Ingraham Expedition: April 2, Saturday

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Ingraham Expedition: April 2, Saturday

Original Source

Encoded texts are derived from three typescript accounts of the 1892 Everglades Exploration Expedition found in the James E. Ingraham Papers and the Chase Collection in the Special and Area Studies Collections Department of the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. Digital reproductions of the typescripts are available at:

Moses, W.R., Record of the Everglade Exploration Expedition

Ingraham, J.E., Diary

Church, A., A Dash Through the Everglades

Contents

Electronic Publication Details:

Text encoding by John R. Nemmers

Published by John R. Nemmers.

George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

2015

Licensed for use under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported License.

These manuscripts are available from this site for education purposes only.

Encoding Principles

The three accounts of the 1892 Ingraham Everglades Exploration Expedition have been transcribed and are represented in Text Encoding Initiative (TEI) P5 XML encoding.

Line and page breaks have not been preserved in the encoded manuscripts.

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View Page Image CAMP NO. 17, Island No. 1, Saturday, April 2nd. View Page Image April 2nd View Page Image [Saturday, April 2, 1892]
All hands appeared on deck this morning in pretty fair shape and succeeded in getting away at 8:15 A.M. Save for strains, blisters, chafes, and minor ills the health of the whole company has been excellent.

This island is said by the engineer to be 19 1/2 miles in a direct line from Miami, bearing south 47 degrees east, as near as he can determine by the opposite character of the survey and 1/2 mile north of our original course from Shackleford.

The outlook for water was rather dubious at the start but soon brightened and we had plenty the balance of the day, getting into Camp No. 18 on the saw grass about 5:30 P.M. having made but 3 short portages. The distance covered estimated at 6 1/2 miles which makes Miami but 13 miles away. The survey was today postponed until after arrival at Miami, owing to the physical incapacity of the men and the shortness and character of the provisions. Good objective points for triangulation were scarce.

Our water courses today bore to the S. E. continuously, which favored us very much.

We saw one large island to the south and one to the N.E. each perhaps 2 or 3 acres or less.

A good many bushes grew in the saw grass. Rock getting deeper, being from 6 to 6 1/2 feet from surface of water. Less water on the saw grasses.

Half a dozen or so fish jumped into the boats as usual, but we only captured 2 terrapins the water being too deep.

We met one encouraging sign of civilization today, the printed portion of a paper flour sack floating in the water, indicating that we were on the Indian trail to Miami.

There was a heavy smoke noticed in the east which remained in one place and seemed to be in the nature of a bonfire, as it appeared to be composed of something more solid than saw grass. Some think it may be a relief party from Miami. Smokes were noticed all around undoubtedly kindled by Indians. From the start they have been noticeable to the north traveling from the east from day to day and inferred to be a party of Okeechobee or Myers Indians returning from Miami as we were told at Shackleford by Old Nancy would be the case. Billy Fiewel also told us the same thing. Their statements as to what we would encounter in the glades has been well borne out. April 2nd. Left island #1 at 8 A.M. After 5 short carries struck open sloughs which were on our course S. 45 E., and enabled us to reach what appears to be the head of some river, probably the Miami, at 3:30 P.M. Bottom today hard rock under 4 feet soft fine black mud; no grit in it. Water varying from 2 to 4 feet.

We have evidently passed the saw grass stage of our line as the bushes appear to be the sign of approaching land. No timber or trees in sight except myrtle and willow bushes, which have the curious effect, from our being so low down on the water, of large trees when seen from a distance, dwindling as we approach. Giants at a distance, dwarfs at close contact. Went into camp on the saw grass at 5:30 P.M., all very tired. A number of fine trout caught by jumping into the boats, but not enough for a meal for all. No game seen today. A piece of paper flour sack picked up in one of the sloughs today indicates that others have been there. Fires all around horizon today.

[The following entry appears out of order before the March 25th diary entry:] April 2nd, S. 46E. about six miles Next day we had open water nearly all the time, and consequently made a good march, but as we could see no sign of land and the water grew constantly deeper, the men dropped again into the depths of despair, and some of them commenced to get sick again. Late that evening we again struck what looked like it might be a river, and everybody cheered and waved his hat and thought that this must be the Miami, and that another day's march would surely put us out of the water. At this place we gave up all efforts at continuing the survey, as we had completely lost sight of the island from which we had last triangulated. Mr. Newman said, however, that he could easily come back and connect up the line from Miami, if we ever got there, which arrival some had begun seriously to doubt. Crows, cranes and [aquatic] birds were seen in abundance and we noticed particularly the crows [who] seemed to profit somewhat by our advance; as we went along the water turkeys would leave their nests from fear of us but the crows would fly up to them, each stick a bill into an egg and fly off with it. There seemed to be a feud between the blackbirds and crows as the blackbirds would endeavor to defend the water turkey's nest after the turkey had left it. Off to the [east] we saw a dense smoke rising which some [thought] might be built for our benefit, but which I believe now was only the grass fired [by] the Indians.

We camped that night in the saw grass near some bushes to which we tied one end of our mosquito bars.

I was coated in slimy, filthy mud from my ears to my heels, and after we camped pushed out in one of the canvas boats to try and find enough clear water with which to wash some of it off; I commenced taking off my clothes but found the little boat was unsteady enough to test the powers of a rope-walker. Finally, as I had both arms in the air and my coat over my head, the boat gave a lurch to one side and deposited me head first into the mud and water, much to the amusement of the lookers on.

Our men now show plainly the effects of the hardships they have undergone; their faces are haggard, their eyes bloodshot, and none have their former energy; Clarke and Handley in addition to Minchin gave out entirely to-day and had to be carried in the boats.
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View Page Image CAMP NO. 17, Island No. 1, Saturday, April 2nd. View Page Image April 2nd View Page Image [Saturday, April 2, 1892]
All hands appeared on deck this morning in pretty fair shape and succeeded in getting away at 8:15 A.M. Save for strains, blisters, chafes, and minor ills the health of the whole company has been excellent.

This island is said by the engineer to be 19 1/2 miles in a direct line from Miami, bearing south 47 degrees east, as near as he can determine by the opposite character of the survey and 1/2 mile north of our original course from Shackleford.

The outlook for water was rather dubious at the start but soon brightened and we had plenty the balance of the day, getting into Camp No. 18 on the saw grass about 5:30 P.M. having made but 3 short portages. The distance covered estimated at 6 1/2 miles which makes Miami but 13 miles away. The survey was today postponed until after arrival at Miami, owing to the physical incapacity of the men and the shortness and character of the provisions. Good objective points for triangulation were scarce.

Our water courses today bore to the S. E. continuously, which favored us very much.

We saw one large island to the south and one to the N.E. each perhaps 2 or 3 acres or less.

A good many bushes grew in the saw grass. Rock getting deeper, being from 6 to 6 1/2 feet from surface of water. Less water on the saw grasses.

Half a dozen or so fish jumped into the boats as usual, but we only captured 2 terrapins the water being too deep.

We met one encouraging sign of civilization today, the printed portion of a paper flour sack floating in the water, indicating that we were on the Indian trail to Miami.

There was a heavy smoke noticed in the east which remained in one place and seemed to be in the nature of a bonfire, as it appeared to be composed of something more solid than saw grass. Some think it may be a relief party from Miami. Smokes were noticed all around undoubtedly kindled by Indians. From the start they have been noticeable to the north traveling from the east from day to day and inferred to be a party of Okeechobee or Myers Indians returning from Miami as we were told at Shackleford by Old Nancy would be the case. Billy Fiewel also told us the same thing. Their statements as to what we would encounter in the glades has been well borne out. April 2nd. Left island #1 at 8 A.M. After 5 short carries struck open sloughs which were on our course S. 45 E., and enabled us to reach what appears to be the head of some river, probably the Miami, at 3:30 P.M. Bottom today hard rock under 4 feet soft fine black mud; no grit in it. Water varying from 2 to 4 feet.

We have evidently passed the saw grass stage of our line as the bushes appear to be the sign of approaching land. No timber or trees in sight except myrtle and willow bushes, which have the curious effect, from our being so low down on the water, of large trees when seen from a distance, dwindling as we approach. Giants at a distance, dwarfs at close contact. Went into camp on the saw grass at 5:30 P.M., all very tired. A number of fine trout caught by jumping into the boats, but not enough for a meal for all. No game seen today. A piece of paper flour sack picked up in one of the sloughs today indicates that others have been there. Fires all around horizon today.

[The following entry appears out of order before the March 25th diary entry:] April 2nd, S. 46E. about six miles Next day we had open water nearly all the time, and consequently made a good march, but as we could see no sign of land and the water grew constantly deeper, the men dropped again into the depths of despair, and some of them commenced to get sick again. Late that evening we again struck what looked like it might be a river, and everybody cheered and waved his hat and thought that this must be the Miami, and that another day's march would surely put us out of the water. At this place we gave up all efforts at continuing the survey, as we had completely lost sight of the island from which we had last triangulated. Mr. Newman said, however, that he could easily come back and connect up the line from Miami, if we ever got there, which arrival some had begun seriously to doubt. Crows, cranes and [aquatic] birds were seen in abundance and we noticed particularly the crows [who] seemed to profit somewhat by our advance; as we went along the water turkeys would leave their nests from fear of us but the crows would fly up to them, each stick a bill into an egg and fly off with it. There seemed to be a feud between the blackbirds and crows as the blackbirds would endeavor to defend the water turkey's nest after the turkey had left it. Off to the [east] we saw a dense smoke rising which some [thought] might be built for our benefit, but which I believe now was only the grass fired [by] the Indians.

We camped that night in the saw grass near some bushes to which we tied one end of our mosquito bars.

I was coated in slimy, filthy mud from my ears to my heels, and after we camped pushed out in one of the canvas boats to try and find enough clear water with which to wash some of it off; I commenced taking off my clothes but found the little boat was unsteady enough to test the powers of a rope-walker. Finally, as I had both arms in the air and my coat over my head, the boat gave a lurch to one side and deposited me head first into the mud and water, much to the amusement of the lookers on.

Our men now show plainly the effects of the hardships they have undergone; their faces are haggard, their eyes bloodshot, and none have their former energy; Clarke and Handley in addition to Minchin gave out entirely to-day and had to be carried in the boats.
X (Close panel)Text:
View Page Image CAMP NO. 17, Island No. 1, Saturday, April 2nd. View Page Image April 2nd View Page Image [Saturday, April 2, 1892]
All hands appeared on deck this morning in pretty fair shape and succeeded in getting away at 8:15 A.M. Save for strains, blisters, chafes, and minor ills the health of the whole company has been excellent.

This island is said by the engineer to be 19 1/2 miles in a direct line from Miami, bearing south 47 degrees east, as near as he can determine by the opposite character of the survey and 1/2 mile north of our original course from Shackleford.

The outlook for water was rather dubious at the start but soon brightened and we had plenty the balance of the day, getting into Camp No. 18 on the saw grass about 5:30 P.M. having made but 3 short portages. The distance covered estimated at 6 1/2 miles which makes Miami but 13 miles away. The survey was today postponed until after arrival at Miami, owing to the physical incapacity of the men and the shortness and character of the provisions. Good objective points for triangulation were scarce.

Our water courses today bore to the S. E. continuously, which favored us very much.

We saw one large island to the south and one to the N.E. each perhaps 2 or 3 acres or less.

A good many bushes grew in the saw grass. Rock getting deeper, being from 6 to 6 1/2 feet from surface of water. Less water on the saw grasses.

Half a dozen or so fish jumped into the boats as usual, but we only captured 2 terrapins the water being too deep.

We met one encouraging sign of civilization today, the printed portion of a paper flour sack floating in the water, indicating that we were on the Indian trail to Miami.

There was a heavy smoke noticed in the east which remained in one place and seemed to be in the nature of a bonfire, as it appeared to be composed of something more solid than saw grass. Some think it may be a relief party from Miami. Smokes were noticed all around undoubtedly kindled by Indians. From the start they have been noticeable to the north traveling from the east from day to day and inferred to be a party of Okeechobee or Myers Indians returning from Miami as we were told at Shackleford by Old Nancy would be the case. Billy Fiewel also told us the same thing. Their statements as to what we would encounter in the glades has been well borne out. April 2nd. Left island #1 at 8 A.M. After 5 short carries struck open sloughs which were on our course S. 45 E., and enabled us to reach what appears to be the head of some river, probably the Miami, at 3:30 P.M. Bottom today hard rock under 4 feet soft fine black mud; no grit in it. Water varying from 2 to 4 feet.

We have evidently passed the saw grass stage of our line as the bushes appear to be the sign of approaching land. No timber or trees in sight except myrtle and willow bushes, which have the curious effect, from our being so low down on the water, of large trees when seen from a distance, dwindling as we approach. Giants at a distance, dwarfs at close contact. Went into camp on the saw grass at 5:30 P.M., all very tired. A number of fine trout caught by jumping into the boats, but not enough for a meal for all. No game seen today. A piece of paper flour sack picked up in one of the sloughs today indicates that others have been there. Fires all around horizon today.

[The following entry appears out of order before the March 25th diary entry:] April 2nd, S. 46E. about six miles Next day we had open water nearly all the time, and consequently made a good march, but as we could see no sign of land and the water grew constantly deeper, the men dropped again into the depths of despair, and some of them commenced to get sick again. Late that evening we again struck what looked like it might be a river, and everybody cheered and waved his hat and thought that this must be the Miami, and that another day's march would surely put us out of the water. At this place we gave up all efforts at continuing the survey, as we had completely lost sight of the island from which we had last triangulated. Mr. Newman said, however, that he could easily come back and connect up the line from Miami, if we ever got there, which arrival some had begun seriously to doubt. Crows, cranes and [aquatic] birds were seen in abundance and we noticed particularly the crows [who] seemed to profit somewhat by our advance; as we went along the water turkeys would leave their nests from fear of us but the crows would fly up to them, each stick a bill into an egg and fly off with it. There seemed to be a feud between the blackbirds and crows as the blackbirds would endeavor to defend the water turkey's nest after the turkey had left it. Off to the [east] we saw a dense smoke rising which some [thought] might be built for our benefit, but which I believe now was only the grass fired [by] the Indians.

We camped that night in the saw grass near some bushes to which we tied one end of our mosquito bars.

I was coated in slimy, filthy mud from my ears to my heels, and after we camped pushed out in one of the canvas boats to try and find enough clear water with which to wash some of it off; I commenced taking off my clothes but found the little boat was unsteady enough to test the powers of a rope-walker. Finally, as I had both arms in the air and my coat over my head, the boat gave a lurch to one side and deposited me head first into the mud and water, much to the amusement of the lookers on.

Our men now show plainly the effects of the hardships they have undergone; their faces are haggard, their eyes bloodshot, and none have their former energy; Clarke and Handley in addition to Minchin gave out entirely to-day and had to be carried in the boats.