h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Lieutenant Leib was ordered to join the sloop of war 'Concord' on 8 January, 1836. She was preparing for sea at the Portsmouth Naval Station under the command of Master Commandant M P Mix (he was known as 'Captain' as he was in command of the ship). The Portsmouth Station is located on an island in the river that forms the border between New Hampshire and Maine, near the city of Portsmouth New Hampshire. Many people confuse this with larger base far to the south near Portsmouth Virginia, but that one is more properly called 'Gosport'.

The authorities at Naval Headquarters knew that the ship was bound for the West India Squadron and saw no need to provide heavy coats and extra blankets for the crew. The winter of 1835-1836 was particularly cold, and even after several weeks at sea Captain Mix reported that almost a third of the crew were still on the sick list from the ill effects of the cold when he reached Havana, Cuba.

They soon headed north to Tampa Bay as The situation with the Native Americans was devolving rapidly A87734488 When they arrived at the bay they found the 'Vandallia' was acting as a miniature flag ship directing the movements of three 'Revenue Cutters' that had been commandeered by the navy to probe the local rivers. Captain Mix and the Concord soon assumed this task to allow the other ship to sail for Pensacola and report on their status.

As the months passed one of the major duties of the Naval ships was to prevent gun powder and bullets to be delivered to the Seminoles. For the most part this consisted of patrolling the strait to prevent the Spanish from transporting items from Cuba. It was feared they might support the Seminoles in the hope the United States would give up and they could regain control of the territory.

A Spanish merchant brig (two masted ship) had been driven ashore by a hurricane the last fall. A group of local settlers had started to salvage the wreck, but they had been driven away by a Seminole attack in early January. Apparently they had put a claim in to the government for the value of all the items they could no longer hope to recover among the many items listed was a large quantity of lead (bullets were cast from lead). This caught the attention of the Army and it was decided that this cargo must be recovered at all costs before it could fall into enemy hands.

F S

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Gulf Stream go past Cuba and Florida? Cold winter or no cold winter, I have trouble believing that a ship sailing through the Gulf Stream that far south would have that many sailors ailing form the cold.

[Amy P]

I am quoting (almost) from the official letters of Captain Mix. I do not have them in front of me, but they are available at the Special Collections section of the University of South Florida, and I have read at least part of them. I do remember reading his report from Havana, as I was a bit surprised myself.

I am not sure what all the 'ill effects' were, colds and fever, or the results of frost bite. He may have been exaggerating, but it was an official report and could have been easily compared to the surgeon's report. I swear I am not making any of this up.

Thanks for responding

F S

It's fascinating stuff. I have no doubt that it's all true.

I look forward to this every day