Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1839-11-21
From the Army and Navy Chronicle.
FLORIDA WAR.

The season Tor active operations having returned,
and the public mind, in tho army as well as out of
1t, being somewhat agitated by the contradictory
nature OF the reports in circulation, we have made
inquiry that we might inform our readers what
measures are contemplated in the approaching
campaign.
Gen. Taylor, by the Jealous and intelligent dis
charge of his duties, having given satisfaction to he
department, will continue in command.
The troops now in Florida are the third regiment
OF artillery, a portion of the second Dragons, the
hrst, second, sixth, and seventh regiments of infan-
ny. The third artillery having been much reduced
will be sent to the North, and be relieved by the
hrst artillery, which has been recruited and is now
.uil.- The Companies of the second dragons 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 ont of the set.
Elements by occupying tho country within and north
OF a limo drawn from Pilarka to the mouth of the
Withlacoochee, including Fort King, thence along
the western coast, to the ApEalachicola and by
maintaining posts as low down as the mouth of the
" lihlscoochee. The inhabitants will be armed, and
the defence of their hresides and neighborhoods
eonhded to them, with such assistance from the reg
ulars as occasion may call for. The posts on The
Atlantic coast and at Tampa Bay will be continued.
with such others as the commanding general NAV
find expedient.
Experience having mournfully proved the imprac-
ucabtlty OF forcing the Indians from their swamps
and hammocks, so familiar to them but inaccessible
TO US, no farther attempts will at present be made
leaving TO time and the gradual spread of the settle
ments the accomplishment of an object unattainable
by arms.
The report so extensively circulated, of confer
ences between the Secretary of War and Major
Generals Maeomb and Scott, are entirely wi,hou,
foundation, no such conferences have been held
Equally untounded is that OF sending seven thousand
troops 10 Florida; If all our regulars, now OUT of
the Territory, were taken from their present sta.
hons, they would not amount to the number named.
The Northern, the Northwestern and Southwestern
frontiers arc quite 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 considered
essential TO the maintenance of neutrality ON the
borders OF Csnada. The fourth artillery will be
stationed between Cleveland, (Ohio,) and Fort
Gratiot; and the second artillery will lie divided be.
tween Fort Niagara and Buffalo.
1t is believed that some additional small vessel.
will be built or purchased, and sent to the coast of
Iorida to prevent depredations by the Indians upon
wrecked vessels and their crews.
The approaching campaign then will partake
more OF a defensive than offensive character, as il
will be confined to driving the Indians from the set
tied portions Of Florida, where they have committed
dePredations aliuos, without check. 1t having been
iound imPossib.e to force the Indian. from their
Businesses, any farther attempt to effect that ohiect
would only he attended with a needless sacrifice of
life and money.
" hose remark .vnra p,anar.l FL ~