In 1844 Walker again settled in Pensacola after some time with his family in Massachusetts and a brief stay in Alabama. Walker sought to raise a sunken boat and recover the copper on it. Soon after returning, Walker writes, "I had an interview with three or four persons that were disposed to leave the place. I gave them to understand that if they chose to go to the Bahama Islands in my boat, I would share the risk with them." Walker agreed and the date and time was set. Walker set about making plans for the trip mostly along Florida's coast and taking two weeks time. Once they attained Cape Florida, the Bahamas was a half day's journey. These preparations would include stowing food and water for four or five men. While stops would still need to be made for fresh food and water, the fewer stops needed the better to avoid detection on land and reach the goal sooner. This aspect would come into play when seven slaves showed up for the journey. More stops were needed and, perhaps, valuable time was lost. Had the group arrived in Cape Florida a day sooner, they may have made it to the Bahamas.
The seven who attempted this escape were three brothers, Charles, Phillip, and Leonard Johnson (claimed by George Willis); Moses Johnson and Harry and Silas Scott (claimed by Navy Lt. Commander Caldwell; and Anthony Catlett (claimed by Byrd C. Willis).
On 20 June 1844, Walker set out with his boat, ostensibly to find the wreck he was trying to recover. On 22 June his boat was seen again in the bay. That night the slaves disappeared and the boat was gone in the morning. By 26 June 1844 the group arrived at St. Andre's harbor east of Pensacola. Unknown to Walker, a false alarm had been raised about a boat west of Pensacola, near Perdido Bay. This would sufficiently divert attention away for a period of time.
But all was not well. Twice as many slaves sought to flee, meaning more stops for food and water. Each stop was fraught with peril as the group could be spotted and reported to authorities. Also, Walker appears to have become a victim of sunstroke and being exposed to the elements day and night wasn't helping his health. He took home-made emetics to relieve his stomach pain. As the trip wore on, and Walker's health declined, the pace of the journey slowed. Had things gone better, the escape could have been successful.
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3.
Jun 20, 2003 9:35 AM
In response to message posted by jeffsrv:
My mother does a bit of geneology, but I don't know how far she has reached ...
-- posted by H2O
2.
May 18, 2003 8:23 PM
I read that Captain J. Walker, was in Pensacola, Florida in 1844 and had a short stay in Alabama. While in the midst of conducting research on my "Walker" Family tree, I have hit a brick wall. Betwe ...
-- posted by jeffsrv
1.
Mar 21, 2003 10:01 AM
I wish to apologize to my readers on this topic. I have been burdened with a cumbersome failing hard drive and family health issues that have required travel. I pray the worst is past and I can resume ...
-- posted by H2O
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