[FHStoday] TODAY IN FLORIDA HISTORY FOR AUGUST 5

[Nick Wynne]

TODAY IN FLORIDA HISTORY
AUGUST 5
1845            Benjamin Byrd took office as the first state treasurer for 
Florida.  His term lasted until he was replaced by William B. Hayward on 
January 8, 1848.

1861            The Federal Ship Jamestown, operating off the coast near 
Fernandina, captured the Alvarado, the first reported capture of a blockade 
runner in Florida waters.  The residents of Amelia Island, who witnessed 
the capture, attempted to come to the aid of the stricken blockade 
runner.  The Union ship captain, fearing a rescue foray from the nearby 
shore, ordered the Alvarado burned.

1863            Residents of Tallahassee had the opportunity to purchase 
civilian goods brought in by blockade runners at a public auction held by 
A. Hopkins and Company.  Among the lots offered for sale were 12,000 hooks 
and eyes, three dozen pocket knives, and 48 cases of toilet soap.

1898            Reacting to the petitions of the American generals leading 
the invasion forces in Cuba, the War Department ordered all American 
soldiers who are "well" to withdraw to the United States.  The description 
"well" meant those not suffering from yellow fever.  Although Spain had 
accepted the American ultimatum to end the Spanish-American War, fighting 
continued as the diplomats from both nations negotiated the final 
settlement.  The war had lasted 3 months and 15 days so far.

1906            The Everglades Land and Sugar Company sent a 40-man crew 
into the muck lands west of Dania to begin ditching operations in 
preparation for sugar planting.