The herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1835-1837, 1836-01-28

- THE FLORIDA MAssAcRx.-The accounts received
yesterday from tine South, confirm beyond doubt the
truth of the awful Massacre in FLORIDA, Tampa
Bay. We have annexed few extracts from New Or
leans and Mobile papers. Public meetings called
both cities TO take into consideration the best
Of relievin the sufferers who escaped and defending
the country:
Several of the families Of the soldiers massacred at
Tampa Bay by the Seminole Indians, arrived in this
city, in the schooner Atlantic on Saturday evening.
The Indians made the attack on the night previous
the 9th Dec. and were repuseJ. The officers and
men fought most bravely. Capt Gardiner fought long
after he was several times wounded. The IL FOUNDER
fred forty tunes, and at each discharge whole lines
If the savages were moved down. but all was unayail
ing-tbe poor fellows were overpowered.
FoRT BROOKE, (Floriia) Jan. /, 1886.
] reached this place with my company about II
o'clock, Nj. on Christmas Day, and found the agitation
to be considerable owing the decided hostility which
reported TO exist amongst the various tribes of In
dams n the neghborhood.
So soon as landed, ascertained that Brevet Major
Dades command, consisting of officers and 100 men,
had proceeded, on the 3d. their way Fort King
taking with them six FOUNDER, and in the Of the
day il was ascerlaned that they were delayed on the
road about " miles Distant on account OF the bridges
having been burnt.
II had been the original intention that my command
and company A. 2d Regiment Artillery, should proceed
TO Fort King together bur when il was know that Mai
il was determined, and indeed was very anxious to
proceed forthwith, and every thing ready for
Harch the following morning. In the coarse Of the
night, however, arrived that Major Dade's com-
mand had proceeded on, and again thought adj
visable that should wait for A. company I'd Artillery
commanded by Lieut.. Grayson.
From undoubted sources, have now received the
intelligence that the whole command of Major Dade
officers and men, have been cut to pieces-here
perhaps than four FIVE left tell the tale.
Major Dade was hlledeary in the action. The most
heroic bravery displayed by the officers and men,
but all would not do-this result could have been
prevented had nay command gone on, and we should
only have been cut up in detail.
The savages completely secured from the FIRE
of the command BY thick swamp. The six FOUNDER
is in their hands, Every officer killed, and nearly
every man.
Three men, horribly wounded, have made their way
into camp-al agree in the relation of the above par-
cuars and all agree and believe that escaped
| The command Of Maj. Dadc consisted of-Bvt. Maj.
Dade 4th Infantry; Capt. Frazer, Sd Artillery Capt.
Gardner I'd Artillery 1t. Bassinger, I'd Artillery; L..
Henderson, Cd Artillery 1t. Keats Sd Artillery It..
Nudge, Sd Artillery; DIR. Gain, U. s. A. and 100 nom
commissioned officers and pryates-and ALL, ALL are
slaughtered
The whole force at this place is now entrenched
within the pickets and block houses. Our force
siss of about 300 officers and lighting men, added to
which party of citizen Rangers, about 80 strong,
end also in the immediate neghborhood party Of
about 100 friendly Indians headed by their chief Black
Dirt.
We are hard at work, day and night, strengthening
in every possible manner Notification. The
are much faiigued but in fine spirits, and their whole
soul seems wrapped up in the desire to revenge the
blood of their comrades.
The officers active, AMI by their exertions inspire
the with zeal and courage, and indeed every thing
bids us hope that when attacked, (which mo-
mentanly expect) will give savage foes a
werm reception.
have not time to say more-the vessel waits-I will
write you again. J. MoUNTFoRT.