The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-03-27

The FLORIDA WAR. The foolishness and i'm
policy, to say nothing of the rank cruelty, of the
Florida War, is partially disclosed by letter of
Gen. Jesup to the President These confessions
seem TO be more the result of defeat than of a Just
apprehension of right and justice to the Indians
They are nevertheless important, as they confirm
the oft reiterated assertion that this expensive war
though it might result IN the triumph of the arms of
the whites would rebound neither 10 the glory or
benefit Of the country The following is the ma
teral portion of the letter of Gen Jesup which was
addressed TO the President under date of Fort Ju.
piter, Feb. IL, 1888" and by the President commu
nicated to Congress on the 18th inst.
In regard the Semnoles, we nave committed
the error of attempting to remove them when their
lands were not required for agricultural purposes;
when they were not in the way of the white in
habitants and when the greater portion of their
country unexplored wilderness, of the int.
rior of which were as ignorant of the interior
of China. We exhibit in present contest, the
first instance, perhaps, since the commencement of
authentic history, OF a nation employing army
to explore country, (tor do little more than
explore iD or attempting to remove Il band of saw
ages from one unexpiored wilderness to another.
As IA soldier, it IS my duty, l am aware, not to
TO comment upon the policy of the Government.
but to carry il out in accordance with my instruc.
tons. have endeavored faithfully TO do so; but
the prospest of terminating the war in any reason
opinion Isl that unless immediate emigration be ablu-
doned, the war will continue for years come, and
at constantly accommodating expense. Is It not well
worthy the serious consideration of emil ghtened
Government, whether even if the wilderness we are
traversng could be inhabited by the white man.
(Which is not the fac,) the object are contend
ing for would be worth the cos. Indeed, do not
consider the country south of Chiciasa Hatchee
worth the medicines we shall eXpend driving the
Indians from it,
fl were permitted, and it with great ditfidence
venture to make the suggestion, l would allow
them to remain, and would assign them the
country west of the Kissmme Okee Chobee and
Panai Okee, and east of Pease Creek, south the
extreme of Florida. That would satisfy them and
they might hold it the express condition tina:
they should forfeit their right to it, if they should
either commit depredations upon the white nhabit-
ants, or to pass the boundaries assigned to them
without the written permission of the military
mander or his agent.
| BY placing agency and authorising trading
houses on Charlotte Harbor, they could soon be
concentrated; and sationing competent military
force there and at Tampa Bay, they might be read
lily controlled, and If necessary, removed from the
country should they become troublesome, or fail
fulfill their engagements Respectfully recommend
the measure to your consideration and that of the
President, as the only means of terminating mme-
dlately, a most disastrous war, and leaving the
troops disposabie Tor other service. | desire de-
cision soon your convenience will permit as,
by the middle Of April, at farlhest the troops must
be withdrawn from all the posts in the interior, to
preserve their livos.
LATER. The War Department has replied to
Jesup's Letter, and does not agree with his advice
TO abandon the war, but thinks the Seminoes shou'a
be ''captured or destroyed" Nothing, 1t appears
will satisfy the Department but the final extermna'
ton the expulsion of the Indians from Their
lands The letter, however, closes thus: ''lf you
are of the opinion, from the nature of the country,
and the character of the enemy, such resun
impracticable, and that it is advisable to make
temporary arrangement with the Seminoles, BY
which the safety ofthe settlements and theI posts
will be secured throughout the summer, you are at
liberty to do so"
GENUINE LoCoFoIsM-The original locofocoS
of this city, says the Boston Atlas held meet