Ingraham Expedition: April 3, Sunday

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Ingraham Expedition: April 3, Sunday

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. 18] Sunday, April 3rd. View Page Image April 3rd. Sunday. View Page Image [Sunday, April 3, 1892]
[CAMP NO. 18] Sunday, April 3rd.

Broke camp about 8 A.M. hoping to get to Miami by tomorrow night or Tuesday. Fired the saw grass at intervals as we progressed, as has been our custom, but more particularly at this time to indicate our whereabouts. Smokes were visible in the south west, north east and east; the latter in the same place as yesterday.

Had a pretty hard day trying to keep on our course. Made several portages and got bottled up several times in tortuous, narrow, channels through the saw grass. To lighten the boat we cached several things at Camp No. 18, which had an incipient island in the shape of a willow tree on a slight elevation, a few inches above present stage of water. The glades still continue to run too much to the south to suit our course which caused the portages. The character of the growth is still changing, the bushes getting more plentiful and the saw grass somewhat less and more resembling prairie.

Wind very high from the S.E. all day and one light shower, but nothing to hurt, merely a sprinkle.

Islands quite scarce as far as we can see. Our range of vision is very limited, owing to the difficulty of getting more than two or three feet elevation which we obtain by standing upon the "Tarpon." Were it not for the boats to lean upon, locomotion today would be extremely difficult, if not impossible for any distance. Some of the deepest bogs yet encountered impeded our progress; the water is also quite deep in places. The men walk beside the boats and as they bog, raise themselves and so continue. It rarely happens that all are bogged at once. It would require a very strong man to go any distance alone and reach civilization. Of course when we make portages the men string themselves two and two ahead of the boats and drag them over. Sometimes it is necessary to pack the contents of the boats ahead where the portages are long or unusually boggy.

The rock is 7 feet below the surface. The water averaging 2 feet in depth, - mud or muck the balance. This side of the everglades in the opinion of the writer, contains the largest volume of muck land, if reclaimed.

A dozen or more fish jumped into the boats today, one weighing about 4 pounds; they helped out our supper greatly. Several more terrapin were also caught. We also secured half a dozen young water turkeys from their nests, which made a fine addition to our store. Special mention is made of these facts, as our bacon has been very low for several days; but we have not suffered very much nor been delayed in our progress by the necessity of hunting food, latterly appearing as we required it. This is all we have though, with the addition of coffee, tea and grits and more would not go amiss.

We omitted our noon meal as it took all our efforts to get to an island where there was wood for cooking and a dry place to sleep. We arrived at Island No. 3 and Camp No. 19 about 3:30 P.M. it contained possibly 1 1/2 to 2 acres, having a scrubby extension for some distance to the S.E. The portion upon which we pitched our bars was circular in form and apparently a flat topped mound covered with, so-called hackberry trees surrounded by a fringe of large ferns and undergrowth, all apparently of second growth. The soil is dark brown and very rich covered with fallen leaves, making it an ideal camp.

From the top of the one large rubber tree timber was seen 4 or 5 miles away to the eastward and extending north and south several miles. The character of the timber could not be definitely determined but presumably pine. This was very encouraging and braced everybody up wonderfully, giving them renewed strength and courage as it foretold the beginning of the end. Two or three small shanties were also seen on an island to the north east about one mile away. A peculiarity of the atmosphere makes it difficult to estimate distances or magnitudes of objects. Small bushes having the appearance of trees and small islands of apparently large area shrinking to quite diminutive proportions on near approach.

Plenty of water appeared to exist towards the east which is what we desire for tomorrow.

We had our second meal at 5 P.M. and a hungrier crowd would be difficult to find outside the Everglades.

It was noticed today that the blackbirds drive away the crows and fight them viciously, when the latter are making their depredations on the nests of the herons and water turkeys, compelling them to drop the stolen eggs, but they get away with a great many.

A species of insect prevails throughout the everglades we have gone through, called the Alligator Flea. It is a small light brown ragged looking object somewhat oval on the back and spongy looking and about 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch in diameter. It attacks and fastens itself to a persons feet and legs while wading and bites ferociously resembling the sting of a hornet or bumble bee and equally as sudden. It occasioned very vigorous movements on the part of the men who were unprotected by leggings. No ill after effects were noticeable. Small periwinkle shells get into the shoes frequently and as their edges are sharp inflict torture until removed. April 3rd. Sunday. Broke camp at 8:30 A.M. Cached some tools and implements at willow saw grass camp for use of surveyors on return. Food very scarce; one day's rations of grits and bacon remain; coffee and tea plenty for 4 or 5 days. Rain begins to threaten. Men are cheerful, but feel the deep water and exposure greatly. No sickness, but plenty of strains, bruises, blisters and chafes. Our course for today S.E. down the river we struck on yesterday. Found many vexatious pockets of saw grass sloughs which caused many short portages. Went into camp at island #3, 4 P.M. Very nice, about 2 acre island; hackberry trees; first rate land. Indian camp about 2 miles north. Timber begins to show about 6 to 8 miles to N.E. and E.

Men are about used up. Sunday morning we decided to throw away everything we could possibly dispense with so as to make room in the boat for the sick men. We had hardly gone a mile when our channel again gave out and we had to pull through the grass. This day we had no dinner, as we had determined to camp early and have dinner and supper together, about four o'clock in the afternoon. The island we were making for seemed almost unapproachable from the saw grass which surrounded it on all sides, and we had to go two miles around to make one forward. About noon Mr. Ingraham climbed into a little bush and declared that with the aid of his telescope he could see the roof of a house on an island some distance ahead of us; we had however, grown faithless from many disappointments and laughed at the idea.

A dozen or more fish jumped into our boats as we [went] along, one trout weighing, I judged, nearly four pounds.

About four o'clock we made camp on a high, dry island which had a growth of young hackberries on it, where it looked as if it had once been in cultivation. We also saw on this island deer tracks, and we though we must be very near the land.
X (Close panel)Text:
View Page Image [CAMP NO. 18] Sunday, April 3rd. View Page Image April 3rd. Sunday. View Page Image [Sunday, April 3, 1892]
[CAMP NO. 18] Sunday, April 3rd.

Broke camp about 8 A.M. hoping to get to Miami by tomorrow night or Tuesday. Fired the saw grass at intervals as we progressed, as has been our custom, but more particularly at this time to indicate our whereabouts. Smokes were visible in the south west, north east and east; the latter in the same place as yesterday.

Had a pretty hard day trying to keep on our course. Made several portages and got bottled up several times in tortuous, narrow, channels through the saw grass. To lighten the boat we cached several things at Camp No. 18, which had an incipient island in the shape of a willow tree on a slight elevation, a few inches above present stage of water. The glades still continue to run too much to the south to suit our course which caused the portages. The character of the growth is still changing, the bushes getting more plentiful and the saw grass somewhat less and more resembling prairie.

Wind very high from the S.E. all day and one light shower, but nothing to hurt, merely a sprinkle.

Islands quite scarce as far as we can see. Our range of vision is very limited, owing to the difficulty of getting more than two or three feet elevation which we obtain by standing upon the "Tarpon." Were it not for the boats to lean upon, locomotion today would be extremely difficult, if not impossible for any distance. Some of the deepest bogs yet encountered impeded our progress; the water is also quite deep in places. The men walk beside the boats and as they bog, raise themselves and so continue. It rarely happens that all are bogged at once. It would require a very strong man to go any distance alone and reach civilization. Of course when we make portages the men string themselves two and two ahead of the boats and drag them over. Sometimes it is necessary to pack the contents of the boats ahead where the portages are long or unusually boggy.

The rock is 7 feet below the surface. The water averaging 2 feet in depth, - mud or muck the balance. This side of the everglades in the opinion of the writer, contains the largest volume of muck land, if reclaimed.

A dozen or more fish jumped into the boats today, one weighing about 4 pounds; they helped out our supper greatly. Several more terrapin were also caught. We also secured half a dozen young water turkeys from their nests, which made a fine addition to our store. Special mention is made of these facts, as our bacon has been very low for several days; but we have not suffered very much nor been delayed in our progress by the necessity of hunting food, latterly appearing as we required it. This is all we have though, with the addition of coffee, tea and grits and more would not go amiss.

We omitted our noon meal as it took all our efforts to get to an island where there was wood for cooking and a dry place to sleep. We arrived at Island No. 3 and Camp No. 19 about 3:30 P.M. it contained possibly 1 1/2 to 2 acres, having a scrubby extension for some distance to the S.E. The portion upon which we pitched our bars was circular in form and apparently a flat topped mound covered with, so-called hackberry trees surrounded by a fringe of large ferns and undergrowth, all apparently of second growth. The soil is dark brown and very rich covered with fallen leaves, making it an ideal camp.

From the top of the one large rubber tree timber was seen 4 or 5 miles away to the eastward and extending north and south several miles. The character of the timber could not be definitely determined but presumably pine. This was very encouraging and braced everybody up wonderfully, giving them renewed strength and courage as it foretold the beginning of the end. Two or three small shanties were also seen on an island to the north east about one mile away. A peculiarity of the atmosphere makes it difficult to estimate distances or magnitudes of objects. Small bushes having the appearance of trees and small islands of apparently large area shrinking to quite diminutive proportions on near approach.

Plenty of water appeared to exist towards the east which is what we desire for tomorrow.

We had our second meal at 5 P.M. and a hungrier crowd would be difficult to find outside the Everglades.

It was noticed today that the blackbirds drive away the crows and fight them viciously, when the latter are making their depredations on the nests of the herons and water turkeys, compelling them to drop the stolen eggs, but they get away with a great many.

A species of insect prevails throughout the everglades we have gone through, called the Alligator Flea. It is a small light brown ragged looking object somewhat oval on the back and spongy looking and about 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch in diameter. It attacks and fastens itself to a persons feet and legs while wading and bites ferociously resembling the sting of a hornet or bumble bee and equally as sudden. It occasioned very vigorous movements on the part of the men who were unprotected by leggings. No ill after effects were noticeable. Small periwinkle shells get into the shoes frequently and as their edges are sharp inflict torture until removed. April 3rd. Sunday. Broke camp at 8:30 A.M. Cached some tools and implements at willow saw grass camp for use of surveyors on return. Food very scarce; one day's rations of grits and bacon remain; coffee and tea plenty for 4 or 5 days. Rain begins to threaten. Men are cheerful, but feel the deep water and exposure greatly. No sickness, but plenty of strains, bruises, blisters and chafes. Our course for today S.E. down the river we struck on yesterday. Found many vexatious pockets of saw grass sloughs which caused many short portages. Went into camp at island #3, 4 P.M. Very nice, about 2 acre island; hackberry trees; first rate land. Indian camp about 2 miles north. Timber begins to show about 6 to 8 miles to N.E. and E.

Men are about used up. Sunday morning we decided to throw away everything we could possibly dispense with so as to make room in the boat for the sick men. We had hardly gone a mile when our channel again gave out and we had to pull through the grass. This day we had no dinner, as we had determined to camp early and have dinner and supper together, about four o'clock in the afternoon. The island we were making for seemed almost unapproachable from the saw grass which surrounded it on all sides, and we had to go two miles around to make one forward. About noon Mr. Ingraham climbed into a little bush and declared that with the aid of his telescope he could see the roof of a house on an island some distance ahead of us; we had however, grown faithless from many disappointments and laughed at the idea.

A dozen or more fish jumped into our boats as we [went] along, one trout weighing, I judged, nearly four pounds.

About four o'clock we made camp on a high, dry island which had a growth of young hackberries on it, where it looked as if it had once been in cultivation. We also saw on this island deer tracks, and we though we must be very near the land.
X (Close panel)Text:
View Page Image [CAMP NO. 18] Sunday, April 3rd. View Page Image April 3rd. Sunday. View Page Image [Sunday, April 3, 1892]
[CAMP NO. 18] Sunday, April 3rd.

Broke camp about 8 A.M. hoping to get to Miami by tomorrow night or Tuesday. Fired the saw grass at intervals as we progressed, as has been our custom, but more particularly at this time to indicate our whereabouts. Smokes were visible in the south west, north east and east; the latter in the same place as yesterday.

Had a pretty hard day trying to keep on our course. Made several portages and got bottled up several times in tortuous, narrow, channels through the saw grass. To lighten the boat we cached several things at Camp No. 18, which had an incipient island in the shape of a willow tree on a slight elevation, a few inches above present stage of water. The glades still continue to run too much to the south to suit our course which caused the portages. The character of the growth is still changing, the bushes getting more plentiful and the saw grass somewhat less and more resembling prairie.

Wind very high from the S.E. all day and one light shower, but nothing to hurt, merely a sprinkle.

Islands quite scarce as far as we can see. Our range of vision is very limited, owing to the difficulty of getting more than two or three feet elevation which we obtain by standing upon the "Tarpon." Were it not for the boats to lean upon, locomotion today would be extremely difficult, if not impossible for any distance. Some of the deepest bogs yet encountered impeded our progress; the water is also quite deep in places. The men walk beside the boats and as they bog, raise themselves and so continue. It rarely happens that all are bogged at once. It would require a very strong man to go any distance alone and reach civilization. Of course when we make portages the men string themselves two and two ahead of the boats and drag them over. Sometimes it is necessary to pack the contents of the boats ahead where the portages are long or unusually boggy.

The rock is 7 feet below the surface. The water averaging 2 feet in depth, - mud or muck the balance. This side of the everglades in the opinion of the writer, contains the largest volume of muck land, if reclaimed.

A dozen or more fish jumped into the boats today, one weighing about 4 pounds; they helped out our supper greatly. Several more terrapin were also caught. We also secured half a dozen young water turkeys from their nests, which made a fine addition to our store. Special mention is made of these facts, as our bacon has been very low for several days; but we have not suffered very much nor been delayed in our progress by the necessity of hunting food, latterly appearing as we required it. This is all we have though, with the addition of coffee, tea and grits and more would not go amiss.

We omitted our noon meal as it took all our efforts to get to an island where there was wood for cooking and a dry place to sleep. We arrived at Island No. 3 and Camp No. 19 about 3:30 P.M. it contained possibly 1 1/2 to 2 acres, having a scrubby extension for some distance to the S.E. The portion upon which we pitched our bars was circular in form and apparently a flat topped mound covered with, so-called hackberry trees surrounded by a fringe of large ferns and undergrowth, all apparently of second growth. The soil is dark brown and very rich covered with fallen leaves, making it an ideal camp.

From the top of the one large rubber tree timber was seen 4 or 5 miles away to the eastward and extending north and south several miles. The character of the timber could not be definitely determined but presumably pine. This was very encouraging and braced everybody up wonderfully, giving them renewed strength and courage as it foretold the beginning of the end. Two or three small shanties were also seen on an island to the north east about one mile away. A peculiarity of the atmosphere makes it difficult to estimate distances or magnitudes of objects. Small bushes having the appearance of trees and small islands of apparently large area shrinking to quite diminutive proportions on near approach.

Plenty of water appeared to exist towards the east which is what we desire for tomorrow.

We had our second meal at 5 P.M. and a hungrier crowd would be difficult to find outside the Everglades.

It was noticed today that the blackbirds drive away the crows and fight them viciously, when the latter are making their depredations on the nests of the herons and water turkeys, compelling them to drop the stolen eggs, but they get away with a great many.

A species of insect prevails throughout the everglades we have gone through, called the Alligator Flea. It is a small light brown ragged looking object somewhat oval on the back and spongy looking and about 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch in diameter. It attacks and fastens itself to a persons feet and legs while wading and bites ferociously resembling the sting of a hornet or bumble bee and equally as sudden. It occasioned very vigorous movements on the part of the men who were unprotected by leggings. No ill after effects were noticeable. Small periwinkle shells get into the shoes frequently and as their edges are sharp inflict torture until removed. April 3rd. Sunday. Broke camp at 8:30 A.M. Cached some tools and implements at willow saw grass camp for use of surveyors on return. Food very scarce; one day's rations of grits and bacon remain; coffee and tea plenty for 4 or 5 days. Rain begins to threaten. Men are cheerful, but feel the deep water and exposure greatly. No sickness, but plenty of strains, bruises, blisters and chafes. Our course for today S.E. down the river we struck on yesterday. Found many vexatious pockets of saw grass sloughs which caused many short portages. Went into camp at island #3, 4 P.M. Very nice, about 2 acre island; hackberry trees; first rate land. Indian camp about 2 miles north. Timber begins to show about 6 to 8 miles to N.E. and E.

Men are about used up. Sunday morning we decided to throw away everything we could possibly dispense with so as to make room in the boat for the sick men. We had hardly gone a mile when our channel again gave out and we had to pull through the grass. This day we had no dinner, as we had determined to camp early and have dinner and supper together, about four o'clock in the afternoon. The island we were making for seemed almost unapproachable from the saw grass which surrounded it on all sides, and we had to go two miles around to make one forward. About noon Mr. Ingraham climbed into a little bush and declared that with the aid of his telescope he could see the roof of a house on an island some distance ahead of us; we had however, grown faithless from many disappointments and laughed at the idea.

A dozen or more fish jumped into our boats as we [went] along, one trout weighing, I judged, nearly four pounds.

About four o'clock we made camp on a high, dry island which had a growth of young hackberries on it, where it looked as if it had once been in cultivation. We also saw on this island deer tracks, and we though we must be very near the land.