Day Fifteen
4 July 1844
The nation celebrates its 68th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It would be a year before a star would be added to the nation's flag signaling Florida's status as a state in the union (Florida would be admitted on 3 March 1845).
Walker's party has only advanced 30 miles south of Cedar Key at this point. No doubt Walker's illness impeded progress as the journey slowed from its previous pace.
The party landed at St. Martin's Key in Homosassa Bay. They cooked a meal, but were unable to find fresh water.
A new frustration would arrive for the eight�mosquitoes! Walker writes: "�leaving St. Martin's Keys, whenever we landed, we were harassed with swarms of mosquitoes, each anxious to have his bill entered without examination or delay."
