Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1841-02-16
Correspondence of the Philadelphia
Saturday Courier.

Thrilling Scenes In the Florida War-Capture
and Massacre of Mrs, Montgomery,and Lieut.. Sher-
wood.
Fort Russle, e. f., Jan. l, l841.
The Florida War, which has assumed
the aspect Of a war agains, lawless BAN
dittl, furnishes occasic nally an episode
frausht with interest most deeply thrilling.
An occurrence which happened not far
from this post few days since. is well
calculated to pale the cheek of the nearer,
and enlist the hearts of all in the cause of
tears. On the 28th ult. wagon was sent
from Micanopy to Wacohoota, for the pur-
pose of transporting some baggage belong
ing TO Micanopy which had Lcen left at
acohoota. The wagon was accompa-
MED by an escort Of eleven mounted
men. This number was deemed sufficien!
as many of the Indian bandits had recent
ly given themselves up, and those still re-
manning out had, since ''the truce" exhb-
tied no signs of hostility. Lulled by the
peaceful attitude of the enemy, and the
opportunity of an escort, the young bride
Of Lieut.. Montgomery, of the 18th Infantry,
proposed 10 visit an acquaintance at Wa
cohoota. The proposal was sanctioned,
ard Lieut.. Sherwood, fthe same corps,
volunteered his services as her chaperon
on the road. The whole party started
from Mcanopy in high spir:ts-Lieut.
Sherwood proceeding on horseback, while
the wagon and portion of the mounted
nser. brought up the rear. No alarm was
felt at Micopy, nor particular anxiety, un-'
til, about an hour after she had left, the
horse Of Mrs. Montgomery, without its ri
der, came gallopins to the fort, followed
by the horse Of Lieut.. Sherwood, and al
mos, Immediately afterward by the horses
without riders) of the greater part of the
escort. The horrible truth at once flashed
upon the mind Of every one at the fort, and
scout was instantly ordered in the direc-
ton of Wacohoota. A portion of the SOL
diers who had mounted On the return hor-
ses, sailed forth, and were hurrledIy in
formed by few Of the escort, whom they
met returning, of u desperate attack and
pursuit from the banditti, and also that
Lieut. Sherwood and Mrs. Montgomery
were still behind. Driving the rowels into
their steeds, the scout dashed UPWARDS.
About two miles from the fort a soldier
mortalIy wounded was discovered on the
road. A mile further onward the scout
paused and dismounted The body Of Lieu
Sherwood lay stretched upon the road,
bleeding but lfeless. Near him lay his
Bowie knife, which it would seem he had
drawn in vain attempt 10 parry the fatal
blow. They proceeded on a little further,
and discovered the Inflated Mrs. Montgo-
merry. Yes there she lay-the beautiful,
the accomplished, and the innocent young
bride, weltering in the blood which still
streamed from her fair and sinless bosom
She was dead. The spot was plainly WISH
BILE which had given passage to her soul.
1t was an opening made by rifle ball, be-
low the neck. No other wound was TO be
seen. n outrage was committed. Her
long and disheveled hair hung in its pris-
tine beauty over her moulded shoulders.
Lieut.. Montgomery, who accompanied the
scout, gazed on the corpse of his young
| bride, and it is said passonately pressing
| her to his bosom, called on the retreatlng
| bandltti 10 return back and consummate
the work which they had left but half fin
ished. The remains Of Mrs. Montgomery
and of Lieut.. Sherwood were borne back
to the fort, and the next day buried.
Thus has the army lost one Of its bright
est ornaments, and society one OF It's cholc-
est fowers-both cut off by the unsated
revenge Of the Florida banditti.
From accounts since received from Mi
canopy, II appears that at the first fire no
one but Sergt, Major Carroll was killed
| that Lieut.. Sherwood ordered his party to
dismount, and Mrs. Montgomery to take
refuge in the wagon. The Indians yelled
wildly, and Mrs. Montgomery tainted.
Three of the mules of the wagon were
shot, and as the Indians pressed hard upon
it, Mrs. NJ, who had partially recovered,
was lifted out, and a retreat attempted.
The individual who assisted Mrs. NJ,
declares that he accompanied her on Soot
some distance from the wagon, but that
she was so much incommoded by her long
| riding habit, that she could run no further,
and she was left prey to the pursuing
fiends. A soldier who was brought in NOR
tally wounded, declared that he might have
ESCAPED, and also Lieut.. Sherwood and
others, but that they had lost their lives in
the attempt TO save Mrs. Montgomery.
Mrs. NJ. had only been married about
three months, and was the late lovely and
accomplished Miss Taylor, Of Cincinnati.
| May God in his infinite mercy soothe the
distracted feelings OF her wretched parents,
when they hear the fate of the daughter
from whom so lately they parted with a
benediction and smile.
The total population ofthe United States
according to the census. will stand about
as follows: whites, 14,250,000; free col
ored. 40O, 900; slaves, 2,345, 900; total,
100000,