The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-03-22
FLORIDA WAR.
Copy ~ a hner fran The Secretary Of War 10 Majo,
Gen Jesap, dated

Cd an opinion oil the imposslOty semi
noes, and doubt OF the policy and proprety oil pcTse
verng that measure becomes necessary to explain
to you the views Of the Executive that subject IL
Is true that the Scminoles dwell inhospliable and
deadly climate and occupy inaccessible swamps and
morasses. which susceptible Of cultivation or
Improvement by the whites SILL, their further contin-
uance there found be incompatible with the peace
and security OF the citizens Of the United States who
inhabn FLORIDA, as well as with their preservation
and Independence; II became, therefore, the duty OF the
Government TO carry out the policy with regard
the Seninoles, which had adopted in its treatment
of the other Indian tribes East Of the Mssisspp--re-
move them to the abundant and fertile country beyond
that nyer to withdraw the settlers from East Flor
d. and protect the western part OF that Territory by
Gordon OF posts and troops. Every consideration of
sound policy required them adopt the former serna-
tive and, in pursuance Of this decision the treaty of
Payne's Landing was concluded. Three years were
allowed the Indians to prepare Tor their removals and
this term further extended, and every indulgence
that they asked promptly and kindly granted, until was
made manifest that they did not intend TO fulfil their
treaty obligations, and ii became the imperative duty OF
The Executive TO compel them TO do 80. As soon as
this determination OF tho Government make known
to them, they broke out open hostility; and taking
advantage Of the unprotected of The frontier
red fire and sword into the white settlements, commit
ting the most horrible cruees and excuses. II Is
true, that IN the contest which ensued, they have dis
played eminent degree, the savage virtues OF con-
sancy and courage and that aided by the climate, and
the nature Of the country they have far successfully
defended themselves against superior forces, directed by
brave and skllfn officers; but the conduct and courage
OF the enemy do not alter the nature Of the war;
diminish our obligation subdue them, and to compel
them to fulfil their engagements. To abandon the set
tied policy of the Government because the Seminoles
have proved themselves TO be good warriors, and rely
for the protection Of frontiers upon the faith OF trea
ties with people who have given such repeated proofs
Of treachery would be unwse and impoltic. We can
desst from prosecuting this until the Seminoes
consent TO remove from Florida, without an abandon
Of the only which preserve the indie
pendence and existence of the Indian tribes and
inviting the resistance of oil those who remain east
of the Mississippi To withdraw our forces now, would
betray great Weakness and only arnsh the honor OF
arms, but violate The sacred obligations OF the Co
vernmen of the United States to protect the persons
and property Of the citizens Of Florida from the savage
aggressions Of the Indians am persuaded that this
obligation be fulfilled without seeking to e1termi-
nate the Seminoles, and grated to md that after
having had time for further examination and reflection,
yon coincide in this opinion. In consequence OF the
earnest desire expressed in your letter to the Adutant
General of the 9Th Of June last, to be relieved from
the command Of the army Of Florida, this Department
assened your wishes; and you were informed mat
you might withdraw from the army, and return 10 your
appropriate duties Washington, provided on the re-
cent of that permission you still desired to do The
uncertainty Of retaining the command, rendered
unnecessary correspond with you on the subject OF
the preparations for the next campaign but hnding,
from your letter of the 9Th Of July, 10 the Commanding
now DESTROYS and conduct the next campaign,
which you believe may be done in manner to ensure
success, will enter into the subject fully, and inform
YOU of the measures which have been taken here AREA
dy aud of those which is deemed advisable to adopt
as we'll in the of the preparations Tor opening
the campaign for the conduct OF the war In giving
the views OF the Department on this subject, It is not
to confne your operations IN the held nut merely
pnnt the general principles on which those ought
to be conducted leaving all the details 10 your own
sound discretion which, aided by the knowledge you
~.. i-.-y .,4ui,.d u .le county, -n Load aenht
the realization of your hopes, and the successful ter
mination Of this disastrous .....
The recruiting service has been very successful ana
the regiments serving and to serve in FLORIDA VIII have
their full complement; and it is intended to ask au'ho-
rty from Congress, III September TO increase the COM
panies one hundred men SO that there will he suf-
Gent time to carry that measure before the period
arrives for opening the campaign. With the present
establishment by sending the whole OF the lrs nian
Try four companies OF the Second infantry, three COM
panes Of the Second regiment Of dragons, and suf
number of recruits o the companies to their es-
tablshment there will then be thrtyslx companies oil
artillery of fifty each, making thousand eight hun
dred thrty-wo companies OF infantry OF nifty each,
one thousand six hundred and ten companies OF dra-
goons of seventy each, seven hundred making IN all
four thousand one hundred men, which will be IN FLORIDA
in October next and if the contemplated measure OF
augmentng the army meets with the appreciation OF
Congress- the companies be increased and the army
of Florida carried up to thousand five hundred
Measures have been taken to obtain the indian
force you have recommended and it is hoped that one
thousand warriors will be at Tampa in time to coope-
rate with the regulars at the commencement OF the cam
pagn say two hundred Delawares, four hundred Shaw
nees hundred Sacs and Foxes one hundred hicka-
poos and two hundred Choctaws making, IN all, one
thousand warriors With respect to the militia, would
appear preferable to have them brought into the hcd
from different sections Of the country IN companies ana
organize them into separate regiments but attach
them light infantry companies to those already organ
n -E.lz ga mn n
and cumbrous and might very well be dispensed with.
1t is thought totally nexpedent to employ mounted MI
lita on this service Experience has proved that de-
scripton Of force more expensive than efhcicn ana
will place under your command as many companies OF
the Second regiment Of cavalry you may deem re-
quiste.
Your suggestions with regard to the usefulness Of
spy companies meets the appreciation OF the Depart
men and has been already acted upon Measures have
been taken to engage the class Of people designated
and on your part you may adopt such as you think pro-
per TO increase this description Of force.
Measures are being adopted for establishing rapid
and certain communications between this Department
and the seat OF war line Of steam packets Is already
in successful operation between Washington and
Charleston, leaving this place Friday and reaching
Charleston on the following Monday when sea steam
er may be despatched to the st Johns, and return IN
time for the departure Of the packet on the following
Friday This vessel reaches Washington again on
Monday so that ten DAYS viii suffice TO communicate
with the forces under your command IL Is PtoPoseu W
make Jacksonville the principal depot for the operations
on the eastern side Of The peninsula and you VIII give
immediate orders for the erection OF snihclch, store
bop.es FOR that purpose sending competent ofcer 10
- ;rdiciops selection of the site, which ought If
nossbe to be on the bank as to avoid the ex
pense and delay of land transportation From this
pont forage provisions and all things required Tor the
use of the army be conveyed by steamers 10 any
STAGE on the ST, Johns where they may be wanted, to
the nearest and most commodious point whence to
commence land carriage. In order to ensure the sue