Tortugas

[Dave Taylor]

I had a dentist appointment today and since I already had a day off of school, I went to bother Laurie at Surratt House. While there I popped in the research center hoping to find something on O’Laughlen’s exact resting place, but did not really to expect to come away with a distinct answer. For once, however, the answer was easily found in Dr. Hall’s files. The research center had the transcript of a letter written on Dec. 2, 1870, ordering the folks at Fort Jefferson to, “cause the remains of Michael O’Laughlin, a citizen prisoner, who died at this post in September, 1867, and was buried on Bird Key, to be disinterred and securely sealed in a box,” for shipment up to Baltimore. Two days later a response was received stating that the order had been fulfilled with O’Laughlin having been, “disinterred from Bird Key, placed in a zinc-lined case, made for the purpose,” and placed on board the steamer Matchless for transport to Key West and thence to Baltimore. Coincidentally, the Matchless was the same ship that had taken Dr. Mudd away from Fort Jefferson after his pardon.

So it seems that the case looks pretty clear that Michael O’Laughlen was buried on Bird Key after his death from Yellow Fever in 1867. Today, Bird Key is completely submerged underwater to the southwest of the Fort.

[Rsmyth]

Well, just because it is underwater don't let that stop you from going. It may only be 5" of water. And it is probably the closest key to Ft Jefferson that contained burials. I hope to see a picture of you standing on Bird Key next to your sea kayak.

[Steve]

Well I guess that solves that mystery.

[Dave Taylor]

Rich,

Don't you worry. We fully intend to kayak out to where Bird Key is and try to stand, if possible.

Steve,

I appreciate you informing me that the men who had been buried on Bird Key were eventually transported to Pensacola for burial in the National Cemetery there. That was the original request that was made in 1875, but Quartermaster General Montgomery Meigs nixed the idea stating his belief that, "Even if it can be done without actual danger it will disturb mens' minds, who do not know that such a transfer is safe - if safe it is." That is what led the former commander to request headstones for the men. Clearly it was eventually decided that it would make more sense to move the men than attempt to create a permanent cemetery on Bird Key.

[Gene C]

Your trip causes us some concern, it reminds me of a song we've all learned when we were children.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfSLuEj99d0

[Rsmyth]

People of a certain age can still sing the entire song from memory. I am one of them - thanks for the memory Gene!

[Rsmyth]

On Jeopardy last night the question was "He visited Bird Key in the Dry Tortugas the year before the island disappeared after being hit by a storm." Answer: who is John James Audobon.

[Wesley Harris]

It looks like that article chose to only give the least visited National Parks and did not include the various National Historic Sites owned and managed by the NPS. Thomas Stone National Historic Site here in Maryland is usually near the top of the list when it comes to low attendance numbers. Stone was a rather reluctant signer of the Declaration of Independence and his beautiful home is off the beaten path here in Southern Maryland. Still, the site is gorgeous and contains nice hiking trails around the mansion.

In terms of the Dry Tortugas, Kate and I are about a month away before we head down there for the first time. Rather than just doing the normal day trip on the ferry, Kate and I are actually going to camp out there for three nights. It's taken a lot of planning and assembling of supplies, but we're really looking forward to it.

---

Take plenty of bug spray! I hear the mosquitoes are brutal.

[Wesley Harris]

Glad to hear Dave and Kate made it back to dry land without yellow fever or shark bites. We need pics!

[L Verge]

Glad to hear Dave and Kate made it back to dry land without yellow fever or shark bites. We need pics!

Agreed about the pics... and, Dave was under the threat of severe punishment (worse than from sharks, mosquitoes, and disease) from me if he did not make it back to Maryland by this coming Saturday, April 27, when he is narrating the last of our regular spring tours over the Booth escape route.

[BettyO]

Glad to hear Dave and Kate made it back to dry land without yellow fever or shark bites. We need pics!

Agreed about the pics... and, Dave was under the threat of severe punishment (worse than from sharks, mosquitoes, and disease) from me if he did not make it back to Maryland by this coming Saturday, April 27, when he is narrating the last of our regular spring tours over the Booth escape route.

Can't wait for the photos --- I, too old as I am want to do the same thing someday; go to Fort Jefferson and camp out on the beach!

[RJNorton]

http://www.floridanewsline.com/creekline...onal-park/