Today in Florida During the Civil War …

January 17

1861 Jackson Morton of Santa Rosa County, Patton Anderson of Jefferson County, and James B. Owens of Marion County were appointed as Florida’s delegates to the Southern Convention scheduled to meet in Montgomery, Alabama, on February 4.

1862 The U.S.S. Connecticut captured the British blockade-runner, Emma, off the Florida Keys.

1863 A Federal naval officer reported that he had found 45 bags of salt on a conch bar near Jupiter Inlet. It was also reported that a small boat with two Confederates has been captured near the St. Lucie River.

1866 John Beard assumed office today as Florida’s Comptroller.