The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-12-22
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ST, AUGusrlNh's SEA WALL.
observation-disclosures

An Interesting Official Paper Con-
corning It's Construction.
ST. AUGUSTINE. FLA. Dec 2l.-''The old
sea wall" of ST. Augustine has always been
subject of interest to the thousands who
have walked upon it end also to those who
have read aboutit. The following verbatim
copy Of letter, "Decres issued by King
Philip w., A. d. 1891, to build sea wall
about 81. Augustine, de la Florida" pro-
cured from ths est. Augustine Archives"
At Seville, Spain, by Miss A. 81. Brooks.
will therefore be OF very general interest,
as it brings to light the history Of the wall
long since replaced by more su stantial one
ct the "change of flags; The king, to
Count de Galvez gentlemen of my cham
Der, my viceroy, governor and captain gen.
eral of New Spain and president of my
royal audiencioi of the City of Mexico, to
the person or persons OF his government.
Don Diego Quiroga and Losada, my present
governor and captain general of the Prov
lnce of Florida, IN letter dated June 8th,
$780, reported to me that during the gen.
ersl review which he held OF
the companies of infantry and mill
tor of that garrison, he proposed
the utility which would accrue
to the city of ST. Augustine by thu. making
Of a wall, which should extend along the
elltire length of the sea surface so as to leave
the city within it. This was suggested on
seeing the risk Of ruin to which the city is ex-
posed, by the foundations from the sea, that
reaches the houses with the slightest gale of
wind that may rise. The soldiers realizing
toe needs of this work have all
offered assistance. to do ii with
spontaneous good will. have
also made a statement in regard to what has
eeen done by the other infaptry and in
habitants Of these provinces under similar
circumstances, with a vieg TO every one
drawing his pay and holding it in advance
Tree from charges.
Don Diego has transmitted certified
statement from the royal officials declaring
Vat the estimate made by chem amounts TO
LOO. two reals sterling, that every. effort
VIII be used in building the wall and COM
pletlng it in a good condition, that
beginning has already been made
ny the extraction OF stone and other
materials necessary. The stone" was
coquina Quarried on Anastasia Island, OPP
pPoste st. AugusEinel. He also prays that
! may be pleased to command that an
amount may be apportioned and remttted
rom this kingdom. In order TO assist this
work, and in view of its importance. that
those poor soldiers and inhabitants may
1891 encouraged TO do more than they have
cHered to do, on seeing themselves aided In
proper matter since on 1t depends nothing
ISIS than calamity that the garrison be
NODDED and remain isolated from the city,
With the loss Of which mas been expended
On the work, have taken note OF this
T,eptesentation in my council OF war for the
midas. and being advised cJncerning 1t,
nave for the considerations which render
necessary the continuation of this work,
~ conformity with the report OF the
Governor of Florida, resolved that you be
ordered and commanded to remit to the
sald governor, by the first safe. opportunity
.oat may occur as much. as $4,000 for the
ABOVE purpose, he being by dispatch of
VIls date ordered on receipt therefore to ap-
Wy 1t to the building of this wall, and to
.end me the information concerning 1t and
me remainder which he and you ore en-
Joined to give for the fulf1lment of this
order. 1t will ho registered by my auditor
VI accounts, received at my council. OF the
midas and those in charge of the same
rom my royal Office at this court Madrid,
0spt 80 1891, the King Philip w."
me wall referred to was built with an
gles In keeping with the water battery OF
Fort Marion and extended only as far south
~ y Inc present site of the Ocean View hotel.
4. ~ was some twenty feet farther 10 land
states ls35-'42.