Early
Pensacola Navy Yard in Letters and Documents
to the Secretary of the Navy and Board of Navy Commissioners
1826-1850
Addendums: Yellow
Fever & Piracy
By John G. M. Sharp
At
USGenWeb Archives
Copyright All right
reserved
Pensacola Navy Yard, Harper's Weekly
1861
Introduction: These letters and documents to the Secretary of the Navy and Board of Navy Commissioners provide a unique portal to the naval station’s formative years 1826-1840 and rough beginning. Most of these letters were written by naval officers assigned to the navy yard or members of the West India Squadron homeported in Pensacola. During this era, Florida was still a frontier; and from 1835–1842 the United States was intermittently at war with the Seminole peoples, while pirates still operated off the coast.1 Their day to day letters convey early Pensacola was a hard place; Commodore William Compton Bolton in 1836 concluded a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, "It would gratify me very much and be highly useful at this station, if a chaplain was appointed; no place needs one more."2 Bolton was only half in jest, for while modern Pensacola is a tranquil community, life for its early inhabitant’s, as their fascinating letters reveal, was often a hard and difficult struggle.
1 Ernest F. Dibble, Antebellum Pensacola and the Military Presence, (Pensacola Series Commemorating the American Revolution Bicentennial 3, Pensacola, FL: Pensacola/Escambia Development Commission, 1974), 93
2 Pensacola Gazette 23 January 1830, 2
For strategic and security reason, the Board of Naval Commissioners recommended a navy yard be established on 4 November 1825 and chose Pensacola Bay for the site. The new navy yard was to function as a military staging area, key supply and repair station for the West India Squadron and a fleet hospital facility. Homeported in Pensacola, the West Indies Squadron served as a deterrent against piracy and the slave trade in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. While little known, these important early Pensacola letters and documents are replete with descriptions of everyday life. For family historians these naval documents include significant biographical data as well as the names and particulars of hundreds of officers, enlisted men and numerous civilians, see 1829, 1834 and 1838 muster and payrolls. Image: Pensacola Naval Hospital January - March 1836 muster roll.
USS Grampus, Capt. John D. Sloat, capture of pirate vessel El Mosquito 1825Addendum: March 2, 1825, USS Grampus Engages Pirate Roberto Cofresí in Battle
For much of the antebellum period Pensacola remained in geographic isolation.3 The natural depth of Pensacola Bay and "the Bar" noted by Commodore Lewis Warrington (April 26 1826) placed considerable limitations on the future naval station as a port for large ships. An 1830 report of the Board of Navy Commissioners confirmed these concerns about Pensacola Bay as a port. However the administration of President Andrew Jackson continued to favor and prompted the further development of Pensacola Navy Yard.4 Prior to the advent of the railroad and telegraph, communication and travel to Florida were slow, expensive and difficult. Official letters or personal mail moved to and from Washington DC via a long, slow and arduous journey; sometimes lasting well over a month. Commodore William C. Bolton in frustration explained (22 March 1838) to the Naval Secretary Mahlon Dickerson that even the official mails might arrive in "very wet and chafed state; rendering it difficult to open, and read…"
3 Adam Hochschild Bury the Chains Prophets and Rebels in the Fight to Free an Empire’s Slaves (Houghton Mifflin: New York2005), 272
4 Samuel Choppin "History of the The Importation of Yellow Fever Into the United States From, 1693 to 1878." Public Health Reports and Papers, Volume IV: 190-206, American Public Health Association. Houghton, Osgood and Company, 1880, 195
Erratic mails though were a minor problem, for most newcomers and many longtime Pensacola residents lived in fear of the fever season or sickly season signaled by the return of the West India Squadron in early spring. Frequently these squadron ships returned with their crews already suffering yellow fever or other tropical diseases. Not surprisingly yellow fever also known as the black vomit is the main topic in many of these letters. Fear of the disease was not irrational. Yellow fever is highly infectious with symptoms that include fever, chills, loss of appetite and nausea, muscle pains and headaches. Pensacola physicians risked and sometimes lost their lives treating yellow fever. For the most part Florida's medical community could do little more than diagnose, for the medical treatment of the day consisted of doses of mercury, of diluted vinegar, of tartar to induce vomiting; and above all the pre-scientific medicine favorite treatment for everything, bleeding typically draining of twenty or thirty ounces of blood at a time.5 Even today, treatment is symptomatic and supportive only. The first vaccine was not developed until 1937.6 During the period 1820-1840 death occurred in up to half of those who came down with the disease, writing in July 1826, Naval Constructor Samuel Keep informed his brother the frigate John Adams had arrived in Pensacola with yellow fever cases. "Keep alarmed, stated I shall not remain here unless I am absolutely obliged to do so."7 Many letters and documents below shared similar concerns and mention or report comparable outbreaks of the disease.
5 George F. Pearce, Torment of Pestilence: Yellow Fever Epidemics in Pensacola. The Florida Historical Quarterly, vol. 56, no. 4, 1978, 451
6 John G. Sharp Report of Naval Surgeon Isaac Hulse re his patients at Naval Hospital Barrancas, dated 3 November 1828 Genealogy trails 2011 http://genealogytrails.com/fla/escambia/1827navalhosp.html
7 Matthew J. Clavin Aiming for Pensacola Fugitive Slaves on the Atlantic and Southern Frontiers, Harvard University Press: Cambridge 2015, 84-85.
The disease periodically decimated Pensacola’s small population (2 March 1829, 17 September and 19 October 1834). While the medical profession ascribed yellow fever to bad air,8 the popular imagination indulged wilder theories of causation including eating watermelons (August 27, 1834). Despite the dangers of infection, the Pensacola medical community performed heroically. See the letters of Dr. Isaac Hulse for 18 December 1832 and 12 May 1836 which convey his genuine worry for patients and intermittent irritation with the limited medical facilities and recurrent staff vacancies. Postings to Pensacola were also a source of great anxiety for families, see the 10 July 1827 letter of Commodore Melancthon Taylor Woolsey, the 10 December 1828 letter of Dr. Isaac Hulse and the 4 May 1829 letter from Naval Constructor John D. Brodie. Commodore William Branford Shubrick's October 25, 1839 letter provides good overview of just how devastating yellow fever was to the entire Pensacola community.
8 John G. Sharp List of Mechanics, Laborers, &c Employed in the Navy Yard Pensacola May 1829 Genealogy trails 2011 http://genealogytrails.com/fla/escambia/pnyemployees1829.html
Floridian and Advertiser, 5 August 1837, p. 4Note: Fear of yellow fever prompted the popular imagination to indulge wild theories of causation and cure. This 1837 advertisement for "Houks Panacea" is one such "cure" which appeared in many Florida newspapers during the period 1830-1840. In an age when most people had only limited access to doctors, the promise of Jacob Houks tonic to cure all disease and aliments was highly attractive. Houks vowed a relief from nearly every malady including yellow fever, cholera, indigestion and even venereal disease and all for $ 2.00 per bottle. Houks nostrum, like many other patent medications in this unregulated era, gave people a false belief that no disease was beyond the cure of patent medication. Houks and others like him, concentrated not on science and research but focused their efforts on sales. He was one of the first to use advertising nationally to persuade an ailing and fearful public to buy his particular brand. Houks Panacea was highly profitable product and was marketed in the southern states at least into the 1920's. Sales were made via advertisements and medicine shows which featured entertainment to attract a large audience for a high pressure sales pitch.
From the beginning the navy yard faced one major and recurrent administrative challenge: the recruitment and retention of sufficient military and civilian employees to adequately staff the station and the hospital. In truth Pensacola simply lacked the manpower to lay bricks, bend iron and haul lumber. Writing from the navy yard in July 1826, Commodore Lewis Warrington recommended the Navy rent enslaved laborers from local slave-owners.9The sparse local population, remoteness of the site, fear of repeated outbreaks of yellow fever led to difficulties hiring and retaining white mechanics. These labor problems were exacerbated by dissatisfaction with pay, working hours and housing, and on 16 March 1827 led to a work stoppage (see also 10 July 1827).
9 Lewis Warrington to the Board of Navy Commissioners 27 April 1826
Pensacola's acute shortage of local manpower led the navy yard to ever greater reliance on enslaved labor; as the choice for dangerous, heavy or dirty work, Commodore M.T. Woolsey on 27 July 1828 reported to the Board of Naval Commissioners that the Labourers are all Slaves. . . By May 1829, the monthly "List of Mechanics and Laborers. . ." reflected over a third of the Yard workforce was enslaved labor.10 As the first commandant of Pensacola Navy Yard, Lewis Warrington noted (27 April 1826) repeated attempts to recruit white workers were unsuccessful. "Neither labourers nor mechanics are to be obtained here. They all must come from a distance. . ."11 Commodore Charles G. Ridgeley of the West Indies Squadron wrote (31 December 1827), "no competent person in consequence of the dearness of living, the indifferent quarters at present and many privations can be found to serve …" and similarly Commodore Wolcott Chauncey in 1834 confirmed "it was impossible to get men. . ."12 Later that same year he advocated directly hiring emigrants; an idea that the Navy Department quickly rejected.13 Likewise Commodore Bolton poured out his frustrations to the Secretary of the Navy for two years regarding "the trouble and uncertainty of procuring Mechanics & Laborers. . ." and suggested the navy yard entice workers with land, "offer independent of the present existing advantages the allotments of some half or whole acres of soil or sand rather contiguous to this establishment in fee simple or lease useable forever, for the use and benefit the former class with families, such an arrangement would identify them with its prosperity and defense, more but minor considerations, inadmissible in a letter might be advanced in air of this proposition."14 Desperate for workers, Commodore Bolton conceded, "Slave labor is to be avoided, in every way, if possible, but as it is indispensable here." In his correspondence Bolton came to advocate enslaved labor as a positive force and wanted the Navy to move beyond simply leasing bondsmen and asked "why could not the Government, through an agent, possess itself by purchase of suitable and healthy slaves…?15 The Secretary of the Navy Mahlon Dickerson instructed his staff to "Inform him [Bolton] that the allotment of land which he suggests can well be made…" though "… it is contrary to the policy of the Government to purchase slaves."
10 Wolcott Chauncey to Mahlon Dickerson 17 September 1834
11 John Rodgers to Wolcott Chauncey 5 November 1834
12 W.C. Bolton to Mahlon Dickerson 27 August 1836
13 W. C. Bolton to Mahlon Dickerson 27 August 1836
14 Floridian and Advocate 10 September 1836, 1
15 Solomon Sharp to Mahlon Dickerson 12 July 1838 For Dr. Sharp as a slaveholder see Robert J. Scheller Jr. Breaking the Color Barrier: The US Naval Academy’s first Black Midshipmen and the Struggle for Racial Equality (New York University Press: New York 2005), 13
Beset with labor problems, sporadically the navy yard publically advertised their need for slaves and explicitly promised slaveholders "the benefit of medical attendance when confined for sickness.16 This official assurance however provoked a remarkable debate. Dr. Solomon Sharp USN, a slaveholder himself, took the unusual step of raising his objections to the free medical treatment provided to enslaved navy yard workers and appealed directly to the Secretary of the Navy (12 July 1838). In his response dated 2 June 1838, Secretary of the Navy Mahlon Dickerson confirmed and approved the practice.17 Slavery remained integral to the Pensacola Navy Yard workforce throughout the antebellum period. As late as June 1855, the navy yard payroll listed 155 slaves.18 The number of Florida slaveholders grew with the presence of the federal government at Pensacola, steady work and medical accommodations made to slaveholders.19 In time the federal government actually indemnified slaveholders for the loss of their bondsmen thorough accident or neglect.20 In Pensacola the military presence was not just the most important single force creating the local economy, "but also the most important single influence to the spread of the slaveocracy in Pensacola."21
16 David F. Ericson Slavery in the American Republic Developing the Federal Government, 1791-1861 (University of Kansas Press: Lawrence, Kansas 2011), 259 n55.
17 Clavin p.19
18 Clavin, 184 n81 and 197 n116
19 Dibble p. 67
20 George F. Pearce, "Torment of Pestilence: Yellow Fever Epidemics in Pensacola." The Florida Historical Quarterly, vol. 56, no. 4, 1978, pp. 448–472.
21 Donald L. CanneyAfrica Squadron: The U.S. Navy and the Slave Trade, 1842-1861. (Washington, D.C.: Potomac, 2006), Chapter. 7: Bolton and Cooper and the Nadir of the Squadron, 1847-1849".
Some of the earliest Pensacola letters were addressed to the Board of Naval Commissioners. The BNC was a United States Navy administrative body in existence from 1815 to 1842. The BNC was concerned primarily with naval material support. They also had significant responsibilities connected with most civilian functions of the navy. For example: Captain M. T. Woolsey's letters addressed to the BNC contain queries and responses to the establishment of Pensacola land boundaries, wage and labor actions and building supplies. For most of this period, the BNC was headed by a three-member board which over time became simply another bureaucratic and administrative catchall. During the years 1824-1827 Commodore William Bainbridge was President of BNC and Commodore John Rodgers from 1827–37.
In summary, throughout the period 1826-1840 the Pensacola Navy Yard functioned primarily as a supply and repair station for the West India Squadron. Pensacola never really achieved full shipyard capability nor did it ever gain the stature of Norfolk or Washington Navy Yard’s. Four problems mentioned repeatedly in the commandant’s letters restricted the growth of Pensacola. First as Commodore Lewis Warrington noted in 1826, "the Bar" and depth of Pensacola Bay continued to limit large naval vessels from access to the port. Second, as each commandant attested to Washington DC, Pensacola simply lacked an adequate supply of skilled mechanics and labor. Third the geographic isolation of the Pensacola Navy Yard with the continual threat of yellow fever and malaria remained a hindrance to recruitment. Lastly and most important, slavery remained integral to the economics of Pensacola township and the navy yard. Consequently the subordination of black freedom meant the stifling of free labor. Thankfully these surviving letters and documents now provide a glimpse of the lives and struggles of this unique community.
Below are biographical sketches of some of the most frequent letter writers.
Commodore William Compton Bolton USNCommodore William Compton Bolton USN was born as William Bolton Finch, in England.22 He was made a Midshipman on 20 June 1806, Lieutenant from 4 January 1813 and Captain USN from 21 Feb 1831. He served with distinction in the War of 1812, serving on the USS Essex from 1812-1814, and in 1829-30 commanded USS Vincennes in her first around-the-world voyage by a US Navy vessel. In 1833 he legally changed his name to William Compton Bolton on 14 January 1833; his sister Elizabeth also changed her surname from Finch to Bolton at the same time. He died 22 February 1849, age 58. Commodore Bolton died in Genoa, Italy, and was buried in the English Burial Ground in that city while in command of the US Navy Mediterranean and Africa Squadron. His body was later returned to the United States where in 1850 it was reburied in Congressional Cemetery, Washington DC.23 Commodore Bolton, while serving 1836-1838 at Pensacola, became increasingly frustrated with the acute shortage of labor. As an alternative, he advocated to the Secretary of the Navy that the department purchase enslaved workers (27 August 1836) rather than lease.
22 Times Picayune New Orleans, 4 April 1849,1
23 Christopher McKee A Gentlemanly and Honorable Profession the Creation of the U.S. Naval Officer Corps, 1794-1815, (Naval Institute Press Annapolis MD 1991), 240-241. Samuel F. Holbrook Three Score Years an Autobiography (Boston: J. French and Company, 1857), 97-98
Commodore Ichabod Wolcott Chauncey USN was born in Connecticut on 18 January 1784. His older brother was Commodore Isaac Chauncey. Walcott, as he signed his name, was appointed a Midshipman, 28 June 1804 and Lieutenant, 7 June 1810. Throughout his naval career he signed all documents as Walcott Chauncey. In the War of 1812, he served under his brother Isaac Chauncey’s command during the Battle of Lake Erie. His conduct during the Battle of Lake Erie drew considerable criticism from his fellow officers and he remained a problem for his brother, Commodore Isaac Chauncey, throughout the war. Twice Isaac Chauncey ordered Wolcott away from Sackets Harbor (7 December 1813 and 15 June 1814) and twice Wolcott returned. Commodore Chauncey was remembered by Samuel Holbrook who had served under him during the winter of 1814-1815 as a notorious sadist.24 After the war Chauncey was denied promotion to master commandant and aggrieved Chauncey complained to friends in Congress. They in turn asked the Navy Department for an explanation. Finally the Navy Commissioners reported to the Secretary of the Navy that each of them had Wolcott Chauncey under their command and "that each of them has in consequence of his professional incapacity and improper conduct been anxious to have him removed from their ship".25 Despite his poor performance Chauncey was made Master Commandant, 5 March 1817 and Captain, 24 April 1828. Chauncey’s letters especially toward the Pensacola medical staff (27 September 1834, 12 Oct 1834 and 5 November 1834), reflect his truculent and argumentative personality. Chauncey died 14 October 1835 while in command at the Pensacola Navy Yard and is buried within the grounds of the naval station. See the letter of Dr. Isaac Hulse of 18 October 1835.
24 Gary M. Gibson, The U. S. Schooner Lady of the Lake - A Design & Operational History War of 1812 Magazine, Issue 22, May 2014, 16-17 n81
http://www.napoleon-series.org/military/Warof1812/2014/Issue22/02USSchoonerLadyoftheLake.pdf25 Charles J. Werner Dr. Isaac Hulse Surgeon, U.S. Navy 1797-1856: His Life and Work (Charles J. Werner: New York 1922), 16
Commodore Alexander James Dallas USN was born May 15, 1791, in Philadelphia. His father, of the same name, was Secretary of the Treasury under President James Madison. Commodore Dallas died June 3, 1844, while in Callao, Peru. Commodore Dallas was Pensacola Navy Yard Commandant in 1833 and a close friend of Surgeon Isaac Hulse.26
26 Charles J. Werner Dr. Isaac Hulse Surgeon, U.S. Navy 1797-1856: His Life and Work (Charles J. Werner: New York 1922), 16
Isaac Hulse Surgeon USN was born near Coram, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York, on August 31, 1797. He graduated from the University Maryland Medical School where he met and married Amelia Roberts in 1821. Dr. Hulse joined the United States Navy on May 12, 1823. His first assignment was that of Surgeon’s Mate aboard the U.S.S. Congress based in Norfolk, Virginia. His voyages aboard the USS Congress in the following year took him to Gibraltar, Cadiz, Rio de Janeiro, the West Indies and the west coast of Africa. Back in the United States in 1821 Dr. Hulse was assigned to the Naval Hospital at Norfolk, Virginia, where he remained for two years and was promoted to Surgeon. In 1826 Hulse was assigned to Naval Hospital Pensacola, Florida. In August 1827 his wife Amelia died while on the return voyage from Pensacola to New York and was buried at sea. In contrast to his colleagues, Dr. Hulse had requested this most arduous and dangerous assignment. At Barrancas he rented two a story dwelling as a hospital and attempted to bring quality medical care to a hard pressed military community. On 10 January 1833 Hulse married Melania Innerarity, daughter of John Innerarity a wealthy planter and one of the largest slaveholders in the county. Hulse spent considerable time urging the construction of a new hospital (he was particularly keen to move the hospital and his patients from the tempting local grog shops) but because of military construction funding delays the Naval Hospital was not completed until December 1835. His monograph on "Yellow Fever" was published in the Maryland Medical and Surgical Journal, April 1842. In September 1847 Hulse tragically lost his seven year old daughter Mary Victoria to the dread disease. Surgeon Hulse served as commanding officer of the Pensacola hospital three times, spending 19 of his 33-year Navy career in northwest Florida before his death of tuberculosis on 29 August 1856. He is buried at Barrancas National Cemetery located on Naval Air Station Pensacola. Today Surgeon Hulse's Naval Hospital at Pensacola enjoys world renown and his reports provide valuable demographic and medical information for historians.27
27 George F. Pearce, "Torment of Pestilence: Yellow Fever Epidemics in Pensacola." The Florida Historical Quarterly, vol. 56, no. 4, 1978, pp. 448–472.
Commodore William K. Latimer USN was born in Maryland circa 1796 and entered the navy on 15 November 1809 as Midshipman, promoted as Lieutenant, 4 February 1815, and Master Commandant, 2 March 1833. He commanded the Pensacola Navy Yard in 1837 and was promoted to Captain, 17 July 1843. From 1846 to 1847 he again commanded the Pensacola Navy Yard. He entered the Reserved List, 13 September 1855 and was promoted to Commodore on Retired List, 16 July 1862. He died on 15 March 1873 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Commodore Charles Goodwin Ridgeley USN was born 1784 in Baltimore, Maryland, and entered the United States Navy as midshipman 17 October 1799. He served with Edward Preble in the First Barbary War during the Battle of Tripoli. He was made Lieutenant, 2 February 1807, Master Commandant, 24 July 1813, and Captain, 28 February 1815 when he was placed in command of Erie. He was commandant of the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1833 and later commanded the Brazil Station from 1840 to 1842. Commodore Ridgeley died 8 February 1848.
Dr. Solomon Sharp, Surgeon USN. Dr. Sharp was appointed Assistant Surgeon, 15 September 1829 and made Surgeon USN on 20 February 1838. On 12 July 1838 Dr. Sharp wrote Secretary of the Navy Mahlon Dickerson protesting the navy having to provide treatment to enslaved workers. To which Secretary Dickerson replied the current medical policy would remain. Dr. Sharp served in a wide variety of naval shore billets and afloat as fleet surgeon, He retired 16 August 1865. For his services, Dr. Sharp received from Lord Lyons, Secretary of State for Great Britain, an inscribed silver plate recording his medical treatment to two British officers. The plate was forwarded to and signed by President Abraham Lincoln on 23 April 1864. In his later years Dr. Sharp suffered "a mental aberration" and attempted suicide. He died 7 January 1870.
Rear Admiral William Branford Shubrick USN was born in South Carolina on 31 October 1790. His active duty career extended from 1806 to 1861 including service in the War of 1812 and the Mexican–American War. He was placed on the retired list in the early months of the Civil War. He entered the navy in May 1807. During the War of 1812 he led a party of bluejackets in beating off a British attack against Craney Island. He subsequently was awarded the Congressional medal for service in Constitution during her capture of HMS Cyane and Levant. From 1838 to 1840 he served as Commodore of the West India Squadron. He was active in the War with Mexico and in April 1848 he directed the blockade of Guaymas and Mazatlán. Shubrick was promoted to Rear Admiral on the retired list in 1862 and he died in Washington DC on 27 May 1872.
Commodore Lewis Warrington USNCommodore Lewis Warrington USN was born in 3 November 1782. He served in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. He temporarily served as the Secretary of the Navy. In 1825 Warrington served as one of three commissioners on a panel charged with selecting a site on which to establish a new South Atlantic fleet. The panel selected Pensacola, Florida, and Warrington was ordered to Pensacola where he was charged with overseeing the construction of a new navy yard and leading the West India Squadron. Warrington initiated the employment of enslaved workers at Pensacola (27 April 1828). He later commanded the Gosport (Norfolk) Navy Yard where he again advocated enslaved labor and sought to restrict the number of free blacks entering the navy.28 Commodore Warrington established a village adjacent to the new navy yard and gave it his name. The village remained occupied until the 1930s when the property was transitioned for use in naval aviation and the residents were relocated. As time went by residents moved just outside the navy base and established a New Warrington. Today, the diverse community is known simply as Warrington. In 1829 Lewis Warrington was promoted and returned to Norfolk for a decade as commandant of the Norfolk Navy Yard. Warrington died on 12 October 1851 and is buried at Congressional Cemetery.
28 John G. Sharp The Recruitment of African Americans in the U.S. Navy 1839 (Naval History and Heritage Command 2019) accessed 15 May 2019 https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/r/the-recruitment-of-african-americans-in-the-us-navy-1839.html
Commodore Melanchthon Taylor Woolsey USN born in 1782 was an officer in the United States Navy during the War of 1812 and battles on the Great Lakes. He supervised warship construction at Navy Point in Sackets Harbor, New York, and later had a full career in the Navy. After the war Woolsey remained in command of the naval station at Sacketts Harbor. In 1816 he was promoted to captain and married Susan C. Treadwell of Long Island, New York. In 1827 he took command of the navy yard at Pensacola, Florida, and moved his family there. He held the position until 1831. Between 1832 and 1834, Woolsey served as Commodore in command of the Brazilian Station. His last active duty took him to the Chesapeake Bay where he supervised surveys from 1836 until his health began to decline in 1837. Commodore Woolsey died May 18, 1838, at Utica, New York.
Commodore John Rodgers 1772-1838 President of the Board of navy Commissioners 1815-1824 seeJohn G. M. Sharp Torpedo War Commodore John Rodgers, Robert Fulton, and the United States Navy’s Test of the First Torpedoes 24 September to 1 November 1810 Naval History and Heritage Command 2017 https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/t/torpedo-war-rodgers-fulton.html
Commodore John RodgersMahon Dickerson 1770-1853 Secretary of the Navy 1834-1838. As a young man fought in the American Revolution and was governor of New Jersey
Mahon Dickerson, Secretary of the Navy
Transcription This transcription was made from digital images of Captains Letters and documents received by the Secretary of the Navy, NARA M125 "Captains Letters" and Records of the Board of Navy Commissioners, RG45 National Archives and Records. In transcribing all passages from the letters and documents, I have striven to adhere as closely as possible to the original in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and abbreviation, superscripts, etc., including the retention of dashes found in the original. Words and passages that were crossed out in the letters are transcribed either as overstrikes or in notes. When a spelling is so unusual as to be misleading or confusing, the correct spelling immediately follows the misspelled word in square brackets and italicized type or is discussed in a foot note.
Lastly the endnotes and others in brackets are placed to help identify issues, personalities and incidents mentioned. Please remember that many of the historical documents and excerpts cited below were created during the nineteenth century, and reflect the predominant attitudes and language used at the time.
Appreciation: Much of my thoughts about Pensacola Navy Yard were influenced by the following works to which I owe a profound debt.Matthew J. Clavin Aiming for Pensacola Fugitive Slaves on the Atlantic and Southern Frontiers (Harvard University Press: Cambridge 2015),
Ernest F. Dibble, Antebellum Pensacola and the Military Presence, (Pensacola Series Commemorating the American Revolution Bicentennial 3, Pensacola, FL: Pensacola/Escambia Development Commission, 1974)
Thomas Hulse, "Military Slave Rentals, the Construction of Army Fortifications, and the Navy Yard in Pensacola, Florida, 1824–1863," Florida Historical Quarterly, 88 (Spring 2010), 497–539.
Mark A. Smith "Engineering Slavery: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Slavery at Key West Florida" Historical Quarterly, 88 (Spring 2008), 497–539.
Dedication: To the memory of John Francis Kelsey HMCM USN, Semper fi!
John G.M. Sharp 14 May 2019
* * * * * * * * * *
Note: In his letter Commodore Lewis Warrington writes "neither laborers nor mechanics are to be obtained here." Warrington was able to get skilled white journeymen from Norfolk, but received permission to hire slaves. Warrington, of a prominent slaveholding family, had written the year previously to the Secretary of the Navy for permission to take his slaves aboard, "I have taken out with me a servant of my own, for which I had not time to report before, and shall have another sent out to me by the first vessel which sails provided they have no objection. They are in the habit of attending on me always and for that reason I wish to have them now.29 They are in the habit of attending on me. Pensacola Navy Yard was not the first to use enslaved labor: the Washington Navy Yard established 1799 and soon after the Gosport Navy Yard in Virginia employed enslaved labor extensively The slaves employed at Pensacola Navy Yard were primarily engaged in building construction and other related task like making bricks. The rate of pay for enslaved labor was 50 cents per day; all payments were made to the slaveholders monthly. Pensacola payrolls reveal the navy rented slaves from prominent members of Pensacola society and such rental actions by the federal governments directly helped expand enslaved labor in Florida as local owners could look forward to a regular and steady income. Slavery would continue on at the Pensacola Navy Yard until the Civil War.
29 Warrington to the Secretary of the Navy Samuel Southard 10 January 1825 NARA M125 "Captains Letters" 1 Jan 1825 to 18 Feb 1825, letter number 25
U.S. Ship Constellation
Pensacola April 27th 1826Sir, I have the pleasure to announce my arrival at this place for the commencement of the business entrusted to me by the Board; by its letter of 19th January. Cabbage tree logs cannot be procured at this place, or nearer than Tampa a distance [blank] mile. The quantity is great and the trees very large, some sixty feet high. I have no knowledge as yet of the means of procuring them. Stone of a good kind for building is to be found about 12 or 14 miles from Pensacola on a creek falling into the Escambia and convenient to water for transportation. It is of two kinds, sand and iron stone, and is well adapted to our purposes. Good pine timber is abundant and cheap, Clay is to be found in abundance and of superior kind, resembling in consistency soap stone, and veined in some instances like Castile soap, in others it is white or red. It cannot, in my opinion, be found better and in convenient situations for working.
Neither labourers nor mechanics are to be obtained here. They all must come from a distance; and if they could be engaged to come out, prepared to quarry stone and to make bricks, in addition to the erection of buildings, we should then have it in our power to go without much difficulty. A gentleman at Tallahassee (the capital of Florida) has 70 or 80 Negros, which he wishes to hire out and would prefer to hire them to the government.
When the works are commenced I would recommend the employment of black laborers in preference to white, as they suit this climate better, are less liable to change, more easily controlled, more temperate, and will actually do more work. It is my intention to visit Mobile to see if workmen can there be engaged, and so if lumber and on what terms can be procured. I am with great respect your obedient Servt L. Warrington
To: The President of the Board of Commissioners of the Navy* * * * * * * * * *
Note: This early letter from Commodore Lewis Warrington to the Secretary of the Navy carefully points out the limitations of Pensacola Bay and future naval station as a port for large ships and accurately predicts its limitations (see his letter of 8 September 1826). While in command at Pensacola Warrington lived aboard the USS Constellation as no adequate housing existed at the Navy Yard.
U.S. Ship Constellation
Pensacola April 27th 1826Sir, Since the arrival of the Constellation at this place I have as may be expected, reflected very frequently on the responsibility of this port to large ship; the many accidents to which they are liable in the course of their cruises, in a sea so greatly affected by currents and now take the liberty of suggesting that the frigate belonging to this station should be of the easiest draught of water. It frequently happens that for a week together (with the wind off the shore) the water is too low to admit more than nineteen feet and should this ship at such a time be off the bar, let her necessities be ever so great she would be compelled to remain out until a change of wind produced a fall tide and then if the sea ran high be passage over would be attended with imminent hazard. If therefore (as it is necessary to keep a frigate here) the Macedonian could be substituted for this ship, I am convinced the change would be extended with good results, and this ship being already equipped, maybe on any emergency sent on any service requiring the presence of a ship of her class. If on proposing the above change, I shall not have the pleasure of meeting your concurrence therein, I trust you do me the justice to believe, that it is the conviction of its propriety, and a wish to execute the Duty confided to me, in the most efficient and most complete manner, have along induced me to mention the subject and lay it by you. I am with great respect your obedient Servt L. Warrington
To: The Honorable Secretary of the Navy Washington
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US Ship Constellation Pensacola Bay
May 18th 1826Sir, I have just given to Doctor Hulse permission to return for the recovery of his health – His situation makes it necessary for him to leave this climate during the hot season. The Hornet sails tomorrow, for the coast of Cuba to relieve the Grampus, which has been cruising between Matanzas and Ninvitus, since her arrival on the station. In April arrived information of a suspicious vessel being in the Bahama Straits, which had increased largely the number of her crew, after leaving Havana, and was supposed to have done it with the intention of committing piracy – I dispatched further intelligence to Lieut. Cassin, who had previously heard the report – He encountered and examined her strictly at Neuvitas, without finding anything wrong, or even doubtful, unless her equipment with arms, be so considered –
The Governor of the town, and the Commander of the fort, assured him she was a Spanish vessel, legally employed and enroller, and that she was then on her way to Havana, with soldiers. This the only occurrence of the kind which I have hears of since my arrival – The Schooner Fox I intend to send north as soon as she returned from Baratari, if her condition will permit it – I am with great respect Your obedient Servant L. WarringtonTo: Honorable Secretary of the Navy Washington -
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WHARF TO BE BUILT AT PENSACOLA
A SUITABLE Person is wanted by the Navy Commissioners to superintend the building of Wharf of wood and stone, at Pensacola – also a Master Mason. It will be necessary for the superintendent to take six laborers, and the mason six or eight hands. The work, which is to be commenced on the 1st of Oct., next will probably occupy twelve months. Proposals will be received by the subscriber, at his office, No. 32 South Market –street.
RICHARD D. HARRIS Navy Agent
June 27
Source: Boston Patriot and Daily Chronicle 29 June 1826, 3* * * * * * * * * *
Note: Lt. Thomas S. Cunningham USN entered the navy in 1809 and was promoted to Lieutenant, on 9 December 1814. Following Commodore Warrington’s departure to become President of the Board of Navy Commissioners, Cunningham was temporarily in command until the arrival of Commodore Woolsey. In this and the following letter Cunningham attempts to explain the circumstances surrounding the confinement, negligence of the guards, escape and desertion of Seaman Uriah Coddington and Marine John Adams. Cunningham resigned his commission on 21 April 1827.
U. S. Navy Yard
Pensacola Sept. 7th 1826Sir,
On joining this command Uriah Coddington Seaman was in confinement for frequent Desertion Lt. Commdt. A.S. Campbell desired me to report the circumstances to you and to request that he may be brought to trial The Constellation crossed the Bar of this Port on the 23rd inst. with everything on board having 14 to 16 inches to spare, and was seen at sunset in the S. Eastern board under press of sail –
I have the pleasure to state that the officers and crew of this command are in good health with trifling exceptions and I have the Honor to be Sir Your Obedient Servant - Th. L. Cunningham
To Honorable Saml L Southard Secretary of the Navy Washington* * * * * * * * * *
Note: Commodore Lewis Warrington’s letter further details the difficulty a large frigate such as the Constellation encountered when attempting to cross the bar at Pensacola. In 1825, Constellation was chosen as flagship for Commodore Lewis Warrington and began duty with the West India Squadron to eradicate waning piracy operations in the Caribbean. During an outbreak of yellow fever at Key West, Florida, Warrington moved the squadron's home port to Pensacola, Florida, where a permanent base was established. Other ships operating with Constellation during this period in the West Indies were John Adams, Hornet, Spark, Grampus, Shark, Fox and Decoy. As noted in his letter, Warrington returned to the United States with Constellation later in in 1826. Lt. Joseph Cassin Jr. died (probably of yellow fever) on 30 November 1826 while serving on the Grampus and was buried at sea. Image of design plan for Schooner USS Grampus by Charles Cassell, 1820.
United States Navy Ship Constellation off Pensacola bar
September 8th 1826Sir Since my last letter of the 31st inst., the Ship has been waiting within the Bar for a favorable time to cross it; there has been a sufficiency of water but too much sea; owing to the Easterly winds that have prevailed for the above time. As the Grampus returned from her cruise in the Gulf without learning of any pirate aggressions in that quarter, and after communicating with all our agents at various ports, I shall not send (as I intended) the Hornet thither, but shall return in her, after touching at Cuba about the 14th of October. Piracy is unheard of - I shall order Lieutenant Latimer of this ship to command the Grampus during the indisposition of Lieutenant Cassin, (who is compelled by disease to remain a shore for a time) or until your pleasure is known. He is fully competent to the duty and I take this occasion to record my opinion of his ability and industry -30 I am very respectfully your obedient servant - L. Warrington
To: Honorable Secretary of the Navy Washington
30 Lt. Joseph Cassin Jr USN born 1794 son of Commodore John Cassin (1760-1820) made midshipman 16 January 1809, promoted to Lieutenant 24 July 1813. Lt. Cassin died 30 November 1826 while on board the USS Grampus and was buried at sea.
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United States Frigate Constellation Pensacola
September 24th, 1826Sir, I have the honor to inform you that I have just crossed the Bar before this Bay without accident - My command are all well – I shall make sail immediately for Cuba - I have the honor to be, very respectfully Sir your obedient Servant M.T. Woolsey
To: the Honorable Samuel L. Southard Secretary of the Navy Washington* * * * * * * * * *
U.S. Navy Yard
Pensacola Bay 9th Nov 1826Sir,
I have the honor to report that the two prisoners Uriah Coddington Seaman & John Adams Marine Deserted in the night of the 14th ultimo both of which had been reported as confined on my taking this command - The circumstances tending to their desertion, appears from the investigation and acknowledgment of the guard to have been neglect – The sentinel John Brody was found sleeping on his post by his relief, James Watson who did not discover the absence of the Deserter he says until two hours after, when he made report of the fact. I immediately dispatched the Guard as well as seamen & in various directions to overtake and apprehend them. Civil officers and Villagers were also engaged in the pursuit, but they evaded the vigilance of all, and have not been heard of since. Brody & Watson were consequently confined, and I propose keeping them so until advised on the subject by yourself or some superior officer. I have the Honor to be Sir Your Obedient Servant - Th. L. Cunningham
To Honorable Saml L Southard Secretary of the Navy Washington* * * * * * * * * *
US Schooner Grampus
Dec 1st 1826Sir, I have the honor to report to you the arrival of the US Schooner Grampus under my command – In the performance of your order of the 29th of October I proceeded to Pensacola for the purpose of getting a new Main Mast, which as you contemplated was not prepared for me nor could it be within the time specified in your order for my return, consequently I was obligated to return with the old Mast, presuming it is sufficient to perform the service for which it is destined –
The painful duty devolved on me of announcing to you the death of Lieutenant Joseph Cassin, who died on board this vessel at Sea on the morning of the 30th Nov. The body was interred with military honours at 4 a clock on the same morning – For some hours previous to his death he was unable to articulate, and made no arrangement for the disposition of articles he left on board and I will thank you to inform me what manner I shall dispose of them - I am very Respectfully Sir your obedient Servt. W. K. LatimerTo: Captain M T. Woolsey Commanding U.S. Frigate Constellation and Senior Officer in the West Indies
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Pensacola Navy Yard
March 8th 1827Sir, I have the honor to enclose herewith addressed to you by Lieutenant Bougham, who I believe has applied for orders to this Naval Station -31 He is at present absent on a cruise in the Grampus, but I believe is on his return here to enter into a Matrimonial connection which together with his having sailed a long while under my command is motive for making the application - Mr. Bougham for his long & Meritorious service in the West India Squadron and his uniformly good conduct perhaps entities him to some indulgence – at all wants the arrangement would be highly gratifying to me –
Lieutenant C.E. Crawley has reported himself for duty and has applied to me – for a servant and other allowances; for all which I have referred him to the Department – He is now ordered on a survey and during its continuance will I conceive be entitled to room money, but except by order from the Department to no more – He is anxious to be actively employed - I have the honor to be respectfully Sir Your Obedient Servant Mel WoolseyTo Honorable Samuel Southard Secretary of the Navy
31 J. G. Boughan, Midshipman, 11 January, 1815. Lieutenant, 13 January, 1825, he died 6 November, 1832.
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Note: Labor problems were endemic in early Pensacola, wages and hours were the chief grievance. One that riled white workers from Gosport Navy Yard and which led to the first work stoppage was learning that Samuel Keep, Superintendent of the Public Buildings, was receiving $2.50 per day from the Navy for each skilled worker under his supervision –while they, the laborers only $2.10 with Samuel Keep pocketing .40 cents per man. The workers were well aware of the going labor rate at Mobile, Alabama, was $2.50 per day. In addition they were angered about mustering at sunrise - Housing as can be seen in this letter, was in short supply with just a few houses for officers and enlisted personnel typically sleeping on a vessel or in town. Captain Lewis Warrington and Captain M.T. Woolsey the first and second commandants both looked to the Army Corps of Engineers for labor practices in the employment of slaves. Captain Woolsey in this and other letters urged the Board of Navy Commissioners to officially adopt slave labor as the quickest and most economical way to get Pensacola built. By 27 July 1828 Woolsey reported, "the laborers are all slaves…" Woolsey also thought Lt. Cunningham (his predecessor) too lax with the enslaved workers providing them essentially the same rations as naval enlisted personnel and consequently renegotiated the contract.32 While we have no account by the workers, this was more a work stoppage as opposed to strike. From the available information this temporary cessation of work was initiated by the mechanics and laborers to protest morning muster and agent Samuel Keep allegedly pocketing their pay. Commodore Woolsey’s promise of a half hour relief from the scheduled morning muster apparently mollified the majority of workers who quickly returned to work and Samuel Keep discharged. 28 June 1827
32 Ernest F Dibble, Antebellum Pensacola and the Military Presence, (Pensacola Series Commemorating the American Revolution Bicentennial 3, Pensacola, FL: Pensacola/Escambia Development Commission, 1974), 13 and 61
Pensacola
March 16th 1827Sir,
The Masons, wharf builders & some of the Joiners left off work on the morning of the 14th instant on account of their wages & being obligated to Muster at Sun-rise – as to the latter objection I have told them that they must always expect to be mustered at Sun-rise unless it should be found expedient to adapt a regulation during the winter months to muster at half an hour after Sun-rise in order that may take their breakfasts – this, Mr. Brodie informed is the regulation in the Navy Yard at Gosport-
The Masons employed by Mr. Keep, have this morning returned to their work, except three men who appeared to be instigators of defection and who I have ordered to be discharged – The Joiners have also returned to work, except three men who appeared to the instigators and who I ordered to discharged – The Joiners have also returned to their labour under a promise that I would lay their case before the Commissioners of the Navy, and if they should see fit to grant an augmentation of their wages arguably to their merits, making $2.50/00 the maximum that arrangement should take place from this date. Lieut[enant] Ogden of the Corps of Engineers and Superintendent of the works erecting at Mobile Point has lately been here and informed me that good mechanics cannot be hired there for less than $2.50/00, but that the majority of his brick-layers are Negro laborers who learned to lay brick, neatly and expeditiously under his direction – As soon as laborers can be procured I intend setting as many of them as can be employed to advantage to work with Mr. Keep’s men – I think Mr. Keep would be more profitably employed at the buildings exclusively, if the Commissioners should see fit so to employ him- Mr. Brodie would superintend the wharf and work progress more rapidly than at present -
The following is Mr. Keep’s Report of the progress made in the works up to and including last Saturday (10th). The window frames in the parlor story set and the walls in the same story staging high – 150, 000 bricks laid in the Commandants House, 3,763 running feet of wharf timber hewed, Bell – post erected and bell hung – He accounts for the backwardness of his work, by his men having been employed Building Boat Sheds, leveling ground, digging cellar & as per statement of which the enclosed is a copy –
The work generally in the Yard cannot progress as I should wish (keeping the Mechanics at their proper employment without more Labourers – I have therefore advertised for Forty more and three pairs of oxen – Labourers cannot be hired for less than seventeen Dollars without and fifteen with medical aid – I shall engage them at the latter price and have to request of the Board what allowance to make to the Surgeon (Doctor Hulse) for his extra services out of this saving of two dollars per month per man- It is to be regretted that Mr. Keep has anything more to do than superintend the work, and that it is not optional with the commanding officer here when and whom to discharge or hire-
I cannot but think there has been much mismanagement here for several months past, and very little effected for the number of hands employed, partially under the administration of Mr. Cunningham- I enclose herewith the copy of a letter from the Joiner of the Yard (Mr. Middleton) requesting permission to take three apprentices – I have consented to his taking two at his own expense - if the principle shall not be admitted by the Commissioners of the Navy - The Master Blacksmith requested the same indulgence – May I ask the favor of you instructions on this subject? A quantity of Cannonades, grape-shot and beds for Cannonade carriages have been received agreeably to the Commissioners order of the 11th January - The beds at badly cast and very rough & irregular on the lower wood side – The grape shot are so irregular in their shape as to be totally useless –
Whatever General rules may be established by the Commissioners of the Navy for Navy Yard, I beg a copy of them may be forwarded to this station-
M. T. Woolsey
To the Commissioners of the Navy Washington* * * * * * * * * *
Note: Commodore Woolsey here expresses to the BNC his frustration with recruitment of skilled workers and requested that "all future contracts with workmen of all descriptions sent to this Yard from the Northward they should be bound to work for some specified time after their arrival, and that in order to guarantee a faithful performance of the Contract on their part…" Master mechanics signed indentures or contracts with their apprentices. The apprentice was considered an employee of the navy yard but was bound legally to the master mechanic. Typically these contracts obligated both parties and required apprentices to pay some fees and certain related expenses in return for on the job training, and related knowledge and skills.
Pensacola
May 25th 1827Sir,
Your several letters of the 8th 27th and 28th ultimo and 1st & 3rd instant I have had the honor to receive – There never have been sent to this Navy Yard Tables of Allowances, as soon as there shall be, I will make the additions as directed in your letter of the 8th ulto and 1st –
In your letter of the 27th ultimo I am directed to place the Blacksmith Shop and Mast House upon a Stone foundation, but have no directions as to their local situations, called for in a letter I had the honour to address to your Board on the 8th March last – The return required by your letter of the 28th ulto will hereafter be duly transmitted - I have this day made requisition on the Navy agent for the Book enumerated in your letter of the 3rd instant – In answer to an application of Mr. Brodie for apprentices I have taken the liberty of referring him to your Board and enclosed his letter on that subject –
Eleven Joiners from Norfolk have arrived at the Yard – I would humbly suggest that in all future contracts with workmen of all descriptions sent to this Yard from the Northward they should be bound to work for some specified time after their arrival, and that in order to guarantee a faithful performance of the Contract on their part, a certain amount, say one month’s pay, should be withheld until final settlement, or until they shall have worked a certain period –
By the arrival of the Brig Henrico, I have received a quantity of Refuse, lumber, Lime and Cordage – the latter was much wanted, the lime is I am informed of a good quality – In all the Bills of Lading from Boston Shrinkage, is allowed, as that is not the case with vessels from any other Port, I presume, it is done without the advice or concurrence, of the Navy Board, at all events I deem it my duty to advice you of the fact – The Grampus is now at the Yard undergoing repairs – I feel she will require entire new copper –A quantity of oakum over and above what was asked for in my letter of the 13th ulto is required for the repairs of vessels
I have the Honor to be very respectfully your obt. Servt. M.T.Woolsey
William Bainbridge Esquire
President of the Navy Board - Washington* * * * * * * * * *
Note: In May 1827 U.S. Marine Private John Wilkinson murdered Private John Grey while both were on liberty in Pensacola after a night of heavy drinking. Both marines were assigned to the USS Constellation.33 Cantonment Clinch was a U.S. Army fort in Pensacola, Florida built about 1822 and active through the early 1830s. The Cantonment was established to house United States troops during a yellow fever epidemic in Pensacola and at Fort Barrancas.34 Private Wilkinson was turned over to the civil authorities for trial. As historian James M. Denham writes in Crime and Punishment in Antebellum Florida 1821-1861 about a separate 1827 murder case, some military commanders were more than willing to turn troublesome subordinates such as Wilkinson over to the civil court.35
33 Alexandria Gazette Alexandria Virginia 21 July 1827, 3
34 Jane E. Dysart, "Another Road to Disappearance: Assimilation of Creek Indians in Pensacola, Florida, during the Nineteenth Century", The Florida Historical Quarterly, Vol. 61, No. 1 (July 1982), pp. 37-48, Published by: Florida Historical Society, Article Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/30146156, accessed 2 January 201935 James M. Denham Crime and Punishment in Antebellum Florida 1821-1861 (University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa 1997), 40
U.S. Ship Constellation Pensacola
June 1st 1827Sir, It is with regret I have the honor to inform you that a murder was committed by Grey Private Marine on the body of Wilkinson also private Marine and both attached to the Constellation the circumstances attending the affair as far as I can learn are the these Those two marines had liberty on shore for four & twenty hours and had visited the Cantonment (Clinch) near this place and on their return on the morning of the 28th ult., both intoxicated. Grey knocked out the brains of Wilkinson with a club and returned to camp & that on being asked where Wilkinson was, he replied he had murdered him & shewed where he left the body lying, a coroner inquest have brought in a verdict of willful murder & I have returned him over to the civil authority, but not having any prison in which he can be safely left in confinement for the present on board the Constellation, I take leave under cover five letters for Lt. Morris I have the honor to be your obedient servant Chas G. Ridgeley
To: the Honorable Secretary of the Navy
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U.S. Ship Constellation, Pensacola
June 26 1827Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 6th instance received a day before yesterday the 24th. The Constellation dropped down yesterday & is only waiting for the Purser to close the transfer accounts, when she will sail direct for Norfolk, I have the honor to enclose copies of the instructions to Captain Wilkinson marked A and a copy of the Naval Constructor letters to me marked B which shows that the Gun Carriages of the John Adams are more serviceable than those of the Constellation, & I have not a doubt will answer til her return to the U. States which I presume will be in the fall (There has only one death occurred on board the John Adams, since her return to Port and although five or six of her crew are daily added to the sick list, there are no dangerous cases, those that arrive in her sick are all convalescing & I have strong reasons to indulge the hope there will be few if any more fatal cases Her Hold is broke out & everything that can be done to purify shall be done. I have necessarily made a great many changes in the officers, and when all shall be completed I will communicate the facts to you I have the honor to be your obedient servant Chas G. Ridgeley
To: the Honorable Secretary of the Navy* * * * * * * * * *
Note: This 1827 letter from Commodore Woolsey to the Secretary of the Navy, Samuel G. Southland, describes his distress with the brick masons leaving off their work for higher wages, they have on more than one occasion previously manipulated a discontented disposition and the problem with completing the wharf with skilled ship carpenters. The walkout began on 14 March 1827 over wages and dusk to dusk working hours. A promise of a half hour relief during the winter months satisfied the workers who returned to work in a couple of days. Woolsey also conveys his anxiety about relocating his wife and young children from Sacketts Harbor, New York, to Pensacola. Early Pensacola was widely associated in the public mind with malignant fever or yellow fever especially during the hot and humid summer months. Yellow fever also known as Yellow Jack (on account of the color of the quarantine flag hoisted from infected vessels), was seen as a contagious disease aggravated by miasmatic influences that were common in the so-called sickly season (May-September). Before the advent of germ theory, the exact cause was something of a mystery. The medical profession generally ascribed the disease to bad air, but popular fears accepted many wild theories including watermelons, see the letter of Lieutenant John White dated August 27, 1834. Today, we know yellow fever as an acute febrile viral disease transmitted in humans by the female Aedes mosquito. Fear of disease made naval and marine officers and civilian officials reluctant to relocate their families to the new navy yard. The Navy was particularly hit hard. In 1825, ironically Secretary of the Navy Samuel Southard had actually moved the naval station from Key West to Pensacola for reasons of health and efficiency. For the next eighty years Pensacola was anything but healthy.36
36 The Grog Ration Vol. 5, No.3 May – June 2010 Bureau of Surgery, Department of the Navy The Yellow Jack Chronicles in Pensacola Florida, 14-15
New York
July 10th 1827I have the honor to inform you that I arrived here on the 7th in twenty one days from Pensacola via New Orleans and Philadelphia When I left Pensacola the masons had nearly all left off work with a view of having their wages raised – now as they have on more than one occasion previously manipulated a discontented disposition I would not gratify them & immediately sent to Mobile & New Orleans to hire others in their stead -37 The new gang I presume are now at work of which they have more laid out for them then they can execute before I can possibly return to the Station- The wharf must necessarily remain as it is unless the Ship carpenters requested by Mr. Brodie can be sent to Pensacola – I left with Capt. McCall a memorandum of work to be done which with the present force cannot – be executed before October or November – I find the heaviest job to be grading the ground in the Yard - I shall leave this town on the 12th for Lake Ontario from whence I will do myself the honor to inform the Department where orders are now The arrangements necessary in order to make the removal of my family will occupy more time than I first anticipated - I express to you Sir that the work at Pensacola is in such a strain that no delay or inconvenience can result from my remaining here (if Sir you indulge me with permission) until after the Autumnal equinox -until then I should apprehend from so sudden a change in climate from a temperate to a tropical climate – My wife has never been South of this City & my children are all home at Sackets Harbor – On my return to this place I should be pleased with orders to repair to Washington for future instructions for my guidance both from the Department - and the Board of Commissioners of the Navy – I have the Honor to be Very Respectfully Sir Your Obedient Servant Mel Woolsey
To: the Honorable Secretary of the Navy Washington37 The first labor dispute at Pensacola Navy Yard occurred on 14 March 1827. Wages and hours were the chief grievance, see Ernest Dibble, Antebellum Pensacola and the Military Presence, (Pensacola Series Commemorating the American Revolution Bicentennial 3, Pensacola, FL: Pensacola/Escambia Development Commission, 1974) 13.
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Note: Samuel R. Overton of Tennessee was a friend President Andrew Jackson and of one of the first United States Commissioners on Land Claims in Florida. He later became the first Register of the Tallahassee land office. Overton was born in Virginia and entered on duty as a Navy Agent 26 May 1826. Overton died 3 November 1827 in Pensacola. A Navy Agent was typically a political appointment and a lucrative post, for agents such as Overton received up to 2% on all public contracts.
Laborers Wanted
There are required at the Navy Yard immediately, 40 able bodied young men of steady, industrious habits, to be employed as Carpenters Laborers. If on trial they are found to be of the above description; they will meet with constant employment and receive a liberal compensation, proportioned to their qualifications; to be decided by the master workman by whom they are directed. They will be allowed an agreed price per day, they finding themselves food, clothing &c and subject to deduction for all lost time, from whatever cause it may proceed. White men would be preferred to Blacks.
Sam’l. R. Overton Navy Agent38
Pensacola, 12th July 1827
Pensacola Gazette 13 July 1827, 338 Samuel R. Overton of Tennessee was a friend President Andrew Jackson and of one of the first United States Commissioners on Land Claims in Florida. He later became the first Register of the Tallahassee land office. Overton was born in Virginia and entered on duty as a Navy Agent 26 May 1826. Overton died 3 November 1827 in Pensacola.
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Pensacola
September 2, 1827Sir, I have the honor to inform you the John Adams arrived in Port last evening, the fever has appeared on her, but no deaths has ensued; and only four have been sent to the hospital, none of her old crew has been attacked, it is the confined only to those transferred from the Constellation, I would order her immediately to some northern port, but her sails are much worn and it being necessary to unhang her rudder for examination and repair & she could not be dispatched in less than ten days which would bring her immediacy into contact with the Equinox which in her situation would not be at all desirable unless some unforeseen circumstances should arise, I will send her to Norfolk after the equatorial blow is over, the Yellow fever is now in this place, I retired in the country about seven miles this afternoon the Navy Agent & U.S. Marshall have died and great number are sick, the average so far is only one a day a day but this is just the commencement of it. I have the honor to be Sir, your obedient Servant.
Chas G. Ridgeley* * * * * * * * * *
Note: Samuel Hambleton, Purser USN, was the purser at Pensacola Navy Yard during the years 1826-1829. Purser Hambleton was born in Virginia 29 March 1777 and appointed Purser USN 25 April, 1812; he died in St. Michaels Talbot County, Maryland, on 18 January 1851. Hambleton’s claim for office rent and clerk hire was finally approved by the United States Congress on 23 January 1843 for a total of $970.81. In this letter Hambleton laments the problem of finding and retaining free labor in a slave state.
Pensacola Navy Yard
31th Dec 1827Sir, I have the honour to enclose herewith a letter from Mr. Hambleton in relation to a Steward at this Navy Yard - what he states is I know substantially true, as no competent person in consequence of the dearness of living, indifferent quarters at present, and many privations can be found to serve in that capacity - for the established pay. I cannot consistently with my duty comply with his request, but have promised him to refer the same to the Department –
I have also to ask Sir, if within the estimates for the ensuing year, I can be allowed a Clerk at the same pay as at other Navy Yards – to wit $ 750 – That amount is low considering the dearness of living in this country being for board $ 30 a month – By the appropriation of this year no clerk has been allowed me though I have been under the necessity of retaining Mr. Hubbell who was with me in that capacity on board the Constellation –
The duty if performed by one Clerk is very arduous requiring his constant undivided attention – Mr. Hubell has remained in the hope that his pay would be increased to its maximum from the commencement of the ensuing year – I cannot expect to retain him at the present pay nor shall I be able to procure one - I have the Honor to be Very Respectfully Sir Your Obedient Servant
Mel Woolsey
To: Honorable Samuel S. Southhard Secretary of the Navy
Enclosure:Pensacola
Dec 31, 1827Sir, I find it impossible to keep a suitable person in the navy yard as Steward for the established pay (18 Dollars per month and one ration per day), which is only one Dollar more than the wages of a Negro laborer. I have at this time a valuable Steward, lately employed at twelve dollars & fifty cents per month additional pay, which I supposed might be allowed for quarters - As his whole time is necessarily engaged in duty in which I have no private interest whatever; it cannot be expected that I can be chargeable with any part of that sum – If this allowance cannot be made in some way or other, Mr. Murell must be discharged & some other person engaged – but I despair of obtaining any one at the legal price for whose conduct - I am willing to responsible - Very respectfully Yr. Obt. Servt.
S. Hambleton
To: Captain Woolsey Commandant Navy Yard
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Note: As Commodore Woolsey’s letter to the Navy Commissioners makes clear, by 1828 the use of enslaved labor at Pensacola Navy Yard had become the new norm. In this letter Captain Woolsey requests BNC permission to adopt the slave hiring practices of the Army Corps of Engineers, systematize contracting for slaves and exclude all enslaved workers from the navy grog ration: "In future I will cause it to be understood that to Slaves grog is no part of a Navy ration." Image p1 and Image p2 of letter. Woolsey's concern for a quick Board decision is based on his knowledge that local slaveholders typically leased their enslaved workers out at the beginning of each New Year.
Pensacola
January 25th 1828Gentlemen,
The price of prime hands as Slave laborers in the Navy Yard under my command is now and has been $17.00 per month together with a Navy Ration and Quarters in the Yard - I have good reason to believe that they can be obtained on better terms such as are proposed in the estimate enclosed herewith.
I have inquired of Lieutenant Ogden of the at Mobile Point – the price given there, who informs me it is $12 per month besides shoes, clothes medicine & medical attendance & quarters He also in the event of a Negro dying or deserting at any time after having been received at the work, pays to the owner of such slave the full amount of his yearly pay; besides there is no deduction for lost time. I gave but the probable loss to the Government by death or desertion in the estimate of which I think within hours at $ 2. per month – The clothes I have estimated for this yard and the same with subsistence – The only check which would affect against men hired or the terms I purpose would be for time willfully lost when in health -
In future I will cause it to be understood that to Slaves grog is no part of a Navy ration – they never have been accustomed to drink it in any of their Masters employ and I think I can discern that amongst that class of men it - has a demoralizing effect- The wages given by the Stone Contractors at the Quarry is $15 per month besides food and no stoppages for lost time which terms are preferable to what is at present allowed at the Navy Yard
By the preferred mode of hiring slave labour I am confident - there would a considerable savings to the Government and if the Board should approve of it I will immediately make the experiment - not at the risk of losing the services of those already employed -
I have the honor to be very respectfully Your Obt Servt
M.T. Woolsey
To the Commissioners of the Navy Washington* * * * * * * * * *
Pensacola
February 11th 1828Gentlemen,
In answer to your letter of the 23rd which I had the honor to receive yesterday – I can only state that by a reference to Mr. Hambleton’s books I found that Mr. Samuel Keep was discharged and paid up to the 28th June 1827.
I wish to be informed what officers are to accept the several houses now building at the Navy Yard House No.2 is nearly to receive its roof which will take nearly all the slate on hand – I have the honor to be very respectfully Your Obt Servt.M.T. Woolsey
To the Commissioners of the Navy Washington
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Note: In this letter Commandant M.T. Woolsey once again describes to the BNC efforts to reduce the overall cost of Pensacola enslaved labor. He also refers to laying out the streets of what would become the villages of Warrington and Woolsey. He also comments on his desire to allow workers to lease and build on navy yard land but occupancy is to be contingent on their good behavior. This letter was marked received in the BNC office on 6 April 1828. All Pensacola contracts and important decisions were subject to BNC approval thus time and distance hindered Woolsey’s ability to react quickly in contract negotiations.
U S Navy Yard Pensacola
24th March 1828Gentlemen
I have the honor to receive your letters of the 15th & 25th ultimo & of the 3rd inst[ant]- The Contractor for furnishing fresh beef & vegetables has on hand a quantity of potatoes to fulfill in part his contract & which are of a perishable nature - I shall therefore as these have been procured on the faith of his contract & as no loss can arise from the arrangement, continue to allow to the Slaves on fresh beef days, their beef & vegetable until his stock shall be exhausted when they will be confined to the rations you prescribe – I would take the liberty to suggest the expediency of allowing to the Slaves the beef & vegetables as heretofore & their pork on other days and in lieu of bread the meal for the whole week – this would be cheaper and they perhaps prefer it – I am afraid I shall find some difficulty in contracting for corn meal - I cannot get an [illegible - coffee?] for the next nine months for a $1.25 per bushel –
I have laid off two streets into Lots one for each side of the Yard, three hundred feet distance from the Yard line & from the water - Before they shall be built upon perhaps it would be well for the Commissioners of the Navy to make known the conditions – Should any determine to build I shall bind them to keep orderly houses and on a failure to forfeit their privilege - Few will build houses of any value as Tenant at will but if the lease should be granted for a term of years, I think among other conditions, I could bind them to build houses of a respectable size & which at the expiration of the lease would revert to the Government – this in time would not only afford a handsome revenue to this Station but completely control the Inhabitants and secure a useful & respectable population in the vicinity of the Yard –
I have the honor to enclose herewith a diagram of a tract of land owned by Fernando & Francisco Moreno, lying altogether within the limits of the Navy Yard as per the plot sent from your office – I also enclose copies of their Title papers as granted by the Spanish Government & settled by the Land Commissioners now on record in the offices of the Keeper of the public Archives in this City, whose certificate is also enclosed – The west boundary I believe to be marked out by Commodore Warrington, who I presume was ignorant of the claim of the above persons as I was myself until a few days since when one of the Proprietors presented a claim for timer cut on his land lying altogether with what I supposed to be the bounds of the Yard – Their grant embraces eight hundred arpens for which they ask $ 3000;39 The price considering the nature of the soil is high, but it is situation renders it valuable and I should advise the purchase of it –
In answer to your letter of the 3rd instant I have to observe that all the plans were left in the Yard when I went to the North last year for my family - the one alluded to cannot now be found - will the Commissioners be good enough to furnish me a copy of It?
I have the honor to be very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. M. T. Woolsey
To the Hon the Commissioners of the Navy - Washington39 A French unit of land measurement, especially one used in parts of Canada and the southern United States and equal to about 0.4 hectare (0.85 acre)
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Note: In the pre-1815 U.S. Navy, desertion was a serious offence and accounted for nearly three quarters of all court martial convictions.40
40 For more information on naval desertion, see: Christopher McKee A Gentlemanly and Honorable Profession the Creation of the U.S. Naval Officer Corps, 1794-1815, (Naval Institute Press Annapolis, MD 1991), 495.
TWENTY DOLLARS REWARDDESERTED from the U S Navy Yard; Tartar Point on the night of the 23rd inst.
THOMAS ELISON, 42 years of age, 5 feet 8’ or 9’ inches high, sandy hair, blue eyes, sallow complexion, rather stout made, and a foreigner, either English or Irish.
THOMAS KING, 24 years old, 5 feet 8 inches or 9 inches high, auburn hair, blue eyes, fair, and ruddy complexion, full face and stout built.
Ten dollars reward will be paid for the apprehension of each of the above mentioned deserters, upon delivery to the Commandant of the Navy Yard.
Source: April 27th, 1827, 4* * * * * * * * * *
U.S. Navy Yard Pensacola
22nd July 1828Sir, I have the honor to inform you that the Grampus arrived here yesterday and that today Lieutenant H. G. Bougham has gone to report to Lieutenant Commdt W. K. Latimer, as his first Lieut in pursuance of your order – I am now left without a Lieutenant and Mr. Warren, Sailing Master is sick - It will be extremely gratifying to me Sir, if Mr. Bougham could be attached to my command as his wife is here, it will be attended with some inconvenience to him to remain at sea just now, and his services here are almost indispensable – I have also to request Sir, that you will be pleased to order two midshipmen to this Yard; I at present have none- There is no Hospital Surgeon’s mates – Mr. Speiden the foreman of the Yard under the Naval Constructor is about to return to the Norfolk for family and has requested me to apply for a continuance of wages during his absence – He is a valuable man and worthy of such an indulgence if it is the practice to give it to others- I would wish to be informed by the Department whether Mr.Bougham is entitled to the emoluments of first Lieutenant of the yard since Captain Clark’s promotion – and if the latter is entitled to those of Master Commandant of this Yard; as he has never been ordered to report to me as such, I cannot require him in that capacity – Mr. Bougham has done the duty of the first Lieutenant - . I have the honor to very respectfully Sir, Your Obedient Servant. M.T. Woolsey
* * * * * * * * * *
To: The Hon Samuel Southard Secretary of the Navy
U S Navy Yard Pensacola
27 July 1828Image: p2 of letter only
Gentlemen,
I have had the honour to receive your letters of the 2nd & 3rd of July, and agreeably to your order, have suspended the work upon the wharf, except one line of boring which will be accomplished today, and the new float stages, the pile driver stage and the mud sills, with a part of the other prepared timber secured from the weather. The result of Mr. Brodie’s borings and other submarine exploring, I hope to be able to give you in a few days - the bottom was not originally accurately examined and I very much fear the estimate for stone are far short of what will be required – Experience has taught all who have superintended the construction of wharves or fortification in this country that the Hydraulic Cement is indispensable - The Engineers say that oyster shell lime will not set at all under three years, and that it never will effectively -
The Agent informed me he has his hands a balance on account of the "Improvements of Navy Yard" that will be sufficient for the expense of the work, when in in obedience to your order I shall be obliged to discharge all hands – Mr. Ogden has engaged to take ten of the best joiners for eight week, which will allow me time to hear from your Board when I hope I may be permitted to recall them to the Yard – they are all good men & if suffered to disperse, it is more than probable they or as good men could not be collected again for many months perhaps a year –
The Commandants House is finished and I moved my family into it [p2] a few days since – four of the next buildings are sheathed, and one of them partly slated – The basement of three others are finished and lower gallery framed on –
The Laborers are all Slaves, and to return them to their owners at this season will be attended with ruinous consequences to them – If any of them can be taken into employment again, I will beg to be honored with your earliest instructions on the subject – I have the honour to be very respectfully your obt Servt
M.T Woolsey
To the Commissioners of the Navy Washington* * * * * * * * * *
U S Navy Yard Pensacola
8th December 1828Gentlemen
Sometime last Spring I made requisitions on the Navy Agent for cedar- posts to fence the Yard and Gardens of the officer quarters – owning to the unusually low water in Escambia they have now but just come to hand - the largest will square clear of 12 & 14 inches and will average 20 feet long and I think too good for the purpose which they were got out- I will therefore keep the best on hand, subject to the order of the Board – and only use the smallest for posts-
There are several oxen belonging to this Yard which might be dispersed with the - the price of fodder is so great that I had them turned out into the woods last spring & they are still there – I would propose keeping three pairs of the best for the carry-logs which will leave three pair to be sold – There is also an old horse belonging to the Yard, he is now old & not worth his keeping I would propose to sell him also –
Also discharged the Brick layers & plasters in pursuance of your orders of the 17th July last, they have obtained private employment at much higher wages than they were in receipt of here & cannot be prevailed upon to return, at least for a time - Mr. Middleton has written to the North for three slaters & who can also plaster – should he succeed in obtaining them, I should want three or four good Bricklayers with them I could keep up with the Joiners - I have the honour to be very respectfully your obt. Servt -
M.T Woolsey
To the Commissioners of the Navy Washington* * * * * * * * * *
U.S. Navy Yard Pensacola 10th Dec. 1828
Sir, having been informed of the appointment of a Surgeon to the Hospital on this station, I take advantage of it to solicit a leave of absence for the purpose of visiting my children in Baltimore, from whom I have been separated nearly a year and a half. It is believed that on the arrival of the Hospital Surgeon, such arrangements may be made as secure, during the healthy part of the year the performance of the duties allotted to me; and should it be your pleasure to grant me the indulgence, I expect to accomplish my journey and resume my station before the commencement of the sickly season. I am, Sir, with great respect your obedient servant. Isaac Hulse.
To: Hon. Saml Southard Secretary of the Navy Washington
* * * * * * * * * *
U.S. Navy Yard Pensacola
29th Jan 1829Sir, I have the honor to receive your letter of the 6th inst. – Doctr Page has arrived and reported himself to me as Hospital Surgeon of this Station and arrangement has been entered into between him and Doctr Hulse in the event of permission being granted the latter to go North, to attend to his patients in the Navy Yard –41 There are but two Hospital patients on shore at present but some will be sent from the Erie as soon as a fit place can be provided for their reception it is not probable there will be a great increase in their number before the latter end of July next – The death of Doctr Wayne leaves this Station without an Assistant Surgeon with in the Yard or Hospital.42 I mention this circumstance in time; in order that if the Department please, no deficiency may exist in future, if it does I certainly cannot remedy it – Doctr Hulse will be granted his leave of absence whenever he shall require it – I have the honor to very respectfully Sir, Your Obedient Servant. M.T. Woolsey
To: The Hon Samuel G. Southland Secretary of the Navy
41 James Page Surgeon USN was appointed 23 April, 1827. He died in Baltimore, Maryland, his obituary noted Dr. Page died on the 14 March 1832, age 49 and that he did duty aboard our ships of war and afterwards at Pensacola where the foundation of that disease was laid which terminated his life. Baltimore Gazette and Daily Advertiser 16 March 1832, 3
42 Charles Wayne, Surgeon's Mate USN, Entered naval Service 29 August 1825. Dr. Wayne died at Coles Ferry, Virginia, 19 August 1828. See Naval History and Heritage Command Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy in the Year 1828 List of Deaths of the US Navy since 1st Dec 1827 https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/a/secnav-reports/annual-report-secretary-navy-1828.html
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U.S. Navy Yard Pensacola 2nd March 1829
Sir, After the malignant fever Patients has been cured and withdrawn from the Hospital last Autumn, I gave up the house I had hired for that purpose and removed the few remaining patients (mostly afflicted with chronic complaints) to the Navy Yard - The Sloop Erie recently here, had on board several subjects for the Hospital; four, out of the number, I have taken into the Yard, but could not possibly procure a house sufficiently large to accommodate all whom it was required to send on shore, at a price much short of what it will cost to build a temporary Hospital; and as the season is now approaching when it is reasonable to suppose sick will be sent on shore from the vessels of the Squadron, as they arrive from their cruises in the West Indies, I have commenced the construction of one to consist of two buildings, each one hundred feet long by thirty feet broad – one story high- They are to be on a line with each other, twenty feet apart and under one roof- the intermediate spaces will be convenient and comfortable places of rest and convalescents in the hot Summer weather – The site is the same as that selected by me last year by order of the Department dated 2nd April 1827 and reported by me on the 25th April, to which I beg Sir to refer you – Should the Department determine to build a permanent Hospital on the site I have selected, the buildings I am about to create will be calculated for kitchens, laundry stewards, cooks and nurses rooms or if required could be taken down or removed at little expense. I have the honor to very respectfully Sir, Your Obedient Servant. M.T. Woolsey
To: The Hon John Branch Secretary of the Navy* * * * * * * * * *
United States Navy Yard Pensacola
May 4th 1829Dear Sir, I have once more to solicit your friendly aid in procuring for me a transfer from this Station to that of Philadelphia, as I have been informed that the constructorship has been offered to Mr. Samuel Grice of Philadelphia who declined it. I am much pleased with the climate of this Country, but the extreme length of the summer is trying to the emaciated constitution of Mrs. Brodie, she unfortunately has been afflicted for the last eight years with great debility. This is the principle reason for wishing for a change of station. Allow me to congratulate you in your late change, my kindest regards to Mr. Eaton. I am very respectfully your most obedient and very humble servant. Charles D Brodie
To: The honorable John H. Eaton
* * * * * * * * * *
Navy Yard Pensacola
25th May 1829Sir, There are already, so many sick in hospital, and with the most possible accommodating, I am under the necessity of asking for more medical aid; that which is allowed for the Navy Yard and Station is barely sufficient in the healthy season - but the season is now advancing when we have a right to expect a great accession to the sick list, especially in the hospital and have only the Hospital Surgeon who tho as a Gentleman deservedly ranking high in his profession is in rather delicate health and if the arduous duties he is now in performance of shall for a long time continue to devolve upon him I fear his service will be lost entirely. The only assistant he has is Doctr Whelan himself is a Hospital patient and too infirmed to offer him much relief -43 I believe that two Assistant Surgeons may be added to this Station (one for the Hospital & One for the Yard). The Doctr has just handed me his report and I find twenty four for the hospital and the number increasing – Leave of absence for three months was granted to Doctr Hulse on the 17th of Feb and as I have not been advised of the extension of it by the Department, I have reason to believe he is now on his way to his station – I have the honor to very respectfully Sir, Your Obedient Servant. M.T. Woolsey
To: The Hon John Branch Secretary of the Navy43 William Whelen, Surgeon's Mate, 3 January 1828. Surgeon, 9 February, Died 11 June 1865.
* * * * * * * * * *
NOTICE
Wanted to Hire immediately
BY THE MONTH TEN LABORERS,
to work at the Navy Yard
Apply to
CHARLES P. TUTT
NAVY AGENT
Pensacola, August 14th 1829Source: Pensacola Gazette 18 August 1829, 3
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Note: At Pensacola most naval hospital cooks, laborers and nursing assistants were enslaved labor. Monthly naval payrolls required all employees to sign in the signature blocks for their wages; typically slaveholders signed and collected the enslaved wages. The employment of slaves was an accepted practice, and one condoned by the Secretary of the Navy Mahlon Dickerson, see letter of 2 June 1838.
Payroll for Hospital Attendants in the Pensacola Station 20 September 1829
Name Wages Hannah Augustus 4 months at $12 per month x 4 = $46 Frank Catlett 4 months at $10 per month x 4 = $40 Felicity Compo 4 months at $8 per month x 4 = $32 Mary Montag 4 months at $8 per month x 4 = $32 James Carlett 4 months at $10 per month x 4 = $40 John Smith 4 months at $18 per month x 4 = $72 Total = $ 408.75 Signed Josiah Colston Purser 20 September 1829
* * * * * * * * * *
Note: This 30 November 1829 letter from Dr. Isaac Hulse USN to John Branch Secretary of the Navy, reflects Dr. Hulse's passionate commitment to cure yellow fever, a priority for naval medicine. Though he never was able to find a cure for yellow fever, he continued to work tirelessly to treat all those suffering from the disease. Even after his young daughter, Marie Victoria Hulse's tragic death of yellow fever, at age eight, in 1848, Dr. Hulse never gave up his quest for a cure; though ill with tuberculous himself, he promoted science over fear. Dr. Hulse, is a model physician
U. S. Naval Hospital
Pensacola, Nov. 30, 1829Sir:
I have been informed by Com. Woolsey that he has recommended that only one Surgeon be hereafter stationed at this place to superintend the Hospital and Medical Department of the Navy Yard.
In the event of your coinciding in opinion with him in the propriety of such a regulation, I deem it due to myself and my family depending on me to offer myself to you as a candidate for the situation.
I will not trespass on you by alluding to the many strong reasons which should induce me to prefer a Southern climate for a residence, but I will take occasion to request that should you decide in favor of another, you will attach me to the Rendevous which I understand is contemplated to be opened at New Orleans.
This last situation, though not so desireable, would afford me facilities for pursuing an investigation of the character of Yellow Fever - a subject in which I have long been deeply interested, and one highly important to be understood by Medical Officers of the Navy.
I have the honor to be
with great respect
Sir, your obedient Servant
Isaac HulseTo the Honorable John Branch
Secretary of the Navy* * * * * * * * * *
U.S. Navy Yard Pensacola, January 23th 1830 Image: Letter
Sir, The enclosed letter I received under an ___ from the Department, as there no longer exists a doubt of the loss of the Hornet and that all on board of her crew perished.44 I do myself the honor to enclose it. - I have the honor to be very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant M.T. Woolsey
To: Honorable John Branch Secretary of the Navy Washington
44 The Brig USS Hornet disappeared with all hands in the Caribbean, reportedly sinking in a gale off Tampico on 29 September 1829. 145 lost. Casualties: US Navy and Marine Corps Personnel Killed and Injured in Selected Accidents and Other Incidents Not Directly the Result of Enemy Action Naval History and Heritage Command 2018 https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/c/casualties-usnavy-marinecorps-personnel-killed-injured-selected-accidents-other-incidents-notdirectly-result-enemy-action.html
Lithograph by Imbert, published in "The Sailors Magazine" March 1830,
depicting Hornet foundering off Tampico, Mexico, on 29 September 1829.Image: Payroll of the Hornet from July 1 to September 10, 1829
Note: During the first four decades of the nineteenth century a substantial number of naval officers and men went down with their ships, indeed far more deaths in sinking than in combat. Sailing has always been a dangerous occupation. For the crew of the USS Hornet who lost their lives while on patrol in the unpredictable and treacherous waters of Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, there were no heroic monuments erected, nor ballads printed. This area now known as "Hurricane Alley" or the "Bermuda Triangle" is frequently swept by sudden hurricanes and gales. Despite popular tales there is nothing mysterious about the area, the weather is simply subject to dramatic wind-shifts. In recent times, vessels that have sunk have reported the winds suddenly shifted and increased velocity from 32 km/h (20 mph) to 97–145 km/h (60–90 mph).
In addition to the USS Hornet which was lost with all hands, the following vessels sunk in the same waters:
Schooner USS Lynx disappeared with all hands 11 January 1820.
Schooner USS Wildcat lost with all hands in a gale on 28 October 1824.
Schooner USS Ferret capsized in storm off Cuba, 4 February 1825.
Schooner USS Sylph probably sank in a storm in August 1831 after departing Pensacola.
Schooner USS Sea Gull disappeared, presumably sinking in a storm last seen on 8 May 1839.
* * * * * * * * * *$ 30 Reward
DESERTED, from this Post, on the 19th inst.
Private
JOHN FULLER of Marines, about 22 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches high, hazel eyes, sandy hair and fair
complexion, and by occupation and previous employment a Blacksmith. Whoever will apprehend the said Fuller
and deliver him at this, or any other Marine Station in the United States, shall receive the above reward.G.F. Lindsay Lt. Commanding Marine Depot Pensacola F. January 21st 1830
Source: Pensacola Gazette 13 March 1830, 2* * * * * * * * * *
Note: Writing to the Secretary of the Navy John Branch, Dr. Hulse sought some reassurance that he would not be reassigned. Hulse had come to love Florida mild climate and by 1830’s was much settled into the community. He particularly enjoyed the climate which he recommended to friends and those suffering from respiratory diseases. Dr.Hulse himself had contacted tuberculous while working at Gosrport (Norfolk) Naval Hospital Virginia and Florida’s mild weather may have been a help. He also had by this time probably acquired some immunity to yellow fever. He wrote that scarcely an individual in the hospital escaped an attack of the disease.45
45 Charles J. Werner Dr. Isaac Hulse Surgeon, U.S. Navy 1797-1856 His Life and Work (Charles J. Werner: New York 1922), 27
Pensacola
May 16th 1830Sir,
I have been apprised of an application having been made and influence exerted to vacate the situation I hold on this station with a view to confer it upon another Naval Surgeon. With a promised readiness to serve the Government in any situation where the Head of the Navy Department may consider my serving most useful, I beg leave to submit to your consideration some reasons which I humbly conceive entitle me to a longer continuance in the one which I now occupy – The only argument I have to intrude upon your intention are found in a slight retrospect upon my history and the only influence I presume to wield in their support is your own sense of justice. I came to this station in its early infancy and encountered the hardships and privations to which all new establishments are held liable - Until this moment I believe the place has not been desired by any Naval Surgeon – I have been without a room in which I could pursue the studies of my profession and have for many months swung my cot in the quarters of a Marine Officer upon courtesy. I have conducted the Hospital and the Medical Department of the Navy Yard for more than twelve months during which time I encountered a severe siege of Yellow Fever in a succession of subjects from the U.S. Ship Natchez, almost unsupported by medical aid.4646 USS Natchez was a sloop-of-war in the United States Navy built at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1827. Commanded by Commander George Budd, she departed Hampton Roads on 26 July 1827 for the Caribbean. She patrolled with the West Indies Squadron as a deterrent against a resurgence of piracy until forced to sail north by an outbreak of yellow fever among the crew, returning to New York City on 24 November 1828. The sloop, Commander William B. Shubrick in command, got underway for the Caribbean on 9 July 1829 and operated in the West
Indies and along the Atlantic Coast until she decommissioned at Norfolk, Virginia, on 24 August 1831 and was placed in ordinary.My duties in the two capacities of Hospital Surgeon & Surgeon to the Navy Yard, have been discharged in such a manner as to secure me the confidence and approbation of the Commandant of the Yard & Surgeons of the W. India Squadron; for testimonials of which I refer to them and to documents in the Navy Department – I have only to add in conclusion, that the climate of Florida is particularly favorable to my constitution which is delicate, and that I am interested in pursuing an investigation of the character of diseases of the topical climate with steady purpose of developing any acquisition from it to Naval Service of this Country. I have the honor to with great respect your most obedience servant. Isaac Hulse
To: Honble John Branch Secretary of the Navy* * * * * * * * * *
From Navy Commissioners Office
1 Sept.1830To Captain A.J. Dallas Pensacola
Sir, The Secretary of the Navy has been pleased to decide that the old hospital now employed for the purpose of a Navy Hospital shall be replaced without delay, for the accommodation of the sick. This you are requested to cause to be executed without delay & with as much attention to the comfort of the persons for whose benefit the improvement is to be made, as can be afforded by the kind of buildings to be repaired - the expenditure to be charged to the appropriation for contingent not enumerated, which however must not exceed $500 with further authority I am Sir, Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant John Rodgers
* * * * * * * * * *
U.S. Navy Yard Pensacola
5th Sept. 1830Sir, It is with deep regret that I have to announce to you the death of several officers of the Peacock, since her arrival in this port. Midshipman Russel died Aug 28th Master Mate Rodriquez and Sergeant Griffin on the 2nd all of malignant fever. There are at present in the Hospital from the Peacock Lieut. Hansfort, Surgeon Beers, Assistant Surgeon Egbert, Midshipmen Barlett, Green, Carroll and Marchant, also several seaman confined with the same fever. I have the honor to with great respect your most obedience servant. A.J. Dallas
To: Honble John Branch Secretary of the Navy
* * * * * * * * * *
U.S. Navy Yard Pensacola
12th Sept. 1830Sir, It is with deep regret that I have to announce to you the death of Lieut Hansfort also the Carpenter and one Marine –there has been sent to the Hospital since the Peacock has been at the Navy Yard thirteen seaman and ordinary seamen. I have the honor to with great respect your most obedience servant. A.J. Dallas
To: Honble John Branch Secretary of the Navy
* * * * * * * * * *
US Naval Hospital Pensacola
Dec 18th 1832Sir, I find myself under the necessity of representing to you that the number of attendant allowed to this institution is too limited to meet the exigencies which frequently occur: In order to bring the subject the more fully before you, I will take the liberty of enumerating them viz:
1 Steward
1 Cook
2 Washers
2 Attendants
It will be admitted that when a large number of sick are drawn in, as is frequently the case in summer, and sometimes another season, it is placed entirely beyond the power of the establishment to administer to the wants of the patients and carry into effect a cleanly and salutary police in the wards. The force of these remarks is very sensibly felt at the present moment as we have twenty eight patients in the Hospital, three of whom are officers living in separate quarters and for all the naval officers among the sick for enforcing of cleanliness and waiting on the officers we have only servants. I trust Sir, the above reasons will support me in requesting that you will grant to the Hospital a small Boat’s crew in addition to the attendants now allowed Such a measure will give us many advantages more than we now presently enjoy; it will give us more direct and constant communication with the Navy Yard, in which will be recollected we are separated at the distance of five miles and it will enable us during the presence of Yellow Fever with which we are almost certain to be visited every season to offer the sick such attendance as is essential to their comfort and essential to their comfort and as such in its present condition this institution is incompetent to afford - I have the honor to with great respect your most obedience Servant. Isaac HulseTo: Honble Levi Woodbury Secretary of the Navy
* * * * * * * * * *
Note: The schooner USS Porpoise was built in 1820 at Portsmouth Naval Yard Kittery, Maine. She mainly cruised in the West Indies engaged in suppression of pirates and slavery. On the night of 2 November 1833 she ran aground on a coral reef. In command was William V. Taylor. The USS Porpoise was often homeported in Pensacola so it was the Pensacola Navy Yard commandant, Commodore A. J. Dallas’s unhappy duty, to notify the Secretary of the Navy of the total loss of the vessel. Fortunately for William Taylor, his crew all survived and he was able to retrieve some of the cargo. The reefs of this area near Vera Cruz Mexico are particularly perilous even today. Taylor’s prior heroic service during the war of 1812 and otherwise unblemished record at sea were central to the Navy Department’s decision to allow him to continue his career. William Taylor retired as a Captain USN in 1855 and died 1858.
US Navy Yard Pensacola
2nd Dec 1833Sir, It is with deep regret that I inform you of the loss of the U.S. Schr Porpoise commanded by Lt. Taylor.47 The information I am able to communicate as to the cause of the loss is that sent me by her Commander, and which is on an abstract of her log book.
I have directed Lt. Taylor to order his officers to report to me for such duties in the Yard as I may order them to perform, her crew are also in the Yard, and will be employed for the public interest until the arrival of Commodore Henly or until I shall receive your order, how, and in what manner to dispose of them. I hope this course will meet with your approbation.48They arrived here from Vera Cruz on the 30th Nov. in the Brig Jasper
I have the honor to be Sir Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant A. J. Dallas
To: The Hon Levi Woodbury Secretary of the Navy47 Captain William V. Taylor USN despite the complete loss of the USS Porpoise, had a successful naval career. Taylor became a Lieutenant on 9 Dec 1814, then Master Commandant 31 March 1831 and Captain USN 8 September 1841. Taylor went on the naval reserve list 13 Sept 1855 and he died 11 September 1858
48 Commodore John D. Henley USN became a Midshipman, 14 October 1799. Lieutenant, 3 January 1807. Master Commandant, 24 July 1813. Captain, 5 March 1817. Henley died 23 May 1835.
Enclosure: Extract of the Log Book of the U.S. Schnr Porpoise
Remarks Nov 2nd 1833
Commences with fresh breezes and squally weather made and shortened sail as occasion required, employed beating up for the island of Lazera at 4 call all hands to bring up and un anchor. From 4 to 6 fresh breezes and cleat weather beating up for the anchor at 5.30 took a reef in the Top Sail. From 4 to 8 fresh breezes and cloudy, at 6.30 stuck on a Coral Reef, took in all sail and sent gig sounding, found 2 and 5 fathoms water on the Starboard and from 2 to 3 feet on the Larboard. Called all hands to lighten ship, got out the Launch and Cutter, sent two kedges and hawser out on the Starboard bow, got overboard the guns and shot and started the water. Burnt blue lights, false fires hoisted lanterns in the rigging. Found all efforts unavailing - Put away the masts ease her thumping. Commenced firing guns and gunner, by the explosion of the powder in received such an injury of the left thumb that it became necessary to amputate it.
From midnight to 4 fresh breezes from the Nd and E w and cloudy –
Nov 3rd 1833
Moderate breezes from the Nd and pleasant, boats deployed in landing provisions, spars, sails &c from the Schooner -Nov 4th 1833
Light breezes from the Nd and pleasant, at 3 the Schooner Mexicano, arrived she was chartered by the American Consul for 8 days for the purpose of removing articles saved from the wreck to Vera Cruz. She anchored a short distance from the wreck. We placed onboard the best bower and short anchor three cham chains, cables, galley and got her underway again and anchored under the Anissio del Medio.
Nov 8th 1833
At daylight got underway and at 4.30 came to anchor under the lee of Juan de Ulua at 1 removed all hands on board for the Brig Jasper withal articles saved from the wreck.True Copy from Log Book, signed Wm. Taylor Lt. Comd.
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Floridian and Advertiser Tallahassee 21 Dec 1833, 3
Loss of the United States Schr Porpoise
We learned from Captain Collins that the U.S. Schr Porpoise was shipwrecked and totally lost on reef about 25 miles from Vera Cruz on the 3rd and 4th inst. Immediately after hearing of the disaster I charted and dispatched a schooner to her relief. I received word on the 4th instant from her Commander all hands are safe, but the vessel is a complete wreck. The crew took shelter at a small island near the place where she struck.* * * * * * * * * *
Muster Roll of Officers &c Attached to the U.S. Navy Yard Pensacola for March 1834
Name Station 1. Alex. J. Dallas Commodore 2. Nahum Warren Sailing Master 49 3. John Patterson Boatswain 4. John Snider Carpenter 5. Benj. F Bache Surgeon 6. Eben. B.Scott Steward 7. John B. Green Gunner 8. Lawrence Rousseau Master Commd 9. William Ryan Sail maker 10. Owen Owens Cooper 11. Jas M. McIntat Lieut. 12. Jas Spaulding Carp Mate [carpenters mate] 13. David Willis Boy50 14. Melancton Smith Passed Midshipman 51 15. Peter Williams Sea [seaman] 16. Francis Cunningham O.S. [ordinary seaman] 17. William Williams 1st Class Boy 18. George Johnson Landsman 19. Nich. Nicholson Sea 20, Henry Maloney O.S 21. Henry Race O.S. 22. Jno. W. Biye Sea 23. Alex Simpson Sea 24. John Allen Sea 25. Arthur Brase Act. Purser
U.S. Navy Yard Pensacola
31st March 1834
Arthur Brase Acting Purser Approved A.J. Dallas49 Nahum Warren Master's Mate, 6 February 1815. Died 10 June 1843
50 The designation "Boy" in the early United States Navy was given to young enlisted men 12 to 18 years of age who were in training as seaman. Most "Boys" were usually rated Ordinary Seaman at age 18.
51 Rear Admiral Melancthon Smith USN became a Midshipman, 1 March 1826, Passed Midshipman, 28 April 1832, Lieutenant, 8 March 1837, Commander, 14 September 1855, Captain, 16 July 1862, Commodore, 25 July 1866. and Rear Admiral, 1 July 1870. Smith entered retired list, 24 May 1871, and died 19 July 1893.
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Note: At Pensacola most all naval hospital cooks, laborers and nursing assistants were enslaved labor. Monthly naval payrolls required all employees to sign in the signature blocks for their wages; typically slaveholders or their designee signed and collected the enslaved wages. The employment of slaves by the U.S. Navy was an accepted practice, see Mahlon Dickerson letter of 2 June 1838. Slaveholders were often prominent local families or naval officers for example Dr. Isaac Hulse was married to Melanie Innerarity, daughter of John Innerarity 1783-1854. Both John and his brother James Innerarity were politically powerful and two of the largest slaveholders in Escambia County.52 Dr. Hulse was a slaveholder in his own right and derived rental income from renting Fanny Innerarity and other slaves to the navy yard.53
52 Clavin, 184n81 and 197n116
53 For the practice at Washington Navy Yard see William S. Dudley, editor The Naval War of 1812: A Documentary History Volume II. (Naval Historical Center: Washington, DC, 1992), 124 and for Pensacola see Dibble, 64
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Pay Roll of Officers & others attached to the Hospital Pensacola from the 1st to 31st March 1834
Names
Rank
Monthly Pay
Extra
RationsDead men’s and deserted clothes
Signatures
1
Frank Carlett
Nurse
10
1.86
Benj L. Willis
2
J.O Smith
Steward
18
1.86
J.O. Smith
3
Mary Roe
Washer
8
7.75
Isaac Hulse [PNY Surgeon]
4
Isaac Hulse
Surgeon
55
23.25
42.42
Isaac Hulse
5
Catherine Augustine
Washer
8
7.75
Isaac Hulse[PNY Surgeon]
6
Henry Parker
Nurse
10
7.75
Robert JoynerPNY storekeeper]
7
Fanny Innerarity
Cook
12
7.75
Isaac Hulse
8
Frank Wessel
Asst. Surgeon
30
15.50
33.00
Frank Wessel
9
William Hall
Steward
18
5.25
William Hall
10
Cesar West
Nurse
10
1.26
William Hall [PNY Hospital Stewart]
U.S. Navy Yard Pensacola 30th April 1834 Arthur Brase Actg Purser
App. A. J. Dallas
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U.S. Navy Yard Pensacola
7th July 1834Sir, I have the pleasure to report my arrival here on the 5th instant in good health, and that on this day I assumed Command of the Navy Yard and Station at this place agreeable to your orders. I have the Honor to be Very respectfully your obedient Servt Wolcott Chauncey
To: the Honable Levi Woodbury Secretary of the Navy* * * * * * * * * *
U.S. Schooner Grampus Pensacola Bay
July 17th 1834Sir, Protracted ill health renders it necessary for me to apply for leave or orders to a shore station. If it is the intention of the Department to order an assistant Surgeon to the Pensacola Hospital to relieve Doctor Wessel I would be pleased to have the situation. I can perform the duties required and pay proper attention to the recovery of my health at the same time. I am sir very respectfully your obedient servant D. G. McLeod Assistant Surgeon.54
To: The Honorable Levi Woodbury Secretary of the Navy
54 Daniel C. McLeod, Assistant Surgeon, 8 February 1832. Surgeon, 23 July, 1841. He died 1 September 1852.
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Pensacola
August 27th 1834Sir, After I sent the latter to Captain Chauncey yesterday, a copy of which is enclosed he sent and requested to see me on shore & there stated that my explanation was satisfactory, but made no offer of retracting the expressions he had indulged in towards me. He told me that I might haul down the Yellow flag and consider the quarantine at an end & if I chose I might return to my sick quarters in town, which I did last evening by the advice of the Assistant Surgeon –
The principle cause of the sickness of the men arise from indulging while on shore in Water Melons and other rude and indigestible food, and drinking the poisonous liquor sold to them under the name of Rum, but highly adulterated with deleterious ingredients. The cases of the men vary from the rest some of whom had been indulging very freely died yesterday of inflammation of the stomach & bowels. The other is feared unto death also - I shall cause Doctor McLeod to draw up a statement of the cases and forward it to you by the next mail. The enclosed letter of explanation by Captain Chauncey and that mailed I wrote to Captain Rousseau before I took the Grampus down to the quarantine ground.
Captain Chauncey told me yesterday that he intended to have the hold of the Grampus broken out again I stated to him that it had been done a month since that it had been thoroughly cleansed and white washed, as well as the ballast, and that the vessel was as clean as possible. Doctor McLeod also stated to him the same, and that it was impossible that the disease arose from any impurity in the hold, or any part of her –
Having thus sir, performed the duty of laying before you a detailed account of the proceedings in the case, I respectfully request you, [illegible] as my immediate commander, to take such steps as will be the means of justifying my character and wiping away the unmerited stains cast upon it by the letters of Captain Chauncey of the 24th instant directed to Captain Rousseau and myself. I am Sir, Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant John White
To: John D. Henley Commanding U.S. Naval Forces W.I. Station* * * * * * * * * *
Note: The Ordinary in the early Pensacola Navy Yard was typically manned by a small contingent of sailors. Those seamen assigned to the ordinary took care of many of the routine maintenance tasks on station and for ships which had seen hard service abroad and were awaiting restoration. Any ships in ordinary typically had small or minimal crews comprised of sailors in transit, and semi-retired or disabled sailors who stayed aboard to ensure that the ship remained in usable condition, provided security, kept the bilge pump running, and ensured the lines were secure. Enslaved African Americans were often placed or leased to the navy yard to work in the Ordinary.
US Navy Yard Pensacola
17th September 1834Sir, In reply to the letter received from the Department dated 28 August requesting men fill the vacancies in the Ordinary of this Yard, I have to state that I find it impossible to get men at this place or at Mobile, we are deficient in the Ordinary according to the estimate of this year, one Carpenter, one Carpenters Mate, one Boatswain’s mate and eight or ten Ordinary Seamen, likewise one good Master Cooper for the duties of the Yard, all of which I will thank the Secretary to order out by the first opportunity, we are very much in want of these men as we find it difficult to get along with the ordinary duties of the yard. It would be economy to the Government to allow four times the number of men in the Ordinary of this yard than was estimated for last year; good able bodied men, Landsmen and Ordinary Seamen can be shipped in the Northern Ports for eight – ten dollars per month.55 They are more easily managed in a Navy Yard and can brought under proper discipline & will do double the work that Slaves will & Slaves require constant watching, are often sick and difficult to be procured, never less than twelve dollars & a ration given per month; fifteen is now offered and twenty asked. The Sick in the Hospital are nearly the same as mentioned in my last letter – The malignant fever has made its appearance in the City of Pensacola & a number of deaths have taken place. I have the honor to Sir, Very Respectfully Your Ob Servt. Wolcott Chauncey.
To: the Honorable Mahlon Dickerson Secretary of the Navy
55 The expression "can be shipped" is a reference to naval recruits who were evaluated as to their job qualifications and their overall health by a physician or physician's mate. Following the exam, those deemed qualified were sworn in and signed shipping documents ("shipping" for two years or three) which stated the recruits name, his rating, the name of the vessel, length of enlistment, and wages and bounties paid. See Charles E. Brodine Jr., Michael J. Crawford and Christine F. Hughes Ironsides! The Ship, the Men and the Wars of the USS Constitution (Fireship Press 2007) 47
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U.S. Naval Hospital Pensacola
Sept 24th 1834Sir, I beg leave to forward through Commanding Officer for your inspection and consideration a copy of a letter from me to him dated Sept 18th also a copy of his reply to the same dated Sept 19th 1834. On this occasion I have to remark that at the date of my letter I was quartered in the Navy Yard and had fifty three patients under my charge in the Hospital about a mile distant. It would be a work of supererogation in me to mention also, that my letter alludes to nothing but the execution of public duties. I have the honor to be Sir, Your Obedt Servant Isaac Hulse
To: the Honorable Mahlon Dickerson Secretary of the Navy
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Continued: PART II
