Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1838-03-17

Among the additional papers concerning the cam
paiun in Florida transmitted by The President of the
United States 10 the House of Representatives on Mon
day last we find the following Letter from Gen. JesuP
of recent dute containing highly interesting information
Of bis movements and views of things in That quarters
Nat. Int
HEAD QUARTERs, ARnY OF THE SOUTH,
Fort Jupiter, Feb. II, 1888.
Sin: reported 10 the Adulant-General on the 9Th
inst The operations Of this division OF the Army South
Of this post that date, and the arrangement which
had entered into with the chiefs Tuskeegec and Haek
Hapo The arrangements, that they are 10 come In
with their families and people, and are 10 await the de-
csion Of The President whether they shall remain IN the
country or not. promised 10 recommend tnat they De
permitted 10 remain and that portion OF his territory
be assigned TO them as their residence.
Before presenting my views on that subject and re-
deeming my pledge TO the Indians, it may be proper tor
me to my position in regard to the question
of emigration SO that what shall say in relation 10 the
Seminoes my views in regard 10 the general principle
may not be mistaken Believing as do That the Indians
cannot, under Constitution have separate political
existence within independent State OF this Union,
without The consent of the State, believe that it is due
10 the States in which they are congregaed IN large
bodies 10 remove them whenever they are pressed upon
by the white population, and their lands become neces
sary to The agricultural wants OF the community And
hold that Congress- und not the Indians, are 10 deter
mine the proper time for their removal. We, in our
Federal capacity owe the Indians potectlon not that
protection secured citizens by the equal ope-
ration of our laws for that in their condition, would be
merely nominal projections; but we owe them, IN their
individual and collective capacity, that protection
which the parent 10 the child or the guard.
ian to The ward; and 10 secure them that protec.
ton, we must place them beyond The operation Of
State laws With The fullest conviction, therefore, not
only of the policy but Of the Justice and humanity OF The
measure am in favor Of their entire emigration; and
have supported that policy under four successive Ad'
mnisraliuns. But believe should not apply The
principle until the white population are IN contact win,
or interminpled among them. The state OF things at
oh
listed when the tribes nhabiling Ohio, Indiana, Ino
Missouri Mississippi and dd1iy exists in relation
Cnerokees in Tennessee, North Alabama, and
Georgia and regardless of the opposition made 10 the
measure, they should be ut once removed.
In regard TO the Seminoes, we have committed the
error OF attempting 10 remove them when their lands
were not required for agricultural purposes; when they
not in The way Of the white inhabitants; and when
the greater portion Of their country UNEMPLOYED
wilderness, Of the interior of which igno.
rant of the interior Of China. We exhibit, in our
present contest, the first instance, perhaps, since the
commencement of authentic history, Of nation employ
ing an army TO explore country (for we can do little
than explore IT'D attempting TO remove band
of savages from unexp lored wilderness another
As soldier, it is my duty, am aware, not to
ment upon the policy of the Government but 10 carry
it out in accordance with my instructions. have
deavored faithfully TO do so but the prospect Of ermi
nang the in any reasonable time is any thing but
hatterng. My decided opinion is that unless imms.
date emigration be abandoned the will continue for
yours CoHIeJ d.
is not then we'll worthy the serious consideration of
nm enlightened Government, WHETHER even if the will
derness NE are traversng could be inhabited by the
white man, (Which is not the fact) the object are
contendng for would be worth The cost? certainly do
not think it would; indeed, do consider the coun
try south of Chikasa Ha,chee worth the medicines we
shall expend in driving The Indians from it.
If we're permitted, and it is with great dIidence
venture to make the suggestion, would allow them 10
remain, and would assign them the country of The
Kissmmee, Okee, Chobee, and Panaia Okee, and east
of Pease creek SOUTH 10 the extreme of Florida. That
would satisfy them; and they might hold on the ex
press condition that they should forfeit their right 10
it, if they should either commit depredations upon the
white inhabitants, or pass the boundaries assigned 10
them without the permission OF the military commander
or agent.
BY placing an agency and authorizing trading houses
on Cbaoltes harbor, they could be soon concentrated
and sationing competent military force there and
Tampa Bay, they might be readily controlled, and if
necessary removed from the county, should they be.
come troublesome, or fail 10 fulfil their engagements.