Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1840-02-27
LATE FROM FLORIDA.

LiLtu S"o' 't't s1"y !"
Fort Tanning, FL, Jan. 80, 1910.
Sir: | have the honor to report for the information OF
the General in chief, that the operations contemplated
by my order, No. 30, of 1899, have been completed by
the troops, and in a manner highly satisfactory, the Cd
ice, of the enterprise having been fully attained.
From the 18th December last, the date on which 1t.
Col. Garland's command commenced its march from
Camp II. Gamble, up to the 9th inst. the troops nave
been constantly and actively engaged IN scouting ny
companies, the country indicated IN my report OF the
2Uth December, penetrating the several hammocks and
swamps, and discovering, it is supposed. every tastness
and hiding place of the enemy. In tins way II IS
thought every camp of the enemy, no matter how
small, or how carefully hidden from view, has been
found and their tenants driven in advance OF the troops,
until forced, for the most part, to cross the Suwannee
river, 4 barrier, which, if properly guarded, Will pre-
vent their return TO Middle Florida, certainly for the
purpose of planting, which they have hitherto done
with perfect .impunity. A favorite resort for the lndi-
ans-the Old town hammock, extending from the west
bank of the Snwannee river, 4 short distance above
this post, containing over 10000 acres of good land
was thoroughly examined and the enemy driven, ]
should say for the first time, from this, to them, highly
important hammock. The families occupying this
hammock, numbering about twenty-five, had already
made arrangements for early planting by opening and
clearing new fields. Altogether ] should suppose fifty
families have been discovered, most of whom lost their
effects. so closely were they pursued. II may be that
all the warriors have not crossed the Suwannce river
but many Of them no doubt have, as also the women
and children.
For more particular information ! refer you 10 the
detailed reports made BY Col. Davenport, of the 1st
and Lit. Col Garland of the 4th Infantry, the com.
manders OF the two columns.
During the progress of the campaign kept the field
and visited alternately the two columns, thus giving
myself an opportunity, without assuming any mime
date command, Of experimenting the operations; an1
hear willing testimony to the zeal and taitEsiulnes'
with which both officers and men performed the con
j st,rt mud nrIuOus tutV rrnuircu OF them.
For the manner III which Middle Florida will he oc
cupicd hy troops, ! refer you TO order NO. : already tor
wardcd to Your Office; and { is believed, that, If the or
ders on the subject be fully carried out, the inhabitants
of this portion of the Territory will have nothing tc
fear from the enemy.
In order fully to ascertain whether any Indians yc
Turk in the swamps Of the Apalachicola and Ocklock
ney rivers, Col. Davenport, with a suitable force, ha.
been directed to complete the examination of these
swamps, already commenced by three companies o
the I'd Dragons.
An examination of the Wacasissa country by foul
companies of the Cd Infantry, will Immediately be com
menced, and | herewith enclose the order for the move
ment. (So. & of this date.)
On the first of the coming month, | shall move from
this place towards the st. Johns river, inspecting The
several posts on my route, and shall, after reaching Pl
latka, station troops in advance of ST. Augustine, t
give protection TO that place, and to the inhabitants re
siding east of the st. Johns river.
Communication will now reach me BY the way O.
Garyts Ferry.
am, Sir, very respectfully,
Your obedent servant,
Il. TAYLOR,
Bt. Br. General, L. ST. Comd'g.
Br. Gen. R. JOKES,