Sometimes politics, especially when money is involved, can take a nasty turn, but rare is the occasion that a mayor physically attacks another citizen... and with a club and a stiletto no less!

This is what happened on Palafox Street on a brisk winter morning in 1824. While walking to his home with a friend, a prominent Pensacola citizen, Colonel J.M. White, passed the Mayor of Pensacola, Pedro Alba, in the middle of the street. White and Alba knew each other well... too well. Alba blamed White for ruining a series of land deals that cost him a significant amount cash.

As the men passed each other, the Mayor suddenly and unexpectedly attacked the colonel from behind with what was described as a “bludgeon.” The first blow to the back of the colonel’s head knocked him to the ground, at which point Alba began striking him repeatedly. The colonel was able to fend off most of the blows with his arm although a large gash had opened up along his skull, and blood gushed from his wounds. While Alba continued his assault, White managed to pull his cane from underneath his cloak and strike back at his attacker.

Alba reeled from the blow but then drew a stiletto and lunged at White once again. White reacted by parrying with his cane and landing a hard blow to Alba’s elbow, forcing the mayor to drop the stiletto.

By this time, a crowd began gathering to watch the fight. Seeing the witnesses, Alba withdrew and went on his way.

Perhaps the most astonishing thing about this incident is not its violent and brazen nature but the fact that the story was recounted in the local newspaper and other publications with no formal charges ever being levied against the mayor. He served out the remainder of his term and was later re-elected!

Credits and Sources:

UWF Historic Trust Archives