Southern marksman. [volume] (Clinton, Miss.) 1838-1839, 1838-12-25

at present the only exception TO The sue
cesstul efforts ofthe Government to remove
the1ndans to the homes assigned them
west ofihe Mississippi. Four hundred of
this tribe emigrated in 1886, and 6fteenns
hundred in 1887 and 1888, leaving in the. /
country, il is supposed, about 1000 In.
dams. The continued treacherous cons
duct of these people: The savage aud un-J
provoked murders they have lately COM
mitied, bnichering whole families of the
settlers of the territory, without distinction
of age or sex, and making their way into
the very centre and heart of the country so
that no part off is free from their ravages;
/ their frequent attacks on the light houses
along that dangerous coast. and the bar
barity with which they have murdered the
passengers and crews of such vessels as
have been wreckedupcn the reefs and keys
which border the Gulf, leave the Govern
ment no alternative but to continue the
military operations against them until they
are totally expelled from Florida
There are other motives which would
urge the Government 10 pursue this course
towards The Seminoles The United
States hayefulflled in good faith all their
treaty ST pulaton, with the Indian tribes,
and have, in every other. instance, insisted
on like performance ofther obligations.
To relax from this salutary rule because
the Seminoles have maintalned themselves
so long in the Territory they relnquished,
and, in defiance of their frequent and solemn
engagements, still continue 10 wage a ruth
less war against The United States, would
not only evince want of consancy on eur
part, but be of evil example to our inter-
conrse with other tribes.
Experience has shown that but little, is
TO he gained by the march of armies
through country so intersected and mac
cessible swamps and marshes, and which,
from the fatal and mortal character of the
climate, must be abandoned at the end of
the winter. recommend therefore. 10 your
attention the plan submitted bv the Secre-
tary of War, in the accompanying report,
for the permanent occupation of the terrific
nv freed from the Indians. and the more eff
cient protection Of the people of Florida
from their inbuman warfare.
From the report Of the Secretary of the
Navy. herewith Transmitted, it appears that
large portion Of the dispcsable Naval
: is either actively employed, or in state o.
preparation for the purposes of experience
: and discipline, and the protection of ouI
commerce. So effectual has been this pro
: lection. that, so far as The information o.
government FIX ends fat single outrage
y has been attempted on vessel carrying tho
flag of the United States, within the pre-
e sept year, in any quarter, however distan
or exposed.
The exploring expedition sailed from
J. Norfolk, on The 18th of August last, anC
e information his been received Of its saf
Y spirit animases the officers and crew, an
Is there is every reason to anticipate, from III
o efforts results beneficial to commerce an
e honorable 10 the nation.
IN It i'll also be seen that no reduction c
~ the force now in commission is contempl5
m ted. The unsettled state of portion c
q South America renders it indispensable
I; that our commerce should receive protet
I lion n that quarter; the vast and increa'
;e ING interests embarked in the trade of tn
Indian China seas. in the whale fisheries {
~ the Pacific Ocean, and in the Gulf I
I Mexico, require equal attention to the
D. safety; and small squadron may be en-
al ployed to great advantage on our Altar
q tic coast, IN meeting sudden demands f
he the reinforcement Of other stations,
aiding merchant vessels in distress; in a
Sc fnrdinp active service 10 an addition
Is number of officers, and in visiting the d
ed ferent ports of the Uni'ed States, an a
n. CITRATE knowledge of which is obviously
n the highest importance.
Ike The attention of Congress is respectful
IN IL called to tina: portion of the report Z
commenting az increase in the number
az smaller vessels and TO other suggestion
he contained in that document. The rap
ry increase and wide expansion of our Col
I'd merce. which is every day seeking ne
I'm avenues of profitable adventure; the abs
nd lute necessity of naval force for its pr
~ lection precisely in the degree of its G
Ell. tension 5: a due regard to the national rigi
ed and honor; the recollection of its form
os- exploits, and the anticlpaiions Of its futu
triumphs whenever opportunity presents
rn- self. which we may rightly indulge FRI
in The experience ofthe past: all seem 10 poi
Of TO The navy as most efficient arm of Q
me national defence and proper object
rh Legislative encouragement.
be The progress and condition of the P,
for Office Department will be seen by a ref
an ence 10 the report ofihe Postmaster &c
ich eral. The extent of post roads, cover
10 by mail contract, is stated 10 be l34.a
the miles. and tie annual transportation up
civ them 81 $50, zoe miles. The number