Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1838-01-04
Gen. .Sesmp's Defence.

From the Army and Nary Chronicle, Dec. II.
The follow letter, written by Major
General JEsUP, 10 a friend in this city, eX
planning his motives for the seizure of Pow
ell and other chiefs and warriors, and the
measures which were adopted on the coca
sion, has been furnished for publication Ii
gives the details OF very interesting event
IN this protracted war, and we have thought
il not only well worthy the space devoted to
IT, but as due TO Gen. JEsUp lha, his motives
should be known.
However revolving the violation Of flag
OF truce may at first appear, yet when we
reflect that The General was dealing with
savages, who had once forfeited their blight
ed faith, and deceived him-that the in ter
view was sought by them, and probably with
The worst OF natives, lit is believed that he
VIII not only be justified by public opinion,
on the expectancy Of The measure, but will
be commended for il.
PIcoLATA, Nov. IL, 1887.
DEAR SIR.--As | she'll departto -day for
the interior, and, in the casualties of an active
campaign, II is possible | may not return, 1
desire that the seizure of Powell and other
chiefs and warriors may be understood by my
friends
Powell Coaccochee, the two Hickses. and
several other sub chiefs, organized the alb
duction OF MIcanopy and other hostages. in
June last. Coacoochee, John Cavailo. (,he
latter one OF the hostages with several 9th
ers, carried the hostages off, and with them
their people. | then reselyed 10 take all
who were concerned in the measure, whena-
yer The opportunity might present. The
capture OF Philip, by Gen. Hernandez open
ed the way TO effect my object sooner Than I
had hoped. Coacsochee carried off Micano.
Py by force, and if he had been white man
would have executed him the moment he
came into my hands. His father, (PhiI;p. }
however, asked permission TO send him out
with messages to tbs chiefs and werr,ors.-
He returned with Sne of my hostages. Holm
Cavaiio, and with most Of the sub chiefs md
warriors who were concerned in the sb6uc.
ton. deter mined al once, that they should
be seized and held as hostages for the conduc,
oil the chiefs ard warriors Out.
| lgave Lieut.. Peyton commanding ri For,
peytoD, confidential order 10 seize them il
| t6ey should come into the fort Late at mic b,
however, | learned from Gen. Hernandez
That they could not be induced 10 come into
me Tort, and The messenger whom they sent
IN, John CavaIlo, my hostage, desired the
General TO meet them al their camp, with
out an escort, saying he would be perfectly
sale among them, without troops J ebserv,
ed 10 the General, that wherever John Ca.
vale was, foul play nigh, be expected, and
had no doubt the intention Of The Indians
was TO seize sufficient number Of officers
TO exchange fer Philip, and the Eucbcc chief,
and directed tha, he should increase mis-
escort. Ireqnested him TO call in the MORN
ing for final instructions, and sent an ex.
! press 10 Lieut.. Pey,ou. with note. INFORM
ing him that he would have an OPPORTUNITY
10 execute my confidential order, and he
must not attempt it unless the whole force
should place themselves within his power ;
but that we must trust to events
| On The morning Of the Dist Gen. Herman
dez called Tor hnai instructions. then in>
formed him that was inclined not TO permit
the Indians to escape, and gave him mes
IDoTsndum OF the heads of the conversation !
desired him TO hold with them, OF which ia
per No. 2 is copy.
The General departed 10 Fort pevto, ar.
! csmpanjed by number of officers and citi.
zens among the former we're the gentlemen
of my staff Without COMMUNICATING INV
intention to any one, / followed TO The NEIGH
borbood 0! Fort Peyton, sent in for Lieut.
Peyton, and ssceriaioed from him the mum,
her and position OF the Indians I directef
him to GO forward and ascertain whether me
answers Of The Indians, to The inquiries made
! by General Hernepdez, seemed satisfactory.
In The mean time detached an aid, who had
| joined me, with orders to Gen. Hernandez 10
seize all the party il the talk was no, saiis.
factory.
| Lieut.. Peyton returned 10 Fort Peylon,
whittier had gone, and related TO me the
substance Of the answers given by the In
dams. Their answers were evasye ant un.