Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1838-03-29
these measures, possesses great energy, and
The most favorable results NAV be anticipa.
cd
AFFAIRS IN FLORIDA.

AFFAIRS IN FLORIDA.
From the subJoined Letter, addressed
by the Secretary Of War to the Comman-
ding General in Florida, we learn that
the suggestion of the latter to allow the
Seminoles to remain in the Southern end
OF the peninsula has been overruled as a
gainst the settled policy of the Governs
ment; whilst under the necessity forth
with of Withdrawing the forces, regulars
and militia, from the swamps, authority
is given TO permit cessation of active
operations against the Indians until after
the unhealthy season shall have pass
ed MAR. INTEL.
Copy @a letter s1. from the Secretary Of 'car
DEPARTMENT OF WAR,
March, l, 1888
SIR: have the honor to acknowl-
edge the receipt of your communication
of the llth of February. which was de-
livered to me by your aid de camp,
Lieut. Linnard. The subject of it is
one of deep interest, and l have gwen
to it the most diligent and respectful con-
sideration.
ln the present stage Of our relations
with the Indians residing within the
States and Territories east of the Missis.
sipPi, including the Seminoles, it is USE
less to recur to the principles and mo-
tives which induced the Government TO
determine their removal to the West.
The acts of the Executive and the laws
oil Congress evince determination to
carry out the measure, and it is to be
regarded as the settled policy of the coun-
try. In pursuance of this policy, the
treaty Of Payne's Landing was made
with the Semiuoles, and the character
OF the officer employed on the part OF
the Government is guaranty ofthe per-
fecsly fair manner III which that nego.
tiation was conducted and coucluded.
Whether the Government ought no; to
have waited until the Seminoles were
pressed upon by the white population,
and their lands become necessary to the
agricultural wants of the community. ia
not question for the Executive now
to consider. The treaty has been rati-
tied, and is the law of the land, and the
constitutional duty of the President re>
CURES that he should cause it to be exc
cuted. cannot, therefore, authorize any
arrangement with the Seminoles by
which they will be permitted to remain.
or assign them any portion Of the Ter
ritory of Florida as their future resi-
dence.
The Department INDUCED the hope
that' with the extensive means placed
at your disposal, the war, by vigorous
effort, might be brought TO close this
campaign. If however YOU are of O..
pinIon that, from the nature of the coun.
try and the character of the enemy.
such result is impractcsble, and that
1t is advisable TO make temporary ar.
rangement with the Seminoles, by which
the safety ofthe settlements and the posts
Will be secured throughout the summer,
you are at liberty to do so. In that e.
vent you will establish posts at Tamna.
ana on the Eastern Shore, and where.
ever else they are in your opinion. ne
cessary to preserve the peace Of the
country and would suggest the pro-
Prlety of leaving Gel. Paddock TAYLOR.
OF the First Infantry, in command of
them. In moving north with your for
ces, you may make similar arrangements
with the other bands. deem j; how
ever OF real importance that every exer-
ton should be made to cllastise the ma
Tauding Indians who have committed
Expectations upon the inhabitants of
Middle FLORIDA. beg you will address,
yourself to Col James Gadsden for infer
nation on this subject, and you NAV if
you think proper, yield to his sugges-
ton OF leaving battalion for the pro.
lection of the people of that peighbor.
hood. 1t is hoped however, that YOU
viii be able to put it out of the power of
these indians to do any further mischief.
They ought to be captured or destroy cd.
AS soon as, in your opinion. it can be
doue with safety you will reduce your
force OF mounted men from Georgia.
Alabama, and Tennessee.
Very respectfully your most obd't
serv't, !. r. pOtNSFTfr
Mai. Gen. Tbos. S. Jcsup,
Com g Army OF the South, For,
iuDjt,r EI,r;do