Florida and the Spanish-American War of 1898

Documents

Governor William D. Bloxham replies to Attorney Peter Knight

From: Territorial and State Governors letterbooks, 1836-1909 (Series 32, Volume 50, pages 824-825)

Series 32 contains the official outgoing correspondence, in bound letterpress volumes, of Florida's territorial and state governors from 1836-1909. The records reflect the official, constitutional and political duties of the Office of Governor.

In this letter, Governor Bloxham gives his assurances that the Spanish citizens in Tampa will be safe as the threat of war with Spain grows.

Bloxham-Knight

April 18, 1898

Hon. Peter C. Knight,
Tampa, Fla

Dear Sir:

Your favor of the 16th instant, stating that the Spanish Manufacturers had a meeting on that evening in the City of Tampa, and decided that if the Governor of the State would send by wire instructions to J.B. Anderson, as Inspector-General, that in the event of trouble, he should call out the militia in this city to protect them and to protect their property, that they would promise to remain", duly received.

I have just wired you as follows:

"You can say to all citizens and inhabitants of Tampa that every power at the command of the Executive of this State will be used to protect their persons and property. I feel that all the good citizens of Tampa will co-operate in this, to the end that the usual avocations of such persons will not be disturbed. I write by this mail."

By examination of the law, you will see that I cannot delegate the authority to Col. Anderson to call out the militia of the State. When that authority is exercised, it has to be exercised by the Executive of the Adjutant-General; and the power delegated to those two officers, cannot be redelegated to a member of the staff. The objects however can be reached and the results be secured just as positively in other directions. [Handwritten note says: See section 564 Revised Statutes]

You can therefore assure the Spanish citizens and inhabitants of Tampa, that every powerr [sic] possible will be exerted to protect them in the discharge of their usual avocations, and also to protect their property. As I have stated in my telegram, I believe that all the good

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citizens of Tampa will co-operate with me in this determination; and with such co-operation, they need be under no apprehension of personal violence of [crossed-out word] destruction of their property.

I sincerely trust that the Spaniards and Cubans of your City who have been working in harmony during the three years that the war has raged in Cuba will continue; even should there be a conflict between the Government of Spain and the Government of the United States. To that end, I shall use every effort in my power.

With considerations of esteem, I have the honor to remain,

Very truly yours,

[signed] W.D. Bloxham

--Dictated--R--

 

 

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