State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-03-29
SAD ACCOUNTS RoMFLoR1pA,

DAD ASCOCN L > rhOM L lAOhlDA.
The Instruction of a few hundred In
dams seems likely to cause great trouble in
divers ways. In addition TO all the previ-
Gus disasters, we learn from the papers
that General Gaines has recently made an
unsuccessful movement He had collected
about one thousand troops at Tampa Bay,
or the Gulf of Mexico,) and OH the 18th of
February marched for Fort King, which
he reached on the 22d. Here he obtained
of General Clinch eight days provisions,
which had been deposited by order of Gen.
Scott, for battalion of Georgia militia,
and proceeded to the Withlacoocy, which
he reached on the 29th, distant from Fort
King, about 30 miles.
On arriving at that stream, his passage
was disputed by body of savages, amount
ing it is surmised, to 1500--a fight com.
nenced across the river, which, although
narrow, is deep and rapid--and continued
two days, neither party gaining any mate
rial advantage.
The third dayGeneral Gaines retired and
threw up Il brcastwork--afterw which he
advanced to the river with two hundred
men, recommended the skirmsh, and then
rctreated with the hope OF doceiving his
enemy and decoying them into an ambush.
After dark on the same day the entire body
of Indians, now largely enforced by the
arrival of the scattered squads, crossed the
river, and had the bravery to attack him in
his trenches. The stratagem was SUCCESS
full the cannon opened upon them, and
played with such effect that it is supposed
three hundred Indians and negroes were
killed. General Gaines loss was four killed
n nd ftyp lad | I,, s,,,,
died of his wounds. Gen. G. was left in
dangerous situation, surrounded by Indians
and short of provisions. The militia seem
to be of little efficiency.
The South Carolina mounted regiment
had not yet appeared. They must however
be there in day or two. Six days previous
one company OF the Georgia mounted men
arrived opposite Pitcolata, but they refused
with the exception of about twenty, to be
mustured into the service, and of course
could not be received into the service, and
had gone home. Four other companies
had just arrived, whether with better in
tentons than the others was not yet known.
Without mounted men, it is the general
opinion it would not be expedient to take
the field.
General Scott on taking the command of
the army, closes his first general order with
the following significant paragraph, having
reference to the volunteers:
"But again: to parade, to march, to
mount guard, and to fight, are not the only
duties of war; to handle and preserve the
supplies of the army, and to construct camp
and other field defences, are equally requir-
ed Of every good soldier. A corps ofser-
wants, for these purposes, would be too
large and cumbrous. 1t would double the
army, and render one half too mean, and
the other too delicate, for the glory of
well contested field Fatiguing parties
must, therefore, when wanted, be furnished
by all the corps in their turn, and proper
tionaly. w. SCoTT.
1t is further reported that a serious col
lsion has taken place between Gen. Scott,
and Gen. Gaines, respecting the right to
command, and that General Gaines has left
Florida, and General Macomb the COM
mander in chief has left Washington to set
tie the difficulty. Truly, this handful of
savages make good deal of noise.
General Clinch, in an official report made
to General Scott on the Goth ult, estimates
the number ofthe hostile force in Florida at
1900 Indian warriors and three hundred
negroes. .NY.EUang.