and when the boat returned it was
ascertained beyond doubt that both houses were indeed consumed. This broke
up the settlement there at Indian Key entirely; on which latter Key there
were two families including U. S. Inspector of customs; and are several
large and valuable buildings and five or six fine cisterns from which the
U S Coast Survey and light house vessels in the vicinity, as well as many
other vessels get their supplies of water. One of the U S light house vessels
engaged in the erection of a light house on the Florida reef has her station
only about twelve miles from Indian Key and is in danger of midnight attacks.
There were families at Key Vaccas about eight miles this side of this vessel,
who were also compelled to break up and there are other settlers of the
string of Keys all the way to Key West., You are doubtless aware that during
the last war with these Indians, Indian was for sometime guarded by an
arrangement of some kind, and no sooner was it gone than the Indians attacked
the place in the dead of night and revelled in the horrible scenes of bloodshed
and conflagration so congenial to their savage natures; that Indian Key
and Matacomba Keys are only about thirty miles from Cape Sable, and that
the extensive shoals that stretch accross towards the main land make it
very easy for Indians to cross in canoes; they are the nearest Keys of
any consequence to that Cape; and there is perhaps no reasonable probability
that Indians could visit any of the other Keys and settlements mentioned
without coming and returning near those two Keys. We think that a company,
or part of a company, of troops stationed there sufficiently strong to
leave a good guard even when scouts are detached and supplied with boats
of light draught, would afford protection to all the persons and settlements
mentioned and doubtless in some degree Key West, for it is by no means
certain that without dangers of being caught on their return a few Indians
might not work their way down to this city set fire to it in half a dozen
places of a windy night and thus destroy it entirely, (for that certainly
would destroy it), and make their escape. For these reasons we would most
respectfully urge upon you and the government the great importance of stationing
a company of either regular or irregular troops at Indian Key with boats
for scouting.
Very Respectfully
"Your obt. Servts.,
Temple Pent of Key Vaccas
William H. Bethell of Indian Key
Jame I Douglas
John Curry Maticombie
J. B. Browne
Wm. Marvin
W. Carrington Walthuss, Lieut,
R. W. Welch
J. F. Tucker
Wm Bethell
W. A. Wall
N. Pinckney
G. S. Browne
P. J. Fontaine
O. O'Hara
James Filor
O. B. Hart
Charles Howe"
- - - - - - - - -
-
- Letter 2 -
-
"Indian Key Feb 25/56
"Mr S Mowry
-
"Dear Sir
Your favour of the 29 of January
has been received and I notice what you say about your not hearing from
me in So longer time - i rote you by the Steamer of the 26 of January Giveing
you the particulas About the trouble downe hear with the indians - They
visited mattacomba the 21 of January & Burnt the houses witch the settlers
had left but A few days before previous to that i had sent my family to
Key West for i expected they Wood pay indian Key a visit before this time
- i did Not considder My Self Safe to remain on the Key Anny Longer
- So i deemed it nesessary to Leave it for a while - I informed the particulars
Immediately as soon as i discovered the burning of The houses on mattacomba
witch you now is only About Six Miles from heare - Every Settler on The
Coast from Miamma River downe to Key West has abandoned there homes and
i dont consider my Self Safe on indian Key - They are Driving the indians
from the main land And they will be Sure to viset the Keys - every Boddy
has Great fear of them i do assure you I have vised the Key once or twice
and i find Every Thing Still Standing firm - i shall not stay There untill
i heare what they intend to do For i dont feel My Self Safe on the Key
- if they dont put a stop to they Surely will Viset indian Key any information
you can Give me - You will oblige me by doing So and please do Let me hear
from you as soon as convienant -
And yo will oblige yours truly
Wm. H. Bethell" -
- Letter 3 -
- "Indian Key March 10th/56
"Mr S Mowry
-
"Dear Sir
I received your letter The
Six of March and i was happy to Hear from you - i am Sorry to inform You
that the indians has bin committing Some more deppredations over in the
bay - They have Killed Some men over there and Burnt a mans house - I am
Still living on indian Key alone - my family is Still in Key West - you
Say You will try and Get some troops and send Downe - i hope will try and
Get them - If possible you can do So - if any troops is sent Here i shall
move my family up here as soon As i can - i havent Seen any Sines of them
About here yet only that accident that hapened The other day - Nothing
New downe here - Please to let me hear from you as soon As you can make
it convienant - i have Nothing more today at present But Still -
Remain Your truly
Wm H Bethell"
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