Florida and the Spanish-American War of 1898

Documents

Governor Bloxham to Colonel C.P. Lovell – August 13, 1898

From: Territorial and State Governors letterbooks, 1836-1909 (Series 32, Volume 51, page 237)

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.

Governor Bloxham forwarded Chaplain S.J. McConnell's letter to Colonel C.P. Lovell and demanded action.

Bloxham-Lovell

Aug. 13/98

Col. C.P. Lovell,
Comdg. 1st. Fla. Regt.
Fernandina, Fla.

Dear Sir:-

I quote you below the following letter received yesterday P.M. from Rev. S.J. McConnell, Chaplain, 5th. Ohio Regt. to wit:

Fernandina, Aug. 11/1898

To the Governor of Florida:-

Dear Sir:-

I wish to make a statement concerning the military quarantine hospital at this place.

It is situated near a wide expanse of marsh, on low ground. There are about 80 cases of measles reported. All but five of these are members of the First Fla. They are lying in the dirt, on their blankets, with one nurse, and the attending physician to look after their wants, aside from the little help the companies they represent can bestow. They are sick, and some very sick. With the exception of the five men from the regiment I represent, they are citizens of this State. I appeal to you as the Governor. They need a higher elevation for the hospital. They need more nurses. They need cots with pillows.

The circumstances demand immediate attention. We will take the best possible care of the men of our regiment that we can, and only regret that we cannot extend our help to all.

Respectfully,
S.J. McConnell,
Chaplain, 5th. Ohio.

You will please call attention of the proper U.S. Officials, as you are not now subject to State Orders, to this condition of our fellow citizens. It is hoped that this state of affairs, which is first called to the attention of the Executive Office by a Chaplain of another State, will not be neglected.

Very respectfully,
[signed] WD Bloxham
Governor of Florida.

 

 

 

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