Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-11-14
We copy the following from the Army
and Navy Chronicle Of Oct. 3Ist.

public mind, ia the Army as we'll as out
Of It being somewhat agitated by The
contradictory nature Of the reports in
circulation, we have made inquiry that
we might inform our readers what meas
ures were contemplated in the approach
ing campaign.
Gen. Taylor, by the jealous and in.
telligent discharge Of his duties, having
given satisfaction to the Department, will
continue in command.
The troops now in Florida are the Sd
regiment Of artillery, portion Of the
second dragons, and the first, second,
sixth and seventh regiments OF infantry.
The third artillery, having been much
reduced, will be sent TO the north, and
be relieved* by the first artillery, which
has been recruited, and is now full. The
companies of the second dragoons that
arrived at New York in the spring being
now full also, will return to Florida (;
and the regiments Of infantry now there
will remain.
1t is intended TO drive the enemy out
of the settlements by occupying the coun-
try within and north Of line drawn from
Pilatka to the mouth of the Whhlacoo-
chic, including Fort King thence,
along the western coast, TO the Apala-
chcola and by maintaining posts as low
down as the mouth Of the Wihlac coochie.
The inhabitants will be armed, and the
defence Of their 6resides and neighbor-
hoods confided to them, with such as
sistance from the regulars as occasion
may call for. The posts OH the Atlantic
coast and at Tampa Bay will be continu-
cd, with such others as the Commanding
General may find expedent.
Experience has mOurn(ully proved the
impracticablity of forcing the Indians
from their swamps and hammocks, SO
familiar to them, but inaccessible TO us,
no further attempts will at present be
made leaving to time and the gradual
spread Of the settlements the accomplish
ment Of an object unattainable by arms
The report so extensively circulated
Of conferences between the Secretary
Of War and Major Generals Macomb
and Scott are entirely without founda-
tion, no such conferences have been
held. Equally unfounded is that Of
sending 1000 troops to Florida; if all
our regulars now out Of the territory were
taken from their present stations, they
would not amount to the number named.
The Northern, Northwestern and South
western frontiers are quite as much ex-
posed, and stand as much in need Of
defence as does the Territory of Florida.
There has been no design entertained
heretofore of sending the eighth infantry
into FLORIDA, its presence being con-
sidered essential to the maintenance Of
neutrality on the borders OF Canada. -
The fourth artillery will be stationed
between Cleaveland, Ohio, and Fort
Gratiot and the second artillery will
be divided between Fort Niagara and
D.. Buffalo.
1t is believed that some additional
small vessels will be built or pure chased Z,
aud sent TO the coast of Florida, to pre-
vent deprcdaiions by the Indians upon
wrecked vessels and their crews.
. Come cted with the foregoing remarks
a retrospect Of recent events IN Florida
will not be inappropriate.
During the last session Of Congress
an appropriation of $4,000 was made
''for the purpose OF holding treaty with
the Seminole Indians" In virtue Of
this appropriation, General Maconb was
sent to Florida and, being the General
in-chief Of the Arny, it was thought that
his rank would have more weight and
influence with the Indians than IA civilian
coul! have. General Macon,b held con-
lercnces with some of the chiefs, and
finally entered into an agreement (therc
wns no written treaiy) with Chitto Tus
tennuggee, the acknowledged SUCCESSOR
of Ar-pi -ucki, or Sam Jones (tho latter,
it is understood, has never held or eXer-
cised any military command, but stands
in the light Of counsellor among his tribe. }
One of the stipulaiions Of this agreement
was the establishment of trading post
near the mouth of Synabel river. The
mission of Col. Carney to carry into
effect this stipulation, the surprise Of his
party, the massacre of portion, and the
escape Of the rest, are familiar to all.
Sam Jones and his tribe were at the
time in the vicinity of Fort Lauderdale,
distant about 100 miles, and have not
only denied all participation in, or knowl-
edge Of, the massacre, but up to the latest
advices continue to manifest neutral
disposition and an intention to abide by
the agreement made with General Ma
comb.
The approaching campaign, then, vii
partakc more Of defensive than often.
sive character, as it will be confined to
driving the Indians from the settled por.
lions Of Florida, where they have com.
mitted depreciation almost without check
1t having been found impossible to force
the Indians from their fastnesscs, any
further attempt to effect that object woult
only be attended with needless sacri
flee Of life and money.
.These remarks were prepared fer the Chron.
Gle Of Oct. ~, but since they were written in
forrnation has been received which renders j
inexpodien, to withdraw the LIST artillery nj pres
ent from the Canada frontier. The third viii
thero remain in Florida until the exigencies o
the service at other points will allow Of its ben,
relieved.