Florida and the Spanish-American War of 1898

Documents

Chaplain S.J. McConnell to Governor William D. Bloxham

From: Correspondence of Governor William D. Bloxham (Series 578, Box 15, Folder 7)

This letter is from the official correspondence of Governor William D. Bloxham in his second term, from 1897-1901. Bloxham guided the state through the Spanish-American War, a conflict which called for an unusual degree of participation from Florida. During the war, more soldiers died from disease than from battle wounds.

In this letter, Chaplain S.J. McConnell appeals to Governor Bloxham for supplies and more nurses for the military quarantine hospital in Fernandina, Florida.

S.J. McConnell to Governor William D. Bloxham


Fernandina, Fla. 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 them are members of the First Florida. 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

 

 

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