The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1838-08-17
From the Raleigh Register.
FLORIDA WAR.

we have just received the subioined let
ter IRON a meritorious young Officer, now
stationed at Fort Heilmsn, East Florida
which contains later Intelligence from the
seat Of War, than any we have seen. The
writer Is North arolinian, aud sketches
with graphic pen the hardships and dlf.
iicuitles which those undergo, who are en-.
gagged IN this "inglorious war"
! Fort Heilman, East Florida, Jalv Is. 1893.
f"o Will sec that have advanced rapidly in
rank, and It seems to me that every thing has ne
suned prosperous hue since have been 10 the
military line. Yet, must say, that he who en-
ters the service with the belief that there is not
much duty TO perform. becomes wofuIly mistaken
when he enters upon his labors We have had a
severe tune oft, wading in Morasses and Swamps
and encouDterlng difficulties, and enduring with.
out mnrmur. hardshps Of which no one can
conceive who is at distance. Our march from
Fort Mellon 10 the southern portion of Florida,
was marked with much suffering and fatigue to
Officers and Soldiers, and great destruction of
the finest horses that have ever seen. Our Re
giment suffered a great less, one that fear will
not be made up 10 soae time; nearly the whole
Is now mounted, but upon Indifferent horses
We have all the scouting 10 do at this season Of
the year, as it is too " arm for foot troops.
assure you. that this war is far from being at
an end. The Mickasukies have now about 500
warriors, and they can remain here until they
deem IT proper 10 surrender. To say that We can
perish them out, Is nonsense, as the whole coun-
try is filled It'll fine beef, the woods abound with
deer aud turkies, and the streams and ponds have
an abundance OF fish. The enemy can euds US,
at any moment, when we are in pursuit, 10 the
dense hammoeks which afford a safe shelter TO
them. la many hammoeks, no troops can operate;
hot the enemy have small beaten trails, ~Ith which
they are fsmiilarly acquainted, and can pass out
OF our reach. ] often see II asked In many prints
Why do the troops not surround the Hammock p
| can only say, that the hammocks are sometimes
20 miles long and 10 broad. There is another
great advantage ts the enemy they can always
hight from their own position, and they are war
riers enough not 10 take any position which can
be surrounded before they are warned by their
sentinels whom they have Away thrown out from
theIr TANKS and you are always in ignorance Of
The entmy's being near, until you hear the report
Of the rife, and then the savage yell.
You haze no conception OF the manner of our
living in the field; we scarcely have transporta-
lion enough to carry the Pork, Bread and Coffee,
which alone compose bill OF fare, and the
blanket which shields US from the storm. Yet,
amidst all this, our troops, oiien bareiOoted aud
their pantaloons cut of high as the knee with
be saw Paln'e,ts, press forward in the defence OF
heir coun,ry. and in checking the depredations
of the savage upon the inhabitants OF this region,
= hose presses TEEN with abuse upon the array
nov serving "a the Territory The Officers are
ilienaied from home, kindred and friends, and
compelled TO remain in llIis inglorlous war, de-
ending a deuain which can never be densely
,opuaied. and protecting some OF its inhabitants
y ho would suffer much IN comparison with the
.Aysge."